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There are countries , dearest , where those who would abjure a misplaced passion , or would strive , against some cherished feeling of their hearts and conquer it , retire into a hopeless solitude , and close the world against themselves and worldly loves and hopes for ever . When women do so , they assume that name which is so dear to you and me , and call each other Sisters . But , there may be sisters , Grace , who , in the broad world out of doors , and underneath its free sky , and in its crowded places , and among its busy life , and trying to assist and cheer it and to do some good , -- learn the same lesson ; and who , with hearts still fresh and young , and open to all happiness and means of happiness , can say the battle is long past , the victory long won . And such a one am I ! You understand me now ? ' Still she looked fixedly upon her , and made no reply . ` Oh Grace , dear Grace , ' said Marion , clinging yet more tenderly and fondly to that breast from which she had been so long exiled , ` if you were not a happy wife and mother -- if I had no little namesake here -- if Alfred , my kind brother , were not your own fond husband -- from whence could I derive the ecstasy I feel to-night !