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`` Of course it is very trying , but Hatty must be used to it by this time , for she has never been strong from a baby ; and yet she is always bemoaning herself , as though it were something fresh . '' `` It is not easy to get used to this sort of trouble , '' answered Bessie , rather sadly . `` And I must say I always feel very sorry for Hatty , '' and so the conversation closed . But in her heart Bessie said : `` It is all very well to preach patience , and I for one am always preaching it to Hatty , but it is not so easy to practice it . Mother and Christine are always praising me for being so good tempered ; but if one feels strong and well , and has a healthy appetite and good digestion , it is very easy to keep from being cross ; but in other ways I am not half so good as Hatty ; she is the purest , humblest little soul breathing . '' In spite of late hours , Bessie was downstairs the next morning at her usual time ; she always presided at the breakfast-table . Since her eldest son 's death , Mrs. Lambert had lost much of her strength and energy , and though her husband refused to acknowledge her as an invalid , or to treat her as one , yet most of her duties had devolved upon Bessie , whose useful energy supplemented her mother 's failing powers .