Let us always be on our guard against _Prejudice_.
Some women have a way (of which they themselves are unconscious) of
turning the cold shoulder to some one member of their family.
For what reason? They cannot say, simply because the cause is never very
clearly defined and in this lies all the mischief.
Perhaps an air of indifference they may have fancied, and which arose
merely from fatigue, or trouble that could not be confided to them.
A word misinterpreted, because heard at a time when they felt
discontented, and their morbid imagination made everything appear in a
false light.
Some scandal to which they ought never to have listened, or, at least,
should have endeavored to fathom, going direct to the person concerned and
seeking an explanation.
And behold the result: they in their turn become cold, reserved, and
suspicious, misinterpreting the slightest gesture ... in a few days arises
a coldness, from the feeling they are no longer beloved; then follow
contempt and mistrust, finally, a hatred that gnaws and rends the very
heart.
It all springs up imperceptibly, till at last the family life is one of
bitterness and misery.
They console, or better still, excuse themselves, with the thought of
their suffering, never considering how much pain they give to others, nor
where the fault lies.