Helen was talking to herself now: she had forgotten I could not very well understand her--that I was ignorant, or nearly so, of the subject she discussed.  I recalled her to my level.  "And when Miss Temple teaches you, do your thoughts wander then?"  "No, certainly, not often; because Miss Temple has generally something to say which is newer than my own reflections; her language is singularly agreeable to me, and the information she communicates is often just what I wished to gain."  "Well, then, with Miss Temple you are good?"  "Yes, in a passive way: I make no effort; I follow as inclination guides me.  There is no merit in such goodness."  "A great deal: you are good to those who are good to you.  It is all I ever desire to be.  If people were always kind and obedient to those who are cruel and unjust, the wicked people would have it all their own way: they would never feel afraid, and so they would never alter, but would grow worse and worse.  When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard; I am sure we should--so hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again."  "You will change your mind, I hope, when you grow older: as yet you are but a little untaught girl."  "But I feel this, Helen; I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly.  It is as natural as that I should love those who show me affection, or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved."  "Heathens and savage tribes hold that doctrine, but Christians and civilised nations disown it."  "How?  I don't understand."  "It is not violence that best overcomes hate--nor vengeance that most certainly heals injury."  "What then?"  "Read the New Testament, and observe what Christ says, and how He acts; make His word your rule, and His conduct your example."  "What does He say?"  "Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you and despitefully use you."