[Illustration: Frontispiece]

"OUR GUY"

OR

THE ELDER BROTHER. 

BY

MRS. E. E. BOYD. 

 * * * * *

 BOSTON: BRADLEY & WOODRUFF. 234 & 236 CONGRESS ST. 

 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by HENRY HOYT, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 

CONTENTS. 

 CHAPTER I. New Year's Eve, 5

 CHAPTER II. Differently Constituted, 19

 CHAPTER III. Guy or Christ, 38

 CHAPTER IV. Little Philip, 47

 CHAPTER V. What happened one day, 53

 CHAPTER VI. Death, --Then Life, 69

 CHAPTER VII. Guy gives his views in full, 78

 CHAPTER VIII. The Young People's Association, 92

 CHAPTER IX. A Day of Pleasure, 111

 CHAPTER X. Miss Smithers comes, and a Surprise, 129

 CHAPTER XI. The Young People's Excursion, 144

 CHAPTER XII. Pete's Slavery and Freedom, 157

 CHAPTER XIII. Rev. John Jay delivers his Message, 166

 CHAPTER XIV. Weeping may Endure for a Night, 175

 CHAPTER XV. "But Joy cometh in the Morning, " 191

"OUR GUY. "

CHAPTER I. 

NEW YEAR'S EVE

HE had gone, the good old year! It was no wonder people sighed as hispulse beat slower and slower, for he had brightened many hearts andgladdened many homes. If he had brought sadness and heart-ache to some, it was only that he never once failed in any duty. Taking from the handthat had given him life-joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments, crosses and ease, he gave unto each one what the Master designed. But ithappens very often that the rosy morning ends in a night dark andtempestuous, while the clouds that greet our early waking, are followedby the bright shining of the sun. And there is no life which would notbe more bright and joyous, if it only opened the windows and let thelight God means it to have, shine in. 

So there were sighs and regrets as there always are, when one who hasbeen true and kind, has left us forever. 

Out on the frosty air floated the sound of bells. Merrily, joyously theypealed forth to welcome the new life that had just dawned, while fromfar and near the guns gave out their noisy greeting. 

Sad hearts brightened, tearful faces smiled. With their old friend hadgone the old life; they would throw aside regret and be brave andstrong. Among an assembly of silent worshippers knelt two sisters sideby side. It was as if they had gathered round the bedside of adeparting one, trying to catch the last look and to hear the last sound, the stillness only broken by sobs from wrung hearts. Tremblingly theirgirlish voices united with the multitude, as with a covenant-keeping Godthey renewed their covenant in the words:--

 "Come, let us use the grace divine, And all with one accord, In a perpetual cov'nant join Ourselves to Christ the Lord;

 Give up ourselves through Jesus' power His name to glorify, And promise in this sacred hour For God to live and die. 

 The cov'nant we this moment make, Be ever kept in mind; We will no more our God forsake, Or cast his words behind. 

 We never will throw off his fear, Who hears our solemn vow, And if thou art well pleased to hear, Come down and meet us now. 

 Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Let all our hearts receive; Present with the celestial host, The peaceful answer give. 

 To each the cov'nant blood apply, Which takes our sins away; And register our names on high, And keep us to that day. "

At the words, "We will no more our God forsake, " the voice of the eldestsuddenly failed, and burying her face she sobbed aloud. The other seemedto have gathered strength with every word, and now as she sang:--

 "We never will throw off his fear Who hears our solemn vow;--"

her voice rang out clear and steady. To her sister it already had an airof triumph, and caused her to look up wonderingly into the face so fullof trust and holy purpose. The clear, bright eyes met her tearful gaze;there was a pressure of the hand as entreatingly she said, "Sing, Ruth;the _Lord_ is our strength, He will help us. "

Re-assured and comforted, Ruth sang, "To each the cov'nant blood apply, "thinking of her sister's words, and feeling already His help. 

The New Year's hymn was sung, friends looked into each other's faceswith words of cheer, and then separated. They went their ways to carryout their purposes, and with them went Ruth and Agnes. 

The girls were orphans. For ten years they had been motherless, andseveral years previous their father had died. They had no one but theirbrother Guy, not even a distant relative, and this made them cling veryclosely to one another. One day when Guy was in a very gay and graciousmood, he took his sisters by the arm and whirling them round sang, "Lovers three are we, no truer could you see, " to which Ruth laughinglyadded, "And we'll faithful be, Guy, Agnes and me. "

But they were not demonstrative. That is they rarely kissed each other;they did not show their love in these many ways that are so beautifulamong brothers and sisters. Somehow they had never learned them, fortheir father had been a stern, forbidding man, who would have calledsuch things "Stuff, and Nonsense, " and their mother was very timid, looking up to her husband in everything. She would not have dared toteach her children these endearing ways. Sometimes she said "dear, " andkissed them, and O, how their hearts filled up with love! It made themhappy for days after. But they always knew she loved them even more thanwords or caresses could express, and they gave her back the strength oftheir young, loving natures. When she left them they drew up closer toeach other in thought, loving silently, yet with greater intensity. 

Guy, the eldest, was twenty-two and Agnes eighteen. He had just beenadmitted to the bar, and expected to stand high in his profession beforelong. His sisters were sure if any one rose, he certainly would, for hehad not only ambition but talent, and in speaking of "our Guy, " theydwelt on the name with great tenderness and pride. He assured them thatno one had made a higher mount at first than he, having rented a thirdstory room, and as the girls did not know much about such matters theywere quite satisfied. 

Agnes was confiding, truthful. "Saintly, " Guy called her. She did notknow how to reason about things as Ruth, she said, and "of course wasnot so wise;" but withall she was stronger and wiser, for she hadlearned the true wisdom of leaving everything in the hands of God, knowing that He could better order them than she. And knowing this, shedid not question His providences, although they were many times painfuland hard to understand. He was to her always a loving Father, and shewanted to be to him a loving, dutiful child. 

Ruth was intensely earnest and more practical than Agnes. She believedin the exercise of judgment and not such entire dependence upon theLord; the latter kept one weak she thought, and she did not see thesense of doing anything that she could not quite understand. So inspiritual things she very often took her own way, but it did notsatisfy; her life seemed a life of failure, while Agnes never appearedto be disappointed. They often talked to each other about these thingsand Ruth felt strange after their talks and more confident of success, but her unsanctified will, her efforts at self-government brought thesame result as before. 

Guy was not a Christian, he had not even gone much to church since hebegan to study law, but he was a good, kind brother, and the sisterswere sure he would come out right some time. If they had given thereason of their assurance, Agnes would have said, she prayed for it andbelieved that God would answer prayer, while Ruth's reply would havebeen, "He is our Guy, and of course he will die a Christian. " The girlsdid not talk so much to their brother as to each other; he could notunderstand their "spiritual talks, " and his life and theirs were afterall so different. But when he spent an evening at home as heoccasionally did, their joy was extreme. Agnes then was sure the Lordmeant to answer her prayer very soon, and asked to be directed so thatshe might draw her brother to Christ by her consistent life. Ruthexerted herself to the utmost to entertain him. Watching him veryclosely to see the effect of her efforts, and being rewarded by somesuch remark as: "Ruth, you are becoming quite brilliant; it will not doto have you cooped up here; you must see more of the world. "

That satisfied her; she knew she was doing him good, and she would notstop at anything to accomplish her purpose. For while she was not sokeenly alive to spiritual things as Agnes, she saw as Agnes neverappeared to see, the danger there was of his being led astray, knowinghow few real Christians were to be found in the legal professions. 

The girls had had many struggles during the last few years, even sinceGuy commenced the study of law. And he had not been without hisdifficulties. It had been a hard fight between his love of professionand love for his sisters. So that many a time he resolved to throw asidehis books and earn a livelihood in some other way, any way rather thanhave them helping him. But whenever he mentioned it, they seemed sodistressed that he yielded the point, resolved to study with moreearnestness so that one day they might be proud of him. He did not knowalready how proud they were, or what pleasure it was to make sacrificesfor him; for they never hinted at the self-denial they were called uponcontinually to practice. 

It had occurred to Guy's mind frequently that he ought to spend moretime with his sisters, that being alone, their evenings must be dull;but home always suggested that which he wanted to drive from histhoughts as much as possible; hard toiling and sacrifice on the part ofhis sisters. If he kept this before him constantly, he reasoned, itwould so dishearten and depress him that his chance of success would benaturally lessened. Indeed his spirits must be kept up or he give upaltogether. When he began to make money, things should be verydifferent; he would devote himself entirely to them. But with diplomas, fortunes do not come, and so it was rarely that the girls had theirbrother home with them. When they did, we have seen how it cheered andre-assured them. 

On the death of their father it was ascertained that very little supportwas left for his family, and Guy entered a store at a very small salary, while Ruth was compelled to remain at home on account of her mother'sdelicate health. She managed to obtain a few scholars, however, andevery month had a little to add to the general fund. Agnes, then tooyoung to support herself or others, continued to go to school, and intime received a teacher's certificate. But as she was not yet old enoughto obtain a situation in the public schools, she helped Ruth with herswhich had increased in size, making quite a good appearance in thesecond story back room. 

They were at that time living comfortably, when Guy, who had never likedthe store, expressed his ardent desire to study law. He was rathersurprised to find the readiness with which his mother consented, and theeagerness of his sisters. Speaking truthfully, they thought him farabove his present business and much preferred that he should have aprofession. So it was not long until he was in a lawyer's office. Thentheir mother died. It seemed a very cruel thing to Guy that she shouldbe taken away just now; if she could only have lived a few years longerto see her son a great man; he had determined to repay her for all herdevotion. 

Ruth soon had to do without her assistant when Agnes, with a bright, cheerful heart, went out into the world "to help Guy and Ruth. " And nowthe sisters are teaching, while "Guy Gorton, Attorney at Law, " mountshis three flights of stairs daily, with a great deal of hope, and aslarge a share of importance. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER II. 

DIFFERENTLY CONSTITUTED. 

NEITHER of the girls could tell which awoke first on New Year's morning, for as Agnes said at the breakfast table, when they looked at each otherthey were both awake. 

Guy declared it was no wonder she graduated with such high honor whenshe was so extremely wise; and Ruth gave it as her opinion that shealways had been a most precocious child, relating instances, some ofthem so amusing that with the recollection came a general outburst ofmerriment. "Do you remember the time the Millerites were making such anado about the world coming to an end, Guy, how she went to mother andasked if it twisted itself round and round until it came to the end?"

"Don't I though, and the day she asked mother if _vertigo_ meant amonkey. When mother told her no and laughed, she said it must be someanimal, for she read in the paper that a man went up into a tree andwhile there was seized with vertigo. "

"And the day she was transferred to another school, when she said shehad a note of transubstantiation. "

"Yes, and"--Guy was about to continue, but Agnes declared she was notgoing to sit there as a target for their fun, and ran laughing out ofthe room. 

"What are you going to do with yourselves, girls?" asked their brother, as lighting a cigar he prepared to go out. 

"O we are going to stay at home and have a nice time; you know holidaysdon't come very often. "

"Well, you women folks have queer ideas of a nice time, if that is whatyou call staying in the house. Why, it is enough to make you stupid. Fixyourself up like other girls, and promenade; that is what I mean to do. "

"What, fix yourself up like other girls?" demurely asked Agnes, glad ofan opportunity to pay him back. 

"O precocious child, I must be careful!" and he started for hispromenade. 

"Be sure to be back at one, " was Ruth's reminder, and then the girlsbegan to plan their "nice time. " "I'll wash the breakfast dishes, Ruth, while you make the beds, you tuck the counterpane in so smoothly andhave the pillows so straight, " and Agnes, with sleeves pinned up andcrash apron on, began her work. Her heart was very light, and as sheworked she sang:--

 "Behold I come with joy to do The Master's blessed will; My Lord in outward works pursue, And serve his pleasure still. Thus faithful to my Lord's commands, I choose the better part, And serve with careful Martha's hands, But loving Mary's heart. 

 Though careful, without care I am, Nor feel my happy toil, Preserved in peace by Jesus' name, Supported by his smile: Rejoicing thus my faith to show, His service my reward; While every work I do below, I do it to the Lord. "

Ruth went up stairs and carefully spread the counterpane and arrangedthe pillows, but she did it mechanically. She was thinking of what Guysaid about "fixing themselves up like other girls. " She wondered if hewas dissatisfied with their appearance, and if that could be the reasonwhy he so seldom went out with them. Then he said they would becomestupid if they did not go out more. If she could be sure he did notthink them stupid now, she should not care. But he could not think so, for he had told her she was brilliant, and she knew she was gayer andmore entertaining to him than to any one else, while as for Agnes, shewas too good to be stupid. 

"I should like to dress better just for his sake, now that he is alawyer, " she said with a little thrill of pleasure and pride. "Of coursehe will have a great many friends and they will have to see ussometimes. But--" here there was a pause and a deep sigh, "O, he doesnot know how little we have to dress with, if we would keep out of debt. There now, Agnes is singing and I am doing I scarcely know what, " sheadded, as her sister's voice reached her. She did not hear the words, ifshe had heard they would have helped her. As it was, she chided herselffor beginning the year so badly and hurried down stairs to help preparedinner. Both she and Agnes decided it must be the very best dinner theyever had, for Guy liked good things, and on school days they had to liveplainly. If the pudding was not _plum_ pudding, it would be "almost asgood, " and they set to work gleefully stoning the raisins and beatingthe eggs. 

"Wouldn't it be nice if we could live this way always?" said Ruth, asshe put a large raisin in her mouth. 

"Yes, " replied Agnes, "but--"

"Now, Agnes, do leave the _buts_ and ifs out once, and say that youwould really like it. "

"Well, yes, I am sure it would be very nice not to have to think andplan so much about our way of living, and sometime I almost wish we hadmore money for your sake and Guy's, but--I can't help it, it willcome, " as Ruth made an impatient gesture--"indeed, Ruth, I should almostfear to be rich. "

"Why, for fear of losing your religion? I thought you had more faith. "

"Yes, perhaps that is the reason, Ruth, my lack of faith on this point. If I consecrated all but my money to the Lord, I might fear, for itwould not bring happiness with it, but God's grace can dim even theshining of gold to the Christian, so that neither the eye nor the heartmay be held by it. "

"It is when I look at the pitiful way in which it is doled out, even toHim who gave it, that I dishonor God by having such thoughts. After all, the grace of submission which we need, Ruth, is as hard to learn, as anylesson that might come with riches; don't you think so?"

Agnes left the room for a few minutes and Ruth did not reply. But thethought took possession of her mind. "The grace of submission, that is ahard thing to learn indeed, at least for some people. I wonder if anyone ever submits _willingly_, or if it is not because when they reasonabout it they find they cannot do better. I don't know about this thingof having no will of your own: some people require greater strength thanothers. Now there are Agnes and I so very unlike; she could not manageand plan nearly so well as I. So it is necessary for me to have morestrength of will because I have no one to depend upon. If we had moremoney it would be easier to be amiable and sweet, for then I should notbe perplexed. But I must need a great deal of teaching, or rather awillingness to be taught, and that is the reason I can never see or feellike Agnes in spiritual things. "

Such a sense of want, such a longing came into her soul, that shealmost cried out; but Agnes returned, and driving back her emotion, Ruthwent on with her preparations. 

With the greatest care Agnes set the table, bringing out the best china, and arranging and re-arranging until she was sure everything was right, then she and Ruth found it was time to dress. 

"Fixing up like other girls, " still ran in Ruth's mind, and going to thewardrobe, she selected her maroon colored merino dress, because Guy saidit suited her complexion. 

"Your best dress and lace bow, " exclaimed Agnes, who considered herselfquite well dressed in her black alpaca, though it had been turned, and ablue neck-tie. 

"Yes, " replied Ruth, "my best dress and lace bow. Extravagant, isn't it?Promises well for the year?"

"One would think you expected somebody. "

"So I do; a gentleman. "

"O, Guy, you mean; but what is the reason you have your best dress on?"

"Indeed that is the very reason. I don't know for whom I should want todress, if not for Guy. "

"Of course, Ruth, we should do more for him than for anyone, but you areso careful of your good clothes, and so seldom wear them at home. "

"Well, I have been thinking perhaps I had better pay more attention tomy appearance. Fix up a little more to be like other people, I mean. Onefeels better satisfied with herself when she is looking well. And then, Agnes, as Guy goes more into society, I fancy he is becomingfastidious. "

"Yes, I suppose so, " returned Agnes, re-arranging her neck-tie. "How doI look, Ruth; does this dress look shabby?"

"Shabby! one would scarcely know that it is not new. You always lookwell dressed; but it takes a great deal of fixing to set me off. "

Guy's face showed his approbation as he glanced over the table, and his"Why, girls, this is a feast fit for a king!" carried with it, greaterpleasure, than the most graceful compliment from other lips could havedone. After dinner they walked out together "to see the New Year, " Guysaid; and the girls felt sure that he must know all the great men of thetown, he bowed to so many. Then he was not the least ashamed of hissisters either, Ruth thought, and she became quite animated, so thatAgnes, who knew nothing of the reason, wondered at the unusually highspirits. _She_ was very happy, for she was with the two she loved beston earth, and it seemed such a glad beginning to the year. She smiled, talked, and looked to where Guy pointed, seeing beauty in everything, even in the ragged children who begged pennies as they passed along, foran inward light gave the charm, and a sweeter voice than that of brotheror sister, made gladness. Several visits were made that afternoon to oldfriends who urged them to stay for tea; and it would have been pleasant, the girls thought, but Guy appeared anxious to go home, so they yieldedvery cheerfully. Guy had been planning a delightful surprise for hissisters, and he meant to make the announcement at the tea-table. 

"Now for home and an early tea, " he said after making their last call. 

The girls brightened at the thought that home was really becomingattractive to Guy, and although they had thought it would be pleasant tofree themselves from home duties for one evening and enjoy it with theirfriends, they lost sight of their own wishes in their great desire toplease Guy. 

"It is the best place after all, isn't it?" said Agnes, looking at herbrother, who was holding the door for his sisters to enter. But hishasty, "Yes, hurry up with tea, girls, " gave a new turn to theirthoughts. Perhaps after all he meant to spend the evening out. 

"Wouldn't it have been delightful if we could have staid at Borden's?"asked Agnes, sitting down at the foot of the bed, her favorite seat, asshe untied her bonnet. 

"Indeed it would, " was the reply. "I don't know when I ever wanted somuch to stay. We might often go out for tea if it were not for Guy, andthat is one reason I wish we could keep a servant. "

"A servant would not be company for him, Ruth, he would not come home atall for tea if we were not here. But if he cared more for our friends hewould be more willing to visit with us. I don't think, however men careto be from home at meal-time, and I am so glad Guy is not dissatisfiedwith our plain way of living, now that he sees so much style and movesin such a refined circle. "

"Where would be the use in being dissatisfied, he knows it can't behelped, " was Ruth's reply as she turned to leave the room. 

"I thought you were hungry, " remarked Ruth, as Guy refused one or twodishes that were handed him. 

"Not very, " was the reply. 

"Well that was cool, hurrying us home as if you were on the point ofstarvation, and now acknowledging that you are not hungry, " said Agnes, laughing. 

"O, I only wanted you to have tea over soon, so that we could go out. "

"Out!" exclaimed both, "where?"

"To the theatre, there is a splendid bill for to-night. Look your verybest girls. "

A deathlike silence followed this announcement, and as Guy had finished, he rose from the table and went into the parlor, leaving his sisterssitting there. When he had gone they looked at each other. "O, Ruth!"said Agnes, sorrowfully. And Ruth replied, sharply, "Well?" but it had asound of pain as if she had encountered some terrible sorrow, yet meantto bear it. 

"He will be so angry, " continued Agnes. "O, I wish we had staid atBorden's. Hadn't we better tell him now that we cannot go?"

"You can tell him for yourself, Agnes, " and Ruth began removing thedishes with as much haste as if she were eager to go. 

"And you, Ruth?"

"I am going. "

"Ruth, you certainly cannot mean it. Going to the theatre and you aChristian, and this is the first day of the year. O, Ruth, rememberlast night and your covenant. " Her arms were round her sister now asthough she would hold her back from evil, but Ruth shook her off, andran hastily up stairs to the school-room. Locking the door, she walkedup and down the room, with hands tightly clasped and a face expressiveof the strongest conflict. 

"Last night, and your covenant, " yes, she remembered only too well. Butwas not she right in this? Guy _would_ go to these places and he mustnot go alone. Her sister was the best one to go with him. He could nevergo wrong if she were with him. What was the use of praying that he mightbecome a Christian, and leaving him to go alone as he chose. No, shewould win him over. He should see that Christians did not have to attendchurch and pray all the time, for that would make him dislike religion, but that they were like other people, only better. 

When all this was settled, she began her preparations tremblingly, thinking how very plain her dress would be compared with the handsomedresses, to be seen there, but determined to appear well for Guy's sake, and not to let him know the struggle she had passed through. 

As she left the school-room and ascended the short flight of stairsleading to their bedroom, she heard Agnes and Guy talking. 

"She is telling him, " she said. "O, I wish I could be Agnes! but we aredifferently constituted, and there are different requirements made ofus. Agnes does the praying, and I must make the efforts, thesacrifices. "

Yes, Agnes was telling her brother. She had not to reason as to what wasright or wrong in this case, having read that we are to shun everyappearance of evil, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Herheart beat fast, and her voice trembled, but not with indecision; forher soul was strong in its purpose to do right at all cost as sheentered the room and said:

"Guy, I can't go to the theatre. "

"What's the reason you can't?" was the surprised inquiry. 

"Because our church does not allow it, and _I_ do not think it is a goodplace. "

"You don't! how do you know when you never were there? See here, Agnes, don't be a simpleton. Where is Ruth? I'll be bound she'll go; she hasgood sense and good taste. I saved up cigar money this week on purposeto take you. Hurry now, or we shall not get good seats. "

"I can't do wrong, Guy; I must not go;" and Agnes went out of the room, back into the bright little kitchen where she had been so happy thatmorning. She wanted to go to her own room, but Ruth was there. 

Guy was angry, very angry, Agnes thought, from his voice as he spoke toRuth, but they passed out and she was alone. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER III. 

GUY OR CHRIST. 

THERE are times when the soul isolates itself and is with God only;although in the midst of a multitude. Then, although seeming alone, ithas companionship, it is not lonely. And there are hours of heart-feltloneliness, though surrounded by a crowd, when no look, word or touch ofanother can reach our hearts, so separated are we. 

Agnes had felt all this, but never before did she feel such a completeand painful separation as when the door had closed and she was left. Ruth had made a sacrifice for Guy. She knew it must have been very hardto do it, and only her love for him could have induced her to go. ButRuth did not love him better than she. He would not understand that, and would think that want of love had prevented her from yielding. ButO, if he could see her heart, if he could know how willingly she wouldgive up her life for him, how gladly she would sacrifice everything butprinciple to satisfy him. 

"And I can't tell him, " she thought; "he would not understand it, butthink I was trying to excuse myself, for we never talk like otherbrothers and sisters about our love for one another. " Then came thequestion, "Why must I suffer and be misunderstood, when Ruth can actdifferently?" But again the voice was heard that ever brought calm andsweet assurance, saying, "Is this your love for me? He that lovethfather or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, but he that losethhis life for my sake shall find it. "

"O yes, " was the response, "I would do a great deal for love of Guy, butmore, far more for love of Jesus;" and so for His love she was willingto lose even Guy's love for a time if necessary, and could bear to bemisunderstood if the Saviour trusted her. There was no shrinking fromthe thought of telling Him; no fear of being misunderstood there, sokneeling down, she poured forth the story. There were not many words, for as sometimes in opening our heart to a friend, we look up and catcha glance which tells us there is no need of further explanation, so shelooked and felt that she was understood. 

Earnestly she plead for her brother and sister. That _he_ might soonlearn to walk in other paths, and that _she_ might lean more fully onChrist and less on her own understanding. 

One thing perplexed her; that was whether she had better remain up untilGuy and Ruth returned, and if she did, how she ought to act. It wouldnot do to ask them about the performance, as that would reviveunpleasant thoughts; and if she did not speak at all, they might thinkher in an ill humor. But she determined not to let this disturb her, theLord, she knew, would help her to do right when the time came. 

"Well, I declare! if she is not sitting up waiting for us, " exclaimedGuy, quite gaily, with no sign of displeasure in tone or manner. "Weren't you dull? Confess now that you cried a little because you didnot go? Look at her eyes, Ruth, didn't she?"

Not appearing to notice his last remark, Ruth playfully reminded her ofher newly-formed resolution to rise at an earlier hour than heretofore, and told her to be sure and call _her_ when breakfast was ready, for shewas so sleepy she did not know when she should waken. Agnesgood-naturedly promised to do so, provided she was awake herself, andran up stairs, glad to escape from her brother. Ruth followed her in afew minutes, and going over to the dressing glass stood looking in. "Howwell you look to-night, Ruth, " said Agnes admiringly. "I do not think Iever saw you with such a brilliant color. Did you enjoy yourself?" Thequestion was put hesitatingly, as if she was not sure whether to put itor not. 

"No, did you think I could? I can't even tell you what the play was, mybrain was in such a whirl. But I laughed and talked and Guy wassatisfied. "

She sighed wearily as she laid aside her ornaments, and the tempter everready to take advantage, whispered to Agnes, "_She_ suffers for herbrother's sake, but _you_ will not. "

"No, not even for Guy, if it displeases the Lord. I must not let thismove me, " was the quick response. 

There was no more said by the sisters that night. Agnes longed to helpRuth back to peace of mind, but Ruth did not seem disposed to enter intoconversation, so there was only one way in which to do it, and hersister's case was given over to the One who alone can ease the burdenedconscience, and Agnes slept undisturbed. 

Ruth knelt as usual before retiring, but she could not reach up throughfaith to grasp the blessed promises; something kept her down and widenedthe distance between her and the Saviour. No sweet assurance came, forthere had been other thoughts before those of pleasing Him. She hadacted according to her own judgment and pursued the course she thoughtbest. She had not the comfort of knowing that He directed her paths, because she had not in all her ways acknowledged Him. 

"I think it is the hardest thing I have to overcome, Ruth, " said Agnes, as she came down quite late and found breakfast ready. She feltcondemned and dissatisfied with herself, not knowing what to do, havingprayed about it so often. 

"How do you pray?" inquired Ruth, rather amused at her sister'sdistress. 

"Why, I ask the Lord in faith to help me to get up. "

"That is, you expect the Lord to set you right out on the floor?"

"O, Ruth, you are making fun. "

"Indeed, I am in earnest; that seems to be what you expect. Now if Iprayed about it, I should ask that I might have my senses about me whenI was called, so that I might think what I ought to do, and _do_ it. That is about as much as the Lord will do, and then if we fail, thefault is our own. "

"Will you call me to-morrow whenever you waken, Ruth? I must have beenmaking a mistake all along. "

After that there was no more difficulty, and Ruth told her she was to beenvied, having overcome her last failing. 

"I wish I had, " was the earnest reply, "but I have any number of faultsthat you do not see. "

"Then I should not call them by such a hard name, if they were modestenough not to thrust themselves out to public gaze. "

"You would not? It is only grace that keeps them within bounds, and I amquite as conscious of them as if they were seen. They do not, however, overcome me as they might if others saw them. But after all, Ruth, Ithink we often call things faults in others, that would be virtues, ifwe knew more of their lives and the motives that prompted theirconduct. "

"It is probable, " said her sister, "but there is not much of thisgetting to understand each other's natures. There is not enough troubletaken to find one another out. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER IV. 

LITTLE PHILIP. 

THERE never was a greater contrast than that presented by the twosisters in their mode of government. Entering the school-room of each, you could not detect the least difference in the order of the scholars, but while the result appeared the same, the methods were very different. 

Ruth said "silence" or "looked silence, " as the children expressed it, and there was silence. She spake and it was done, for the children wellknew that she would have no disobedience. She was never unkind, and sheloved children, though she seldom showed them her love; so if you hadasked her scholars if they loved their teacher, they probably wouldhave said they thought her nice and kind, for she did not whip, and shetied up their cut fingers. 

It did not look dignified, some people thought, and they were sure MissAgnes had no control over her scholars, as they saw her surrounded bythem every day on her way to and from school. It was such an honor tocarry her lunch basket, such delight to be first to meet her and have aplace at her side. O, how they loved her! "She was the very nicestteacher that ever lived. " And many even resolved not to study too hardfor fear they should be promoted and have to leave her. Then when thetime came for them to leave, such tears were shed at parting, that Agnesdetermined not to allow herself to be so loved in the future, andsucceeded for a day or two; but it was strange, she did not know how itcame, there was always the same ending. 

Ruth assured her she would get over all that in time; but love was asnecessary to Agnes as sunshine is to flowers, and among these littleones the pent up fountain found an outlet. 

Ruth kept her love away, deep hidden from sight, when it became sointense that it was almost painful; in the other nature it kept bubblingup and running over whenever it found a heart that would receive it. 

Agnes delighted in teaching, but Ruth, while just as faithful, taughtbecause it was the best thing she could do, rather than from choice. Butthe duty was irksome, and often she longed to throw the book from herand give the scholars their dismissal. When such feelings possessed her, she "did penance, " as she said, by giving special attention to thelessons, "for it would not do to have the children suffer from herwhims. "

One day there came to her school a little deformed boy, about eightyears old. He had been brought there by one of the scholars, and whenRuth entered the school-room she did not notice him, but proceeded withthe opening exercises. She had taught the children to repeat with heralternate verses of Scripture, and this morning selected thetwenty-third Psalm. After she had repeated the first verse, the scholarstook up the second. But there was one voice, clear and distinct, aboveall the others. Glancing round, she saw a pale face, whose large, earnest eyes, bent full upon her, touched her strangely. Slightlyaverting her head, she went on where the children left off, but stillthere was the fixed look. It was not a stare or look of curiosity, suchas a new scholar might show, but penetrating as though the child hadpassed through deep experiences, maturing the intellect while the bodywas dwarfed and feeble. At the close of the exercises, a little girltaking him by the hand, led him up to the desk, and introduced him as anew scholar. 

"What is his name?" inquired Ruth. 

"I'll tell her; mother said I should be a man and speak out. My name isPhilip Driscoe, " and here the thin tiny hand was slipped in Ruth's. Howvery thin and white it was, like a baby's hand. As it lay for a momentin Ruth's the fingers closed over it, and stooping down she kissed thechild. "I like you, you are good, like mother, " and drawing closer helaid his other hand over hers by way of caress. 

A sudden impulse seized her to take him in her arms, but the childrenwere there, looking on understandingly. Holding both hands she bentsmilingly down, but in an instant her eyes were full of tears. She wasthinking of Guy. What if he had been thus afflicted? A thrill ofgladness followed the pain occasioned by the thought, and collectingherself she took the child over to a seat in the middle of the room, promising him a book in a little while. 

"And a slate and pencil to make pictures?"

"Yes, can you draw pictures?"

"O, elegant ones; mother says I'll make real ones when I am a man, if Idon't die. "

Ruth could not tell what to make of herself that day, or for many daysafter, she was so drawn toward that little face. "Now if it had beenAgnes, it would have been quite natural. "

But the truth was, wherever there was suffering or weakness of any kind, her heart threw off its casing, and she felt that she could do anythingto shield or comfort. When the call came for strength or sympathy, shecould give it unhesitatingly, but when there was only ordinary occasion, she made no response. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER V. 

WHAT HAPPENED ONE DAY. 

AT the beginning of the year, Agnes had resolved not to let a day passwithout having benefitted some one. "It may only be perhaps by lookingpleasantly, or speaking tenderly, yet if done in the right spirit, theLord will accept it and make it result in some good, " she argued. And inthe spirit of this mission she started for school one morning. 

"What a wonderful thing it is to know that while there are millions ofpeople on the earth, there is something for each one to do, that no oneelse can do. A work the Lord has laid out for each one of us, " were herthoughts as she walked. But another thought followed: "How do you knowyour own work? you may be doing the wrong thing after all. "

This was not the first time such a suggestion had been made. Once ittroubled and bewildered her, but now her mind was clear on that point. 

"For, " she reasoned, "my work must be to do everything that comes in myway, as well as I can, without waiting for special calls. And if I dothis faithfully, and the Lord sees that I can do a different work, hewill turn my mind in the direction of it, and bring it near to me. "

Her reflections were disturbed by the loud, eager voices of several ofher scholars, who announced in one breath, "O, Miss Agnes, you ought tohave seen Martha Nelson's father. He had his leg cut off, and they tookhim on a settee to the hospital, and Martha's mother is nearly crazy. "

"How was it?" inquired Agnes, turning from one to another of the eager, frightened faces. 

"Why, he drives a dray, you know, and he fell off when the horse wasgoing fast, and the dray ran over him. Everybody says he was drunk. "

"Hush, hush, we must never speak of another girl's father, as we wouldnot like to have our own spoken of. Poor Martha, she will need to-daysomething that each of us can give her. What is it?"

"Pity, " said one of the girls, who by look and voice showed that herheart was already touched. 

"Is that all?"

"And love, " was the reply. 

"Yes, the dear Lord wants us all to do something for Him to-day, and aswe cannot do great, hard things, He wants us to love and be sorry forMartha. And if we love people, we will do all the kind things we canfor them; don't you think so, especially when they are in distress. Andwhen we say our prayers, we must not forget to ask our Heavenly Fatherto love and care for Martha, now that her father is away from her, andmay perhaps never get well. "

When the lessons were over and school dismissed, Agnes hastened to thehome of poor Martha. It was quite a distance from her own home, being atthe other end of the town, and this was prayer-meeting night. But herday's work could not be complete until she had sympathized with thesesuffering hearts. 

"Here it is, teacher, " exclaimed the children who had offered to showher the way, "The house with the shutters shut tight. "

Knocking, and then trying the door which she found unfastened, sheentered the darkened room, having told the children it would not bebest for them to go in on that day. A sad disappointment, for they hadmeant to kiss Martha and tell her they were sorry, and hear all aboutthe accident, although some of them had witnessed it. 

Passing into the back room, Agnes found Mrs. Nelson and her childrensurrounded by a half dozen neighbors, in the midst of a discussion as tothe position of the poor man when he fell. The one who had the floor atthat moment was a tall, vigorous looking woman, who evidently hadbattled hard to occupy her present position. She had gone as far as:"'Says I to my man, there goes Bill Nelson;' and says he to me, 'Yes, there's no fear of his old woman letting him over-sleep himself; she'stoo smart for that'; when, all at once I seen him fall with his head tothe horses' hind feet and----" here the entrance of Agnes, whose knockhad not been heard, caused the speaker to subside, and a generalmovement of chairs and stools to take place. 

"O, it's teacher, mother, " said Martha, springing to meet her, lightcoming into her heavy, swollen eyes. 

"And how do you do, ma'am; it's kind of you to come. And it's a sorryday this has been. "

By this time chairs had been backed until they could go no farther, aprons smoothed, and the sleeves of the tall orator pulled down. Thenthere was silence, Agnes having taken one of the three chairs offeredher. 

"Yes, Mrs. Nelson, this is a sad occurrence. You have need of a greatdeal of sympathy, and I am sure you will have it. " As Agnes looked roundthe room, and saw the various expressions of countenance at this remark, they appeared so ludicrous that under any other circumstances it wouldhave been hard to control herself. As if encouraged by her notice, thetongues were again set in motion, and to her horror she was having allthe details of the accident. 

Martha had drawn her stool beside her teacher, who now took theopportunity of whispering comfort, and telling her how much herschool-mates loved her and sympathized with her. 

"I knew you would come when school was out, but it seemed so long. Didanybody have to be kept in?"

"No, the scholars were all quiet and attentive to-day; they werethinking of their little school-mate. "

At these words, meant to comfort and reassure, the child laid her headon her lap and broke into loud sobs. Agnes thought she had done harmrather than good, and the tears sprang to her own eyes. Placing her armround the child, she drew the bowed head up and let it rest on her. 

"Poor thing, " whispered the neighbors, "she takes it hard. "

With a great effort Martha looked up into her teacher's face and said:"I wasn't thinking about father then. "

Not knowing but what the child might have some trouble that she couldrelieve, Agnes whispered: "What were you thinking of? Don't fear to tellme; perhaps I can help you. "

"O, teacher, " and there came a great sigh, "you help me all the time. Nobody ever was like you, and it was because you were so kind I had tocry. "

There were other wet cheeks than Martha's then, and Agnes was alreadyrepaid for her long walk. With a few more kind words addressed to Mrs. Nelson, she rose to go, and Mrs. Nelson followed her into the otherroom. 

"How can you manage without your husband? Had you anything but hiswages?" she inquired, feeling that sympathy at this time might perhapsrequire a stronger expression than words. 

"That is just what I've been thinking of, Miss, if I could get time tothink. They are well meaning, you see, " pointing toward the other room, "but they have no considerateness. It's not for me to sit down and begrieving over what can't be mended, but to be looking round for a way tobring bread into the house. For as you asked me, Miss, I'll just tellyou. We haven't even had all his earnings; if we had, this wouldn't havehappened to him. But I'll not hear a word said against him there, " withanother glance toward the back room. "I'll try, if God spares me, tokeep starvation out, and maybe when he is lying there, something goodmay come into his mind. "

"If you could only spare Martha to live out at service for a while, shemight help you. At any rate you would have one less to feed, " Agnesventured to remark. 

"That is just what came into my head this afternoon, Miss. The one nextto Martha is old enough to take care of the rest when I am out, and ifyou could hear of a nice place where they wouldn't be too hard on her, I'd be a thousand times obliged to you, if you'd speak a word for her. She sets great store by you, and a word from you as her teacher, woulddo more good than if I'd talk for a week. "

Agnes promised to do what she could, and then timidly, but earnestly, reminded her of the sure help in the time of trouble, the one whosefriendship and love are equal to all our demands. By the time shereached home, Ruth was becoming anxious, for when Agnes intended goinganywhere after school, she always announced it before leaving in themorning. 

Knowing that her sister would probably be uneasy, and that she shouldhave little time to prepare for church, she almost ran home; so thatwhen she entered breathless, her face a deep crimson, Ruth's tone ofalarm, as she exclaimed, "What is the matter, Agnes!" brought Guyimmediately into the room. 

"O, nothing Ruth; please wait until I breathe;" and she tried to get upa laugh. "I did not know I was so out of breath. If you wait a minute, Iwill explain, " for Ruth was beginning to protest that something waswrong. 

"There now, " she said, removing her hat, and leaning back in the rockingchair, "I am ready to put your fears to rest. " Then followed an accountof the accident and her visit to the family. 

"See here, Agnes, it is all very well to sympathize with people indistress, when you don't have to sacrifice yourself; but you are notcalled upon to do more than you are able to perform. And it is quiteenough for you to teach school, without running to see all theyoungsters whose fathers get tipsy and break their legs, " was theopinion Guy gave after hearing her story. 

"What do you charge for advice, Mr. Lawyer?" she asked, laughingly, asspringing up she advanced to the table and begged Ruth to hurry with thetea, for she was "as hungry as a hawk. "

Guy followed, declaring that "if all clients were as self-willed andindependent as she, the lawyers might pull down their shingles, take alast look at Coke and Blackstone and then----"

"Well, and then?"--queried Ruth, very much amused. 

"Why----then go to grass. "

"Little boys should not use slang, " said Agnes, demurely. 

"Neither should little girls act contrary to the wishes of their bigbrother, " was the reply. 

After a blessing had been silently asked, Agnes said:

"Do you really think I am self-willed, Guy?"

"Of course I do; it does not require a knowledge of law to decide that. "

"How do I show it? I never meant to be so. "

"Well, you succeed pretty well if you don't. I should not like to seeyou make the effort, if that is the case. How do you show it? Why, bythinking you know better than other people. Don't she, Ruth, and actingout her thoughts?"

"You are partly right and partly wrong, " was the reply. "Agnes is not inthe least self-willed. It is I who may be called that. In this you arewrong. You are right in saying she acts out her thoughts; but you givea wrong reason. It is not because she thinks she knows better thanothers. She does not trust her own judgment nearly as much as either youor I. "

"Now don't you begin to be mysterious, Ruth, if she don't, whose doesshe trust?"

"The Lord's. "

"Oh!" and Guy had no more to say. Agnes could have embraced her sisterthen. She wanted to say something to Guy about Ruth, because she knewher better than even he or any one could know her. But he was so silentnow, perhaps this was not the best time. Guy ate a little, Agnesthought, and she did not feel so hungry after all; so when Ruth hadfinished she said: "Let me wash the tea things myself to night, Ruth, Ihave not been doing anything all day. I will be ready in time forchurch. " She plead as eagerly as if asking a great favor, and Ruthamused at her childishness, with a warning about not placing the glassesin too hot water, ran up stairs, little thinking of the effect her wordshad either upon the one for whom they were spoken, or the one to whomthey were addressed. 

"If we had Martha Nelson, she could do so much for Ruth when I am atschool, " thought Agnes. "But the money, where is that to come from?"Turning it over and over in her mind, she could see no possibility ofhaving Martha, but somehow there was an impression that Martha should bewith them. On the way to church, she decided to speak to Ruth about it. 

"Did you ever have impressions that certain things _should_ be, Ruth, and yet the things seemed impossible?"

"I scarcely understand you, " Ruth replied. "What kind of things?spiritual?"

"No, spiritual impressions of temporal things, I suppose. But this iswhy I ask. " Then she told of Martha's mother wanting to find a place forher, and of the impression amounting almost to a conviction that she wasto come to them. "Only I can't see where the money is to come from. "

"How much does her mother want a week?" asked Ruth, thoughtfully; forwhen Agnes had these impressions, they generally had weight with hersister. Indeed she sometimes felt as if the Lord told their Agnes morethan almost any other Christian; that she was peculiarly favored of God. 

"I did not think of asking her, but it can't be much, for she is youngand will require to be taught. Why do you ask, Ruth?"

"I hardly know; perhaps if she did not want much, we could take her. "

"Well, I shall ask her mother without giving the reason, and then if itis best, the way will be made clear. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER VI. 

DEATH, --THEN LIFE. 

"MRS. Nelson will be willing to let Martha go to a good home for herboard and clothing until she learns enough to be entitled to wages, Ruth, " Agnes joyfully announced. After a little consultation as towhether their old dresses could be cut down for her, and some misgivingon the part of Ruth as to the training of such a mere child, whenneither of them could devote much time to her, they concluded to makethe trial. 

"If she's worth anything she will be worth a great deal to me just now, for it will enable me to do what I have long been planning, withoutseeing any way to accomplish it, " thought Ruth. 

Martha, poor child, in her great joy at the thought of living with "MissAgnes, " seemed to have forgotten the painful circumstance whichcompelled her to leave home. But on the day that her mother finishedpatching her few clothes, tying them up and telling her she might go atonce to her new home, there came sad tidings from the hospital. Theyneed never hope to have the husband and father home again, unless totake one last look before they buried him out of sight. 

"Let me stay with you, mother; Miss Agnes will not be angry, and youwill be so lonely, " plead the child, forgetting everything else in theone great thought of her mother's approaching widowhood. 

"Yes, I will be lonely, " wailed the mother. "God only knows theloneliness and heart-ache that is in store for me. But we'll not shedtears now, child, there'll be time enough by and by. We must away to tosee him; he'll have a word to say to us I'm thinking. "

She meant to be brave, and to keep back the tears until "by and by, " butthe thought of hearing the last words, perhaps, or what was worse, finding him unable to speak to her, completely unnerved her, and thestrength she had all along tried to keep for her children's sake, failedher. In the midst of this scene, while Martha stood beside her mother, wringing her hands and beseeching her not to groan so, Agnes stepped in, having had but one session of school. 

"What is it?" she enquired, alarmed. "Your father is not dead, Martha?"

"I don't know, they sent word that he was dying, and we are going tohim. Won't you go, Miss Agnes? I am afraid, " and the child shuddered asshe spoke. 

A shudder passed through Agnes, but she said: "Yes, I will go with you, but I must find some of the scholars to send home and tell Miss Ruth. "She thought with horror of going there to the hospital, where men andwomen were lying struggling for life, to be followed by their wild, staring eyes, and their cries of entreaty for relief. For a moment shewas possessed with the feeling that she could not encounter the fearfulsight, and the question arose: "Why need I cause myself to suffer when Icannot relieve the sufferings I shall witness?" But ashamed of hercowardice, she banished the thought as unworthy a place in her heart, glad to be able to share the sorrows and help to comfort those whosetime of trial and sore distress had come. 

"I shall need help one day, perhaps, " she said to herself, "if Ruth orGuy should be taken first. But I pray God that I may die before them, unless--" here the child-like-spirit showed itself, and her soul becamesuddenly strong--"it would be to His glory that I should thus suffer. "

A boy was sent with a message to Ruth, and then, as Mrs. Nelson wasready, they set out on their mournful visit. It was a long and silentwalk. The heart of the sorrow-stricken woman was too full for words, andAgnes, so young and unaccustomed to such scenes, did not know what wasbest to say. 

The hand that held Martha's tightened its grasp as they came withinsight of the hospital, and although the voice was very low thatwhispered in the woman's ear, "Be strong, God will help you, " it gavecourage and re-assurance. 

Up the broad steps and through the long corridors they passed; Marthatrembling and drawing closer, while Agnes dared not look to the right orleft. Presently they stopped before a curtained recess, and drawingaside the curtain Mrs. Nelson passed in. Martha wanted her teacher withher, she said; but when she was told her father might have things to sayto his wife and child alone, she withdrew her hand and followed hermother. It was not long, however, until the nurse came out with arequest for Martha's teacher. 

"He wants some singing, Miss, and the little girl told him you couldsing beautiful, " said the man. As Agnes stepped near the bedside, Marthacalled out eagerly, "Here she is, father, this is Miss Agnes. "

He tried to speak, but it was only a movement of the lips, no soundcame. Sitting where he could see her, Agnes began in a low, clear voice, to sing:

 "There is a fountain fill'd with blood, --"

When she came to the lines--

 "And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away, --"

the dying man held out his hand as if beckoning her over. Again his lipsmoved, and stooping she heard: "Again--sing. "

As her voice arose again, slowly repeating the words, her heart madesupplication for the soul so rapidly passing away. Hymn after hymn wassung, all speaking of Jesus and his great love for sinners, and to Agnesit seemed that Jesus was himself speaking in each. She knew he was therein the midst of them, and wondered if the sick man saw him. Bendingdown, she whispered: "O, how the Saviour loves you; do you love Him?"

He looked at her with the strange, earnest look the dying only have; thelook that seems to be measuring eternity; and then his hands were raisedand clasped, while his eyes remained fixed on hers. 

"He is asking you to pray, " said the nurse; "He is near gone. "

There was no time to listen to Satan now, or to think of anything butthis soul venturing out into the unknown future. Was it prepared?

O, how she plead for him! As if face to face, she talked with God. TheHoly Spirit gave her words and great assurance; it seemed as if theanswer must come. He had promised to hear and to give the thingsdesired. He had _never_ refused to listen to the feeblest petition, andhere was a burdened soul; was not the Saviour near, to take from it itsburdens? So she entreated as though she alone could save him, yetknowing well that Jesus alone had power to forgive sins. 

They had been sobbing around her, but she did not know it. Now there wasa strange silence, a sudden calm, and she felt that she had prevailed. As they rose from their knees, something about the dying man attractedthem. While they had been kneeling, Jesus had drawn near and whisperedto him. The power and music of that voice were ringing in his ear; thebeauty of His smile was flooding his soul and radiating his face. Inthat moment he had passed from death into life. 

His wife and child looked at him with awe; the nurse drew back as if theplace were too "holy ground" for him. Only Agnes and the new-born soulunderstood it. But it had only caught a glimpse of the Saviour; beforelong, with the same indescribable expression, it passed away to be"forever with the Lord. "

They went home silently as they had gone there; but a new feeling hadtaken possession of them. They had seen strange things; new thoughts hadbeen given them, and death had not to them its old terror, for they hadseen it swallowed up in victory. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER VII. 

GUY GIVES HIS VIEWS IN FULL. 

MARTHA was fairly installed as kitchen-maid, to the great delight ofAgnes, while Ruth congratulated herself that there would be no moredishwashing for her, a thing she detested above all others. "She appearsanxious to learn, doesn't she?" asked Agnes. "She was a good scholar andperfectly obedient. I think you will like her, Ruth. If we gain heraffections I am sure she will do anything for us. "

"But then we must be careful, Agnes, it does not answer to pay too muchattention to servants. They are sure to become consequential and tovalue themselves too highly, if you notice them much. "

"But she is a child, and everything is strange. Besides, when she thinksof her father and of separation from her mother, she must be sad, andperhaps may try your patience. I shall help all I can, but she hadbetter look upon you as mistress. Be patient for my sake, sister. "

There was no reply to this, and Agnes was afraid she had made a mistakein proposing such a child, instead of one more fully grown. That nightafter Martha had gone to bed, she slipped up stairs to know if she hadrepeated her prayers. 

"O, yes, ma'am, I always say them; I should be afraid to go to sleep ifI did not. "

"We have a great deal to thank God for, Martha. Every day He cares forus, and it is the least we can do to thank Him. Do you thank Him forwhat you have, or only ask to have more?"

"I guess I ask most for the things I want. I forget about thanking, onlyI mean it. "

"Yes, and God sees that you mean it, but He expects you to tell Him so. Now if I were to give you a great many things every day, and you did notthank me but were all the time thinking of other things you desired tohave, I should call you ungrateful and not give you any more. Don't yousee how it is? Now when you are praying, be sure to ask not to beallowed to forget pleasing God, by doing every thing as if He were herelooking at you. Are you warm enough child?"

"O yes, ma'am, Miss Ruth came up and tucked me in nicely, and--"

"And what?"

"She kissed me and said 'good night. '"

Agnes's first impulse was to exclaim with surprise; but checking herselfshe stooped down, saying: "And I must follow Miss Ruth's example, Isuppose. Be a good girl, Martha, and Miss Ruth and I will be yourfriends. "

"I need have no fears; Ruth could never be anything but kind, althoughpeople so often misunderstand her and think her stern. She will neverlet generosity carry away her sense of justice; and after all that isthe better way, " thought Agnes, as she descended to the sitting room. Guy was home that night. As Agnes entered the room he laid down his bookwith the remark: "I say, Agnes, brother Snowden is considered the saltof the earth among you church people, isn't he?"

"I suppose he is a good man; I don't know much about him. Why do youask?" was the reply. 

"Well, only that it strikes me _that_ kind of salt would not make verystrong pickle. "

"How you talk, " said Ruth, "You know nothing about his Christian life. "

"O, that is it, he has two lives has he? Well, I admit that I knownothing about his _Christian_ life. But I do know about his businesslife, if that is a separate and distinct thing. When a Christian comesto me and asks me to undertake a case that is simply trickery and fraud, then I want to know how he can separate himself from his profession ofreligion. I thought religion had to run through one's life, instead ofhinging and unhinging it when one chose. I know one thing, that some ofyour church members dabble in puddles so dirty that I would not touchthem with the tip of my finger, and this Snowden is one of them. "

"I would not judge the many by one, " replied Agnes, quietly. 

"No, that is a wholesale way of speaking, " said her sister, positively. "And you may not have understood the man, Guy; and you know you arerather hasty. "

"See here, Ruth, don't you begin to take sides with that fellow. Agnesis bound to defend him, because he is a goat of the same fold. But youmay be glad you slipped out, backslid is the word I believe, for it isno honor to have the association of such a contemptible specimen ofmankind. "

Ruth's face flushed and her eye kindled at his allusion to herbacksliding, but she did not speak, while Agnes, who was deeply painedat his unkind speech, immediately replied: "You are wrong, Guy, Ruth isa church member, the same as I. And while neither of us can endorse whatis done by every member of the church, we know there are good, earnestChristians there, and it is not for us to sit in judgment upon any. "

"Bravo!" he exclaimed. "This is most animating. It is a pity you werenot a man, you would make a capital advocate. But excuse me, I forget, we have ladies in the profession. If you have no objection to readingwith me, I shall be proud to present to the bar such an able pleader. "

This was just what Agnes wanted, to have the conversation turned. Sothat Ruth and the church escaped, she did not care what was said of her. For fear of Guy returning to the old subject, she inquired whether hethought women could ever attain any eminence in the profession. 

"Yes, the fact of them being women will not mentally disqualify them, "he replied. "As a general thing they are clear sighted, and although notalways logical, have a way of carrying their point in spite of allopposition. To office work some might be well adapted, but when it comesto practise at the bar, to get up and harangue a crowded court-room; tobe brought in contact with low characters and take any part in criminalproceedings, then I say a woman is out of place. When they take thatstand I shall step aside and let them glory in their shame. "

Guy spoke with great warmth. Ruth appeared to be listening attentively, though she did not speak. Encouraged by the interest manifested by hissisters, Guy Gorton Esq. , Attorney at Law, was in the act of giving afuller expression of his views, and by his _logical_ reasoning, determining woman's position for all time, when the door-bell rang andMartha ushered in visitors. 

To Ruth it was a happy relief, for though she had appeared to manifestinterest, very painful thoughts were passing through her mind. She hadmade a great sacrifice for Guy in hope of doing him good, how great, noone knew, and yet withall she had failed in her object. He looked at heras the world always judges of Christians; not by profession butpractise. However, it may sneer and cavil at doctrine, the world is notslow to recognize and respect the character that like pure gold carrieswith it not only beauty but sterling worth. 

"Bartered my Christian character, " she thought, "and what have I inexchange? Complete failure, dead loss;" and all through the evening, though she talked and laughed, the question and answer came up beforeher. 

When their friends had gone and the girls went up to their room, eachsat down on her favorite seat as if for a talk. With Agnes it was thefoot of the bed, having the low post on which to lean, while Ruth tookthe low rocking-chair. The thoughts of both ran in the same direction, but neither seemed inclined to break the silence. Agnes would havespoken, but Ruth was sensitive, and any allusion to the subject mightpain her. Suddenly she said, "What a lovely character Edith Hart is, Ruth. Her manners are charming, and she is perfectly sincere, I amsure. Did you notice what difference Guy paid to her opinions and howmuch he seemed to admire her? I wish he would fall in love with her andmarry her, for of course he will marry some one, and she would have sucha good influence over him. "

"Yes, when they were married she might, if he in the meantime had notexerted a wrong influence over her. It must require a great deal ofgrace to maintain your Christian integrity, when those you love areworldly minded. I don't think Edith would hold out any better than therest of us, if she loved Guy as she should. But there is no use intalking about that, it will be a long time before Guy can marry. "

"Why, his practise is improving, isn't it? I often hear him talk of hisclients, and you know lawyers charge very high for advice. I don't knowwhere I heard it, but I am of the impression that they will not givethe least bit of advice under five dollars. At that rate, you know, hewill make out well. "

Ruth wanted to laugh at her sister's simplicity. Do as she would, shenever could teach Agnes the value of money. And now, poor child, sheseemed to think Guy had nothing to do but open his mouth and golddollars would roll out, as diamonds did in the wonderful story of "Toadsand Diamonds. " In one way she was glad that Agnes knew so little aboutmoney matters; she wanted to save her from care or anxiety. But therewere times when she was so perplexed and straitened, that it made herimpatient to think any grown person could be so stupid as to live intheir house and not more fully understand their circumstances. At suchtimes she murmured and even rebelled, wondering why she should have allthe burden. It did not reconcile her to it, to know that others admiredand deferred to her judgment. She grew tired of thinking and planning, and longed for a strength greater than her own, upon which she couldlean, for some one to help her bear the burdens. This was not sentiment. If the thought of marriage came to her as it probably did, especially atsuch times, she put it far from her. She would never leave Guy andAgnes; but if they only had been constituted differently, they couldhave helped her. And they in turn, little dreaming of her struggles, looked at her with admiring eyes, giving her credit, as far as theycould follow her, and thinking what a wonderful woman their Ruth was. 

"But it is slow work after all, " she said, by way of reply to hersister's remarks. "A man must possess great talent and still greaterpatience and perseverance, to arrive at any distinction; and until hereaches that, he cannot expect to make his fortune. There are so manyyoung lawyers, they are crowding each other out. "

"But Guy must be satisfied, Ruth; he does not appear troubled ordisappointed. "

"Why should he? he is like hundreds more, and that fact is consoling. Besides, the slower and more cautious he is in the ascent, the moreassured will he be when he reaches the summit. "

She rose as she said this, and Agnes thinking the talk was over, removedher arms from the friendly bed-post. But she had only gone over to thebureau for her Bible, that she might read a chapter as usual beforeretiring. Returning to her seat she abruptly asked: "Do you think muchabout the future, Agnes?"

"Do you mean about heaven?"

"No, the future of time. "

"Not nearly as much as I used to. Before my heart was renewed, I keptlooking to the future for something satisfying; but it never came untilI found the Saviour. "

"Yes, but I mean do you wonder what your life is to be, and what changeswill come to us all?"

"O, often such thoughts come, but they are disquieting, and I drive themaway. It is better to live by the moment, just as we breathe. "

Ruth opened her book and began to read. Her eye having fallen on thelast verse of the sixth chapter of Matthew, it had called forth theabove question. Now she read it all carefully; it was just what sheneeded to-night. Dissatisfied with herself, and feeling that she was notsatisfying others, she wanted to find the rest that comes from leavingeverything in a Father's hands, but she was yet to find the spirit oftrust and submission. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION. 

RIPLEY, like most towns of its size, possessed few novelties, and rarelyproduced a sensation. It did its duty in the way of gossip, as towns andvillages are expected to do. Carrying out, in a manner peculiar to some, the injunction of the apostle: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. " When the Rev. John Jay wascalled to the Fourth street church, the whole town partook of theexcitement, for he was a young and single man; moreover, he came from adistant city, with the strongest recommendation. He had been there abouta year, when the community were again aroused to a high pitch ofexpectancy, by the following announcement one Sabbath morning: "TheOfficial Board of this church will hold a special meeting at the closeof the Wednesday night prayer meeting. A full attendance is requested asa matter of grave moment is to be presented. "

As the minister made this announcement, he fervently wished they wouldalways attend to business after prayer-meeting. He would not then haveto refer so often to that means of grace, for the Fourth street brethrenlooked well to the temporal interests of their church. 

He did not see the nod given by brother Smith to brother Snowden, whichsaid:--"I told you it was a comin'; now you'll believe me;" nor thesuccession of nods in return, which indicated:--"Well, to think of it. After that I give up. " Neither did he overtake the group of officialswho slowly wended their way homeward in earnest discussion, shakingtheir heads, and trying to give greater force to their words by anenergetic movement of the hand and arm. 

He was picking his steps as best he could through a crowd of children, who were darting here and there, looking up at him with beaming eyes, and trying to touch his hands at least, if they could not hold them. Ashe looked at these lambs, he wondered if there could be love for theSaviour in any heart which did not make the young a special care. Afterhe had parted from them, two little feet came tripping back to remindhim of his promise that he would finish the story of Moses in theafternoon. He went home thanking God for the innocence of childhood, while with their noon-day meal many of of these children partook ofpoison administered by their parents. For what else is fault-finding, intolerance and uncharitableness, but the deadliest poison?

And what gave rise to this, was simply that the young people of thechurch and community wanted to organize a Young People's Association, atthe suggestion of their pastor, and wished the privilege of holding itin the Lecture-room. The thing was projected so suddenly, that very fewof the older members knew anything about it until it was brought totheir notice in this manner. 

When the hour for the evening service arrived, there were few who hadnot heard the news; for brother Smith and brother Snowden considered ita good Sabbath day's work to discuss the matter in all its bearings withall the members they could meet, although they did not doubt but thewomen folks would be sure to side with the young people. 

On Wednesday night the Lecture-room was crowded. Those whose faces wereseldom seen in the Lord's house, and many of the brethren who alwaysfound it extremely inconvenient to attend on that night, were there. Ofcourse, none but the Board could remain, for the meeting, but the otherscould hover round and catch the news much sooner than if they had staidat home. 

The Rev. John Jay drew very near to Christ in presenting his flock, andmost earnestly prayed for the young of the congregation and community, many of whom he saw there for the first time. As he prayed, brotherSmith and Snowden were loud in their responses. 

Those who went to meet the master of assemblies, felt it good to bethere. Unto them had been broken the bread of life. Unto them awell-known voice had spoken, and now they were stronger, braver and morehopeful. When the minister, with uplifted hands, pronounced the words ofthe benediction, like the gentle dew, fell that peace into theirhearts, drawing them out in tenderest sympathy toward all His creatures. 

After it had been ascertained that there were no intruders, and thedoors had been carefully closed, the business commenced. Prayer wasdispensed with, for there had been so much of it before. 

"I move we dispense with everything but the business in hand, " said one, and as the meeting concurred, the petition was presented by one of themost promising young men of the church, named Hayes. In it thepetitioners set forth that they, feeling the need of proper socialentertainment and mental improvement, wished to organize for thatpurpose, and most respectfully asked the use of the Lecture-room. 

The secretary had no sooner uttered the last sentence, than brotherSmith arose and protested against any such desecration of the Lord'stemple. 

"Social entertainment! What did that mean, but a parcel of boys andgirls without a speck of grace in their hearts, wantin' a goodcourtin'-place where their father's and mother's wouldn't see them. Forhis part, no child of his should join them. 

"There's carryin's on enough under our very noses, in the hearin' of theword without givin' any more license, " he continued, waxing warmer. 

"That's so, " said brother Snowden, and one or two others grunted anassent. 

Then the young man named Hayes arose and calmly said: "It is well knownthat the young seek enjoyment. Their minds are fresh and active; theywill turn in one direction or another. We cannot control them; we canonly seek to guide them. Many of our young are going to ruin, becausethere are no well directed efforts put forth to meet the wants of theirimpulsive natures. The world offers to gratify them. It stretches outits arms and says: 'Come to me. I have pleasures for all at my command. 'And already many have turned and accepted the proffered good. WeChristians groan over these and talk of their final doom; yet what do weoffer those, whose eager, hungry natures cry out to us for bread?

"We say, 'Go to church on the Sabbath, and to prayer-meeting; that iswell; but they want more than this and so do we. That will do for thespiritual part of our nature. But there is a social and intellectualpart which must be cared for. And let me tell you, brethren, until thechurch makes provision for every want of the young, it can never gain aproper hold upon them. 

"It is not for me to stand here as the teacher of those older and wiserthan I. But it seems to me if we had the Apostle Paul here, he woulddefine our duty in broader and more decided terms. And still a greaterthan Paul says: 'What man is there of you, whom if his son ask breadwill he give him a stone?' That question applies to every want of thebeing. How are you going to answer it to-night? I charge you not toclose your doors upon those who knock, lest, if the gate of heavencloses upon them, you be found not guiltless. "

These pointed words evidently made a good impression, and the oppositionhad not courage to oppose farther. Several of the brethren, men whosehearts were under divine control, and whose lives were devoted to theadvancement of the Master's cause, in a few words endorsed the remarks, and when the question was called for, there was but one side, theopposition not voting. 

When the young people were called together, there was quite a largegathering. Rev. John Jay was unanimously elected President, and Mr. Hayes, Secretary. But now the great difficulty was, to obtain members. All at once, these young men and women, the latter especially, becameconscious of their ignorance, and dreaded its exposure, for the publicLibrary of Ripley, was not very extensive or attractive. Its old volumesof Theology, its Annals and Histories, had been too heavy matter foryouthful digestion, and as a majority of the young women did notconsider it necessary to know anything of the affairs of the nation, orto possess any knowledge of the world outside of their own town, theyhad been content to glean from the newspapers, to note the deaths andmarriages, watch for some new recipe in cookery, or the love-stories asthey appeared each week. 

After a great deal of difficulty, twenty signatures were obtained, withthe understanding that the young ladies in preparing their essays, werenot expected to read them or make public their names. Every thing atfirst, until the members acquired more confidence, was to be voluntary. After the business of the evening had been transacted, a call was madefor contributions. 

This was at once responded to by the principal clerk in the principalgrocery store, he giving them in loud and thundering tones: "The StarSpangled Banner. " So grandly did he render it, especially the "bombsbursting in air, " that one young lady covered her face to shut out theview of the descending bombs, and the President was compelled to moveaside, to prevent, if not the deadly missiles, the bodily weight of thespeaker from descending upon him. 

Loud applause greeted him at its conclusion, and but for the hint givenby the President that it was time to close, they would have been favoredwith another brilliant display. The general opinion expressed by thosehaving any knowledge of theatricals was, that it was "almost as good asa play, " and the orator of the evening was overwhelmed with compliments. After this, there was little difficulty in obtaining members; indeed theyoung clerk the very next day succeeded in getting fifteen, so that bythe following meeting night, there was a large and expectant assemblage. The young grocer held forth of course, and several others were sostirred with patriotism that Fourth of July orations and patrioticspeeches followed each other in close succession. With a great deal ofpersuasion, a few ladies were prevailed upon to sing, and thinking themusic should correspond with the addresses, they were about to give HailColumbia, when the President suggested that something else by way ofvariety would be acceptable to the audience. 

"The Old Arm Chair" was substituted and gave general satisfaction. Evenold brother Sneddinly, who with a few others was at a side doorlistening, declared that anything that brought the Bible into it, musthave been written by a Christian; and if it wasn't in the Hymn Book, itwent pretty near as slow and solemn as some of the hymns. The latterassertion could not be contradicted by his companions, and they evenwent so far as to congratulate the pastor on his success in getting up"so big an affair. " "Suppose you add still further to its success byyour presence and assistance, " he suggested with a smile; "we need somewise and clear heads among us. "

But that thought could not be entertained for a moment by the brethren. "How would it look for them to be mixing in with a parcel of youngfolks, most of whom made no show whatever of religion? O no, that wouldbe too great a compromise! There ought to be a strict line drawnbetween the world and Christians. "

"Isn't there danger of drawing it so tight that we will cut them offfrom us entirely?" asked the pastor. 

"No fear of that, " was the reply, "if it is held tight at one end, theother end will be loose enough to slip them through. "

"Thank God, " said the Rev. John Jay, mentally; "there shall be notightening or straining at this end!"

The Association soon became the all-absorbing topic of the place. Theyoung people discussed it, and the old people discussed it. It wasdestined to become a grand success, the Rev. John Jay thought, as he sawdenominational prejudices give way and the young people of the differentchurches unite to help one another and be helped. Yet there was onedrawback; some of those for whom he was most anxious, whose feet hadbegun to travel the downward road; the children of those who professedto be God's children, were never seen there. His soul was troubled. Heknew at whose door the fault lay, yet what could he do? He was young andinexperienced. These men and women, parents of the prodigal ones wereolder than he. Should he show them the fearful mistake they were makingin condemning everything that was not purely a religious worship? Shouldhe tell them by reason of their sternness and their narrow prejudices, which seemed more to them than the souls of their children, they weredriving their children away from them and from God? Would they bear thisfrom him, even though as Christ's ambassador he were to speak? He wasexceedingly doubtful; perhaps they might dismiss him. Wouldn't it bebetter for him to remain and watch over these wayward ones, showingthem that he knew the weakness of human nature and the unquenchableardor of youth? He concluded to try it. He would make that his one greatwork; he would win them to Christ. With a heart somewhat lightened, hegave himself out more fully in loving words to the young, and enteredmore earnestly into every plan suggested to make the association anattraction. But just as he was seeing the good results here, in anotherdirection the storm was gathering. He saw it in the black looks andaverted eyes of many of the officials and even of their wives, but asyet its mutterings had not reached his ear. 

Some to whom he had endeared himself heard, and were fiercely indignantthat such a sweet, Christ-like spirit, as their pastor's, should sufferpain through such allusions. 

Just the very thing he had labored to accomplish, was that which was totestify against him. Many young hearts had been drawn nearer to Christthrough him, and their voices were heard in the songs of praise whichwent up from that little prayer-circle on Wednesday night. But thesepious men and women, although rarely ever present themselves, sawnothing in which to rejoice. On the contrary, they mourned over theweakness of one, who by virtue of his sacred office, should be farremoved from such things. Wasn't it too evident that the young womenwent to church to see the young pastor, and the young men to see theyoung women? It was time such things were stopped; they were a shame anddisgrace to a church. 

In the meantime the society was flourishing, a new element had beenbrought into it, and so far as its literary character was concerned, themost sanguine expectations of the Rev. John Jay had been met. 

Several public meetings had been held, filling the house to overflowing, and eliciting the highest and most deserving praise. But that was ofcourse from outsiders, and those simple-minded souls in the church, whonever see evil without looking for good; who indeed are always findingthe latter in everything and in every one but themselves. These were notcompetent judges. "Had the church been left to them, where would havebeen its sacredness and sanctity? Why, they never even changed theirvoices in the Lord's house, and they even wore a smile while there, asif they had forgotten the Lord was in his holy temple. "

Thank God, there are those who carry His image about wherever they go!Such need not by their own effort show a conscienceness of His presence. He is the continual light of their countenance, and the gladness andmusic he makes in their hearts, is heard in their voice. They worshipand praise with every breath, because their souls must find an outlet tothe great love which holds them. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER IX. 

A DAY OF PLEASURE. 

IT was an unusually warm day in June, and Ruth had dismissed herscholars early on that account. She stood by the window plucking thedried leaves off the climbing rose, and thinking how delightful theapproaching vacation would be, when a little hand touched her. Lookingdown she found Philip by her side. 

"And what will mamma say at having no little boy at home?" she asked, drawing him nearer, and smoothing back his wavy hair. 

"O, mamma knows. She only said I must not trouble you. I guess Iwouldn't do that, though, because I love you too much. "

Here the little hand tried to give Ruth's a great squeeze, while such aneffort brought color to the pale cheeks. Not only that, but it broughtsomething he wanted very much, a kiss. 

"You always kiss me for telling you that, Miss Ruth, and so does mamma. What do you do it for? Do you like little boys to love you?"

"You have not told me how much you love me, " was the laughing reply. "Icannot answer questions till I know all about them. "

"O, I love you more than all the world, except my mamma;--isn't that_ever_ so much?"

"Yes, that is a great deal. Then you don't love any one but your mammaand me?"

"I love God, " and the earnest eyes were fixed on the blue clouds. "Wouldyou like to be up there, Miss Ruth? Mamma reads about it for me. Ishould like to go up there and see it. I should like to see God, too, but I would come back again, you know. Mamma always cries and hugs mewhen I say that; just as if I would stay away from mamma and you. Iguess I wouldn't. But I would see all the beautiful things the Biblesays are there, and then I would draw pretty pictures. Mamma says thereis a house up there for us all, and some day we will go and stay there. Do you want to go, Miss Ruth?"

"Yes, some day, " she replied; but there was no kindling of the eye, nojoy of soul at the thought, for Ruth knew that her earthly love wasstronger and more absorbing than the heavenly. "There, now, we will goand see about Miss Agnes's dinner, " she added, glad to divert histhoughts. 

"Miss Agnes has not come, Martha?" she inquired. 

"No, ma'am. I have been watching for her. She will be awful hot, Ithink. "

"You are Miss Agnes's little girl, and I am Miss Ruth's little boy, aren't we?" asked the child. 

"I am Miss Ruth's, too, " said Martha, decidedly. 

"Yes, but you love Miss Agnes best. "

"I love both just the same--only different; but Miss Agnes was myteacher. "

Ruth gave such a quick look, that the child drew back frightened, thinking she was angry; but she smiled at her, and Martha's fear lefther. How much a smile will do, and what a very little word or act willbring that smile. So when Agnes came home "awful hot, " as Martha said, she was met by smiling faces, and waited on by loving hands, and finallyit ended in a "real party, " for they all had strawberries and cream, tokeep Miss Agnes company. 

"Isn't he a darling, " whispered Agnes, glancing toward Philip, who wasintent on his strawberries. 

"Yes, he is a remarkable child; his mother must be very fond of him. Ihave been planning something to-day, Agnes, for all hands, " lookinground at the children, as she spoke. 

"What?" asked her sister, brightening. 

"I can't tell you until we are alone. But it will bring the roses tosomebody's cheeks, and be very nice for all the somebodies. "

"Don't let us do any thing this afternoon, but talk or read, " proposedAgnes; and hearing this, Philip hurried to the school-room for his ownlittle chair, so that he might lay his head on Ruth's lap and listen. But _Christus Consolator_ was too profound, and lulled by the sound ofAgnes's sweet voice, and Ruth's caressing touch, he slept. 

"When the sun goes down it is time for little birds to be in theirnests, " said Ruth, and Philip now wide awake and knowing what was tofollow, ran to tell Martha to get her hat. The first time he had staid, Ruth sent word to his mother that she would take him home, and eversince it had been understood. 

"One on one side, and one on the other, " he said, as he placed himselfbetween Ruth and Agnes, offering a hand to each. But Ruth asked what wasto become of poor Martha, and soon the two children were talking asgravely, and looking as demurely side by side, as if they had beengrandfather and grandmother. 

On their way home, while Martha walked before, Ruth developed her idea, which was that they should have a pic-nic, perhaps several of themduring vacation, "as it would be so expensive to go away for a length oftime you know. Just a family affair, " she continued, "and we will takethe children along to enliven us. "

Agnes fell in with the plan very readily, and pictures of ferns, mossesand lichens at once rose before her delighted vision. 

There were trying days still to be passed in the school-room, days onwhich Ruth felt it would be a relief to scream out or do somethingdesperate. But when she looked at the little ones under her care, tryingto be good and obedient while under control, she chided herself for herimpatience, at the same time relaxing her discipline. But the days wentby and the holidays came, and Miss Ruth's joy at her freedom was not onebit less than her pupils'; though she didn't run screaming to tell everyone that "school was broken up. " "We might as well go soon, Ruth. I feelas if I could scarcely breathe here, " said Agnes, a few days afterschool had closed. 

"A day won't help you much if you are in that state. What shall you doall the other warm days?"

"Imagine I am in the woods, " was the laughing reply. 

"Then you had better bring your imagination to bear upon it now. Guywill have to dine down town that day. I fancy he will not like it verywell, for he is so fastidious. Guy was certainly meant to be rich. "

"Why not ask him to go with us?" suggested Agnes. 

"If you want to be laughed at you will. Imagine our Guy going with twowomen, two children, and a lot of baskets, to spend a day in the woods!"

"I should think he might enjoy the change quite as much as we. But menare queer, they look upon women's pleasures as childish, I reallybelieve. "

The day before the pic-nic every one was busy; even Philip insistedupon helping. When Guy came to dinner there was such an air of commotionthat he at once inquired the cause. 

"What's up, girls? house-cleaning? If that's the case, I'm off; nosoap-suds and white-wash for me. "

"Hear him; house-cleaning in July!" exclaimed Agnes. 

"I do believe, Guy, you men would never do a bit of cleaning all yourlives, if you were house keepers. "

"You may bet on that, " was the reply. "That is just where we would showour good sense. "

"Your filthy habits, you mean. "

"Well, either, whichever suits you. But you haven't said what was in thewind. "

"None came this way to-day, we could not tell. "

"We are going to close the house to-morrow, Guy, so you need not comehome to dinner. We intend going to the woods to find fresh air. "

But Guy didn't like the idea; it sounded common, he thought. Every dayhe met a lot of women and their babies, with a parcel of brats followingthem, going over the river or somewhere. "Why can't you take a week eachof you, and go to the country like other people?"

That, "like other people, " was too much for Ruth, and she said, sharply:"We can't be what we are not. Beggars must not be choosers. "

Guy replied in as sharp a tone that "some people liked to make a paradeof their poverty, " and finished his dinner in silence. This unfortunateaffair threw a damper over the girls, but the children did not comewithin the shadow of the cloud. Ruth had a sudden angry impulse not togo at all, scarcely knowing why, as it would not spite her brother. Butshe could not yield to such a thought when the happiness of Agnes andthe children was to be considered. 

Agnes spoke very little after the occurrence, knowing what state of mindRuth was in, but she sang in a low voice some of her sister's favoritehymns, and in a little while the cloud rolled away, the sun came out, and the storm was all over. By tea-time Guy and Ruth were as if nothingunpleasant had happened, but there was no allusion made to the pic-nic. 

"I wonder how people feel who are going on an extended tour, " saidAgnes, as they filled their lunch baskets. 

"That depends very much upon the people themselves, " replied Ruth. "Thislittle trip is giving us more real pleasure than some people would knowin travelling all over the globe. "

"Yes, I suppose so; it is the appreciation that is needed, and withoutthat there can be no enjoyments. "

Fortunately, for Guy, he did not see the party set out the next morning, or the shock might so completely have overcome him as to unfit him forany business whatever. But they waited until he had gone, and then theystarted with their baskets, trowel, and garden-fork. 

"People will take us for herb-gatherers, and think these are ourchildren, " said Agnes, gaily. 

"Shocking!" exclaimed Ruth, with mock earnestness. 

They took the boat for several miles down the river, to the greatdelight of the children, especially Philip, whose keen eyes took in thesmallest white speck of a sail, and then when they had climbed a verylittle hill, and gone down a big one, they were in the woods. 

"What a delightful perfume! Isn't it charming!" exclaimed Agnes, delightedly, as she sat down by a tree to "enjoy herself. " But thechildren who had been scampering about, declared there was a much nicerplace not far off, and so Miss Agnes, who could imagine no scene morecharming, very reluctantly consented to tear herself away. 

The spot chosen by the children was indeed lovely. Perfectly levelground covered with the richest moss, out of which rose broad flatrocks, and along side of which, not many yards distant, ran a clearlittle stream on whose banks the feathery fern grew, and into which itdipped its graceful frond. On the other side of the stream the wood wasmore dense, but through it a broad path led to a bend in the river. 

"We need go no farther, " exclaimed both Ruth and Agnes. "Nothing couldexceed this for loveliness and shade. 

"By the river of Babylon there we sat down, " and Agnes once more settledherself. 

"There we hung our harps upon the willows, " added Ruth, throwing hershawl on a branch overhead. "Now, Agnes, let us take it easy and makethe most of the day, for such days will be like angel's visits. "

"Well, suppose we rest first. Methinks I could forget myself in sleep. "

Presently Ruth was accosted with, "I think I know now what I should doif I were rich. "

"What?" she asked. 

"Take sick people into the country. That is, if I could afford to keep acarriage. I have been thinking about it since yesterday. "

Ruth knew what had brought it to her mind. Guy's picture of the womenand their babies; sick, of course. 

"Yes, " she said. "Many of those who die every year might become strongand well again, if they could be taken from the close, stifling air oftheir wretched homes into that which is pure and fresh. "

"Nothing could give greater pleasure than to have these poor, emaciatedbabies and wan-faced women look up at you with a smile, as if saying, 'Ohow this cheers us. ' I wonder if it will ever be?"

"'Tis hard to tell, " was the reply. "But suppose you had a carriage, your husband might object to your using it in this way. "

"Then I should not use it at all. " Here Agnes looked as if at that timerejecting its use. 

Ruth laughed. "Wait, my dear, until you get it, " she said. "Or beforeyou give yourself away, it would be well to ask the gentleman, if, incase you owned such a thing, you could use it for such purposes. "

"Not I indeed. No man ever finds me asking him such a question; what was_his_ would be mine. But I shall know, when I see the man, what mannerof spirit he is of. "

This occasioned another laugh, in which Agnes joined, and the two, banishing the thoughts of sick babies and pale-faced women, had a gaytime. In the meantime, the children had scrambled over rocks to gatherlichen, and dug holes deep enough to bury a kitten in, in their effortsto get moss; they had sailed little nut-shell boats down the stream, andin the many ways that children have enjoyed themselves. Everybody washungry of course, so by the time Agnes was ready for her ferns, therewere empty baskets in which to place them. But they read and talkedbefore that, and walked through the woods on the other side out to theriver, finding several beautiful plants on their way. Then at the lastthe ferns were gathered, and Agnes did wish they could have had morebaskets. But Ruth informed her she might have gone home by herself ifshe had. 

"Now that is my idea of enjoying oneself, " said Agnes, as tired but veryhappy, she laid her head on her pillow. 

"Yes, that is rational, sensible enjoyment, " replied Ruth. "I wishsensible people would have the moral courage to act sensibly in thismatter of rest and recreation. But it would shock a great many quite asmuch as it did Guy. Now I think it is well and often necessary forpersons to have a more decided change, when their health requires it, and their means will allow. But this thing of going to fashionableresorts, for the sake of appearance, spending hundreds of dollars inmere dissipation; coming home envious and dissatisfied at the greatershow made by others, instead of seeking change for the good of it, atthe same time having their hearts drawn out after those less fortunate, is to me one of the greatest evils of the day. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER X. 

MISS SMITHERS COMES, AND A SURPRISE. 

"WE had better engage Ann Smithers, " said Ruth, after several olddresses had been cut down and made over for Martha. "She knows so wellhow to manage, and has patterns of the styles. With our help she canaccomplish a great deal in a few days. "

"Do you think we can get new dresses this Fall? We have worn thesefaithfully, you know?" inquired Agnes, as she examined and re-examinedher suites. 

"Not for some time, I fear; it takes a great deal to keep up a housethese times. But it does not seem fair that you should give your moneyto me, Agnes. In future you had better keep what remains after payingfor your board. It is not right to have you work hard and get so fewclothes. "

"Do you get any more, and haven't I as good a right to do without thingsas you?"

"No, it is different. I keep the house, and perhaps things are notmanaged well. I don't know. I get bewildered at times to know which isthe best way. But now that we have Martha and she understands her workso well, I intend to give music lessons this Fall. That will be a greathelp. "

"And yet, when you think _you_ ought to do this, you want _me_ to keepmoney from the house, so that I may have new dresses when I choose. O, Ruth, could you think me so selfish!"

"It would not be selfish, it would be right, " urged her sister. But shecould not bear to tell Agnes that if it were not for Guy they mightboth dress differently. He had come to her repeatedly for money to helphim out of difficulty, and now he said there was no manner of use inattempting to do business up three flights of stairs; he must have aground floor, and of course that would involve greater expense. 

"If you could only manage to start me in this, Ruth, " he had said, "there is no reason why I should not succeed. These one-horse affairsare always failures. I will pay you back again when money comes in youmay be sure, as there is no doubt it will. "

Then Ruth, who could not resist such pleading, told him to make thechange and she would help him out with his rent, resolving then andthere to do extra work in order to meet the demands upon her. Shereasoned in this way, that if she chose to make sacrifices for Guy, Agnes need not share them, and if she told her she surely would insistupon it. And that was the reason she thought it best for Agnes to keeppart of her own money. 

"How little she suspects, " she thought as Agnes sat down to rip herdresses, looking quite satisfied at having to do with her old clothes. "What a sweet spirit our Agnes has. "

Agnes worked and thought. She did not have the least idea how the moneywent, but she knew a little more would not be amiss, so she said: "Ifthere was any other way in which I could help you, Ruth. "

"Never mind that, " was the reply, "you can direct Martha, and see tothings when I am out, that will be a great help; for although Marthadoes remarkably well for a child of her age, there are many things to beattended to, requiring a more mature judgment. "

"Quarter day" came, and when Agnes handed Ruth her money, it wasreturned except the sum kept out for her board. "You know it was decidedthat in future you should have your own money, Agnes. "

"But, Ruth, I don't understand. Why should I when yours all goes for thehouse?"

"If it were not best, I should not urge it, " was the reply, and Ruthseemed so positive that Agnes yielded. Weeks rolled on and to everyinquiry made by Agnes as to the time when Ruth meant to buy herself adress for winter, there was some trifling excuse made. Finally she toldAgnes there was no necessity for her waiting, it would be better if shebought hers now before school commenced, and she could get her ownwhenever she was ready. 

"What kind would you get if you were in my place?" asked Agnes, a newlight breaking in upon her. 

"A poplin by all means, they will be worn altogether. "

"That is the very thing, " thought Agnes. "I am sure now that she doesnot mean to get any dress this winter, and she is so fond of goodclothes. Our Ruth is the most self-sacrificing woman, I ever knew. Nowit would be different if it were I, for I do not care for dress in thesame way as she; but I am so glad I thought of it, she shall have oneafter all. "

Full of this thought she set out to make her purchases. After lookingover several pieces, she came to one that was just what she wanted forRuth, a rich brown of beautiful quality. But the price perplexed her, she could not get two and pay so much for them. 

"Have you any others of this shade?" she asked. 

"They are much coarser, " was the reply, as the salesman handed downseveral pieces of inferior quality. After a great deal of thinking andcalculating, Agnes ordered a dress of the fine material and one of thecoarser. "Will you oblige me by laying the fine dress pattern aside fora few days until I send for it?" she asked. "I will pay for both nowhowever. " Then giving Miss Smithers' address for the other, she left thestore and was soon at Miss Smithers' door. 

Everything was explained. How that Ruth never would think of herself, and it was time some one should think for her, and then Agnes arrangedthe time for having them made. 

"When mine is cut so that it cannot possibly do for Ruth, I shall havehers sent. I can hardly wait for the day, " she said, with the delight ofa child. "Please cut my skirt before then, Miss Smithers, for Ruth willthink it coarse and insist upon my sending it back, unless it is cut. But it will make up quite prettily, and in winter no one notices thequality of your dress. " Guy would have been amused at her businesscapacity then, had he heard her. 

Such a time as she had when she went home. Ruth could not understand whythe dress was sent to Miss Smithers', instead of there. "Just as like asnot you have been cheated, " she remarked, "and then when the skirt iscut there is no help for it. To be sure it will be an assistance to havesome of the cutting done. "

Then came Miss Smithers and the dress. With assumed calmness Agnesshowed it to her sister, but not without many secret misgivings. 

"There, isn't it pretty, Ruth?"

"Yes, very, but it is extremely coarse, Agnes. Why didn't you get a_good_ dress? You have enough second-best ones for this winter. "

"This will answer nicely now, I like it. Besides, I did not want tospend all my money on a dress. "

"Well, if you like it, and as long as it is cut, there is no use inmaking you dislike it. It is all well enough if it were not such a poorquality. "

Late in the afternoon, when there was little more to be done by thesisters, the rest being Miss Smithers' special work, Agnes asked Ruth ifshe could spare Martha to go on an errand for her. Handing her a noteand telling her to take it to the address and wait for an answer, Agnessat down to await the _denouement_. 

"O dear, I wish it was over, " she thought. "I am almost afraid to showit to her. I feel as badly as if I had done something wrong. Is it everright to deceive? Of course this does not harm any one, and I did notsee any other way in which I could manage it; but after all it wastaking advantage of Ruth, and it may give her pain instead of thepleasure I intended. " These and many other questions passed through hermind as she sat waiting for Martha. Presently she appeared with theparcel. 

"Open it, Ruth, it is yours, " said Agnes, determined now to face it atonce. "I bought it and mine at the same time, but I kept it purposelyuntil to-day. "

Ruth was so touched by this thoughtfulness on her sister's part, thatshe was a long time in untying the cord. She did not want to look upjust then, for her eyes were full of tears. 

"Let me, " said Agnes, and she drew it away from Ruth. "It is almost thesame shade as mine, " she said, holding it up to Miss Smithers. 

"Well, now, so it is, " replied that lady, laying down her work andtaking the new dress pattern. "They are as nearly alike as two peas. Ifpeople did not know you so well, they would take you for twins. "

"O, Agnes, it is ever so much finer, " exclaimed Ruth. "What did you dothat for?" She spoke as if it pained her, and Agnes laughingly replied:"Because, big sisters should always have the best things. Now don't lookso doleful, Ruth, one would think you were going to be beheaded. Ideclare, Miss Smithers and I would be bowing and smiling like Frenchmenor Frenchwomen, rather if we were having a dress presented to us. "

Ruth laughed and bowed, and then Miss Smithers made one of hercharacteristic speeches and so, "it was over, " at last as far as Agneswas concerned. 

Not so with Ruth. She could scarcely command herself for the rest of theday, she was so deeply moved by this thoughtful act of her sister. "Andto think of her wearing a common dress just for the sake of getting mea handsome one, " she said. 

"Dear Agnes, if she only knew what thoughts I have had about having todo without things sometimes, she could never love me enough to make thissacrifice. I suppose it was providential; God had a hand in it. But thatis the strange part, that He should reward me after all my complaining. "

These were soul-expanding thoughts, and had Ruth but taken them to God, praying that they might be made the means of drawing her into a closerunion with Him, what a wonderful change would have passed over her. Asit was, they gave such a softness to her tone, and such gentleness toher manner, that Martha, quite encouraged, ventured to express heradmiration of the dress, of the giver, and of the receiver, in such amixed up way, that Ruth was forced to laugh outright. 

"I got a beautiful idea the other day, Agnes, " said Ruth, as she satstitching her dress. "One who had been speaking of her Christian life, said, 'in looking back she saw some triumphs achieved, some enemiesslain. ' While a friend replied that, 'in place of every foe that hadfallen some grace sprang up. ' I had not looked at it so before; it is abeautiful thought. "

"And comforting as well as beautiful, " said Miss Smithers, withmoistened eyes. "But Agnes, here, don't know so much about this thing offighting as we, Ruth. "

"If I don't, then I am not living a Christian life, " replied Agnes, earnestly. "For the Bible says we must war a good warfare, and if I amnot doing it then I must be in sympathy with Satan. Miss Smithers, Christians make great mistakes about each other, often. Because we donot see each other's struggles, we think there can be none. Now when Ihave the most to contend with, I do not talk most about it, for no onecan help me but God. "

"Yes, to be sure that is true. But it is a most wonderful relief to meto speak. When I have anything on my mind it has to come out. But youare so gentle and placid like. I really thought you were not like otherpeople. "

"Well, now you will know, in future, that I am like other people in mystruggles, faults, and--"

"Bless me, not faults. I never saw a fault in you, all the time I haveknown you. "

"There is a great deal in living with one to know them. Ruth can tellyou that. "

"Everything, " said Ruth, emphatically as she left the room. 

In matters of dress, the girls seldom approached their brother. Perhapsbecause they so seldom had anything new. Then he liked showy dress, andtheirs was always moderate. But at night, after Miss Smithers had gone, Ruth could not help exhibiting her poplin, and telling what Agnes haddone. 

"Now that is what I call pretty, " he said, when Ruth threw it over hershoulder. But when she told him it was a gift from Agnes, a deep crimsonoverspread his face. In a few minutes it was gone, and looking at Agnessteadily, he said in a peculiar tone, "How much you women are capable ofdoing. "

Neither of them understood him, but there was something in his face andvoice that deterred them from questioning him, and Agnes replied with asmile, "I am glad you like it, Guy. I treated myself to one at the sametime, and it is made up ready to wear. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XI. 

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXCURSION. 

RUTH and Agnes had joined the Young People's Association, and now therewas to be a grand excursion. Such an excursion as had never been seen inRipley. Guy had become acquainted with the Rev. John Jay, through hissisters, and as that gentleman had united his entreaties with theirsthat Guy should accompany them, he was at last prevailed upon. Ithappened to be the very hottest day of the season, although the latterpart of August, and although Guy had several times declared to himselfthat he would "back out" of the affair, the extreme heat decided him. "He would go with a pack of monkeys to the moon, or anywhere, for abreath of pure air. " Of all the gay parties that ever set out fromRipley this was the gayest. Scarcely a breath of air stirred. Peoplewere astir because their business compelled them to make some exertion, but they moved about listlessly, as if the mere act of living were alabor rather than a pleasure. 

The excursion was to start from the church, where already there wasquite an array of omnibusses drawn up as much in the shade as possible. So when six young people came up breathless, their faces flushed andeyes sparkling, hoping they were not too late to get a seat, they did_so_ want to get among the green fields, out of that stifling place, thehorses pricked up their ears, and the sleepy drivers brightened up, having come in contact with the freshness and charm of those glad gaynatures. 

"We can't make very good time to-day, no how, " said the driver of thecoach they were about entering. "It's going to be as hot as blazes. "

"All right, driver; we're in no particular hurry. Any time this weekwill do, " said one of the young men as he clambered in. 

"Isn't it delightful, none but ourselves, " was the exclamation. But justthen Guy, Agnes and Ruth appeared, and took their seats. By this timethe other coaches had been filled, the word was given, and the partystarted off amidst cheers and waving of handkerchiefs. It was for thetime as if a fresh breeze had suddenly sprung up, giving new life to thetown through which they passed. 

"Can't you turn into a by-road soon, " said one; and "O, please do, it isexcruciating going over these cobble-stones, " said others. But the heathad not quite dried up the driver's fun, or else the street was in verybad condition, for just as this was said, they were bounced up like somany rubber balls, and the driver, with a twinkle in his eye, remarkedthat there could not be more than a mile or so of that kind of road. 

"Are there any undertakers along this road?" asked Guy, seriously. 

"Undertakers! what do you mean, Guy?" said Agnes, quite shocked at hislevity. The whole party set up a laugh in which the driver heartilyjoined, knowing what had called forth the remark. 

"I merely thought we would require the services of one, if not more, atthe rate we are going, especially as there is a mile more of such road. "

In the midst of another laugh which followed this speech, the coachturned off into a shady lane where the trees on either side almost met, forming a delightful shelter from the sun, which was now pouring downits rays most lavishly. 

Through sun and shade the horses kept up their trot, the driver beingcalled to repeatedly to be kind to them, until the joyful announcement, "The woods, the grand old woods!" was made. Just at the entrance to thewoods stood a hotel. And the arrival of the coaches made quite a stir atthe "Cross Keys, " as it was called. The proprietor was aroused from hisslumbers under the old chestnut tree at the end of the house, where hehad been vainly endeavoring to fix in his mind some of the previousweek's news; judging from the paper which lay on the grass, and thespectacles which, just resting on the tip of his nose, seemed ready tofollow the news, --by the barking of the dogs and the scampering ofservants. 

"Bless me, " he gasped, "if there ain't a load. Pretty plucky whoeverthey are to travel this sort of weather. " And gathering up himself andhis glasses, he made as great speed towards the front of the house ashis roly-poly figure and the heat would admit. 

By the time he reached it, black Pete, whose business was to attend tothe stables and do a little of anything needed about the house, stoodcap in hand, grinning and bowing to the party who were alighting. 

"Nice kind of a day this, friend, " said one of the young men, as Petetook his station near the horses heads. "No heat to speak of up thisway, I suppose. "

"Just a little, sah!" and Pete's grin was broader than ever, while herolled his eyes in the direction of the girls. "It feels a good sightbreezin' since you come sah, de young ladies, I mean. " Here there wasanother bow, and the whole thing, the bow and the compliment was sooverwhelming, that the girls ran laughing up the steps, almostupsetting the worthy landlord. 

Presently they were followed by the young men who had staid behind tohave another word with Pete, and then those who had not brought dinner, among whom of course were Guy and his sisters, made arrangements withthe landlord for that meal, urging him to bring out everything hislarder contained, in view of the fact that a party of ravenous wolveswere to be fed. 

"This weather don't appear to set very hard on you at that rate, " hereplied, his fat sides shaking with merriment as he went off to obeyorders. 

Then Guy and a few others began to search for a cool place, in which toeat dinner. First they tried the house, but it was so dark they couldnot see, and when the shutters were opened the flies swarmed in; nextthey tried the porch, but the glare was too great. Some were beginningto be cross and unamiable, when Pete's head again appeared. 

"If de ladies and gen'lemen wants a nice cool place, there's one overyonder in de arbor. "

"O, yes, come and take tea in the arbor, " sang the girls, as theybounded down the steps and followed Pete, whose delight appeared toequal theirs, for although the sun could not penetrate the closelyinterwoven vines, which covered it, neither could the air, had therebeen a breath stirring. But it was "romantic" all thought, and Peteagreed with them; though I question whether if he had gone to the stakefor it, he could have told what the word meant. There was one thing he_did_ know, however, and that was, that if they remained out of doors, he could enjoy their society, and it was not every day such a rare treatwas his. So while the party sought the woods until the time for dinner, Pete went to bring out "de table and cheers, " thinking of the good timehe was to have, "listenin' to de grand talk of dem town folks. "

At the appointed hour the "wolves" sought their prey. 

"I guess dat here will do to begin with, " remarked Pete, drolly, as hedeposited on the table two large dishes of chicken, and a plate oftongue. 

"Yes, that will do for the first bite, " was the reply, of one of theyoung men. Pete showed his ivories and darted off again. But on thereturn trip he had an assistant, and between the two the board was amplyspread. 

"I'll just be rusticatin' round here, Susan, so you needn't stay, " hesaid, as Susan announced her readiness to "fetch them anything else thatwas needed. "

The girl looked at Pete, then at the party. Her look of inquiry was metwith: "O, no, there is no need of you waiting, if we require anything hecan get it. "

Pete made a bow, and Susan, glad to be relieved, thanked them andretired. Pete would have acted in full the part of waiter; already hehad installed himself behind the prettiest young girl's chair, but hewas requested to seat himself outside and keep his ears open in case ofbeing needed. 

Seating himself on the top step of the summer-house, and leaning hisback against the lattice-work, he obeyed orders by listening intently toall the conversation. He evidently favored the ladies, from the nods ofapproval and looks of delight which he gave at their remarks. 

It certainly could not have been from the conversation that he wasreminded of angels; perhaps the bright, fair faces of the girls andtheir light attire suggested it, but he began, during a little lull inthe talking, to hum:--

 "O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly away, to fly away, --"

before he had gone farther, there was an exclamation of delight; "Don'tstop, sing it all, it is splendid!"

Pete chuckled and after wriggling round to where he could see withoutbeing seen, and clearing his throat several times, took up the strainagain; this time in a louder key, and with the swaying of the wholebody, where before it had only been the movement of the head. 

 "O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly away, to fly away, O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly to my heabenly home. Thar thar ain't any sorrow nor sighin', Thar thar ain't any sickness nor dyin', But de Lord will himself wipe de tears from our eyes, When we fly to our heabenly home. 

 O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly away, to fly away; O, gib me de wings of de angels To fly to my heabenly home; Thar we'll all be dressed up in white raiment, And keep walkin' along de gold pavement, And we'll each hab a crown and a harp in our hand, When we fly to our heabenly home. 

 O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly away, to fly away; O, gib me de wings of de angels, To fly to my heabenly home. Thar we'll sing hallelujah foreber, And keep wavin' our palms all together, And the Saviour will say, 'Come sit down by my side, ' When we fly to our heabenly home. "

By the time Pete had finished he was in a state of rapture, swaying fromside to side as though in fancy he were mounting upwards on angel'swings. But he was brought out of his ecstasy by the shouts of

"Bravo! well done for you, Pete. "

"Where did you learn it?" eagerly inquired Agnes. 

"At de camp, Miss, " was the reply. 

"Why, were you in the army, or were you a slave?" another asked. 

Pete rolled his eyes until nothing but the whites could be seen, as hesaid, "At de Camp-Meetin', you know. No, ladies, I never was a slaveonly to old Satan. Dat was enough of slavery for dis here darkey. "

"Say, now, tell us how he treated you, that's a good fellow, " said Guy, handing him some loose change out of his pocket. "This is for singing, now go on. "

Poor Pete's face grew very grave. "It ain't very pleasin' to tell of, and ef it's jest de same, I won't scare de ladies with talkin' aboutit. "

"But we wish it, " they said, and as there was no help for him, Petebegan. 

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XII. 

PETE'S SLAVERY AND FREEDOM. 

"WELL, it's rather flusticatin' to tell grand folks like you about adarkey what's of no account, but I thinks of it considerable when thereain't much else to do. You see I had a father and a mother, and myfather wasn't of much account for he drinked like a fish. Then hewalloped us all round, and come pretty near killin' the whole of us likehe did mother. "

"Killed your mother, the wretch! what did you let him do it for?" askedone of the girls excitedly. 

"Couldn't help it Miss; but I'm comin' to that. Well, you see he gotdrunk and walloped us, and mother said she weren't going to slaveherself for a animal like him, so when he came home drunk she wouldn'tgive him nothing to eat, and that made him furiouser. 

"Mother said he might bang till he got tired, so she used to lockherself in her room and take us with her, and then when he got tiredcussin' and swearin' he lay down and went to sleep. Mother worked hardenough, I tell you, to get bread for us all: you see there was six ofus, and it took a powerful sight of wittles. She never said nothin'about workin', though, only when father broke up the cheers and things, and then she used to cry, and we all cried. " Here Pete drew his handacross his eyes, and the girls looked pityingly at him. In spite of thepain caused by such recollections, they were so curious to know all, that Pete was again urged to go on. 

"Well, I helped de best way I could, for I was a little shaver then, andJim, he was next to me, he did little jobs for de white folks around. But father he got worse, and wouldn't work no how, and he was alwaysgettin' took up, and then when they let him out of jail he was furiouserthan ever. One night, O laws! I most wish I'd never gone and been bornwhen I think of that, mother and all us children was asleep. Father hadbeen took up, and so we wasn't afeard of nothin'. It was a snowin' and ablowin' sky high, and nobody could hear nothin' for the wind. All atonce I felt somethin' a movin' over my face, soft like, and then it madefor my throat. Then I ups and gives a spring, and run into mother'sroom, but somethin' tripped me, and I fell down right on top of it. Thenit moaned out like, and--and I knowed it was mother a lying there, andthat somebody had killed her. 

"I began to call 'murder' as hard as I could, but father, it was him didit, got a hold of me again, and told me he'd soon shut up my fly trap. Iknow'd he was goin' to do it, so I give an awful leap and sprung clearover his head and right out in de snow. I know'd he wouldn't go far tokatch me, for he'd have enough to do to clear hisself, so I waded alongtill I come to de man's house that Jim worked for. 

"He had two awful fierce dogs, and one of them made a spring at mythroat while de other caught hold of my leg and took a bite out. De man, hearin' de dogs, put his head out of de window and asked what was dematter. So, as I couldn't speak, I just groaned, and he told de dogs tolay down. Well, he came down and took me in de house, and all I couldsay was 'Father, ' and 'Murder. ' So he called up de rest of de men folksand took them over, but when they got there father was gone, and motherand de baby was dead. Poor mother, she was holding de baby tight to herbosom. De other childerns was screechin' and cryin', and de door waswide open, and they was nearly frozen. Well, de poor house buried motherand de baby, and took all de children but Jim and me, and de man Jimworked for said he could stay thar as long as he wanted help. I hadn'tno place to go to, so I worked where I could, and that wasn't muchbecause it weren't de time of year for work, and I slept in sheds andbarns, wherever de folks would let me. 

"Mother she was a good woman, and made us say our prayers every night, but I didn't say 'em any more after that night, because I didn't see deuse of prayin' to God when he let my mother get killed. I hated God thenand I said so to Jim, only nobody else talked to me about them things, and I didn't get a chance to tell 'em. It was a good many years that Iwent on that way, only I got steady work. One summer de fellows saidthar was goin' to be a camp meetin' somewhar near, so I concluded to goand see what it looked like. So I sets out on Sunday mornin', and when Iseen de white tents, and heard de people singin' and shoutin', I thoughtit was de curiousest thing I ever seen. I got along tolerable well, talkin' to de colored folks what waited on de tables, when all at once abig horn was blowed, and everybody went off to preachin'. 

"I went too, jest to look on, and when de preacher give out his text hesaid, 'Thou God seest me. ' I didn't think I need to be afeard, for Ididn't steal nor nothin', so I looked him square in de face. But by andby I began to feel queer, and then I begin to look down on de ground. Itappeared as ef old Satan was a tryin' to drag me down to de bottomlesspit, and I know'd ef he'd git me thar once, he'd take care to hold on tome pretty tight. I was afeard to look down, expecting every minute to beswallowed up, and I couldn't look up for I know'd God was looking at me. All at once something appeared to pull me down, and thar I lay while depeople was a singin' and a prayin' all around. After a good spellsomethin' spoke and says: 'Look up, Pete;' and I says, 'What's wantin'?'Nobody didn't give no answer, so I begin to groan agin. Then somethin'spoke agin louder, and says: 'Don't be afeard, Pete, it's me. ' I kind oflooked up, but didn't see nobody lookin' at me, so I felt worse. Thenthe third time somethin' says: 'Rise, Pete, your sins is all forgiven. 'I says, right out loud; 'Who says so?' and de same voice, only sweeterand more lovin' says, 'De blessed Jesus; you needn't to be afeard anymore. '

"I tell you I jumped up quick, and began to laugh as hard as I could. Some of de people said I was crazy, but de pious folks said I had got ablessin'; and so I had, de blessedest blessin' ever I got. Dat's aboutall, ladies and gentlemen, " and Pete, bowing, betook himself to clearingthe table. 

The Rev. John Jay, who with the rest, had been an attentive listener, now said: "To be able to tell that last part, my friend, is worth morethan all the world to a man; 'for what will it profit a man if he gainall the world and lose his own soul, or what will a man give in exchangefor his soul. '"

"That's so, sah, " replied Pete with glistening eye, "he wouldn't be ofmuch account no how. "

Several more hours delightfully spent in the woods, and then the coacheswere announced, and the homeward road taken, but not without a partingword to Pete. 

"Good-by, " called out the girls as they drove off, and "Don't let oldSatan play any more pranks with you, " said Guy, to all of which hereplied by bowing low, and saying: "Thank you, ladies; thank yougentlemen; take keer of yourselves, and don't forgit to stop here denext time. " He watched until, not only their forms were lost sight of, but until the dust which had been disturbed into thick clouds, hadsettled; then turning toward the house, he began his favorite air:

 "O, gib me de wings ob de angels. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XIII. 

REV. JOHN JAY DELIVERS HIS MESSAGE. 

THE Rev. John Jay was not satisfied that he had been true to the oldermembers of his flock. As a watchman he had only faintly blown thetrumpet on some points, fearing the consequences. 

Now in deep humility of soul, he plead for grace to declare all thecounsel of God. If the spirit gave him utterance, need he have fear asto the result? Was it not written, "For as the rain cometh down and thesnow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, andmaketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower andbread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of mymouth. It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish thatwhich I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. "

Now he would cry aloud and spare not; he would lift up his voice like atrumpet, and show the people their transgressions, and thus deliver hisown soul. 

With firm steps he ascended the pulpit, that Sabbath morning, and with aheart full of holy resolve. But as his eye fell on the whitened locksand wrinkled faces of many whose years almost trebled his, involuntarilyhe cried: "Oh Lord God, I am but a child! how can I do this thing?"

We know how quickly human love runs to protect and comfort the littletrembling one, so when the cry was heard, there was a tender gatheringup into the arms of the Compassionate One, and there came a heavenlycalm and holy boldness. There was no sleepers in church that morning, although some questioned whether they were not dreaming, as this youth, hitherto so modest, and unassuming, in authoritative tones pointed outto them their mistakes and the fearful consequences arising from them. 

We want men and women to go from house to house, to gather in those whohave wandered from God. But whose fault is it that they have wandered?Answer it, ye fathers and mothers. Your judgment is better than theAlmighty's. 

When the woman was taken in sin, he said: "Martha do I condemn thee! goin peace and sin no more. " Didn't He open up heaven just then, even tothat sinner? He who 'knew no sin. ' But it does not do for us, standingin our strength and wisdom, to say to the weak and erring, to the youngand foolish, "We feel for you; our hearts are not too old--we are nottoo far removed from you by grace, to know what snares surround you. Butwe will gather about you with loving hearts; we will give you kindlycounsel, not sharp reproof; neither will we condemn you. 

"How many little ones do you carry to Christ every day, my brother, mysister? Remember He expects you to lift them up by your prayers andefforts, and bear them to Him. He waits with open arms. Whom by kindwords and loving deeds, and earnest prayer, have you drawn toward Him?Or whom have you driven from Him, by reproof, fault-finding, and holdingyourself aloof? You are afraid the church will be desecrated by thegathering of our young people; they will have such a pleasant, happytime in their weekly meetings, that they will not reverence God's house. Think you, you are more pleasing in His sight, you who turn out of theway the lame and the blind. Ah, it were better never to have been born, than by narrowness of soul, by false reasoning, and warped judgment, tohave led astray, or turned aside from God one of these youthful souls. As fathers and mothers, should you not rejoice that your children areamong you; that they are improving the gifts bestowed upon them by God, and fitting themselves to fill higher places in the church and the worldthan you. 

"And now, dear friends, fathers and mothers, men and women naming thename of Christ, by His love I beseech you, go out to-day stripped ofyour prejudices, and your robes of self-righteousness; go out withhumility, with yearning, Christ-like love, and say: 'We are all sinners;we need each other's help, and the Saviour has need of all. We will gohand in hand through joy and sorrow, through toil and temptation, up tothe gates of the Celestial city, up to the joys at God's right hand. '"

So the Rev. John Jay delivered his soul. So he scattered good seed, leaving the budding, the blooming, the fruit bearing to God. 

But it did not all fall on good ground. Some fell by the way-side, andSatan, snatching it up, sowed seeds of discord in its place. So that ina short time it became evident there were two parties in the church. Those who claimed to espouse the Lord's cause, when in reality they weretrying to hold the doors of the kingdom of heaven, so that none butthose they thought fit should enter, and others, whose watch-word was:"All souls for Christ. Being all things to all men if by any means wemay win them to Christ. " The former said the Rev. John Jay wasintolerant, and a stirrer up of strife; that he was too much of aradical for them, and consequently he must leave. The latter talked tothe Lord about it, and determined to stand by His servant. Their numberswere greatly augmented by the young people, who declared if the ministerwere dismissed not one of them would ever enter the church. So the oldand young were brought together sooner, and in a different manner thanwas anticipated by the young pastor. But the "right" prevailed, and theRev. John Jay remained. He soon began to miss a number of familiarfaces, while at the same time he observed, with great satisfaction, manyfor whom he had heretofore looked in vain; some of them the young menwho had been induced to spend a social evening with him each week in hisstudy, and among them was Guy Gorton. 

Upon inquiry he found that brother Smith, as leader of the movement, haddecided to worship God in a room of "their own hiring, where there wasno young boy to teach them their duty. "

As the croakers went out, the young people flocked in, and never didFourth street church witness such a revival as during that winter. Sideby side were found gray-haired parents and their children seeking tolearn of Jesus' love, and many a heart that had long resisted all otherinfluence, was led by youthful pleading to forsake sin and turn toChrist. Old and young were secretly drawn together in the bonds ofChristian love and sympathy. Even the Association became a familygathering at which the young people did the work and entertained theolder folks, they, good, simple souls thinking there never were suchtalented young men and women, and there never could be such a society asthe Association of Fourth street church. "But, " they added, "all thisand much more, would never have been but for our dear, faithful pastor, the Rev. John Jay. "

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XIV. 

"WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT. "

GUY had lost his cheerfulness, his sisters thought. Certainly he had nothis old gayety of manner, and they anxiously inquired if he were sick. 

"I am sure you must be, " urged Ruth; "won't you see a doctor, Guy? Thenthere is another thing, you read too much; indeed you will injureyourself if you continue to study so. "

But he only laughed at their fears, and continued to spend his eveningsat home over his books. Seeing that he did not seek other society, thegirls gave little entertainments; not costing much to be sure, not moreperhaps than some little things they needed, but now did without, sothat he might be surrounded by pleasant company, and acquire a tastefor the society of good people. 

Now it never once occurred to Guy that his sisters were doing this forhim. He thought they must be becoming more fond of society, and itpleased him very much, for he did not see why they should not shine inthe very highest circles. Before long he meant that they should. And nowwhen their friends came, he did his best to entertain them for theirsake, and they were overjoyed at his returns of brilliancy and wit. 

Now that the winter had really set in, and promised to be severe, Ruthrecollected that Guy's overcoat had not been taken out of the cedarchest, where it had been laid in Spring. 

"It is no wonder he has not asked for it, " she thought, as she looked atthe thread-bare sleeves, and noticed the rusty appearance of the wholecoat. Spreading it out, she looked at it, then sitting down thought ofwhat could be done. "Now there is hartshorn, that dissolved in water, cleans cloth beautifully; but even if I did scour it, Guy could neverwear a thread-bare coat. "

Then came the question: "How can he get another? I know if he could, hewould have had it by this time. I must have been thinking of myself andmy own clothes, or I should not have lost sight of this so long. I willsee how much money there is; at any rate if it should take every cent inthe house, Guy must have the coat. "

For a long time Ruth sat in the cold room making plans; finally shedecided to have a talk with Agnes about it, because it would never do, not to let her have a share in the pleasure of making Guy comfortable. That night the bed-post and rocking-chair were appropriated, and therewas a long, earnest talk. Agnes was not so much surprised as her sisteranticipated, when she found that Guy was a great way off from making afortune. For ever since the time Ruth refused to purchase her dress, Agnes had been finding out things she never dreamed of before. It wasRuth who was surprised to find that Agnes knew so much of the real stateof affairs. In one way it was a relief, now that she did know, and Ruthfelt that a great part of her burden had gone; but it was gone from herto be laid on Agnes, and that thought was more painful than the burdenhad been. 

"It is to be divided equally, remember, " said Agnes. "O, I am so gladthat I am earning money, Ruth. "

Ruth urged that as she was older, she should bear the greater part ofthe expense; but Agnes would not consent to this; and finally it wassettled that each should give half. Then they were perplexed as to themanner of doing it. Agnes thought it best to tell him, and let him orderit himself; but Ruth was sure he would not take the money. Three monthsbefore, she would not have hesitated to offer it; but he had changedsince then, and something told her he had resolved to be less dependentin the future. 

"I don't like concealments, " urged Agnes; "I felt meanly in acting soabout your dress, Ruth. "

Ruth smiled, and said: "You always had a tender conscience, child, butthere is no other way of doing this, I am convinced. "

Agnes yielded to Ruth's judgment, and Martha was sent with the old coatto the tailor, and told to say that Miss Ruth would call in theafternoon. 

"When is it to be done?" asked Agnes, eagerly, when Ruth returned. 

"On Christmas eve; and only think, Agnes, it will be four dollars lessthan we supposed. He will make it of the finest cloth too. "

"Christmas is coming, " said the children many, many times, during theten days that followed. Ruth's visit to the tailor, and "Christmas iscoming, " said she and Agnes, as many times as the children. Yes, Christmas was coming, it was drawing near, bringing gladness as italways does; but something else was coming, and drawing still nearer. 

The shadow of a great sorrow had fallen. Had they looked in Guy's facethey would have seen it; but they were busy with their little presentsfor each other, and for Martha and Philip. Besides, they rather avoidedGuy, for fear he should read their secret. So it grew and grew, untilthey could escape it no longer. Guy was ill of a fever. 

All at once, without a word of complaint, he was taken down, and to alltheir entreaties that he would speak to them just once, there was noreply. 

"O Guy, my brother, my darling, speak, " moaned Ruth, as with an agonizedvoice and look she bent over him. "To think of your lying here alone, suffering through the long night, and no one near to give you even adrink of water. "

So she went on talking and bathing his burning brow, while Agnes, givingone earnest look, in which her whole soul seemed to go out, hurried tosend Martha for the doctor; then she went back, and putting her armround Ruth, drew her away. 

"Don't take me from him, Agnes; I have the best right here, " she cried, fiercely, starting up from the seat into which Agnes had placed her. "Idid not help to benefit him; I set him no good example. I must save himnow, even if I should die for him. "

"Sister Ruth, " and her words were slow and measured, "our lives cannotsave Guy; only one power can. Look to God, dear sister; he is our onlyhelp. And He _will_ help us, " she added with strong emphasis. 

"O, will He, Agnes; are you sure?" and Ruth looked into the face of hersister, waiting for her reply, as if into the face of God. 

"He will help us, " came again. Then they threw their arms round eachother and cried. 

"What is it?" asked Agnes, when the doctor shook his head. 

"Brain fever, I fear, " was the reply. 

"Will he die?" almost shrieked Ruth. "You will save him, doctor. O, youwon't let Guy die. "

"Do you know, my child, you can kill your brother, and you will if yougive way to this grief. I will leave no means untried. You are aChristian; you know how to pray; there is greater comfort in that thanin any of my assurances; but I give them to you; your brother shall liveif it is in the power of man to save him. "

Agnes murmured, "O God, give him skill, and give us strength, " whilehope revived in Ruth's heart, and she listened eagerly to the doctor'sdirections. 

"You will have many days of nursing, it is probable, and you must takeit in turn, " he said; "but at night it will be well to have a friend. There is a great deal of restlessness then, and one feels lonely. Besure you give the medicine promptly, and keep up the ice applications, as I shall be back in a few hours. "

"Whom can we get?" asked Agnes, when he had gone. 

"Don't let us have any one, Agnes; no stranger could take care of Guy, as well as we, " said Ruth, beseechingly. 

"But, Ruth, if anything should happen, if Guy should grow worse, wewould blame ourselves for not doing all the doctor told us. "

"Very well, then. You know best, Agnes. I can't think to-day. "

Without saying more, Agnes went down stairs, and told Martha to see ifMiss Smithers was at home, and if so to tell her to come right away, butnot to sew. "Then leave this note with one of the school children, " sheadded. 

She met Ruth's scholars as they came, and sent them away quietly, telling them when Miss Ruth was ready she would send them word, and thenshe tried to take her breakfast. "I must be strong, " she said, and triedto eat, but she could not swallow. There was Guy's place, but he was notthere. "Will he ever be again!" The question came, but she drove itaway. He was in God's hands and so was she. She could take nothingback, but rest in the thought of His fatherly love and compassion. 

Miss Smithers came, and Agnes was not mistaken in her. She was readyfor every emergency, and never failed to give the right comfort, at theright time. Even Ruth grew to depend upon her, and to miss her kind facewhen she was compelled to leave them, and seek rest. Agnes had notthought of asking her to give up her work, only to have her stay withthem at night. But Miss Smithers did not mean to leave either day ornight, until Guy was out of danger, and Agnes gladly yielded the point. 

When the sorrow through which the sisters was passing, became known, they had the fullest sympathy of friends. Miss Smithers received all whocalled, and thus saved them from many painful interviews. For at suchtimes when there are many hearts to feel for us, and to offer the mostdelicate expressions of sympathy, there are always coarse natures whoknow no other manner of showing their sympathy than by opening up ourwounds and making us bleed afresh. 

"How many friends we have, Agnes. I did not know so many cared for us. If Guy recovers we shall be very happy, " said Ruth, as Miss Smitherstold them of the many who had called. 

Guy lay still unconscious, while the fever leaped through his veins, andalmost purpled his fair face. Now he was at his books, then again he waspleading; but all the time there was this thought: "I can't rob Ruth, Ican't take her money. "

"O, if he would not talk so; if he would say anything else but that, Icould bear it, " she moaned, and then she whispered that "Ruth, his owndear Ruth was there, that he must not talk any more, " but still he wenton in the same strain. 

Poor Agnes was sorely tried. Here was Ruth breaking out in the wildestfrenzy, at times, refusing to eat or to leave the bedside; and here thebrother, far dearer to her than life, not able to look at her, nor tosay that he understood her when she did not yield to his wishes. If hedied, he could not know how great her love for him was. And then thesubtle tempter came: "If God loved His children He would not cause themthus to suffer. _Your_ life has been harder than that of out-breakingsinners. " But while Agnes could not reason, thank God she could trust, and reaching out her hand as a little child, she said: "Lead me in theway that is best for me, and do not let me be afraid or discouraged. "

Christmas had come and gone, but they would not have known it, had notGuy's coat been sent home according to promise, the day before. Theyhad meant to hide it from Ruth, but she happened to be down stairs atthe time it came, and it was kissed and fondled as though it had beenGuy himself. Then it was laid away, no one else knew where. She forgotthat Agnes had a share in it, forgot everything but that it was Guy's, and he her own darling brother. 

Agnes had never asked the doctor any more questions since the day Guywas taken ill. But she wrote down his directions for fear the leastthing should be overlooked, and never administered medicine, or renderedhim the slightest service, without breathing a prayer that it might leadto his recovery. So the days passed wearily on, and the crisis drewnear. 

"We must not tell them, " said the doctor to Miss Smithers, on themorning of the day. "It will only more completely unsettle Miss Ruth, while the other poor child need have no more laid upon her. If the worstcomes, there will be strength given, and anticipated trouble is alwaysthe hardest to bear. If you have any influence over Miss Ruth, keep hervery quiet, everything depends on that. "

Miss Smithers went up to her room, and was there for a long time. Whenshe left it she carried with her something that made her heart strongand her face bright. If you have ever known it you will understand; ifnot, no words can give you the idea. 

The day wore on and still Guy was restless. The doctor came, looked andwent away, but there was no outward change. Night closed over them asthey sat watching, the two to whom he was the dearest living thing, andanother whose heart had been drawn toward him as if he had been herson. 

If faith were dependent upon what is seen only, then Miss Smithers mighthave yielded to the entreaties of Ruth and the imploring looks of Agnes, to let them stay beside Guy, whose unrest was painful in the extreme, for there surely could be no hope here. But she kept them beside her, whispering: "Trust me this once, children;" and in some way they feltthat she must be right. 

It was near midnight on the last day of the year. What would the NewYear bring?

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XV. 

"BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING. "

THEY sat, each one busy with her thoughts, so very different, perhaps, and yet in one respect so alike, when suddenly they became conscious ofa change. The sisters started, looked quickly at Miss Smithers, and thenwould have ran to the bedside, but laying a hand on each, she said, withstrong emphasis, "If you want your brother to live, you will not movefrom here. "

They looked at her in surprise, then the truth dawned upon them, andturning, they clasped each other's hand and prayed. 

Softly Miss Smithers crept toward the bed, and stooping down she scannedthe upturned face. As she raised her head she met the searching gaze ofRuth and Agnes. She smiled, then pouring into a spoon a liquid left bythe doctor, in case of such a change, she gave it, then turning down thelight to the faintest glimmer went back to her seat. 

"He sleeps, " was all she said, but there was no more needed. Theyscarcely breathed after that, they sat so still--holding each other'shand until the gray dawn of the New Year's morning broke, and the doctorcame. 

His quick eye detected the change as soon as he entered. How his facebeamed, and how they loved him then. Beckoning to them when he left theroom, they followed into the one adjoining. 

"Now, girls, there was a hard fight last night, " he said, "but the dayis ours, or Guy's. What he needs is to have not a finger moved in theroom as long as he sleeps. When he wakens you are each to be as calm andfresh as a May morning, or it will set him to thinking and bring backthe fever. Now both of you go at once to bed after you take a cup ofcoffee, and sleep until Miss Smithers calls you; then she will followyour example. Remember on no other condition can your brother recover, "he continued, as they plead to stay and see him waken. As he went out hesaid: "A happy New Year, my children; you have much to thank God forto-day. "

O didn't they thank Him! Their hearts were so full of joy andthankfulness that it was a long time before they could forget everythingand sleep. It was noon when they awoke, and yet Miss Smithers had notcalled them. Stealing to the door they looked in; they wanted just onelook at Guy, to be sure it was true and not all a dream, and then theywent down stairs. 

Martha, little woman that she was, was overjoyed at seeing them andknowing Mr. Guy would soon be well. 

"You did not get your Christmas present, dear child, " said Ruth;"whenever brother Guy wakens you may go up for it; it is in the topdrawer of my bureau wrapped up in white paper. "

"Miss Agnes gave me two white aprons, all scolloped round, " said Martha, with a beaming face. 

"You have been a good girl, Martha, we could not have done without you, "continued Ruth. "When Mr. Guy is better, we will tell him you helped tomake him well. "

"Mother said I should be as good as I could, and if you wanted any morehelp, she would stay all the time, because Miss Agnes was so kind tofather, " replied the child. 

Miss Smithers appeared looking very tired, but cheerful. "Now girls youmay go up, he is awake and wants you. But there must not be many words. "Ruth took two steps at once in her haste to get up, but she was so outof breath, she had to recover before going in the room, so that bothentered together. Guy was awake and knew them; they could scarcelyrealize it. They kissed him; then each held a thin hand and told him notto speak. When he grew stronger they should have a good, long talk. Hesmiled faintly and then fell asleep again. 

They would have gone away now, but he held their hands in a tight clasp, and so they sat for hours, until he awoke--tired and cramped, yet afraidto move. That night Miss Smithers insisted upon sitting up, and theywent to bed in their own room, but not until they had had a long talk. 

"This night, two years ago, Agnes, do you remember?" asked Ruth, drawing her chair over to the fire. "You recollect I went to thetheatre, and you refused. If Guy had died, I know I should have lost myreason. If it had only been that once, but although I suffered agonythen, you know how often I have gone with him since. This came to me allthe time of his sickness: 'You mislead your brother, if he is lost youare to blame;' and O, Agnes, you don't know what I suffered! But Ipromised God if he would only spare Guy, I would lead a new life andnever enter such places again. I see my mistake now, we can never 'doevil that good may follow. '"

"And I have been thinking, Ruth, that I have been at fault, in notmaking direct appeals to Guy, about his soul. I thought it was better to_live_ right, so that he might see there was power in religion; but Ifind that one thing cannot take the place of another. There must be_talking_ and _living_, both. And I think we had better talk more aboutourselves before Guy; we have shut him out too much from these things, while in everything else we have thought of him. "

"If he would only become a Christian, Agnes, how happy we should be. Ishould not have a single care then. "

"He will, Ruth, I feel it; he will be given in answer to prayer and holyliving. But we must live so near to God, that we can _claim_ this at Hishands. "

Guy grew stronger. "Who could help it with such care?" he asked. Agnes, who was compelled to go to school now, very often found herself in themidst of a recitation wondering what she could take home, or what shecould make for him, when she went home. Ruth gave herself up completelyto him. Feeling that as she had hindered, so now she must be a greathelp to him in every way. She copied and read for him, and would nothave hesitated to undertake a case in court, so that it was of benefitto Guy. 

Sometimes as she sat with him, the doctor's and druggist's bills came upbefore her, and almost made her heart stand still, for during all hissickness she had not been earning anything, and they were depending uponAgnes's salary for everything until she could begin to teach again. 

She almost despaired of ever being free from anxiety, but looking at Guyher doubts left her. God had spared him to them, and she would trust Himto help them out of their troubles. 

Little Philip came every day, now that Guy was able to sit up, and byhis odd speeches and persistent attempts at making a picture of Mr. Guy, proved a constant source of amusement, so that Guy looked for him daily, after breakfast. 

Ruth several times attempted a conversation with her brother about thethings on her mind, but had always failed in the attempt. It camehowever in this way. She was sewing, and Guy had been reading. Layingdown the book and watching his sister for a few minutes, he said: "Ihave been thinking, Ruth, if all young men had such good sisters as I, how few would go far astray. "

"O, Guy, " she said, her eyes filling with tears, "I have been anythingbut a good sister. I thought of it day and night, when you were ill, andit nearly drove me mad. "

"What do you mean, Ruth, I don't understand you. What had you to blameyourself for?"

"The great thing, my neglect of duty. I did not hold religion up in itstrue light. I lowered the standard, and you did not give it properrespect. I wronged you, Guy, and I wronged God and my own soul. I meantto tell you all this, but something kept me back. My inconsistent lifecame up before me, and I thought I would wait until you had seen achange in me. "

"I see it _now_, " he replied; "One can see changes more readily in you, than in Agnes. "

"Because there is nothing to change in her. Guy, I would give all theworld if I had it, to be the trusting Christian our Agnes is. If you hadseen her when you were ill, you would have known how wonderful she is. She thought of everybody and everything, but never once despaired ormurmured. I think the Lord spared you because of her. "

"Why?" he asked in a husky voice. 

"Because, she said the other night, we must live such lives that we can_claim_ the answer to our prayers; and that is not the kind of a life Ihave been living. I did not dare to claim anything; I only _begged_ tohave you spared, and promised to lead a new life. "

Guy's thin hands went up to his face and tears ran down his pale cheeks. "Now is the time, " thought Ruth, and going over to him she threw herarms round him saying: "I went with you, Guy, dear brother say that youwill go with me. Don't let us three be separated any longer. "

And this was Ruth, positive, self-possessed, Ruth. She had never refusedhim anything, and how much she had done for him, he well knew, and atwhat great sacrifice. He could not refuse her now, so he drew her down, and kissing her, said: "We will go together, Ruth, God helping me. "

In a few minutes Agnes came from school, her face beaming, as usual. Shelooked from Guy to Ruth, then she knew. 

"O, Guy, it has come at last?" she exclaimed, laughing and crying atthe same time, and in her joy kissing Guy and Ruth, again and again. Then Miss Smithers had to know, and Guy's friend, the Rev. John Jay. 

That night they opened their hearts to each other. Guy told them howwhen Ruth showed her new dress to him, he had seen himself in a newlight, and resolved to be their helper in the future instead of what hehad so long been. 

"And I will be it yet, girls, don't fear, " he added. "If you have topass through some trying days before then do not be discouraged. Itshall be seen my sisters have a brother who is not willing to receivelove and everything else without a return. "

When he was able to go out the coat was brought from its hiding place. It had been laid away with tears, now it was taken out with smiles. Thenboth sisters helped him on with it, smoothing it here and settling itthere, their faces radiant with pleasure. And Guy, in return, gave themwhat he knew they would rather have than anything else, a fond, brotherly kiss. They walked with him as far as the office, where Ruthhad been that morning seeing that Martha had swept and dusted itthoroughly; but all the way there and home, they could not keep theireyes from Guy, he looked so handsome in his new coat. They had seen noone like him all the way along. 

Days, weeks and months rolled on, some of them trying enough, as Guy hadsaid. But the spirit of faith and trust nerved them for the struggle, and in the end the clouds rolled away and the sun shone out. 

Guy was at last able to fulfill his promise, for he had now entered intopartnership with an eminent lawyer. Very proud he was when he made themhis first present of new dresses, but prouder still when he was able todress them "as such sisters deserved to be dressed. "

With their prosperity they did not forget their dear old friend MissSmithers, and many were the tokens of love and gratitude she received. 

Both Ruth and Guy claimed an equal right to Philip, and through them hebecame a pupil of a celebrated artist; while Martha, who was claimed bythe entire household, could not pretend to say which she liked best, andall were served with the strength and love of her whole nature. 

They sat by the fire one night talking. "I used to think it impossiblefor lawyers to be good, earnest Christians, Guy, " Ruth said. 

"And now?" he asked. 

"Now I see my mistake, for I know one. "

"Thank God for the grace which can keep the soul unspotted in the midstof corruption and temptation, " was the reply. "Yes, Ruth, I, too, havefound that for every man and every calling there is the same grace, which if brought to bear upon the life and calling, will exalt themeanest and make it honorable. What are you thinking of, Agnes?"

"Of what you have been saying. If God made such a master-piece as manout of clay, He intends that he shall occupy a high ground, morally, Imean, and place it within the reach of all. How glad I am, Guy, thattrue position is to be found in this attitude of the soul before God, nomatter what the social standing is. Then I have been thinking that if weleft ourselves in his hands, He would be continually adding gifts andgraces, rounding our angles, and bringing out the full symmetry of everypart, so that by the beauty of our character we would draw others toHim. "

Guy and Ruth exchanged glances, then Ruth said: "Here is one who is allangles. It would take a great deal of rounding to make me symmetricaland attractive. "

Guy slowly repeated: "'But we all with open face beholding as in a glassthe glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory toglory, even as by the spirit of the Lord. '"

[Illustration: Decoration]

 * * * * *

Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired. 

Page 3, "21" changed to "19" (Differently Constituted, 21)

Page 3, "48" changed to "47" (Little Philip, 47)

Page 4, "168" changed to "166" (Rev. John Jay delivers his Message, 166)

Page 5, " d" changed to "old" (the good old year)

Page 13, twice, "christian" changed to "Christian" (was not a Christian)(die a Christian)

Page 14, "christians" changed to "Christians" (Christians were to be)

Page 62, word "is" removed from text. Original read: (as is her teacher)

Page 62, "i'd" changed to "I'd" (I'd talk for a week)

Page 76, word "take" removed from text. Original read: (near, to taketake)

Starting with page 92, the chapter numbers are off by one. This has beencorrected, for example: "VII" changed to "VIII" (CHAPTER VIII)

Page 107, "dirction" changed to "direction" (direction the storm)

Page 137, "dad" changed to "had" (if I had done something)

Page 151, "stiring" changed to "stirring" (a breath stirring)

Page 206, "symetrical" changed to "symmetrical" (make me symmetrical)