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"Poor child! you could sympathize with her, Ella."

"Yes, mama, indeed I could," replied Ella, with a sigh. "Mrs. Cleveland told me, too, that her mama had inculcated some strange ideas of religion into the child's mind, and these it must be my endeavour to eradicate; and a great many more instructions she gave me before she would let me go to my little charge. However, at last she took me. Blanche seemed rather shy at first, but we were soon good friends; and oh, mama, you may guess how pleased I was when I found that the precious child is a lamb of the Saviour's fold. Yes, I believe she is, though her love is at present faint and feeble. Oh, may it be mine to lead her little feet in the ways of righteousness."

Mrs. Woodville put her arm around her as she ceased speaking.

"May it, indeed, my daughter. But, Ella, you must not expect to find all go smoothly; you must not expect that little Blanche will

be perfect, though she has been brought thus early to Jesus."

"No, mama, I don't. I know that I shall have many discouragements, many trials; but oh, I believe that all will be right at last, and that I shall meet little Blanche in heaven."

"Keep that faith, my dear Ella, and it will help you through all; but your earnest endeavours must be accompanied with prayer to the Giver of all good, or they will be of no avail; never forget that, my child, and then, I doubt not, you will see the reward of all your labours in the salvation of that blood-bought soul."

On such subjects as these did the mother and daughter converse for some time, for Herbert took no part; he leaned back in his chair, with his eyes closed, and Ella did not. even know whether he heard what they were saying or not.

At length the clock struck ten, and Ella arose. Summoning the servant, she took her Bible, for on her devolved the office of condueting the devotions of the little family.

She read a chapter, and offered up a short prayer, and then the household separated for the night. Jane carried the invalid boy to his room, for he was so thin and light that she was well able to do so. As Ella bid him good night, he said, “I have thought of something, Ella, in which perhaps I could be useful, help.. less though I am: I will hear Maggie her lessons, if you will let me, while you are away."

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"Thank you, dear Herbert, it will be a great help to me; for it has troubled me to know how she was to get on without me; but if you undertake her she will do very well, so you shall begin to-morrow."

When Ella left her brother she retired to her own room, which she shared with Maggie. The little girl was sleeping the calm sleep of childhood. The window-curtains had not been drawn, and the moon shone clear and bright into the room. Ella extinguished the light she had brought, and went to the window. There before her, plainly visible in the moon

light, stood Rylsford Hall. She stood there for some time, and when she turned away, a tear glistened in her eye.

"Oh, Herbert!" she exclaimed, “my precious, my fondly-loved brother! would that I could say of you as I said of Blanche, that you love your Saviour. Oh! Father in heaven, make him to feel that Thou art a God of love, ere his soul is required of him."

Prayer offered in faith is never in vain, and that offered by Ella Woodville that night shall surely be answered. Even as she breathed it, an answer of peace came to her own heart, and she lay down to rest with unruffled spirit, and sleep soon came over her, as calm and tranquil as that of the little child at her side.

CHAPTER VI.

THE COUSINS.

"How blessed are the beautiful!
Love watches o'er their birth.
Oh, beauty! in my nursery
I learnt to know thy worth.
For even there I often felt

Neglected and forlorn,

And wished-for others wished it too

I never had been born."

HAYNES BAYLEY.

THE next few weeks passed happily to Blanche. Her aunt indeed took very little notice of her in any way; she had provided her with her governess, and she appeared to think that was all her little niece required of her. With her uncle it was different; he was pleased to have her with him, and listened with interest to her conversation about home and

her parents, and brother. Blanche repaid

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