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fatigued than usual that afternoon, having had but a slight dinner, and his journey having been long and hot. There was something about Mary, also, that attracted his interest. Perhaps it was, that the sour looks of the mother showed off to advantage the pleasant ones of the daughter; but he certainly did feel a great wish to talk more with her about the hymns and books of which she was so terrible fond."

Mary was told to make the tea, whilst the mother toasted and buttered a tea-cake, which she called "a wig," and then she got down the bacon, and broiled some slices of it before the fire.

Whilst thus engaged, Mary timidly asked Edward if he was going to the village?

"Yes, I mean to sleep there to-night, please God."

"I wish you would call at the third house on your right. It is whitewashed, and some India cress grows near the door. Two old women live there. I think they might buy a largeprint tract or two."

"Thank you for telling me," said Edward. "I'll gladly do it. Are there many about here that like this kind of thing?"

"I don't know many.

But one of those women is very

ill, and does dearly like a bit of reading."

"Who reads to her?"

"Old Nanny, her companion, when the light is good, and

the print tolerably large."

"Does she like religious books?"

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any other kind to lighten her."

"You know, then, the value of the Lamp of Life? "
Mary coloured.

"Yes, sir, I hope, something; but I fear I'm too dullsighted to see it all.”

"But you're following on to know the Lord? Don't be cast down. Look straight ahead-the eye fixed on the Saviour, who has loved you; and you shall some day see Him as He is."

Mrs. Patterson, for that was the name of Mary's mother, now came in. Her temper continued tolerably placid during tea-time, and she seemed to like Edward's pleasant conversation.

"You'll call in again, when you are this way, young man; and if you could bring with you the story of Robinson Crusoe, I want it for my youngest boy, Nat."

"I'll try and remember it," said Edward.

ing, ma'am, and thank you kindly."

"Good even

"Good evening. Mary, you can let him out by the front door, and through the garden gate, and show him the way to the village, across the field."

Mary was pleased to go: and Edward spoke to her a few more words of Christian counsel.

"Good night! don't be down-hearted. It's all up-hill work; but there's One that watches to see we don't faint. Good night! I'll look in again, as your mother bade me.”

"Oh, do!" replied the girl, artlessly; "I'm sure I like

it. Now that's the way," pointing to the path across the field, "and it's the third house to the right. Good even ing, sir!"

"Good evening! and I'm sure I like it," said Edward to himself. "I never saw such a nice girl as that;" and then the prayer arose from his heart, that He who had guided him from boyhood hitherto, might lead him right, when the time should come to choose a fellow-pilgrim to share his toils and his joys in his way towards Zion.

"I know little of her yet," he thought; but what he heard from the old woman made him like her more; and after three hours spent in evening work in the village, telling to all around of the Bible and its story, and selling copies of the sacred volume and of good books in many a cottage home, he laid himself down in peace to rest; but as he dreamt he was continually in the presence of the gentle Mary, and of her cross-looking mother.

Many weeks did not pass before the farm-house was visited again, and Edward was welcome. The "masterman" was at home-kind-hearted and intelligent, but altogether without an interest in Christ, or care for his soul. Edward was asked to remain and sleep in Jim's bed, who had gone to N for a few days. Before they went to rest, he proposed to read a chapter of the Bible; and he read of the nobleman who desired that his son should be healed. And then he spoke of 'the far greater anxiety that men should have for the salvation of the soul. As he concluded, he said,

"And now, shall we not pray?"

The farmer and his wife arose, and the sons and daughter followed; and for the first time social prayer was offered in that little parlour, and the inhabitants of the farm-house began to call upon God.

Mary's heart especially rejoiced, because she had in secret often prayed, that to her parents the grace of God might be revealed; that in her family circle many might be found, who would choose the better part, and discover that religion's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

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Ir was one dull and gloomy morning in November. Rowland had returned to college a few weeks before; and some relations, who had been spending part of the autumn at Alleyne, had left for the south. Ethelda was in her little snuggery, giving their morning lessons to the beloved children, who had found with her a home. To Harry they seemed more difficult than usual, and Ethelda thought that she had never seen the little fellow so fretful. At last, however, books were put away, and Harry, climbing on his auntie's knee, said,—

"Now auntie, dear, the precious Bible story, and let me lay my head upon your shoulder."

"Why, darling? are you not well ? "

"I have got rather a headache, auntie. Do tell us about

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