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'It is n't pleasant, dear, to think of deserts, so we won't do it, except when we remember what the Blessed Saviour did to save us from them. Don't you see now, she added more earnestly, it is all wrong to say you can't, and you despair, and you are out of God's favour; and very dreadful to say He wont help you? Because there God stands, close to you - close to you and me now, Myra-waiting, and waiting, and putting it into your heart to pray, and making you wish to be better, and forgiving you however many times you do wrong, if only you are sorry; and you turn away to the wall, and will declare that God won't love you, and won't hear you, and won't help you; and, Myra, that is the Devil's teaching.'

Myra's eyes opened widely, as she said, 'Sometimes I thought it was being humble.'

'I dare say you did, my dear. The Devil is very clever, and makes us fancy a great many things good which are not so; at least, that is what the Doctor tells me. But though I don't know much in the way of learning, I can see quite plainly, that to be always telling God that He does not mean what He says, is a very odd kind of humility.'

'So I am worse than ever, then,' said Myra, in a tone which was half angry and half desponding.

'Well, yes, to be sure, if you continue to say what you do, and to think it; but perhaps, Myra, after this little talk you may have a different notion.'

'I can't; it is not in me; I must always be wicked,' persisted Myra.

'Very well, my dear, let it be if you wish it,' said Mrs. Patty. But anyhow, you are God's child, and there is the fact, and it can't be altered.'

'I shall not go to Heaven at all the more for that,' observed Myra.

'Certainly not, if you don't wish to go. I never heard that God means to take any persons to Heaven against their will.'

Mrs. Patty stood up and drew her shawl together, as if she was going away.

Myra caught hold of her dress. Tears stood in her eyes. Mrs. Patty, I do wish it; I wish it so very, very much; you can't tell how much.'

'Then, my dear, Heaven is ready for you, that is all I can say; and, please God, I hope we shall spend many a long day there together.'

'Not days,' said Myra, and a smile came over her face. 'You know, Mrs. Patty, there will be no days in Heaven.'

'Which is one of the things I do n't understand, my dear, as there are a good many things about Heaven which are a puzzle to me. But, Myra, let it be days or not days, it will be very pleasant; and if you and I should be so happy as to be there together, I can't but think that we shall recollect this talk we have had, and you will wonder how you could ever have had such doubts of the Blessed Saviour's kindness. Now, good-bye, my dear, and if nothing should come in the way, I shall hope to see you again tomorrow.'

'Only one more word, Mrs. Patty - please stay; because I do n't want to distrust, but wicked people are punished-they must be punished. If I were going to die now, I could not escape being punished.' 'I don't see it,' was the reply. 'Oh! Mrs. Patty;' and Myra looked quite shocked. 'I thought that Saviour means to save,' continued Mrs. Patty, 'and that all the punishment was borne just because it should not come upon us; and I know, Myra, if I did not think so, I should be just as frightened as you are.'

'But you would have no cause,' replied Myra; 'everyone says that you are so very good.'

An expression of real pain crossed Mrs. Patty's usually bright face. 'It does not do to talk so, my dear, but we will let that pass. Only, if the Blessed Saviour is so kind to us, it is not in nature not to try and be good and to please Him, or not to be dreadfully sorry when one is not good. I think, Myra, if you will just lie quiet a little, and think about it, you will understand it better especially, do you see, if you could say a prayer to Him. It is wonderful how He makes things clear to us when we do pray.'

Mrs. Patty stooped down and kissed Myra, and as the kiss was returned, Myra whispered, 'Oh! Mrs. Patty, I love you dearly;' but whether what had been said had also been received and accepted, was left doubtful.

55

CHAPTER VII.

RS. PATTY remembered as she went downstairs

MRS.P

that she was hungry, and that a substantial tea was most likely going on in the dining-room. Mr. Cameron being away, she ventured to find her way there. Rather a merry party was assembled Mrs. Cameron and Rosamond, Juliet, Annette, and the young curate. Rosamond was making tea. Mr. Baines was handing about the cups, perhaps a little officiously; at least with a manner which made Rosamond laugh at him in a very quiet way. She never was anything but quiet - and simple too, many persons would have said. She made room for Mrs. Patty directly.

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By me, please, dear Mrs. Patty,' and she pointed to an empty seat. 'Mr. Baines, may I trouble you? If you would bring a plate from the sideboard, and a knife and fork too. Mr. Baines is new in his employment, Mrs. Patty; you must forgive his awkwardness.'

Whether awkward or not, Mr. Baines was evidently in the seventh heaven of felicity - ordered about, and permitted to make himself quite useful and at home. Mrs. Patty began talking about Myra - a very natural subject. It was so pleasant,' she said, 'to see her better, and to find her, upon the whole, really making rapid progress.'

'Delightful; quite a relief.' Rosamond looked into the teapot and shook her head. 'Mr. Baines, be charitable once more, and ring the bell. Mamma, do you hear that Mrs. Patty thinks poor little Myra's improvement wonderful?'

'I don't see why she should always be called little Myra,' said Juliet, rather sharply. She will soon be as tall as you, Rosamond.'

'Not quite, I think. Mr. Baines, do you recollect our all being measured when your sister was here?' Mr. Baines remembered it perfectly. Miss Cameron was the tallest of the young ladies. He had been measured also himself on that occasion.

'And I think you were just the height of my brother Godfrey?' observed Rosamond.

'Half an inch taller,' and Mr. Baines almost involuntarily elevated his head. Rosamond was remarkably tall, and he did not wish her to look down upon him.

Mrs. Patty turned round upon him quickly. 'Mr. Baines, you were at the school this morning, I can be nearly sure, unless you have changed your day. Did you see Betsy Ford's tall boy there?'

'The one who is half an idiot?" asked Juliet, breaking suddenly into the talk, which could scarcely be called conversation.

There was a laugh from several of the party; merriest of all from Rosamond. Mrs. Patty retained her gravity. The Doctor thinks him quite an idiot;

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