extreme weakness, were rather more difficult to bear than her sickness.
She was, however, mild and very thoughtful, and she would sit sometimes
for an hour in the easy chair, with her face covered with her hands.

One evening she asked her mother if she had seen her show a wrong spirit
during the day.

"I have not," said Mrs. Gardner.

"I am glad of it," said Isabella: "I have been trying to be faithful to
myself, and I rejoice that one day has passed at the close of which my
mother can give me a smile of approbation. I have been looking back upon
this long sickness, and I fear I have not improved as I ought: I must
begin in earnest now, relying upon divine assistance."

It was a happy morning in Mr. Gardner's family when Isabella once more
took her usual seat at the breakfast table. She was pale and thin: the
glow of health had left her cheeks; but there was an expression there
that showed the better health of the soul. The grateful child joined the
family group at breakfast with a prayer that she might never again
disturb its harmony.

But little time had passed before her school companions found that she
was "renewed in the spirit of her mind." They found her ready to forgive
those who injured her, willing to oblige others, and to be pleased
herself. They soon began to love her much; for her bright, active mind,
made her a delightful companion; and it was not long before Isabella
Gardner was one of the most pleasing and best-esteemed girls in school.

The beautiful summer had passed, and the solemn autumn. The green fields