of our house; and he hates Stephen, because he won't give it up: so he
wouldn't let you teach him anything.'

'Then you are Stephen Fern?' said the lady; 'I heard my uncle talking
about you. Your father was buried at Longville church on Sunday. I saw
the funeral leave the churchyard, and I looked for some of you to come in
to the evening service. Now, Stephen, do you tell me all about your
reason for not letting my uncle buy your cottage.'

Then Stephen, with some hesitation, and a good deal of assistance from
Martha, told the whole history of his grandmother's settlement upon the
solitary hillside, only withholding the fact of his grandfather's
transportation, because Tim was listening eagerly to every word. Miss
Anne listened, too, with deep attention; and once or twice the tears rose
to her eyes as she heard of the weary labours and watchings of the
desolate woman; and when Stephen repeated his resolution to work hard
and constantly for the maintenance of his grandfather and little Nan--

'Yes, I will be your friend,' she said, reaching out her hand to him when
he had finished, 'even if my uncle is your enemy. God has not given me
much power, but what I have I will use for you; and you must go on
striving to do right, Stephen.'

'I can't read much,' replied Stephen anxiously, 'and Martha can't read at
all; but I hope we shall all get safe to heaven!'

'Knowing how to read will not take us to heaven,' said Miss Anne,
smiling, 'but doing the will of God from the heart; and the will of God
is that we should believe in the Lord Jesus, and follow in His steps.'