the Easter hat under her arm.

Beth's lip trembled. "He's so far away. I wish mamma were here."

"Beth, God will hear us if we pray. Get down on your knees beside me."

"I'd rather run out into the street," answered Beth, who always
believed in action rather than words.

"You're a wicked little girl. My mamma says I must never go on the
street without some grown-up person. So get on your knees this minute."

Beth meekly obeyed. Laura folded her hands. Beth imitated her.

"Begin," said Laura.

"Begin what?" and Beth's eyes were wide open from surprise; yes, and
from fear, too.

"Why, to pray, of course."

"I'm not going to. You're the one who wanted to. Why don't you begin
yourself?"

"I can't. I'm too scared. Go on, Beth, and pray."

"I--I don't know what to say. Would 'Now I lay me down to sleep,' do?"

"No, silly. We're not laying us down to sleep. It's a fire. God's to
keep us from burning to death. So pray."