'Perhaps he wouldn't, but we could hope, Effie, and pray, and then we
should have the pleasure of knowing that our duty was done, as Mr L.
said the other day. If John Frink should become reformed, only think of
how much good he might do in that wicked family, and among the wicked
boys here in the city, and then when he gets to be a man--'

'But if he isn't reformed, Harry?'

'That is just what Mr S. said to father, the other day, when he asked
him for money to buy tracts for boatmen on the canal--"If they don't
read them," said he.

'Father told him that if we did our duty faithfully, it was all that is
required of us, and we must leave the results in the hands of God. Now I
think just so of John Frink, only that I can't help believing that he
will reform. The Bible says, "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the
evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall
prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."
Now, maybe, all the money you have given this year will do good, but
perhaps this to John Frink most of all.'

'I believe you are right, Harry,' said Effie, 'but you will give me
to-night to think about it.'

'Oh yes, to be sure, you could not give the money, with your whole
heart, unless you believed it was to do good, and so you may think just
as long as you please. Now your kiss, Effie, for I must go to bed. We
will be up early, if we _don't_ go to Mr T.'s shop.'