promise. I told Harry I would go as soon as I finished the chapter.'

'And all this,' said Mrs Maurice, 'is the result of what, under other
circumstances, would be a mere innocent gratification, a pleasant
pastime, and a useful exercise.'

'But, mother, when I once begun, I thought I could not stop.'

'Then that was the very moment when you should have stopped, and this
one victory would have made others easier. Now I am not afraid, my dear,
of your being led astray (at least at present) by things which you know
to be wrong; your danger lies on the unguarded side, and yet it is as
likely to prove fatal to your peace of mind, your piety, and your
usefulness.'

'It never seemed to me before, that so much evil could come from such a
small thing.'

'Then you have learned an all-important lesson, which I trust will not
be soon forgotten.'

'But, mother, I shall always be afraid of doing wrong now--I don't even
know what is right.'

'That shews me, Effie, that you begin to look upon yourself as you
really are. If you are left to yourself, you will do wrong; but if you
distrust self, and place all your confidence in God, and at the same
time study to do right, you will not, for any long time, be left in
darkness.'