reward us openly. You see, my little girl, how one misstep makes the way
for another,--how this pride begat envy, and envy covetousness, and
then how quickly did deceit and dishonesty and disobedience come after.
Do not think me harsh, my dear child, from my heart I forgive you; your
punishment has been severe, but I trust it will be to you a well-spring
of grace; and now let us humbly ask the forgiveness and blessing of that
just and yet merciful God who for Jesus' sake will hear our prayers."

They knelt, and Mrs. Grey made a touching and earnest prayer; even Mrs.
Murray was affected to tears; she felt ashamed of her daughter's
conduct; she knew she herself was to blame, and this event had a good
effect upon her future conduct.

After a little while Charlotte asked for her box, and taking out the
pink ribbon placed it in Mrs. Grey's hand and begged her to burn it, as
she could not bear to see it.

"No," said Mrs. Grey, "keep it, Charlotte; it will remind you of your
fatal error, and perhaps, through God's blessing, may sometimes lead you
from the path of sin into that of holiness."

Charlotte took her friend's advice, and after her recovery never gave
utterance to a falsehood. She and Annie became Sunday-school teachers,
and through the grace of God Charlotte was the means of bringing her
whole family into the fold of the Good Shepherd; and while she lived she
always carefully treasured the pink ribbon, which was a memento alike of
her fault and her sincere repentance.

* * * * *