Elsie was about to make a still more angry reply; but she
restrained herself, and turning to her book, tried to study,
though the hot, blinding tears came so thick and fast that she
could not see a letter.

"De carriage am waiting, ladies, an' missus in a hurry," said a
servant, opening the door; and Miss Day hastily quitted the room,
followed by Louise and Lora; and Elsie was left alone.

She laid down the geography, and opening her desk, took out a
small pocket Bible, which bore the marks of frequent use. She
turned over the leaves as though seeking for some particular
passage; at length she found it, and wiping away the blinding
tears, she read these words in a low, murmuring tone:

"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God
endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it if, when
ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if
when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is
acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called; because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should
follow His steps."

"Oh! I have not done it. I did not take it patiently. I am afraid
I am not following in His steps," she cried, bursting into an
agony of tears and sobs.

"My dear little girl, what is the matter?" asked a kind voice, and
a soft hand was gently laid on her shoulder.