an old friend of her father, to whom he had been paying a visit,
and finding Rose in delicate health, he had prevailed upon her
parents to allow her to spend the winter months with his family in
the more congenial clime of their Southern home.

"My poor child," she said, passing her arm around the little one's
waist, "my poor little Elsie! that is your name, is it not?"

"Yes, ma'am; Elsie Dinsmore," replied the little girl.

"Well, Elsie, let me read you another verse from this blessed
book. Here it is: 'The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us
from _all_ sin.' And here again: 'If any man sin, we have an
advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous.' Dear Elsie,
'if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins.'"

"Yes, ma'am," said the child; "I have asked Him to forgive me, and
I know He has; but I am so sorry, oh! _so_ sorry that I have
grieved and displeased Him; for, O Miss Allison! I _do_ love
Jesus, and want to be like Him always."

"Yes, dear child, we must grieve for our sins when we remember
that they helped to slay the Lord. But I am very, very glad to
learn that you love Jesus, and are striving to do His will. I love
Him too, and we will love one another; for you know He says, 'By
this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another,'" said Miss Allison, stroking the little girl's hair,
and kissing her tenderly.