proved a very faithful friend. She was an intelligent woman and
devotedly pious, and had carefully instructed this lonely little
one, for whom she felt almost a parent's affection, and her
efforts to bring her to a saving knowledge of Christ had been
signally owned and blessed of God; and in answer to her earnest
prayers, the Holy Spirit had vouchsafed His teachings, without
which all human instruction must ever be in vain. And young as
Elsie was, she had already a very lovely and well-developed
Christian character. Though not a remarkably precocious child in
other respects, she seemed to have very clear and correct views on
almost every subject connected with her duty to God and her
neighbor; was very truthful both in word and deed, very strict in
her observance of the Sabbath--though the rest of the family were
by no means particular in that respect--very diligent in her
studies, respectful to superiors, and kind to inferiors and
equals; and she was gentle, sweet-tempered, patient, and forgiving
to a remarkable degree. Rose became strongly attached to her, and
the little girl fully returned her affection.

Elsie was very sensitive and affectionate, and felt keenly the
want of sympathy and love, for which, at the time of Rose's
coming, she had no one to look to but poor old Chloe, who loved
her with all her heart.

It is true, Adelaide sometimes treated her almost affectionately,
and Lora, who had a very strong sense of justice, occasionally
interfered and took her part when she was very unjustly accused,
but no one seemed really to care for her, and she often felt sad
and lonely. Mr. Dinsmore, though her own grandfather, treated her
with entire neglect, seemed to have not the slightest affection