ht that each individual in a community should do what
may be done to help all the rest to be good and happy. But people
cannot be made good and happy against their own will, and Miss Bethia's
advances in that direction were too often made in a way which first of
all excited the opposition of the person she intended to benefit. This
was almost always the case where the young people of the village were
concerned. Those who had known her long and well, did not heed her
plain and sharp speaking, because of her kindly intentions, and it was
known besides that her sharpest words were generally forerunners of her
kindest deeds. But the young people did not so readily take these
things into consideration, and she was by no means a favourite with
them.

So it is not surprising, that when she made her appearance one afternoon
at the minister's house, David, who was there alone with little Mary,
was not very well pleased to see her. Little Mary was pleased. Even
Aunt Bethia had only sweet words for the pet and baby; and happily the
child's pretty welcome, and then her delight over the little cake of
maple sugar that Miss Bethia had brought her, occupied that lady's
attention till David had time to smooth his face again. It helped him a
little to think that his father and mother being away from home, their
visitor might not stay long. He was mistaken, however.

"I heard your father and mother had gone over to Mrs Spry's; but I had
made my calculations for a visit here just now, and I thought I'd come.
They'll be coming home to-night, I expect?" added she, as she untied her
bonnet, and prepared herself to enjoy her visit.

"Yes," said David, hesitating. "They are coming home to-night--I
think."

He spoke rather doubtfully. He knew they had intended to come home, but
it seemed to him just as if something would certainly happen to detain
them if Miss Bethia were to stay. And besides it came into his mind
that if she doubted about the time of their return, she would go and
visit somewhere else in the village, and come back another time. That
would be a much better plan, he thought, with a rueful glance at the
book he had intended to enjoy all the afternoon. But Miss Bethia had
quite other thoughts.

"Well, it can't be helped. They'll be home to-morrow if they don't come
to-night; and I can have a visit with you and Violet. I shall admire
to!" said Miss Bethia, reassuringly, as a doubtful look passed over
David's fa