of wonderful things.

But why is it that Madam How will not tell people beforehand what will
happen to them, as you have told me?

Now I will tell you a great secret, which, alas! every one has not found
out yet. Madam How will teach you, but only by experience. Lady Why
will teach you, but by something very different--by something which has
been called--and I know no better names for it--grace and inspiration; by
putting into your heart feelings which no man, not even your father and
mother, can put there; by making you quick to love what is right, and
hate what is wrong, simply because they are right and wrong, though you
don't know why they are right and wrong; by making you teachable, modest,
reverent, ready to believe those who are older and wiser than you when
they tell you what you could never find out for yourself: and so you will
be prudent, that is provident, foreseeing, and know what will happen if
you do so-and-so; and therefore what is really best and wisest for you.

But why will she be kind enough to do that for me?

For the very same reason that I do it. For God's sake. Because God is
your Father in heaven, as I am your father on earth, and He does not wish
His little child to be left to the hard teaching of Nature and Law, but
to be helped on by many, many unsought and undeserved favours, such as
are rightly called "Means of Grace;" and above all by the Gospel and good
news that you are God's child, and that God loves you, and has helped and
taught you, and will help you and teach you, in a thousand ways of which
you are not aware, if only you will be a wise child, and listen to Lady
Why, when she cries from her Palace of Wisdom, and the feast which she
has prepared, "Whoso is simple let him turn in hither;" and says to him
who wants understanding--"Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine
which I have mingled."

"Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and
nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and
those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me;
yea, durable riches and righteousness."

Yes, I will try and listen to Lady Why: but what will happen if I do not?

That will happen to you, my child--but God forbid it ever should
happen--which happens to wicked kings and rulers, and all men, even the
greatest and cleverest, if they do not choo