n done in their own strength,
and not in the power of the Spirit. I think the answer to all such
difficulties is: Live close to Christ, and let Him give you your
orders--no one else. The longer I live, the more strongly I feel how
useless it is to go by other Christians' experiences. God leads us all
in different ways. Let us strive to learn the sound of His slightest
whisper, and take His Word only as our guide. We cannot go wrong then.'

We talked on till we reached home. I could not help feeling the
comfort of having some one to speak to on the subjects that were so
dear to me. I had had so few to help or advise me, and though I knew
the truth of what Mr. Stanton said, that we could not frame our lives
by others' experiences, yet, as a young Christian, I felt refreshed and
strengthened by his words. When I said something of this sort to him,
he smiled.

'You have not suffered by the loneliness of your position, Miss Thorn;
it has only brought you to know Christ more intimately, and to lean
upon Him harder. I have seen a good deal of young Christians pinning
their faith to a human being: in some cases a friend who has been the
means of their conversion, or a favourite preacher. It is natural, but
Satan often uses it as a snare. The Master is not appealed to so often
as the friend. He sinks into the background, and when the friend is
removed they feel utterly stranded, and in some cases fall back in
their Christian life.'

When we reached the house, we found every one in the drawing-room at
tea. Miss Willoughby was in high spirits. She was organizing some
tableaux that the Forsyths were trying to get up, and was pressing
every one into her service.

'Now, Hilda Thorn,' she said laughingly, as I entered the room, 'I am
going to ask you a great favour. Don't purse up that little mouth of
yours in anticipation. It is nothing sinful, upon my honour it is not.'

'You shall not torment her till she has had a cup of tea,' said Nelly
good-naturedly. 'Come and sit down by me, Hilda.'

'Will you give her plenty of sugar then, please, Mrs. Forsyth?' Miss
Willoughby pursued; 'I want her temper sweetened.'

'I don't think she possesses a temper,' put in Kenneth. 'I know for a
fact that I often lose mine in trying to make her lose hers!'

'If she never loses it, she must have it in her possession,' said Miss
Willoughby drily; and every one laughed.

'What is it you want?' I asked a few moments after, havi