love and charity with my neighbours?" she at length asked
herself, aloud, drawing a heavy sigh.

"No, I am not," was the mental response. "Mrs. Tompkins is angry with
me, and I am sure I do not feel right towards her."

During all that afternoon, Aunt Mary remained in her chamber, in deep
communion with herself. For the last twenty years she had never, on a
single occasion, stayed away from the Lord's table; but now she felt
that she dared not go forward, for she was not in love and charity with
her neighbours, and the injunction was explicit. Night came, and at the
usual hour she retired, but not to sleep the sweet refreshing sleep
that usually locked up her senses. Her thoughts were so active and
troubled, that she could not sink away into a quiet slumber until long
after midnight. In the morning she felt no better, and, as church time
approached, her heart beat more heavily in her bosom. Finally, the nine
o'clock bell rang, and every stroke seemed like a knell. At last the
hour for assembling came, and Aunt Mary, cast down in heart, repaired
to the meeting-house. The pew of Mrs. Tompkins was just in front of
Aunt Mary's, but that lady did not turn around and smile and give her
hand as usual when she entered. All this Aunt Mary felt.

In due time the services commenced, and regularly progressed to their
conclusion, the minister preaching a very close sermon. The solemn and
impressive communion service followed, and then the members went up to
partake of the sacred emblems. But Aunt Mary did not go up as usual.
She could not, for she was not in love and charity with her neighbours.
This was noticed by many, and particularly by the minister, who
lingered after all had successively approached the table and retired,
repeating his invitation, while his eye was fixed upon Aunt Mary.

"What can be the matter?" asked Mrs. Peabody of Mrs. Beebe, the moment
she got outside of the church door. "Aunt Mary didn't go up."

"Indeed! It can't be possible?"

"Yes, but it is. For I sat just behind her all the time. She seemed
very uneasy, and I thought troubled. She hardly looked up during the
sermon, and hurried away, without speaking to any one, as soon as the
congregation was dismissed at the close of the communion service. What
can be the matter?"

"It is strange, indeed!" responded Mrs. Green, who came up while Mrs.
Peabody was speaking.

"I took notice myself that she did not go up."

"I wonder if she has done any thin