o convince
yourself of the truth. If other tokens were wanting, the likeness
between dear little Joy and her mother is striking; and, besides----"

"There, I don't want to hear any more," Mrs. Skinner said. "I'm a
miserable woman--that's what I am; but I want no pity, and I want
nobody or nothing."

Patience Harrison ventured a little nearer, and said, "Come and see our
dear little Joy and her mother. You will feel happier then. God will
comfort your sore heart, if you turn to Him. Do come and satisfy
yourself that you have a child and a grandchild, who will love you if
you will let them."

Mrs. Skinner took no further notice of what Patience Harrison said, and
resolutely turned her head away. But just as Bet was leaving the
kitchen with her visitor she said:

"You stay at home, and don't go gadding off where you are not wanted.
Bide at home and do your duty. Do you hear?"

"You had better stay," Patience said, "and be patient. You are sure to
hear something from Aunt Maggie before the day is over."

It was not till the evening was closing in that a gentle tap was heard
at the door, and Bet, opening it, saw her aunt standing there.

"You are Bet, I suppose. Little Joy sent me," she whispered. "I was
afraid to come till mother wished for me; but Joy begged me to come,
and tell her I am sorry I offended her. For, Bet, I ought not to have
deserted her, and I see it all now. Where is your grandmother?"

"Sitting in the parlour knitting; but she won't speak, and she looks
very strange. I've had such a long day, Aunt Maggie, watching the
clock, and thinking it would never end. I have got your picture," she
added, "and it is very like dear little Miss Joy. _You_ are not like
it now."

"No, no; trouble and sorrow have changed me. Poor Bet! I remember
coming to kiss you that night when I went away. Poor little thing, I
pitied you. But, Bet, I ought never to have acted as I did; and God
has been kinder to me than I deserve; for my darling found a true
friend, and if only she gets well I shall be a happy mother. I think
how proud her poor father would have been of such a dear child."

"She is dear!" said Bet, in an ecstasy of delight. "But there's
grannie calling; you had better come."

"Bet, who are you gossiping with out there?" cried Mrs. Skinner. "Shut
the door at once, and come in, will you?"

Then Maggie Chanter, trembling and half choked with emotion, went up to
the table where, by the l