beautiful idea the other day, Agnes," said Ruth, as she sat
stitching her dress. "One who had been speaking of her Christian life,
said, 'in looking back she saw some triumphs achieved, some enemies
slain.' While a friend replied that, 'in place of every foe that had
fallen some grace sprang up.' I had not looked at it so before; it is a
beautiful thought."

"And comforting as well as beautiful," said Miss Smithers, with
moistened eyes. "But Agnes, here, don't know so much about this thing of
fighting as we, Ruth."

"If I don't, then I am not living a Christian life," replied Agnes,
earnestly. "For the Bible says we must war a good warfare, and if I am
not doing it then I must be in sympathy with Satan. Miss Smithers,
Christians make great mistakes about each other, often. Because we do
not see each other's struggles, we think there can be none. Now when I
have the most to contend with, I do not talk most about it, for no one
can help me but God."

"Yes, to be sure that is true. But it is a most wonderful relief to me
to speak. When I have anything on my mind it has to come out. But you
are so gentle and placid like. I really thought you were not like other
people."

"Well, now you will know, in future, that I am like other people in my
struggles, faults, and--"

"Bless me, not faults. I never saw a fault in you, all the time I have
known you."

"There is a great deal in living with one to know them. Ruth can tell
you that."

"Everything," said Ruth, emphatically as she left the room.

In matters of dress, the girls seldom approached their brother. Perhaps
because they so seldom had anything new. Then he liked showy dress, and
theirs was always moderate. But at night, after Miss Smithers had gone,
Ruth could not help exhibiting her poplin, and telling what Agnes had
done.

"Now that is what I call pretty," he said, when Ruth threw it over her
shoulder. But when she told him it was a gift from Agnes, a deep crimson
overspread his face. In a few minutes it was gone, and looking at Agnes
steadily, he said in a peculiar tone, "How much you women are capable of
doing."

Neither of them understood him, but there was something in his face and
voice that deterred them from questioning him, and Agnes replied with a
smile, "I am glad you like it, Guy. I treated myself to one at the same
time, and it is made up ready to wear."

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER XI.

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXCURSION.

RUT