ifest
interest, very painful thoughts were passing through her mind. She had
made a great sacrifice for Guy in hope of doing him good, how great, no
one knew, and yet withall she had failed in her object. He looked at her
as the world always judges of Christians; not by profession but
practise. However, it may sneer and cavil at doctrine, the world is not
slow to recognize and respect the character that like pure gold carries
with it not only beauty but sterling worth.

"Bartered my Christian character," she thought, "and what have I in
exchange? Complete failure, dead loss;" and all through the evening,
though she talked and laughed, the question and answer came up before
her.

When their friends had gone and the girls went up to their room, each
sat down on her favorite seat as if for a talk. With Agnes it was the
foot of the bed, having the low post on which to lean, while Ruth took
the low rocking-chair. The thoughts of both ran in the same direction,
but neither seemed inclined to break the silence. Agnes would have
spoken, but Ruth was sensitive, and any allusion to the subject might
pain her. Suddenly she said, "What a lovely character Edith Hart is,
Ruth. Her manners are charming, and she is perfectly sincere, I am
sure. Did you notice what difference Guy paid to her opinions and how
much he seemed to admire her? I wish he would fall in love with her and
marry her, for of course he will marry some one, and she would have such
a good influence over him."

"Yes, when they were married she might, if he in the meantime had not
exerted a wrong influence over her. It must require a great deal of
grace to maintain your Christian integrity, when those you love are
worldly minded. I don't think Edith would hold out any better than the
rest of us, if she loved Guy as she should. But there is no use in
talking about that, it will be a long time before Guy can marry."

"Why, his practise is improving, isn't it? I often hear him talk of his
clients, and you know lawyers charge very high for advice. I don't know
where I heard it, but I am of the impression that they will not give
the least bit of advice under five dollars. At that rate, you know, he
will make out well."

Ruth wanted to laugh at her sister's simplicity. Do as she would, she
never could teach Agnes the value of money. And now, poor child, she
seemed to think Guy had nothing to do but open his mouth and gold
dollars would roll out, as diamonds did in the w