r some time. Matilda grew quiet, and they
both were still.

"And the worst of it all is," resumed Matilda, at last, "that it makes
me hate her."

"I do not like to hear you say that."

"No, Mr. Richmond," said Matilda, very sorrowfully.

"Do you think it is right?"

"No, sir."

"Do you think you cannot help doing what is wrong."

"I don't think I can like Aunt Candy."

"We will pass that. But between not liking and hating, there is a wide
distance. Are you obliged to hate her?"

Matilda did not answer.

"Do you think anybody can be a child of God and have _hatred_ in his
heart?"

"How can I help it, Mr. Richmond?" said Matilda, piteously.

"How can you help anything? The best way is to be so full of love to
Jesus that you love everybody for his sake."

"But people that are not good," said Matilda.

"It is easy to love people that are good. The wonder of the love of the
Lord Jesus is, that it comes to people who are not good. And His
children are like Him. 'Be ye followers of God,' He tells them, 'as
dear children; and walk in love.'"

"I am not like that, Mr. Richmond," Matilda said, sadly.

"Didn't you love little Lem Dow? I am sure he is not very good."

"But he never troubled me, much," said Matilda. "He does not make me
miserable all the day long."

Mr. Richmond paused again.

"Our Master knew what it was to be ill-treated by bad people, Matilda."

"Yes, Mr. Richmond."

"How did he feel towards them?"

"Oh, but I am not like that," said Matilda again.

"You must be, if you are His child."

"Must I?" said Matilda, the tears dropping from her eyes quietly. "How
can I? If you only knew, Mr. Richmond!"

"No matter; the Lord knows. Tell Him all about it, and pray to be made
so like Him and to love Him so well that you may love even this unkind
friend."

"I don't think she is my friend," said Matilda; "but it don't make any
difference."

"No, it does not make any difference."

"Mr. Richmond," said Matilda, timidly, after a moment, "won't you pray
with me?"

Which the minister instantly did. Matilda wept quietly all the time of
his prayer, and after they rose from their knees, leaning her head on
Mr. Richmond's shoulder, where she had poured out her troubles once
before. Her friend let her alone, keeping his arm round her kindly,
till the child raised her head and wiped her eyes.

"Do you feel better?" he whispered then. Matilda answered "yes," in an
answering whisper.

"But Mr.