was as
exquisitely beautiful as the rarest picture ever painted, that it could
be any more precious to our sight, than it is now; or if beauty of the
loveliest type would be taken in exchange for the strong, earnest
character and brave, true heart that is stamped in it. The most
beautiful face may sometimes, by nature's indelible portrayer, reveal
itself soulless in heart and mind; and the plainest face possess an
irresistible charm, if it is allowed to interpret the emotions of a
truly noble heart. I have no ambition that my little girl should paint
the grandest pictures in the world, but I hope before long to give her
instructions in the art that she loves, and then I want her to use to
the uttermost, the beautiful talent God has given her, and though it
should fall far short of being the grandest picture, I should be very
happy, and quite content."

Mrs. Dering began folding up her sewing as she finished, and the girls
did likewise, looking as though they had taken the little talk to heart
and were thinking over it. Olive went out for her account-books and her
face wore a happier look, than any one could remember seeing there
lately. Before they got through examining and comparing accounts, the
other girls said good-night and went up stairs, and when the last book
was pushed aside, Mrs. Dering put her arm around Olive, who sat on the
stool at her feet, and looked down at her with a smile.

"I like this, dear," she said, touching the ribbons. "And you have made
me so much happier to-night, by looking more happy, what is it dear?"

"Nothing, mama," answered Olive. "Only I came home early one day, when
the girls didn't know it, and I heard them talking about me. They said
how queer and odd I was, and how they felt hurt, because I always stayed
away from them, and some more things, and mama, I was so amazed. I
always thought they didn't want me, and I didn't know which way to
believe and I,--I just asked God to help me; and I guess He did. It's
terrible hard work, though I've only tried it a few days. I'm so ugly,
and I've got such a dreadful temper, and always want to think the wrong
way, but I notice that I really have been happier these few days; and
mama, to-night, you--" Olive paused and looked up shyly, she did not
often say such things and it cost something of a little effort to
begin--"you looked so happy and I couldn't help but feel that it was
because you were glad, and I really am going to try all the harder