comfortable fire. "I have been thinking," said little George, as
he looked into the bright fire, "how good sister Isabella has grown
lately. She has not spoken a cross word to me since I can remember; and
cousin Emily Gray says she would rather come to see her than anybody,
now that she is so kind and obliging."

Mr. Gardner tried, by a serious look and shake of the head, to make
little George understand that he did not like his remarks; but George
did not see him, and went on to say that he should like to know how
Isabella had managed to grow so good.

"I see your kindness, dear father," said Isabella, "in wishing George to
be silent lest he should hurt my feelings; but you need not shake your
head at him, for I am quite willing that he should say what he thinks. I
have noticed how carefully you and mother have avoided speaking of my
faults; but I have known by your silent kindness that you have seen and
approved of my efforts to overcome them. I have done but little; but I
hope by perseverance to become more worthy to be your child.

"You say, George, that I have grown better, and wonder what has made me
so. I will tell you, my dear brother. My mother's counsels and prayers
first directed me to the source of all strength,--to God, and his holy
word. I had neglected her wishes, and showed disrespect to her
authority; and in sorrow, but in much love, she committed me to the care
of my heavenly Parent. She led me to Jesus, who was meek and lowly in
heart. From him I have sought dayly, hourly help, and to him let all the
praise be given, if I have succeeded at all in subduing my unruly
temper. My long sickness, last autumn, brought me to feel my great
weakness and entire dependence upon God, and gave me time for
reflection. The patient kindness of my friends humbled me also; for I
felt how little I deserved it; and I resolved anew, that if my life was
spared, I would be a better child in future. But I have much yet to do,
and the constant effort that I am obliged to make, to conquer this one
fault, is enough to keep me humble."

"I don't quite understand all that you have said, Isabella," replied
George; "but I know it is much like what father and mother have often
told me, that when I don't know exactly how to do right, I must go to
God, and he will always direct me."

"I can scarcely tell you, George, how much happier I am now than I used
to be. I wish I could tell you and every friend I have. My disrespect to
my f