suffer;
and though they may complain that the sufferings are very hard to bear,
He will assuredly lift them up and support them, for He has said, `My
strength is made perfect in weakness,'" (2 Corinthians 12 verse 9).
This conversation lasted till we reached the house of Abela, Lisele's
aunt.

Abela was a woman of about forty, her face, though not handsome, and
with a serious expression, was mild and pleasing. She was dressed in an
ample petticoat, made from the fibres of the hibiscus, while over her
shoulders she wore a tippet somewhat resembling a small poncho, which
completely shrouded the upper part of her form. Having finished the
labours of the day (for although of high rank, she was compelled, like
others, to work for her support), she was seated on a mat, with a book
open on her knees, from which she was endeavouring to read. Not having
long been a convert, she had as yet made but little progress in her
studies. She affectionately welcomed her niece and me as we took our
seats near her. Lisele then eagerly poured forth what she had been
hearing, so rapidly, that I could scarcely follow her.

"It is all true," said Abela, when her niece at length ceased speaking.
"I praise Jehovah that you know it."

When, however, Lisele told her of her wish to go back to her father,
Abela hesitated. "He will not understand you, my child," she exclaimed,
"and perhaps will not allow you to return to people whom he may think so
foolish."

"Oh, but I'll pray for him," answered Lisele. "I'll ask Jehovah to help
me, and I know He will hear me, so I shall not have to trust to my own
strength."

Abela remained silent for some time, and I saw that she was engaged in
prayer.

"You shall go, my child," she said at length. "Jehovah will take care
of you, and may He prosper your undertaking."

Delighted at having obtained this permission, Lisele returned to spend
the evening with us, for my father wished to have an opportunity of
speaking to her. He warned her of the opposition she must expect to
meet with from her people, and of the dangers she would have to
encounter, especially as he knew that she had been sought in marriage by
a young heathen chief, who might wish to detain her.

"But now I know the truth. I will never consent to marry one who is a
heathen," she answered. "And I do not intend to remain. I will only
try to persuade my father to visit you, and then I will return."

Lisele set off the next day, acco