became more thoroughly in harmony with
myself, and altogether happier. The day was often wearisome, but then
the evening rest was the sweeter, and the thought that I had passed a
useful day refreshed my soul. The children gave me many cares, many
troubles; but they gave likewise an interest to my life, and happiness
to my heart, and all the while, in pleasure and want, in joy and sorrow,
they became dearer and dearer to me. I cannot imagine that children can
be dearer to their own mother than Laura and Karin are to me.

In this new position I also became a better daughter, a more tender
sister than I had hitherto been; and I could now cheer the old age of my
parents far more than if I had remained an inactive and superfluous
person in their house. Now for the first time I had advantage of all
that was good in my education. Amid lively activity, and with a distinct
object in life, and in affectionate relationships, that which was vain
and false fell gradually away from my disposition; and the knowledge
which I had obtained, the truths which I had known, were productive in
heart and deed since I had, so to say, struck root in life.

* * * * *

Evelina ceased. All had heard her with sympathy, but no one more than
Ernst Frank. A new picture of life was opened to his view, and the
truest sympathy expressed itself on his manly features. He suffered by
this picture of so contracted a world, in so oppressive and gloomy a
condition, and his thoughts already busied themselves with plans for
breaking open doors, for opening windows in these premises, to free this
oppressed and captive life.

"Ah, yes!" said Mrs. Gunilla, with a gentle sigh, "everybody here in
this world has their difficult path, but if every one walks in the fear
and admonition of the Lord, all arrive in the end at their home. Our
Lord God helps us all!" And Mrs. Gunilla took a large pinch of snuff.

"Don't forget the _Orbis Pictus_," exclaimed she to Elise, who with her
husband was preparing to go; "don't forget it, and let the children be
educated from it, that they may observe how the soul looks. He, he, he,
he!"

CHAPTER XIV.

THE ORPHAN.

The day was declining, and Ernst and Elise sate in one of the parlour
windows. Mutual communications received with mutual sympathy, had made
them have joy in each other--had let them feel at peace with life. They
were now silent; but a presentiment that for the future they shou