it. Do not thrust the safety of your soul from
you in this way. As Brother Jonathan's wife, you will be a partaker of
his holy life and good works. We are not put into this world to please
ourselves, but to further the progress of the kingdom of God."

"Oh, Sister Agatha, believe me, I will become a nurse for the sick, and
bear all the hardships and trials of such a vocation; only spare
me--spare me this one thing! I cannot give myself to Brother Jonathan.
You must not--you dare not require it of me!" cried the girl, bursting
into tears.

"No, Carmen, I will not compel you, although it grieves me for your
sake," said Agatha. "Go, now, and on your knees examine your heart,
lest you may refuse that which is intended for your greatest good."
And kissing Carmen, she dismissed her.

The hours wore on, and still Sister Agatha remained lost in thought,
wondering what new ideas had been put into that young head. "Perhaps
she was right. Vanity and pride! How frightful the words sound! We
never know ourselves as well as we do others; so, after all, the child
has given me a good lesson. I must look into my own heart more
thoroughly, and be more severe with myself, before I presume to advise
and guide other people. Lord, help me to a right knowledge of my duty
to Thee!"

She extinguished the light, and sought repose from her anxieties.

CHAPTER V.

A week passed quietly by, and the excitement caused by Brother Daniel's
departure had given place to the usual monotonous religious routine.
During this time things had gone badly with Adele. Self-control and
obedience were things entirely new to her, and she felt by no means
attracted towards the young girls about her, always excepting Carmen.
The predilection which her mother had shown for the latter had quickly
communicated itself to the daughter, and Carmen, in return, feeling
that she could never be sufficiently grateful to Frau von Trautenau for
her kindness, showed every possible favor to Adele. This young lady's
naturally vivacious and merry disposition, which was not at all subdued
by the calm seriousness which surrounded her, proved a great source of
amusement to Carmen. She gladly reciprocated the warm affection
lavished upon her by the petted heiress, and every letter which reached
Wolmershain teemed with the pleasure the two friends took in each
other's society. Adele told how Carmen had passed her eighteenth
birthday, and now wore pink instead of