old hymn book was produced from
Gladys' book-shelf, which contained these hymns that she had been taught
in her childhood by her mother.

It was the second evening of Netta's stay with the Joneses, and she had
been prevailed upon to go into the drawing-room, where Rowland was added
to the usual little party.

She was gradually sinking into a state of apparent forgetfulness of
those around her, from which it had been so difficult to rouse her since
Howel's letter, when Miss Gwynne said,--

'I think Minette knows the hymn now, Mr Jones. Ask mamma if you may say
it, dear.'

'Mamma, may I try to say the hymn now? Mr Jones will take me to see the
little children to-morrow if I know it,' asked the child.

Netta was roused.

'Where is the book? I don't think I remember it, she said.

'I will go to Gladys for the book. I know the way, mamma.'

Minette ran to the little room where Gladys was at work busily preparing
for the journey. She got the hymn book, asked Gladys to find the place,
and returning to the drawing-room triumphantly, gave the book to Mr
Jones.

'You must hear me, to see that I say it quite, quite right,'

The hymn was somewhat difficult for a child, but it had taken Netta's
fancy, because the words were written for an old Welsh air that she knew
well; indeed the book consisted principally of English and Welsh hymns
that had been composed for some of the fine old Welsh tunes.

The words were as follow:--

MORNING, Y FOREU.

Great God, look on me,
From Thy throne eternal;
Make pure unto Thee
This my hymn diurnal.
I my grateful voice would blend,
With nature's loud thanksgiving;

Praises through the earth would send
For the bliss of living.
Then, God, look on me,
From Thy throne eternal,
Make pure unto Thee,
This my hymn diurnal.
On the wings of morning,
With songs of birds up-soaring,
I address Thee,
Praise and bless Thee,
Joying and adoring.
O Lord! bless this day,
All my thoughts and doings,
And keep my heart away
From all vain pursuings.
Shield me with Thy fostering wings,
From every wild temptation.
Let the daily course of things,
Work for my salvation.
O Lord I bless this day,
All my thoughts and doings,
And keep my heart away