happened long ago--their long suffering and
departure. The very promises which had of late become so sweet to her,
soothed her merely as a pleasant sound might do. She scarcely took note
of their meaning or power during those days.

But this soon passed away, and with returning strength came back with
double force the old longing to go home. She had sent a line to Effie
when little Harry was taken ill, telling her how utterly impossible it
would be for her to leave her place. Since then, about the time of the
baby's death, a neighbour had called, and by him she had sent the same
message, assuring her sister that she was quite content to stay. But
her old eagerness to get home came back, now that she found herself with
little to occupy her, and she waited anxiously for the time when Mrs
Lee might be spoken to on the subject.

In the meantime, Mrs Greenly was called away, and the duty of
attendance upon Mrs Lee once more devolved on Christie. If anything
could have banished from her heart all thought of home or all wish for
change, the days that followed would have done so. Not an hour passed
in which she was not made to feel that she was a comfort to her friend--
for _friends_, in the highest sense, the mistress and her little maid
were fast becoming. The readings and conversations which had been begun
during their long watches together were renewed; and blessed seasons
they proved to both. Christie never knew--never could know on earth--
all the good she did Mrs Lee in those days. She was only conscious of
an ever-increasing love for her and an ever-increasing desire to serve
her.

If in the first agony of her bereavement there had been in the mother's
heart murmuring and rebellious thoughts, they were all stilled now.
With more than the submission of a chastened child--with joy that had in
it a sense of reconciliation and acceptance--she was enabled to kiss the
Hand that had smitten her. She seldom spoke of her children; but when
she did, it was with gratitude that they had been hers, and were still
hers, in heaven. Seen by the new light that was dawning on her soul,
the world, its hopes and fears and interests, looked to her very
different. Humble submission and cheerful trust took the place of her
old, anxious forebodings. Scripture truths, which formerly conveyed no
distinct idea to her mind, came home to her now with power. They were
living truths, full of hope and comfort. The promises were to he