istmas! Perhaps I can
get the watch-pocket done too. Well, I'll try, see if I don't. I _can_
conquer little Impulse if I try, and I _will_. You shall see if I don't,
you dear, good Uncle Morris, you."

All this was said as Jessie walked down-stairs. She looked very
pleasantly, and trod the carpet with a very firm step, as she went to her
cosy little chair in front of the bright fire which glowed in the grate
that November afternoon. She was slightly chilled through sitting in her
chamber, but without stopping to get warm, she took up her work, and began
to ply her needle in good earnest.

Half an hour passed and Jessie was still busy as a bee over her quilt.
Then her uncle entered the room with his outside coat nicely buttoned up
to his chin, and his hat in his hand. He was equipped for a walk.

"Jessie, will you take a walk with your poor old uncle this fine
afternoon?" said he.

This was offering one of the strongest of possible temptations to Jessie.
A walk with Uncle Morris was to her a very great pleasure. Impulse
whispered "Let the quilt go, and accept your uncle's offer!" Jessie's arms
were even put forth in the act of dropping her work, when her eye rested
on her written resolution, which she had pinned on the top edge of the
work-basket. "I will finish my quilt," said she down in her heart. Then
putting her work back into her lap, and looking up at her uncle, who was a
little puzzled by her unusual manner, she said--

"I thank you, Uncle, but I can't go this afternoon."

"Not go! What does my little puss mean?" exclaimed Uncle Morris, greatly
surprised that his niece should decline his invitation.

Jessie took the paper from the basket, gave it to him, and, while a loving
smile played round her lips, said--

"Please, Uncle, read this."

The old gentleman put on his spectacles, glanced at the paper, and, as he
gave it back to her, smiled, and said--

"Ha, ha, I see! going to run the little wizard through the heart with the
spear of Resolution! Very good. I would rather see you conquer your enemy,
my dear Jessie, than to have your company, much as I love it. So good-by,
and may the Great Teacher help you to keep your resolution!"

"Good-by, Uncle!"

I can't tell you how happy Jessie felt at having resisted this strong
temptation. A warm current of joy flowed through her heart, and bore away
all regret which thinking on the loss of a pleasant walk might have
otherwise caused her to feel. Her eyes spa