yet more miserable locality, where the broken floor of their narrow apartment lay level with the street, and damps were oozing and shining in the sickly blaze of a few sticks over which the widow was stirring a little meal-broth. The pot very nearly fell from her hands, as she turned round at the well-remembered tones of a voice that had often cheered the bed of sickness in a far different abode; and when that hand was kindly taken, and the voice that greeted her grew tremulous from emotion, at beholding her altered appearance, she sank into her chair, and wept and sobbed most piteously. A few drops of cordial mixture, considerately provided, the very flavour of which had the sweetness of home upon it, assisted her to overcome this burst of a feeling too strong for her debilitated frame; and a gladness not to be repressed brightened her spirit as she felt the reality of that most cheering sunshine of life-the presence of a true, an old, a sympathizing friend. Richard's health and welfare were the first objects discussed: then followed the mention of James. Ah, sir," said the widow, "it ought to stifle every murmur of my unfaithful heart, to recollect what I saw in that precious child. His departure was as if the gate of heaven had been for a moment set open before me, that I might catch a glimpse of the glories within." "And has it been blessed to the others ?" "One of them, sir, is as ripe for heaven as he was: the two children I can hardly judge of, for the long hours of work, and the poverty and sickliness they are brought to, seem so to freeze them up, that at home they seldom speak, and I cannot always bear to rouse the poor things from the sleepy state that they are in." "You have removed from the lodging Richard left you in.” "Yes, we found it too expensive; and the landlord persisting in it that we had means of our own, threatened to raise the rent: besides, going up and down stairs is a trial to Helen, and I was glad to spare her a few steps. We are nearer the street, and nearer the mill too; and oh, sir, I do hope I may say that every new step in the valley of humiliation brings me nearer to God." "You have his presence: and what are the world's riches to that?" "Or the world's poverty either, sir, which some count a blessing in itself. But there is as much pride among the poor as among the rich, and I needed to be taught that. I knew I wanted daily sanctifying: but I did not know I wanted daily humbling. He who knew it ordered it for me; and truly I never so rejoiced in Him before falling from what was in my own mind a little height among my equals, as now I do when I seem to have reached the bottom, and have grace to be there contented." "If such is your experience," remarked the doctor, "those who regard you must learn to look more contentedly upon this very great reverse in your circumstances; but I fear the children cannot view it in so happy a light." "Ah, sir, I spoke selfishly. Had I taken that rash step with a single thought of bettering our condition for my own sake, or with any other intention than to benefit them, I should indeed be most wretched now: but their interest was all I had at heart, and that spares me an aggravation of the self-reproach that I must always feel on their account." "How are they going on?" "Helen is sinking fast; but nothing can persuade her to leave off mill-work. Since she became so ill, two or three of the girls who formerly tormented her have softened very much, and even appear to seek the pious instruction that she is so anxious to give. This, and the determination to help while she can, make her proof against all persuasion to give over; and your visit, sir, just at this time, is a providential thing, for you can judge of her case, and can also influence her to act as you see best." "And what of my lively little friend Mary ?" "She has been too long a factory-child, sir, to deserve any more the name of lively." "I have been told the work has a very depressing effect on those engaged in it." "It has many bad effects, sir, and that is one. You are aware that I have, by the divine blessing, brought up my family in the ways of godliness. I could not impart to the dear children a new nature, young people return, you must have a nor spiritualize their minds; but I have been careful to accustom them to religious exercises and profitable discourse, waiting for the blessing that alone can give the increase, when we have sown and watered. Well, sir, our evenings at home were very pleasant; and I always found the children able to take an interest in scripture stories, asking questions, listening to my remarks, The doctor was not only a benevolent and making some themselves. But now, but a very energetic man. His decided with Helen to help me, and with the temper, and fearless advocacy of what he blessed experience and dying testimony of knew to be right, had often turned the dear James so fresh in their memories, tide when it seemed to set in unfavourthey can seldom seem even decently at- ably for the interests of the poor in his tentive to what I feel bound to say; and extensive district. A Christian philanneither the most beautiful Bible histories, thropist will be a blessing in any departnor Helen's delightful way of explaining ment; but perhaps in none so effectually things to them, will keep them listening. as the medical line. The widow Green They are heavy and sullen, except when perfectly understood his character, and a they talk to one another in a way that ray of hope brightened her earthly prosgrieves me; telling silly tales, making ill-pect as she looked upon this bold honest natured speeches about their companions, servant of her Master, sent, as it apand repeating idle jests, often not fit to re-peared, to her succour. Railroad compeat; besides all that passes in whispers, and which no doubt is worse. It seems as if the weariness brought on by the dull, but fatiguing work, required something to remove it, more exciting to the bad feelings than engaging to the mind. Oh, sir, I fear these mills are slaughter-houses to the poor little lambs of the flock!" "Take courage, my good Mrs. Green: remember that of Christ's own flock the weakest lamb shall never perish, neither shall any be able to pluck it out of his hand." "True, sir, I do remember it: but it is a grievous thing to see what sorrows are being laid up in this life even for those who will not be actually lost, through the dreadful wickedness of such places. We are commanded to order our own households according to godliness-to bring up children in the way they should go-and it is a bitter thing to me to reflect that this handful of meal which I am making into a little mess for their supper, was bought at the price of their health, both of body and mind; at the price of their contentedness, at the price of their modesty, and, for aught I know, at the price of their souls." "I can fully comprehend your distress, my poor friend. I came here, sincerely anxious to render you service, and I will strive so to do. This evening when your munication, though far advanced, had not as yet thrown open a path for rapid travelling between the neighbourhood of L. and the place that she then inhabited: tedious journeys by stage-coaches must be encountered: and this rendered a visit from him so utterly improbable, that she had never even imagined such an event. With a thankful heart she hastened to provide the unusual refreshment of a substantial meal for the young labourers, and invested her miserable hovel with as comfortable an aspect as it could be made to wear. When the doctor paid his evening visit, it cost him an effort to suppress the feeling of mingled sorrow and indignation excited by the changed aspect of his favorite cottagers. Although still a young man, he had been settled in L. long enough to have attended the death-beds of their parents, and to watch their own growth from infancy. Mary's frank character, and her sprightly ways, had often amused him; and on Helen he looked as the very beau ideal of an English village maiden. He had secretly pleased himself with the probability of her some day repaying to Richard, in particular, the kindness bestowed on her helpless childhood. He was prepared to witness great ravages on her blooming appearance, but the wan spectre that smiled upon him in all the a heart-warm | by what he had not boldness to resist. Helen Fleet- Such a case is frequently known in the experience of more matured years; but it occurs among children oftener than is suspected, and often is the tender bud of early promise blighted through the neglect of those who leave it exposed to the rough blast, the nipping frost, or the parching ray. unrestrained gladness of The doctor took but a cursory view of poor little Willy, and withdrew his eye, satisfied that he was changed into a sullen, stupid child. All his interest became centered in Helen, whose natural rustic reserve seemed to have given place not to the acquired boldness of a town-life, but to the expansion of a spirit about to wing its way to the company of the redeemed in heaven, and to embrace in one wide grasp the whole church, as well militant as triumphant. She answered all enquiries as to her bodily health with a simple assurance that she endured little pain, but felt herself, she said, melting away, like a snow-ball. When asked why she did not discontinue her labours, and devote the little time that might remain to preparation for the great change, she raised her eyes to the enquirer's face, and meekly asked, "What preparation, sir ?” "Why, it is a solemn thing to be expecting a summons into the immediate Near her sat Mary, her pretty wild curls confined in a stiff braid, set round the crown of her head with an attempt at smartness. Her long arms bony and bare, and her general air that of a person who is conscious of having greatly outgrown the expectations of the spectator. Grown, indeed, the poor child was, but more in the knowledge of evil than either in wisdom, or in stature. She had established the reputation of one who was not to be put down by ordinary means; and this character she looked very legibly. The doctor thought her more painfully changed than Helen. Willy, who had seriously endeavoured to fulfil his promises to Richard, and thereby exposed himself to ridicule and persecution, had effected a sort of compromise with his conscience, openly running in the way of his evil companions, but secretly protest-presence of God; and should not the ing against it. The dying admonitions of his brother had sensibly affected him, and a very marked change for the better had followed on his departure; but Mary seemed bent on not allowing him to outrun her in the right path, and by exercising the influence that seniority and a dictatorial spirit gave her over him, she effectually kept his better feelings in check. This produced a heavy, downcast look, occasionally varied by one of sly enquiry, as to whether he was observed. The poor child was indeed suffering a conflict that no one suspected: for he fondly loved Richard, and deeply felt the solemnity of the pledge he had given him, and found his conscience much awakened; yet, lacking courage to open his mind to his grand-tunities, our abused privileges, and supmother or Helen, he quailed before Mary's power, aided by that of the evil examples around him; and was in the condition of one who, desiring to reach a distant object, yet allows himself to be pulled back spirit be composed by meditation and prayer into a frame suited for such transition?" "I am not enough of a scholar, sir, to answer you rightly, and perhaps I am wrong in my notion, too; but I do think that all our sufficiency being of Christ, who also himself makes us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, we can have no better preparation for the change that is coming, than to be diligent in such work as he gives us to do, even to the last moment." "But, Helen, is it not right to take a solemn review of our past lives, our past sins, our many short-comings, our unfaithfulness to God, our neglected oppor plicate a total oblivion of them in the blood that cleanseth from all sins?” "Doctor, I humbly hope that I do so, but at the same time I know that my thinking about my past sins will not help to wash away their guilt. That is done already through faith in the Lord Jesus; and when I go to him I shall be always praising him for doing it, and surely I shall then remember how great my sins have been, that I may the more magnify the great love of my Redeemer in dying to save me from them! But should not I redeem the time that remains, and do as the Lord bade the man do out of whom he cast the devils; that is, tell my friends what great things he has done for me?" The doctor was puzzled; he had brought forward some of the commonplace discourse on a subject on which Helen was evidently clearer than himself. Instead of replying, he abruptly asked, "Would you like to die in the factory, Helen, surrounded by the profane who mock your hope?" to preach like some others; but I set as good an example as I can." "I am rejoiced to hear it, my dear; for, however little effect a good example alone may produce, still if you did otherwise, you would incur a terrible condemnation. Just before leaving L. I saw my dear cousin, your own kind teacher at the Sunday school, who charged me with many anxious inquiries about you. 'I never,' she said, 'took more pains with a child than with little Mary Green, and certainly none understood better the instructions given. She learned a great deal of scripture, and her answering proved that she thoroughly knew her duty to God and to her neighbour. I expect to hear on your return that Mary is a great blessing to the poor ignorant children about her. She is not afraid to speak her mind, and that is a "Indeed, sir, if such were God's will I great advantage where good treasure is should like it exceedingly." lodged in the heart, and where there is "Don't say so, my child!" cried the such a very great need of its being conwidow anxiously." "We know very well, granny, that though one even came to them from the dead, they would not believe, if their hearts were not softened by the Holy Spirit; much less if one only departed this life before them; but such a thing might be blessed to some thoughtless soul, by his mercy; and I'm sure I don't know what could be more delightful in a dying hour than to think so." Here Willy, almost unconsciously, exclaimed, "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing." "Doing what?" asked Mary in a sharp tone. The child blushed, and hung his head, muttering, "It was Jem said it." This little incident was not lost on the doctor; but he only repeated in a low voice, "Who, then, is that faithful and wise servant?' "Well, Helen, I confess you have the best of the argument. He who with the talent given continues to trade and occupy till the Lord comes, is the object of that blessing. I will not seek to turn you from the path of usefulness; for you cannot spend your remnant of strength better than in promoting your Master's cause where, I fear, He is sorely dishonoured. And now, Mary, how are you occupying?" "I mind my work, sir; I don't feel able 23 VOL. II. stantly brought forth. I hope my Mary is quite a little missionary, as she often said she should like to be among those who are heathens in ignorance and sin.' So spoke my excellent cousin; and added that she prayed for you continually, trusting that you too lived in the habits of prayer for yourself, without which the intercession of friends was vain. Am I then to rejoice her affectionate heart by confirming all these pious hopes ?" Mary's face underwent many changes during this searching speech. He had struck a chord long silent in her bosom, and one that she did not expect would sound again. All eyes were fixed on her; the doctor's with a penetrating scrutiny peculiar to his character; the widow's and Helen's with tender anxiety; and those of Katy and Willy with mingled sympathy and curiosity. She made an attempt to look pert, but wholly failed; and at last with a half-sob exclaimed, "If I have lost all the good I once got, they must answer for it who brought me here, and placed me among devils." "Nay, Mary, the Lord says to the weakest of his children, however beset and however perplexed, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' Can you tell me that you have daily, fervently, believingly, asked that grace and not received it?" Mary's agitation increased. She said, "If you want to save my soul, take me had run home, with the welcome intelliback to my teacher!" "Your teacher, my poor child, can do no more than direct you to the great Teacher above, to whom you have already learned the way. There is no need to take you back, to find access to him; for he dwells no less beneath this roof than in the Sunday school at home." He continued to speak in the same strain, Mary now weeping, now justifying her falling off: but evidently very much affected by his calm, firm language. An interruption occurred by the sudden entrance of Charles Wright, who, without any preface, told the widow that his sister Sarah was very near death, and wanted to see her and Helen. Then added with a flushed face, "She has some fancy or other, and insists on your bringing a third person, not related to the family. Hudson would do, she says; but he lives so far off." The widow looked at her guest, who instantly said, "As a medical man, no less than as a friend, I may be useful; shall I go?" Charles cast a rapid glance over him, and replied. "If you please, sir; not that a doctor can now be of any use; but she is impatient poor thing, and we can't deny the request of her dying breath." He hurried out, evidently in great agitation; and the widow throwing on herself and Helen the slight additional covering they possessed, led the way towards her daughter's house. "I wish," thought the doctor, as he closely followed them, "I could change this luxurious surtout into a cloak to throw over the shoulders of that dying girl. Rather ought I to wish that the mantle of her active zealous spirit might descend on me, when she is taken hence, that I too may be found, like her, not only watching but working when my Lord cometh." CHAPTER XXII. CONCLUSION. THE chamber of death into which our gence that the witness whom Sarah had insisted on summoning was a perfect stranger, and a doctor likewise. Preparations were made accordingly, things righted; and the mother ready with a burst of suitable feeling to welcome her own aged parent, whose very existence she seemed of late to have forgotten. Thanks for her ready appearance, and regrets for calling her out at such an unsuitable hour, were mingled with lamentations about her dying child; but little heed was given, as the party drew near the bed where Sarah's mutilated form lay dreadfully convulsed, her cries every now and then ringing through the room. The doctor threw of his surtout, and inwardly grieving that Helen should be exposed to so agitating a scene, did all in his power to facilitate the poor girl's recovery from what he saw was but a temporary struggle of departing life. The convulsions ceased; she asked for drink, and in a voice of surprising clearness, desired her brother to raise and support her. Then looking at the stranger, asked who he was. "Our own kind doctor from L. my love," answered the widow. "One who has tended us all in sickness, and soothed the dying pillow of some, with the blessed consolations of the gospel of Christ.” "God reward you for it," said the dying girl, turning her large eyes full upon him. "Ay, he is going to reward you this minute: listen to me, for I have more words to speak than breath to utter them with.' "Speak gently, then, my dear girl, and we will listen," replied the doctor: for he was not one of the class, too numerous, who would bid the full heart of the dying repress its utterance on the score of thereby retaining its pulsation a few seconds longer. "I am a factory girl, crippled, and wounded as you see to death, though not all at once, in the cruel mills; but that would be a small thing if the poor body alone had suffered. My soul was in ignorance and sin when I entered the mills, and became ten times more sinful while there." "I'm sure," whimpered Mrs. Wright, nocturnal visiters entered from the dark "though we had no preaching ways among and dreary street, looked bright. Charles us," |