last time
adding, 'be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God
is with thee whithersoever thou goest.' And that blessed assurance of
the constant, sustaining presence of our God, each one of his children
may take to him or herself."

"What a comfort, papa!" she exclaimed. "Oh, the Bible is such a
blessing! I do feel sorry for all the people who have none."

"Yes," he responded, "they are greatly to be pitied, and those who have
dared to take it from others will have much to answer for in the day of
judgment; as will those also who, having it themselves, make no effort
to supply it to such as have it not.

"Ah, here we are at our own home!" he added, as the carriage drew up
before the entrance.

"And such a sweet home as it is!" she responded, as he threw open the
door, sprang out, and took her in his arms.

"Yes," he said, "so I think, and am glad my little girl appreciates it.
There," setting her on her feet, "run in, daughter, and make yourself
ready for the tea-table."

She obeyed and presently they two were seated cozily at a little round
table in the family breakfast-room, greatly enjoying their tea, broiled
chicken, and waffles.

"Papa," remarked Lulu, as she poured out his second cup, "I'm sorry for
you that you have only me for company, but I do enjoy being--once in a
while--all the family you have at home."

"Do you?" he returned, with a good-humored little laugh. "Well, I am
glad to have you contented and happy; and I can't deny that I should
feel very lonely here to-night without the pleasant companionship of my
dear eldest daughter. What do you want to do this evening? how shall we
spend our time alone together?

"I have my lessons to learn, you know, papa."

"Ah, yes; and I must write some letters. And after that perhaps you may
find a bit of sewing to do, while your father reads aloud something that
will be both interesting and instructive to his dear little girl."

"Yes, sir; I have some work on hand for our Dorcas Society, and though I
rather dislike sewing, I shall not mind doing it while listening to your
reading," she answered, smiling brightly up into his face.

"Ah! then that is what we will do," he said, returning her smile.

"Well, daughter, has it been a pleasant evening to you?" he asked, when
the time had come for the good-nights to be said.

"Indeed it has, papa," she replied, giving him an ardent hug. "Oh, I am
so glad you didn't let me go to Ion with the ot