arents sent him to be trained as a
gardener in the beautiful grounds of the Count of Eichbourg. James was
a bright, intelligent lad, fond of work, and of an amiable disposition,
and he soon made himself a favourite with the people among whom he
associated. His happy genial disposition and his readiness to oblige
endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. The secret of James'
character lay deeper than mere disposition. He had early given his
heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the amiable qualities which he now
displayed were the fruits of the Holy Spirit which had been implanted
in him. But it was not only among his companions that James was well
liked. He was a favourite with the Count's children, and so modest and
unassuming was his behaviour that he was sometimes allowed to be in the
Castle with them, and to share in the lessons which they got.

Being of an intelligent turn of mind, James profited by all the
advantages which his position gave him, and, after his engagement was
completed, the Count offered him a well-paid position in his large
household at Vienna. It was a temptation for James, who had the
ambition common to young men, and, but for one thing, he would have
gladly accepted his master's offer. The Count was a kind man, but he
was not a Christian, and God was not honoured in his household. James
knew that if he took the place in his house, he might be asked to do
things which as a Christian he believed to be wrong; and so he decided
to refuse the offer, tempting as it was, and to remain in the humble
position in which he had been born. The Count was not offended with
James for his decision; and to show his respect for him he gave him an
easy lease of a little property, consisting of a cottage, a
well-stocked orchard, and a kitchen garden.

By and by James married a young woman, whose principles, like his own,
were deeply religious, and together they lived in comfort and harmony
many years. Then children came to brighten their life, but one after
another was taken away, and at last only Mary remained, whose history
this story is mainly occupied in telling.

When James Rode was a little over sixty years of age his wife died.
Mary was now five years old, and a fine, beautiful girl. The neighbours
were foolish enough sometimes to call her pretty to her face, and,
although this was a dangerous thing to do, it had not the effect of
spoiling her. Besides being beautiful in face, Mary had a beautiful
c