which they were, then hastening into
the other to find it in no way inferior to the first. "Ah, how lovely!"
she cried; "see the pretty furniture, the white curtains trimmed with
lace, the bed all white and looking, oh, so comfortable! everything so
clean, so fair and sweet!"

"Yes, yes," said Christine, tears trembling in her eyes; "so far better
than we ever dreamed. But it may be only for to-night; to-morrow,
perhaps, we may be consigned to lodgings not half so good. Ah, I hear
steps on the stairs; they will be bringing our supper. Let us wash the
dust from hands and face that we may be ready to eat."

Presently, seated at the table, they found abundant appetite for the food
set before them, and remarked to each other again and again, how very
good it was, the best they had tasted in many, many days.

"We have fallen in with the best of friends, Christine," said Alma, "have
we not? Oh, what a fortunate mistake was that that put us on the wrong
road!"

"It was by the good guidance of our God, Alma," said Christine; "and oh,
how shortsighted and mistaken were we in mourning as we did over the
sickness that separated us from the rest of our company and left us to
travel alone in a strange land; alone and penniless!"

"We will have more faith in future," said Alma; "we will trust the Lord,
even when all is dark and we cannot see one step before us."

"God helping us," added Christine, devoutly; "but, alas! we are prone to
unbelief; when all is bright and the path lies straight before us, we
feel strong in faith; when clouds and darkness cover it from sight, our
faith is apt to fail and our hearts to faint within us."

When the last of their guests of the evening had gone, Edward and Zoe
bethought them of their protegees, and went to the sewing-room to inquire
how they were, and if they had been provided with everything necessary to
their comfort.

They found Christine seated in an arm-chair by the table, with the lamp
drawn near her, and reading from a pocket Testament. She closed and laid
it aside on their entrance, rising to give them a respectful greeting.

"Where is your sister?" asked Zoe, glancing round the room in search of
Alma.

Christine explained that, not having entirely recovered her strength
since her illness, Alma was much fatigued with her journey and had
already retired to rest.

"Quite right," said Edward; "I think you should follow her example very
soon, for you are looking tired. I hope