ently?" But again the voice was heard that ever brought calm and
sweet assurance, saying, "Is this your love for me? He that loveth
father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, but he that loseth
his life for my sake shall find it."

"O yes," was the response, "I would do a great deal for love of Guy, but
more, far more for love of Jesus;" and so for His love she was willing
to lose even Guy's love for a time if necessary, and could bear to be
misunderstood if the Saviour trusted her. There was no shrinking from
the thought of telling Him; no fear of being misunderstood there, so
kneeling down, she poured forth the story. There were not many words,
for as sometimes in opening our heart to a friend, we look up and catch
a glance which tells us there is no need of further explanation, so she
looked and felt that she was understood.

Earnestly she plead for her brother and sister. That _he_ might soon
learn to walk in other paths, and that _she_ might lean more fully on
Christ and less on her own understanding.

One thing perplexed her; that was whether she had better remain up until
Guy and Ruth returned, and if she did, how she ought to act. It would
not do to ask them about the performance, as that would revive
unpleasant thoughts; and if she did not speak at all, they might think
her in an ill humor. But she determined not to let this disturb her, the
Lord, she knew, would help her to do right when the time came.

"Well, I declare! if she is not sitting up waiting for us," exclaimed
Guy, quite gaily, with no sign of displeasure in tone or manner.
"Weren't you dull? Confess now that you cried a little because you did
not go? Look at her eyes, Ruth, didn't she?"

Not appearing to notice his last remark, Ruth playfully reminded her of
her newly-formed resolution to rise at an earlier hour than heretofore,
and told her to be sure and call _her_ when breakfast was ready, for she
was so sleepy she did not know when she should waken. Agnes
good-naturedly promised to do so, provided she was awake herself, and
ran up stairs, glad to escape from her brother. Ruth followed her in a
few minutes, and going over to the dressing glass stood looking in. "How
well you look to-night, Ruth," said Agnes admiringly. "I do not think I
ever saw you with such a brilliant color. Did you enjoy yourself?" The
question was put hesitatingly, as if she was not sure whether to put it
or not.

"No, did you think I could? I can't even tel