about her hymns and her verses, and
Hatty had an opportunity of giving the little one some sweet lessons
about the loving Saviour and what He wishes in His lambs, that she would
have lost if she had given way to her selfish wish for a longer nap.

We do not know, when we give way to our own whims, instead of being
unselfish, what opportunities of usefulness we may be losing. If we do
one duty well, some higher and more important duty generally follows
close upon it.

Hatty took a pleasure in making Meg look particularly nice that Sunday
morning, and she was well pleased when her mother smilingly remarked at
breakfast that Meg showed very plainly that she had fallen into good
hands. "Hatty needs a little attention, herself," added Mrs. Lee, and
she glanced at the irregular white line which separated the two heavy
masses of waving red hair on each side of Hatty's head.

Hatty would rather have gone without her breakfast than had her hair
parted. Hatty was apt to fret about being hurt all the while the
operation was going on, and Mrs. Lee actually dreaded to propose what,
if borne cheerfully, would have been but the work of a moment. Happily
for Hatty at that instant her thoughts were called in a different
direction by Marcus' sudden question--

"Where is Aunt Barbara this morning?"

Even the question showed some interest in the old lady; and Mrs. Lee
hailed it as an indication of a better state of feeling in her son.

"Aunt Barbara is not very well this morning; she did not get up as early
as usual," said Mrs. Lee.

"Shan't I go up to see if I can do anything for her?" said Hatty,
eagerly.

"She will be down soon, I think; but you may go," said the mother,
pleasantly.

Hatty ran up stairs, and knocked very gently on Aunt Barbara's door.

"Who is it? What do you want?" answered Aunt Barbara's voice from
within.

"It is Hatty. Can I do anything for you?" said the little girl.

"No!" was at first the decided answer; then followed a sudden call
"Stop, stop, child. Come in a moment."

Hatty stepped in, but felt like drawing back as Aunt Barbara stood
there, half dressed, with her grey hair uncovered, and her thin,
shrivelled arms bare.

"Don't stare as if you were frightened," said Aunt Barbara, quickly.
"Old people are not generally very beautiful to look at!"

"Can I do anything for you?" said Hatty, pleasantly.

"Yes, if you want to. I can't find my pocket. Perhaps you can see it."

Aunt Barbara wore a