idea, when your turn comes to
preach a sermon on that subject," Harold said, giving his younger
brother a mischievous smile.

"And let us not forget the lesson of the text when the appeal comes to
us," added their mother. "Oh my dear boys, what a privilege it is to be
permitted to make such investments! and to be sowers of the good seed
whether by personal effort or in providing the means for sending out
others as laborers. Let us endeavor to be of the number of those who sow
largely in both ways; for 'He which soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.'

"And the harvest is sure; at the end of the world; if not sooner. And
whether we give in one way or the other, let us not do it 'grudgingly or
of necessity,' but joyfully and with all our hearts, for God loveth a
cheerful giver."

"Mamma," said Harold earnestly, "we do both feel it a great and blessed
privilege to be permitted to be co-workers with God for the advancement
of his cause and kingdom."

With that the conversation turned upon other themes, but presently the
boys kissed the dear mother good night and withdrew lest they should rob
her of needed rest.

CHAPTER X.

"Home again, and it's nice to get home!" exclaimed Lulu, skipping up the
steps of the veranda and across into the wide hall where all was light
and warmth and beauty.

Violet and Grace had preceded her and her father was following with
little Elsie in his arms.

"I am glad to hear you say that; glad my daughter appreciates her home,"
he said in a cheery tone.

"I'd be a queer girl, papa, if I didn't appreciate such a home as this
is," she returned with warmth, and smiling up into his face. "Don't you
say so, Max?" catching sight of her brother who, riding his pony, had
arrived some minutes ahead of the carriage and was now petting and
fondling his dog at the farther end of the hall.

"Yes, indeed!" he answered; "I think if we weren't happy and contented
in this home we oughtn't to have any at all. Papa, Prince is a splendid
fellow!" stroking and patting the dog's head as he spoke.

"So I think," said the captain.

"And I too," said Violet; "he is a very acceptable addition to the
family. My dear, home does look exceedingly attractive to me, as well as
to the children. But little Elsie's eyes are closing; mamma must see her
babies to bed."

"I wonder where my pussy is?" Grace was saying, from the library door.
"I th