was then the children's friend, and some beautiful stories
she told them, too. The book had neither pictures, nor gilt letters, but
this did not spoil it for Effie, and she was soon so busily engaged in
reading that she forgot that there was anything in the world but herself
and the delightful book--more still, she forgot even her own existence,
and thought only of the people about whom she was reading. A half-hour
passed away and then Mrs Maurice reminded Effie of her room, and told
her it had better be put in order.

'Yes, mother, in a few minutes.' The few minutes passed away, and Mrs
Maurice spoke again.

'I will, mother.' Mrs Maurice saw that Effie forgot these words almost
as soon as spoken, but instead of telling her at once to put up the
book, and do as she was bidden, she allowed her to pursue her own course
for this once, hoping by this means to cure her of a very bad habit.

Soon after, Mrs Maurice descended to the kitchen to give some
directions, and Effie was left alone. Once the thought entered her mind
that she had promised to visit Mrs Gilman that day, but she immediately
concluded another time would do as well, and so continued her reading.
After a while Harry, who had been out with his father, entered in great
haste, with a packet of medicine in his hand.

'Effie,' he said, 'father wants you to take this to Mrs Gilman's when
you go, it is for her little James, and I--'

'I am not going to-day, Harry.'

'Can't you go? Oh do! don't mind the book! you can read it another
time.'

'So I can go to Mrs Gilman's another time.'

'Oh, but the medicine, Effie.'

'Can't you take it as well as I? It is too bad for me to have to be
running there all the time.' It was very unusual for Effie to speak so
peevishly, but Harry was in a very happy mood, so he merely exclaimed,
'Why, Effie!' and glanced at the book as much as to say, 'did you learn
it there!' Effie saw the glance, and ashamed of her ill nature said, 'Oh
it is such a good story, Harry! but if you can't go to Mrs Gilman's, why
not send a servant?'

'Father said some of _us_ ought to go; so do, Effie, just put up your
book for this once. The medicine is to prevent the convulsions that
frightened us so yesterday, but father is going out into the country (it
is delightful sleighing!) and he says I may go. You know it isn't every
day I can get a sleigh-ride, Effie.' And the delighted boy gave his
sister such a very hearty kiss that she could not forb