o; she has been dead about ten years, and I left Jamaica some time
before that, as my health could not stand the climate. I went from
there to the northern part of the United States. From Bethlehem, where
I remained several years, I went back to the old place, and when I got
there Carmen was a wee little maiden, and I was told that Brother Mauer
had left Jamaica for the East Indies."

"Well, surely the Lord called him to be His instrument," interrupted
Sister Agatha. "It was wonderful how he was seized with such an
irrepressible desire to be a missionary. And as far as we can know, he
has worked without flagging for the faith. All news from him has
ceased for some time now; and is it not strange that he has never made
any application for money? He took only a very small sum with him when
he went on his mission, and the large sum which the sale of his lands
in Jamaica brought is still in a bank in this country."

"Has he, then, left nothing for Carmen?"

"We receive a certain interest from the money, for her support and
education," replied Agatha, "but it is, comparatively speaking, very
little. The money must have accumulated to an immense sum by this
time. If her father is dead, Carmen must be a very wealthy
heiress--another temptation for her, poor child! It is strange we hear
nothing from Brother Mauer. I feel sure he must be dead--died while
working for his Lord!"

As she spoke, Jonathan's eyes flashed, and he suddenly lifted his head;
but remembering where he was, he immediately resumed his usual pious
bearing, and, when Agatha ceased speaking, said, with something like a
sigh:

"He was my friend!"

A pause ensued, during which he seemed lost in reflection.

"It does seem as if we have lost him," he continued, "and Carmen must
be an orphan. Poor child! Bear so much the more leniently with her,
dear Sister; and if from time to time you observe signs of her early
training, and that her impulses carry her sometimes beyond what is
quite becoming, remember she will find in me a guide who is ever ready
to lead her in the right way."

"Truly, you are still the same faithful friend to her father, for you
have so much consideration for his child," said Agatha, deeply
affected. "But believe me, dear Brother, I also love the girl with my
whole heart, and am the more anxious for that reason, lest her natural
inclinations may lead her into error. But to whom shall I direct her
for guidance, if not to the