eemed it entirely safe for you."

"Ah, he is very careful of me," returned Marian, giving him a glance of
ardent affection. "But, oh, look at our darling! His father and mother
think him the sweetest creature that ever was made," she added with a
happy laugh, laying a hand on the edge of the crib and gazing with eyes
full of mother love at the tiny pink face nestling among the pillows
there.

Elsie bent over it too in tender motherly fashion.

"He is a dear little fellow," she said softly. "I congratulate you both
on this good gift from our Heavenly Father, and wish for you that he may
grow up into a God-fearing man, a blessing to his parents, to the Church
and the world."

"I hope he may indeed, cousin, and I want you to join your prayers to
ours that we may have grace and wisdom to train him up aright, should it
please the Lord to spare him to us," said the doctor with emotion.

"I think his mother needs those prayers the most," said Marian low and
softly. "I am but a foolish young thing; scarcely fit for so great a
responsibility; but I am more glad and thankful than words can tell that
the darling has a good, wise, Christian father to both train him and set
him a good example."

"It is a cause for great thankfulness," Elsie said, "but never forget,
dear girl, how very great and important is a mother's influence;
especially in the early years when the strongest and most lasting
impressions are apt to be made. No doubt you feel--as I often have,
often do--like crying out in the midst of it all, 'Alas, who is
sufficient for these things!' but what a blessing, what a comfort is
the promise, 'If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth
to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'"

"Oh, those are comforting texts!" Marian said with a look of relief. "I
wish I were as well acquainted with the Bible as you are, cousin."

"I know more of it now than I did at your age," Elsie returned in a
reassuring tone, "and you, as well as I, have it at hand to turn to in
every perplexity; and if you do so you will find the truth of the words
of the Psalmist, 'Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my
path.'"

"Ah, yes! an open Bible is an inestimable blessing," said Arthur, "and
my Marian and I will endeavour to make it the rule of our life, the man
of our counsel."

At that moment the babe stirred and opened its eyes.

"Ah, he is awake, the darling!" said Marian. "Don't you want