may it
remind you that the best gifts to God are those that are offered
humbly, modestly, with no thought of self, and with no desire for the
praise of man. If the little watch can so remind you of your duty, it
will be a holy messenger to you, and so in a way set apart to the
service of God. You have unwisely given, as you thought, the diamonds
to the poor. We will not take them back. Your dear mother had not
herself worn them for many years. They shall be sold, and you may send
the money anonymously to any hospital for children where help is
needed. So you will keep your motives. With the money lying in the
little cottage you can have the joy of helping the suffering poor; but
you had better consult with me as to how to use it. It is not to be
thrown away now lavishly on every applicant, to do perhaps more harm
than good. Lay the jewels in the case and lock the door of the little
cottage." He was going to add, "Remember, Alma, that one kind word
from you to your brother is a better offering for you than much money
given in charity." The words were not spoken. He but said, "Poor
Frans! where is he? God help my boy!"

Alma put her arm round her father's neck and whispered, "Dear papa, if
Frans comes home--when he comes home, I do really mean to be more kind
to him than ever before; but he--"

"No 'buts,' Alma," said the father. "However far wrong your brother
has gone, he is still your brother, your only brother, and it will be
your duty to love him, and pray for him, and watch over him with tender
affection. He has no mother. You must be to him all that a good
sister can be."

"Papa!" said Alma, deeply moved, "you are too gentle towards me. I do
not deserve it. I half felt all the while that I might be doing wrong
about those things that did not really belong to me. I see it now very
plainly. I would not listen to my conscience. I see I had a foolish
pride in what I was trying to do. I did not see it clearly then, but
now I know I was taking possession of what did not really belong to
me--I who have been so angry with Frans, so ashamed even to think of
him as my brother! I don't know what I should have been if I had
fallen into temptation, and had had a bad companion to lead me on!
Please, please, papa, forgive me! I know you do; but I cannot forgive
myself! I am sure the sight of dear mamma's watch ought always to make
me humble."

"May God help you and keep you from all evil!" said the