fed by the ravens, and then by the poor widow woman," she added after a pause, "I am sure you would like it.”

Ada moved her lips; Margaret could not tell whether she said "yes," or "no," but taking up her Bible she found the part which she had mentioned, and in a low, sweet manner, peculiar to herself, began to read. After a time Ada opened her eyes and watched her as she read on; when she had finished she said

.

"That is very pretty; is all the Bible as pretty as that, Margaret?"

"No, not all of it," replied Margaret, hesitating, "but aunt Ellen used to say that we ought not to read the Bible only because it is pretty."

"What ought people to read it for then?" said Ada.

"To learn how to serve God, and how to be saved, and to get to heaven, when they die," answered Margaret.

"If people are good they are sure to go to heaven," said Ada.

"But you know, Ada, nobody is quite

good; the Bible says, there is none righteous, no not one,' and 'all have sinned; so nobody can go to heaven because he is good."

"How, then," said Ada, "can any one go there ?"

"The Bible says it is by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died to save sinners." Margaret paused, looking at Ada.

Ada returned her glance with a look which seemed to say that she did not at all understand what she meant, even now; but some one happening at the moment to come into the room, further conversation, for that day at least, was prevented.

CHAPTER XII.

THOSE about Margaret, who saw how unceasingly she watched and tended Ada, little supposed that her mind was occupied with any other thought than that of relieving the bodily sufferings of the poor little invalid, or that her gentle ministrations were guided by aught but sisterly affection towards her. They did not know (for indeed there was no one to whom she could speak about it) that within her heart had sprung up an intense desire that poor Ada might be led into the way of life and peace, through that Saviour whom she had herself learned to trust, to love, and to serve. None but God knew how often and earnestly Margaret's heart was lifted up in Ada's behalf in simple prayer, that God would teach her, by his Spirit, to believe in Jesus,

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that thus she might be forgiven, and received at last into the bright and glorious kingdom which he has prepared for those that love him.

One day, not long after the conversation related in the last chapter, Mrs. Craven, being obliged to leave home for a few hours, went out, leaving Ada to the care of Susan, and telling Margaret to amuse her while she was gone. Susan went down stairs to prepare some little thing for her, leaving Margaret by the bedside. Ada's face was hidden under the clothes, and Margaret, thinking she was asleep, and that her breathing would be obstructed, gently removed them. She was not asleep, she was weeping, a thing by no means uncommon.

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Ada, dear," said Margaret affectionately, "what is the matter? Do not cry."

Ada lifted up her head. "Is Susan here?" she asked.

"No," said Margaret; "but I will call her in a moment."

"No, don't," said Ada; "I do not want her; I want to speak to you, Margaret.

Oh, Margaret," she continued, sobbing, “ I am so unhappy, I do not think I shall ever get any better."

"God can make you better, Ada, dear,” said Margaret, "if it pleases him.”

"Yes," said poor Ada; "but I do not think he will; I think I am going to die. Oh! Margaret, what shall I do? I wish I had been good like you, I should not be afraid then."

"I am not good, Ada, indeed I am not," said Margaret earnestly. "You do not know how wicked I am very often, Ada.”

"No, you are not," said Ada, "I am sure if you were to die you would go to heaven."

"If I were, it would be only because Jesus has died for me," replied Margaret; "and you will go too, Ada dear, if you believe in him, and love him."

"But I have never been good," persisted Ada; "I have often told stories, and been ill tempered, and unkind to you, and laughed at you for minding what aunt Ellen said, and done other bad things besides."

"But God will forgive you, Ada, if you