'I must try to supply her place as well as I can,' replied his mother; but we shall all miss dear Jane sadly.'

'Mother, do you really think you can spare me?' asked the poor girl, with tears in her eyes. 'I know how hard it will be for you to find time for everything."

Yes, do stay at home, Jane,' said her brother. I don't like you to go.'

'No, my child,' replied their mother, it would be selfish to keep her, when I am so much better, and able for all the house work. Go, dear Jane; when the lady is kind enough to ask you, it would be wrong to refuse so good an offer, and I am sure you will be very happy.'

'Nothing would make me go, mother, but the hope of being able to help you after a little; besides, you know it is not very far away, and I shall be allowed to come and see you sometimes.'

Soon after this conversation Jane entered upon her first situation. Her business was to attend on two little girls, who were the children of wealthy parents, surrounded with every comfort and luxury which this world can afford, and for a short time she was much delighted with her new abode.

Everything in the house was wonderful and splendid to her eyes, accustomed as she was only to the simple furniture of her mother's cottage; and while walking with her little ladies, she used to admire the beauty of the extensive grounds and the charming flowers with which at that season the gardens were brilliant. But as the novelty of the scene wore away, she felt even amongst all these beautiful things

lonely and desolate, and often sighed for her humble home and her mother's love.

Jane's fellow-servants thought the simple country girl quite beneath their notice, and indeed so much did their conversation differ from any to which she had been accustomed, that she preferred being alone to their society.

As to the young ladies, Lucy, the elder sister, was a lovely child, but already there was stamped on her features so proud and haughty an expression that their beauty was sadly marred. Ida was a lively little creature, with golden hair and blue eyes, sportive as a butterfly in the sunshine, and as thoughtless too; she would laugh and play with Jane, and exert all her winning ways, then flit off to some one else of whom she appeared equally fond. Lucy, too, sometimes allowed herself to be played with and amused, and even now and then would listen to a story, though her young maid's anecdotes (chiefly learned at Sunday School) were not always to the little lady's taste.

On the whole Jane's first year at the great house passed sadly and wearily. Her happiest moments were those spent with her mother, for sometimes, when her work was over earlier than usual, she was able to snatch time for a short visit to the cottage.

As winter approached these precious interviews became fewer, for the young ladies were allowed to sit up later and required. more attendance; the weather, too, was unfavourable, and the long dark evenings soon set in, so that she was prevented from leaving the house at all. These circumstances caused Jane the more anxiety from the recollection of how pale and weary her mother had looked on the last occasion when they met, though she had denied feeling ill, and declared herself quite able for work. One great consolation to the loving daughter was, that out of her wages she was enabled

to contribute to the comforts of her parents, and this gave her strength and courage to persevere in the path of duty she had undertaken; still she felt very uneasy about her mother's health. At length this suspense was ended by a visit from little Tom, who had been sent by his mother to say she was ill and wished to see her daughter as soon as possible. Now it happened that Jane's mistress was from home, and was not expected to return till evening, when there was to be a children's party in honour of Miss Lucy's birthday. So the poor girl ran in a distracted state of mind to the young ladies, and requested permission to go home for a short time to see her mother who was ill, and had sent for her.

Go home!' repeated Lucy; 'what do you mean? you have not finished trimming my dress for the evening. No, indeed, there is a great deal too much to be done. I wonder you could think of asking such a thing when you know it is my birthday! Really you are most unreasonable!'

6

But my mother is very ill,' still pleaded Jane. 'If you would be kind enough to come up a little sooner than usual, I am sure your mother's maid would have time to attend to you. May I ask her ?'

You are very positive, Jane; I have already said you cannot go till we are dressed every one remarks how much more becomingly you arrange our hair than any one else. The last time Todd attempted it I was a perfect fright, so you must make up your mind to wait. I never heard of such a thing as servants' relations being allowed to interfere with their duties!'

Jane,' said the more good-natured Ida, 'I will ask our mother to let you go home early this evening, so you need not fret,' (for the poor girl was unable to restrain her tears). 'I have seen many people ill, and they always got better in time. Our mother was very delicate last winter, and Lucy and I had measles once, and you see we are all alive and well, and so will your mother be too; so stop crying, and I will not forget to speak to mother about letting you go, if you make haste and trim our dresses.'

And with this promise poor Jane had to be content.

The High Priest was dressed in fine robes, to show that we must give to God the very best we have. He wore a breastplate of precious stones called Urim and Thummim.' These are Hebrew words, which mean 'Light and All-perfect.' It was the duty of the High Priest to burn incense, to offer the daily sacrifice, to trim and light the seven lamps of the golden candlestick; and once a year he went into the most Holy Place, to sprinkle blood on the ark and on the floor for his own sins and those of the people. Our High Priest is Christ, Who once for all entered into the holy place not made with hands, even Heaven itself, and He is the Saviour of the world.