RHODA GRANT.
(Continued from p. 51.)

"Our blest Redeemer, ere He breathed
His tender, last farewell,
A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed,
With us to dwell.'

CHAPTER IV.

T was a great relief to the Grant family when they got Mr. Randall's letter, about three weeks after Tom's departure from home. It had been a very sad household indeed, and neither Rhoda

nor her mother dared to put their fears into words. Grant had said next to nothing, and tried to appear indifferent; but it was plain to see, by his restlessness and gloom, that he was really very anxious. He did not scold his wife and children so much, and seemed to have lost all taste for his Sunday expeditions after rabbits, and to be fit for nothing but sitting smoking in moody silence beside his cottage fire.

At last the letter came, and the heavy cloud which had hung over their heads. seemed to be dispersed. It was such a comfort to think that Tom was not only safe, but quite well, and working honestly for his living. True, they did not like to think of his being at such a place as the mines, but he was being watched over by this kind, good Mr. Randall, who wrote most hopefully and cheerfully about him.

Mrs. Grant and Rhoda often talked about the absent boy, and the thought of him was like a gleam of sunshine in their lives. Rhoda prayed for her brother, and thanked God for having raised up such a kind friend for him.

The lovely spring had now come, with its April showers and bright sunshine, and the younger children were bringing every day after school bunches of white violets.

for Rhoda, or pinafores full of primroses. The cottage window could be opened now, when the sun was well up, to let in the pure, fragrant air, which fanned Rhoda's cheek and refreshed her. Contrary to every one's expectation she was growing better, and the warm spring weather seemed to be reviving the delicate flower, which a few weeks before seemed to be hopelessly drooping and fading away. There could be no real cure, the doctor said, but consumptive people did sometimes, in what seemed. a wonderful way, live for years. | By degrees she was able to get up for a good part of every day, and go out a little in the warm sun, and before summer had far advanced she was even equal on fine Sundays to attend her class at the school, and go to service at the school chapel. No doubt the good news about Tom, whom she loved dearly, must have helped to revive her, together with the soft spring weather and doses of codliver oil. It was a great pleasure to those who cared for her to see her gradual improvement, in spite of all their fears; and many felt a regard for the gentle girl, who bore her illness so sweetly and patiently, and was setting such a good example to her family. The pink colour and bright eyes which consumption gave her made her look interesting, but the thoughtful expression and happy, kind smile, with which she welcomed those who came to see her, gave her face its greatest charm, and spoke of the peace passing all understanding which dwelt within.

Mr. Monsell, seeing her so much better, spoke to her about the Confirmation which was going to be held that year at the parish church. She had for some time wished to be confirmed, but had given up the hope, as she thought she should never leave her bed again: but now God in His

!

mercy had prolonged her life, she told Mr. Monsell how much she should like it, at the same time speaking very humbly and distrustfully of herself. He arranged to come down to prepare her for Confirmation, as walking to his classes at the Rectory was beyond her strength. It was a great comfort to the good clergyman, amid his disheartening experiences among the thoughtless young persons in his parish, to find one who, though so humble-minded, was at heart such a devout Christian; one who felt the responsibility of publicly taking the vows of her baptism upon her, but who, the Lord being her Helper, did not shrink from fighting the good fight against sin, the world, and the devil. She looked forward with a lowly heart, but steadfast joy, to being admitted to the great privilege of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Sacrament of His death, and she thanked God that He was sparing her life to receive this blessing.

These were very happy days with Rhoda; the sunshine of the outer world seemed to be reflected in her heart. True, she still had the sorrow of seeing her father and Richard stay away from church; but the children were going regularly to school, and her mother had even two or three times lately gone to evening service. Then the news of Tom always brought cheerfulness with it, and it was great joy to know that her favourite brother was going on safely and steadily, and had got a good friend to look after him.

At last the Confirmation day arrived. It was Ascension Day, bright and sunny, when the hedges were white with May, and the larks sang in the blue heavens. Rhoda went up to the parish church in a neighbour's donkey-cart, and took her place among the other girls in her quiet. dress, and shawl, and white cap. The

Bishop's address was a most appropriate one. He pressed upon the newly-confirmed, as Christian soldiers, the necessity of setting their affections on heavenly things, of their conversation being in Heaven, and of ascending thither in heart and mind, and continually dwelling with the Lord Jesus. To Rhoda and the others like her, who had prayed earnestly for the gift of God's Holy Spirit, the Bishop's address was both comforting and encouraging. And early on the Sunday following, Rhoda and many of those who had been confirmed with her knelt at the Lord's Supper, and she came back to her home strengthened and refreshed, and full of happy, holy thoughts. There was a feeling of sadness mingled with her joy, that neither her father nor mother had gone with her to the sacred feast; but she cast her burden on the Lord, and patience and hope came from Him into her heart. (To be continued.)

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE EAST.

WATER.

OME men were once travelling through

SOME

He

a hot and dry land called a desert. Stones and sand lay all over the ground, and nowhere could a well or spring be found. The wayfarers had no water, and were so thirsty that they were ready to faint. Oh! how glad they were, when a man came near, who had on his back a goat's skin made into a bag and full of water! had enough to give every one a small cupfull, and then he showed them the way which would lead on to a well. He would not take any money from the tired and thirsty men, and so they could only give him their prayers that God would reward such kindness, and then go on their way rejoicing.