rassed, and, consequently, played correctly, her friend struck the instrument softly; so that Anna might be heard to advantage, rather than herself: thus following the gentle impulse of charity, which "vaunteth not itself, and is not puffed up."

Edward stood by the side of his little sister, knowing that she felt more courage when he was near. He was a noble-minded, intelligent boy, and unobtrusive in his manners; which is very pleasing in youth; for, however clever children may be, their society becomes disagreeable if they are conceited and presumptuous: whereas, if they are modest and unassuming, they are sure to be beloved and noticed.

The next day, when Rhoda went into

Mrs. Bloomfield's room, she said: "Mamma, I think I never spent a day so happily as yesterday."

"Shall I tell you why you were so happy, my dear child?" asked her mother.

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"O, yes, pray do," replied the little girl; "but I think it was because it was your birthday."

"Not altogether so, my dear: no day, nor any amusements, can make us happy, unless the heart and temper be in a proper frame. For instance, if you had been irritable or selfish yesterday, you would not have enjoyed anything."

"But I had no reason to be out of temper, mamma: everything was SO delightful."

"There never can be any good reason for being out of temper, as you know,

my child; but it was very pleasing to me, to see my little Rhoda so gentle, kind, and considerate to all around her. This was one great cause of the happiness you experienced; for such conduct brings its own reward: and I hope you will continue to practise those acts of Christian love, or charity, which contribute so much to your own comfort, and to that of others. God was very good to you yesterday, my dearest child: He enabled you, by his Spirit, to act as you did; for, although I have commended you for your conduct, yet you must recollect, that we can never do any thing that is good of ourselves; and that we stand in constant need of the Divine help, to enable us even to think a good thought. But you rejoiced your mo

ther's heart, my beloved child," added Mrs. Bloomfield, tenderly embracing Rhoda, and made my birthday a truly happy one; for which I thank the Almighty."

CHAPTER IX.

CONCLUSION.

We must now pass over, not months, but a few years in our little history; and we shall perceive a very great change in one of the inmates of the Manor-house; though the old mansion itself, and the rest of its inhabitants, will scarcely appear to be altered by time. The individual who was thus changed was our young friend Rhoda.

The Christian principles instilled into her mind, by the precepts and example of her excellent parents and cousin, had, through the Divine blessing, taken root in her heart; and the once wild, irritable girl was become invariably gentle and forbearing. She was as lively and animated as ever; for true piety is the companion of cheerfulness, and an unfailing promoter of pure and tranquil happiness.

The old men and women of the village prayed for her as she passed them in her daily walks: the younger ones greeted their gentle benefactress with smiles of gratitude, and words of respectful affection; and children would catch hold of her shawl or gown, and cover it with kisses, in token of their infantile