"You have done so already," said she, "by speaking of the temptations to which he is exposed. I think that I can persuade mother to employ him; and Mr. Sliver, as you are acquainted with the people here, you may do Mr. Graffam a good service, by persuading your neighbors to feel and to manifest some interest in himself and his family; ask them not to allow their children to call him 'Old Pete,' 'Old toper,' &c., and twit him of riding a high horse." "I will," replied friend Sliver, "and I will do anything else in my power to help thee." "Thank you," said Emma, smiling, and sliding from the fence; "I am greatly obliged to you; good-by, Mr. Sliver." "Farewell!" replied the old man, as he once more watched her descending the hill, and thought of what Sarah had said about her "ripening for glory." It was on the afternoon of that day that Dora and Emma set out for a visit to the plains. "I think," said the former, "that we had better ride around by 'Snow-Hill,' and inquire at Mr. Cotting's respecting this family." Mr. Cotting was the minister, and his wife was considered a very active woman, and such in truth she was. Sewing circles, Sunday-school exhibitions, donation parties, &c., had been quite unknown to that community until Mrs. Cotting came. It was said, too, that she had visited all the poor families around, and fitted out their children for Sabbath school. "If," said Dora, "we succeed in getting this poor family of the plains to mingle with their fellows, Mrs. Cotting's help will be needed; she is directress of the sewing circle, and from that can obtain clothing for the children." "Dear Dora," replied Emma, "don't propose any such thing, either to Mr. Graffam or his wife, now. It won't do--not yet. We will call and see Mrs. Cotting, if you please. She may know this family, and may be able to tell us how to manage. Here is the road which goes around by Snow-Hill: but stop a moment; there is Willie Graffam and his little sister, just coming from the plain. "How do you do, Willie?" continued Emma, as the children, each carrying a basket of berries, drew nearer. "Very well, thank you," said Willie, taking off his hat; and the little girl courtesied, without lifting her eyes from the ground. "We are going over to see your mother," said Emma. "Mother will be very glad to see _you_," replied the little boy; at the same time looking inquiringly at the horse's head which was turned toward Snow-Hill. Dora smiled at the emphasis bestowed upon _you_, and asked Willie "if his mother would not be glad to see her." "I guess so," was the reply; "but----" "But what, Willie?" asked Emma. The little fellow hung his head, and answered in a lower tone, "Mother don't want to see the minister's wife, for she has been at our house once." "I am afraid," said Dora, as they passed on, "that this family is one whom it will be difficult to benefit."