"He is in the heavens," she said softly. "Can he hear me?" If she had but known it, her heavenly Father was by her side; his heart yearning over her with compassion and tenderness. The Holy Spirit was there too, waiting to take the things of Christ and reveal them unto her. While she was in this softened frame, she heard the ring of the door bell. Instantly all thought was suspended in one absorbing fear that Paul had returned with Bridget's successor;—that he would be terribly angry; and that his harsh words would kill her. Listening intently she heard low voices talking in the hall, and presently a light footstep mounting the stairs. "May I come in?" inquired a cheerful voice. It was Marion Gilbert; and a quick flush of pleasure for one instant brightened Gertrude's pale cheeks. She put out her arms like a wearied child; and then received Marion's tender kiss with a burst of joyful tears. "I've been sick all the morning, and Bridget has so much to do," she began, apologizing. "I shall feel like a stranger if you make excuses;" urged the visitor, "and I came to ask you if you want a sister. If you do, I shall take off my bonnet and go to work. There's always so much to do after a party." "Oh, Marion! you don't know how much I need one. Bridget is the only friend I have in this whole city." She said this without the least intention of reproaching her husband; but her kind friend understood well how disappointed her hopes must be when his name was not excepted. "Mamma calls me a very energetic girl," she said laughing; "and I mean to prove to you that I am. The first thing is to get you some breakfast, for I suspect you haven't had any." "Oh, yes, I have!" pointing to the half empty cup. "Do you like coffee?" "Very much; but Bridget can't make it nice." "I'll teach her." She brought a pillow and laid the weary head tenderly upon it; gave the wondering child a kiss, and ran away saying, "Lie there, and remember there are three persons who love you, papa, mamma and your humble sister." What power there is in a few kind words. Life looked very different to poor Gertrude, viewing it from the new aspect. She had long ago committed to memory a verse of Scripture. "Ask and ye shall receive." She had with her whole heart asked God to help her, and how speedily relief had come. Her thoughts were not distinct, as I have given them; but there was an indefinite feeling, that her heavenly Father was nearer than she had thought; and was watching over her, together with a resolution to cast her cares, for the future, on him. Before she had begun to expect Marion back, she heard laughing in the hall. How pleasant it sounded. "No, I can't take both, my dress is too long. I'll carry the cup; and you may take the waiter." Before they entered the room the pleasant aroma had revived the sick child; and oh, how good it did taste! Bridget stood by, her face lighted up by such a look of pleasure that it made her almost handsome.