JAMES LETHBRIDGE did not die, though it was several days before the doctor declared his life to be out of danger. It was September before he was well enough, with great difficulty, to come downstairs. It was a painful journey, but Dr. Bly said he must now try to use his leg more and more daily. A cheerful little party took tea together in the kitchen that afternoon. The father, pale and thin after his illness, and still feeling very weak, was somewhat silent. During the weary time he had been laid up, he had had ample opportunity for serious thought, and had determined never, with God's help, to neglect his family for the sake of drink again. Perhaps his talks with the vicar, who had been one of his constant visitors, had had something to do with this determination; and, certainly, the long nights of wakefulness and pain he had endured, during which his conscience had spoken to him plainly, and he had seemed alone with God, had taught him much, and influenced him aright. "How strange it seems to have father down with us again," remarked Mrs. Lethbridge. "I feel so glad and thankful!" "Father!" cried Molly. "You haven't noticed my picture! Look!" The father followed the direction of the child's pointing finger, and then gave a start of surprise as he saw the picture of the Good Shepherd hanging on the wall. "Why, Molly!" he exclaimed. "How did you come by it?" Molly clapped her hands, and laughed. "You'll never guess who gave it to me, father!" "It was Mr. Talbot," Mrs. Lethbridge explained; "he's Molly's latest friend, you know. It was like this. When you were at your worst, Mr. Talbot called to enquire how you were getting on. He only saw Molly and baby, and it seems she got talking to him; wasn't that it, Molly?" "Yes, mother. He asked lots of questions, and I told him how I went to Sunday-school with Miss Morris. And then I told him about the Good Shepherd, and that he could see the picture in Mrs. Mugford's window. He went across to Mrs. Mugford's, but she said he couldn't have it, until he said it was for me, then she let him buy it. I found a nail, and he nailed it up there!" "I never was more surprised about anything than when I came down and saw it," Mrs. Lethbridge declared; "and that was only the beginning of Mr. Talbot's kindness. Every Saturday, as you know, James, he has brought me a sovereign. God must have put it into his heart to be so generous!" The husband was silent, but only because he could find no words to express his sense of gratitude. He knew his master had acted thus for the sake of his helpless wife and family, and he felt deeply thankful. The next day Mr. Talbot called, and had a long interview with James Lethbridge; and afterwards Mrs. Lethbridge found her husband in such excellent spirits that she looked at him in surprise.