“But—you’ve never had the small-pox—you’re not the least marked!” said Mr. Clifton. “No, sir, I have never had that disease!” “And you are willing to risk taking it?” “Yes, sir!” “What! and you a young girl! Ain’t you afraid of catching it, and having your face spoiled?” “Yes, sir, I am afraid of contracting it.” “Why that is a plain contradiction of yourself; you say you are willing to risk it, and afraid of catching it. I do not understand you at all.” “Catherine is so simply truthful and straight-forward!” said the lady, smiling; “she means that she is perfectly conscious of the extent of the danger of contagion, but that she thinks it her duty to brave it, nevertheless! Is not that it, my dear? But, Catherine, much as we thank you for your generous self-devotion, we must not permit you to think of going. I must do that, for I have had the disease. If you were to persist in your purpose, my dear girl, you would almost certainly get the small-pox, and then your life, or at the very least, your beauty, would be sacrificed.” “Beauty!—If I had it and were to lose it, dear lady, there is no one to care for it!” “Yes, _I_ should care for it, my Kate,” said the lady, putting her arm around the girl’s waist, and drawing her closer. “In fine, my good girl, you shall not go if you are afraid! That’s certain!” said Mr. Clifton. “Oh, sir, that would not interfere with the faithful discharge of my duties as nurse. You had best let me go, and go at once, sir! There is no time to be lost, surely. Is any competent person with Miss Clifton now, sir?” “No one but a colored woman, and I really _must_ hurry back. And, so if you really _do_ feel disposed to go, my dear girl,—is she a good nurse, Mrs. Clifton?” “Excellent, sir! But indeed I do not like her exposing herself in my stead. I should not permit her to do it, indeed, if my power seconded my will,” added the lady, sinking back fatigued upon her sofa cushions. Old Mr. Clifton was evidently inclined to accept Kate’s services. Mrs. Clifton was obliged to yield,—more to the weakness that overpowered her frame than to the arguments set forth by Catherine. It was settled, then, that Kate should go. And she quickly put on her little straw bonnet and black silk scarf, and entered the gig that the old gentleman borrowed from the lady to convey the girl to Clifton. CHAPTER XIV. THE DISCIPLINE OF AFFLICTION. When through the deep waters I call thee to go The rivers of wo shall not thee overflow, For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design, Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. PARAPHRASE FROM SCRIPTURE.