"I suppose I am of as much consequence as a sparrow, and we have His word that every one of them is cared for," answered Amabel composedly. "I see no presumption in taking the Lord at His word and believing what He himself says." "No presumption in applying the words of Scripture to ourselves? They are meant for the whole human race, and not for individuals." "If they are meant for the whole human race, then are they meant for every one of the human race," argued Amabel: "and if for every one, then for me." "Well and logically argued, Mrs. Leighton!" said old Mr. Lilburne, who had come in just in time to hear the last sentence. "Of course you are against me, Mr. Lilburne!" said Mrs. Cropsey, with wounded dignity. "But you will never persuade me, that this way of using Scripture is right. I know not what my honored father would have said or done, had any of his family presumed to answer him with a text of Scripture, as Miss Leighton does me. But you are bewitched as well as all the rest. I hope you enjoy playing to the trades-people and sailor's wives, with whom Mr. Cheriton has filled his church, as well as to Lady Throckmorton, and Lord Bulmer, and Mrs. Perry—that's all." "Madam!" said the old man with dignity, "I never in all my life played one note to Lady Throckmorton, or any other fine lady or gentleman. My playing, such as it is, has been addressed to One far more exalted than either—even as the Heaven is higher than the earth—and if He has left the church, I have not yet discovered His absence. Come young ladies, let us make the most of our time, while we have it. I have brought you the score of Mr. Handel's grand oratorio, 'The Messiah,' and I want to hear Mrs. Corbet's voice in that most beautiful song—'I know that my Redeemer liveth'—the most wonderful song ever written, to my mind." Mrs. Thorpe and Mrs. Crump undertook our packing for us, so that we might have as much as possible of the time that yet remained for our lessons. Sir Julius had desired Mrs. Thorpe to provide us with a maid—a luxury to which we had never aspired, and which, to say truth, we had not desired. To our great joy, Mrs. Thorpe proposed that we should take her own apprentice, Mary Lee. "It will be better for the girl than sitting closely at her sewing," said she. "And she is rather too pretty for me to like to take her into the shop at present—I have too many fine gentlemen customers. Mary is a good girl, and well brought up; she understands all sorts of work. I will have her take a few lessons in hair-dressing from Neighbor Frizzle, who will do me so much of a good turn, I am sure." Mary herself was very well-pleased with the change from an apprentice to a lady's maid, and we had become very fond of her, so we were well suited all round.