In this lesson on "How to grow old" I have confined myself to externals. It is time for us to part, but when we meet again we will study the subject from the highest standpoint. Before then a new year will have dawned on us. Let me suggest as a fitting motto for it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." May it prove a very happy one to you all. (_To be continued._) "SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE. BY H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward," "Miss Elsie," etc. CHAPTER IV. Granny 20 was in one of her most garrulous moods, but who was there to listen? She tried to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried by the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me now, nurse." But a smile and a nod and a "By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for her pains. Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy for anything, and she had to content herself with murmuring to an imaginary audience until Sister had a moment's leisure, and came to her bedside. "I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there is one with me. We both rue our wedding-day! And we thought--bless yer!--we thought, when we stood up so proud and made our vows, that we was the luckiest women in the world." "And it all turned out badly, Granny?" "Oh, well! It might have been wuss for some of us. I won't say it mightn't; but me was in too much of a hurry--that was the mischief. Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says she wasn't more'n sixteen when she took a 'usband! And me? I was only just turned eighteen. We didn't know no better. We were took by a 'andsome face." "Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of marrying too young, whatever I do." "Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany? Don't 'ee, dear! Don't 'ee! Just take the advice of a old woman what _knows_. This is what I say. If a man comes to you and seems true enough, don't trust him! No, not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond from the end of every hair on his head, don't trust him!" Hardly knowing how to contain herself for laughter, Sister promised to be very careful, and thanked Granny for her wise words. "They aire wise. You may well say so," chuckled the old lady. "Now I could tell you----" "Another time, Granny dear--and see! Here's nurse with your tea. A cup of tea! There's nothing like it, is there?" "Bless yer--no!" And Nurse Hudson--what of her? Had the episode of yesterday's carelessness with the words of reproof that followed been the warning Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful eyes could detect very little that was amiss that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge that the nurse's manner towards herself was not what it should be. With her new efforts not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her own manners she ignored what she could. Later she felt glad she had done so.