"Thank God, that you realize it now. The next step to such realization, is a laying hold of His strength. I have been watching Bob; he does not look like a vicious boy; if you manage wisely, he may never repeat the offence that has caused you such pain." "And what would you counsel in regard to him?" "I do not know. I have never had to deal with such a case. If he were my boy I should just go to God with my ignorance, and expect to gain wisdom how to act. But let me say, just here, that my experience with boys and girls forbids free use of money. As soon as they reach a proper age, they should have, if possible, an allowance, and be obliged to keep account of every penny of it. I should say in relation to Bob, that he should be indulged very sparingly, and obliged to restore to a mill all he has taken, even if it takes years to do it. This long discipline will do him good. 'The way of transgressors is hard;' let him learn that so effectually that he can never forget it. One thing more. You have told him that you do not love him; go on in that path, and you will lose your boy. You must not only love him, you must let him know that you do by constant acts of kindness. God makes a distinction between the sinner and his sin; He loves the one and hates the other; we must do the same." The unhappy parents began to feel their burden lightened. "Then, you think there is hope for our poor boy?" they asked. "I _know_ there is just as long as you enclose him in your prayers. He will be as safe as an insect in a piece of amber." "But the insect is dead." "Yes, but how much better hath God made a human soul that cannot die?" "I have not breathed so freely for a month," said Mrs. Thayer. "Will you give us some hints now about Esther? You see what she is, superficially; but she has good qualities, and far more character than Bob." "How happens it that she wants to exclude you all from her pleasures?" "I don't know; but she does, and so mortifies and grieves me." "Have you always taken care to show sympathy with her in her pursuits, her friends, and the like?" "Perhaps not all I might." "I fancy this interest is all that is wanting. You might try and see. By the bye, have you any absorbing pursuit or friendship yourself?" "Yes, I have many." "Perhaps, then, you have unconsciously weaned the child from you by only half listening to what she has had to say about hers." "Did you observe that she informed me that she was going to have friends to lunch, instead of asking permission?" "Certainly." "And what should you do in such a case? Reason with her?" "No; I should simply provide no entertainment. As things stand, however, giving her warning to that effect." "You have no idea how angry she will be." Mrs. Grey was silent. "And then how she'll tease!" "The sooner she learns the uselessness of teasing the better." Mrs. Thayer twisted her pocket-handkerchief around her fingers uneasily. At last she said: