Ellen was just as she had left her, and apparently just as far from coming to any conclusion. Mrs. Montgomery was resolved to let her take her way. Presently Ellen came over from the counter with a large royal octavo Bible, heavy enough to be a good lift for her. "Mamma," said she, laying it on her mother's lap, and opening it, "what do you think of that? isn't that splendid?" "A most beautiful page indeed; is this your choice, Ellen?" "Well, Mamma, I don't know; what do you think?" "I think it is rather inconveniently large and heavy for everyday use. It is quite a weight upon my lap. I shouldn't like to carry it in my hands long. You would want a little table on purpose to hold it." "Well, that wouldn't do at all," said Ellen, laughing. "I believe you are right, Mamma; I wonder I didn't think of it. I might have known that myself." She took it back; and there followed another careful examination of the whole stock; and then Ellen came to her mother with a beautiful miniature edition, in two volumes, gilt, and clasped, and very perfect in all respects, but of exceeding small print. "I think I'll have this, Mamma," said she; "isn't it a beauty? I could put it in my pocket, you know, and carry it anywhere, with the greatest ease." "It would have one great objection to me," said Mrs. Montgomery, "inasmuch as I cannot possibly see to read it." "Cannot you, Mamma? But I can read it perfectly." "Well, my dear, take it — that is, if you will make up your mind to put on spectacles before your time." "Spectacles, Mamma! I hope I shall never have to wear spectacles." "What do you propose to do when your sight fails, if you shall live so long?" "Well, Mamma, if it comes to that; — but you don't advise me, then, to take this little beauty?" "Judge for yourself; I think you are old enough." "I know what you think, though, Mamma, and I daresay you are right, too; I won't take it, though it's a pity. Well, I must look again." Mrs. Montgomery came to her help, for it was plain Ellen had lost the power of judging amidst so many tempting objects. But she presently simplified the matter by putting aside all that were decidedly too large or too small, or of too fine print. There remained three of moderate size and sufficiently large type, but different binding. "Either of these, I think, will answer your purpose nicely," said Mrs. Montgomery. "Then, Mamma, if you please, I will have the red one. I like that best, because it will put me in mind of yours." Mrs. Montgomery could find no fault with this reason. She paid for the red Bible, and directed it to be sent home. "Shan't I carry it, Mamma?" said Ellen. "No, you would find it in the way; we have several things to do yet." "Have we, Mamma? I thought we only came to get a Bible."