Mr. Van Brunt looked as if he entirely agreed with the old lady. That, while it made some amends for Miss Fortune's dryness, perhaps increased it. She remarked, that "she thanked Heaven she could always make herself contented at home;" which Ellen could not help thinking was a happiness for the rest of the world. In the matter of the collar, it was hard to say whether the giver or receiver had the most satisfaction. Ellen had begged him not to speak of it to her aunt; and accordingly, one Sunday, when he came there with it on, both he and she were in a state of exquisite delight. Miss Fortune's attention was at last aroused; she made a particular review of him, and ended it by declaring, that "he looked uncommonly dandified, but she could not make out what he had done to himself;" a remark which transported Mr. Van Brunt and Ellen beyond all bounds of prudence. Nancy's Bible, which had been purchased for her at Randolph, was given to her the first opportunity. Ellen anxiously watched her as she slowly turned it over, her face showing, however, very decided approbation of the style of the gift. She shook her head once or twice, and then said — "What did you give this to me for, Ellen?" "Because I wanted to give you something for New Year," said Ellen — "and I thought that would be the best thing — if you would only read it — it would make you so happy and good." "_You_ are good, I believe," said Nancy, "but I don't expect ever to be, myself — I don't think I _could_ be. You might as well teach a snake not to wriggle." "I am not good at all," said Ellen — "we're none of us good;" and the tears rose to her eyes; "but the Bible will teach us how to be. If you'll only read it! — please, Nancy, do! say you will read a little every day." "You don't want me to make a promise I shouldn't keep, I guess, do you?" "No," said Ellen. "Well, I shouldn't keep that, so I won't promise it; but I tell you what I will do, — I'll take precious fine care of it and keep it always for your sake." "Well," said Ellen, sighing — "I am glad you will even do so much as that. But, Nancy, before you begin to read the Bible, you may have to go where you never can read it, nor be happy nor good neither." Nancy made no answer, but walked away, Ellen thought, rather more soberly than usual. This conversation had cost Ellen some effort. It had not been made without a good deal of thought and some prayer. She could not hope she had done much good, but she had done her duty. And it happened that Mr. Van Brunt, standing behind the angle of the wall, had heard every word. CHAPTER XXXIII. A gathering cloud in the spring weather.