"Aunt Matilda replies, 'I am sure, Lewis, that you cannot expect me to enter into any such plans. I am much too delicate with my nervous temperament; it would drive me crazy to teach little children; and I do think that Madeline Hamilton might find employment more worthy of a young lady.' "I have written to Helen to send me some shoes for children, and some books, giving her a short account of what we are doing. "Saturday came again--my six little girls were punctual; but it was a rainy day, and they brought some mud. "Aunt Matilda was very angry, and said harsh things. I replied haughtily, and with one of my outbursts of temper. "'Well, Madeline, if this is your piety, I want nothing to do with it.' "'I don't pretend to piety, aunt; I only want to do some good in the world; and I think that you might help, instead of hinder me.' "I was ashamed of myself, and deeply depressed for all that day--will I ever learn to bridle my tongue? "The little ones were glad to get their new shoes--I gave them their first lessons; they were very dull, for they have never been taught anything; and it was hard to keep their eyes from wandering about the room, and out into the garden, for the glass doors of my sitting room open directly on the garden, filled with beautiful flowers. A hymn which they tried to sing, and a bunch of flowers for each, closed the exercises." * * * * * * The school went on prosperously for several weeks; the numbers increased to twelve; and Madeline was pleased to see some improvement. Effie taught each one orally verses from the Bible, and simple hymns, for she could not use her eyes at all. Weekly the young girls visited the factory lane, and soon the poor people learned to look for the visit with great delight. The sick mother was tenderly cared for; the old grandmother provided with what she needed; the cripple comforted by kind words, and gentle ministrations; and Madeline felt the joy of knowing that she was doing something towards lightening human misery. But Effie's eyes were growing worse; it was deemed advisable to consult a New York oculist; and Madeline was obliged to accompany the young girl. The Saturday school was for awhile suspended, much to the disappointment of the little ones, for they were very sorry to lose their kind teachers. Being alone, it was thought proper that they should take up their abode in a private boarding-house, for Madeline could not burden her friend Mary Trevor with the charge of Effie. But little encouragement was given by the great oculist; and Madeline was now convinced that her friend was doomed to a life of darkness.