Roland's countenance fell, and drawing himself proudly up, he replied, "We will change the subject, if you please, Edmund." When Madeline returned, she sought her father's room. "Papa, I met Roland Bruce, to-day, at church; he seemed so concerned to hear that you were sick." "What is he doing in London, Madeline?" "He is in attendance upon a young man whose studies he is directing." "I should like to see him, Madeline; he is a noble fellow, and has been a kind friend to my little girl; I do not think that he was very well treated by your aunt; but as eternity approaches, my daughter, the distinctions of life melt away. I did not want to dismiss him from our house--send for him to-morrow, and tell him to bring his friend, Mr. Graham, with him." On the morrow, a few lines summoned him to the sick room, but without Mr. Graham. Shocked at the change in Mr. Hamilton, he took his withered band, and seating himself by his side, he said, "These are hours of weakness, dear sir, and need a strong support." "They are, Roland; I feel flesh and heart failing, but I can say God is now the strength of my heart--your dear patient sister was the little messenger that brought the first whispers of the Spirit, Roland; I never forgot her dying words." For a minute, the brother was silent; but seizing the pale hand, and pressing it warmly, he replied, "Oh! Mr. Hamilton. What joyful news! my little Effie! was she, indeed, the messenger to you? wonderful are the ways of God!" "Yes, Roland, and I have always wanted to tell all that those words have done for me. I felt that her faith was real; from that day, I have been reading my Bible with earnest prayer, and it has revealed to me a Saviour, all-sufficient for the darkest hour, all-merciful to the greatest sinner--will you pray with me, Roland?" and the young man bowed down by the side of Madeline, at her father's bed-side, and poured out an earnest, heartfelt prayer. "There will soon be a painful trial, Roland; will you be with us when the day arrives?" "I promise, Mr. Hamilton;" and Roland retired. He was frequent in his visits to the sick-room, introducing, also, Uncle Malcolm, whose strong, fervent faith, and Scriptural wisdom, was an unspeakable blessing to the suffering man. "To-morrow is the day, Roland; bring your friend;" and Mr. Hamilton pressed the strong hand of his young friend. What was Roland's surprise, to see Madeline pale, composed, and steadfast, by the side of her parent's bed, awaiting the physicians. "Can you bear this trial, Miss Hamilton?" was Roland's whispered inquiry. "I cannot leave my father; who else should sustain him but his own daughter? I have prayed for strength; it is mine, Roland;" for in the deep feelings of the moment, she dropped the ceremonious title which she had used of late.