"Just as soon as my little stock at the cottage is disposed of; it is of very little value, but after all our debts are paid, what is left is for Effie, I can take care of myself. I shall be all alone in the great world, Maddy, but it will be a comfort to know that you, my little friend, will not forget me." Madeline's eyes filled with tears. "That cannot be, Roland; all that I know of anything that is good and holy began with you; when I first knew you, I scarcely knew the difference between right and wrong." "There is one thing I want you to promise, Maddy, and that is to read your Bible morning and evening, praying for God to help you to understand what you read." "That is a small request, Roland, and I promise that I will let nothing interfere with the duty." "May our Father bless you, Maddy, and have you always in his holy keeping. I shall never cease to pray for you." "Where are you going, Roland?" "To college, Maddy, where I hope to gain a classical education. My mother charged me to strive for that, and with my eyes fixed upon heaven, I hope to succeed." "Have you any money, Roland?" The boy smiled as he replied, "In the bank of Heaven, Maddy." "What do you mean by that, Roland?" "I mean that there are promises made to God's children--dear mother has always told me that God's word can never fail--so his bank can never break, Maddy." "I shall miss you, Roland, when my naughty fits come. I shall want you to show me how to conquer myself." "You must not lean on any human arm; there is one strong arm, Maddy; the one that conquered sin, Satan and death." "That is Jesus, Roland. I wish that my faith in him was just like yours." "Pray, Maddy, that he would give you faith; he is the author and finisher of our faith. Do you remember any of the little songs that I have taught you, Maddy?" "Yes, Roland, I remember them all; I shall get the music, and learn them perfectly now." "Let us sing together our last song, Maddy," and Roland's rich voice, with Madeline's sweet, clear notes, joined in the dear old song, "Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, In days o' lang syne! For auld lang syne, my Jo, For auld lang syne; We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne." Maddy's voice trembled, and ere they reached the last verse she bowed her head and wept. Roland put his hand in his pocket, and drew out the likeness which Madeline had brought from Boston for his mother. "Here is the face of my kind little friend," said the boy, "I shall often talk to it when far away." "I have nothing but the sea-weed and the shells to look at, Roland; but in my heart the memory of all the wise and precious things which you have taught me." "It is time for me to go now, Maddy. Good-bye; I am sure that we shall meet again." Madeline looked up with such a bright smile through her tears, and said.