"I have a long list, Mildred, all bought for me at a vast cost. There is 'an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.' A place in one of the 'many mansions'—a welcome into the family of God, whose child I am, through adoption in Christ. Yes, Mildred, Denesfield is fair, but it will crumble and decay; these diamonds glitter, but I look for 'a crown of glory, that fadeth not away,' and a home in 'a city that bath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.' I can dress here in costly clothing; but what is that to the robes washed, the raiment made white, in the blood of the Lamb? Then there are the beloved friends who are gone before, all kept safely in the same treasure-house." "My dear," exclaimed Aunt Milly, "if I were to go on speaking for ever so long, how could I tell you all? MY earthly treasures were the purchase and gift of my dear husband, and I must leave them behind when I die. My heavenly ones were bought for me by the precious blood of Jesus, and will be mine for all eternity." Never while I live shall I forget my aunt's face and words. Never before had I understood, so well as then, the difference between earthly and heavenly things. My aunt, possessing all that earth could give—fair home, glittering gems, costly raiment, obedient servants ready to do her bidding—regarded and used them thankfully, yet counted them as but nothing in comparison with the enduring inheritance of God's children. Her words kept coming into my mind even after the arrival of my father, mother, and sisters had given me something else to think of and to do. CHAPTER IV MORE ABOUT DENESFIELD WHILE my aunt and mother were enjoying each other's society, I had the pleasure of taking my dear father up and down both park and village. The girls stayed indoors; but my father declared he was not tired. All he wanted after his long ride was the change which would be afforded by walking in the frosty December air. He had a bright word for everybody. To the grooms who were busy in the stables, he gave a pleasant greeting, and said: "When you are filling your mangers with hay, doesn't it put you in mind of the Babe, born as at this time, whose first bed was in one?" "I can't say that I have thought of that, sir, but I shall do now," replied one; and wishing them a "Happy Christmas," we passed on. Old Maurice, the shepherd of the home farm, had his word. He was a sturdy, grizzled old fellow, and my father said, "Well, Maurice, haven't you wished you had been amongst those shepherds who heard first that angel chorus of 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men?'" "Ay, sir; that I have. And I've thought to myself, if it had happened in this country, the angels wouldn't have found us in the fields at this time o' year. They'd have had to come to us in the home pens."