The Carved Cupboard

r V

ot a dictionary, nor a grammar, but a Bible-a book of heaven

for young ladies to make homes for themselves, anywhere and everywhere, but unless a woman is married, 'tis a risky undertakin'! I've been inclined to fret that my working days are over, for dearly would I like to have gone with you, and done what I could to make you comfortable; but

she placed a large-print Bible before her old nurse; 'but we sh

ur bodies! and 'tis a bit of refreshment to your souls that I'm now makin' so bold as to offer.' Nann

nk of, through all the troubles and trials that may come to you. Will you mark it in your own Bibles, and live it out, re

by the old woman's

me, and I will try and

sky firelit room, as she repeated

so shalt thou dwell in the land

atha after a pause, 'I will

oking over the old woman's should

t be the Lord's word to you: "Commit thy way unto the L

ou think I like choosing my own w

rse is the beginning of the one Miss Agatha was sayin': "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him"; and, Mis

s got a command without a prom

Clare, then at he

s Clare, "Those that wait upon the

a promise to realize. If it w

looking for something big. You will inherit more from God Almigh

business? Jacob has gone, and we must bestir ourselves. I have cut out an advertisement from the Morning Post, which I think sounds tempting. And as Agatha seems so slow in making up her mind, I think I shall take the train to-morrow morning and go and inspec

it?' ask

be about 40 pounds. It is close to some pine woods, and only three miles f

d Clare very dubiously; 'they always remind me of r

has an old-world sound. Let us, if we live out of town, choose an Arcadia, with nothing to remind u

what suits you will suit me, but what would suit me migh

ter an early breakfast next d

insisted upon her eating a good dinner before she gave an account of herself. Then, rested and refreshed, s

ets but a few tottering old men and children, a few good shops, and there is a market every Friday. I walked along the high road for a couple of miles, then turned up a lane with a ragged piece of common at the end of i

llage street?'

ad, and a stone-flagged path leading up to the door. A blue trellis verandah runs right round it, which I rather liked, and a

,' said Elfie eagerly; 'and did

end; the other side of the passage there are two smaller rooms; the kitchens, etcetera, lie out at the back; and the stairs go up in the middle of the passage. Four fair-sized bedrooms are above, and the two attics are quite habitable. The back of the house has the best vie

' said Agatha thoughtfully; 'it seems so

erty in the neighbourhood. He spends his time in carving, painting, and writing about old manuscripts. That is one thing you will like, Clare; all the doors and cupboards in the house are carved most beautifully, even the low window sills, and mantelpieces. About four months ago he had a dreadful quarrel with his brother, and told Mrs. Tucker that he was going abroad till his temper cooled. He stored all his f

lightedly. 'Why, this is most interesti

oice behind her, and a tall broad-shouldere

with a pretty pink c

t the cottage we meditate taking. Gwen is our business

after it was discussed afresh, and he agreed that it might prove suitable, the ot

s had vanished now, and s

ur lost fortunes. It is the outside world that is pitying you. "Those poor girls," I hear on all sides, "after the ver

ely. 'We are going to try and make the best of i

ow! but I have been advised so strongly to go with this party that I feel I ought not to refuse. It will o

s wish--' C

l, w

my, but that is wrong. I do so much prefer a sett

he was a keen soldier, and was devoted to

at you do not care for a gay town life, nor

lings. I shall be so tired of the country, and the dull monotony of it all, by the time you come back, t

his frank, straightforward nature. Yet she was so sweetly penitent after a fit of discontent, and so delightful in her waywardne

e had crept upstairs to see Nannie, and a gravity had settl

Elfie?' inquired the old woman,

ve me. I can't get it out of my head. It is a very lovely on

dear! And for you '

asy to be happy. But, Nannie, delighting one

sun, or soft refreshing showers, don't find it difficult to delight themselves in the air

g down in a low chair, she rested

his: I enjoy everything in life so; it all seems so bright and sunny to me, that I feel the pleasure I take in everything may be such a snare. I ought to have my enjoyment i

and your gladness and your hopes are all gifts from Him. He loves to see us happy. Doesn't the sun, and the brightness, and all the

the people and the bustle, and at first I didn't like t

from all your innocent joys. Doesn't your verse say as much? Will the Lord take all that is pleasant away from you, if you do His command? No; "He will give thee the desires of thine heart." Could you want mor

hen she got up and

you have given me the best verse of them all, and I will try and ma