"I have not forgotten," answered Agnes, "but, as mother said, the first page is very hard to read, and the second page—"
"Well?" said John.
"You will see," answered Agnes. "Come on my lap, Minnie; you will not be afraid if I describe something very dreadful?"
"I don't think so," said Minnie wondering; "but is it dreadful, Agnes?"
"Don't you think that first page looks dreadful? So black and hopeless!"
"Then listen:
Black—Sin.
I seemed to be dreaming, and in my dream I beheld a rocky country stretched out before me.
On all sides were rugged stones, underneath which grew ferns and mosses, while short brushwood, growing luxuriantly, gave the place a wild, unfrequented appearance.