"Here is a bit of pink chintz," answered Minnie; "and here are my scissors to 'pink' the edges."
The heap for glueing was fast increasing, and John said he had better begin, while the others collected for him.
"We have agreed not to quarrel over it," he added, smiling, "but to do whatever comes first, because——"
"Because?" said Agnes.
Minnie came close to her, and said softly, "We are trying to do something for His sake, you know. Agnes."
"I see," said Agnes; "I am so glad."
But though the glueing might be pleasant work, the sorting out such a heap of débris was a tiring thing, and taxed the patience of the children very much. Agnes sat by, helping with advice and interest, and feeling deep down in her heart that she was giving her little service to the Lord Jesus too. Had she not left the piano, where she had but just opened a new song? Had she not made all her arrangements to have an hour's practice this morning, when she could be certain of the piano to herself? But all this had been put aside, and now she heard the tender voice whispering, "Thou hast been faithful over a few things...enter into the joy of thy Lord."
And even now she was tasting that joy, which, some day, all who love Him, shall know in its fulness.
At last the floor was clear, and Hugh ran downstairs with a basketful of real rubbish, while the table now held many heaps, over which careful Alice kept guard.
"Not there," she would say, as a contribution was brought; "that must be for this heap, and those broken toys for John to glue."