"I don't feel as if I could forgive Edith," said Florrie, with a sigh.
"Ask God to help you to do so," said her governess; "for if you do not forgive Edith, how can you say to-night in your prayer: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us? You would be asking God not to forgive you."
"I never thought of that," said Kate, thoughtfully. "Dear me! how hard it is to be good."
"It is hard," said Miss Jameson; "but so is everything in life that is worth striving after. And who would not rather struggle up the steep hillside than sink in the mire at its foot? But now you are tired and excited. You must not talk any more to-night. Good-night."
And the children went to bed without saying another word about their cousin Edith.
[CHAPTER V.]
Gertie's Birthday.
"MISS JAMESON," said Kate, the next morning, "do you know that Monday will be Gertie's birthday?"
"Next Monday?" she returned. "Is it so near? Well, what of that?"