"No, indeed I don't!"
"It was Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Romans. Don't you ever read the Bible?"
"No—o," Muriel answered reluctantly; "that is to say, we have Scripture lessons at school, and, of course, I have to read portions of the Bible then, but I never think of doing so otherwise. Marigold wanted me to read a few verses every day, like she does—I almost think I will!"
"I wish you would. Don't put it off any longer. Do try to love God and walk in His ways. Oh, my dear," and the lame girl's voice was tremulous with strong emotion, "don't say 'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,' but make up your mind you will be one. Life is so short—at any time we may be called upon to face our Maker, and how shall we meet Him if we have not tried to keep His commandments?"
"Molly," said Muriel, in an awestruck tone, "do you ever think of dying?"
"Often; and more than ever since poor father was struck down so suddenly!"
"You loved your father very dearly, didn't you?"
"Very dearly!" Molly replied, weeping.
"Oh, don't cry! Don't cry!" Muriel implored, flinging her arms around her companion's neck with a tenderness unusual in her. "I am so sorry to think I have made you cry! What will Miss Holcroft say, if she sees your eyes red and swollen?"
Molly took out her handkerchief and wiped her tears away, trying to smile.