"No,--I am not. But my father wants me to be."
"Then, oh! my child, why don't you?"
"I don't think I want to be one," said Monica, slowly; "at least, not yet."
"Don't put it off, childie; life is very short. If you know the way----"
"But I don't," interrupted Monica; "that's just what I don't know. Perhaps if I knew how to set about it I might be one."
"The Lord Jesus----" began Mrs. Franklyn.
But, alas! Olive came bursting into the room, and the precious opportunity had gone. The invalid could only whisper: "Read the 3rd chapter of St. John, and ask God to show you the way, dear child," when, a few moments later, Monica bent over her to say, "Good-bye."
And Monica said she would. But, alas! she put the thought aside that night, thinking Sunday afternoon would be a good opportunity for reading the chapter; and when the next day came she was deep in the pages of a fascinating book, and had completely forgotten her promise to Mrs. Franklyn.
CHAPTER VIII.
"MIND YOU ARE NOT LATE!"