The gentle ministrations of his niece by and by seemed to touch him. He was growing to love her a little. He would smile when she came into the room, and ask her how she did. Once he sat looking at her for some time—then said,

“I hope I did not hurt you much.”

“When?” she asked.

“Then,” he answered.

“Oh, no; you did not hurt me—much!”

“Another time, I was very cruel to your aunt: do you think she will forgive me!”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then you have forgiven me?”

“Of course I have.”

“Then of course God will forgive me too!”