"Maggie," said her mother, "when Noah came out of the ark, what was the first thing he did?"
Maggie thought a moment, and then said, "Built an altar and made a sacrifice."
"Yes; and what did the Lord say to him?"
"Well done, good and faithful servant," said Maggie, who, provided she had an answer, was not always particular it was the right one.
Mrs. Bradford smiled a little.
"We are not told the Lord said that," she answered, "though he was doubtless pleased that Noah's first act should have been one of praise and thanksgiving. Indeed, the Bible tells us as much. But what did he place in the clouds for Noah to see?"
"A rainbow," said Maggie.
"What did he tell Noah it should be?"
"I forgot that," said Maggie; "he said it should be a sign that the world should never be drowned again."
"Yes; the Lord told Noah he would make a covenant with him 'that the waters should no more become a flood to destroy the earth;' and he made the rainbow for a sign that his promise should stand sure."