Then Wili repeated after his mother a short prayer, and never had he prayed so earnestly as now, with his heart full of dread for the results of his naughty conduct. Indeed he could scarcely stop praying; it seemed to relieve his heart to lay all his sorrow before his Heavenly Father, and beg his forgiveness and help.
And now he could look in his mother's eyes again as he bade her good-night.
Lili was waiting in the next room, for her turn to talk to this same good mother.
"Are you ready to say your prayers, Lili?" The little girl began, paused, began again and stopped in the middle. Presently she stammered out,
"Mamma I cannot pray, for God is angry with me."
"What have you done, Lili, to make him angry?"
Lili was silent, and sat pulling at the sheet, for she was naturally obstinate, and found it hard to own a fault.
"If the good God is not pleased with you, I certainly cannot be. Good night, my child, sleep well—that is if you can."
"Mamma, do not go away, I will tell you everything; only stay with me."
Her mother gladly turned back.