"I don't think you ought to say that, Nelly," Kitty answered, at last. "If you should die and go to heaven, it would be very nice; but if you didn't, you know—"
"I don't see how I am ever to get to heaven, either," said Nelly. "I can't read the Bible or any thing, and there is no one to teach me. Well, I know one thing. I wish there had never been any such person as I am."
Kitty was at a stand. She did not know how to meet Nelly's mood at all. She saw that the poor girl was very unhappy, and she would have given a great deal to comfort her if she had only known how. She had a sort of indistinct idea that when people were in trouble the Bible ought some way to do them good, and she tried to think of a text; but she could remember none which seemed suitable to Nelly's present case. She had learned a great many Bible verses in her life, but it had never before occurred to her to use any of them. The only thing she could think of to console Nelly she did. She put her arm round her neck and kissed her. The honest expression of sympathy always does good. Nelly's heart felt a little lightened of its load as she returned Kitty's embrace.
"You are real good, anyway," said she. "Oh, Kitty," she added, suddenly, "will you do something for me? A lady gave me a card this morning with a picture and verses on it. Will you read it for me?"
"Of course I will," said Kitty, heartily. "Where is it?"
Nelly ran into the house and brought out her card.
"Come and sit on our steps," said Kitty. "It is shady there, and mother will know where I am."
"Well," said Nelly; and she called to her grandmother, "Granny, I am going with Kitty a little while."
"All right, dear; but don't be long, for I'll soon have the dinner ready."
Mrs. Brown met her daughter at the door with a hearty kiss. The house was not very much larger than Mrs. Ryan's; but what a contrast it presented! Every thing was in perfect order, and as clean as hands could make it. There were flowers all about,—in the little garden, on the table under the glass, on the high old-fashioned bureau, on the window-sill. Every thing was sweet and cool and fresh, from the white curtains to the clean, white door-step; and yet Mrs. Brown was not so much richer than Mrs. Ryan.