"I never think much about it," said Kitty, honestly. "Somehow I have such good times now. But Nelly, it is surely so. I will read about it in the Bible, if you want me to. Shall I?"
Nelly assented. Kitty knew very well where in the Bible to find what she wanted. She liked to read in the book of Revelation, just as she loved Mrs. Ryan's stories, because it fed her imagination. She turned over the leaves and read the last two or three chapters. Nelly listened eagerly; and as she listened she formed images in her mind, clear and distinct, of the river of the water of life, clear as crystal—of the tree of life growing on its banks—of the golden streets, and all the rest. She drew a long breath when Kitty had finished.
"A'n't that perfectly lovely? But I don't suppose I can ever get there, though," she added, in her old, despairing tone. "They wouldn't have me there."
"Oh, yes," returned Kitty, confidently. "You can go just as well as any one else. Mother," she called, "can't Nelly go to heaven?"
"Of course she can, if she is a good girl," answered Mrs. Brown, from within. "Why not?"
"There!" said Kitty, triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you so? There was a beggar once, all covered with sores, and he had nothing to eat but crumbs from a rich man's table; and when he died, the angels came and carried him to heaven."
"I suppose he was very good."
"Yes, I suppose so," said Kitty, rather doubtfully. "He must have been, of course."
"There is granny calling," said Nelly. "Thank you very much, Kitty."
"After all, I don't see how it is going to do me much good; only very good people go there," said poor Nelly, as she walked homeward. "I am sure I am not very good; and I don't see how I ever can be, living as I do. But it seems kind of pleasant to think there is such a place, after all."