The temptation was a strong one,—the strongest that had ever assailed Nelly in all her life. The thought of losing her place was dreadful to her. How could she now go back to the old life,—to watching Crummie all day and going about after slops, as she had done before? What would granny say? What would the neighbours say? What would become of her cherished plan of paying for their house and lot out of her own earnings?
It was a terrible temptation, a fearful struggle; but Nelly was not left to fight her battle alone: there stood by her One whom she saw not,—One whose eye is always upon those who in faith and patience are striving to follow and serve him. That Holy Spirit, for which she had prayed in faith that very morning, came to her help, and enabled her to pray again for grace to resist temptation; and He, without whom not a sparrow falls to the ground, sent her assistance in her hour of trial.
"I will do right," said Nelly; "I will keep the straight path, whatever happens."
Nelly leaned both her arms on the counter and buried her face in her hands for a moment. She was so absorbed that she did not hear the shop-door open, and she started as if she had been shot when somebody spoke to her.
"What, Nelly! asleep over your work! Is that the way you attend to your customers?"
"Oh, Mr. Grayson!" Nelly raised her head with a smile. There were tears in her eyes, and she was rather pale; but her face had a quiet and resolved expression.
"What! crying?" said the old gentleman. "Nay, that is worse than going to sleep."
"I am not going to cry," said Nelly, brushing away the drops; "only something troubled me; that's all."
"Troubled you! You have no business to have any troubles!" said Mr. Grayson, gruffly. "When you are as old as I am, you may talk of troubles. What can happen to trouble such a little shrimp as you? Come, tell me all about it, and I'll advise you for nothing. When folks come to my office for advice, I charge 'em a big price for it; but you and I are old friends, Nelly. What's the matter?"
Mr. Grayson's voice softened, as he said these words, and his manner was very gentle. Nelly felt attracted towards him and disposed to confide in him.