"You are quite right, Nelly. You ought to be a saint; and there is no reason why you should not be one. A saint is a holy person, one who strives to serve God in all things, and to avoid every thing that is evil. All God's people are 'called to be saints.' But because some people have pretended to be saints who were not, therefore foolish persons like Kitty use the word as a term of reproach. Their own consciences condemn them for not trying to do the will of God, and they like to excuse themselves by thinking that all who strive to live strict and holy lives are hypocrites. I don't say this is the case with all,—even all who know themselves to be sinners. I have seen very wicked men who seemed glad that their wives and daughters were true Christians. But it is often the case. Never mind, Nelly. You are called to be a saint. God desires that you should be one: 'This is the will of God, even your sanctification.' And he is as ready to give his grace and his Spirit to you as to the greatest apostle or martyr that ever lived. Mind, I don't say you can ever be as useful as St. Peter or as, wise as St. Paul; but I don't know any reason why you should not be as holy as either of them."
[CHAPTER XII.]
"WELL, did you get into a scrape about the doll?" asked Kitty, meeting Nelly a few days afterwards.
"No," replied Nelly. "I told Mrs. Kirkland all about it, and she was not angry."
"There! I knew it wasn't any thing to make a fuss about," interrupted Kitty.
"But she said she should have been very much displeased if I had tried to hide it. And she told me I must not have any more visitors in the store."
"Mean old thing!" said Kitty. "And I was just coming down to see you this very day. What time does she go to dinner?"
"I don't think she will go home to dinner at all to-day—" replied Nelly; "we are so busy. And anyway, Kitty," she added, decidedly, "you must not come and see me at the store unless you have an errand. I shall lose my place if you do. And I am sure you would not want me to do that, would you?"
"Of course not," said Kitty; though in her heart of hearts she perhaps would not have been sorry to see Nelly brought down at least to her own level. "But I think it is a shame. They are all just so,—making such a fuss about the least thing, and having no feeling for people who live with them."
"Oh, Kitty!" exclaimed Nelly, "I am sure that is not fair. Just think how many things Mrs. Powers has given you,—your Bible, and your thimble, and that pretty dress which your mother made over for you."