"The next day, when his uncle left, he said, 'Remember our agreement, my boy, and be sure not to go near the box.'
"This was said in an impressive voice, and deepened Edward's determination to fulfil his part of the agreement. In order to do this, he promised himself that he would not go into the attic, for fear it would be a temptation to open the forbidden box, as the key, he found, was attached to the trunk by a string. But in two or three days he found himself sitting again by its side, and wondering at its contents. He began to reason, as Eve did, that his uncle really meant nothing by the threat. He thought about the box, and dreamed about it, until he lost his appetite, and grew thin and pale.
"In Milton's 'Paradise Lost,' he says that Eve dreamed of eating the fruit; then she persuaded Adam that they should accomplish more in tending their garden, if they were separated for a season, as it took up too much time to talk, and bestow glances of affection. So she went to a distance from him, where the tempter found her; and we know too well the sad consequences. We must defer the conclusion of our story until the next lesson."
[CHAPTER XIII.]
THE FALL OF MAN; OR, THE MYSTERIOUS BOX.
QUESTION XIII. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
ANSWER. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
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VERY many times, during the week following the story of Edward, did the children discuss the probabilities of his obtaining the prize.
"I do wonder what was in the box," exclaimed Helen.
"I can't think, or even guess," responded Walter; "but I could hold on for one month, I know. Just think how silly 'twould be to go and look when he was certain of knowing so soon, and of having such a reward besides."