"It certainly is; but that is no reason why we should not strive to 'bear all things, believe all things, endure all things' rather than fail of charity toward our fellow-men."
May looked archly into her teacher's face. "I think, Mr. Monks," she said, "that you do keep the law of charity. With you, I believe, 'charity never faileth.'"
She was astonished at the spasm of pain which passed over his face.
"My dear child," he said, with great emotion, "in that respect I have failed more than in all else. If I do try to bear all things, believe all things, to suffer long and be kind, it is because I have had a fearful lesson to teach me how unjust and cruel one may become who does not aim to obey this inspired rule. Let us be thankful that there is One,—even our divine Saviour, whose charity is not easily provoked, who suffereth long and is kind."
His voice was so serious that her eyes filled with tears.
"I seldom speak of this, my child. It is too painful; but if it might be a warning to you, I should not regret it."
[CHAPTER IV.]
WANT OF CHARITY.
LITTLE did May realize how soon her schoolmates would have occasion for charity toward one dear to her as her own right hand.