"'In the creation of the world, when God made the birds, they had no wings wherewith to fly. Moreover, He bade them each carry two burdens, which were big or little, according to the size of the birds. These were placed on the ground beside them. Obedient to their Creator's voice, the feathered creatures took the burdens in their beaks and laid them across their shoulders. For a little while the weight seemed heavy to be borne. Then, on a sudden, a wonderful thing happened. The burdens grew firmly fixed to the bearers, and became wings. So, instead of the birds carrying their load, their load carried them.'
"And that, dear child, is what may happen to each one of us, if we patiently bear the burden our dear God puts upon us. Instead of weighing us down to earth, it will lift us nearer to His beautiful bright heaven above."
Ella's eyes were full of tears at the close of the little story.
"It's a lovely tale," said she, "and I'll just try and see if I can't be like the birds."
So successful was little Ella in her endeavours, that when Mrs. Snowden called next, she was greeted by a sunshiny face and the brightest of welcomes.
"Grannie is ever so much better this morning," said she. "I tried to be patient and good, and now she's quite forgiven me. Oh, I'm so happy, I don't know what to do with myself."
Mrs. Snowden smiled. "Then I'll see if I can't do something with you," she said mysteriously. "I've got a little plan I want to talk over with your Grannie this morning, so you can just run out into the sunshine for a while. Oh, there's one thing I must tell you," went on the lady. "Dr. Carteret is coming down soon again to see us. His ship is to be stationed in English waters for a time, so I dare say we shall often see him now."
Ella clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, how I shall love to see him again," she cried, her eyes shining with pleasure.
"You shall see him if you are a good girl," was the reply. "Now I must go and talk to Grannie, as my time is rather short this morning."
About a quarter of an hour later Mrs. Snowden returned to the child, who was awaiting her coming in the garden.