"Certainly, my son, he is the creator of all things, the ruler of all the universe, and 'none can stay his hand or say unto him, What doest thou?'"
"Papa," said Ned, "mightn't I ask him to stop this storm, so we could go right on home?"
"You can ask him, son, to do it if he sees best, but you must be willing that he should not do what you wish if he does not see best. God knows what is best for us, and we do not, but often desire what would be very bad for us."
"Well, papa, I'll try to ask that way," said the little boy. "But I'm very tired of these dark, rainy days, and of staying still in one place where we don't see anything, and I hope our Heavenly Father will let us start away to-morrow."
"Neddie, dear," said his grandmother, "don't forget what a blessing it has been that we had this safe harbor close at hand when the storm was coming, so that we could run right into it. If we had been away out upon the lake our vessel might have been wrecked."
"Yes, grandma, I am glad and thankful for that," he said; "I'm afraid
I was grumbling just now, but I don't intend to do so any more."
"I'll be glad when good weather comes again," remarked Elsie, "but I have really enjoyed myself right well these days that we have had to spend in the cabin; Cousin Ronald has made a great deal of fun for us."
"Yes, indeed!" exclaimed Ned earnestly, and laughing as he spoke; "it was lots of fun to hear people talking and animals barking and squealing when they weren't really here at all. Now, what are you all laughing at?" he asked in conclusion.
"At your animals," said Lucilla. "I understood that all the barking and squealing you talk about was the doing of a very nice old gentleman."
"Yes," said Ned a trifle shamefacedly; "but please don't be hurt or affronted, Cousin Ronald; I didn't know how to say it any better."