"'Mamma is good to us,' said Mary.
"'But God is the only real good person,' added Amelia.
"Mrs. Howard was rather surprised, but as the storm was still getting more frightful, she moved her chair, shut the window, and sat in the middle of the room; the two little ones in their fear clinging to her, whilst she put an arm round each of them.
"Mrs. Baynes went out to close the windows, and they were left together.
"Peal came after peal, and flash after flash; and the old lady and children trembled.
"'We ought not to fear,' said Mrs. Howard; 'it is wrong; is not the lightning in the hands of God?'
"'We will try not to be afraid,' said the little ones; and they clung closer to Mrs. Howard.
"And now there came a fearful hailstorm, patter, patter, against the window; and when the hail ceased the rain came pouring down.
"'Now, my loves, let us thank God,' said Mrs. Howard, 'the danger is past.'
"The little ones, with that quick obedience which we see in children only who are well brought up, joined their hands and said, 'Thank God!' but they expressed some fear lest their mother should be frightened about them.