There was a murmur of sympathy amongst the young folks in that busy room. The tired workers had forgotten their own weariness as they listened to Mrs. Duncan's story, and more than one amongst them told her that it made them ashamed of a complaining spirit when they saw the cheerful way in which she met her troubles and shouldered her burden, and that story was long remembered among them.
By this time, the new parcel of work was ready, and Mrs. Duncan bade Miss Evans and the young work-women "Good day," and went on her homeward way with a rejoicing and thankful heart. She had long been sowing in tears. She had been instant in prayer, despite long waiting and many discouragements, and her Heavenly Father had sent her a gracious answer, though it was indeed, after many days.
[MARTHA'S CHOICE.]
MANY years ago, when I was comparatively new to family joys and cares, we had two servants, sisters, who had both lived some time in the family. One was older by ten years than the other, but each had won our good will and esteem by her steadiness and faithful service. Moreover, each had what is called a "follower," though not without my knowledge.
We profess to take an interest in all the members of our household, and we are accustomed to be treated with confidence by them, and are often consulted about their affairs, especially in matters of importance. I was not, therefore, surprised when Martha, the elder sister, asked for a few minutes' conversation; but I quite expected it would convey news of an approaching wedding, and terminate in the usual month's notice to leave.
Martha said, "I was wishing to ask your advice, ma'am, about my young man. You know what he is, and that most people would think he is rather above me, only I have saved a bit of money," added she, with pardonable satisfaction.
"You have earned your money well, and used it prudently," I interposed, by way of encouragement.
"And I did think how nicely it would come in to furnish a home; but I am not satisfied that George is the man to make one happy. He professes to go to church with me, and to be religious when we are together; but he never enters a place of worship when I am not with him, though he has all his Sundays to spend as he likes. Now, I think, if he really loved going to God's house, he would go all the same when it is my turn to stay in. Then he can go to theatres and such like places quite comfortably without me, for he knows it would be no use asking me to join him. So I have come to think that he attends theatres because he likes them, and church because he likes me. I don't deny that it would be a trial to break with George," she added, her trembling voice showing how much she was pained at the thought of a separation.