"How can I help it, Mr. Richmond?" said Matilda, piteously.
"How can you help anything? The best way is to be so full of love to Jesus that you love everybody for his sake."
"But people that are not good," said Matilda.
"It is easy to love people that are good. The wonder of the love of the Lord Jesus is, that it comes to people who are not good. And His children are like Him. 'Be ye followers of God,' He tells them, 'as dear children; and walk in love.'"
"I am not like that, Mr. Richmond," Matilda said, sadly.
"Didn't you love little Lem Dow? I am sure he is not very good."
"But he never troubled me, much," said Matilda. "He does not make me miserable all the day long."
Mr. Richmond paused again.
"Our Master knew what it was to be ill-treated by bad people, Matilda."
"Yes, Mr. Richmond."