"Well. Being His servant, do you want to do His will, or your own?"
"Why—I want to do His will," Matilda answered, speaking a little slowly.
"Isn't it His will just now that you should be without your old liberty, and unable to do these things you want to do?"
"Yes, sir," Matilda said, rather unwillingly. "I suppose it is."
"Are you willing His will should be done?"
Mr. Richmond had faced round from the window now, and Matilda met his look, and did not answer for a moment.
"Is it His will, Mr. Richmond, that I should have no opportunity to do anything?"
"What do you think? If He had chosen to do it, He could have placed you in the midst of the fullest opportunity. He has placed you under the rule of your aunt. Are you willing His will should be done, and as long as He pleases?"
Matilda looked in her friend's face, but it put the question steadily; and she faltered and burst into tears.
"That is a great question, Tilly," said the minister, kindly. "Is it yourself you want to please? or the Lord Jesus? He can have these outside things done by other people, even if you cannot help in them; but of you the first thing He wants is an obedient child. Will you be obedient? That is, will you agree to His will?"