"I don't care what it is. Yes, mending lace. I don't know what use you will find for that accomplishment, and you don't; all the same, you will know, when the time comes; and then you will be very sorry and mortified to find yourself unable for the work given you, if you despised your opportunity of preparation. And then it will be too late to mend that, as well as the lace."
"And is that true of all sorts of things, Mr. Richmond?"
"Of all sorts of things. Whenever the Lord puts a chance of learning something in your way, you may be quite sure He has a use and a meaning in it. He has given it to you to do."
"Then all my learning to cook, and do things about the house?"
"Yes," said Mr. Richmond, smiling. "It is not difficult to see a use for that; is it?"
"No, sir—I suppose not," the child said, thoughtfully.
"Have you not opportunities for being thankful too, in the midst of all these other things?"
"Yes, Mr. Richmond."
But the child stood looking at him with a wistful, intent face, and wide-open, thoughtful eyes; so sober, and so eager, and so pitiful, that it made an unconscious plea to the minister's heart.
"Come," said he; "we have so much to say to our Lord, let us say it."