"What was it?"
"That I might be kept "
"Unspotted from the world!" repeated aunt Miriam, in a tone of tender and deep feeling. "My sweet blossom! how wilt thou keep so? Will you remember always your mother's prayer?"
"I will try."
"How will you try, Fleda?"
"I will pray."
Aunt Miriam kissed her again and again, fondly repeating, "The Lord hear thee! the Lord bless thee! the Lord keep thee! as a lily among thorns, my precious little babe; though in the world, not of it."
"Do you think that is possible?" said Mr. Carleton, significantly when a few moments after they had risen and were about to separate. Aunt Miriam looked at him in surprise, and asked,
"What, Sir? "
"To live in the world and not be like the world?"