"Troublesome business?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"We cannot talk it over here, then. I will come to your room by and by."
Which indeed she did. She came when the work of the day was behind her; and what a day! She had entertained some of her girls with a visit to the book-making operations of the American Bible Society; she had taken others to a picture gallery; she had packed a box to send to a poor friend in the country; she had looked over a bookseller's stock to see what he had that could be of service to her in her work; she had paid two visits to relations in the city; she had kept the whole group of her pupils happily entertained all the evening with pictures and puzzles; and now she came to be a sympathizing, patient, helpful friend to one little tired heart. She came in cheery and bright; looked to see if the room were comfortable and entirely arranged as it should be, and then took a seat and an air of expectant readiness. Was she tired? Perhaps—but it did not appear. What if she were tired? if here was more work that God had given her to do. She did not shew fatigue, in look or manner. She might have just risen after a night's sleep.
"Are you comfortable here, my dear?"
"O very, ma'am, thank you."
"Now what is the business you want to speak about?"
"I want you to tell me what I ought to do!"
"About what? Have you had a pleasant day?"
"Not at all pleasant."