"Cannot you, Mamma? But I can read it perfectly."
"Well, my dear, take it that is, if you will make up your mind to put on spectacles before your time."
"Spectacles, Mamma! I hope I shall never have to wear spectacles."
"What do you propose to do when your sight fails, if you shall live so long?"
"Well, Mamma, if it comes to that; but you don't advise me, then, to take this little beauty?"
"Judge for yourself; I think you are old enough."
"I know what you think, though, Mamma, and I daresay you are right, too; I won't take it, though it's a pity. Well, I must look again."
Mrs. Montgomery came to her help, for it was plain Ellen had lost the power of judging amidst so many tempting objects. But she presently simplified the matter by putting aside all that were decidedly too large or too small, or of too fine print. There remained three of moderate size and sufficiently large type, but different binding. "Either of these, I think, will answer your purpose nicely," said Mrs. Montgomery.
"Then, Mamma, if you please, I will have the red one. I like that best, because it will put me in mind of yours."
Mrs. Montgomery could find no fault with this reason. She paid for the red Bible, and directed it to be sent home.