Nancy's Bible, which had been purchased for her at Randolph, was given to her the first opportunity. Ellen anxiously watched her as she slowly turned it over, her face showing, however, very decided approbation of the style of the gift. She shook her head once or twice, and then said
"What did you give this to me for, Ellen?"
"Because I wanted to give you something for New Year," said Ellen "and I thought that would be the best thing if you would only read it it would make you so happy and good."
"You are good, I believe," said Nancy, "but I don't expect ever to be, myself I don't think I could be. You might as well teach a snake not to wriggle."
"I am not good at all," said Ellen "we're none of us good;" and the tears rose to her eyes; "but the Bible will teach us how to be. If you'll only read it! please, Nancy, do! say you will read a little every day."
"You don't want me to make a promise I shouldn't keep, I guess, do you?"
"No," said Ellen.
"Well, I shouldn't keep that, so I won't promise it; but I tell you what I will do, I'll take precious fine care of it and keep it always for your sake."
"Well," said Ellen, sighing "I am glad you will even do so much as that. But, Nancy, before you begin to read the Bible, you may have to go where you never can read it, nor be happy nor good neither."
Nancy made no answer, but walked away, Ellen thought, rather more soberly than usual.