"Do you think you can read me a little before you go?"
"Yes, indeed, Mamma;" and Ellen brought the book. "Where shall
I read?"
"The twenty-third Psalm."
Ellen began it, and went through it steadily and slowly, though her voice quivered a little.
" 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
" 'He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
" 'He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
" 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
" 'Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
" 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.' "