"My dear Ellen, if you are in earnest, you will not try in vain. He never yet failed any that sincerely sought him. Have you a Bible?"
"Oh yes Sir! a beautiful one; Mamma gave it to me the other day."
He took the hymn-book from her hand, and turning over the leaves, marked several places in pencil.
"I am going to give you this," he said, "that it may serve to remind you of what we have talked of to-day, and of your resolution."
Ellen flushed high with pleasure.
"I have put this mark," said he, showing her a particular one, "in a few places of this book, for you; wherever you find it, you may know there is something I want you to take special notice of. There are some other marks here too, but they are mine these are for you."
"Thank you, Sir," said Ellen, delighted; "I shall not forget."
He knew from her face what she meant not the marks.
The day wore on, thanks to the unwearied kindness of her friend, with great comparative comfort to Ellen. Late in the afternoon they were resting from a long walk up and down the deck.
"What have you got in this package that you take such care of?" said he, smiling.