"Yes, Mr. Richmond," Matilda said, thoughtfully.
"I always feel that God's command sweetens anything," the minister went on. "Do you feel so?"
"I think I do," the little girl answered.
"So if you stay at home for Mrs. Candy's command, you may reflect that it is for Jesus' sake; and that will please Him a great deal better than your going to church to please yourself."
"Yes, Mr. Richmond," Matilda said, cheerfully.
"Was that all you had to talk to me about?"
"Yes, sir; all except about Band work."
"We will talk about that in the meeting. If you have a question to ask, write it here; and I will take it in and answer it."
He gave Matilda paper and pen, and himself put on his overcoat. Then taking her little slip of a question, the two went together into the lecture-room.