by strengthening food and good nursing, might be recovered; Ellen and Anna could think or talk of nothing else." O, how bad it must be to be blind!" said Anna; "what should we do, sister, if either of us were so !"

"I cannot think," answered Ellen: "and then the poor woman so ill too ;--I did not like Dame Hunt at first, for calling out and frightening her so; but afterwards, I did,-she seems such a good old woman."

"Indeed she is," replied Mrs. Irvin; “I wish we had all the same dispositions ;-to be sure, she wanted discretion in saying so abruptly, that the child was dead, and alarming the poor mother; but perhaps there are some who would think she shewed a greater want of it, when she took three people into her house in the circumstances these are in: but I like her much the better for it, and shall aways respect her for such hearty benevolence; for, though she talks of what she has as being enough for all, I know it is not what many people, even in her situation, would think sufficient for one person to live comfortably on.-Do you not now see," continued Mrs. Irvin, addressing Ellen, "that cur going this morning is much better than last night? for now, we were able to assist the little girls in more ways than by giving them money; and in all probability the poor woman would

have been still more frightened, if she had not so soon been assured that there was no reason for Dame Hunt's alarm."

Ellen acknowledged the truth of her observation, and again asked pardon for her impatience."I have entirely forgiven that," said her good aunt; "and I only mention it that you may learn from this instance, that we are very improper judges of what we call fortunate or unfortunate, in such unavoidable circumstances; and even the future life of the poor woman whom we have seen to-day, may prove the truth of what I say ;-her misfortunes may, in the end, produce good to her."

It was in this manner Mrs. Irvin made every incident productive of instruction to her nieces, and they were soon taught to consider even the most trifling events as under the direction of PROVIDENCE; and that it is according to our conduct under them, whether they may be styled good or evil.

Nor all the attention of Mrs. Irvin could restore health to the poor invalid; but by fre quently conversing with her, she taught her to resign herself and children to the will of God, and from the assurances of Scripture to feel a comfortable hope, that those who trust in THE ALMIGHTY, shall never be forsaken.

As it seemed to be the wish of the anxious mother, Mrs. Irvin promised that the eldest girl should be admitted into her school in the village, the next vacancy; and also told her, that every endeavour should be used to gain admission for the second into a school in London for blind children, where she would be instructed to do something towards her own support.-Dame Hunt declared, that while she lived, they neither of them should want a home; "and never you fear," said the good old woman, "but what God will raise up friends for your children a deal better than I am, should it please Him to take me out of this world; is the Father of the fatherless'."

HE

Mrs. Forbes felt as a mother at the thoughts of parting from her children, but she blessed Gon for having brought her to this place, and given her an opportunity of seeing the instruments by which He would graciously provide for them" Had I died at Rochester," said she, “what uncertainty should I have left them in! And for myself, also, I have reason to be truly thankful; by these good friends I am instructed in the way of everlasting life; and I need not now fear to die, since the door of Heaven is opened unto me by a merciful SAVIOUR."

Not many days after this, the poor woman died, having spent nearly six months at Milwood, and experienced great kindness both from Mrs. Irvin and Mr. Herbert, who frequently visited her, and from whom she had the satisfaction of hearing that her unfortunate child would be admitted into the school above mentioned; and that Mrs. Irvin had determined to send her up to town with Martin, with whom she was now well acquainted, having spent a great deal of time with her during her mother's illness.

This poor little girl would often say; "I wish I could help my dear mother; I wish I could see her! but I shall in Heaven; there we shall never be parted, and I shall open my eyes, and see much better things than are to be seen in this world!"

On hearing of her mother's death, she for a while seemed much affected: but on Martin's endeavouring to give her comfort by reminding her of the superior happiness she was now en◄ joying, she exclaimed; "Oh, I will pray to GOD to make me a good girl, that I may go to that delightful place, where my dear mother is gone; if I am good, I may go there, may not I?" asked she, with earnestness.

"Yes, my dear," returned Martin: "the same SAVIOUR who died for the pardon of her

sins, died also for yours; and for His sake, GoD will receive you into Heaven, as well as all those who trust in Him.

When the time came for her admittance into the school above mentioned, Mary Forbes, was between ten and eleven, and her sister thirteen; -they had never been separated before, and it was now a great grief to them: but as Mrs. Irvin thought it right, they both endeavoured to conceal their regret: yet when the day came, Mary had need of all her fortitude to bear the parting; what she had lately heard, had taught her the necessity of resignation, to support the evils of this life, and she earnestly prayed that in this trial she might possess it. Do not cry, my dear Betsy," said she; "I shall do all in my power to learn whatever is taught me, as quick as ever I can; and then I shall come home, and be able to do something for you, and to help Dame Hunt, who has been so good to us: you know, GoD is always with us, and I hope He will assist my endeavours."

66

Betsy could scarcely speak for tears; but she tried to imitate her sister, and in the most earnest expressions she begged her not to forget her, or any thing that had been said to her since she came to Milwood: they parted several times, and still returned to kiss each other again, till poor Ellen and Anna could not help expressing