quired much research in extensive libraries, and this consumed time which he desired to devote to writing. His wife had not been reared with any reference to a literary career, so that she could not render him any special assistance in his studies without first surmounting some imposing obstacles in her path. She nevertheless resolved to become a literal help-meet to her husband, and she persevered in her endeavors to become acquainted with the subjects upon which he was writing, until she rendered herself so useful to him that he could scarcely prosecute his studies without her assistance. It is probable that no man of letters was ever aided to such an extent by his wife, as was Dr. Kitto, for a long series of years. But she never could have 'accomplished so much if perseverance had not imparted energy and strength to her character. - It is not necessary to multiply illustrations upon this topic. All admit the value of perseverance, at least, all who have lived long enough to observe its triumphs in the world. We would have the young reader value it as adapted to the sphere and mission of girls. Let not boys have all the glory that is to be won by this stately quality. need it as really as they. Let them persevere in well-doing, and verily they will have their reward. No matter how humble is the work they undertake, this quality will be of lasting service to them. Even Girls in the discharge of the most common-place duties. of each day, it will be found invaluable. The sentiment of the following lines ought to be no less the sentiment of girls than boys: "Never give up! - it is wiser and better And, in all trials or troubles, bethink you, The watchword of life must be, Never give up! "Never give up!- there are chances and changes, And, through the chaos, high wisdom arranges Knowing that Providence mingles the cup; "Never give up!- though the grape-shot may rattle, Stand like a rock, and the storm or the battle Providence wisely has mingled the cup; CHAPTER XXX. SELF-POSSESSION. MISS LYON'S PRESENCE OF MIND-SPRINGING FROM DECISION AND SELF-RELIANCE THE YOUNG LADY AND FRACTIOUS HORSETHE CHILD ON FIRE THE PLEASURE PARTY CHILD SEIZED WITH CONVULSIONS SELF-POSSESSION WOULD HAVE BEEN VAL UABLE IN ALL THESE CASES MRS. DAVIESS OF KENTUCKY THE SCHOOL-HOUSE ON FIRE WOMAN WHO SHOT THE ROBBER IN ASHLAND, MASS.- SUITED TO FEMALE CHARACTER -SOME GIRLS THINK TIMIDITY IS LADY-LIKE-SELF-POSSESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN DIVINE WORDS. QUALITIES hitherto considered combined to give Miss Lyon remarkable presence of mind. Those strong elements of character like décision and selfreliance, are well suited to beget this indispensable quality; for it is that condition of mind and heart that renders a person calm and unconfused in circumstances of danger, suffering, sorrow, and any marked surprise. Such occasions arise daily in the experience of old and young of both sexes. Without self-possession they often bring persons into difficulty. They become the sport of these surprises, and bring evil not only upon themselves, but also upon others. Miss Lyon always reaped the fruits of this excellent trait. No trials, or unexpected events of any kind, deprived her of self-command. We have cited incidents of her life, in previous chapters, which show how great was her selfpossession even when malignant disease was filling others with consternation. That women daily need this element of character may be learned from the following facts: A young lady was riding with her betrothed friend, when the horse became restive, and dashed on at a furious rate. The girl at once lost command of herself, and began to scream, which caused the horse to be still more furious. Her own reason and common sense would have told her that screaming would frighten the animal into greater fury, but neither of them are allowed to advise when self-possession is wanting. A young woman was left in charge of a child, during a brief absence of its parents. Accidentally its clothes took fire, and, instead of promptly extinguishing the flames, she screamed, and ran out of doors for help, leaving the little sufferer to die a horrible death. Presence of mind would have enabled her to save the child from this painful end. A pleasure party were sailing on a still and beautiful lake. The large number put them in rather a precarious condition, although care and coolness would have carried them safely on their excursion. A young lady changed her position so suddenly that the boat dipped a little water. She uttered a scream, and sprang to the other side, while others did the same, and immediately the boat was upset, and several of the party were drowned. A child was unexpectedly seized with convulsions as his fond mother and other members of the family sat with him in the room. In an instant he fell prostrate and convulsed upon the floor. The mother and sister cried out in great excitement, one running in one direction and the other in another, yet to no purpose, while the afflicted boy lay writhing in a fit. They were totally unfitted to render suitable aid in consequence of their fright. A multitude of such cases are occurring daily. In the first instance, if the young lady had been self-possessed, the horse might have been controlled. In the second, self-possession would have easily ex tinguished the flames that caught the child's dress. In the third, the same presence of mind would have prevented the upsetting of the boat. And in the fourth, it would have enabled the mother and sister to attend at once to the relief of the convulsed child. Here is certainly a very valuable trait to cultivate. It will often be of great service to every woman. The foregoing, contrasted with the following facts, illustrate more fully this point: In the early history of our country, the wife of |