affections that none of our passions may do injury to any one. These few words will perhaps enable you to see what is meant by the serpent, more clearly than what we said in our last, and afford you subject of conversation with your parents and teachers, who will be glad to give you further information. WHO IS GOD? "And who is God, dear mother, say; "How is it God, who dwells above, To love and serve him here for heaven." "And where is heaven, dear mother, say? J. O. M. GENTLE RUTH AND ROUGH REUBEN. [Concluded from page 291.] A LITTLE incident, which had occurred during the winter, had greatly assisted the development of good feelings in Reuben. The pretty island was approachable by a handsome iron bridge, and many a happy hour had the children passed at the favourite spot. Robinson Crusoe was performed to the very life; and Ruth made a most excellent Friday, though she never could consent to have her face blackened. A beautiful little canoe was being made by an ingenious artisan in the neighbourhood; his son Ralph, a fine intelligent lad, was to assist in launching the boat; and the weather being fine and open, a day was fixed for the ceremony. A number of visitors was invited, and a dance in the evening, with Robinson Crusoe in full costume, was to complete the enjoyment. The children had received strict injunctions not to go into the village, as measles in a severe form had appeared in some of the cottages. This was very unwelcome news to Reuben, as, for many days past, he had been paying constant visits to Ralph, watching with great interest the progress of his canoe. It was his custom, when the weather was fine, to walk to the end of the avenue to meet Ruth. A few mornings before the appointed day, he had gone the usual distance without meeting her, and had seated himself on the bank awaiting her arrival. The thought came into his mind, that he might just run into the village, not a quarter of a mile from where he sat, and take a peep at Ralph, and be back again before he would be missed. The thought had no sooner entered into his mind, than it was carried into effect. Off he ran, as fast as he could, and in a very short time was at Ralph's side, deep in the mysteries of his darling boat. His attention was diverted by a thick heavy breathing near him, and turning his head to see from whence it proceeded, he saw, lying on a small couch closely covered up, a sleeping child, whose face was covered with a thick rash. "What is the matter with little Polly!" said he, beginning to feel somewhat alarmed. "She has been very ill with the measles," said Ralph; "and as she is better to-day I have wheeled her into this warm room, as she likes to see me at work." Reuben did not stay to hear another word, but ran out of the cottage as fast as his legs could carry him, nor stopped an instant till he had reached the avenue, where he found Ruth waiting for him. 66 Why, where have you been?" she asked, "you look so heated and uncomfortable." The boy, who now began to feel he had done very wrong, was ashamed to tell the truth, and replied, "that he had been running races." He tried to make himself think that this was not untrue, and that keeping back the truth was not a sin. All that day he felt very uncomfortable, fancying every moment that his secret would be discovered. Next morning, when he awoke, he ran to the glass, expecting to see ugly red spots upon his face. However, the day passed on, and he began to think himself quite safe. Towards evening, his head began to ache, and his hands to feel hot and uncomfortable. Ruth had stayed later to help to prepare for the fête. She noticed his flushed face and hot breath, and intreated him to go to his grandmamma's room. Poor Reuben, now really ill, and whose secret pressed heavily on him, opened his whole heart to her, told her all about his visit to Ralph's cottage, and all that had since happened. Ruth was greatly shocked, both at his disobedience and the danger with which he was threatened. She intreated him instantly to go to his grandmamma, and relate all that had passed, assuring him that it was the best way to repair his fault. This he would not listen to for a moment; but replied that he was not afraid of being ill, that he could bear pain as well as any one, and that no one would be surprised at his having the measles, as they were so much in the neighbourhood. Ruth tried to convince him that concealing the cause of his illness, and not acknowledging his fault, was acting an untruth. He could not help seeing the force of her argument, but had not the courage to avow it. His grandmamma had lately seemed so pleased with him, and had only that morning told him how happy his improved conduct had made her. He had begun, too, to feel the pleasure of having earned a good character, and he thought he would rather endure anything than let her know how disobedient he had been. Her watchful eye, however, soon discovered his indisposition. He was quickly put to bed, and a surgeon summoned, who pronounced the disease to be measles. All that night he tossed about restless and unhappy, and wished with all his heart that he had taken Ruth's advice, whose pleading look haunted him; and he longed for the morrow that he might himself tell his grandmamma the whole tale. An opportunity soon occurred. Lady Grace brought her knitting and placed herself within the curtains of his sick bed. Ruth had been forbidden the chamber; if she had been there, he would not have cared half so much. Grandmamma," he said, "I am very un 66 |