her. The Minister added, that it was always a serious thing for the young to go among so many servants; but he hoped Mary's good principles were firm, and he knew the housekeeper to be a very thoughtful person. The Squire and his lady too feared God, and did all that they could for the good of their household. Mary's parents felt very grateful to their minister for his kind interest, and the thought of having their child live near them was very pleasant to them. So the next day Nelly put on her bonnet and shawl, and walked the seven miles to the town. Mary was quite taken by surprise, and full of joy to see her mother come in, but Nelly did not say a word to her about the place she had heard of, till she had seen her mistress, for she thought it would not be using Mrs. Markham well, to say anything to unsettle her girl's mind, till she had spoken to her. in this, and those

Nelly was quite right who try to do what is

right always prosper best in the end. At first Mrs. Markham was vexed, and spoke sharply, saying, that if Mary was tired of her place she had a right to please herself. Nelly did not get angry, and when Mrs. Markham found that she had not been up to the Hall, nor said any thing to Mary, till she had spoken to her, she was pleased at this, and said it was right, and that she would not stand in the girl's way if she could get a better place; and then she added kindly, I shall be sorry to lose her. I do not know what the children will do without her, nor where I shall find another like her. I must say you have brought up your child well, Mrs. Jones, and I hope she will live to be a comfort to you.' Nelly's heart was full at these words, and she said she should always be thankful for all Mrs. Markham's kindness. Mary was much pleased with the thought of going back to live in her own village. To be always near

her parents, to see them every Sunday, and to live at the Hall, all this made her very happy. But she felt sorry to leave her mistress and the children. The little boy and girl cried sadly, and Mary cried when they parted, and the tears came into Mrs. Markham's eyes when she shook hands with her faithful young servant and said, 'I shall always wish you well, Mary, and be glad to see you, and I am sure the children will.' How pleasant for Mary to leave only friends and kind wishes behind her! The children of God may bring a blessing with them wherever they go, must they not then be happy people? By God's grace they may not only be happy themselves, but they may live to make others happy for eternity.

CHAPTER IV.

MARY IN SERVICE AT THE HALL.

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."-EPH. vi. 5, 6.

Her

WHEN the time came for Mary to enter upon her new situation, her heart began to fail her. What should she do among so many fine servants, and if her work went wrong, who would put her right?' mother tried to comfort her by saying, 'O you will soon learn all that, and you will be one of them.' But this did not comfort Mary, she felt that she should be afraid to

MARY IN SERVICE AT THE HALL. 43

Mary

become one of them, if they did not "fear God and keep his commandments;" and then perhaps they might not like her, and she might be tempted to forget God, and this seemed worse to her than all. had no earthly comforter in these anxious thoughts, but she remembered that verse in the Bible which says, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm lv. 22. There is no relief to a burdened spirit like prayer. Those who commit themselves and their way to God in prayer, if at the same time they walk watchfully, may always walk in peace of mind, for the promise given to such seekers is, "The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, He shall preserve thy soul." Psalm

cxxi. 7.

When the day was come, Mary and her mother set off between nine and ten o'clock for the Hall. They were taken into the housekeeper's room, who spoke very kindly