"Papa, let us kneel down beside it and pray that we may meet her in heaven." He at once complied with the request, giving thanks for the quiet rest of her who slept in Jesus, and asking that, when each of them had done and suffered all God's holy will here on earth, they might be reunited to her above, and join in her glad song of praise to redeeming love.
Elsie joined fervently in the "Amen," and rising, they lingered a moment longer, then wended their way in sweet and solemn silence to the house.
They sat together in the library after tea, each occupied with a book.

But Elsie seemed little interested in hers, looking off the page now and then, as if in deep and troubled thought.

At length closing it, she stole round to the side of her father's easy chair, and taking possession of a footstool, laid her head on his knee.
"I have my little girl again to-night," he said, passing his hand caressingly over her hair and cheek.
"I almost wish it was, papa." "Why?
is anything troubling you, dearest ?" And he pushed his book aside, ready to give his whole attention to her.
"I am anxious about my poor people, papa; they are so ignorant of the truths necessary to salvation; and what can I teach them in three or four weeks?
I have almost decided that I ought--that I must stay as many months." "And that without even consulting your father?
much less considering his permission necessary to your action ?" Though the words seemed to convey reproach, if not reproof, his tone was gentle and tender.
"No, no, papa! I must cease to think it my duty if you forbid it." "As I do most positively, _I_ cannot stay, and I should never think for a moment of leaving you here!" "But, papa, how then am I to do my duty by these poor ignorant creatures?
how can I let them perish for lack of knowledge whom Christ has put into my care ?" "Procure a chaplain, who shall hold regular services for them every Sabbath, and do pastoral work among them through the week.

You will not grudge him his salary." "Papa, what an excellent idea! Grudge him his salary?
No, indeed; if I can get the right man to fill the place, he shall have a liberal one.

And then he will be a check upon Mr.Spriggs, and inform me if the people are abused.