'It would have been like the first little tiny seed of deceit, which might have grown into a great tree of evil, poisoning all your life.

Oh, Nelly, never _never_ plant that seed, for once it has taken root who can say how difficult it may be to tear it up ?' "I listened with all my attention; I could not help being deeply impressed with her earnestness, and I was so grateful for her kindness that her advice found good soil ready to receive it.

And how many, many times in my life have I not recalled it! For, Ralph and Sylvia and Molly, my darlings, remember this--even to the naturally frank and honest there come times of sore temptation in life, times when a little swerving from the straight narrow path of uprightness would seem to promise to put all straight when things have gone wrong, times when the cost seems so little and the gain so great.

Ah! yes, children, we need to have a firm anchor to hold by at these times, and woe for us then if the little evil seed has been planted and has taken root in our hearts." Grandmother paused.

The children too were silent for a moment or two.
Then Sylvia said gently, "Did you tell your father and mother all about it, grandmother ?" "Yes," said grandmother, "I did--all about it.