The mother drew Emma to the other side of the room for a word of admonition.  The big roll of paper and the book that the little girl had been so anxious to have at Christmas, and was now so determined to take with her, roused anxious thoughts in the mother’s mind, and she felt that she must speak seriously to the child, warning her not to instigate Fani to any undertaking which Mrs. Stanhope might not approve.  She reminded Emma that Fani was now very well off, and that the prospect before him was very bright, if Mrs. Stanhope should decide to take him under her protection.  But it was of the greatest importance that he should do nothing to displease Mrs. Stanhope, and Emma would certainly never forgive herself if she should be the means of leading him to act contrary to his benefactress’ wishes.

Emma understood the value of her mother’s suggestion and promised to heed her advice, adding earnestly that she would try to think of different ways in which Fani could make himself agreeable to Mrs. Stanhope.

“You’d far better not think about it at all, my child,” replied her mother.  “Enjoy with Fani the pleasures and advantages of his life, and don’t try to bring about any special event, as you are so fond of doing.  And one thing more:  don’t forget to pray every day to God to protect you and to help you to carry out all your good resolutions.  Now that you are leaving home, my only comfort is that our Father’s hand is still about you, there as well as here.  Promise me that you will pray for the heavenly blessing every night, as we do together at home.”

Emma promised not to neglect her morning and evening prayers, and begged her mother to have no anxiety about her.

Meanwhile, aunty had been standing by the window, talking with Fred.

“Pray be careful,” she said, “never by any chance to let one of your small creatures, even the prettiest one, escape out of your pockets upon the table or the floor.  In fact, you would do better not to put them into your pockets at all, for fear of some such mishap, as often occurs at home.  It would spoil all the pleasure of your visit; for Mrs. Stanhope would neither understand nor forgive such carelessness.”

“Don’t worry, aunty,” replied the boy; “I’ll fix them so they can’t stir.  I’ll bring them all safe home to you, and I’m sure you will be delighted with them.”

Rikli had been meanwhile listening to one person and another, catching the words of warning and advice as they were given to the three travellers, and dwelling with pride and pleasure at the thought that she was the only one who did not need any caution.

To her aunt’s closing words to Fred, she added quickly:—­

“Yes, yes! how Mrs. Stanhope would stare to see a horrid frog or a red snail or a blind worm come hopping over her white table-cloth!”

“Well, I think any one would stare, to see a snail or a worm hop anywhere!” said the boy laughing.