paper.  I knew Mr. Hargrove gave her a copy of it, and I only wanted to sell the paper itself to the old General in Europe because I was poor, and had not money enough to stop work.  I have not had a happy day since; my conscience has tormented me.  I have carried a mountain of lead upon my soul, day and night, and at last when Peleg came, and I was about to get my gold, the Lord interfered and took it out of my hands.  Oh! it is an awful thing to shut your eyes and stop your ears, and run down a steep place to meet the devil who is waiting at the bottom for you, and to feel yourself suddenly jerked back by something which you know Almighty God has sent to stop you!  He sent that lightning to burn up the paper, and I feel that His curse will follow me to my grave.”

“Not if you earnestly repent, and pray for His forgiveness.”  Hannah raised her grey head, and gazed incredulously at the pale delicate face, into the violet eyes that watched her with almost tender compassion.

“Oh, child! when our hands are tied, and we are so helpless we can’t do any more mischief, who believes in our repentance?”

“I do, Hannah; and how much more merciful is God?”

“You don’t mean that you would ever trust me, ever believe in me again?”

Her hand caught the white muslin dress, and her haggard wrinkled face was full of eager, breathless supplication.

“Yes, Hannah, I would.  I do not believe you will ever steal again.  Suppose the lightning had struck you as well as the tree where you hid the stolen paper, what do you think would have become of your poor wicked soul?  You intended to sell that paper to a person who hates my mother, and who would have used it to injure her; but she is in God’s hands, and you ought to be glad that this sin at least was prevented.  In a few days you are going away, far out to the west, you say, where we shall probably never see or hear from you again, unless you choose to write us.  Until you are gone, I shall keep all this secret.  Mrs. Lindsay never shall know anything about it; but if Mr. Hargrove believes my mother took that paper, it is my duty to her to tell him the truth; and this I must do after you leave us.  I promise he shall suspect nothing while you remain here.  Can you ask me to do more than this for you?”

Hannah was crying passionately, and attempted no answer, save by drawing the girl closer to her, as if she wanted to take the slender figure in her brawny arms.

“I am sorry for you, Hannah; sorry for my dear mother; sorry for myself.  The storm came and put an end to all the mischief you meant to do, so let us be thankful.  You say my mother has a copy; and it would have injured her, if the original paper had been sold.  Then you have harmed only yourself.  Don’t cry, and don’t say anything more.  Let it all rest; I shall never speak to you again on the subject.  Hannah, will you please help me back to the house?  My foot pains me dreadfully, and I begin to feel sick and faint.”