and put forth exertions for the conversion of others. Thus Jane, having felt the power of religion, was deeply anxious that her sister Mary should be a participant of the same blessings as herself. Her concern led her not only to offer up prayers in behalf of her sister, but to endeavour by every possible means to convince her of the importance of seeking for the salvation of her immortal soul.

Mary, who was now more than fourteen years of age, would frequently enter into her sister's chamber, although her aunt did not wish her often to be there, lest the sight of her suffering sister should, as she said, too much depress her spirits. She was now beginning to relish those vain amusements into which she had been introduced. She delighted in frequenting theatrical exhibitions, in taking a hand at cards, and other pleasures of a similar kind, in which with her aunt she participated; and though by her aunt and herself Jane was considerably neglected, yet her affection compelled her, oftener than her aunt was aware of, to enter into her sister's chamber, and to sit and converse with her.

Jane had now begun to converse with her seriously upon the subject of religion, and had

the reading of the sacred Scriptures; but as yet no serious impression was made upon her mind. Jane talked to her of the value of her soul, of the love of the Saviour, but in vain. The enmity of her heart was strong, and though she loved her sister, she felt indignant with her, for thus attempting to press upon her these religious notions.

One day they had been conversing together upon the subject of card-playing, which Mary defended, and which Jane insisted to be utterly wrong. When Mary said, "What harm can there be in such games ?"-" Why, my dear sister," said Jane, "it is a sinful waste of time, for which we must by-and-by account to God. Oh! how I wish I had time to improve; but I know I shall not live long. Besides, what wicked feelings it excites! I know how anxious I was always to win, and how vexed when I had lost. I have seen you sometimes very angry when you have lost; and you know how enraged and passionate uncle and others have been when they lost. And then it is a sinful temptation of Providence; for it is all chance-work. Oh, Mary, it is a great sin."

"I tell you," said Mary, "that you are got quite mopish; and if you talk in this way, I

will not come to see you. You are quite a bore."

Mary left the room. She was angry; and now she felt her enmity rise very high against Margaret, whom she considered as having been the cause of her sister's sentiments. She resolved, therefore, that her uncle and aunt should be informed of these things, that Margaret, if she was not got rid of, should at least be prohibited from making Jane so overreligious.

She resolved, therefore, that without further delay she would after dinner relate the conversation she had held with her sister, and strive, if possible, to have such things put an end to. The result far exceeded her expectations, and caused the dismissal of faithful Margaret from her post. Oh, how true is it that "all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution!" and how little, in her warmth, and the enmity of her carnal heart, did Mary think of the greatness of the sin she was about to commit!

CHAPTER IV.

AFTER the dinner-cloth had been removed, Mr. Slade inquired after the health of Jane; when Mrs. Slade informed him that she seemed quite composed and comfortable, although there was no prospect of amendment. "I am pleased," said she, "that she feels so attached to Margaret; and Margaret certainly strives to make her as comfortable as possible.

"Yes," said Mary, with a scornful toss of her head, "and she has made her so religious that she can talk now about nothing else. It is quite tiresome to be for a few minutes with her."

"What is that you say, Mary ?" said Mr. Slade, who was startled, and eagerly leaned forward to hear her. "Why, uncle," said she, "Margaret and Jane are for ever reading the Bible, and Jane can now talk of nothing but seeking for salvation: I suppose she thinks we are all going to the bad place. She quite preached a sermon to me this morning about how wrong it was to play cards."

The colour rushed into Mr. Slade's face

vehemently, his eye flashed, his lip quivered, his whole frame was convulsed with rage. "What," he exclaimed, "is Margaret one of these evangelicals? I was afraid of it. She shall not stay in my house any longer; and you, Mary, mind you do not enter the room till she is gone out of the house."

"You had better retire, my dear," said Mrs. Slade to Mary, who accordingly withdrew.

Mr. Slade rang the bell. As soon as the servant appeared he ordered her to tell Margaret to walk down into the parlour. Meanwhile he paced with rapid steps the room to and fro, biting his lips with ungovernable passion.

"Be composed, Mr. Slade," said his wife; "do not speak angrily to the girl."

A gentle tap was heard at the door. "Come in," said Mr. Slade with an angry voice, and he seated himself in his chair.

Margaret courtesied, and seeing the infuriated countenance of Mr. Slade, felt her heart flutter, and feared, but knew not for what, some tremendous storm was about to burst. She silently lifted her heart to God, and with