Pages for the young. JACK SILVERLEIGH'S TEMPTATION. III. JACK ACK SILVERLEIGH was at the sorts in consequence. Tom "Why do you think so?" "But you told me he was him to walk with him, and he did so, although in his heart there was a feeling of distrust as to the benefit of Paget's friendship. Again they met well-dressed young tellows, who had evidently very little to do but walk about and exhibit their fine clothes, and again the conversation made Jack's native nature withdraw a little, as it from a sense of evil in the siz When he left Paget and his companions he was surprised and annoyed to see Tom Smith waiting for him at the opportal side of the street. Paget did not see him, it is true, but j might have done so. "They are not fit for you," Tom said, with some degree scorn in his voice, as he pointed towards the retreating figur "Tell me," said Jack, "what was the interview you had wh Paget last evening?" and he assumed quite a commanding as he asked the question. "Never you mind," answered Tom; "but take my advis and keep clear of Paget and his friends." "I'm quite able to look after my own affairs, and until y give me an explanation of what seems very strange condu refuse to have anything to say to you," and so saying, Ja walked away, looking as proud and defiant as any Silverlag could look, leaving Tom Smith to his own reflections. He was more himself when he went home, although altogether easy in his mind. His mother asked him, wh dinner was over, and they were alone together for a minutes, whether he had found the half-sovereign. He locked at her, and the glance told him that she was anxious-not only about the money, but about him. His reply to her quesion did not come for fully a minute, and then he said slowly d quietly, "Mother, I deceived you yesterday, and I bitteir regret it. I lent the half-sovereign, but had not the courage ta! "And I think so still. If he gives you your money it will tell you of it." be because he can't help himself." "I don't understand you," said Jack, smiling. "All right, Silverleigh. I can't explain things more fully, but you may understand yet," said Tom, as he took off his coat, and set about his morning duties of dusting and sweeping. Charlie Paget came in anon, with his usual easy manner, but not at his usual hour, for he was much earlier this morning He chose the first opportunity of saying to Jack in Tom Smith's presence, "By-the-bye, Silverleigh, you lent me half a Sovereign yesterday." There was silence between them for a few minutes, and then Mrs. Silverleigh said, "I knew there was something behind" your words of yesterday, Jack; for you have always been too! candid to conceal a falsehood, but you little know what pain it' has caused me to think that we were no longer to each other what we used to be." Then his heart overflowed, and he went down on his knees, and his face upon his mother's lap and wept. He had taken the right turning-point in this difficulty, and in spite of his tears he felt happy. It he had taken the wrong turning he "Yes," said Jack reddening, and almost afraid to think of might never have been able to retrace his steps. what might follow. "Here it is; and will you kindly tell your young friend Smith that his impertinent intrusion of last evening will not soon be forgotten." He said this in a loud voice, so that Tom could hear it. Jack looked in wonder from one to the other, but the odd boy was so busy dusting, that the remark seemed to have fallen unheeded on his ears. Jack took the proffered coin, and asked, "What intrusion?" "Ask him," said Charlie Paget; "he'll be sure to tell you." Tom Smith's face all this time was perfectly composed. He took no notice whatever of the remark, and it seemed as if there was no desire on Charlie's part to force him to do so. Jack determined to wait a little before asking for an explanationindeed, his own mind was full just now of what he would tell his mother as to the half sovereign of yesterday. There had never been any secrets between them. He was too manly to think of hiding things from his mother, for it had been his belief always that no cowardice is so great as that of falsehood. But had he not been drawn into deceit and cowardice already? He had; and the warm blood covered his face with shame when he thought of it. There were two things to be done now; one was to tell his mother straight out. That was one way which lay straight before him, and happiness was sure to result from it; the other was easier, but only for the first few steps, for shame and misery were the tolls that had to be paid on that road. When business was over that day, Charlie Paget again asked Mrs. Silverleigh did not upbraid him, for she knew now that the cloud which obscured their confidence was gone, and that his own conscience spoke more powerfully to him than she could. When his feelings were calmer he told her the whole story from the beginning, feeling thoroughly ashamed at the cowardice of which he had been guilty. The girls had withdrawn there selves for a time, knowing that there was some matter of inportance between Jack and his mother which had to be settled without them, and so the whole matter was quietly talked over. Mrs. Silverleigh did not understand young Smith, but she thought there must be some good in one so anxious to serve her son. She did not like Jack's description of Charlie Paget, and feared that the friendship of such a boy could do him no good. But she wisely said little, preferring to let matters explain themselves later on, as they did. When tea-time came, the girls came too, and Jack's face was as cloudless as ever it had been, and his heart as light; he was quite himself. But meanwhile events were in progress of which he and several others most interested were ignorant. Mr. Paget had gone to his secretaire late on the previous evening, and finding his keys in the drawer, had the curiosity to count some money which he had placed in it for use the following day. He found it ten shillings short. It annoyed him to think that he had been so careless as to leave his desk open, but he had been called suddenly away, and had forgotten to return and lock it. But who could have taken it? The SEEDS WORTH SOWING. hought that there was a thief in the house was a very serious ne, and it was his duty to discover the culprit if he could. 'harlie was in bed. He would not disturb him just now, but Le called the servant, and questioned her. "Was any one in he library this evening?" he asked. 399 sleeping." This was prudent counsel, and likely enough to be remembered for profit. A piece of good advice is a seed worth sowing. There is hardly one in ten who properly knows how to reprove. Some, to punish a trifling offence, would wield a "Yes, sir, the young Master Smiths, the chemist's sons, and cudgel; while others, for a greater fault, would almost be showed them in there." "Was Master Charlie in the library when they called?" "No, sir, he was upstairs, and he went out immediately they ad gone." Mr. Paget had seen Charlie return later on, and go upstairs without entering the library, so that the enquiry was gradually arrowing itself. Was it possible, that the lads could have been tempted to take the money whilst waiting for Charlie? He knew nothing about the Smiths except that they were struggling people, but he was under the impression that he had heard Charlie speak strongly against the one in his office. He would proceed cautiously, however, as he would not willingly injure any lad's character. He asked Charlie next morning, but without appearing to connect it with the missing money, whether young Smith was still at Mr. Fryer's office. "I should think so!" said Charlie with scorn, "and one of the most insolent young dogs living-he has impudence enough for anything!" "But I thought you and he were friendly. Did I not hear that he had called on you the other night?" "Just like his impudence," said Charlie. "I don't know what he could have come here for; I soon showed him and his brother the door!" Mr. Paget made no further remark, but he took an early opportunity of seeing Mr. Fryer, and talking the matter over with him at his own house. He could reckon on the old lawyer's judgment and secrecy. And this interview was actually taking place whilst Jack was laughing at home with his sisters, round the tea-table, and Tom Smith was busy in some old law-books, working hard for an examination that he had to pass in three months' time. Charlie Paget was with his friends amusing himself as those do who have no healthy employment for mind or body, foolishly squandering the golden hours which were flying all too fast. SEEDS WORTH SOWING, HERE are seeds worth sowing, and others that had better not be put into the ground. Who would think of sowing the seed of the dock, the nettle, or the thistle? But there are seeds sown in the heart as well as in the groundgood seeds and bad seeds. He that sows tares shall reap tares; but he that sows good grain shall gather good grain into his garner. If you have anything to do with seeds, mind that they are of a sort that is worth sowing. Twenty foolish remarks are made for one wise one; but when a wise one is made, no one of understanding will disregard it. "We should never," said a dervise to an eastern king, "begin a thing of which we have not well considered the end." Had this observation been heard and heeded by all, how much evil would have been avoided! A wise remark is a seed worth sowing. Among the many faults that are committed by both young and old, that of wasting time by unnecessary delay is a very common one. Every one has his excuse for leaving the duty of to-day undone till the morrow. Like the hare in the fable of "The Hare and the Tortoise," we all think that we can make up our lost time when we please: fatal mistake! "Put your sapling in the ground overnight," said a careful father to his unthinking son, "for then it will be growing while you are satisfied with using a peacock's feather. A prince, who had profligate comrades, having insulted a judge on the bench, the latter at once committed him to prison. This reproof was seasonable and proper; and the prince, when he came to the throne, instead of resenting it, commended the conduct of the judge, and discarded his profligate companions. A well-timed reproof is a seed worth sowing. "Ail A hopeful spirit will win its way, where one given to despond has abandoned itself to despair. "It is all over with us!" said a faint-hearted sailor in a storm, when the water in the hold was gaining upon the crew; and directly the men at the pumps, giving up the vessel for lost, abandoned their labour. over with us?" cried the captain, leaping among them; "no, boys, the ship has weathered many a rougher gale, and she will weather this. Bear a hand, my hearties, for in another bell we shall make land." Thus encouraged, the seamen set to work again harder than ever, and the vessel was saved. A word of comfort and encouragement is a seed worth sowing. A merchant, who in his prosperity had assisted a humble friend, was overtaken by misfortunes, and on the point of ruin, when his humble friend, who had greatly prospered, came opportunely to his aid. "You helped me," said he, "when I had nothing; and while I have a shilling, you shall never want one." As one friendly action produces another, so a deed of kindness is a seed worth sowing. Whenever we enter the garden of a skilled florist, we find it out at once by the rarity and the quality of his flowers. He will not put anything and everything into the ground; he is careful what seeds he sows. Thus let it be with us in cultivating the gardens of our own and others' hearts. Seeking heavenly aid, let us choose the good and refuse the evil; not willingly planting a worthless sapling, or having anything to do with a single seed that is not worth sowing. THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN ANCIENT PROPHECY. A SCRIPTURE EXERCISE. ONG promised to the seers of old, stain. 2. He shall descend from Abraham's race, And bless all nations with His grace. 3. By aneient prophet 'twas foretold That Judah should the sceptre hold Till He should come, the rightful Lord Who is by heaven and earth adored. 4. When He shall come, the Lord Divine, He shall be born of David's line. 5. From Bethlehem's humble town shall spring He who alone is Israel's King; 6. For in that humble village there, A virgin shall this Infant bear, 7. The Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, Whose glorious reign shall never cease. 8. A brilliant star shall be the sign' That shall announce the Lord Divine; 9. And Gentile strangers far away Shall come to see the gospel day. 10. But hark, what sounds of woe I hear! What cries of agony and fear! O'er murdered babes their mothers weep, But God these precious ones will keep; 11. Then to escape the murderer's hand The Lord shall come to Egypt's land; And God from thence his Son shall call. 12. His messenger before Him went, And called on Israel to repent: "Our God shall come; for Him prepare; 13. O'er Galilee did darkness rest, Her people shall with light be blest, And comfort to the mourners brought; 15. He shall by parables proclaim The truths unknown before He came ; 16. When Christ shall come, the Heavenly King, To Zion, his salvation bring, Not with vain pomp or worldly pride, He meekly on a colt will ride; The multitude will bless his name, 17. But they, who should God's temple raise, 21. For all mankind have gone astray, 22. God doth Himself the Lamb provide; The Saviour Christ is crucified. His hands and feet are pierced with nails; They shake their heads with scorn, and cry His garments they will next divide, And for his coat by lot decide; They bring, his burning thirst to slake, Gall, mixed with vinegar, to take; They class Him with transgressors vile, Those who by crime their hands defile; 23. But who the anguish could express That did the Saviour's heart oppress, And wrung from Him the bitter cry: 66 My God, my God," He cried, "Oh why, Why dost Thou now my soul forsake?" Thus did his heart with sorrow break. Yet He his parting soul will trust Into the hands of God, most just. 24. For Him they pierced shall Israel weer, God shall his bones in safety keep. He will not in the grave remain, Or Hades long his soul retain; 25. So of the birds the leper brought When, on his cure, the priest he sought, One typified Messiah slain; The other He should rise again; On joyous pinions upwards soared. 27. But when the Lord shall come again, God's word remains for ever sure. E. V. BIBLE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APOSTLES. 1. Which of the apostles did our Lord promise to make fishers of men? 2. Which of the apostles walked on the sea to meet our Lord? 3. Which of the apostles said, "Lord, show us the Father"? 4. Which of the apostles leaned on the Saviour's breast at supper? 5. To which of the apostles did Jesus give the He had dipped it? sop, when 6. Which of the apostles was the last to believe that the Lord had risen? 7. Which of the apostles went to the sepulchre after our Lord had risen ? 8. Which of the apostles were in the fishing-boat when Jesus appeared to them? 9. Which two of the apostles cured a lame man at the gate of the temple? 10. Which of the apostles cut off the ear of Malchus with his sword? 11. Which apostle was let down from the walls of Damascus in a basket? 12. Who was the first of the apostles that suffered for the faith? woman-I mean, if she were more of a child could have her to stay with the boys and me." "This is her rightful home for the present," said Arthur. 66 Ilessly. She mistook the cause of the slight hesitan and felt herself painfully unwelcome. I had thoughts of a school," said Maxwell. "Just orphaned, and sent off straight to school. Poor child, that sounds hard," Muriel observed pityingly. "Besides, no school is fixed upon. She must go somewhere to-day." We shall "She can go to school by-and-bye. have to educate her into a governess, I suppose. Meantime, where can she be, if not here?" "But-mamma?" repeated Muriel, looking at her brother, who had spoken last. "We must act for my mother as we believe she would wish us to act, looking upon matters in their present state. Remember, she would not wish to excite further talk. All Bushby knows about Pauline. To make a secret of the matter is not possible. To take her into our house for a few days or weeks, and then send her to school for the finishing of her education, would make an ordinary affair of the whole, and stop gossip. I have very little doubt my mother would agree with me." It was a clear and common-sense view of the question. "You have not seen Pauline yet," said Muriel, wearing a troubled expression. "No. I don't see that that makes any difference. It is not a question of personal liking, but of right and wrong. She must find shelter somewhere." Muriel felt with him, though she would have hesitated so to act alone. He was very willing to endure the responsibility, and she knew that Arthur could do things which she might not venture upon. Little more passed then, for she was summoned back to the sick-room, but an hour or two later, Arthur came to the door and beckoned her outside. A daynurse, as well as a night-nurse, was now in constant attendance. Two watchers in the room were a necessity, and Muriel could rarely be absent. Her voice and touch alone possessed soothing power over the patient. "Mother asleep?" he whispered. "O no, I wish she were. It is only exhaustion which keeps her still, and she mutters almost all the while. Listen." "Poor mother! I wish we could see a turn. Muriel, she is here." "Arthur, I hope we are right in having her," said Muriel anxiously. "There is nothing else to be done. Now the matter is known, mother will wish us to act as people would expect her to act." There was so much literal truth in this, that Muriel could hardly resist a smile. She went into the drawing-room, and found Pauline there, so transformed as to the outer person, by Mr. Maxwell's liberality, that for a moment Muriel positively hesitated. "How do you do, Pauline?" she said kindly. Pauline looked white, and her lips moved voice "It has been a sad time for you, has it rap child? We will try to make you happy." Miss Bertram-if you please-" Words refused to come, and Pauline shock smothered emotion. Muriel kissed her quietly. We are cousins, you know," she said. "l Muriel to you, not Miss Bertram any longer." "O no, I could not say that, and please, M Bertram, I could earn my own living, I am s could. I would much rather. I would rather dressmaker or milliner or anything-than"Than what?" Pauline broke down and cried bitterly, wri her hands. "What is it? What troubles you much, Pauline?" "I would rather get my own living, please," Pauline, straightening herself with an effort. know I could, and I need not be in anyb way." "You will not be that. You must bear a sa uncertainty," said Muriel. "It is my wish and brother's that you should stay here for a t I believe it would be my mother's wish als think she will feel as we do about it-if-" Muriel could not finish. "And she isn't any bez yet, and it is all poor mother's doing. Oh, I a you must hate the very sight of me," said Pa mournfully. "I would rather go away, please." "No; it was not your doing. You had nothing do with it. And my dear mother is in God's ha Her illness will go on as He wills. I try not tol farther. You must think of this as your home f the next few days. I have not leisure even to tal over arrangements for you at present." Pauline was subdued. She ceased crying, said timidly, "Couldn't I be of any use then, h Miss Ber "No,-Muriel.” "I don't feel as if I could say that." "You must learn. Yes, I will find things for y to do." Muriel stood silently looking down at the sor ful little face, which seemed to be taking a set resolute endurance. "I'll try not to be in the way," said Paul earnestly. "No fear of that. Don't mistake us, Panka My brother and I are most glad to have you hr I cannot answer for my mother while she is this, but we will arrange something for you betwe us. How would you like to go to a finishing-sch by-and-bye, and be educated as a governess?" "I'll do anything you like," said Pauline meekly and then, with a sudden change of expression, murmured, "Oh, it does feel so strange-no hom nobody in all the world to love me!" Muriel took her two hands with a kind pressure. "Poor child, but you will not feel that long. Wa are not quite strangers even now. I think I beg to love you the first time I saw you." 66 Did you?" The rosy glow in the girl's face was worth seeing. "O no, you can't, because we a been such a trouble. I love you-oh, more than 1 can tell you. I think it would be happiness to te with you always. I would like to do anything t you. But you-oh no, you don't mean that." There was nothing for it but to take the slender |