20 CHAPTER II. CHARITY EXPLAINED. WE will now ascend the wide oak staircase, and look into the painted drawing-room; so called from a very beautiful fresco painting by which one side of it was adorned, representing Charles the First on horseback, attended by his courtiers; for that monarch had once honoured the Manor-house with his presence. But perhaps some of my little readers may ask, what is a fresco painting? It is a picture painted upon new walls or ceilings, while they are damp, in order that the colours may dry in, and bind more effectually with the work, so that it may last a great while. But to return to our story. On the immense hearth was a bright, cheerful wood fire, which lighted up the spacious apartment, and cast upon the walls curious fantastic shadows. Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield, Lucy and Rhoda were assembled round the fire, enjoying the social evening hour; for the little repentant girl was forgiven, and feeling grateful, was once more happy. "Now, Lucy," said the child, "be so kind as to tell me the meaning of that passage about charity, of which we were speaking this morning." 66 'My dear uncle will explain it better than I," replied Lucy, modestly, and then repeating the words "Charity shall cover the multitude of sins," she added, "Rhoda thinks this verse signifies that our sins may be atoned for, simply by giving alms to the poor: do you not dear?" "Yes; that is, I did think so, but now I suppose I was mistaken." "In "That you were, most undoubtedly, my love," said Mr. Bloomfield. the first place, you have not understood the meaning of the word charity, which literally and truly signifies love; love to God and man. Now, it seems to me that you would better understand the words we are considering, if you were to read the 13th chapter of the 1st epistle to the Corinthians, where |