I never reflected sufficiently, until now, how ungrateful it is to be impatient. How good you have been to bear with my faults so long. I should feel quite happy if I were sure of never being in a passion again."

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"Pray to the Almighty, my love, for strength and perseverance in the path of duty; and you will not fail to improve in those Christian graces which are the genuine fruits of heavenly charity."

The remainder of the evening was spent in the usual innocent amusements and employments, by the happy family at the Manor-house: and, when Rhoda retired to the nursery, she repeated to her good Betsy most of the events of the day; and dwelt, with much pleasure, on her visit to Mary Hollis, who was so delighted with the shawl.

Betsy, too, had been very busy, during Rhoda's absence, in trying to repair the limbs of the animals that Stephen had broken; and really she had succeeded uncommonly well.

"Now, that is kind of you, my dear Betsy," said the grateful child. "That is charitable; for it is kind, as papa would say. I thank you with all my heart."

"I am glad you are pleased, Miss Rhoda," said her nurse; "but you must not stay to arrange the creatures tonight. It is late: there,-leave them to me, and I will put them all away."

"Thank you, Betsy. Take care of my elephant: you know he is a special favourite."

"O, I will be sure to take care of him. Now then we must not talk any more," said Betsy.

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CHAPTER VI.

THE TAPESTRIED CHAMBER.

THE next day Rhoda entered her mother's dressing-room with an expression of countenance which Mrs. Bloomfield knew betokened that she had some request to make: therefore, after embracing her tenderly, she asked, " And what has my child to say to me to-day? She has some boon to solicit, or I am much mistaken."

"Dearest mamma," answered the child smiling, "I think you will soon grant what I wish."

"If possible, I will, my love. What is it?"

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Why, you know, mamma, that I was very angry with Rupert and Stephen the other day, and extremely unkind to Lydia. I feel sorry for this; and, if you have time to take me to Mrs. Merton's, I should like to go and assure them, that I have quite forgiven the mischief they did to my toys; and to tell Lydia how much I regret having spoken so rudely to her. Besides, if Besides, if you have no objection, I will give to her one of my dolls; for I think she would like it."

Mrs. Bloomfield was very much pleased with Rhoda for these proofs of kindly feeling towards her young friends, and consented to the proposed visit, provided the weather should admit of it, in the course of the day. The morning was

unfavourable, however; therefore, after the studies were over, Rhoda and Lucy repaired to one of the ancient tapestried chambers, which, as I have before said, often afforded them amusement.

The walls of this room represented the Saviour of the world walking on the sea, to the astonishment and terror of his disciples, who did not recognize their divine Master. On one side was portrayed the ship tossing on the angry waves, and the alarmed fishermen gazing at a calm, dignified figure, which appeared to be walking towards them on the foaming billows. His countenance was placid and beautiful, and conveyed to the mind the cheering words, "It is I; be not afraid."

Another side of the room displayed