ther was so much improved, that they could go to Mrs. Merton's.

"O, pray let us go, my own dear mamma!" cried Rhoda eagerly; and then she began rapidly to relate the subject of her conversation with Lucy. "You cannot think, mamma, how quickly the morning has passed away, though it was so gloomy; indeed, the time is never long, when I am with you and cousin Lucy, for you have always something new to say."

"I am very glad you think so,” replied Mrs. Bloomfield, "but we must make haste, for we have no time to lose. Go and ask Betsy to assist you to dress." Rhoda darted out of the room in high spirits, and was soon ready to accompany her mamma and cousin. Away then

they went to Mrs. Merton's, and as soon as Rhoda saw her young friends, she shook hands with them very affectionately, and told them she was extremely sorry for having been so angry with them the last time they came to the Manor-house: begged them not to think any more of what had passed, and intreated Lydia to accept of a pretty little doll, which she felt great pleasure in giving her.

Lydia was delighted with her present, and after admiring it for a few minutes, led Rhoda gently by the hand to a corner of the nursery where stood a box. Lifting the lid, she took out a small paper parcel, carefully tied up. "There, dear Rhoda, that is the elephant I wanted you to have. He has been packed up

for you ever since that day we were at your house. You must have him, indeed." So saying, the child kissed Rhoda affectionately, and endeavoured to place the packet in her hand.

"Thank you, dear Lydia, but indeed, I do not want your elephant. Betsy has mended mine quite nicely. You shall see it next time you come to the Manor-house."

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"O pray take it, Rhoda: you would make me so happy if you would," returned little Lydia, imploringly.

A friendly argument ensued between the children; however, it ended in Rhoda's persuading Lydia that her ark would not contain two elephants; and, as her own was, as we have seen, a special favorite, it was agreed that he

could not be displaced from his original abode.

Rupert and Stephen were surprised and affected by Rhoda's generous and forgiving conduct; they resolved to be more careful in future of the property of others, and to be less boisterous and selfish in their behaviour. And they certainly did carry these good resolutions into practice, to the very great comfort of all their acquaintance, and friends. Thus we see, that even a little girl eight years old,-for Rhoda was not more,—may be the happy instrument of much good to others, by shewing in her own conduct, an example of forbearance and generosity; or in other words, of practical christian charity.

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CHAPTER VII.

THE EFFECT OF A MILD AND CHARITABLE TEMPER ON THE HEATHEN.

SOME months had elapsed since the events related in our last chapter; and during that period Rhoda had become much more gentle in temper, and very regardful of the comfort of all around her. Summer was now in its full beauty, and the inhabitants of the Manor-house enjoyed walking in the early morning, or fine cool evenings.

Rhoda was fond of nature, and Lucy delighted in pointing out to her young cousin the beauties of the varied land