"Knowing that, as you yourself acknowledge, you were not fit for
heaven, it would have been the heaviest blow I have ever had," he said.
"My daughter, you are fully capable of understanding the way of
salvation, therefore are an accountable being, and, so long as you
neglect it, in danger of eternal death. I shall never be easy about you
till I have good reason to believe that you have given your heart to the
Lord Jesus, and devoted yourself entirely to His blessed service."

He ceased speaking, gave her a few moments for silent reflection, then
setting her on her feet, rose, took her hand, and led her back toward
the village.

"Are you going to punish me, papa?" she asked presently, in a
half-frightened tone.

"I shall take that matter into consideration," was all he said, and she
knew from his grave accents that she was in some danger of receiving
what she felt to be her deserts.




CHAPTER VII.

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth
his mother to shame."--_Prov_. 29: 15.


Lulu hated suspense; it seemed to her worse than the worst certainty; so