on a visit to earth," continued Joy, "to see how much real happiness I
can find, and help, if possible, to remove obstacles that hinder its
advancement. This is my sister, Sorrow," she continued, turning to her,
"who, like myself, has a mission, though by no means a pleasant one."

The sisters unveiled their faces.

A flush of pleasure stole over the sallow face of the woman as she
gazed upon the brightness of Joy's countenance; but the look quickly
faded at the sight of Sorrow's worn and weary features.

"My sister must tarry here," said Joy, as she rose to leave.

"Here! With me? Why! I can scarcely live now. What can I do
with her added to my troubles?"

"It is thus decreed," answered Joy. "You need the discipline which
she will bring to you."

And she departed, leaving her sister in the elegant but cheerless
mansion.

The mistress of the luxurious home had one fair daughter, whom she
was bringing up to lead a listless, indolent, and selfish life,--a life
which would result in no good to herself or others.

Sorrow grew sadder each day as she saw the girl walking amid all the
beauties with which she was surrounded, careless of her own culture.
She felt, also, that she must at some time, and it might be soon,
be removed from her luxuries, or they from her. Each hour the fair girl's