d that one soul
is of as much worth as another before Him, then it must have been told
there too, how our Savior brought us the glad tidings that we have a
Father in Heaven, who loves His children and who will bless them if they
put their trust in Him. Our Savior shows us the way to our Heavenly
Father, and will help us to overcome all the difficulties that stand in
our path. He speaks to us with a tenderness beyond that of any other
friend, and bids us lay our burdens upon Him and He will help us to bear
them."

"But mother," said Veronica, looking with a wonder that was almost awe
upon the peaceful countenance of the mother, "can you truly say that you
have found peace and happiness, while you have no news from him, and do
not know what dreadful tidings any minute may bring you?"

"Yes, Veronica, I can and I do say so," answered Gertrude, and her face
even without words would have borne witness to the truth of what she said.
"I know that what ever comes to us, comes from God, and is for our good.
But Veronica, we must put away all hatred and bitterness from our hearts;
these feelings are all evil, and we must ask to be forgiven for them.
Shall I go on with the prayer, where you left off, my child? Try to join
with me; it will help you, dear."

And Gertrude finished the Lord's prayer.

Veronica sat silent for a time, and then rose and went to her own room.
She could not sleep, but she had no inclination to seek relief for trouble
in her sewing, as she had been accustomed to do. Gertrude's words were
working in her heart. How often had she said lately in the proud
bitterness of her heart, "A fine truth indeed!

'Fortune stands ready, full in sight,
He wins, who knows to grasp it right!'"

And now Gertrude had shown her that the words were true after all, and
that she had herself grasped Happiness, the truest Fortune, even in the
midst of a deep sorrow, greater even than Veronica's own.

Sleeplessly for Veronica the hours of the night went by; but over and over
again