"Thy kingdom come."

by M. H.

But even as she spoke, Harry Lascelles' words, "Make the evenings pleasant at home for Lewis," rose to her remembrance. And she said, "But if you wish it, I will see what I can do."

Perhaps she did try; but if so, she failed. The evening seemed long and tedious to Lewis. He asked for music, of which he was very fond; but his sister said, "Oh, really I could not play to-night. I have not practised regularly for a long time."

"Well, then, let us have a song," he said, "and Austin and I will take a part as we used to do."

But Prissy answered, "I can't sing to-night. Don't you hear how hoarse I am?" And turning away, she resumed her book.

And Lewis, muttering, "I can't stand this, Austin," rose and went out, slamming the door after him.

When, ere lying down to rest, Prissy repeated—dare we say prayed?—the Lord's Prayer, and asked that his "kingdom might come," did she think she had tried to help on its coming in the heart of her own brother that day? Or, rather, were there not evil spirits rejoicing that night over the fresh hold they had got on a young soul, which they might have been hindered from having by a sister's loving words and holy example? Yes, Priscilla Warner had done a work that day, but it was in the furthering of Satan's, not God's kingdom.

Did angels envy her that work, as Harry Lascelles said they might have done the one God had given her to do? Alas! Alas!

In his own room that night, Austin Warner waited, as he had often done before, till he heard his brother's step returning at a late hour, and then hastened to open the door for him, in case a ring or knock should bring their father out of his study to ask who was there.

He opened it in silence; and without speaking a word, Lewis slipped off to bed.

Austin went to bed also; but in doing so, one low bitter cry rose to his Father in heaven: "O God, forgive me. I did try to help on thy kingdom to-day, but have failed. For Christ's sake, forgive; and help me to begin afresh to-morrow. Oh! Save my brother Lewis from the evil one, and open my sister's eyes to see the truth."