Gabrielle laughed a sweet silvery laugh. "Ah, yes, 'tis true these little fellows think one has nothing to do in life save to attend to them. But what then? It is our work which the good God has given to us elder sisters, is it not? And we can easily put aside our loved studies to do his will and win their love, can we not?"
Priscilla shook her head. "Ah, but if one loves study," she said, "it is not so easy."
"No, truly," replied Gabrielle; "it is often a little cross which Jesus asks us to carry for him," and the girl's voice softened as she spoke. "He bore such a heavy cross for us. And then love lightens our little crosses so. Who knows but we may have the honour of leading these little ones into the kingdom of God? At all events, mamma says we must see to it that we do not by our selfishness cast a stumbling-block in the way of one of the little ones, and so keep them back from the kingdom. André does not, I am sure. Sometimes I am afraid they see it is an effort on my part to put aside my books to attend to them."
"Then you love study?" asked Prissy.
"Oh! So much; but, voila, there is not much time for it with all these little ones. And you, Miss Warner, must feel that also. See, here I brought these rosy-cheeked apples for the poor little Claude. Do you think he will care for them? Of course I know you have plenty others in your garden; but these are so pretty, perhaps he may fancy them."
"Thanks," said Priscilla; "they are beauties. I am sure Claude will like them; it was kind of you to bring them."
"Mamma begs you will come and see her, Miss Warner. It will be a real pleasure to her, if you will come; and I am sure you will love her. She is so sorry for any one who is motherless; and so am I," said the girl, with a look of love and pity in her eyes that went to Priscilla's heart. "Ah, what should I do without the dear maman? The world would indeed be triste, oh, très-triste then. But you have such a good brother, Miss Warner, André says. Mr. Austin Warner is so good and kind; and you should hear how the poor sick lad Anthony Smith speaks of him. He told papa the other day, if ever he got into the kingdom of God, it would be through Mr. Austin's showing him the way."
Then rising, Gabrielle said good-bye, and with a bright smile departed, leaving Priscilla cheered in spite of herself, and humbled as she thought how Austin, hard-working student as he was, was not only trying to lead his own brother, but others also, into the kingdom of God, whilst she, self-absorbed and self-seeking, had hindered rather than helped others from entering therein. She had grieved her father, neglected her brothers, and forgotten her God.
Was it too late to amend her ways? A voice seemed to say, "Not yet, not yet: turn ye, turn ye; why will ye die? Call upon me in the day of trouble." And she did. As a little child Priscilla Warner entered the kingdom of God that day, and took hold of Christ's strength and power to overcome her selfishness, and enable her to do the work God had given her to do, and in so doing to help on the coming of his kingdom.