THE LAME BOY. 45

your cross a heavy one; but only learn that, and you
will have but the single desire that his will may be
done in you and by you. You will prefer to keep
your effliction if he wills it, and it will be to you a
visible token of his care over you.”

“Oh, how I wish I could feel so!” said Louis with
emotion, tears filling his eyes. “How can I, good
nurse? Will you teach me?”

“The blessed Spirit will teach you, dear child,”
replied the good nurse, “and you can obtain all you
need, and that freely, by asking of Him who giveth
liberally. Begin now to pray for it, and you will
receive in abundance. Study the blessed Bible; and
if my poor assistance can help you to understand its
wondrous truths, come to me with dear Maurice, and
we will read it together.” |

“T have long felt,” replied Louis, “that I might
be happier if I could feel reconciled to my lot. Per-—
haps, if I learned to love God, I should think less of
my own troubles, and more of Him, and then I might
be happier.” |

“Tt surely would be so, my dear,” replied the nurse,

“Have you no parents, Louis ?” |
| “My parents both died when I was an infant,”
answered Louis, “and I have neither brother nor
sister.”

“Then you must feel the more need of a heavenly
Friend, my dear child,’ answered the nurse. “He

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