THE MISSING BOOK. 63

to their teacher to request the favour, which was kindly )
granted. |

The sad and dejected expression of Louis’s pale face
was softened into a look of more gentleness and sub-
mission, which was quite touching, They appeared —
deeply interested in the evening lesson, and Louis
often paused and with much earnestness asked his
young teacher the explanation of various passages as
they proceeded. After they had completed their lesson
Maurice turned to another part of the Bible, and they
read and conversed with great interest on the subjects
of various chapters.

The hours passed rapidly away, and the ringing of
the bell to summon them to tea still found them study-
ing with pleasure that Holy Book which can alone
make us “wise unto salvation,” and afford us consola-
tion under all the difficulties and trials of life. |

“Maurice,” said Philip Graham, entering his closet
one day, where Maurice sat preparing his lessons for
school, “I have a word to say to you alone.”

“Well, what is it, Philip?” said Maurice, laying
down his book. “Can I do anything to assist you ?”

“O no,” said Philip ; “ quite the contrary. I wan
to do you a favour.”

“T am much obliged to you, said Maurice. “What
may it be?”

“I observe you are very’ fond of reading,” said
Philip. “Is it not so?”