The Falsehood discovered. 101

 

and prompted you to tell a lie. See, my dear
child, how much evil has resulted from one
sin, which, I daresay, you thought no sin at all
—I mean that of coveting your cousin’s things.
Try and guard against the beginning of evil-
doing. You cannot do this in your own
strength; but you know that God is always
near you, and ready to help you, if you will
but ask Him. I do believe that this will be a
lesson to you through life; but I think it is for
your good that you should have some punish-
ment to help you to remember it. Your papa
and the children are going to the sea-side on
Thursday for a little while with your aunt and
uncle and cousins; but I shall remain at home,
and keep you with me.”

Fanny was in such distress about her fault,
that the punishment, though severe, did not
seem to her so very dreadful then; but when,
two days after, the whole party, except her
mamma and herself, were packed into the car-