198 Tom Seven Years Old.

a

‘The Lord knows best—remember that,
Master Tom.”

“That’s what mamma says,” said) Tom,
with a sigh; “exactly. She loves God as
much as you do. And she tries to please
Him instead of pleasing herself; and she
wants me to do the same, for she’s told me

 

so over and over again; and I dont want to,
Benjamin.”

Old Benjamin smiled.

“T was young once like you,” he said;
“and I used to think just as you do; but I’ve
changed my mind long since—long since!
And you'll come to see it too, Master Tom,
some day.” |
“Ts that what makes you happy ?” asked
Tom; “even though you're old, and can’t run,
or jump, or play, and have no money to buy
anything you want? It must be so stupid
being old, and always sitting still, reading the
same book, which you’ve read over and over
again ever so many times.”

Old Benjamin smiled again.

“T can’t explain, Master Tom,” -he said.