The Effect of Gentle Words. 13

 "Well, Grace, what answer can you make
to these accusations; I cannot be trifled
with; tell me directly; what excuse have
you ?"
 "None," at last came from Grace, in a
scarcely audible whisper; and the child stood
so firm, and her lips were so compressed,
that Miss Campbell saw she was going on
the wrong tack altogether. She had tried
firmness, and it had failed; now she must try
something else. "Grace, my dear, come
here;" and as she approached, Miss Campbell
gently put back her thick dark hair, and
kissed her forehead. "Grace, love, what is
the matter ? You need not be afraid to tell
me what it is; I am sure you would not
have been so naughty without a reason. I
am not angry with you yet, but I shall be
soon if you do not answer me. There! I
know you will be good, and we shall make it
all right directly." But at these gentle words
Grace's courage forsook her, and she burst
into such passionate tears that it was some
time before Miss Campbell could soothe her
sufficiently to understand the confession
which she at length made, interrupted as it
was by many sobs and entreaties that Miss
Campbell would not tell any one else. The