THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.

“ Yes, gladly will we keep you here,
For many nights to come.”
“Thank you,” said Marian, “ but I soon
Must seek my heavenly home.
The valley of the Shadow of Death
Ts near this house, I know ”—
She stopped, for she saw, with great surprise,
Their tears began to flow.

She little thought the mourning dress,
Which all the ladies wore,

Was for ove whom they had dearly loved,
And should see on earth no more.

Their brother had been called away,
Their brightest and their best ;

No wonder, then, that. Marian’s words
Roused grief in every breast.

Sohs only for awhile were heard ;

At jength the ladies said,
“ My, love, you have reminded us

Of our loved and early dead ;

But this you could not know, my dear,
And it indeed is true ;

We are all near to Death’s dark door,
Even little girls like you.”

“ Yes,” said the timid, trembling child,

“ T know it must be so ;

But, ma’am, I hope that Piety
May be with me when I go.

And will you show me your armory,
When you have time to spare?

I hope you have some small enough
For a little girl to wear.”

No more she said, for Piety,
As Marian called her, cast

Her arms around the Pilgrim’s neck,
The secret’s out at last.

‘You puzzled all,” said Piety ;

“But now, I see, you’ve read

A glorious book, which, unexplained,
Has turned your little head.