21

the greenhouse where two or three plants were standing,
with their stems bent and twisted in a very peculiar
manner.  ‘‘Oh,” said Cissie, ‘ how funny they look!” “ Yes,
my dear,” said John; “I don’t know how it happened, but
these plants were put aside in an unsuitable place, and
forgotten. Like everything else in nature, however, they
tried to make the best of their surroundings, and you see
the result. Those curious, unshapely twists have been caused
by their efforts to turn towards the light.” :

“There now!” said Flo triumphantly, from the other end
of the greenhouse; “do you believe it now, Miss Doubtful ?”
Cissie hung her head, and said nothing.

There was a twinkle of amusement in Gardener John’s
eye as he glanced at the little girl; but it presently gave place
to a serious look, and he said slowly—he was a strange man
in some ways was John—‘“ Don’t you think, Missie, the
flowers teach us a lesson in this matter? It seems to me
that when they try so hard to turn towards their sun, they
are bidding us look ever to owrv Sun—even the Sun of
Righteousness—that we may walk ever in the light of all
goodness and all truth. Don’t you think so, Missie?”

But Cissie answered never a word; and with bowed head
she walked thoughtfully away.

 

Off ond Away. B