HE early days of Hester Singer were passed in the town of Frome, in So

mersetshire. Having lost her parents, she was left in the charge of her grandmother, of whose pious mind, cleanly ways, and neat, old-fashioned dress, I have often heard her speak. Hester was a pretty, rosy, chubby child, and attracted the attention and love of a kind family in the neighbourhood, who placed her in their school, and permitted her often to play with the young ladies after school-hours. I have heard them say that it was pretty to see little Hester and her grandmother sitting together by the cottage fire, or walking hand in hand to the house of God.

When quite young, she went to service in the neighbourhood of Frome; and after the

death of her grandmother, and when about eighteen, her kind friends recommended her to us. I remember well the evening of her arrival; it was in September, 1833. She had travelled a long distance, and was come a stranger amongst us; and I looked with interest at the artless, blooming girl, who, with rustic manners, and a mind full of the adventures of her journey, talked to me without

reserve.

The two years of married life which had passed from us had been embittered by the ungodly character of our servants. We longed for servants who would make our kitchen a model for the rest of the parish, sanctifying their daily work by prayer and Bible-reading, and receiving as a privilege the religious advantages offered to them. Thus, when an opening presented itself for a change, and dear Hester arrived to fill the vacancy, we prayed that she might be one who would receive with joy the engrafted word, which is able to save the soul; and I determined, by private instruction and care, to follow up the other religious advantages she would have.

I soon heard from the upper servant that Hester had a great many faults; that she was ignorant of the ways of service, and pettish when spoken to; that she was fond of her own way, and angry when obliged to do twice, what she had not done well at first; and that she could not bear to be laughed at, but would cry, and think herself ill-used, and say "she would go and tell her mistress." Yet I liked the girl; I rejoiced in having, at last, one under the roof whose face brightened at being taught; and I hoped that a little punishment would have the good effect of leading her to try and correct her faults. Her warm heart was beginning to attach itself to us with an orphan's fervour, and a kind look from her "dear master and mistress " was Hester's

greatest encouragement.

Having this hold upon the dear girl's affections, I made use of the power; and the next time she transgressed, I sent her word that I should not speak to her again, nor allow her to come to the evening reading, which she prized so much, until her good conduct. assured me that she was anxious to please.

If we met by chance, I passed quickly by, not looking at her. This was indeed a punishment to the loving Hester. She passed the week in tears; and one day, as I was sitting alone, I heard her sobbing outside the door. Some minutes passed before she ventured to knock; and when the door opened, she fell on her knees, bathed in tears, and begged to be forgiven. "Hester," I said, "I thought I had got a servant who loved me and her master, but I find I am mistaken." "I do love you," she sobbed; "do look at me again, as you used to do before I was naughty, and indeed, indeed, I'll try never to vex you again." "Well, get up," I said; "I do not wish to see you on your knees to me, a poor worm like yourself." "But say you forgive me, my dear, dear mistress." "I forgive you, Hester; and as you are still on your knees, I will also go on mine, and we will pray that God, whom you have offended by your ill temper, will forgive you for Jesus Christ's sake, and help you to be good by sending His Spirit into your heart."

This interview seemed to establish Hester's