Eveline, Sarah, Sophronia.  Certainly not.

Mary Ann.  Well, do you believe, if God should intrust the secret events of the future with any of our race, in this age, it would be with those who have neither intellectual, moral, nor religious education—­who can be bribed by dollars and cents to say anything?

Sarah, Eveline.  No, indeed!

Mary Ann. (Turns to Sophronia,) You do not answer, Sophronia.  Let me ask you one or two more questions.  Do you suppose Kate Merrill believes that she has a revelation from God?

Sophronia.  No, Mary Ann.

Mary Ann.  Do you suppose she thinks you believe so?

Sophronia.  Why, yes, I do.

Mary Ann.  Then, is it benevolent to bestow money to encourage an old woman in telling for truth what she knows to be false?

Sophronia.  I doubt whether it is really benevolent.

Mary Ann.  And if Old Kate speaks falsely and knows she does so, and you know it, yet spend your time in listening to what she has to say, what good can come of it to head or heart?

Sophronia.  None at all, Mary Ann.  It is time wasted, and I am convinced that I have been doubly wrong in wishing to go, and in being angry with you.  Will you forgive me?

Mary Ann.  Certainly, Sophronia.  And now, if you wish for amusement, I will be a witch myself, and tell your fortunes for you.

Sophronia.  Oh, do tell mine; and be sure you tell it truly.  What lines of fate do you see in my hand?

Mary Ann. (Takes her hand and looks at it intently.)

(To Sophronia_.)

   Passions strong my art doth see. 
   Thou must rule them, or they rule thee. 
   If the first, you peace will know;
   If the last, woe followeth woe.

Sarah.  Now tell mine next.

(To Sarah.)

   Too believing, too believing,
   Thou hast learned not of deceiving. 
   Closely scan what seemeth fair,
   And of flattering words beware.

Eveline.  Now tell me a pleasant fortune, Mary Ann.

(To Eveline.)

   Lively and loving, I would not chide thee,
   Do thou thy duty, and joy shall betide thee.

Sophronia.  Thank you, Mary Ann, for the lessons you have given us.  We can now, in turn, tell your fortune, and that is, Always be amiable and sensible as now, and you will always be loved.

[Illustration.]

THE BOY WHO STOLE THE NAILS.

BY REV.  MOSES BALLOU.

I remember well, that, when I was quite a little boy, a circumstance occurred which I shall probably never forget, and which, no doubt, has had some little influence on my life at many different periods since.  I will relate it; and I wish all my young readers would remember the story.