lady/' said Uncle John, with an earnestness tliat
showed how much he was interested.
"My duty is not here," was the slowly-spoken
answer.
"Oar duty is where we can do the most good. I
know something of your morning's trials and wise
discipline. You have done nobly, Florence, — nobly.
There is good in these children, and you must bring
it forth to the light"

"I am but. human," said Florence, with a quiver-
ing lip.
"You are gold in the crucible," replied Uncle
John. " The fire may be very hot, my dear young
friend; but it will leave no mark upon your real
character. It is not every spirit that has a quality
pure enough to meet life's higher ordeals. No, no :
shrink not from the trials in your way. The lions
are chained, and can only growl and shake at you
their terrible manes. Go back lir the ctildren.
For their sakes, draw them to yourself with the
singular power you possess. Be to them all their
mother fidls to be. And always regard me as your
friend and advocate."

Uncle John left her and went back to his own
room. A few moments Florence stood irresolute.
Then, stepping to the head of the stairs, she called
to George, who was pounding at his mother's door.
THE ANGEL AND THE DEMON. 85



Mrs. Dainty had re-entered her chamber and locked
it against the children. The child did not heed her
in the least. Going down to him, and taking his
hand, which the stubborn little fellow tried to pre-
vent her from doing, she said, in a voice that wa.
