When Marcus came home from school on Monday afternoon, Hatty was in the garden, picking a bouquet to put in Aunt Barbara’s room. He stepped quietly behind her and put his hands round her waist, before she heard him coming.

She looked round, expecting to see his face full of fun; but it was very sober, and he said, quietly,

“I have lost the prize, Hatty!”

“Did you miss a lesson to-day!” said Hatty, eagerly.

“I have not made a mistake this term, and I don’t mean to, if I can help it,” said Marcus, rather proudly.

“Not a mark for misconduct?” said Hatty, anxiously.

“A mark for tardiness stands against my name. I have told Mr. Briggs.”

Hatty turned towards her brother, and kissed him tenderly. He did not push her away, but, putting his arm round her waist, he walked a few moments along the path in silence; then he said, “I have had a talk with Mr. Briggs, that I hope I shall never forget. I thank you, Hatty, for being a true sister to me.”

Here Marcus broke away from Hatty, and ran into the house before she could speak a word in reply.

Hatty finished gathering the flowers, but her thoughts were not on her bouquet, but on her brother. In her heart she thanked God for prompting him to take this first right step, and earnestly she prayed that he might go steadily forward in the path that leadeth unto life.