214

appetite, etc., and Hester ministering to the
wants of all, but especially of her mother.

"Marian," said Mr. Maybrick, "is that
Thank-offering Meeting over yet?" "No"
she replied, with a loving smile, for husband
and wife had a new bond between them now,
"it is next week, I believe." "Then here
is your offering, and yours, Hester," he said,
handing each a cheque, on which Hester's
delighted eyes read, twenty-five dollars.
"Father, do you really mean it?" she cried,
throwing her arms about his neck. "I do,
my daughter," he replied, "and, God helping
me. I mean to be something different to
the selfish creature I have been."