Van Brunt and Ellen beyond all bounds of
prudence.
Nancy's Bible, which had been purchased for her at Randolph,
was given to her the first opportunity. Ellen anxiously
watched her as she slowly turned it over, her face showing,
however, very decided approbation of the style of the gift.
She shook her head once or twice, and then said —
"What did you give this to me for, Ellen?"
"Because I wanted to give you something for New Year," said
Ellen — "and I thought that would be the best thing — if you
would only read it — it would make you so happy and good."
"_You_ are good, I believe," said Nancy, "but I don't expect
ever to be, myself — I don't think I _could_ be. You might as
well teach a snake not to wriggle."
"I am not good at all," said Ellen — "we're none of us good;"
and the tears rose to her eyes; "but the Bible will teach us
how to be. If you'll only read it! — please, Nancy, do! say
you will read a little every day."
"You don't want me to make a promise I shouldn't keep, I
guess, do you?"
"No," said Ellen.
"Well, I shouldn't keep that, so I won't promise it; but I
tell you what I will do, — I'll take precious fine care of it
and keep it always for your sake."
"Well," said Ellen, sighing — "I am glad you will even do so
much as that. But, Nancy, before you begin to read the Bible,
you may have to go where you never can read it, nor be happy
nor good neither.
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