Vi suddenly remembered with a feeling of relief that the worst of her trouble--the confession--was over, and the punishment nearly so.
It was only a little while till mamma came, took her on her lap, kissed and forgave her.
"Mamma, I'm so, _so_ sorry for having disobeyed and grieved you!" whispered the child, weeping afresh: "for I do love you very, very much, my own mamma." "I know it, dearest; but I want you to be far more sorry for having disobeyed God, who loves you more, a great deal, than your parents do, and has given you every good thing you have." "Yes, mamma, I've asked God many times to forgive me for Jesus's sake, and I think he has." "Yes, if you asked with your heart, I am sure he has; for Jesus said, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.'" There was a little pause, Vi nestling close in her mother's arms; then with a quiver in her voice, "Mamma," she sighed, "will you ever trust me again ?" "Just the same as before, my child; because I believe you are truly sorry for your sin against God and against me." "Thank you, dear, dear mamma! oh I hope God will help me to keep from ever being naughty any more.".