Mentally putting himself in Louis' place, he acknowledged that no persuasion could have induced him to act so generously and disinterestedly; and knowing the keen sensitiveness of Louis to disgrace, he wondered how one so alive to the opinion of others, and naturally so yielding and wavering, could steadily and uncomplainingly persevere in his benevolent purpose; for not by word or sign did Louis even hint the truth to Reginald--the usual depository of his cares and secrets.
Louis, imagining the silence of his companion to proceed from shame and distress, proceeded after a few minutes to reassure him.
"You must not think that I am miserable, Ferrers, for lately I have been much happier than even when I was in favor, for now I do not care so much what the boys will think or say of me, and that thought was always coming in the way of every thing; and there are many things which make me very happy, often." "What things, Louis ?" "I do not think you would understand me," replied Louis, timidly; "the things and thoughts that make me happy are so different from what we hear generally here." "But tell me, Louis.

I want to know how it is you are so much better than any one else here.

I want to be better myself." "Oh, dear Ferrers," said Louis, gazing earnestly in Ferrers' face, "if you _do_ want to be better, come to our Saviour, and He will make you all you want to be.

It is the feeling of His goodness, and the happy hope of being God's children, and having all their sins forgiven, that make all God's people so happy; and you may have this happiness too, if you will.

I do not think we think enough of our great name of Christian." "You read your Bible a great deal, Louis, don't you ?" "Not so much as I ought," replied Louis, blushing, "but I love it very much." "It always seems to me such a dull book, I am always very glad when our daily reading's over." "I remember when I thought something in the same way," said Louis: "only mamma used always to explain things so pleasantly, that even then I used to like to hear her read it to us.