Her
conscience reproved her severely as she glanced at poor Annie, whose
tears were flowing afresh, and who, when the teacher handed her the box,
said in low, broken tones, that she had lost her offering and had
nothing to give.
After dismissal the children crowded around Annie, pitying and
questioning her. Charlotte moved away, she could not speak to her
injured friend; but as she passed she heard Annie say, "I laid it on my
Bible. I was just about tying it in the corner of my pocket handkerchief
when mother called me away; when I came back it was gone. Kitty was
sitting in the window, and I suppose must have knocked it down in the
road. I searched all over the room, and out in the road, but could not
find it."
"I am really sorry," said one.
"And I, and I," added three or four more.
"Let us go and help her look for it again," said they all, "perhaps we
may find it yet," for Annie's gentleness had made her beloved by all.
Charlotte's feelings were far from enviable as she went towards home;
she hated herself and felt perfectly miserable. As soon as she arrived
at the house she went hastily up stairs, and took off the hateful
ribbon, as it now appeared, with a feeling of disgust, and throwing
herself on the bed cried long and bitterly. Charlotte did not know how
to pray to God to give her a clean heart and forgive her sin; she never
thought of asking His forgiveness, or confessing her fault; she felt
sick at heart, restless and unhappy.
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