Fireside Stories for Girls in Their Teens Part 18

"Let me carry your basket," she said cheerily. "Put the book on the top and I can take them both."

Then a smile came over the face of the woman as she said: "The basket seems to be heavy, for in it is a great treasure. But he that hath this treasure finds no difficulty in carrying it. It is yours, child--all yours. Let me read to you from the book."

Very slowly she opened the great book and read: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."

Then the gray cloak fell aside and her raiment was shining as the sun. Her beautiful face grew more beautiful as she handed the basket to the girl, saying:

"'Tis the command of our King--to him that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance! Take your treasure--the love of the people along the way, but take also the gift of the King--comfort and happiness all the days of your life. For you entered the way of Love to seek for your treasure and where Love is, there G.o.d is also."