ENTERING the house, Isaac found that preparations had been made to receive him and his companions. The servants were eagerly expecting the new inmate, and all full of wonder as to what the lady would be like; but to their surprise the visitor proved to be a sweet innocent child of about eight years of age, who won all hearts to herself. Such grandeur, of course, Rachel had never seen; yet it did not surprise her, as might be supposed, for she had been brought up amidst refinement, if not in the midst of luxury and elegance. Isaac was proud of her, as well he might be. Hannah had educated her thus far herself; she could speak French fluently, and for her age could play the piano wonderfully well. Her father and mother both had been talented musicians. Her English studies were far in advance of her age, and she was so natural, too, in all her ways, that Isaac did not wish to spoil her by any of this world's arts; so he endeavored to find some Christian well-educated lady, who would train her for her after-life—yes, but not for what Isaac expected. He thought that his wealth would be enjoyed by her; that she would know no earthly sorrow. True it is, that we are often fitted for our after-life, but none save the all-wise Creator knoweth the after-life of any of His creatures. The paths in the thickets of life are winding, but there is One who can lead His children through them all, and at last give them an eternal home, far above "the din of earthly strife.”
Isaac was successful in obtaining the services of a high-souled Christian lady. She had been early cast on the world. Her father was an officer, and his pay small to maintain his large family; so that the elder ones had to seek their own living.
Under the training of a Christian mother, Caroline Barton had had sound principles inculcated, together with a first-class education that made her a fit teacher in every way for the orphan child. She was highly accomplished, and her mind was well trained. She was rather under the medium height, and was thought plain; but few persons who looked into that face could call her so; true, the features were not marked, but she had an intellectual brow, and an expression which bespoke a mind, not only cultured, but far surpassing that of the average woman. Above all, she was a sincere Christian, walking before Jehovah, and not before men. Though often misunderstood, she went on her course, regardless of smiles or frowns. This was the person whom Rachel Barnard had to train her young mind, to take up that work which had been commenced by Mark and Hannah.
One summer day a cab stopped outside the residence of Isaac Barnard, and the lady above described alighted. She was soon in the presence of Isaac, who was pleased with the lady's manner and address; and after a few remarks connected with Rachel, he took her himself to his little pet, who was seated on the same seat which Reginald and her father had occupied on that memorable evening; but the childish occupation, how different! The little girl was dressing her favorite doll; she saw her grandfather; and in her natural childish way, sprang towards him, then stopped to give a smile to the lady at his side. There was something in the lady's expression that won the child to her at once. They were friends immediately, and when Isaac told Rachel that Miss Barton had come to be her companion and governess, she frankly said, "Oh! I am so glad," and put her hand in that of her newly-found friend, and skipped along in sweet innocent glee.
Little Rachel, enjoy thy sweet innocent glee as long as thou canst; the time will come when earth's sorrows thou wilt have to endure, in a way that thy friends would never have anticipated; but never mind, thy father's God will be thy Guide; thou needst not fear; He will be with thee all the way, until He receives thee into glory, where thou wilt again behold thy dear parents; but thou wilt have learned ere that, that Jesus is thy all in all, and thou wilt long to see Him who is the chiefest of ten thousand, and the altogether lovely.
Miss Barton had a liberal salary and a comfortable home. She loved this happy child, and delighted to unfold to her things that Rachel was always eager to listen to. The morning walks were full of interest, for Caroline Barton turned everything to account. She could teach her pupil a lesson in everything—each blade of grass, each flower, each leaf. The fair creation around, though near the crowded metropolis, afforded ample scope to unfold the mind of the little Jewish maiden; and, above all, Caroline was fitted to use all these things to turn the mind of her little pupil to the Maker of them all. She little thought, however, that during the hours which Rachel spent with her grandfather the little prattler recapitulated all to him.
He was an eager listener, and delighted to devote a part of his evenings to his little pet. But after the child had left him, he revolved all over in his mind, took his Testament, and, like the Bereans, sought to see "if these things were so.”
Caroline Barton not only taught Rachel things for this life, but that also which was for her eternal welfare, which in after years sprang up, and the pupil was enabled to give it out to others when she and her teacher were far, far away from each other.
Rachel became very proficient in music, and she had a sweet voice, too; often delighting her grandfather by sweet hymns, such as the following:
"There's a home for little children,
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Or can with it compare,
For every one is happy,
Nor could be happier there.”
Yes, little Rachel, no home on earth is like the home in that bright land
"Where joys supernal reign.”