Part 18 (1/1)

”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 s.h.i.+ning 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.”