Somehow , the lonely feeling got better as he rolled along between green fields , with the June sunshine brightening every thing , a restful quiet in the air , and a friend beside him who sat silently looking out at the lovely world with what he afterward learned to call her `` Sunday face , '' -- a soft , happy look , as if all the work and weariness of the past week were forgotten , and she was ready to begin afresh when this blessed day was over . `` Well , child , what is it ? '' she asked , catching his eye as he stole a shy glance at her , one of many which she had not seen . `` I was only thinking , you looked as if -- '' `` As if what ? Do n't be afraid , '' she said , for Ben paused and fumbled at the reins , feeling half ashamed to tell his fancy . `` You were saying prayers , '' he added , wishing she had not caught him . `` So I was . Do n't you , when you are happy ? `` No , 'm . I 'm glad , but I do n't say any thing . '' `` Words are not needed ; but they help , sometimes , if they are sincere and sweet . Did you never learn any prayers , Ben ? '' `` Only ` Now I lay me . ' Grandma taught me that when I was a little mite of a boy . '' `` I will teach you another , the best that was ever made , because it says all we need ask . '' `` Our folks was n't very pious ; they did n't have time , I s ` pose . '' `` I wonder if you know just what it means to be pious ? '' `` Goin ' to church , and readin ' the Bible , and sayin ' prayers and hymns , ai n't it ? '' `` Those things are a part of it ; but being kind and cheerful , doing one 's duty , helping others , and loving God , is the best way to show that we are pious in the true sense of the word . '' `` Then you are ! ''
and XXXXX looked as if her acts had been a better definition than her words .
Ben Bible God child day fancy glance hymns readin reins