the conflict ceased, and she might be called
convalescent so far as that was concerned.

But all this series of nervous disturbances left her in a very
impressible and excitable condition. This was just the state to invite
the spiritual manipulations of one of those theological practitioners who
consider that the treatment of all morbid states of mind short of raving
madness belongs to them and not to the doctors. This same condition was
equally favorable for the operations of any professional experimenter who
would use the flame of religious excitement to light the torch of an
earthly passion. So many fingers that begin on the black keys stray to
the white ones before the tune is played out!

If Myrtle Hazard was in charge of any angelic guardian, the time was at
hand when she would need all celestial influences; for the Rev. Joseph
Bellamy Stoker was about to take a deep interest in her spiritual
welfare.'

CHAPTER XII.

SKIRMISHING.

"So the Rev. Joseph Bellamy Stoker has called upon you, Susan Posey, has
he? And wants you to come and talk religion with him in his study, Susan
Posey, does he? Religion is a good thing, my dear, the best thing in the
world, and never better than when we are young, and no young people need
it more than young girls. There are temptations to all, and to them as
often as to any, Susan Posey. And temptations come to them in places
where they don't look for them, and from persons they never thought of as
tempters. So I am very glad to have your thoughts called to the subject
of religion. 'Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.'

"But Susan Posey, my dear, I think you hard better not break in upon the
pious meditations of the Rev. Joseph Bellamy Stoker in his private study.
A monk's cell and a minister's library are hardly the places for young
ladies. They distract the attention of these good men from their
devotions and their sermons. If you think you must go, you had better
take Mrs. Hopkins with you. She likes religious conversation, and it
will do her good too, and save a great deal of time for the minister,
conversing with two at once. She is of discreet age, and will tell you
when it is time to come away,--you might stay too long, you know. I've
known young persons stay a good deal too long at these interviews,--a
great deal too long, Susan Posey!"

Such was the fatherly counsel of Master Byles Gridley.

Susan was not very quick of apprehension, but