for blessings, and
do not offend the Giver by distrusting his power or will to continue his
good gifts."

"There, wife! what do you think of that?"

"It sounds very well, indeed," said Mrs. Royden; "but even if we forget
ourselves, we must think of the future of our children."

"My experience is wide," answered the old man, smiling, "and it teaches
me that those young people get along the best, and live the happiest,
who commence life with little or nothing. Discipline, of the right kind,
makes a good disposition; and a good disposition is better than silver
and gold."

Something in the tone in which the words were uttered, or in the old
man's simple and impressive manner, struck Mrs. Royden, as well as her
husband, very forcibly. And when Mr. Royden added that "they had always
got along better than they expected, so far, and he did not see the
wisdom of hoarding up money for an uncertain future," she gave a partial
consent to the arrangement he proposed.

"That is enough!" he cried, triumphantly; "I am sick of seeing house
affairs rush forward in haste and confusion, whenever we have workmen. I
mean to take life easier than I have done; and I see no reason why you
should not. What cannot be done easily, let it go undone. Things will
come around somehow, at the end of the year. I have to thank you, Father
Brighthopes," said he, "for a clearer insight into this philosophy than
I ever had before."

The old man's face shone with gratification.

"If I'm to have any girl," spoke up Mrs. Royden, "I prefer the Bowen
girl, if I can get her."

"I'll ride right over for her, after breakfast," replied her husband;
"and Father Brighthopes shall go with me, if he will."

The old man desired nothing better, and the arrangement was resolved
upon.

As soon as breakfast was over, Mr. Royden went to harness Old Bill. He
brought him to the door, and inquired for the clergyman.

"He went to his room," said Sarah; "shall I call him?"

"No; I will go myself."

On entering the parlor, Mr. Royden heard a voice proceeding from the
bedroom beyond, and paused. A strange feeling of awe came over him. He
was not a religious man; but he could not hear the fervent soul of the
clergyman pouring itself out in prayer, without being deeply impressed.
He had never heard such simple, childlike, eloquent expressions of
thankfulness, gush from human lips. The old man prayed for him; for his
family; for the blessings of peace and love to fal