f she had not already guessed her
sentiments; and she and Rodolph could but give their consent to her
wishes, and ask a blessing on her choice. The joy and gratitude of
Roger knew no bounds. Now he felt that life lay all bright and clear
before him, and that no outward trials could have power to cloud his
path, so long as Edith walked by his side, to divide his sorrows and
double his joys.

He employed all his eloquence to persuade Rodolph and Helen to consent
to his speedy marriage; for, now that his object in lingering at
Plymouth was attained, all his love for his flock at Salem, and his
desire once more to dwell among them, returned with added force. He was
impatient to resume his spiritual duties where first he had commenced
them in New England; and he was eager, also, to present Edith as his
bride to the friends who had once so kindly received him, and who now
so pressingly invited him to return.

The aspect of affairs in the State of Massachusetts was then peaceable,
and no demonstration of enmity towards Roger had lately been made by
the Boston rulers; so that Rodolph and Helen had no well-grounded
pretext for delaying their daughter's marriage, and her removal to
Salem with her husband. The letter of invitation to Roger Williams from
that community, also contained such alarming accounts of the rapidly
declining health of their pastor, Skelton, that the necessity for the
presence of his intended successor could not be denied. With some
reluctance the Maitlands, therefore, agreed to an early day for the
performance of the simple ceremony that would unite their beloved and
only remaining child to one whom they loved and respected, but whose
fiery zeal inspired them with doubt and anxiety.

No sooner was the happy day fixed, than Roger hastened to dispatch a
trusty messenger to Roxburgh, with a letter to his valued friend and
brother minister, Elliot--who was appointed preacher in that town--to
entreat him to be present at his marriage, and to honor the ceremony by
giving the customary address at its conclusion.

Much to his satisfaction--and that of all the Maitland family--this
request was acceded to, and the 'Prince of Missionaries' arrived at New
Plymouth, accompanied also by his bride. He was betrothed when he left
England, but circumstances had then prevented his intended wife from
accompanying him. But as soon as he was settled at Roxburgh, she
followed him to the land of his exile, and became his faithf