ways had an influence over
me. As the notes of the youthful harper of Israel scared away the
demons from the bosom of Saul, so do the tones of thy voice thrill
me like a melody from the past. So tell me of thyself and of all that
concerns thee, so far, at least, as thou canst impart thy thoughts and
feelings to one like me."

"The subjects that engage the attention of a young woman can have
little interest for you, father."

"Believe it not. Though my heart be sore, it has not lost all its
earlier feelings."

"I cannot speak of myself," said Faith. "My life has been too
destitute of incident to deserve mention, and it is already known to
you."

"What callest thou life? Is it," he continued, fixing his eyes on the
carpet, and speaking in a low tone, "the few gasps that agitate the
bosom here? If that were all, it were of but little more consequence
than any other sigh. But this is only the beginning. It is the
lighting of the spark that shall blaze a glorious star, or burn a
lurid conflagration for ever." He stopped; he raised his eyes to the
face of Faith, whose own were fastened on him, and gazed fondly on
her; his features assumed a softened expression; and, as if a new
train of thought had driven out the old, he added, "blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Apparently, these exclamations affected Faith with no surprise. She
had probably listened to similar conversations, and simply replied:

"Who shall say his heart is pure?"

"If not thou, then none. Sad thought, that the poisoned tongue of the
snake in Eden, should taint even a being so fair as thou."

"Father," said Faith, who was desirous of changing a conversation
which began to be embarrassing, for to such ejaculations it was
impossible to return reasonable answers, "do you love the loneliness,
of your island as much as ever? Would it not be more prudent to pass
the winter months in the village?"

"Thou art not the only one whose kindness hath asked the question.
But, in my youth I learned to love solitude, though it was forced on
me in the beginning. The dungeon and the chain introduced me to its
acquaintance; yet, such is the kindness of Providence, that, what at
first I hated, I afterwards learned to love. Know, too, that I have
lived in the boundless forest, until an inhabited street cramps my
breast and stifles my breath; nor am I ever less alone than when alone
with God. Ask me not, then, though thy intentions be kind, to re