carriage, and we drove to the lodging
of Mr Cophagus. Susannah was all ready, and Mr Masterton went up stairs
and brought her down. A blush and a sweet smile illumined her features
when she perceived me stowed away in the corner of the chariot. We drove
off, and somehow or another our hands again met and did not separate
until we arrived at the church door. Susannah had the same dress on as
when she had accompanied me in my father's carriage. I went through the
responses with her, reading out of the same book, and I never felt more
inclined to be devout, for I was happy, and grateful to Heaven for my
happiness. When the service was over, we were about to enter the
carriage, when who should accost us but Harcourt.

"You are surprised to see me here," said he to Mr Masterton, "but I
thought there must be something very attractive, that you should make
an appointment with Japhet to go to this church, and as I am very fond
of a good sermon, I determined to come and hear it."

Harcourt's ironical look told me all he would say.

"Well," replied Mr Masterton, "I hope you have been edified--now get out
of the way, and let us go into the carriage."

"To-morrow at two, De Benyon," said Harcourt, taking another peep at
Susannah.

"Yes, punctually," replied I, as the carriage drove off.

"And now, my dear child," said Mr Masterton to Susannah, as the carriage
rolled along, "Tell me, have you been disappointed, or do you agree with
me? You have attended a meeting of your own persuasion this morning--you
have now, for the first time, listened to the ritual of the Established
Church. To which do you give the preference?"

"I will not deny, sir, that I think, in departing from the forms of
worship, those of my persuasion did not do wisely. I would not venture
thus much to say, but you support me in my judgment."

"You have answered like a good, sensible girl, and have proved that you
can think for yourself; but observe, my child, I have persuaded you for
once, and once only, to enter our place of worship, that you might compare
and judge for yourself; it now remains for you to decide as you please."
"I would that some better qualified would decide for me," replied
Susannah, gravely.

"Your husband, Susannah," whispered I, "must take that responsibility
upon himself. Is he not the proper person?"

Susannah slightly pressed my hand, which held hers, and said nothing. As
soon as we had conveyed her home, Mr Masterton offered to