nne is a wealthy man, but alas--"

"And what then--alas?"

"A Calvinist, as people say."

I did not understand him. We entered the beautiful building, and my
anxiety vanished. A tranquil, kind spirit spoke to me, as it were,
from every thing I beheld, and I felt as happy as if I were in my
native place.

In a neat room, marked by simplicity and order, the mother was sitting
at the table, surrounded by three blooming daughters, busy with
domestic work. A boy of two years' old sat playing in his mother's
lap. Kindness and tranquillity were on every countenance. All were
silent, and directed their looks to me. My uncle stood at the window
and was reading. His locks were already gray, but a youthful serenity
beamed from his looks. His air was that of piety. The servant said to
him, "This is your nephew, Colas, M. Etienne. His father, your
brother-in-law, died in poverty. He ordered me, therefore, to bring
his son to you, that you might be a father to him."

"My welcome and blessing to you, Colas!" said M. Etienne, laying his
hand upon my head; "I will be your father."

Then arose Mdme. Etienne, who offered me her hand, and said, "I will be
your mother."

My heart was much moved by this kindness. I wept, and kissed the hands
of my new parents, without being able to utter a word. Now their three
daughters surrounded me, and said, "Do not weep, Colas, we will be your
sisters." From this hour I was as much accustomed to my new home as if
I had never been a stranger to it. I fancied myself living in a family
of quiet angels, of whom my father had often told me. I became as
pious as they all were, and yet I never could surpass them in piety.

I was sent to school. After the lapse of half-a-year, M. Etienne told
me one day, with a very kind look, "Colas, you are poor, but God has
blessed you with superior talents; your masters praise your industry,
and say how wonderfully you surpass all your fellow-scholars in
learning. I therefore have come to the resolution that you shall
devote yourself to study. When you have completed your term at Nismes,
I will send you to the academy of Montpellier. You shall study the
law, which will enable you to become a defender of our oppressed
church. I behold in you an instrument of God for our salvation, and
for the protection of the Protestant faith against the cruelty and
violence of the Papists."

M. Etienne was secretly a Protestant, as also were several thousand