ted of a whole lamb, well roasted, and two sorts of
Yorkshire-pudding, one of which was particularly good.

This patriarchal repast being finished, we again went forth, and visited
the convent of Plija, distant from the wigwams about ten minutes' walk.
Many of our new friends accompanied us, the judge with great solidity of
manner leading the way. We passed a beautiful fountain at the head of the
glen, and entered the monastic edifice, which is built of stone. The
abbot, a fine old man, met us at the door with a pleasant countenance. He
invited us into his cell; we had to stoop very low to save our heads, and
the door-case was rubbed bright on all sides by the friction of this
solitary inmate passing in and out. The hermitage consists of one room
with a bed in the corner, screened by a slight partition; a lattice-window
admitted a peep into the rich and lovely vale below, and the pure air of
the mountain was not obstructed by glass. I had often heard of the Eastern
custom of sitting cross-legged, but never till now experienced it in
reality. We were desired to sit on cushions spread on the floor for our
reception, and were served with the finest walnuts and honey I ever
tasted; and while we partook of this hermit-like repast, there was a
precious feeling of good, and I believe we had the secret prayers of the
good abbot, as he had ours. When we presented him with the New Testament,
Genesis, and the Psalms, he kissed the books and pressed them to his
bosom, expressing his gratitude for the treasure.

Our next visit was to the habitation of the judge, which is of the same
description as the rest, where we were served again with coffee. What
pleased us was the sweet feeling of quiet which prevailed, of which I
think some of them were sensible; one woman, our first hostess, put her
hand to her heart and said very sweetly, "I love you."

They would not let us depart without showing us their ancient custom of
taking hold of hands and dancing round, singing meanwhile a sort of chant.
Many of them came with us to the water's edge, and prayers were raised in
our hearts for their good, and thanksgiving to our Divine Master for the
comfort and satisfaction of the day.

3 _mo_ 8.--Under the hospitable roof of Captain McPhail we have felt
much at home. His wife said our coming had been a blessing to her; she is
near to us in gospel love. The captain accompanied us in his boat to the
steamer.

From Santa Maura they proceeded to