dressing herself to the mothers.

They remained at Vals a week.

Our lodging, says J.Y., is situated amid scenery the most romantic:
high-planted rocks, deep glens, and purling streams. For reading and
writing we spend much time on a spacious open gallery, protected from the
penetrating rays of the sun by a roof; and in the interstices are
creepers, vines, and flowers, delightful and airy.

11_th_.--This has been a trying week. I have been low in mind and
suffered much in body, but, thanks to a merciful God, I am restored to
comparative health, and my beloved one is better. The peasants who inhabit
the mountains can only come to the town on First-days; and as they live
dispersed in places almost inaccessible, we concluded to wait over another
First-day to see some of them at Vals. We had them invited to the
schoolroom. A small number only assembled, but it was a feeling time: I
hope a few were instructed, and we were satisfied in having done what we
could.

From Vals John and Martha Yeardley proceeded to Nismes, where they had
some interesting service, both within and beyond the little Society of
their fellow-professors. The account given by J.Y. of the way in which
one of their evenings was spent may be transcribed.

15_th_.--The wife of De Hauteville came to invite us to spend the
evening with a few religious friends, who met at her house for reading the
Bible. We had known the pious young woman years before, and were most easy
to accept the invitation. The little company mostly knelt down, and waited
some time in silence; and then a young man offered a short and sweet
prayer. The fourth chapter of the Hebrews was then read, and nearly all
present offered a sentiment on the subject, in meekness and in love,
though they did not agree in their interpretation. They spoke one after
the other, until all seemed tired; looking earnestly at me, as wondering
what I would say, not having spoken on the question. At length one of the
company asked my opinion. I felt freedom at once to say I found no
difficulty in the matter; I could well understand the text, but I could
not understand their interpretation of it. This remark surprised them, and
raised an air of pleasantness on every countenance. My remarks on the
passage closed the subject, and I think they were accorded with in the
general. Stillness was then had, and myself and dear M.Y. spoke to the
company. There was a precious feeling, and we were glad in not having