the
stamp of the Cross? And can anything of which he does not approve be a
reality?"

"I suppose not," said the other reluctantly. "Still, it is difficult
not to be dazzled by what looks like a reflection from the true Light;
and difficult, too, to detect a sham where we are willing to see a
reality."

"Very difficult," replied Colonel Dawson: "and yet the world abounds in
shams, and cant, and hypocrisy. The world commonly lays these things at
the door of religious professors; but the truth all the while is that
the sham, and the cant, and the hypocrisy are really in those who take
or gain credit for a character--unselfishness, for example--which is
only to be found in true Christians, and hold themselves back from that
genuine devotion, and self-sacrifice, and coming out to Christ, without
which their boasted and lauded excellences are nothing better than a
delusion and an empty name."

The young man did not reply, and the subject was dropped for the
remainder of the ride home.

CHAPTER SIX.

DUTY.

Mary Stansfield and Grace Willerly were sitting together, about three
weeks after the above conversation, in an arbour in the garden attached
to Lady Willerly's house. Miss Stansfield had come to spend a day or
two by special invitation, by way of getting a little change, which she
much needed; her aunt having spared her without a murmur, and having
accepted the services of a former domestic in her place.

"How very kind of your aunt to spare you!" said Grace to her friend; "I
hardly expected it, knowing how much she depends upon you."

"Oh yes!" was the reply: "you cannot tell, dear Grace, what a wonderful
change has come over my dear aunt. And it is all owing, under God, to
the loving faithfulness of our kind friend Colonel Dawson. I scarcely
ever get a harsh word or a hard look now; and when I do, my aunt at once
calls me to her, and asks me to forgive her. Oh, is it not wonderful?
I am sure I blush with shame to think how little I deserve it."

"Yes, it is very wonderful, dear Mary. Certainly our new neighbour is a
most earnest and useful man; and he has shown his discernment, too, in
getting hold of yourself to work for him in Bridgepath. But I am afraid
you will find it very up-hill work; you'll want the strength of a horse,
the patience of Job, and the zeal of an apostle in such a place as
that."

"Certainly, I shall want the grace of an apostle," said the other
quietly; "but the work is ve