ge was observable in him, a change for which we can find no
better name than _conversion_. It is an old-fashioned word, all but
tabooed in modern polite society, but where will be found another which
so well expresses the complete transformation in the life and character
of a man who awakes from the sleep of selfish worldliness, to the
better and higher principles of spiritual life? To every human being
this awakening comes sooner or later. To some, gradually and naturally
as the dawning of morning, and the bright effulgence of its rays is not
recognised until the darkness and clouds have already rolled away, and,
lo, it is day. Upon others it bursts with the suddenness of a
thunderstorm, and the soul cowers under the threatening peals, and is
riven by the lightning flashes of conscience before it reaches the
haven of calm and peace. To some, alas, the awakening comes not at
all, until through the open door of death the soul escapes from the
veil of flesh which has hidden from it the true life.

"Is there a 'Sciet' next Sunday?" asked Ebben Owens, as they all sat at
tea together one evening.

"No--not till the Sunday after," said Gwilym, reddening.

Ann's hand shook as she poured out the tea.

"Father bach!" she said tenderly, looking at him with eyes in which the
tears welled up.

"Oh! don't you vex about me," said the old man. "I must bear my
punishment like everyone else; 'twill not be so hard as I deserve."

"I must not let my feelings influence me in this matter," said Gwilym,
"though you know, father, how it breaks my heart."

And he held his shapely hand across the table and grasped the old man's
warmly.

"Yes, yes, 'tis all right; you must do your duty, only I would like it
to be over soon. Gwae fi! that it could be next Sunday."

"Well, I will give it out at the prayer-meeting tonight if you like,
and have a special meeting next Sunday."

"Yes," said Ebben Owens, "the sooner I am turned out the better. I am
quite prepared. Perhaps they will take me back again some day, though
I was pretty hard upon Gryffy Lewis when he got drunk, and would not
agree to his being taken back again for months, when the other deacons
were quite ready to forgive him. Well, well! I must live a good many
years yet to repent of all my bad ways, and you must have patience with
me, my little children."

"Well, next Sunday it shall be then," answered the preacher; "and may
God turn the bitter to sweet for you, fath