ous germs of salvation,
which were already beginning to grow. Oh, how bitter and depressing were
these thoughts! We felt our hearts breaking, and we had only strength
enough to supplicate the Lord to send, to these poor children of
darkness, missionaries more worthy of bearing to them the light of the
faith.

The evening before our departure, one of the secretaries of the Regent
entered our lodging, and presented to us, in his name, two great ingots
of silver. This attention on the part of the first kalon affected us
deeply, but we considered we ought not to accept this sum. In the
evening, on going to his palace to bid him adieu, we took back to him the
two ingots. We laid them before him on a small table, protesting to him
that this proceeding resulted from no ill-feeling on our part; that, on
the contrary, we should always remember, with gratitude, the good
treatment we had received from the Thibetian government, during the short
stay we had made at Lha-Ssa; that we had no hesitation in expressing our
belief that if it had depended on the Regent, we should throughout have
enjoyed in Thibet, the most tranquil and honourable repose; but that, as
to this money, we could not receive it without compromising our
conscience as missionaries and the honour of our nation. The Regent did
not seem in any degree irritated by this proceeding. He told us that he
understood our conduct, and could appreciate the objection we had
expressed; that he would not insist on our accepting this money, but that
still he should be very glad to make us some present upon separating.
Then pointing to a dictionary in four languages, which he had often
observed us turning over with interest, he asked us if this work would be
agreeable to us. We thought we might receive this present without
compromising in any way the dignity of our character, and we, on our
parts, expressed to the Regent how happy we should be if he would deign
to accept, as a reminiscence of France, the microscope, which had so
excited his curiosity; our offer was kindly received.

At the moment of separation, the Regent rose and addressed to us these
words:--"You are going away, but who can know future events? You are men
of astonishing courage. Since you have been able to get thus far, I know
you have in your hearts a great and holy resolve. I think you will never
forget it; for my part, I shall always bear it in mind. You understand
me: circumstances will not permit