d a pupil from childhood.
Mine have been chiefly from fifteen to eighteen, whose parents required
their instruction, not education, from me; and till I came here, I never
fully beheld the growth and development of character. I found that
whereas all I could do for Phoebe was to give her method and information,
leaving alone the higher graces elsewhere derived, with Bertha, my
efforts were inadequate to supply any motive for overcoming her natural
defects; and I believe that association with a person of my sceptical
habit has tended to prevent Phoebe's religion from influencing her
sister.'

'This is the reason you tell me?'

'Partly; and likewise because I esteem you very differently from my
former employers, and know that your views for your sisters are not like
those of the persons with whom I have been accustomed to deal.'

'You know that I have no power. It rests entirely with my brother and
Mr. Crabbe.'

'I am perfectly aware of it; but I could not allow myself to be forced on
your sisters by any family arrangement contrary to the wishes of that
member of it who is most qualified to judge for them.'

'Thank you, Miss Fennimore; I will treat you as openly as you have
treated me. I have often felt indignant that my sisters should be
exposed to any risk of having their faith shaken; and this morning I
almost hoped to hear that you did not consent to Mervyn's scheme. But
what you have said convinces me that, whatever you may have been
previously, you are more likely to strengthen and confirm them in all
that is good than half the people they would meet. I know that it would
be a heavy affliction to Phoebe to lose so kind a friend; it might drive
her from the home to which she clings, and separate Bertha, at least,
from her; and under the circumstances, I cannot wish you to leave the
poor girls at present.' He spoke rather confusedly, but there was more
consent in manner than words.

'Thank you,' she replied, fervently. 'I cannot tell you what it would
cost me to part with Phoebe, my living lesson.'

'Only let the lesson be still unconscious.'

'I would not have it otherwise for worlds. The calm reliance that makes
her a ministering spirit is far too lovely to be ruffled by a hint of the
controversies that weary my brain. If it be effect of credulity, the
effects are more beauteous than those of clear eyesight.'

'You will not always think it credulity.'

'There would be great rest in being able to