lined to be devout, for I was happy, and grateful to
Heaven for my happiness. When the service was over, we were about to
enter the carriage, when who should accost us but Harcourt.

"You are surprised to see me here," said he to Mr Masterton; "but I
thought there must be something very attractive, that you should make an
appointment with Japhet to go to this church, and as I am very fond of a
good sermon, I determined to come and hear it."

Harcourt's ironical look told me all he would say.

"Well," replied Mr Masterton, "I hope you have been edified--now get
out of the way, and let us go into the carriage."

"To-morrow at two, De Benyon," said Harcourt, taking another peep at
Susannah.

"Yes, punctually," replied I, as the carriage drove off.

"And now, my dear child," said Mr Masterton to Susannah, as the
carriage rolled along, "tell me, have you been disappointed, or do you
agree with me? You have attended a meeting of your own persuasion this
morning--you have now, for the first time, listened to the ritual of the
Established Church. To which do you give the preference?"

"I will not deny, sir, that I think, in departing from the forms of
worship, those of my persuasion did not do wisely. I would not venture
thus much to say, but you support me in my judgment."

"You have answered like a good, sensible girl, and have proved that you
can think for yourself; but observe, my child, I have persuaded you for
once, and once only, to enter our place of worship, that you might
compare and judge for yourself: it now remains for you to decide as you
please."

"I would that some better qualified would decide for me," replied
Susannah, gravely.

"Your husband, Susannah," whispered I, "must take that responsibility
upon himself. Is he not the proper person?"

Susannah slightly pressed my hand, which held hers, and said nothing.
As soon as we had conveyed her home, Mr Masterton offered to do me the
same kindness which I accepted.

"Now, Japhet, I dare say that you would like to know what it was I had
so particular to say to the old general this morning."

"Of course I would, sir, if it concerned me."

"It did concern you, for we had not been two minutes in conversation,
before you were brought on the tapis. He spoke of you with tears in his
eyes--of what a comfort you had been to him, and how happy you had made
him; and that he could not bear you to be away from him for half an
hour. On that hint I spake,