w absolutely necessary
it is to seek for guidance at the throne of grace in all our actions,
even in what we may consider the most minute. When we remember that the
hairs of our head are all numbered, and that God has told us that not a
sparrow falls to the ground but He knows of it, we should remember that
no act is too minute and inconsiderable to seek for counsel from Him
regarding it. I might say that at every word we utter we should ask Him
to direct us, for a single word may have an effect for good or for evil
on those who hear it."

Still Nigel was not satisfied with himself. Few people can be so, when
they review their past actions, unless they have acted as the count
advised, and sought for guidance from above.

For a short time the Protestant settlers were left to act as they
thought fit; but their place of worship continued shut up, and they were
not allowed to enter it. They met, however, at each other's houses to
read the Scriptures and offer up prayer and praise together. But they
thought it wise to do so with closed doors, and they always had some one
on the watch outside to give notice of the approach of any of the
Papists. Indeed, they found it necessary to use the same precautions
which they had been accustomed to employ in France. They were now
subjected to the same persecuting spirit as that from which they had
attempted to escape. Their only hope of being freed from their present
galling condition was by a large influx of Protestant settlers, when the
scales might be again turned in their favour. Would Villegagnon,
however, allow such to land? In all probability he would send them over
to settle on the southern shore.

This state of affairs continued for some weeks, during which Nigel
slowly recovered, much owing to the loving care of Constance, and the
skill of their friend, the surgeon. At length his health was considered
fairly re-established. The count, however, advised him not to return to
his ship until absolutely compelled to do so; indeed, having the
permission of the admiral to quit the service, Villegagnon could not
legally insist on his remaining in it.

"Indeed, my dear friend," said the count, "I feel that my own life is so
uncertain, and should I be taken away, my daughter would be left without
a protector in whom I could place confidence, that I desire forthwith to
commit her to your care. You will, I know, devote yourself to her, and,
as far as a human being has powe