hould Mrs Everett know that you are here, Charles?" said
Isabella. "News must fly faster than I thought it did, if any body has
told her that you are come."

"I will explain it all in the morning," said Charles, "it is too long a
story to tell now."

"I wish," said Harriet, "_we_ had a holiday till Monday. If the news
has got to Mrs Everett's, it might as well spread a little further:
just as far as Mrs --'s ears."

"I should like a holiday very well," said Isabella, "but Charles and
Jane had rather be alone, I suppose; and I had rather they should, for
part of the time."

Charles thanked her by a kiss, for her consideration.

It was with a deep feeling of gratitude and delight that he this evening
joined in family worship for the first time for two years. Jane read
the Psalm and chapter with a somewhat tremulous voice this evening, and
sweet and touching was that voice to her brother's ear, and he deeply
felt the words of thanksgiving which were uttered by it. "_Bless the
Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless
the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all
thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life
from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender
mercies_."

What words could be so apt as these to express thankfulness for the
preservation of life, and for the subsequent bestowment of the sweetest
blessings which endear it to the pure and uncorrupted heart? Sweet was
it also to join with his best friends in a prayer for the continuance of
these mercies, and for the blessing of their Giver upon their enjoyment.
The weight of sadness which had still pressed upon Charles's mind, and
which nothing else had availed to lighten, was now removed by the
exercise of prayer, and with a light as well as thankful heart he
retired to rest. He awoke from refreshing sleep when Alfred rose the
next morning; and when they were assembled at breakfast, he told his
promised tale of the extraordinary events of his journey. The name of
Monteath was not unknown to the Forsyths, and Jane had seen this very
youth at the Everetts' more than once, and knew that he was a great
favourite in their family. Charles expressed his intention of calling
on his Quaker friend, if he could find him, and also at Mr Monteath's
house, to learn if any further account of his friend had arrived. Mr
Barker also was to be seen, and plans were to be