, he presented his own five
pound note to Jane to add to the little fund.

Jane was most unwilling to receive the fruits of his labour and
self-denial; but she knew that he spoke the truth when he said that no
other use to which he could apply it would give him half so much
pleasure. It gave him pleasure, he said, to think that they had a
little sum of their own to go to, instead of having to apply to their
friends in case of sickness, family mourning, or any other incidental
expense likely to occur in a family consisting of several members, and
widely, though distantly, connected with many more. "It is not being
over-prudent, Jane; it is not being worldly-minded, I hope, to think in
this way, is it?"

"I think not," replied Jane. "I am often afraid of becoming so, I
assure you, and I try to keep this fear in mind from day to day. At
present, however, we have been led on so easily, our path has been so
smoothed for us, that it seems hardly possible that we should be
unmindful _who_ it is that has disposed all things for us. _Now_ I am
reminded, day by day, how grateful I ought to be: if I become worldly,
it will more probably be when I have greater labours and anxieties to
undergo. If we can meet in this way, dear Charles, from time to time,
it will be as strong a safeguard against worldliness as we can have."

In the course of the morning Charles called on his Quaker travelling
companion, and gave him an account of the night which he had passed with
poor Monteath, and of the circumstances under which he had left his
charge. The excellent man was much interested, and said he wished that
he could himself have remained, and saved Charles the pain of these
anxious hours.

"My wife," said he, "was saved much fear by my speedy arrival, I hope
thy friends had no fear for thee?"

"My sisters," replied Charles, "were not aware of my journey, as it
fortunately happened."

"And thy father and mother: hadst thou not a father and mother to await
thy arrival?"

Charles shortly explained his family circumstances.

"Thy sister must have a strong mind, like thine, to conduct a household,
and to employ herself in another responsible situation also; considering
that she is yet young. Thou wilt come again?" said he, seeing that
Charles was preparing to depart, "thou wilt come again? Uncommon
circumstances have made us acquainted, and I should be unwilling to
discontinue our acquaintance, as it may be pleasant to both of