od
of the capital.

"We must make but a short stage to-day," said Maitre Leroux. "In truth,
I am unwilling to travel late in the evening, and prefer stopping at the
house of a friend to taking up our quarters at an inn where we might
meet with undesirable companions."

"But I shall be intruding on your friend," said Nigel.

"Pardon me; you will, on the contrary, be heartily welcomed. I am very
sure of your principles, and they agree with those of our host and his
family, so you need not be under the restraint which would be necessary
were we to sleep at a public inn."

These arguments at once overcame any scruples Nigel might have felt at
going to a stranger's house uninvited.

It yet wanted a couple of hours to sunset when they reached a good-sized
mansion, though not possessing the pretensions of a nobleman's chateau.
The owner, a man advanced in life, of gentlemanly refined manner,
received Maitre Leroux in a friendly way, and on hearing from him who
Nigel was, welcomed him cordially. Nigel was conducted into a saloon,
where he was introduced to his host's wife and daughters and several
other members of the family. Supper was quickly prepared, and Nigel
found himself at once at home.

As soon as the meal was over several other persons came in, some
apparently of the same rank as the host, and others of an inferior
order, but all staid and serious in their demeanour. The doors and
windows were then carefully closed, and Nigel observed that two of the
party went out armed with swords and pistols, apparently to watch the
approach to the house.

A large Bible was now produced, and several of the party drew forth
smaller editions from beneath their garments. The host then offered up
a prayer, and opening the Bible, read a portion, commenting as he
proceeded. A hymn was then sung and more of the Scriptures read, after
which the host delivered an address full of gospel truth, while he
exhorted his hearers to hold fast to the faith, but at the same time
remarked that they would be justified in flying from persecution if no
other means could be found of avoiding it at home. He reminded all
present, however, that their duty was to pray for their persecutors, and
however cruelly treated, not to return evil for evil. Nigel was
reminded of various meetings of the same character he had attended in
Scotland, where, however, every man could speak out boldly, without the
fear of interruption which seemed to pervade