her's little study or dwelling room. It was free for her use at
this time of day; the colonel took a late breakfast, and was never up
long before it. This had grown to be his invalid habit; in the early
days of his life and of military service, no doubt it had been
different. The room was empty and still at this hour; even Mrs. Barker
was not yet astir, and a delightful sense of privacy and security
encompassed the temporary occupant. The weather was still warm; no fire
would be needed till it was time for the colonel's toast. Moving like a
mouse, or better, like a gentle domestic spirit, Esther lit a lamp,
opened a window to let the morning air in, and sat down to her book.

Do you think it was philosophy, or science, or languages, or school
work? Nay, it was something which with Esther went before all these,
and if need were would have excluded all of them. She had time for them
too, as things were, but this must come first. She must 'draw water
from the wells of salvation,' before she felt freshened up for the
rather weary encounters and dry routine of school life; she must feel
the Rock under her feet, and breathe the air of heaven a bit before she
ventured forth into the low-lying grounds and heavy vapours of earthly
business and intercourse; and she must have her armour well on, and
bright, before she dared to meet the possible dangers and temptations
which might come to her in the course of the day. It is true, this day
was a free day, but that made no difference. Being at home had its
trials and difficulties as well as being abroad.

But drawing from those wells, and breathing that air, Esther thought
nothing of trials or difficulties; and, in matter of fact, for her they
hardly seemed to exist, or were perceived, as it were, dimly, and their
contact scarce felt. I suppose it is true in all warfares, that a
well-armed and alert soldier is let alone by the foes that would have
swallowed him up if he had been defenceless or not giving heed. And if
you could have seen Esther's face during that hour, you would
understand that all possible enemies were, at least for the time, as
hushed as the lions in Daniel's den; so glad, so grave, so pure and
steadfast, so enjoying, was the expression which lay upon it. Reading
and praying--praying and reading--an hour good went by. Then Esther
rose up, ready for the work of the day.

She threw open all the windows and put out her lamp. Then she gave both
the rooms a careful cle