mation, Mrs. Clavering
could not but wonder at her daughter's taste. But the matter had gone
too far now for any possibility of receding.

"You will not refuse it, I hope, as it will be accompanied by what you
say you still desire."

"No, I will not refuse it. And may God give her and me grace so to use
the riches of this world that they become not a stumbling-block to us,
and a rock of offence. It is possible that the camel should be made to
go through the needle's eye. It is possible."

"The position, you know, is not one of great wealth."

"It is to me, who have barely hitherto had the means of support. Will
you tell your husband from me that I will accept, and endeavor not to
betray the double trust he proposes to confer on me? It is much that he
should give to me his daughter. She shall be to me bone of my bone, and
flesh of my flesh. If God will give me his grace thereto, I will watch
over her, so that no harm shall come nigh her. I love her as the apple
of my eye; and I am thankful--very thankful that the rich gift should be
made to me."

"I am sure that you love her, Mr. Saul."

"But," continued he, not marking her interruption, "that other trust is
one still greater, and requiring a more tender care and even a closer
sympathy. I shall feel that the souls of these people will be, as it
were, in my hand, and that I shall be called upon to give an account of
their welfare. I will strive--I will strive. And she, also, will be with
me to help me."

When Mrs. Clavering described this scene to her husband, he shook his
head, and there came over his face a smile, in which there was much of
melancholy, as he said, "Ah I yes, that is all very well now. He will
settle down as other men do, I suppose, when he has four or five
children around him." Such were the ideas which the experience of the
outgoing and elder clergyman taught him to entertain as to the ecstatic
piety of his younger brother.

It was Mrs. Clavering who suggested to Mr. Saul that perhaps he would
like to see Fanny. This she did when her story had been told, and he was
preparing to leave her. "Certainly, if she will come to me."

"I will make no promise," said Mrs. Clavering, "but I will see." Then
she went up stairs to the room where the girls were sitting, and the
sacrificial lamb was sent down into the drawing-room. "I suppose, if you
say so, mamma--"

"I think, my dear, that you had better see him. You will meet then more
comfortably after