him;
knowing that he feels the same in them. Knowing, too, that although,
being their superior in many things, he is their master and they his
servants, he never forgets that saying, which I read out of the Bible,
children, this morning: 'ONE IS YOUR MASTER--EVEN CHRIST, AND ALL YE
ARE BRETHREN.' Do you understand?"

I think they did, for he was accustomed to talk with them thus--even
beyond their years. Not in the way of preachifying--for these little
ones had in their childish days scarcely any so-called "religious
instruction," save the daily chapter out of the New Testament, and the
father and mother's daily life, which was a simple and literal carrying
out of the same. To that one test was brought all that was thought, or
said, or done, in our household, where it often seemed as if the Master
were as visibly obeyed and followed as in the household which He loved
at Bethany.

As to what doctrinal creed we held, or what sect we belonged to, I can
give but the plain answer which John gave to all such inquiries--that
we were CHRISTIANS.

After these words from the Holy Book (which the children always
listened to with great reverence, as to the Book which their parents
most loved and honoured, the reading and learning of which was granted
as a high reward and favour, and never carelessly allowed, or--horrible
to think!--inflicted as a punishment), we ceased smiling at Guy, who in
his turn ceased to frown. The little storm blew over, as our domestic
storms usually did, leaving a clear, free heaven. Loving one another,
of course we quarrelled sometimes; but we always made it up again,
because we loved one another.

"Father, I hear the click of the gate. There's somebody coming," said
Muriel.

The father paused in a great romp with his sons--paused, as he ever did
when his little daughter's soft voice was heard. "'Tis only a poor
boy--who can he be?"

"One of the folk that come for milk most likely--but we have none to
give away to-day. What do you want, my lad?"

The lad, who looked miserable and scared, opened his mouth with a
stupid "Eh?"

Ursula repeated the question.

"I wants Jacob Baines."

"You'll find him with the rest, in front of that hay-rick, over his
pipe and ale."

The lad was off like a shot.

"He is from Kingswell, I think. Can anything be the matter, John?"

"I will go and see. No, boys, no more games--I will be back presently."

He went, apparently rather anxious--as was e