of a manifestation of God's pleasure to smile on this valley, and that He had chosen one of the good old name "Genung" to be the means, had made his heart swell with pious pride. Now he could only pray; "Heavenly Father, have mercy on my poor boy. Forgive him, for he knew not what he did!"
Mr. De Vere went upstairs to deliver Dr. Herschel's verdict to Reuben. His hand was on the knob of Hernando's door; but, like a spirit, Reuben appeared on the threshold and gently but firmly motioned him back with,—"Yo' can't come in hyah, Massa, Massa John!"
"Reuben!" Mr. De Vere's tone was one of dignity.
"Dr. Herschel assures us that this disease is not contagious, nor as broadly infectious as has been believed."
"Drefful sorry to displease yo', Massa; but odahs am odahs."
Mr. De Vere stepped back abashed, not at the gentle rebuke implied in those words, but before this perfect example of the dignity of ser-
