neighbours, dined there. Elizabeth had a cordial regard for the old pastor, but he did not combine the wisdom of the serpent with the innocency of the dove; he was not a man to whom to appeal for advice in any emergency which demanded worldly perspicacity and knowledge of character. Still, when he said to her, "Is it true that we are soon to lose you? Am I premature in offering you my congratulations?" she replied gravely, "Yes, Mr. Newton; you are premature. Ought a woman to marry a man who asks her, if she likes him, without—without any other considerations?"
"If there is nothing against him, my dear Miss Shaw, what other consideration should weigh? Love is such a purifier, such a strength against trouble and temptation! A good woman may prove such a safeguard to her husband! The man who wishes to win you, I am told, is distinguished for his strength and bravery. He may become a soldier of Christ by-and-by, under good influence."
"I am afraid I am not good enough."
"Ah! my dear, pray for guidance, and love will do the rest. Love is so potent. If this strong man loves you, do not be afraid."
The rector's premises being built on sand, the structure he erected was dangerous, and liable to crush whomsoever trusted to it. Nor can it be said that Elizabeth did so wholly. Yet his words weighed with her. Looking back afterwards to the indecision of that night, she felt that she had been influenced, more than she had known at the time, by the faith of the guileless old man. He was the very embodiment of charity, that "thinketh no evil."
