From Vals John and Martha Yeardley proceeded to Nismes, where they had some interesting service, both within and beyond the little Society of their fellow-professors.  The account given by J.Y. of the way in which one of their evenings was spent may be transcribed.

15_th_.—­The wife of De Hauteville came to invite us to spend the evening with a few religious friends, who met at her house for reading the Bible.  We had known the pious young woman years before, and were most easy to accept the invitation.  The little company mostly knelt down, and waited some time in silence; and then a young man offered a short and sweet prayer.  The fourth chapter of the Hebrews was then read, and nearly all present offered a sentiment on the subject, in meekness and in love, though they did not agree in their interpretation.  They spoke one after the other, until all seemed tired; looking earnestly at me, as wondering what I would say, not having spoken on the question.  At length one of the company asked my opinion.  I felt freedom at once to say I found no difficulty in the matter; I could well understand the text, but I could not understand their interpretation of it.  This remark surprised them, and raised an air of pleasantness on every countenance.  My remarks on the passage closed the subject, and I think they were accorded with in the general.  Stillness was then had, and myself and dear M.Y. spoke to the company.  There was a precious feeling, and we were glad in not having missed uniting with such spirits in passing an hour or two instructively together.

The service which remained for them to do before returning to England consisted chiefly of religions labor amongst the Friends of Congenies and the vicinity, and in printing and distributing a large number of tracts.  They found the Society of Friends in a drooping condition as to spiritual things, and in going round to their little meetings, Martha Yeardley felt it to be her last visit, and she labored to clear her conscience towards those among whom she had long been conversant, and for whose eternal welfare she felt deeply concerned.

They returned to London on the 20th of the Tenth Month.

CHAPTER XVII.

COMPLETION OP THE FIFTH CONTINENTAL JOURNEY.

1849-50.

The disorganized state of Germany presented a serious obstacle to John and
Martha Yeardley’s resuming their labors on the Continent.

FROM JOHN YEARDLEY TO JOHN KITCHING.

Scarborough, 6 mo. 23, 1849.

We spent two days at Malton with our dear friends Ann and Esther Priestman, in their delightful new abode on the bank of the river:  we were comforted in being at meeting with them on First-day.  On Second-day we came to Scarborough, and soon procured two rooms near our own former residence.  The sea air and exercise are beneficial to the health of my M.Y. and myself.  Scarborough is certainly a most delightful place.  The changes in the little society here are great:  we miss many whom we knew and loved when we were resident here.  It feels pleasant, though mournful, once more to mingle our sympathies with the few Friends who are left.