The last few words of this memorandum may seem at first sight to refer to his temporary seclusion from the world in his little hermitage at Calais; but there is little doubt that they have a wider significance, and contain also an allusion to his anticipated union with Martha Savory.  The prospect of this union seems to have sprung up during the journey, and to have become matured before they separated at Calais; and the effect of it was, amongst other things, to set him free from the necessity of pursuing business any longer as a means of livelihood, and to ensure to him a provision sufficient for his moderate wants.

On the 12th of the Fifth Month, John Yeardley left Calais for London.  At the inn in Calais, a little incident occurred, the relation of which may be useful to others.

A serious Frenchman, who was going on board the same packet, was struck with my not paying for the music after dinner, and was much inclined to know my reason, believing my refusal was from a religious motive.  At a suitable opportunity he asked me, and confessed he had felt a scruple of the same kind, and regretted he had not been faithful.  This slight incident was the means of making me acquainted with an honest and religious man, as I afterwards found him to be.

How important it is to be faithful in very little things, not knowing what effect they may have on others!

CHAPTER VII.

HIS MARRIAGE WITH MARTHA SAVORY.

1826-27.

During his stay in London, John Yeardley attended the Yearly Meeting, and the Annual Meetings of the School, Anti-slavery, and other Societies, with which he was much gratified.  Soon after the termination of the Yearly Meeting, he went into Yorkshire to see his mother.

6 mo. 13.—­I left London in the mail for Sheffield, and on the 14th slept at my dear brother Thomas’s at Ecclesfield, who took me on the 15th, to Barnsley.  I was truly thankful to be favored to see my precious mother once more.  On the 19th, I attended the Monthly Meeting at Highflatts.  It is not easy to describe the various thoughts which rushed into my mind on seeing so many Friends whom I had known and loved in former days.  The meeting was a much-favored time, although we felt the want of some of the fathers and mothers who are removed.

In the next entry there is an allusion to the disastrous commercial panic by which this year was distinguished.

7 mo. 24.—­Have been very low and deserted in mind for a long time past.  It is a time for the trial of my patience, and yet I have many favors for which I ought to be truly thankful.  It is a precious privilege to be relieved from the commercial difficulties which at present abound in the trading world.  May it be my lot ever to keep so, if consistent with the divine will.