His congregation could not mistake his meaning; they could not fail to profit by it, if reason was not proof against the soundest argument.  As quietly as, and, if it be possible, more seriously than, they entered the church, did the small band of worshippers, at the close of the service, retire from it.  Could it be my fancy, or did the wife in truth cling closer to her husband—­the father clasp his little boy more firmly in his hand?  Did neighbour nod to neighbour more eagerly as they parted at the churchyard gate—­did every look and movement of the many groups bespeak a spirit touched, a mind reproved?  I may not say so, for my own heart was melted by the scene, and might mislead my judgment.  There was a second service in the afternoon.  This concluded, we walked to the sea-beach.  In the evening Mr Fairman related a connected history from the Old Testament, whilst the pupils tracked his progress on their maps, and the narrative became a living thing in their remembrances.  Serious conversation then succeeded; to this a simple prayer, and the day closed, sweetly and calmly, as a day might close in Paradise.

The events of the following month partook of the character of those already glanced at.  The minister was unremitting in his attendance upon his parishioners, and no day passed during which something had not been accomplished for their spiritual improvement or worldly comfort.  His loving daughter was a handmaid at his side, ministering with him, and shedding sunshine where she came.  The villagers were frugal and industrious; and seemed, for the most part, sensible of their incumbent’s untiring efforts.  Improvement appeared even in the cottage of the desperate Warden.  Mr Fairman obtained employment for him.  For a fortnight he had attended to it, and no complaint had reached the parsonage of misbehaviour.  His wife had learned to bear her imagined wrongs in silence, and could even submit to a visit from her best friend without insulting him for the condescension.  My own days passed smoothly on.  My occupation grew every day more pleasing, and the results of my endeavours as gratifying as I could wish them.  My pupils were attached to me, and I beheld them improving gradually and securely under their instruction.  Mr Fairman, who, for a week together, had witnessed the course of my tuition, and watched it narrowly, was pleased to express his approbation in the warmest terms.  Much of the coldness with which I thought he had at first encountered me disappeared, and his manner grew daily more friendly and confiding.  His treatment was most generous.  He received me into the bosom of his family as a son, and strove to render his fair habitation my genuine and natural home.