Benjamin was well pleased with this arrangement, having had something too much of over hours and hard work.

“He thinks perchance I have the distemper upon me,” he remarked slyly to Joseph, “but it is not that.  It is but the long hours and the heat and noise of the yard.  I shall be well enough when I get home to mother.”

And this indeed proved to be the case.  The child was overdone, and wanted but a little rest and care and mothering; and right glad were both his parents to have him safe under their own wing.

Upon that hot evening, almost the first in June, James Harmer had the satisfaction of feeling that he had every member of his family under his own roof, and that his household contained now none who were not indeed his very own flesh and blood.  Janet had slept peacefully almost the whole day, and had conversed happily and affectionately through the closed door with her sisters, who were rejoiced to have her there.  She spoke of feeling perfectly well but desired to remain in seclusion until certain that she could injure none beside.  She was not therefore able to be present when her father unfolded his plans to the rest of the family, though she was quickly apprised of the result later on.

“My dear wife and dutiful children,” said the master of the house, as he sat at table and looked about him at the ring of dear faces round him, “I have been thinking much as to what it is right for us to do in face of this peril and scourge which God has sent upon the city; and albeit I am well aware that it is the duty of every man to take reasonable care of himself and his household, yet I also feel very strongly that in the protection of the Lord is our greatest strength and safeguard, and that our best and strongest defence is in throwing ourselves upon His mercy, and asking day by day for His merciful protection for a household which looks to Him as the Lord of life and death.”

Then the good man proceeded to quote from Holy Writ certain passages in which the pestilence is represented as being the scourge of the Lord, and is spoken of as being an angel of the Lord with a drawn sword slaying right and left, yet ever ready to spare where the Lord shall bid.

“I shall then,” continued Harmer, “daily and nightly confide those of this household into the keeping of Almighty God, and pray to Him for His protection and special blessing.  It may be (since His ears are always open to the supplication of His children) that He will send His angel of life to watch over us and keep us from harm; and having this confidence, and using such means as seem wise and reasonable for the protection of all, I shall strive—­and you must all strive with me—­to dismiss selfish terrors and the horror that begets cruelty and callousness, that we may all of us do our duty towards those about us, and show that even the scourge of a righteous and offended God may become a blessing if taken in meekness and humility.”