Dalaber was not unconscious of the besetting faults and failings of his temperament—­an impulsive self confidence, followed by moments of revolt and lassitude and discouragement.  He knew that a quiet stability was the quality he lacked, and that the fire of enthusiasm and the revolt against abuses which blazed hot within him was not the holiest frame of mind in which to meet a crisis such as had lately threatened him.  He knew that he might have been tempted to speak dangerous words, to rail against those in authority, and to bring deeper trouble upon himself in consequence.

The influence of the fiery Garret upon him was always of this character.  Now that he had gone, Dalaber was able to review the situation much more calmly and quietly, and to see that the Lord and His apostles were not advocates of violence and disruption, that they inculcated reverence to governors, spiritual and temporal, as well as patience, long suffering, meekness, gentleness, and forbearance.  The sword of the Spirit was not a carnal weapon.  Its work was of a higher and holier nature.  It might have to be drawn forth in battle; but it must be wielded in obedience, and not in irresponsible rebellion.  Faithful steadfastness was asked of all God’s children; but not all were called on to go forth as champions of even a righteous cause.  Their duty might be to stand and wait for what the Lord would bid them do.

Dalaber had a strong conviction that alone, and acting upon his own impulses only, he would do harm rather than good.  He was not the stuff of which leaders are made.  He knelt down suddenly, and prayed for grace and guidance; and scarcely had he risen from his knees before a step upon the stairs and a knock at the door warned him of the approach of a visitor.

The next minute Arthur Cole stood before him.  He was followed by a servant, who laid down a bulky parcel and departed.

“Ah, friend Dalaber,” spoke Cole, with a kindly grip of the hand, “it was told me you were moving into fresh quarters here, and methought a few plenishings might not come amiss to your lodgings.  You are something of an anchorite in your method of living, Anthony; but this chamber deserves a little adornment, if you are not averse to such.”

So speaking, Arthur unfastened the package, and there was a soft skin rug to lay before the hearth, where a small fire of wood and fir cones was burning; a gaily striped quilt for the truckle bed covered it up and gave it an air of elegance; and a few books—­in those days a costly and valued possession—­completed the kindly bequest.

“They tell me you are to prosecute your studies in the law,” he said, as he ranged the volumes beside Dalaber’s own sparse collection on the shelf; “and since I have trodden the path before you, you are welcome to these volumes, which I seldom refer to now, and can always borrow from you if need should arise.”

“You are a true friend, Arthur,” answered Dalaber, much gratified and delighted.  “I thank you heartily.  You are a friend to all, and we owe you much.  It is the more kindly and welcome because you are not one of us in other matters, and might very well have withdrawn from all companionship with those upon whom the wrath of the cardinal is like soon to fall.”