“But Mr. Clavering did object on both grounds.”

“I was not aware that he had done so; but if so, no such objection is now made by him—­or by me.  My idea is that a child should be allowed to consult her own heart, and to indulge her own choice, provided that in doing so she does not prepare for herself a life of indigence, which must be a life of misery; and of course providing also that there be no strong personal objection.”

“A life of indigence need not be a life of misery,” said Mr. Saul, with that obstinacy which formed so great a part of his character.

“Well, well.”

“I am very indigent, but I am not at all miserable.  If we are to be made miserable by that, what is the use of all our teaching?”

“But, at any rate a competence is comfortable.”

“Too comfortable!” As Mr. Saul made this exclamation, Mrs. Clavering could not but wonder at her daughter’s taste.  But the matter had gone too far now for any possibility of receding.

“You will not refuse it, I hope, as it will be accompanied by what you say you still desire.”

“No, I will not refuse it.  And may God give her and me grace so to use the riches of this world that they become not a stumbling-block to us, and a rock of offence.  It is possible that the camel should be made to go through the needle’s eye.  It is possible.”

“The position, you know, is not one of great wealth.”

“It is to me, who have barely hitherto had the means of support.  Will you tell your husband from me that I will accept, and endeavor not to betray the double trust he proposes to confer on me?  It is much that he should give to me his daughter.  She shall be to me bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh.  If God will give me his grace thereto, I will watch over her, so that no harm shall come nigh her.  I love her as the apple of my eye; and I am thankful—­very thankful that the rich gift should be made to me.”

“I am sure that you love her, Mr. Saul.”

“But,” continued he, not marking her interruption, “that other trust is one still greater, and requiring a more tender care and even a closer sympathy.  I shall feel that the souls of these people will be, as it were, in my hand, and that I shall be called upon to give an account of their welfare.  I will strive—­I will strive.  And she, also, will be with me to help me.”

When Mrs. Clavering described this scene to her husband, he shook his head, and there came over his face a smile, in which there was much of melancholy, as he said, “Ah I yes, that is all very well now.  He will settle down as other men do, I suppose, when he has four or five children around him.”  Such were the ideas which the experience of the outgoing and elder clergyman taught him to entertain as to the ecstatic piety of his younger brother.

It was Mrs. Clavering who suggested to Mr. Saul that perhaps he would like to see Fanny.  This she did when her story had been told, and he was preparing to leave her.  “Certainly, if she will come to me.”