I followed Mr Masterton into his carriage, and we drove to the lodging of Mr Cophagus.  Susannah was all ready, and Mr Masterton went up stairs and brought her down.  A blush and a sweet smile illumined her features when she perceived me stowed away in the corner of the chariot.  We drove off, and somehow or another our hands again met and did not separate until we arrived at the church door.  Susannah had the same dress on as when she had accompanied me in my father’s carriage.  I went through the responses with her, reading out of the same book, and I never felt more inclined to be devout, for I was happy, and grateful to Heaven for my happiness.  When the service was over, we were about to enter the carriage, when who should accost us but Harcourt.

“You are surprised to see me here,” said he to Mr Masterton, “but I thought there must be something very attractive, that you should make an appointment with Japhet to go to this church, and as I am very fond of a good sermon, I determined to come and hear it.”

Harcourt’s ironical look told me all he would say.

“Well,” replied Mr Masterton, “I hope you have been edified—­now get out of the way, and let us go into the carriage.”

“To-morrow at two, De Benyon,” said Harcourt, taking another peep at Susannah.

“Yes, punctually,” replied I, as the carriage drove off.

“And now, my dear child,” said Mr Masterton to Susannah, as the carriage rolled along, “Tell me, have you been disappointed, or do you agree with me?  You have attended a meeting of your own persuasion this morning—­you have now, for the first time, listened to the ritual of the Established Church.  To which do you give the preference?”

“I will not deny, sir, that I think, in departing from the forms of worship, those of my persuasion did not do wisely.  I would not venture thus much to say, but you support me in my judgment.”

“You have answered like a good, sensible girl, and have proved that you can think for yourself; but observe, my child, I have persuaded you for once, and once only, to enter our place of worship, that you might compare and judge for yourself; it now remains for you to decide as you please.”  “I would that some better qualified would decide for me,” replied Susannah, gravely.

“Your husband, Susannah,” whispered I, “must take that responsibility upon himself.  Is he not the proper person?”

Susannah slightly pressed my hand, which held hers, and said nothing.  As soon as we had conveyed her home, Mr Masterton offered to do me the same kindness, which I accepted.

“Now, Japhet, I dare say that you would like to know what it was I had so particular to say to the old general this morning.”

“Of course I would, sir, if it concerned me.”