There was a pause of expectancy.  I verily believe the minister tried to feel it; but he could not.  Heart of flesh was too strong.  Heart of stone he had not.

’I will say it to my God, when He gives me strength,—­when the day comes,’ he spoke at last.

The other two looked at each other, and shook their heads.  I think the reluctance to answer as they wished was not quite unexpected.  The minister went on ‘There are vet’ he said, as if to himself.  ’God has given me a great heart for hoping, and I will not look forward beyond the hour.’  Then turning more to them,—­and speaking louder, he added:  ’Brethren, God will strengthen me when the time comes, when such resignation as you speak of is needed.  Till then I cannot feel it; and what I do not feel I will not express; using words as if they were a charm.’  He was getting chafed, I could see.  He had rather put them out by these speeches of his; but after a short time and some more shakes of the head, Robinson began again,—­

’Secondly, we would have you listen to the voice of the rod, and ask yourself for what sins this trial has been laid upon you; whether you may not have been too much given up to your farm and your cattle; whether this world’s learning has not puffed you up to vain conceit and neglect of the things of God; whether you have not made an idol of your daughter?’

‘I cannot answer—­I will not answer’.’ exclaimed the minister.  ’My sins I confess to God.  But if they were scarlet (and they are so in His sight),’ he added, humbly, ’I hold with Christ that afflictions are not sent by God in wrath as penalties for sin.’

‘Is that orthodox, Brother Robinson?’ asked the third minister, in a deferential tone of inquiry.

Despite the minister’s injunction not to leave him, I thought matters were getting so serious that a little homely interruption would be more to the purpose than my continued presence, and I went round to the kitchen to ask for Betty’s help.

’’Od rot ’em!’ said she; ’they’re always a-coming at ill-convenient times; and they have such hearty appetites, they’ll make nothing of what would have served master and you since our poor lass has been ill.  I’ve but a bit of cold beef in th’ house; but I’ll do some ham and eggs, and that ’ll rout ’em from worrying the minister.  They’re a deal quieter after they’ve had their victual.  Last time as old Robinson came, he was very reprehensible upon master’s learning, which he couldn’t compass to save his life, so he needn’t have been afeard of that temptation, and used words long enough to have knocked a body down; but after me and missus had given him his fill of victual, and he’d had some good ale and a pipe, he spoke just like any other man, and could crack a joke with me.’