Perkins and Marvel, here alluded to, had long been on friendly terms with Mr. Grant—­visiting at his shop—­for the purpose of a little friendly chit-chat—­every few days.  But a coldness now took place, and, in a few weeks, they ceased their friendly calls.

In various other ways was Mr. Grant conscious of a reaction upon himself of his improper conduct.  Hundreds of times did he mentally regret the weakness and love of gain which had prompted him to so far lose sight of what was just and honourable as to deceive a customer.  So painful was his sense of mortification, that, for a time, he omitted to attend church on Sunday.  Not only was he satisfied that every one in the congregation knew about the ring, but he could clearly perceive a change in the manner of his most intimate acquaintances who were members of the church.

Grant was not a man entirely sold to selfishness.  He was not a deliberate wrong-doer, hiding his evil purposes and acts under a hypocritical exterior.  He had conscience, and, at times, its voice was loud and distinct.  He was, therefore, troubled about the ring as a fact indicating the state of his affections; as well as troubled about the condemnatory judgment of his brethren.  There were fluctuations of state, of course, as there are with all of us.  Sometimes he was in a state of humiliation on account of the evil he had done, and sometimes in a state of indignation at Harrison for having, been so eager to publish his fault from the house-top.

Gradually, however, the ever-recurring new purposes and interests which come to all in passing through life, threw the past with its influences into the shade, and the returns of states of mortification on account of the ring were less and less frequent.  Mr. Grant resumed his attendance at church, and mingled, as of old, with his brethren; though in a rather more subdued and less confident spirit.  That affair of the ring could not be entirely forgotten.

In due course of time, the minister on the station had to leave, and a new one was appointed by the conference to take his place.  The Rev. Mr. C—­arrived early in the week, and during the period that elapsed between that and the Sabbath, visited a good deal among the brethren.  During that time, an evening was spent at Mr. Harrison’s, but no one brought him around to introduce him to Mr. Grant.  The jeweller felt this, and in his mind, in searching about for reasons, rested, very naturally, upon the affair of the gold ring, and he did not doubt but the occurrence had been fully related to Mr. C—.

Under this feeling, Mr. Grant went to church.  His first sight of the new preacher was when he arose in the pulpit to give out the hymn.  His countenance did not make a very favourable impression, but his voice, when he commenced reading the hymn, had a tone and a modulation that were pleasing.  The subject of the discourse which followed was practical, and had reference to a man’s conduct towards his fellow-man in the common affairs of life.  From general propositions, the minister, after entering upon his sermon, came down to things particular.  He dwelt upon the love of dominion so deeply rooted in the human heart, and showed, in various ways, how it was exercised by individuals in all the grades of common society.