there, that it involved the possibility of such undesirable
acquaintanceships. Alick was much interested in the little wanderer;
and even after the rest had set off towards the farmhouse, which they
were to visit before returning, he remained beside her, drawing from
her, bit by bit, her touching history, until she began to remember how
late it was, and started homeward, much astonished and cheered by the
kindness and sympathy she had met with.

Alick found the rest of the party exploring the farmyard, admiring the
cows, particularly Mrs. Ford's sleek, glossy black favourite; while
Harry was, to his intense delight, cantering up and down the road to
the gate, on the stout little pony which the farmer usually rode to
market.

As there was a full moon, there was no hurry about returning; and on
the arrival of Mr. Raymond, who had walked over to meet them, Mrs.
Ford insisted on their coming in for a while. And before they took
their leave she brought out her large family Bible for evening
worship, with the request that Mr. Raymond would read and pray before
his departure; "for," she said, "I know we don't mind these things
half enough, and we'd be all the better of a word or two from you."

Mr. Raymond read the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, making a few brief
but impressive comments on the insufficiency for true happiness of the
enjoyments which this life can furnish, fair and good gifts of God
though such enjoyments may be. "The time would come, even in this
life," he said, "when the joys of this world would be found wanting.
And after this life, what would be their condition who had made this
world their portion, and had 'not remembered their Creator in the days
of their youth?'" Doubt-less the thought of his own youthful circle,