constraint in the Minister's manner. It was well for both of us
when we changed the subject. He reminded me of the discouraging
view which the Doctor had taken of the prospect before him.

"I will not attempt to decide whether your friend is right or
wrong," he said. "Trusting, as I do, in the mercy of God, I look
hopefully to a future time when all that is brightest and best
in the nature of my adopted child will be developed under my
fostering care. If evil tendencies show themselves, my reliance
will be confidently placed on pious example, on religious
instruction, and, above all, on intercession by prayer. Repeat
to your friend," he concluded, "what you have just heard me say.
Let him ask himself if he could confront the uncertain future
with my cheerful submission and my steadfast hope."

He intrusted me with that message, and gave me his hand. So we
parted.

I agreed with him, I admired him; but my faith seemed to want
sustaining power, as compared with his faith. On his own showing
(as it appeared to me), there would be two forces in a state of
conflict in the child's nature as she grew up--inherited evil
against inculcated good. Try as I might, I failed to feel
the Minister's comforting conviction as to which of the two
would win.


CHAPTER IX.

THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES A VISIT.