Maxfield turned to Mr. Powell, with a little constrained, apologetic air, and began expatiating on Mrs. Errington's fondness for Rhoda; and how kind she had always been to the girl; and how he thought it a duty almost, to let the good, widowed lady have as much of Rhoda's company as she could give her without neglecting duties. "Betty Grimshaw is a worthy woman," he observed, drily; "but no companion for my Rhoda. Rhoda features her mother, and has her mother's nature very much." Mr. Powell still stood in the same meditative attitude, with his hand to his chin. "This Mrs. Errington is unconverted?" he said, without raising his eyes. "Oh, Rhoda won't take much harm from that!" "Much harm?" The dark lustrous eyes were upraised now, and fixed searchingly on the old man. "Well, it won't do her any harm," the latter answered, testily. "I know Rhoda; and I have her welfare at heart, as, I suppose, you'll believe. I don't know who should have, if it isn't me!" "Brother Maxfield," said the preacher, earnestly, "are you sure that you have a clear leading in this matter? Have you prayed for one?" Maxfield shifted in his chair, and made no answer. "Oh, consider what you do in trusting that tender soul among worldlings! I do not say that these are wicked people in a carnal sense; but are they such as can edify or strengthen a young girl like Rhoda, who is still in a seeking state, and has not yet that blessed assurance which we all supplicate for her?" "I have laid the matter before the Lord," said Maxfield, almost sullenly. Powell was silent for a minute, standing with his hands forcibly clasped together, as though to control them from vehement action, and when next he spoke, his voice had a tone in it which told of a strong effort of will to keep it in subdued monotony. "Then, have you thought of it?" said he; "there is the young man Algernon." "What of Algernon?" cried Maxfield, turning sharply to face the preacher. "He is fair to look upon, and specious, and has those graces and talents which the world accounts lovely. May there not be a snare here for Rhoda? She who is so alive to all beauty and graciousness in God's world, and in God's creatures--may it not be very perilous for her to be thrown unguardedly into the society of this youth?" Maxfield looked into the fire instead of at Powell, as he said, "What has been putting this into your head?" "I have had a call to say it to you, for some time past. Before I went away this summer it was on my mind. I sinned in resisting the call, for--for reasons which matter to no one but myself. I sinned in putting any human reasons above my Master's service." "It may be as you would have done better to resist speaking now," said Maxfield, slowly. "It may be as it was rather a temptation, than a leading from Heaven, made you speak at all."