In conclusion, I have to make two acknowledgments. The first to an unknown coadjutor, a hand that is doubtless mouldering into dust. Some years ago, a yellow, time-worn manuscript, purporting to be a veritable family history, fell into my hands. I am indebted to it for the main outline of my story. The second is to MISS FREEBORNE,--the only sculptor of our day, so far as I know, who has consecrated her genius to Christian Art. From her studio I have quietly abstracted the sculpture which lends its white grace to these pages. I should also have seized upon the slender figure of her St. Agnes, and the bowed head of her Martyr, had they been available to my purpose. NEW YORK, July, 1874. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION PART FIRST. A WAY THAT SEEMETH RIGHT. I.--Proverbs and the Interpretation II.--Studying to Answer III.--Pattern of Old Fidelity IV.--A Goodly Heritage V.--Waste Places VI.--The Day of Temptation VII.--A Bitter Draught VIII.--As a Dream when one Awaketh IX.--The Blot Cleaves PART SECOND. THE FRUIT OF THE WAY. I.--Through a Mist II.--Strengthened out of Zion III.--Seeing, but Understanding Not IV.--Patient Waiting V.--Under the Oaks VI.--Of Clay VII.--Hidden Riches VIII.--The Wind Changes IX.--The First Links of a Chain X.--Feeling His Way XI.--Sleepless Nights Appointed XII.--A Consultation XIII.--Dinner-Table Talk PART THIRD. THE IN-GATHERING. I.--Unfoldings II.--The Foundations Fail III.--Building Anew IV.--A Sermon V.--Partings VI.--With a Double Heart VII.--Overburdened VIII.--A Business Letter IX.--Smoother Than Butter X.--A Wicked Device XI.--A Clue XII.--Too Late XIII.--Escaped XIV.--The Way Stopped PART FOURTH. A NEW FIELD. I.--Alive in Famine II.--New Acquaintances III.--Farview IV.--A Word in Due Season V.--Intercepted VI.--An Aimless Stroll VII.--Ordered Steps VIII.--Though He Slay IX.--Mistakes X.--Like a Thief in the Night XI.--After Many Days PART FIFTH. A BETTER HARVEST. I.--A Cloud for a Covering II.--Swift Feet III.--Fatality or Temptation IV.--Blind V.--More Mystery VI.--A Clue VII.--The Set Time VIII.--Gift and Giver IX.--Faithful unto Death HOLDEN WITH THE CORDS. INTRODUCTION.