"Well, well. You are but young. But, my child, you are now going among strangers, into the midst of trials, vexations, and temptations of which you know nothing. Let me beg of you to pray your Heavenly Father to give you that perfect trust in Him, and that consecration to His service, which alone can preserve you in the perils of the way. Remember that you are Christ's vowed servant and soldier, as well as your brother; and must fight manfully under his banner. 'Tis the Christian paradox that peace is found only in warfare!" he added, smiling. "I cannot make Peggy understand that," said Richard. And I saw by his using my pet name, how much he felt at ease with the strange clergyman, for he seldom called me anything but Margaret before strangers. "Her only notion of peace consists in having nothing to disturb her." "Aye, but that is peace never to be found in this world. I am glad your sister is going into Devonshire. I am sometimes at Stanton Court myself, and may be able to befriend her. My dear child," said he, turning to me, "will you make me one promise?" "Yes sir," I replied, feeling that I might safely do so. "Then promise me solemnly that you will never let a day pass without reading some portion of Holy Scripture, be it never so short, and praying for God's blessing on yourself and all that you do. Bring all to this test, and permit yourself no employment that will not endure it. Will you promise me this?" I did so. "That is well!" said he. "I will send you a little book which will perhaps help you to understand better what you read. Remember now that you have promised." "And she will keep her word, I am sure," said Richard. "But may we venture to ask who it is that hath been so kind?" The stranger smiled. "My name is Joseph Hall, and I live in Exeter," said he, simply, yet with the air of being mightily diverted at something. I saw Dick rise up hastily with a deep blush, and while I was trying to think what could be the matter, the door opened. "I crave your pardon, my Lord, for leaving you so long alone," said Mr. Carey, and then he stopped, as if he were amazed at seeing us in such company. For myself, I felt as if all the blood in my body rushed to my face, when it flashed across me that the stranger was no other than Bishop Hall of Exeter, one of the most learned men in England. I might have guessed before, for I had heard that Mr. Carey the new rector was nephew to the Bishop of Exeter. "I have not been alone, as you see, nephew," said the Bishop. "I encountered those young people in the church, and having played the eavesdropper to a part of their discourse, I could do no less than ask them in here to finish it. Go now, my children! I shall perhaps see you again; and you, Margaret, since that is your name, remember what you have promised."