"I liked that sermon, ma'am," said Tozer; "there was a deal that was practical in that sermon. If ever we should be in the way of hearing candidates again--and shortsighted creatures like us never knows what's a-going to happen--I'd put down that young man's name for an 'earing. There ain't a word to be said again' the minister's sermons in the matter of talent. They're full of mind, ma'am--they're philosophical, that's what they are; and the pews we've let in Salem since he come, proves it, let folks say what they will. But if there is a want, it's in the application. He don't press it home upon their consciences, not as some on us expected; and Mr. Tufton being all in that line, as you may say, makes it show the more. If I was going to make a change again--not as I mean nothing of the kind, nor as the Salem folks has ever took it into their heads-- I'd like to have a little o' both ways, that's what I'd like." "When you get a minister of independent-mind, Mr. Tozer, if he gives you the best he has, he ought to be allowed to choose his own way," said Mrs. Vincent. "My dear husband always said so, and he had great experience. Mr. Vincent's son, I know, will never want friends." "I am sure as long as the minister keeps to his duty, he'll always find friends in Tozer and me," said the deacon's wife, striking in; "and though there may be folks in a finer way, there ain't no such good friends a pastor can have as in his own flock. As for hearing candidates and that, Tozer ought to know as none on us would hear of such a thing. I don't see no reason why Mr. Vincent shouldn't settle down in Carlingford and make himself comfortable. We're all his friends as long as he's at his post." "Oh, ma, I am sure he is at his post," cried Phoebe; "he has gone away because he could not help it. I am quite sure," continued the modest maiden, casting down her eyes, "that he would never have left but for a good reason! Oh, I am confident he is fond of Carlingford now. He would not go away if he had not some duty-- I am certain he would not!" "If Phoebe is better informed than the rest of us, it ain't nobody's business as I can see," said the father, with a short laugh. "I always like the young folks to manage them matters among themselves; but I take my own view, miss, for all that." "Oh, Pa, how can you talk so," cried Phoebe, in virgin confusion, "to make Mrs. Vincent think----"