Shortly after prayers Rachel retired for the night. The parson and his old friend talked for an hour or more in the study, but always as men whose thoughts were unlike; Maverick filled and exuberant with the prospects of this life; and the parson, by a settled purpose, which seemed like instinct, making all his observations bear upon futurity. "The poor man has grown very narrow," thought Maverick. And yet Johns entered with friendly interest into the schemes of his companion. "So you count upon spending your life there?" says the parson. "It is quite probable," says Maverick. "I am doing exceedingly well; the climate, bating some harsh winds in winter, is enjoyable. Why shouldn't I?" "It's a question to put to your conscience," says Johns, "not to me. A man can but do his duty, as well there as here perhaps. A little graft of New Englandism may possibly work good. Do you mean to marry in France, Maverick?" A shade passed over the face of his friend; but recovering himself, with a little musical laugh, he said,-- "I really can't say: there are very charming women there, Johns." "I am afraid so," uttered the parson, dryly. "By the way," said Maverick,--"you will excuse me,--but you will be having a family by and by,"--at which the parson fairly blushed,--"you must let me send over some little gift for your first boy; it sha'n't be one that will harm him, though it comes from our heathen side of the world." "There's a gift you might bestow, Maverick, that I should value beyond price." "Pray what is it?" "Live such a life, my friend, that I could say to any boy of mine, 'Follow the example of that man.'" "Ah," said Maverick, with his easy, infectious laugh, "that's more than I can promise. To tell the truth, Johns, I don't believe I could by any possibility fall into the prim, stiff ways which make a man commendable hereabout. Even if I were religiously disposed, or should ever think of adopting your profession, I fancy I should take to the gown and liturgy, as giving a little freer movement to my taste. You don't like to think of that, I'll wager." "You might do worse things," said the parson, sadly. "I know I might," said Maverick, thoughtfully; "I greatly fear I shall. Yet it's not altogether a bad life I'm looking forward to, Johns: we'll say ten or fifteen more years of business on the other side; marrying sometime in the interval,--certainly not until I have a good revenue; then, possibly, I may come over among you again, establish a pretty home in the neighborhood of one of your towns; look after a girl and boy or two, who may have come into the family; get the title of Squire; give fairly to the missionary societies; take my place in a good big family-pew; dabble in politics, perhaps, so that people shall dub me 'Honorable': isn't that a fair show, Johns?" There was a thief in the candle, which the parson removed with the snuffers.