"I shall never forget that you were the one employed by my heavenly Father, to raise me from despair. If my earnest prayers for you are answered, you will have every good that He can bestow." One pleasant event occurred soon after Mr. Knowles' settlement. A man rode to Mr. Rice's door, mounted on a noble, iron gray horse, and inquired for the parson. He delivered a note, and then observing: "There is no need of an answer," went down the steps, and walked away, leaving his horse tied to the post near the gate. The note was brief: "DEAR SIR: As your parish is large, and your parishioners scattered, I have taken the liberty to send you a horse, which may lighten the labor of visiting them. "A GRATEFUL PARISHIONER." Before the young clergyman could bring himself to comprehend that the present was really intended for him, the messenger was out of sight. What was to be done? He turned again to the envelope, and there read, "Rev. Frederic Knowles, Morrisville." A sudden suspicion sent him at once to Helen, when she expressed so much wonder and delight, that he was left to infer the note and the animal were as new to her as to him. "Isn't he a splendid creature?" she asked, again and again. "So high spirited, and yet so kind. See, Frederic, how he likes me to pat his neck. I must beg a ride now and then." "But, Helen, it is impossible for me to accept so valuable a present from an anonymous friend." "I shouldn't call a parishioner, anonymous," she warmly urged. "Why, I love your people so well that I would accept a present from any of them; and this is exactly what you need." "But where shall I keep him?" "Has not Mr. Rice an empty stall?" "No, I heard him say his stable was full." "Wait a minute." Helen bounded up the stairs to Mrs. Prescott's room. But instead of making any inquiries of the old lady, she sank into a chair, and covering her face, laughed till the tears trickled down her cheeks. "He doesn't even suspect. He demurs about accepting it. Oh, it is so nice!" "Have you told him about our stable? And that Christopher will gladly assume the care of the horse?" "No, aunty, I asked whether Mr. Rice had not room." "You had better invite him to come up to my chamber." Mr. Knowles found the old lady at the front window gazing at the horse, which stood in full view. "I am glad our people are disposed to be so thoughtful for their minister's comfort," she said, cordially. "I have been admiring the beautiful creature. Are you a judge of a horse?" "Enough so to understand that this is an expensive animal, sound, and capable of enduring great fatigue. But," with an anxious smile, "I feel a delicacy about accepting such a present. If I thought,—" casting a sudden glance upon Helen, who stood flushed and excited behind him. He checked himself, as she calmly returned his gaze.