The minister examined the contents of the portfolio with a critic’s eye; it was filled with very mediocre drawings, and very common-place versicles; in vain did the pastor look for one single stray gleam of genius; no more flashes of the fire divine were to be seen in her work than in her own soft brown eyes. The minister returned the papers to the portfolio, and handed it back to the old negress, who stood leaning over her stick in chuckling expectation of hearing her young mistress soundly lectured upon breaking the first commandment. “This is idleness, this is play, this is not your vocation, Miss Churchill,” and looking upon Sophie’s round face, large soft eyes, and pouting lips, he said, “I think after all, those strong faculties that want expression reside in your _heart_, not in your _head_, Miss Churchill.” Then, as though he had regretted his speech, he was suddenly silent. After a while he arose to take leave, saying as he left the house, “I will call at nine to-morrow, to take you to church, Sophie.” The next morning he called in his vehicle. He found Sophie seated at the window with little Hagar on her lap. She was teaching her to read, and her whole countenance was irradiated with the love of her work. The child’s little wild dark face was sparkling, too; she had succeeded in arousing and riveting her mind. As the eyes of the minister fell through the open window upon this scene he made two silent comments: “Her vocation is that of a teacher,” and “That child has far more genius than her instructress;” and then he passed by the window into the house. “Good morning, Miss Churchill. Come, we are waiting for you. Mrs. Gardiner Green has been kind enough to ride over with me.” Sophie gave little Hagar into the charge of old Cumbo, and went away to put on her bonnet. She was surprised that Mrs. Gardiner Green, who had scarcely ever condescended to notice her, should have been so kind upon this occasion; had Sophie Churchill known a little more of the world she would have seen nothing strange in this change. Even when seated by her side the affability of the lady became almost oppressive. CHAPTER VI. THE YOUNG LIEUTENANT. “A stalwart, active, soldier-looking stripling, Handsome as Hercules ere his first labor, With a brow of thought beyond his years, When in repose, till his eye kindles up In answering yours.” WERNER. “Behind a darker hour ascends.” MARMION. The minister had discovered Sophie Churchill’s vocation by the subtle sympathy that existed between the instructress and the pupil, in the little scene he had witnessed. He was not backward in improving his discovery.