In one of the Protestant cantons of Switzerland dwelt a lady of fortune, in a handsome mansion, surrounded with extensive grounds. These were laid out with the greatest taste, so as to command at every convenient point a favourable view of the romantic and interesting country that rose on all sides round the lovely and fertile plain in which it was situated. Madame de Blénal was a widow who had, at an early age, married a gentleman of property in the canton who, like herself, was a humble follower and sincere lover of the Redeemer, but who, after a year or two of as perfect happiness as this world can be expected to afford, died in faith, looking forward with assured hope to the promises made by the Lord Jesus to all who truly believe in Him. With a heart prepared by faith to submit to the decrees of Providence, whether for this world's good or ill, Madame de Blénal, though she deeply felt the blow which her Heavenly Father had inflicted upon her, soothed her grief with the reflection that her husband was now at peace, and removed from the troubles which beset every sojourner in this mortal world. Too fondly attached to his memory ever to enter a second time into married life, she applied herself entirely to the cultivation of a treasure he had left behind, in the person of a little boy named Alfred, whom she endeavoured prayerfully to bring up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Neither did she neglect to enrich his mind with such knowledge as might enable him to manage the earthly inheritance which was hereafter to belong to him, if it pleased God that he should live to arrive at the age of manhood. At the time of which we are writing, Madame de Blénal had just resigned to him the management of the property which he inherited from his father, reserving to herself only the portion which she had brought with her when she married. Still, as, in his own opinion as well as hers, he was yet too young to think of taking a wife, Madame de Blénal remained the mistress of his household, while he applied himself to studying the nature of the duties that had devolved upon him, and to endeavouring to acquire personal experience in the management of his estate, as well as to improve the characters and condition of his tenants and labourers.