"The fall thou darest to despise Maybe the slackened angel hand Hath suffered it, that he may rise And take a firmer, surer stand; Or, trusting less to earthly things, May henceforth learn to use his wings." Adelaide Procter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ When Winifred and Bessie had stopped at the post-office and taken their letters, some little remarks passed between the postmaster and his wife, who had gone out to the door and watched the two pretty, girlish figures hurried away by their impatient little pony into the green tangle of trees and hedges which a golden sunlight was brightening. It looked as if it were a sort of enchanted land, into which no storms could follow them; but Mrs Miller, who had a face which might have been intended to protest against sunshine, shook her head solemnly and said, coming back to the counter,-- "There's trouble enough in the world, to be sure, and it's hard when the Thorpe letters, as have gone together these years, has got to part company. But there's no saying where the love of money will lead a poor human heart." "I'm not so sure about that matter as you are, Maria," said her husband, cheerfully sorting his letters. "Young Mr Miles is too pleasant-spoken a young gentleman to do all the things they charge him with, in my opinion; and it's always the way with you women, when once a bit of mud's thrown, each of you wants to try her hand." "It isn't to be expected you should know better," said Mrs Miller gravely. "When you're converted, you'll understand more of the depravity of the human heart. It's a bottomless pit," she concluded, shaking her head. "Um, um, um," said her husband irreverently. "Then I ain't one that's always wanting to be poking into such places, and if I were you I'd come out for a bit into the fresh air. But," he added, lowering his voice and giving a quick sign towards an inner room, "since he's been here, you're more than ever set against the old ways." "No," said Mrs Miller calmly, "I am not altogether satisfied that he preaches the pure gospel. It's rare to find one who does. But I am thankful not to be blind to shortcomings, like some. And I'm sorry for Mr Miles, but what could be expected from one who was so given over to the world?"