Then he left her, and went upstairs, to say good-bye to his children. As he slowly mounted, the thought occurred to him,—What does blessing mean? If God blessed Alianora, what would He do to her? According to the usual ideas of men, He would give her beauty, talent, wealth, luxury, and happiness. But was this what God meant by the word? Had He no better blessings than such as these? Were not His sweetest fruits wrapped often in unsightly husks—His rarest gems in crusts which concealed their brilliance? Might He not be blessing Roger himself by means of his disappointments, and not blessing Alianora through all the gifts He showered on her? Was there not something in that Book which Roger was beginning to know so well, and to apply instinctively to every thing which happened to him, about one to whom God gave corn, and wine, and oil, and silver, and gold, which she prepared for Baal? If men turned His blessings into means of sinning, was there no fear lest He should turn them into curses? Little Anne ran to meet her father as soon as she heard his step. He stooped and took her in his arms. "Little Nan," he said rather sadly, "what wilt thou grow to be?" "A lady," said she readily, with brightening eyes. "There be two sorts of women, my little maid. There be heart-comforters, and there be heart-breakers. Which wilt thou be?" The question was beyond her in details. She replied to its scope, which was all that she understood. "I will be what God makes me." "Amen," answered the Earl. "Be what God makes thee,—not Satan, nor thine own foolish fantasies. Farewell, my little one. I am going a long journey, my Nannette." "Will you be back soon?" "Nay, I think not. Farewell, my darling—God go with thee and bless thee!" He kissed them all and gave them his blessing. Then he went back to his own room, where he found Mr. Robesart awaiting him. "Father, it behoveth me to set forth for Ireland with the dawn, and I would vain have taken you withal. Can you be ready?" "A priest is always ready," was the reply. "At what hour shall I wait upon your Lordship?" "At four of the clock I think to set out." "You shall find me in attendance. Can I serve your Lordship in any other way?" "Methinks not, save by taking that into your safe keeping," said the Earl, touching the large Bible. "I would have it go withal, as well as you. Nought else, I thank you." But before Mr. Robesart had quite reached the door, his young master’s voice arrested his steps. "Father, tell me ere you go, what doth God when He blesseth us?" "What do you, my Lord, when you bless your childre?" "I do desire all good to hap unto them: but I may not ensure it." "And He alway ensureth it. I see none other difference. God’s blessing is God’s love. Every gift of God is a loving thought of God’s heart toward His childre." "But how, toward them that are not such?"