"He smoothed my hair, impressed warm kisses on my cheek, and soothed my troubled spirit with kind and loving words. 'And now, Madeline, with regard to higher subjects, I would say that my residence in this holy family has not been in vain. I have long been in the habit of reading the Scriptures; the good earl has manifested the deepest interest in my spiritual welfare; he visits me every evening in my room; and it is owing to his influence that I have been led to consider the need of preparation for another world. I have renounced all dependence upon my moral life, and look only to the Blessed Saviour for salvation in the world to come. It is my desire, Madeline, to testify my faith in His atoning sacrifice next Sunday, in the village church, at the table of our Lord; are you not ready, my darling, to accompany me in the solemn act?' I could not answer my father, for mingled feelings of joy and sorrow filled my heart; floods of happiness at the humble declaration of his faith, and unspeakable sorrow at the thought of parting from one so beloved. I promised my dear parent to think upon the subject, for I had lately longed for the blessed privilege. "I sought the room of the countess, and confided to her the subject of our conversation. "'Would you like to see our pastor, Miss Hamilton?' was the kind suggestion, and the good lady sent for her faithful guide. "He was so good, so gentle, so Christ-like that I could easily tell him the whole history of my inner life. "'Are you resting _wholly_, my dear Miss Hamilton, upon the merits of the Redeemer for salvation?' "'Wholly, entirely, my dear sir, from the bottom of my heart I can say, "None but Jesus."' "'Are you willing to devote yourself, soul and body, to your Master's service, my child?' "'That is my desire, and has long been the language of my heart.' "'Then come, and welcome, to the table of the Lord, my dear child; Jesus will not reject such as you.' * * * * * * * "Last Sunday, for the first time, by my father's side, I bowed at the table of my Lord and Master; received the emblems of His dying love, and promised to be His forever. O, what a precious privilege! And then by the side of my dear father. Now we are one in the most sacred of all bonds. After church, the countess pressed a warm kiss upon my cheek, and said, 'One in Jesus, dear Madeline;' the Lady Alice pressed my hand in silence; and Lord N---- looked so very happy. "Bless God for this sweet sanctuary of a Christian home! My father says that we must go back to London; and when we reach there he will tell me why, saying, 'Trust all to God, dear Madeline; whatever he wills is right.' Aunt Matilda is pleased with the idea; for the quiet of country life does not suit her. She is only sorry at leaving Lord N----, but says that 'he will soon follow us.' I wish that she would not talk such folly, nor such nonsense about old Lord C----, who was really quite devoted to aunty when in London." CHAPTER XXV.