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"For Father's Sake," or A Tale of New Zealand Life

Chapter XVIII

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Chapter XVIII.

Nellie left the home of her childhood. Left it without a regret. There were no tears in her eyes as she stood on the heaving deck, and surveyed the receeding shore. How thankful she was that it was morning, and that she could see and feel all that was to be seen and felt. "For," murmured she, "I could not bear to think that in unconsciousness I had passed these moments, and, therefore, did not know the effect this scene would have upon my heart. Shall I ride over the bosom of that crystal sea of glass before God's throne, with the same happy composure as I experience while standing here? And when my barque glides out of the Bay, the Bay of Christianity, which is an inlet of that Great ocean, shall I leave the shore of all my earthly hopes and conflicts rejoicing as I do now? The motion of the ship lulls me to sleep, and over my senses steal the sounds of seraphim music. Can it be the voices of the Mermaids, or the songs of the Sirens? Did Ulysses grow numb in every faculty, save in the sense of hearing? I have grown so, yet I see no sprites, no beautiful singing women. Ah, ye ancients, ye men of that Mythus period, ye were as we are. Thy feelings, thy emotions, thy intellectual flights, thy great and noble capacity for Heavenly soliloquies, all are our's, as our's were yours. And Ulysses, who in his superstitious imagination, mistook those Heavenly strains for living woman's voices, must have, ere he left the port, been stirred to the very depth of his great heart, by hearing Heaven's language sung in some woman's rich, melodious page 207notes. Ah, Ulysses, the songs, which thou heardst, were the songs of angels directing thee to the Island of God, Earth's destruction, Eternity's delight. Out, out, the barque glides. I hardly feel the motion of its swift and steady flight. My soul rises, and unites itself with that angelic choir. My senses, earth's senses, I leave behind upon that fast fading coast. The washing, the unceasing swash swash, of those waves upon the beach, I hear no more. I am alone and on the deep. The great deep, which bears me to my home. Am I afraid? Do I fear the parting of the unstaid planks beneath? Is there terror in my eyes as I turn to look upon the helmsman? Or do I shudder as I gaze at thee to me, unreadable chart and compass? There is but one answer to all these. No, no, no. Yonder I know sits the Captain. The Captain of our lives."

Then she turned, and her senses returned with her turning: but the light of that mirrored sea shone in her great dark eyes.

Nellie had never been on the ocean before. Her life, as we already know, was one of a strange combination, or intermingling of sameness and change, of society and solitude.

Sameness, regarding outward appearances; change, regarding internal evidences. Society, regarding external intercourse; solitude, regarding inward communion. But the solitude of her life of thought, had made her turn and seek society and citizenship elsewhere; and after all, her's was no solitary life. It was a life rich in its Heavenly friends. Powerful in its knowledge of divine law. To stand, as she did then, in the actual enjoyment of what she had longed for, yet dared not to expect. It was too intoxicating, too glorious to be understood. Nor was her feelings, unaccustomed as they were to the influence of the Sea Fiend, rent, or torn by his amorous embrace. Perhaps that Prince of the deep had compassion on her, knowing she had but recently risen from page 208his Cousin's death-bed. However, Nellie obtained full control over all circumstances, and wandered about, truly enjoying the novelty of her situation. "I see the dark clouds before and behind, but I shall not think of them. I shall live in this bit of sunshine while it lasts." So from deck to cabin, from how to stern she threaded her quiet way; and learned her simple lessons. "Lessons on board of an ordinary steamer," I hear you say. "What lessons could she learn from that common sight, from that conglomeration of rope, and yard, and flags, and lights, and brassworks, and engines, and the thousand and one other every day sight?" Ah! it is at such times as this that the thoughtful reap a reward for all their struggles with that beautifully clothed youth, Ignorance. It is at such times as this that deep seated religion expands its delicately tinted bud, and scatters over the soul its rare perfume. Oh, is there nothing to learn from the strand of a rope, the anchor, the keel: from the maximum, the minimum: no tongue, no book in everything? No. There is nothing to the one who has learned all; but to the man who acknowledges himself a pupil in this world, there is in every fibre, every leaf, a history and a lesson to learn; and in every history, and every lesson, there is the infinite law of God. Thus through dining-room and social hall, through saloon and steerage, past engine-room and kitchen, Nellie wandered, until tired in limb, and satisfied at heart, she returned once more to the wide open deck, and sinking down on a low shady seat, passed the next few hours in dreamy laziness. "I should like to lie like this for ever," she mused, "Lie and dream myself into the arms of the Eternal Awaking. This is the first sweetness I have tasted for what seems to me like ages, and the rich flavour of its peace makes me afraid. Oh, I am strong, strong as this great ocean, but too weak to bear much joy. What is it? Am I beginning to love the taste of sorrow? And am I page 209afraid that I shall lose God's presence, when there is no more sadness to be borne, and when the glorious vestibule of golden happiness is reached? But ah! there is the dark mist, with its guiding silvan cord, to be passed through, perhaps, while traversing that dreary road, I shall gain strength to bear happiness unmoved." Then the dark eyes, that had been closed to enable the soul decipher its own peculiar language written in the deep agitated vault of sight's deprived light, opened and gazed upon the broad waste of undulating water. The soft cool sea breeze fanned her cheeks; the bright sunshine glinted on the polished brass-works and well-scrubbed decks, and gleamed around her motionless form like a golden shrine, as she sat upon her throne; the blue sea, blue, green, azure, stretched out like a sparkling sapphire covered plain, and met the arched sky in the far away distance; and over sky and sea floated numberless flakes of soft white clouds, which appeared like the downy wings of myriads of flying doves. In the intoxication of the soul's first admittance into one of the innumerable halls of nature, there is little inclination to favour man with even a passing glance. How could one dream of Mortal, when the Immortal is so near, so beautiful, and so full of sparkling light. Thus, although the deck was crowded, although men and women paced up and down, laughing and chatting, although the "Prince's slain" lay round her like a shoal of leviathans, Nellie saw none. Sometimes their voices peeped in here and there among her quiet musings, but it was only a peep, and away they ran, afraid of the majestic brightness. No one attempted to disturb the spirit-look upon that sad, sweet face. Fainter and fainter became the hum of the restless passengers, darker and darker grew the sunlight. Ship, sky, and sea, rushed together in one heap of misty confusion. The senses lost their power, and Nellie was in the land of fairies and of flowers. Suddenly she was aroused by the sound of a harsh mocking page 210laugh close beside her, and she sat bolt upright. Again that horrid laugh, and in its dying echo, she heard words which sent the fiery Main blood surging through her veins, and caused every nerve to tingle with indignation and shame.

"Well done! That's one to those christian curs."

An answering laugh, and an ejaculation of approval, "Yes; isn't it. Read on."

"As for the belief that Christ is the Son of God! nothing is more absurd, nothing more suitable for the glibe tongues of quackery." Several words were lost, then "Hypocrite," "Imposter." There was a quick movement of the figure in the chair. A dangerous gleam in two bright eyes. What a pity those blasphemers did not see, and take warning.

Nellie knew the book by repute. Had been put to a little confusion by the quoting of certain passages selected from it. A similar book she had torn to pieces in her indignation. Itself she never before had the opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with. And between one thing and another Nellie owed that book a long standing grudge. She looked around to see if anyone would intervene, and prevent that hateful reading, those mocking laughs and jeers; but all were engaged with themselves, and none could find time to give Him, who gave them so much, a few scraps of attention. Worse, several young people, girls included, had gathered round the reader, and were drinking in the words, mingling their exclamations, and helping on the blasphemy. One man, Nellie was too angry to take much notice of his personal appearance, seemed to have a slight aversion, but no inclination to interfere. He was seated not far from her, a look of deep displeasure upon his face; but the pose of the head indicated a predominating government of cowardly disregard.

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Without any impulse of her own, without even knowing what were her intentions, Nellie rose, and, sweeping across the deck, stood with quiet composure before the group. "Will you lend me that book a moment?" she said, in a dangerously sweet voice, and giving the man one of her bewitching glances that would have conquered Osiris. Here was an unexpected pleasure. He hardly thought to win the attention of that solitary dreamer. If he had been less conceited he might have noticed a very slight upward turn of the sensitive lips. However, he did not notice it. If he had he might not have understood; and unsuspectingly he put the scourge of Satan into the outstretched palm.

"Thank you." Another bewitching glance; but there was a slight dash of triumph in the low sweet voice.

A quick movement, a few steps, a white hand appeared a moment above the blue water, and Nellie coolly and deliberately dropped the book into the sea; then turned and, with the smile still lingering about her lips, resumed her lowly seat.

A stillness of astonishment fell upon the party, and each looked at the others incredulously. Presently a low murmur of displeasure stirred the air, and ere it died away the owner of the book stepped to the front. His mocking smile turned into an angry scowl.

"Had you been a man I would—"

The sudden flare which betrayed the rising temper grew deep and awful in its brightness. The slender figure arose and confronted the passionate angry man. A faint rose-leaf colour touched the pallid cheeks, and a half pitying, half mocking, wholly contemptuous smile rested upon the compressed lips. Her bearing, though majestic in its power of outraged faith, was gentle and queenly, and bore the stamp of Mercy, as well as Justice. She raised her eyes, and in page 212them shone the expression of her soul: for deep down in those two sparkling lakes lay the powerful kindling wood, and when the lighted match was applied to the heaped-up pile, there flashed to the surface, writhing purple flames, and red curling smoke. There was something so strange, so grandly awful about her, that the man paused in his volley of abuse, and stared at the apparition.

"Have you finished? Why stop?" she said in her calm sweet way. "Had you been a man, I would—. It certainly would be very interesting to know what you would have done, but excuse me, I shall tell you what I would have done. I would have dropped you into the sea, instead of your book; the book I would have reserved for the flames. Fire and water are excellent purgatives for cleansing this earth of its dross." Then her voice changed, and instead of heat, there passed over the surface the breath of icy scorn. "But I am a woman, and have done what woman should. Which, perhaps, is more lasting and more effectual. I have destroyed your book, and despised you. Now, go."

The poor man slunk away, muttering inarticulate threats. And Nellie, the fire and ice all swept away, sank back in her seat, and trembled from head to foot. The conflict had risen so suddenly, had been faced, fought, and conquered, and now the re-action set in. For sometime she sat, her mind flooded with compassion for the delinquent, and shame for what seemed to her her unmaidenly exhibition. The sun sank beneath the horizon, and the soft twilight appeared. The tea bell rang, and the passengers flocked down to the dining-room, then back on deck, then up and down. Yet Nellie sat still as a statue.

"Will you take some tea. I am sure you need it," said a voice at her elbow, and before she had time to answer, a chair was placed before her, and a tiny tray with a dainty little tea was placed thereon.

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"Thank you," said Nellie with freezing politeness, "I am sorry you should have gone to so much trouble, but I really don't think I could take any."

"I got it specially for you, miss. I saw your pretty face was not at the table, and as this gentleman knowed where you was, I jest told him to bring it." Nellie looked up, and saw the kind steward, who had put a few biscuits in her hand as she was passing the kitchen door. "My biscuit friend," she said, with her bright sunny smile, which was always used when addressing the poor, or kind.

"Yes! 'um. And your tea friend too, begging the gentleman's pardon." Then turning away, he marched off to attend to the wants of others.

The gentleman, who had first addressed her, took a vacant seat, and quietly watched her help herself to the milk and sugar. Nellie sat in stolid silence, and refused to see the sundary advance made by her unknown companion to draw her into a conversation. Oh, no. She wouldn't have anything to do with a coward. She wasn't going to speak, or be spoken to. Dragged into a conversation with that thing! The bare thought of it was enough to set her hair on ends. Presently the ludicrous side of their deportment touched the funny vein of her thoughts, and she burst into a merry peal of laughter. Laughter is infections at all times, but it becomes especially so when it is accompanied by a joyous ripple, and when it issues from two dainty pouting lips, and when it is heard by a young, handsome, idle, and generous, open-hearted man. When she had finished laughing, and had straightened her features a little, she turned to her avowed enemy. "We do look like that picture of a nigger courtship, sitting with a matrimonial mile between us, casting sheeps' eyes at one another, and wishing, but not daring to speak. Do you know I had a very good mind to leave you and your supper to console one another."

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"Why, what have I done," asked the gentleman, decreasing the distance between them considerably.

"What have you not done. Why did you stand back, and leave me to face the foe? Did you think the battle contained an insufficient amount of spoil, or were you afraid of being wounded?"

"I don't understand. Pray explain yourself more clearly. I am not well versed in figurative speech," said the gentleman in a puzzled manner.

"What an adapt you are at feigning unconsciousness—rather innocence. Perhaps you did not recognise the signal of advance."

"Do you mean regarding your recent encounter? I acknowledge my cowardice, but," bowing with mock courtesy, "you must own I gave the honour into more worthy hands."

"Gave it! I took what you refused to accept. I think you acted both cowardly and unmanly," with a decided toss of the little head.

"Because I did not stop that man from reading! I don't see it in that light at all. It would have been worse than folly to try and persuade him the book was wrong, to expostulate would have incited a further indulgence in blasphemy. He would have uttered the atheist's Shibboleth. "Sight, sight, Proof, proof." The reality and personal fellowship of Christ can be felt, but not explained. That man had not experienced the actual thrilling personality, consequently all things were foolishness to him. In all cases I would have been floored. Besides, what right had I to interpose? Would it not have been presumption on my part, I who am a stranger in a strange land, to supplant you who are a native of the soil, and a possessor of its privileges? At the same time I confess I was afraid of the consequences, wounds, as you call them; and would have hesitated even in Scotland, I admire your courage. Few would have had page 215the "pluck," nor the "savee," as the little street arabs say. You quite deceived me. I have heard of colonial girls, but never had the pleasure of meeting one before."

Nellie listened to every word of his defensive apology, and had an answer ready for each excuse. But his preoration was a decided attack upon her modesty, and in the utterance of words," Colonial girl, you quite deceived me," there was a ring of irony. Nellie quite changed her plans of attack; veering round to the defensive side, she said in her sweetest gentlest voice: "Ah! I am a virago." A tiny sigh followed.

"Oh, no. Pray don't suppose I meant such a thing. I—I—" And he laughed in a peculiar insinuating manner.

The drooping eyelids veiled a dangerous gleam in the dark brown eyes. "Tit for tat. I call you cowardly and unmanly. You insinuate that I am wanting in maidenly reticence. Strange. And for a time I, too, thought I had acted hastily, indelicately, but upon second consideration I find I have neither stamped my foot, torn at my hair, cursed and sworn, not even raised my voice above the low notes." Then throwing her head back, and leaning against the sloping canvas chair, the lights of the steamer playing on her fair pale face, she lifted her great striking eyes, and looked full at her accuser.

"I always like personal illustrations to my meaning. My character has been satisfactorily vindicated. Yours proved. What but cowardly unmanliness would induce a man—a gentle man—to retaliate on a woman, especially a woman who was forced by the failure of that man to do his duty, to take up the cause of right, and, as you have insinuated, make an exhibition of herself, which exhibition, be it known, O man, is most abhorrent to her; but men, gentle men," and Nellie looked up at the blue starry sky. "Men were the revilers of the meek and lowly Jesus. How then can women expect consideration. Women with quivering immortal suscep-page 216tibilities, when Jesus was immortality itself. Women with earthly utterances, when Jesus divinely communed. Women the servants, Jesus the Lord, the Ruler, the King." Then her eyes wandered back to the gentleman's face, and rested there. "You alluded to my courage. I give myself no such attribute. It is not courageous to obey the voice of impulse which inspires one into action; and while the body mechanically performs the purpose of the impulse, the intellect is numb and inactive. To my thinking it is, when the mind fully realizes the danger, and the heart trembles at the almost inevitable failure, it is then that the actor may be labelled courageous."

"You don't mean that your words and actions were apart from yourself, do you? What, strange philosophy is this? Your intellect numb and inactive, and yet you could score such a victory, utter such penetrating words. I do not understand."

"When I rose and confronted that man. What do you think was the reason of his sudden silence? My words? I spoke none. My actions? Save the rising, I did nothing. What then was it? Sir; it was the same influence that caused me to drop that accursed book into yonder sea. The same that put those words into my mouth. It was the Omnipotent Christ that shone in my heart, that was reflected in my eyes, which hurled the dark demon from his rocky seat in the accuser's heart. Where was I? Swallowed up and lost. O, it was not I, but the spirit within me that spoke and acted then. I the insignificant, I, was dead. But enough of I, now for you. You say, in your endeavour to extricate yourself from blame, that being a stranger, you had no right interfere. To me that seems a very absurd excuse. However, I shall answer by my pet practice—an illustration. Supposing I went Home on a short visit, and, while travelling through England by train, a disquisition concerning the page 217Queen arose among the other occupants of the same carriage. Some called her most disgraceful names. Some spoke slightingly of her family and upholders. Some even charged her with being an imposter. All inveighed her. Do you mean to tell me it would be presumption on my part to defend her, knowing as I did, by personal experience, that what they said was false? Or, because there was a child in the carriage, who held the same knowledge as I did, that I was supplanting him by my defence? Am I not her subject? Do I not enjoy the protection of her laws? Is she not the Queen of my country, the ruler of my people, the sovereign of Liberty, Power, and Justice? I have a perfect right to defend Queen Victoria, no matter in what part of the world I stand. It is my duty, your duty, and the duty of every subject And the one who disparages that Royal Lady is a fit subject for neither Heaven nor Earth. You perceive the simile. It matters not whether you be in the uttermost parts of the earth, if you are enlisted in Christ's army, it is your duty to defend his cause. The whole world, and all that is in it, are his. As to the mode of defence, I grant it would be utter folly to try and persuade men against their own inclinations. Men are often so wise in their own eyes that they becomes fools in other people's, but need you try to persuade? Are you called upon to explain?

When, with bayonet fixed, and flashing eyes, the enemy stands a few feet in front of the soldier, does that soldier attempt to describe his captain, or explain his captain's plans? I fear you would call him a fool, as well as cowardly and unmanly, if he did. Instead, he would face the foe, and lifting his sword, would cleave his enemy to the ground. My firm conviction is if, Christ's soldiers would leave off trying to persuade and explain, and in place, acted according to the direct guidance of their commander, "Thy Kingdom Come," would be much more rapid and effective than it is."

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"Do I understand that you consider conversing and preaching not following Christ's direct guidance?" asked the gentleman in astonishment.

"Certainly, not. I have great faith in preaching and conversing, although perhaps you will be more surprised to hear I seldom go to church. In their own places they are most effective and most blessed; but in a case like this, where men will not, because they wish not, it is, as you say, folly to try to persuade and explain."

"Then what do you call following Christ's direct guidance?"

"Are you good at dipping into "Proverb's bowl," and ladelling out the full meaning thereof? Then listen. Felling, What wilt thou have me to do? instead of saying, Shall I do this for thee?"

There was a short pause, while the faces of both were a study. Presently the gentleman lifted his eyes, and looked at the reclining figure of the young girl. There was something so pure, so free from earthly sentiment, and yet so human, that for the first time he experienced that sensation of Fearless Reverence which characterizes the influence upon man, of the spirit made flesh.

"You strike very near home," said he. "And I am surprised to hear such words from one so young; more so when I hear you seldom go to church. We Scotch people consider a person who does not attend the Kirk, little less than a heathen."

"I attend a greater Kirk than that of ordinary worship; and its service you would scarcely understand. Of course, I visit those ordinary churches to help me, and to bring me nearer my Adored. As for striking near home, it is a sphere in which I have laboured all my life, so I ought to know a little about it."

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"If your labour be crowned with as much success at home, as it is likely to be abroad, I must compliment you on your power. I own myself quite vanquished."

"Home is not like abroad. You know the text, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country." The little pollen grains must be taken from their own stamens, and placed on the pistil of another flower, before they can cause fertilization. The intruders may be inferior, but they can do the work; and the poor displaced pollen grains are sent away to displace others."

"Ah! I believe you are right. But you speak of attending a larger kirk than that of the ordinary; of a different form of worship. What do you mean?"

Nellie's eyes wandered once more to the great blue shroud of sky and sea, and once more there was a little pause before she answered. Then stretching out her arms to the immeasurable space, and leaning slightly forward, she murmured,

"That is my church; this my worship. Daily, nightly, I take my place in nature's great pew, and listen to nature's preaching. Yonder stars form the glorious choir, and I am one of them. The prayers are such as I now utter as I rest in body, here, in soul, away. The ordinary church is used only when I wish to find expressions fitted to meet the comprehensions of ordinary man. Have you read Jean Paul Richter's 'Dream of the Universe?'"

"I have, but I confess I hardly understand it."

"How could any one not understand it. That, to me, is the church, and the service of the ordinary worshipper. Supposing, instead of saying, 'Angel, I will go no further, for my spirit acheth with this infinity. Let me lie down in the grave and die, or let me hide myself from the persecutions of the Infinite.' Supposing instead, that man lifted up his voice and cried: 'More, more, my spirit longs, hungers and page 220thirsts, after the inner court: the universe above all universes: the court and not the vestibule only: the life beyond the death.' Would it not have been infinitely more loyal to his guide? I feel that this weak flesh, trembling and hesitating in the presence of its kind, could stand on that last billowy world and hear that cry, 'Other heights, other depths are coming,' and not falter, nor weep; but would grasp Immortality and become Immortal. Jean Paul's dream is a wonderful intellectual masterpiece, and it describes a wonderful pathway for the travelling soul, but it continues to wheel round and round on its own level, as if afraid to trust to the strength of its ungravitating body. I will tell you of a dream—nay, a heaven-sent vision—which is infinitely more wonderful, and infinitely more instructive and satisfactory. Look in the twenty-first chapter of Revelation, and there you will learn the pathway through all that Chaotic Space, and Darkness, and Disturbance, into the Hall the Light, the Peace. O, why do men linger in the Vestibules when they might be enjoying the Courts? Why does the intellect whirl round and round in a beaten track, when it might steer a clear and glorious upward course, resting only when it touches that Crystal sea!"

"You have studied the subject well?"

"Christ—Jesus—is my teacher," answered Nellie in a low voice.

"Are you not afraid? Is it possible that in this short and changeful life you have no fear? Methinks it is scarcely right. Man is ever susceptible to qualms of dread. Mysteries, death, are these not the kings of terror?"

"The Bible says: 'Through the valley of the shadow of death?'"

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"The Bible's God says, 'I am the Light He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Where are the mysteries, the death, the shadow? I look at that water, do I see death in its dark depths? If this vessel were to suddenly strike upon a hidden rock, and if the length of our lives upon earth would be limited to a few moments." Nellie rose and stood leaning against the bulwarks. The moonlight shone on the pale face and shadowy eyes; the white hands rested on the railings with quiet dignity. There was nothing majestic or tragic in the attitude, and in the face no excitement. The voice was very low, and the young man had to lean forward to catch the words. But there was a superhuman earnestness about the whole scene which sent a queer feeling rushing through every vein of her listener. Involuntary there arose to his remembrance that scene thousands of years back, where Abraham conversed with the men of God, not knowing that they were messengers, until they had supped, had been refreshed, and stood a moment on the threshold of his humble tent, to make known their errand of destruction.

"If the length of our lives on earth," continued Nellie, would be limited to a few moments, I would look through that darkness, and sink down just where that starry light shines. Down, down; always following that radiant track, until I step through the star into the place beyond, where there is no need of stars. There is no fear in my heart. None. God to me is Love, and love is light. Death to me is not death, it is Heaven. Nay, this life is death, because I am separated from God more than I care to be."

"But you have years of earthly journeying before you. Are you not afraid? Your zeal for the visionary may become dry and cold, as is often the case with Christians!"

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"No, you forget Jesus is my Teacher; and it is impossible for His pupils ever to become dry and cold in the warm atmosphere of His presence. But, Sir," and Nellie turned back to the fast-thinning deck. 'It is getting late, and—and—" Here she hesitated, and the crimson roseleaf colour again mantled her brow. She spoke truly when she said she was not afraid of God, but two minutes afterwards she felt afraid of a man, afraid of what her unpremeditated words might have done. "I hope I have not offended you, sir," she said with a simplicity that was very charming. "I do not wish to be unkind. I am so stupid when I come in contact with anything contrary to my sense of what is right, and my wayward tongue will lead me into scrapes. Please forget all about our contentions."

The gentleman rose, and held out his hand. "I am very pleased to have met you. If a country knew how much it owes to its commendable characters, it would endeavour to increase its staff. I have changed my opinion of New Zealand girls."

"O sir," exclaimed Nellie, putting her hand into his, and looking up to the fair face bent over her, "How could you rebuke me so unkindly. Have my words been so selfish that in your thoughts you have a place for me? I thought you were pondering over what I said."

"I have room for all, even for you. Now, will you crown your kindness and patience by letting me know to whom I am indebted for the first true light in my christian life? Suppose we exchange confidences? You tell me your name, and I'll tell you mine."

Nellie laughed merrily. It was the first genuine laugh she had indulged in for a long time; but the consciousness of having done her duty, a faint perception of elated triumph, and something in the grey eager eyes, cleared for a moment the shadow from her heart.

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"A sure proof of reconciliation—to wish to know more—but this time I refuse to instruct. We are not likely to meet again, and as you are going to browse on pastures new, and I,—well, I am going to hermetize, the knowledge of one another's names will not avail us much. Good night, sir." And Nellie tried to withdraw her hand. But the gentleman did not seem tired of holding it, even though it had rested in his own for fully three minutes, all men are not inconstant, or, at least, this man was not, he could hold a girl's hand for the space of three whole minutes, and still wish he could hold it for three more.

Ah, but then the girl was not his wife! No! if she were, he would have held herself maybe, and that would have been a scandalous breach of decorum.

"I shall not see you in the morning, so will say Goodbye, as well as Good night." And the tall figure bowed with all the gallantry of his country's grace. "Good bye, my unknown friend."

Nellie started, and a strange light lept into her dark eyes. There was something in that last "Good bye," which awoke an echo from the past. Throughout the whole intercourse she had been strangely impressed by an undefined intonation in the mellow voice. "I wonder what it is that draws me to that man," she mused, as she prepared for bed. "I feel that I have met him before. That voice is the echo of what?" That wonder was explained; but who should have guessed the truth. An affinity there was between them, but neither knew of its nature. In the meantime they two went their separate ways, and after—what after?"