el
as if that dish of tea had saved my life. Amelia, have you had any tea?
And Maria? You see what it is to be good girls; the Lord will never
desert you. The day is fast coming when that Harriet will know what the
want of a dish of tea is, with all her fine wages. And I am sure," she
added, addressing Sybil, "what we all owe to you is not to be told. Your
father well deserves his good fortune, with such a daughter."

"My father's fortunes are not much better than his neighbours," said
Sybil, "but his wants are few; and who should sympathise with the poor,
but the poor? Alas! none else can. Besides, it is the Superior of our
convent that has sent you this meal. What my father can do for you, I
have told your husband. 'Tis little; but with the favour of heaven, it
may avail. When the people support the people, the divine blessing will
not be wanting."

"I am sure the divine blessing will never be wanting to you," said
Warner in a voice of great emotion.

There was silence; the querulous spirit of the wife was subdued by the
tone of Sybil; she revolved in her mind the present and the past; the
children pursued their ungrudged and unusual meal; the daughter of
Gerard, that she might not interfere with their occupation, walked to
the window and surveyed the chink of troubled sky, which was visible in
the court. The wind blew in gusts; the rain beat against the glass. Soon
after this, there was another knock at the door. Harold started from his
repose, and growled. Warner rose, and saying, "they have come for the
rent. Thank God, I am ready," advanced and opened the door. Two men
offered with courtesy to enter.

"We are strangers," said he who took the lead, "but would not be such. I
speak to Warner?"

"My name."

"And I am your spiritual pastor, if to be the vicar of Mowbray entitles
me to that description."

"Mr St Lys."

"The same. One of the most valued of my flock, and the most influential
person in this district, has been speaking much of you to me this
morning. You are working for him. He did not hear of you on Saturday
night; he feared you were ill. Mr Barber spoke to me of your distress,
as well as of your good character. I came to express to you my respect
and my sympathy, and to offer you my assistance."

"You are most good, sir, and Mr Barber too, and indeed, an hour ago, we
were in as great straits--."

"And are now, sir," exclaimed his wife interrupting him. "I have been in
this bed a-week, and ma