hing, no whispering was heard on this
occasion--which at evening service is but too common, as if to protest
against thus reversing the usual order of life. Every one seemed to
hold their breath, and, when the singing recommenced, the old walls
rung with the sounds of the hymn.

The Pastor then in few and simple words, performed the marriage
ceremony between Adam and Martina, and the congregation quietly
dispersed, amid the renewed ringing of bells. Some lads had loaded
their guns, intending to fire them off after the wedding, but they were
prevented doing so by those who were leaving church. All felt so
solemnized in spirit, that they shrunk from any noisy demonstrations;
the pious feelings which the Pastor had inspired in his congregation,
rendered them averse to all clamour; and when the moon rose at one
o'clock in the morning, dispersing the cold snowy fog, it shone down on
a calm, sleeping village, where all slumbering hearts were at rest, and
happy.

CHAPTER XX.
DAYLIGHT.

It was a happy waking hour to all next morning, every eye shone
brightly, and each saluted his neighbour gaily, saying, "Good morning!
beautiful weather!" while in truth the most beautiful atmosphere was
within their own hearts. The sun above was certainly most brilliant,
and the snow covered hills and trees glittered in the rays of the
morning light; but the best of all was, that there was something to
gladden all hearts of a less changeable nature than the weather: a
child had been saved, and parents and grandparents made happy; a
delightful wedding had taken place, though there had been neither
baking nor roasting, nor clattering of plates and dishes. And how
admirably and faithfully did the Pastor expound the truth! What a sad
thing it was that he persisted in leaving them, when they would gladly
have kept him for ever!

In the attic in Schilder-David's house, Adam and Martina were standing
by the bed of little Joseph, who was still fast asleep, though a bright
streak of sunshine, as wide as the little garret window could admit,
shone right on the face of the boy. There was an expression of saucy
petulance on the features of the child; his head was thrown back, his
lips curled and half opened, and his clenched fist lay close to his
rosy cheek.

"I will wake him; it is time," said Martina.

"Do let him sleep on, to oblige me. I am just the same when I have
undergone