hurch of zealous worshippers after their faith, of charitable and
serviceable men and women, one that took care of its children and never
forgot its poor, and whose people were much more occupied in looking out
for their own souls than in attacking the faith of their neighbors. In
its mode of worship there was a union of two qualities,--the taste and
refinement, which the educated require just as much in their churches as
else where, and the air of stateliness, almost of pomp, which impresses
the common worshipper, and is often not without its effect upon those
who think they hold outward forms as of little value. Under the
half-Romish aspect of the Church of Saint Polycarp, the young girl found
a devout and loving and singularly cheerful religious spirit. The
artistic sense, which betrayed itself in the dramatic proprieties of its
ritual, harmonized with her taste. The mingled murmur of the loud
responses, in those rhythmic phrases, so simple, yet so fervent, almost
as if every tenth heartbeat, instead of its dull _tic-tac_, articulated
itself as "Good Lord, deliver us!"--the sweet alternation of the two
choirs, as their holy song floated from side to side,--the keen young
voices rising like a flight of singing-birds that passes from one grove
to another, carrying its music with it back and forward,--why should she
not love these gracious outward signs of those inner harmonies which
none could deny made beautiful the lives of many of her
fellow-worshippers in the humble, yet not inelegant Chapel of Saint
Polycarp?

The young Marylander, who was born and bred to that mode of worship, had
introduced her to the chapel, for which he did the honors for such of
our boarders as were not otherwise provided for. I saw them looking over
the same prayer-book one Sunday, and I could not help thinking that two
such young and handsome persons could hardly worship together in safety
for a great while. But they seemed to mind nothing but their
prayer-book. By-and-by the silken bag was handed round.--I don't believe
she will;--so awkward, you know;--besides, she only came by invitation.
There she is, with her hand in her pocket, though,--and sure enough, her
little bit of silver tinkled as it struck the coin beneath. God bless
her! she hasn't much to give; but her eye glistens when she gives it,
and that is all Heaven asks.--That was the first time I noticed these
young people together, and I am sure they behaved with the most charming