at is right, and I am sure you wish to follow it. But, dear
Jack, I know you better than perhaps you know yourself. Do not trust to
your own good intentions. You may think now that nothing will tempt you
to do what is wrong, but remember that Satan is always going about to
lead us away from the right course; therefore, Jack, I want you to look
to your Bible to learn how you ought to walk, and then to pray to God
that He will, by His Holy Spirit, enable you to walk aright. Here is a
Bible, Jack, and I hope you will take it with you; but I must not preach
more. I see you have a letter from Mr Strelley to Mr Gournay at
Norwich. You know that our friend Giles Dainsforth is staying with him,
and I must tell you, Jack, what I have never told you before, that I
have promised to become his wife, if our father and mother will give
their consent. He has not as yet much worldly wealth, but he is steady
and industrious, and that will come in good time; only I want you to
speak to him, and hear what he has got to say to you. It will not be
time lost to you: of that I am sure. You will tell him all about us,
and should he not be at home, you will make a point of trying to find
him, will you not, Jack?"

As she spoke, she imprinted a kiss on her brother's brow.

"And now I will go down-stairs and get your breakfast ready. May God
ever be with you, my dear brother!"

While Jack was dressing, he received a visit from his brother Jasper,
who had some kind words and good advice also to give him. Although the
brothers were on the best of terms, they associated very little with
each other, their habits and amusements being very different. Still,
Jack admired and respected Jasper for his talents, his amiable
disposition, and his refined manners, though he felt little disposed to
imitate the latter. Jasper had been away at the time Jack paid his
farewell visit to Harwood Grange, and whether he admired Alethea or not,
he at all events showed no jealousy of his brother, or annoyance at his
having been there without him.

Polly's farewell was even more hearty than that of her brother and
sister. Her parting salute was a slap on the back, in return for some
words which he whispered in her ear, and a glance of pride, perhaps, as
she saw the good figure he cut, equipped in his horseman's suit and
thoroughly prepared for the road.

His parents gave him their blessing, but the manner of his father
especially was somewhat cold, and