rom the minister of the
parish, who knew me before I went to college. I could get one from Mr.
Sclater too, whose church I attended while there."

"Show me what you have," said his lordship.

Donal took the papers from the pocket-book his mother had made him, and
handed them to him. The earl read them with some attention, returning
each to him without remark as he finished it, only saying with the last,

"Quite satisfactory."

"But," said Donal, "there is one thing I should be more at ease if I
told your lordship: Mr. Carmichael, the minister of this parish, would
tell you I was an atheist, or something very like it--therefore an
altogether unsafe person. But he knows nothing of me."

"On what grounds then would he say so?" asked the earl--showing not the
least discomposure. "I thought you were a stranger to this place!"

Donal told him how they had met, what had passed between them, and how
the minister had behaved in consequence. His lordship heard him
gravely, was silent for a moment, and then said,

"Should Mr. Carmichael address me on the subject, which I do not think
likely, he will find me already too much prejudiced in your favour.
But I can imagine his mistaking your freedom of speech: you are
scarcely prudent enough. Why say all you think?"

"I fear nothing, my lord."

The earl was silent; his gray face seemed to grow grayer, but it might
be that just then the sun went under a cloud, and he was suddenly
folded in shadow. After a moment he spoke again.

"I am quite satisfied with you so far, Mr. Grant; and as I should not
like to employ you in direct opposition to Mr. Carmichel--not that I
belong to his church--we will arrange matters before he can hear of the
affair. What salary do you want?"

Donal replied he would prefer leaving the salary to his lordship's
judgment upon trial.

"I am not a wealthy man," returned his lordship, "and would prefer an
understanding."

"Try me then for three months, my lord; give me my board and lodging,
the use of your library, and at the end of the quarter a
ten-pound-note: by that time you will be able to tell whether I suit
you."

The earl nodded agreement, and Donal rose at once. With a heart full
of thankfulness and hope he walked back to his friends. He had before
him pleasant work; plenty of time and book-help; an abode full of
interest; and something for his labour!

"'Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee!'" said the cobbler,
rejoicing a