our
story--so I said nothing, but continued the more devotedly in my heart
to cherish that faith which had so long afforded me support against the
overwhelming evidence of prolonged silence and neglect.

"There was a congregation of Dissenters in the town, and I had been once
or twice prevailed on to join their devotions. One day I heard that
proceedings of extraordinary interest would take place at the
meeting-house. A minister of great reputation had accepted the
situation of Missionary to preach the Gospel to the heathen, and he was
visiting the different congregations that lay in his route to the
seaport whence he was to embark to the Sandwich Islands. He was
expected to address a discourse to the Dissenters of our parish, and I
was induced to go and hear him.

"The meeting-house was very much crowded, but I contrived to get a seat
within a short distance of the speakers, and waited with much interest
to behold the man, who, like some of the first preachers, had chosen the
perilous task of endeavouring to convert a nation of savage idolaters to
the faith of the true Christ.

"After a short delay he appeared on a raised platform, and was
introduced to this congregation by their minister. I heard nothing of
this introduction, though it seemed a long one; I saw nothing of the
speaker, though his was a figure which always attracted an attentive
audience. I saw only the stranger. In those pale, grave, and serious
features then presented to me, I recognised Heinrich Reichardt."

"He had come back to you at last," I exclaimed; "I thought he would.
After all you had done for the poor German boy, it was impossible that
he should grow up to manhood and forget you."

"You shall hear," she replied. "For some time my heart beat wildly, and
I thought I should be obliged to leave the place, my sensations became
so overpowering; but the fear of disturbing the congregation, and of
attracting attention towards myself, had such influence over me, that I
managed to retain sufficient control over my feelings to remain quiet.
Nevertheless my eyes were upon Heinrich, and my whole heart and soul
were exclusively engrossed by him while he continued before me.

"Presently he began to speak. As I have just said, I paid no attention
to the preliminary proceedings. I know nothing of the manner in which
he was introduced to his audience; but when he became the speaker, every
word fell upon my ear with a distinctness that seemed qu