vered America on Friday, the 12th of October
1492."

Having delivered himself of these remarks, he rose.

Caudray, whom he had brought with him, rose also.

Grace and Douce, perceiving that the two clergymen were about to take
their leave, opened the folding-doors.

Mess Lethierry saw nothing; heard nothing.

M. Jaquemin Herode said, apart to M. Caudray:

"He does not even salute us. This is not sorrow; it is vacancy. He must
have lost his reason."

He took his little Bible, however, from the table, and held it between
his hands outstretched, as one holds a bird in fear that it may fly
away. This attitude awakened among the persons present a certain amount
of attention. Grace and Douce leaned forward eagerly.

His voice assumed all the solemnity of which it was capable.

"Mess Lethierry," he began, "let us not part without reading a page of
the Holy Book. It is from books that wise men derive consolation in the
troubles of life. The profane have their oracles; but believers have
their ready resource in the Bible. The first book which comes to hand,
opened by chance may afford counsel; but the Bible, opened at any page,
yields a revelation. It is, above all, a boon to the afflicted. Yes,
Holy Scripture is an unfailing balm for their wounds. In the presence of
affliction, it is good to consult its sacred pages--to open even without
choosing the place, and to read with faith the passage which we find.
What man does not choose is chosen by God. He knoweth best what suiteth
us. His finger pointeth invisibly to that which we read. Whatever be the
page, it will infallibly enlighten. Let us seek, then, no other light;
but hold fast to His. It is the word from on high. In the text which is
evoked with confidence and reverence, often do we find a mysterious
significance in our present troubles. Let us hearken, then, and obey.
Mess Lethierry, you are in affliction, but I hold here the book of
consolation. You are sick at heart, but I have here the book of
spiritual health."

The Reverend Jaquemin Herode touched the spring of the clasp, and let
his finger slip between the leaves. Then he placed his hand a moment
upon the open volume, collected his thoughts, and, raising his eyes
impressively, began to read in a loud voice.

The passage which he had lighted on was as follows:

"And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide, and he
lifted up his eyes and saw and beheld the camels were coming.

"And Rebek