mosphere of sanctity and safety surround them
even in the midst of the fires, that they receive no hurt. In their
allowed pleasures and pastimes, let them wear that spiritual hauberk
which is invulnerable to the darts of the wicked; let them steadfastly
set their faces against whatever thy word disallows; and, should fiery
trial and temptation beset them, enable them, having done all, to stand."

I am confident that these were as nearly as possible the very words of
my father; for they made an impression on me that I could hardly account
for: and as he had recently been explaining to the children the nature
of a hauberk, as a coat of defensive armor, and remarking on its pliancy
and being often worn out of sight, the metaphor fixed itself in my
memory.

We had a substantial breakfast of soup and bread before we started; and
then drove in state to M. Bourdinave's door, where I sprang out to help
the smiling girls into the char-a-banc. I would gladly have had
Madeleine next me, but, as ill-luck would have it, M. Bourdinave placed
himself at my side, and my father just behind; so that I was completely
shut out from her, to my great chagrin. However, if I could not see her,
unless by looking round, I knew she could see me; so I carried myself my
best, and flourished my whip in fine style.

And thus we went to the Fair of Beaucaire. As we passed Les Arenes, that
famous Roman amphitheatre in the centre of our city, I heard my father
and his old friend allude to its former uses, without paying much heed
to them. I believe they reminded one another that not only wild beasts
but Christians had formerly been put to death there, for the recreation
of those who were wild beasts themselves; and my father said how he
hated the Sunday bull-fights that took place there still, and never
would let me go near them; on which I put in soberly, "I never want to,
father."

"Thou art a steady lad, I'll warrant thee," said M. Bourdinave,
approvingly. "Hold fast the form of sound words which hath been given
thee in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

"Ay, ay, sir," said I, whipping old Rene smartly. And in another minute
we were thumping and bumping over great paving-stones, too noisily for
conversation to be carried on, and getting into a melee of carts,
wagons, and horsemen, all bound for Beaucaire. The women were now in
great delight, looking from side to side, commenting on the dress of
one, the equipage of another, nodding to ac