he sooner
we can get him out of the country the better."

He then told me what plans he had been devising for this purpose, and
that if my uncle were equal to it on the morrow, I should set him and my
aunt on their way to a certain point, which, if they reached in safety,
they would then be cared for.

"The greatest difficulty," said he, "is about a passport; but that may
possibly be procured on the frontier, for the great object of government
seems to be to chase all our godly ministers out of the kingdom, that
their flocks, deprived of their strengthening exhortations, may fall an
easier prey."

While he thus spoke, a noise at the door, as if some one were hammering
on it with his fist, made us start.

"Who's there?" said my father, without withdrawing the bolt.

"Your neighbor Romilly," returned the other; and we, knowing his voice,
let him in.

"Neighbor, I have traveled far and fast," said he, "and would not go
home without looking in to tell you the bad news. They are carrying
things hardly at Arles and Usez, and you had better warn M. Chambrun
he is in danger."

My father changed countenance.

"He and his wife are with us at this moment," said he.

"They must depart, then," said Romilly, "and without loss of time, or
she will not be allowed to go with him. See, here is a passport," said
he, dubiously smiling, "which will do for him as well as the person for
whom it was intended. He shall have it."

We thanked him warmly, and after a little more eager talk, he hurried
homeward. Day was now breaking, and I threw myself on my bed for a short
sleep. When I awoke, my dear mother was beside me.

"Your uncle is awake, and talking to your father," said she, softly. "He
refuses the passport, because it was not made out for himself, saying he
will not do an evil that good may come."

"This is sheer madness," said I, springing up.

"It is consistency," said my mother. "We are now on the brink of a great
struggle between the powers of light and darkness. Those who feel they
have no strength of their own to meet it with, and do not care to seek
it from above, will probably give in at the very first word--certainly
do so sooner or later; but those whose adhesion to God's cause is of any
worth, will brace themselves for the encounter, knowing that He can and
will arm them for the fight."

"You approve my uncle's making a point of conscience, then, of this?"

"I must say I do, though your father is angry with