dear Lord Himself?"

"Surely, my Sister, you say well; and therefore it would be better for
her to have a helpmate ever at her side, who would remind her of her
holy calling," returned Jonathan, earnestly. "Next week she will be
eighteen years of age, and will then be numbered among the marriageable
sisters. It would certainly be the best thing for her to have a
husband; therefore seek one for her, Sister Agatha; and if you and the
assembly of elders can find no one better, then will I, for the sake of
her welfare, give up the freedom of my single life and take her to
myself, to be to her a faithful protector and husband, for the glory of
God."

While speaking, he had risen nervously from his seat, and leaning one
arm on the back of the chair, uttered the last words hastily, as if
impelled thereto by a sudden overwhelming emotion. His eyes were fixed
on the floor, only once in a while looking furtively up, as if to watch
the effect of his words. But the Sister's open countenance showed only
a joyful surprise.

"You would really sacrifice yourself for Sister Carmen's benefit?" she
cried. "How can I do otherwise than approve, dear Brother? You, the
pious, wise, experienced physician, full of love and kind forbearance
towards her, and knowing so well, all the while, what is for her good!
Where in all the wide world could she ever find a better counsellor and
guide?"

"Nay, say not so, Sister Agatha," he interrupted reprovingly. "No
sinful creature deserves such praise; least of all I. None of us are
more than humble instruments for good, and have no merit at all of
ourselves."

"Yet, my dear Brother, we cannot but recognize the good in others,"
replied she in a gentle tone. "And I say no more than the truth. If
every one as worthy as you had only a portion of your modesty! The
sick long for you and praise you as their benefactor; the well welcome
you everywhere as a friend and adviser. Let me thank you for offering
yourself to Carmen, for you have done so with true kindness and love.
After the feast this evening, I will communicate your proposal to the
elders; and if they consent to it, then, afterwards, I will speak to
Carmen on the subject. I have notified her to come to me, without
reference to this matter, as I want to make some inquiries about her
behavior this morning. But now it is the hour for evening prayer."

She arose, and extended her hand to Jonathan, who returned its hearty
pressure. N