the truth. Mrs Graybrook had
far too much delicacy and sense of what is right, under other
circumstances, to have spoken to her daughter in any way which might
have appeared disrespectful of Captain Graybrook, for whom they both
entertained the deepest affection. Her true and faithful love for her
husband made her feel as she did; for, having learned the value of her
own soul, she was anxious about his and that of her dear boy.

"I at first had hoped that Leonard Champion would have proved an
advantageous companion to Harry," continued Mrs Graybrook. "But, if
not inclined to laugh at religion, he is, I fear, ignorant of its vital
truths or indifferent to them, and Harry therefore cannot be benefited
through his means."

Hannah sighed.

"You are right, mamma; Mr Champion cannot lead Harry to the fountain in
which he does not see the need of being washed himself. I spoke to him
earnestly on the subject, but without avail, though he accepted some
books which I offered him, and promised to read them when he had time."

The two ladies had, since they settled in Wales, enjoyed the ministry of
one of those gifted servants of God, to whom the honour has been given
of winning souls to Christ by their preaching and private exhortations.
He had been a frequent visitor at the cottage; and mother and daughter,
having accepted the truth, had been built up in their faith, becoming
earnest yet humble Christians.

This was after Harry went to school. During his short holidays, though
his mother and sister had often earnestly and lovingly spoken to him,
they had made no apparent impression on his mind, all his thoughts being
set on going to sea. His mother had now deeply to regret that she
herself, ignorant of the truth during his childhood's days, had been
unable to instruct him while his young mind was ready to receive the
religious knowledge she might have imparted.

How many a mother must feel as she did!

Captain Graybrook had been constantly at sea, and when he came home for
a brief visit, though he remarked the change in his wife and daughter,
and found that they were unwilling to engage in any of the frivolous
amusements of society, he looked upon the opinions they expressed as
mere passing fancies, and begged to be excused from listening to the
preacher of whom they spoke so highly.

"Those sort of things are very good, my dear wife, for some people," he
answered, carelessly; "but sailors have no time to attend to