s became the theme of fluent, if not very learned conversation.
Sometimes Stephen, as if their words caught some floating memory, would
murmur out a verse or two in his delirious ramblings, or sing part of a
hymn. Tim, also, who came for an hour or two every evening, was always
ready to read the few chapters he had learned, and to give the girls his
interpretation of them.

There was no pressing want in the little household, though their
bread-winner was unable to work. The miners made up Stephen's wages among
themselves at every reckoning, for Stephen had won their sincere
respect, though they had often been tempted to ill-treat him. Miss Anne
came every day with dainties from the master's house, without meeting
with any reproof or opposition, though the name of Stephen Fern never
crossed Mr. Wyley's lips. Still he used to listen attentively whenever
the doctor called upon Miss Anne, to give her his opinion how the poor
boy was going on.

When Stephen was recovering, his mind was too weak for any of the violent
passions that had preceded his illness. Moreover, the bounty of his
comrades, and the humble kindness of Martha and Bess, came like healing
to his soul; for very often the tenderness of others will seem to atone
for the injuries of our enemies, and at least soften our vehement desire
for revenge. Yet, in a quiet, listless sort of way, Stephen still longed
for God to prove His wrath against the master's wrong-doing. It appeared
so strange to hear that all this time nothing had befallen him, that he
was still strong and healthy, and becoming more and more wealthy every
day. Like Asaph, the psalmist, when he considered the prosperity of the
wicked, Stephen was inclined to say, 'How doth God know? and is there
knowledge with the Most High? Behold, these are the ungodly that prosper
in the earth; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart
in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I
been plagued, and chastened every morning.'

'Why does God let these things be?' he inquired of Miss Anne one day,
after he was well enough to rise from his bed and sit by the fire. He was
very white and thin, and his eyes looked large and shining in their
sunken sockets; but they gazed earnestly into his teacher's face, as if
he was craving to have this difficulty solved.

'You have asked me a hard question,' said Miss Anne; 'we cannot
understand God's way, for "as the heavens are higher than th