"It is not seemly in woman to drink of strong waters or glowing wine,"

said Barbara, whose tearful eyes rested upon the time-worn features of

her father: "but, God knows, my heart is often so full of grateful

thanks, that I lack words to speak my happiness; and I have need of

constant watchfulness to prevent the creature from occupying the place

of the Creator. My father has sometimes hours of bitterness, yet I bless

God he is not as a brand consumed in the burning, but rather as gold

purified and cleansed by that which devoureth our impurities, but maketh

great that which deserveth greatness. As to Robin----"

"Don't turn me into a fable, wife!" exclaimed Robin, playfully

interrupting her:--"I am, in my own proper person, an Æsop as it is.

There has been enough of all this for to-night: we will but pledge

another cup to the health of Sir Walter, the Lady Constance, and their

children--and then to bed; and may all sleep well whose hearts are

innocent as yours, Barbara! and I hope I may add without presumption,

purified as mine. You see, Springall, the earth that nourishes the rose

may in time partake of its fragrance."




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