The

from here, and more houses broke into view. nearest to them, a mere glimpse of which could be obtained owing to a rapid swelling of the adjacent land, showed symptoms of superior architecture to any of its neighbours, the very chimneys wearing an aristocratic appearance. Emily set that down at once for the dwelling of the Spencers-and she was right.

"And here you sit to study?" she said, with a pleased glance round her.

Sometimes," he returned, "when the day is fine and other circumstances admit. I have a wide range here—much, as I said before, love, to remind me of my duty. Here, beneath my feet, is our little chapel— the spot where we celebrate 'Holy-day;' and all around, clustering here and there, are the people among whom I labour. Then, here are my Father's works the glowing sky-the glorious trees-and, beyond all, the wide wide ocean-to remind me of His boundless love! Yes; I can sometimes study better here in one short hour than during many hours at home; and such times I have felt nearer my Father-felt more of His presence, experienced more of His blessing, and have, like you, dear, seemed in all around to hear a voice of praise."

He took her hand and drew it again through his arm, and slowly they began to walk back to the house.

"It is a great-a solemn thing-this standing up to testify of Jesus, and His salvation,-this proclaiming aloud the acceptable year of the Lord." He presently continued: "But a glorious work it is, too. And who would not seek to draw the sinner to the Saviour? Emmy, darling, do you repent linking

your life to mine? Do you regret the vows you have taken upon you?-regret that you are a minister's wife?"

"Regret! Ah, no, dearest Gilbert!" replied Emily, her blue eyes filling with tears. "Ah, no; I only fear that the duties devolving upon me I can never fulfil-I am so unworthy!"

He clasped the little hand that lay on his arm with a glad full clasp, and looked down into the tearful eyes.

6

"We both know, darling, where to obtain grace to help in every time of need,' do we not? For the rest, one thing is certain, 'Strength to the day' is promised, by One who cannot fail:

CHAPTER VII.

THE BRIDE'S FIRST APPEARANCE.

"Come to the house of praise,
Ye who are happy now;

In sweet accord your voices raise,
Your knees together bow."

THERE were sweet soft strains pouring through the window of the minister's little parlour soon after breakfast on the Sabbath morning; and a very sweet voice was united to the melody; and words as sweet distinctly articulated were borne lightly on the breeze that swept in at the open window, and floated down very pleasantly to the young minister, as he stood feeding his horse at some short distance from the stable.

"Welcome, sweet day of rest,

That saw the Lord arise;

Welcome to this reviving breast,

And these rejoicing eyes."

Very sweetly and soothingly the words and music fell upon Gilbert's ear as he stood under the shade of the trees caressing his horse, and watching it feeding. It rested and refreshed him; it gladdened his heart to hear lips so dear to him echoing his own feelings, for he too was welcoming the day of rest-welcoming

the holy day that summoned together his little congregation at Glen Ness, to hear "glad tidings of great joy"-to hear of Him who is Himself a rest to every weary soul! Yes! he was no longer alone; every throb of his pulse told that; a sharer of his "joys and sorrows" had been given him, one who could reciprocate his love, and soothe his sadness; and for her, what would he not do? How he prayed to be enabled to smooth her path, to shield her from sorrow, to make her happy!

A few moments and the voice and instrument ceased, and the fair musician came into the little porch and looked out from its shadow into the sunshine. She had tied on a pretty garden hat; for this time, instead of remaining satisfied with a peep through the passion flower and wattle blossom, she came boldly forward through the little gate, and was presently at her husband's side.

"There is plenty of time yet, dear Gilbert," she exclaimed; "and I should so much like to take another peep at Glen Ness before we go. You need not go with me. I know the way; and I know you have no time to spare."

"And how do you know that I shall let you go by yourself, little one?" said her husband, caressingly.

"Oh, you will, because I wish it," replied Emily, blushing brightly. "I shall not be in danger of meeting any of the people, shall I? I should not like that without you."

"Oh, no! you stand in no danger; but do not stay too long, love, for our service is an early one."

He detained her a moment at his side, and then she

was off, lightly springing forward up the hill, standing mid-way to look back at him and wave her handkerchief as he stood watching her. Another moment and a huge rock came between them, and Emily pur sued her way to Gilbert's study, while he slowly turned back to the house.

Yes! there was Glen Ness again in all the beauty of a Sabbath morning's sunshine and quietude-there was the hallowed spot where Sabbath after Sabbath her husband stood up to preach Jesus, to testify of His love, and His ability, as well as His willingness, to save. And now, was she to share in his work? Was she to be a partner of his cares and joys? Ah, that she might indeed prove so! She prayed as she sat on the fallen trunk, so often before her husband's seat, that she might have grace, and strength, and wisdom given to her to help him forward in his work; prayed, too, for the people of Glen Ness-his people that they might all learn to love the joyful sound, and rejoice indeed in the Lord of the Sabbath.

And there, with her hands crossed listlessly in her lap, she sat looking over the whole of the beautiful glen. She loved its name when she first heard it, but the reality far exceeded her most sanguine thoughts. It was indeed a lovely time of year-just before the fresh beauty of spring gives place to the fervour of summer, a time of flowers and green verdure, and blue sky, and soft breezes, when the sunshine is hailed with joy, and the beams of Phoebus are welcomed. And so Glen Ness was in its full beauty-a fitting time to receive its minister's bride.

She rose at last, and with a parting glance, and a