116 ALL IS NOT GOLD THA GLITTERS.

trunk was foul and hollowed by impurities, and
when the blast came, it could not stand; even
so with many, fair without and foul within, and
the first adversity, the first great sorrow, over-
throws them.”

‘But this may be the case with the poor as
well as the rich, in the country as well as the
town.”

‘Tam sure of it, sir. No station can be alto-
gether free from impurity ; but in the country
the incitements to evil seem to me less numer-
ous, and the temptations fewer by far; the most
dangerous of all, a desire to shine, to climb
above our fellows, less continual. The middle
class is there more healthy and independent.”

% And all this owing to the mere circum-
stance, think you, of situation ?” interrupted
the gentleman.

“J am only country bred, sir, as you know,”
replied Rose, earnestly but meekly; ‘“ and the
only advantage I have had has been in the so-
ciety of one you have heard me mention before
now—our worthy rector—and he says it would
make all that is wrong come right, if people
would only fear God and Jove their neighbour.”

‘TI believe,” said the gentleman, “he is
right, quite right; for out of such religion
springs contentment, and all the higher as well
as the humbler virtues. Yes, he is quite right,”
Much more he urged Rose, with all the persua-
sive eloquence of warm affection, to discover,