GLIMPSE OF A CHRISTIAN HOME, ETC. (157

an humble seat in the gallery, until the rich tones of
his voice drew the attention of the clergyinan, who, in-
deed, had too few persons gifted in this way. His
eye often turned on Carl, whom he found always intent
on what was said, or devoutly joining in the acts of
worship. As good ministers of Christ are used to do,
Mr. Mill took an early occasion to learn the name of
this punctual attendant, and at length detained him at
the close of the service, and drew from him some par-
ticulars of his history. The interview was not without
tears ; for Carl found that Mr. Mill had been in Europe,
and had even visited his native region. From this it
was an easy transition to visit at the parsonage, which
was on a hill-side, about three miles from school. The
times which he chose for these visits were at the close
of the week’s work, and, when he became better known,
he was often invited to remain until Monday morning.
The Smiths did not fail to rally him in regard to this,
and. to repeat the name of Matilda Mill in a sly, good-
humoured way; but Carl maintained, with a pensive
earnestness, that for him the charm of the house was
in the excellent pastor. | |
Spring Hill, the residence of this pious and acom-
_ plished family, was named from a bold fountain which
broke out from the side of a little mount among rocks
and vines, and dashed away over the banks to join a
rivulet which coursed through the meadows below.
The house was old, but spacious, commanding a view