IN A STRANGE LAND. 159

were seated together, turning over the pages of a large
book of plates, which Mr. Mill had just brought from
the city. At a well-known signal all the company re-
paired to the table, where the best of rural cheer was
spread beforethem. The meal was not hasty, as meals —
are apt to be where the family gathering is only for
the purpose of satisfying the cravings of nature. There
was much delightful conversation, and Carl found that
such a union at the domestic board may be madea
class for high instruction. More than one choice
passage from the poets was called for and repeated ;
more than one hard question was answered, and many
religious precepts were inculcated from the Word of
God. By easy methods all were reminded of the ap-
proaching day of holy rest; and questions were asked,
to make sure that the week’s business had been fairly
closed up. |
The few hours which followed, before retiring for the
night, convinced Carl that he had never before known
what was meant by the union of intelligence and piety
in a family circle. He had seen one, and he had seen
the other, but here they were both together. Was it
books? It looked to him as if a fortune had been ex-
pended on the costly volumes around the apartments,
though in this he made the blunder of inexperience.
The talk was natural, diversified, and playful, yet it was
on the very subjects which Carl had hardly ever heard

* c e °
talked of. But above all was he delighted with the