OF THE FOREST. 89

to render every person in this company
satisfied with her decision, and she depends
upon her motto to stop the mouths of every
malcontent. Upon my honour, Madame,
unless your motto be a very extraordinary
one, I do declare,” and he shrugged up his
shoulders and smiled, “you are in great
peril, Iam, I confess, in great pain for you,
Madame.”

“Well then, my friend,” replied the Ba-
ronne, “I will hasten to place you at ease.
Ladies and gentlemen, you shall hear my
motto, and I am assured that no one here
present will dispute its authority, when I as-
sure them that it is Divine, and that it is
taken from the Holy Scriptures.” So saying,
she untwisted the riband from the myrtle
crown; and stating that the passage was
addressed by St. Peter to his female converts,
she proceeded to read it in a soft yet clear
and distinct voice; it was to the following
effect :—“ Whose adorning let it not be that
outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but let it be the ornament of a meek. and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of
great price.” 1 Pet. ii. 3, 4.

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