"My heart is full, Mr. Marston; charged with grief, when I think of the
sad history of those with whom, in my mind, you must ever be associated,"
said Doctor Danvers.

"Aye, to be sure," said Marston, with stern impatience; "but, then, you
have much to console you. You have got your comforts and your
respectability; all the dearer, too, from the contrast of other people's
misfortunes and degradations; then you have your religion moreover--"

"Yes," interrupted Danvers, earnestly, and hastening to avoid a sneer
upon this subject; "God be blessed, I am an humble follower of his
gracious Son, our Redeemer; and though, I trust, I should bear with
patient submission whatever chastisement in his wisdom and goodness he
might see fit to inflict upon me, yet I do praise and bless him for the
mercy which has hitherto spared me, and I do feel that mercy all the more
profoundly, from the afflictions and troubles with which I daily see
others overtaken."

"And in the matter of piety and decorum, doubtless, you bless God also,"
said Marston, sarcastically, "that you are not as other men are, nor even
as this publican."

"Nay, Mr. Marston; God forbid I should harden my sinful heart with the
wicked pride of the Pharisee. Evil and corrupt am I already over much.
Too well I know the vileness of my heart, to make myself righteous in my
own eyes," replied Dr. Danvers, humbly. "But, sinner as I am, I am yet a
messenger of God, whose mission is one of authority to his
fellow-sinners; and woe is me if I speak not the truth at all seasons,
and in all places where my words may be profitably heard."