desired to remain in seclusion until certain that she could injure
none beside. She was not therefore able to be present when her
father unfolded his plans to the rest of the family, though she was
quickly apprised of the result later on.

"My dear wife and dutiful children," said the master of the house,
as he sat at table and looked about him at the ring of dear faces
round him, "I have been thinking much as to what it is right for us
to do in face of this peril and scourge which God has sent upon the
city; and albeit I am well aware that it is the duty of every man
to take reasonable care of himself and his household, yet I also
feel very strongly that in the protection of the Lord is our
greatest strength and safeguard, and that our best and strongest
defence is in throwing ourselves upon His mercy, and asking day by
day for His merciful protection for a household which looks to Him
as the Lord of life and death."

Then the good man proceeded to quote from Holy Writ certain
passages in which the pestilence is represented as being the
scourge of the Lord, and is spoken of as being an angel of the Lord
with a drawn sword slaying right and left, yet ever ready to spare
where the Lord shall bid.

"I shall then," continued Harmer, "daily and nightly confide those
of this household into the keeping of Almighty God, and pray to Him
for His protection and special blessing. It may be (since His ears
are always open to the supplication of His children) that He will
send His angel of life to watch over us and keep us from harm; and
having this confidence, and using such means as seem wise and
reasonable for the protection of all, I shall strive--and you must