"Those failures and mistakes have been very few, I think," was his reply;
"you have tried very earnestly and prayerfully to train them up in the way
they should go. And God is faithful to his promises--your children do not
depart from the right way; they do arise and call you blessed."

"Papa," she said, in moved tones, after a moment's silence, "we must not
forget how much is due to the training, the example, and the prayers of
their father."

"No, daughter; and we can always plead in their behalf the precious
promises to the seed of the righteous. 'I will pour my Spirit upon thy
seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.' 'A good man leaveth an
inheritance to his children's children.'"

"Yes, father, how often have those promises been my comfort and support as
the inheritance of both my children and myself; inherited by me from both
you and my sainted mother and her pious ancestors."

"And from mine; for my mother was a devoted Christian and came of a long
line of God-fearing men and women. But I see nothing yet of Edward and his
party; they must have taken another road."

"Yes, sir; and shall we not turn now? I ought not to be long away from my
poor sick darlings."

"I think it would be well to return by the other road; we shall reach it
in a moment, and our ride will be lengthened by but a half mile or so."

She acquiesced in his decision, as was her custom.