'But, at any rate, father, you do good to the women, and perhaps
they repeat what you have said to them to their husbands and
children?'

'It is to be hoped they do, for I cannot reach the men directly;
but the women are apt to tarry before coming to me, to put on
ribbons and gauds; as if they could hear the message I bear to
them best in their smart clothes. Mrs Dobson to-day--Phillis, I
am thankful thou dost not care for the vanities of dress!'
Phillis reddened a little as she said, in a low humble voice,--

'But I do, father, I'm afraid. I often wish I could wear
pretty-coloured ribbons round my throat like the squire's
daughters.'

'It's but natural, minister!' said his wife; 'I'm not above
liking a silk gown better than a cotton one myself!'

'The love of dress is a temptation and a snare,' said he,
gravely. 'The true adornment is a meek and quiet spirit. And,
wife,' said he, as a sudden thought crossed his mind, 'in that
matter I, too, have sinned. I wanted to ask you, could we not
sleep in the grey room, instead of our own?'

'Sleep in the grey room?--change our room at this time o' day?'
cousin Holman asked, in dismay.

'Yes,' said he. 'It would save me from a daily temptation to
anger. Look at my chin!' he continued; 'I cut it this morning--I