from his sun-burned brow, "for it seemed as if the whole church had
turned its back upon me, and so many were the plans laid to effect
my downfall, by those who should have held me up, that even the
mantle of St. Peter could not have saved me. Thus, it was said that
I had made too free with my housekeeper, who, in some things, was a
good enough woman, but (and it was well known to the parish), little
could be said for her virtue. Heaven knows I had never in my whole
life permitted an evil thought concerning her to invade my mind; and
yet she was got to bring against me a charge so grave that we will
pass it over without a name. Your must, however, remember that this
was the work of my enemies, whom heaven forgive, as I freely forgive
them, such being the glory of charity, which is the truest religion.
Indeed, sir, it was said that I did this woman grievous harm, and
the parish rose up in her defence, and, what is more, set her up as
a model of injured innocence. I could only protest my innocence, and
pray what chance is there for innocence against the voice of
calumny?

"Then this was the penalty of your bachelorhood? You should
remember, brother, that so good a chance to become a father as that
which is offered to the pastor of a flourishing congregation should
never be lost; and he who fails to embrace it, evinces a want of
wisdom the clergy would do well never to betray," said the major,
begging that his newly made friend would proceed with his story. "As
I never disdain friendship, (hoping the rudeness of my remarks at
our meeting may find pardon in my sorrow,) I will give a respite to
my tongue by quenching my thirst with another sup of the contents of
that flask, for it gives me much relief in body as well as in mind."
The major was only too glad to grant his request; and having passed
him the flask, he said, as the other raised it to his mouth, he