changes are natural enough to young people, and to old ones too.
But what may be your son's age."

"Nineteen last April."

"Quite a man for his years, Mrs. Hinkley."

"Isn't he?"

"He will do you credit yet."

"Ah! if I could believe so. But you'll speak to him, Brother Stevens?
You'll try and bring all to rights?"

"Rely upon me to do what I can;--to do my best."

"Well, that's as much as any man can do, and I'm sure I'll be so
happy--we shall all be so much indebted to you."

"Do not speak of it, my dear madam," said Stevens, bowing with
profound deference as the old lady took her departure. She went
off with light heart, having great faith in the powers of the holy
man, and an equal faith in his sincerity.

"What a bore!" he muttered as he closed the door behind her.
"This is one of the penalties, I suppose, which I must pay for my
privileges. I shall be called upon to reform the morals and manners,
and look into the petty cares of every chuckle-headed boor and
boor's brat for ten miles round. See why boys reject their mush,
and why the girls dislike to listen to the exhortations of a mamma,