he's after no good with his great religioning; and I'll tie such
a pair of eyes to his heels, that his understanding will never be
entirely out of my sight. I'll find him out if anybody can. But
I won't lick him till I do. That wouldn't be altogether right,
considering he's to be a parson, though I doubt he'll never make
one."

And thus, with a head filled with cares of a fashion altogether
new, the sturdy young Kentuckian moved homeward with a degree of
abstraction in his countenance which was not among the smallest
wonders of the day and place in the estimation of his friends and
neighbors.

Meanwhile, the work of mischief was in full progress. Everybody
knows the degree of familiarity which exists among all classes in a
country-village, particularly when the parties are brought together
under the social and stimulating influences of religion. It was
natural that the pastor, long known and well beloved, should be
surrounded by his flock as he descended from the pulpit. The old
ladies always have a saving interest in his presence, and they pave
the way for the young ones. Alfred Stevens, as the protege of John
Cross, naturally attended his footsteps, and was introduced by him
to the little congregation, which had mostly remained to do honor
to the preacher. Of these, not last, nor least, was the widow
Cooper; and, unreluctant by her side, though in silence, and not
without a degree of emotion, which she yet was able to conceal,
stood her fair but proud-hearted daughter.

Margaret, alas! Margaret stood there with a heart more proud,
yet more humble, than ever. Proud in the consciousness of a new