out to her the advantages of perseverance and self-command, and Helen
promised, and indeed firmly resolved, never again to allow herself to give
way to foolish fears; nor ever to fancy it impossible to conquer what
might at first sight appear difficult, until she had at least tried with
her whole mind to overcome the difficulty.




CHAP II.


We must now return to our little party, who were setting out on their
excursions towards the _glen_, that is to say, a deep and narrow opening
between the hills which bound the dale.

John had no sooner assisted Helen to mount Bob, than Mr. Martin made his
appearance, accompanied by Mrs. Martin, who came to see them set off, she
being detained at home that morning, arranging some household affairs,
which required her presence, and which would not admit of delay. After
wishing them good bye, and giving Helen many charges to be careful, and
keep a firm hold of her bridle, Mrs. Martin returned into the house, and
the travellers proceeded to follow the windings up towards the glen, where
David Little's cottage stood. Nothing can exceed the beauty of this walk.
The holm extends above a mile above Mr. Martin's house, divided by a large
and rapid river, on each side of which hills rise, almost as high as the
eye can reach, covered with rich, smooth verdure, up to the very top, and
seeming to shut out the inhabitants of the valley from all communication
with the rest of the world. As Mr. Martin and the young people proceeded
leisurely along the road, he related to them several stories, which