"I should think" Fleda suddenly stopped.
"What?" said Mr. Carleton, gently.
"I beg your pardon, Sir I was going to say something very presumptuous."
"You cannot," he said in the same tone.
"I was going to say," said Fleda, blushing, "that I should think there might be a great deal of pleasure in raising the tone of mind and character among the people, as one could who had influence over a large neighbourhood."
His smile was very bright in answer.
"I have been trying that, Elfie, for the last eight years."
Fleda's eye looked now eagerly in pleasure and in curiosity for more. But he was silent.
"I was thinking a little while ago," he said, "of the time, once before, when I rode here with you when you were beginning to lead me to the problem I have been trying to work out ever since. When I left you in Paris, I went to resolve with myself the question, What I had to do in the world? Your little Bible was my invaluable help. I had read very little of it when I threw aside all other books; and my problem was soon solved. I saw that the life has no honour nor value which is not spent to the glory of God. I saw the end I was made for the happiness I was fitted for the dignity to which even a fallen creature may rise, through his dear Redeemer and Surety."
Fleda's eyes were down now. Mr. Carleton was silent a moment, watching one or two bright witnesses that fell from them.