It does not concern our narrative to render the details thus unfolded
to the stranger. And we will content ourselves, as did the younger
of the travellers, who placed himself with hearty good will at the
disposal of the holy man.
"You shall find for me a place of lodging, Mr. Cross, while it
shall suit me to stay in Charlemont. You have a knowledge of the
people, and of the world, which I possess not; and it will be better
that I should give myself up to your guidance. I know that you will
not bring me to the dwelling of persons not in good repute; and,
perhaps, I need not remind you that my worldly means are small--I
must be at little charge wherever I stop."
"Ah, Brother Stevens, worldly goods and worldly wealth are no more
needed in Charlemont, than they are necessary to the service of the
blessed Redeemer. With an empty scrip is thy service blest;--God
sees the pure heart through the threadbare garment. I have friends
in Charlemont who will be too happy to receive thee in the name of
the Lord, without money and without price."
The pride of Stevens, which had not shrunk from hypocrisy and
falsehood, yet recoiled at a suggestion which involved the idea of
his pecuniary dependence upon strangers, and he replied accordingly;
though he still disguised his objections under the precious appearance
of a becoming moral scruple.
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