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
conquest--humble in the feeling that this conquest had not been
made, but at the expense of some portion of her own independence.
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