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purchase or lease of land for him some day, that he might not feel himself unduly slighted.

‘As far as worldly wealth goes,’ continued his father, ‘you will no doubt stand far superior to your brothers in a few years.’

This considerateness on old Mr. Clare’s part led Angel onward to the other and dearer subject. He observed to his father that he was then six-and-twenty, and that when he should start in the farming business he would require eyes in the back of his head to see to all matters—some one would be necessary to superintend the domestic labours of his establishment whilst he was afield. Would it not be well, therefore, for him to marry?

His father seemed to think this idea not unreasonable; and then Angel put the question—

‘What kind of wife do you think would be best for me as a thrifty hard-working farmer?’

‘A truly Christian woman, who will be a help and a comfort to you in your goings-out and your comings-in. Beyond that, it really matters little. Such an one can be found; indeed, my earnest-minded friend and neighbour, Dr. Chant———’

‘But ought she not primarily to be able to milk