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 shall not need to be reminded to apply the words to the absent one. May Heaven shield her in all her ways!’

A lump rose in Clare’s throat. The portable lectern was taken out from the corner and set in the middle of the fireplace, the two old servants came in, and Angel’s father began to read at the tenth verse of the aforesaid chapter—

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household. She girdeth her loins with strength and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

When prayers were over, his mother said—

‘I could not help thinking how very aptly that chapter your dear father read applied in some of its particulars, to the woman you have chosen. The perfect woman, you see, was a