He'd
take you at my recommendation, and I'd be glad to speak a word for you.
Would that do for you?'
Stephen accepted the offer gladly; and when the gamekeeper was gone,
they sang a hymn together, so blotting out by an offering of praise the
evil prayer which he had uttered upon that hearth on the night of his
desolation and strong conflict. Pleasant was the way home to the old
cabin in the twilight; pleasant the hearty 'Good-night' of Tim and Bess;
but most pleasant of all was the calm sense of truth, and the submissive
will with which Stephen resigned himself to the providence of God.
The work of a shepherd was far more to Stephen's taste than his
dangerous toil as a collier. From his earliest years he had been
accustomed to wander with his grandfather over the extensive
sheep-walks, seeking out any strayed lambs, or diligently gathering food
for the sick ones of the flock. To be sure, he could only earn little
more than half his former wages, and his time for returning from his
work would always be uncertain, and often very late. But then, sorrowful
consideration! there was no little Nan to provide for now, nor to fill
up his leisure hours at home.
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