so kind, and candid, and
generous?
    As they sate down to the »exercise,« as it is called, a chair happened
accidentally to stand in the place which Effie usually occupied. David Deans saw
his daughter's eyes swim in tears as they were directed towards this object, and
pushed it aside, with a gesture of some impatience, as if desirous to destroy
every memorial of earthly interest when about to address the Deity. The portion
of Scripture was read, the psalm was sung, the prayer was made; and it was
remarkable that, in discharging these duties, the old man avoided all passages
and expressions, of which Scripture affords so many, that might be considered as
applicable to his own domestic misfortune. In doing so it was perhaps his
intention to spare the feelings of his daughter, as well as to maintain, in
outward show at least, that stoical appearance of patient endurance of all the
evil which earth could bring, which was in his opinion essential to the
character of one who rated all earthly things at their just estimate of
nothingness. When he had finished the duty of the evening, he came up to his
daughter, wished her good-night, and, having done so, continued to hold her by
the hands for half-a-minute; then drawing her towards him, kissed her forehead,
and ejaculated, »The God of Israel bless you, even with the blessings of the
promise, my dear bairn!«
    It was not either in the nature or habits of David Deans to seem a fond
father; nor was he often observed to experience, or at least to evince, that
fulness of the heart which seeks to expand itself in tender expressions or
caresses even to those who were dearest to him. On the contrary, he used to
censure this as a degree of weakness in several of his neighbours, and
particularly in poor widow Butler. It followed, however, from the rarity of such
emotions in this self-denied and reserved man, that his children attached to
occasional marks of his affection and approbation a degree of high interest and
solemnity; well considering them as evidences of feelings which were only
expressed when they became too intense for suppression or concealment.
    With deep emotion, therefore, did he bestow, and his daughter receive, this
benediction and paternal caress. »And you, my dear father,« exclaimed Jeanie,
when the door had closed upon the venerable old man, »may you have purchased and
promised blessings multiplied upon you - upon you, who walk in this world as
though you were not of the