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Show 84 N ARRA'l'IVE OF "~[ary," saicl Albert, "these clouds, floating so gracefully ou the ocean, and this gorgeous horizon in· spiring your poetic fancy, arc something moTe than mere sky drapery, for you'll perceive that the wincl is becoming boisterous, nnU I fear we are going to have a stormy night." "You do not feel alarmed, do you Albert?" "I cannot say I feel alnnnecl; but I would be more comfortable at this time if I had not so precious a cl1argc. '£here may be no real danger, but there can be no harm in preparing for what might happen. If we sbottld have a storm I wish you woulll take your scat on that large box, so as to appropriate it and keep it. Your father brought me two life-preservers and a good cord, when we came on boanl, and charged me to usc them in case of accident. You smile, :Mary, at my earnestness, and perhaps my love for you induces anxiety which circumstances do not warant. Still you can keep in mind my directions." Albert walked towards the bow of the steamer, while Mary again foxed her attention upon the varic. gated clouds. She did not participate in Albert's apprehensions, and thought his anxiety neccllcss. Y ct his earnest request made that sort of impression upon A .LJ!ER1' AND MARY. 85 ber mind which rather conduced to Teligious contemplation. 'l'hc broad disk of the sun could be seen tb rough the floating cloud, nne! as Albert returned, Mary rc· marked:-" Albert, an bour ngo I tried to look at the sun, hut his light dazzled my eyes to blindness. I could not mark its shape nor perceive its beauty. But now tl1e cloud. floats before it, and tltrough its light vapor I sec the sun's clrcnlar infinity, rmd admire its beauty and its glory undazzled by its cfful· gcnce. So lt is 1 sec God through Chri:.;t, as he transmits the glory of his Father. And it is by thus seeing God through Christ, instead of by the eyes of intellect and mere mental observation, that 1 obtain hope in God ami feel prcparctl to enter upon the realities of that world wbich is eternally lighted by the invisible presence of Jehovah. Seeing him in Christ Jesus, I feel an assurance of his mercy, and am freed fmm tlwsc apprehensions which your seep· ticism and distrust occasion yourself." "My dear Mary," replied Albert, "do not suppose my counsel to you originated in any fear for myself personally. It may be from want of reflection, but really I do not know what the fear of death is. Your |