The soldier was evidently highly satisfied. "So, children, you have
done better than I could have hoped. This hovel is weather-tight and
quite fit to harbour you. You have done well to keep together, and
it is well said that he who leaves all in the hands of a good
Providence shall have his reward."
Jeph's words were even more sacred than these, and considerably
overawed Patience, who, as he sat before her there in his buff coat
and belt, laying down the law in pious language, was almost persuaded
to believe that their present comfort and prosperity (such as it was)
was owing to the faith which he said had led to his desertion of his
family, though she had always thought it mere impatience of home work
fired by revenge for his father's death.
No doubt he believed in this reward himself, in his relief at finding
his brothers and sisters all together and not starving, and
considered their condition a special blessing due to his own zeal,
instead of to Steadfast's patient exertion.
He was much more disposed to talk of himself and the mercies he had
received, but which the tone of his voice showed him to consider as
truly his deserts.
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