Nigel Browning by Agnes Giberne — Read

"God counts as nothing that which is most brilliant in the eyes of / men. What He would have in us is purity of intention, an ever-ready / yielding of our will; and these are more safely, and at the same time / more truly, proved in common than in extraordinary matters. Sometimes / we care more for a trifle than for some object of importance; and there / may be more difficulty in giving up an amusement, than bestowing a / large sum in charity. "-FÉNÉLON.

THROUGH the lower part of Newton Bury ran a river, much used by the inhabitants. Newton Bury was to some extent a manufacturing town, and manufacturing people are apt to congregate about a stream-not to the increase of its loveliness. But higher up, before coming within sight of wharves or mills, the river was exceedingly pretty, with varied banks, wooded heights at a short distance, and abundant willow growths, diversified by clay strata. Here gentlemen who lived in the neighbourhood did a good deal of boating; and young fellows like Nigel were especially addicted to the amusement. As a dreamy boy, Nigel had counted no recreation equal to that of rowing up or down the stream on a summer day, with or without a companion. Some said he preferred the "without" to the "with"; though Nigel himself, while agreeing generally, always made a mental reservation in favour of Ethel.