Old uncle Jacob was all but disconsolate at the loss of Paul.  He was his bed-fellow for years, and every night and morning was witness of his piety and punctuality in prayer.  And although poor uncle Jacob himself had long since learned to doubt of all forms of faith, he could not be indifferent to the example set him by Paul’s steady devotion.  The poor old man, besides, led a very innocent life, and the grace of God had few obstacles to contend with in its influx into his empty but innocent soul.  He was often heard to say in presence of even Mr. Gulmore, the minister, and Amanda, who might be called the female parson, that, if any religion was worth having, it was that one which made Paul so victorious in his arguments, and so pure and pious in his conduct.  “That was the young one,” said uncle, his voice trembling with feeling, for he loved Paul as a son, “that was the child that deserved to be called one; that knowed what he owed to God, and man too.”

“He was as cunning as a fox, and as full of the spirit of Popery as an egg is of meat,” said Mr. Grinoble bitterly.

“I know him to be as innocent as a dove,” said uncle Jacob, warmly, “and believe him to be as full of the Spirit of God as Samuel was in the temple.  There, now.”

“Then, uncle Jacob, I see you are beginning to believe in the Bible,” sarcastically added the parson.  “I am glad to find your mind inclined in that way.  I hope you will soon get religion and the change of heart.”

“I hope and pray to the Lord,” said the old man, in a voice little removed from that of one in tears, “to change my heart, and give me religion, as I now believe there is such a thing on earth.  But, Mr. Grinoble, your hard and cruel religion, I trust, shall never be mine.  God forbid! It will never change my heart.”

“Uncle, don’t you talk that way,” said Amanda.  “This is very unpleasant.  Take no notice of him, sir,” said she, addressing the parson, who appeared to be disconcerted at this pointed attack of uncle Jacob.

“Amanda, I will talk so, I must talk so,” said poor uncle, rising.  “How can ye reconcile it to religion, to justice, or to charity, the snares and plots laid by you, miss, in company with those men of God, to rob that poor child Paul, and his little sister and brothers, of their ancient, noble, and holy religion?  Fie, fie, fie!  Is it such conduct you call religion?  It is the very reverse.  It resembled more the conduct of the serpent in paradise, than that of the meek disciples of Jesus Christ.  It was more like the religious profession of Herod, to get the Child at Bethlehem into his clutches, than anything else we read of, your conduct was.  There is more Bible for you, Mr. Grinoble,” said he, slamming the door after him, and retiring to his room.

“’Tis not much use attempting to convert such an old hardened sinner,” said Grinoble, smothering his mortification at the rebuff of uncle Jacob.