"Don't look so sad, Flora dear," said Ruth. "Think what a blessing it is that poor little Jem and I have not been left altogether alone in the world. Had God not led you to find our dear grandparents, how very wretched we should be now. Besides, you know, we are not to be so far away; we can see each other often."
"That is true," returned Flora, brightening up; "I am glad of that; but it will be so lonely not to have you near me. Besides, I don't know any other girl as intimately as I do you."
"Oh, you will," said Ruth. "I am sure you will meet and become acquainted with some one as you did me. I hope, if you do, you may be permitted to do them as much good as you have done me."
"And me too, Ruth," said an unexpected voice behind them.
Both turned, and saw Mrs. Hazeley standing in the doorway with a smile upon her lips and tears in her eyes.
"I used to be very unhappy, as you both know, and it was because I expected life to form itself for me—either for pleasure or unhappiness. Then Flora came," and she went over to her daughter and placed an arm about her, and looked lovingly in her eyes; "I watched her closely, and I soon discovered that she had determined to make this house a home, and a delightful one. No untoward circumstances seemed to discourage, but she was ever cheery and sprightly. We have gained by her home-coming—how much I cannot tell. She seems to have the mere power of will to mold circumstances as she chooses——"
"Not my will, mother," softly interrupted Flora, her face suffused with happy smiles; "it is God's will."
"Yes, yes, my dear," said Mrs. Hazeley, "I believe it. I want his will to mold my life too. A godless life is a wretched life, my children."
Harry and Alec had entered during the conversation, and were standing listening in amazement to what they heard from their mother.
"And the boys too," continued Mrs. Hazeley; "I am sure they have been helped by their sister's example."