"Because it is a very uncertain one," replied Persis, "and I feared to cause disappointment. Do you sleep at your mother's cottage to-night, dear Norah?"
"Oh, no! I never sleep away from Mrs. Martin's; I must be back to-night without fail."
"But the coach does not go on to your town, you'll have a three miles' walk in the dark."
"Oh! Uncle has arranged all so nicely. He is to meet us at the turn of the lane where the coach sets us down, first see you home, it is but a step, and then walk with me back to my mistress's house. I am afraid of nothing when he is beside me; he is a sailor you know, and has fought for the Queen."
"I hope that he will not fail you," said Persis, with a little anxiety for her youthful companion; "there is no moon, and the nights are so dark."
"Uncle Ned fail me!" repeated Norah, with indignant surprise. "Why, he promised to come, and he never breaks his word; I would not doubt him for a moment!"
"Would that we," thought Persis, "had the same perfect, fearless confidence in a Heavenly Friend that this dear girl has in an earthly! Her mind is at rest, for she trusts his promise; she has no fear, for she is sure that he will not fail her; while we, alas! are too apt to receive God's promises in a faithless, doubting spirit, as if He who is the Truth could deceive, or He who is Love could forsake!"
The tramping of horses feet was now heard, and two coach lamps, which to Norah looked like great red eyes in the darkness, came towards them along the high road. Persis and Norah were soon in the vehicle, which landed them at the end of the lane leading down to the wooded little dell.
"There's Uncle Ned—don't you see him by the light of the lamp? I knew he would be waiting for us!" cried Norah.
"Glad to hail you back from your cruise Norah," said the sailor, as the young girl with the help of his hand, sprang lightly down from the coach. "And hearty thanks to you for your kindness in convoying her," he added, holding out his arm to assist Persis Meade to alight.