Many were the questions asked about the old homestead, for twelve years had passed by since she was last there. Deaths, births, marriages, changes of circumstances, and relations, how they had accumulated during that period! and how often the tears would start, and the lip tremble, as the recital went on! Her own story was but a short one; for many things she was obliged to pass over, or touch lightly upon.
'But where is the little girl you had with you, when last at my father's? she must be almost grown up now.'
'Oh, no; she is but a little girl still; she is only sixteen now; but she is very obedient and kind-hearted.'
'Just like her mother.'
'Oh, I don't know as to that, ma'am; but she is an obedient child, and a great comfort to me—and the best of all is, I hope she is a Christian.'
'That is good,' exclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, at the same time.
'Ah—then you both love good things yourselves; don't you?'
'We hope we do.'
'The Lord be praised for his mercies. It seems to me always a great thing for the rich to be pious—they can do so much good.'
'Yes, if they have a heart to do good. Is your daughter at home, Mrs. Brown?'