"The grass is always greenest in the valley of humility," he had heard old Jonathan say, and wondered what he meant. It is there that the Good Shepherd maketh His flock to lie down in the sultry noon, beside the still waters. The boy recalled the lesson taught by the fragrant almond boughs, and awakened to its meaning. Out of the shelter of the golden ark, the rod had remained bare and fruitless. It was the work of the Holy Spirit alone to revive and freshen, by leading him back to the ever-open door.
One day, to Robin's great delight, he saw Miss Clarice running through the garden gate towards him, rake in hand. There had been no opportunity of speaking to her since the day cook departed, and there was still something on his heart which made it heavy; so, moving forward to meet her, he said, with a downcast look, "Please, miss, I wanted to tell you it was I who broke the vase, and got you into trouble. Mr. Jonathan knows about it."
"Oh yes, Robin! And so does mamma now; but she is not angry with you, because you are sorry. I was naughty, you know," added the child, with a sad look, which, however, quickly changed to a bright smile as she ran to her garden, calling out, "It is all right now, Robin."
Ah! How free and unfettered did the boy feel now! That gentle touch had healed the wound remorse had kept open.
"The birds have never sung so merrily before," thought he, as he worked away with a happy will. "Surely the sky was never so blue!"
Certainly the mother had not heard her boy whistle so blithely for weeks, or noticed such a bright smile on his face, as she did that evening when he ran in and put his week's wages into her hand.
"I am so glad to think you know about everything, mother, and that there is nothing to hide now," he whispered.
"You will tell me a nice story to-night, Robin," pleaded Corrie, who had caught the reflection of her brother's smile.
"Yes, darling. Come away to the green fields. You shall fill your basket with beautiful flowers to-night, and we will be so happy!"
"Happy and good," said Corrie, repeating a favourite household word.