"On the other hand, we must never forget that He makes 'all things' to work together for our good, if we love Him. Those very 'results' which we find most trying may in His Hand work great good to us in the end. Whether we are conscious of the good at the time is another question."
I must not write more now. Except that Miss Con seemed quite composed and natural at dinner. She looked very ill, I thought, and I know my eyes were red. Mother asked no questions; and this makes me pretty sure that she suspects something. For I believe she saw the girls, and it is likely enough that Maggie may have shown her Millie's letter.
Happily Ramsay was too much absorbed in Miss Con to look at me.
May 1. Saturday.—At breakfast to-day there was a letter for Miss Con, from her sister, Mrs. Smyth. The husband,—that very fat brother-in-law who will not invite Miss Con to the house,—is dangerously ill; and his wife begs and implores Miss Con to go and help in the nursing.
Mother and I think Miss Con looks more like being nursed herself, than like nursing somebody else. But of course she has gone. Mrs. Romilly consented directly, and in two hours, Miss Con was off.
I should be dreadfully sorry; only, we think the change of scene may do her good just now. She promises to come to us some other time instead.
One does wonder why it is that sometimes the very best people have the very most sorrow. But perhaps if they had not the most, they would not be the best. And, after all, I don't see why we should expect to understand everything.
Of course I have not said a word to Miss Con about her distress yesterday; nor has she to me. Only her manner is so affectionate, that I feel sure she did not mind my having seen what I did.
Next week I hope to start another tale; and to work very hard and very carefully. I think I have some good ideas for it.
I do believe I have been growing over-confident,—fancying I was sure to succeed, and counting almost anything good enough, written in ever so much of a hurry. So I dare say these two checks have been exactly what I needed. At all events, there shall be no hurried or careless work in my next.