“I know who’s coming,” she said; “there’s only one pair of oars on the river that can make Janey jump so.”
Jane was hastening out of the room, but she upset her basket, and was forced to pause and collect its scattered contents, so that, blushing crimson, she had the full benefit of the old lady’s speech.
“It was rather different when Walter Butler used to come. Jane ain’t the same creetur she was in them days.”
“Oh, Grandmother, you are too bad!” exclaimed the poor girl, letting her basket fall, fairly running out of her room, though not quick enough to escape the audible tone in which the good woman continued her reflections.
“Well, it’s the truth; she’s worth a hundred times what she was then, and does double the work. I like Edward Clark; nobody need be any more industrious than he is, and if his wife ain’t as happy as the day is long, it’ll be her own fault, I am sure of that.”
Jane had escaped, and Mary, after quietly putting aside the disordered work, threw a light shawl over her head, and went out. She was in no mood to witness the oppressive happiness of those two young beings, so full of life, and strength, and hope. She felt the need of solitude, and stole quietly out to the humble grave beneath the cedar-tree, which had been from childhood her favorite haunt for thought and prayer when these melancholy feelings came over her.
The gorgeousness of the sunset fell around her, and sitting down by her father’s grave, Mary’s heart went up in a silent prayer for strength and resignation. When she lifted her head again, she saw the missionary standing a little way off, regarding her with the beaming affection which his face always wore when he looked upon her.
Mary went towards him without the slightest surprise or embarrassment, and laid her hand in his, which closed over it with a mute caress.
“I thought you would come yesterday,” she said, leading him to their accustomed seat under the shadow of the trees, “but I was disappointed.”
“I was occupied, my child, and had not a moment to spare, but I thought of you a great deal, and felt that you would be expecting me. Have you been well—is all at rest within? You were praying, I think, child, when I came up.”