“Very well,” said her mother; and away she went, followed by her mother and Susie, while Carrie scampered on ahead to the arbour.
It was a very pleasant spot. The large trellis of lattice-work was completely covered with climbing roses of different colours; and the interior was equally charming. It was furnished with garden-chairs, and a little table, where it was often Mrs. Stanley’s custom to have tea served in the summer evening. Carrie had already reached the arbour, and was busily engaged in arranging the seats near the entrance, from which a small pond or lake was to be seen gleaming through the trees that surrounded it, and the garden, with its terraces and winding paths that led through a grove down to the water’s edge.
“There’s your favourite seat, mother,” she said, pointing to a low chair. “Susie may sit by your side. I shall take this stool at your feet.”
After all were seated and Mrs. Stanley had given the girls some directions about their journey, she said, “One thing more, my children. It is only six months since you both made a profession of religion and united with the Church; and now for the first time you are about to be placed in circumstances which will test the strength and sincerity of your Christian principle. You will have many trials, many temptations. I confess I almost shrink from the thought of applying such tests to your piety.”
“Why, mother!” exclaimed Carrie, much pained. “Do you doubt our sincerity?”
“No, my child,—not your sincerity, but your strength.”
“You need not fear for that, dear mother. I rather hope we shall have some trials,—though I can’t imagine exactly what they will be.”
“You will discover them soon enough, my daughter. Never forget that you are Christians,” Mrs. Stanley continued. “I do not mean, by that, that you are to have grave faces continually and be always talking of religious matters; but be guided by religious principle. Read your Bibles regularly, and do not forget to pray.”
“Forget to pray!” repeated Carrie. “I should as soon forget my regular meals.”
Mrs. Stanley kissed her child’s upturned face.