'Listen, my dear. Do you believe that we have your happiness and well-doing very close to our hearts?'
'If I didn't believe it, sir, I wouldn't be fit to live.'
'Then believe this as well. Such a happy home as Ruth's and this may be yours, if you have the courage to make a sacrifice. No, not yet! nor will I tell you what it is until the time comes. But think of it, and believe in it. Even if you doubted me, and Rachel told you it would be a good thing to do----'
She looked lovingly at Rachel.
'I think, sir, that whatever she told me to do I would do, though I was sure to die the next minute.'
'You would be right, Blade-o'-Grass. All that she says and does is sweet and good.'
* * * * *
Ah, Rachel, my wife, how my heart yearned to you then! How tenderly, in the dim twilight of that Holy Day, did my thoughts dwell upon you in purest love! In the solemn pause that ensued I endeavoured to strengthen my heart by inward prayer. If the priceless gift of your love were denied to me, I might still hope that your friendship would sweeten my life.
* * * * *
Blade-o'-Grass laid her hand timidly upon mine, and whispered to me that the prospect I had held out was like heaven to her.