As my eyes followed these children I perceived that the possession of the Golden Oil seemed to bring them happiness and peace.
Everywhere they went they did loving little actions, said kind little words. Sometimes I wondered at the very smallness of these actions and words; and yet, as I noticed the faces brighten on whom they fell, I knew that they were understood and appreciated.
By-and-by Esther joined the group of children from whom she had parted but a while ago. The sun had risen higher in the heavens, and had begun to descend by the time she and Ernest returned to them; but still they were where they had been, and were occupied in much the same way as before.
The tall boy in the grass had sauntered away for a walk with another companion, and though he again passed the Herald, his warning voice was still unheeded.
Esther sat down by the girl whom I had observed as being anxious about the Golden Oil, and as little Ernest ran to play with some other children Esther said, "I wish you had been with us, Allea; we have had such a happy morning."
"I cannot see that a walk with a little prattling brother can give such delight," she answered.
"But we have been to get his pitcher filled. Oh, Allea, I went almost into the presence of the King!"
"You did!"
"Yes; I was never so near before, except the day——"
"When?" asked Allea, looking into Esther's face.