"I do like her," said Ada; "and now, Christina, let us have your other letter, if we are to hear it."
"My dear Mrs. Arundel,—It is with the greatest pleasure I take up my pen to send you these few lines, for I feel you are the dearest friend to whom I can write. We are getting on so happily, and I am so well, and our business is much improved. All owing to you, dear Mrs. Arundel; and I can never be grateful enough.
"My husband is coming to London in September, and he promises to bring me and Charlie with him, that we may have a sight of your face, and we are longing for the time to come.
"We keep the text you gave us on our wall, and read it over very often. I have found it true many a time. You remember it, do you not?
"'God is our Refuge and Strength—a very present help in time of trouble.'
"We have proved Him that, and daily He is my strength, as He says.
"You will excuse this long letter; but it is so nice to be allowed to talk to you. I often think of the home above, where I shall, through God's forgiving mercy, meet you; for He has cast all my sins into the depths of the sea.
"With our very kind respects, and my and Charlie's love—
"Yours most gratefully,
"Clementina Wood."
"Poor thing," said Walter.
"She is happy though, now?" asked Ada.
"Yes; but oh, Ada! It must be dreadful to have such a past to look back upon," said Christina.
"We have all plenty to regret," answered Ada, sighing.
"Heigho!" said Arthur, "I have only a week more holiday, I declare, and then I must grind, grind, again."
"Is 'walking the hospitals,' 'grinding'?" asked Cecil.
"I should say so," said Arthur, "just."
"It isn't my idea of it," said Cecil, and the elders laughed, while Arthur was not sure whether he was being made fun of; but Cecil looked so stolidly at him after his remark, that he concluded to let the matter drop.