"Mind," said Walter suddenly, as they went into the shadow of the house, "you must not let this out by look or tone; mind, Nellie!"
"Do not fear," she said. But she knew the warning was needed, when she felt her face sober down from the lines of intense pleasure which this piece of news had caused.
She wished her mamma hastily good-night and went upstairs. She was too excited to go to bed, but sat down by the open window and let the air blow in upon her hot cheeks. Here she sat building many airy castles, with Walter and Christina as king and queen, and her cheeks got hotter and hotter, and her eyes more shining.
"Suddenly these words came over her: 'My times are in Thy hand.'"
Then she fell on her knees and buried her face in her hands. "Father," she whispered, "it must be according to Thy will. I have been making plans, and forgetting Thee; oh, forgive me!"
[CHAPTER XVI.]
DISAPPOINTMENT.
"I HAVE a letter here which obliges me to run up to town for a day or two," said Walter the next morning as they sat at breakfast.
He looked very disappointed, but the "ohs" that went round the table made him smile.