Sunday passed away very happily. Walter had his little service in the afternoon, and persuaded his father to give the children the address instead of him.
"I do not know that I can, Walter," he said; "but I will do my best."
So Dr. Arundel was introduced to Christina on the sands, and walked home with her to the farm, during which time he had ample opportunity to make up his mind as to her beauty. This he told himself was undoubted; but he could not help being still more interested in the look of peace which was written quite as plainly on her face as the beauty.
"She is a gem in His crown," he said to his wife, as he joined her in the orchard.
After tea, the young people started in a body across the corn-fields to church. The harvest moon was beginning to be bright in the evenings, and they looked forward to their walk home by its light as only young people can who have all life before them. If Christina had any reservation in her joy, she at least did not say so.
Dr. and Mrs. Arundel stayed at home on this evening to take care of the little ones, sending the two servants out. The baby was very good, and had allowed himself to be hushed to sleep before his nurse's departure; Dolly and Tom were also in bed. The mother and father softly paced up and down the lane in front of the house, within hearing of the least sound, and yet feeling at rest enough to enjoy the peaceful time. Mrs. Arundel told her husband about what little Tom had said, and they rejoiced together, believing this would be the turning-point in their little invalid's life.
"How are Arthur and Ada getting on?" asked Dr. Arundel.
"I am very hopeful," she answered; "but, you know, we have felt for a long time that Arthur was thinking about these things."
"Nellie has been a great help to him," answered Dr. Arundel.
"Dear Nellie!" said her mamma. "She has been a great blessing in our home."