The girl's dignity and beauty added charm to the sense of power in an emergency which money sometimes gives. "It is galling that we cannot take the boy away from that brute immediately," she added.
"Oh, we must be so careful," exclaimed Mrs. Lowell. "Rather than let us do one thing to clear and brighten Bertie's mind his uncle would send him off the island. We must not show dislike or suspicion; and God will guide us in the footsteps we must take. He is taking care of the child now, through us."
"Really, Mrs. Lowell, your faith is very beautiful," said Diana.
"Everybody should have it. Why go alone while the Bible is right there with its marvelous promises? God's children are not puppets pulled by wires, and so people complain that the promises are not kept. We are made in His image and likeness, tributary only to Him—every good thing is possible to us if we turn toward Him instead of away from Him."
"Mr. Gayne appears to have turned away," said Diana dryly.
"Yes, he made me shudder this afternoon when he talked of Bertie's learning to swim. It was as if he hoped it might be the child's end."
Diana shook her head. "He doesn't want that."
"No, so I consoled myself afterward, but his malignant spirit bursts forth in spite of him occasionally."
Mrs. Lowell rose and the girl followed her example. The older woman approached and placed her hands on Diana's shoulders.
"I thank God," she said, "for your cooperation. I will write to my husband to-night."