Lily felt the unaccustomed tones, and gave a grateful look.
After they went to their room that night, Belle said to her husband:
"How could you propose my holding a Bible-reading with all those men?"
"Because I think you do it so nicely. Still, if you prefer it, I will conduct it as long as the boys are at home. After they go I hope you will take it."
The next evening they all gathered around the library-table, each with a Bible in hand. Old Mary came, with her spectacles, very curious to know what was to be done.
Mr. Heath chose the sixty-third Psalm, and called upon Frank, Jr., who sat next him, to read the first verse. But Frank had not found his place, and Gabrielle read for him.
"Now, in the ideal Bible-reading," said Mr. Heath, "the reader makes a remark, or asks a question."
"I should like to ask, then, why David and others put the word 'my' before the name of God, so often?"
"I think there are two reasons. In those days a large number of gods were worshipped, and it was natural enough for men to distinguish between them through the possessive case. Besides, the old saints all had assurance of faith. They not only loved God, but they knew they loved Him."