His boundless mercy will provide;
Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life, and Christ its love."
"Faint not, nor fear, His arms are near,
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee."
"Thank you, my dear! There's a truly martial ring about that hymn—a call to battle. And the battle-cry is faith."
The speaker was Mr. Basset, who had entered the room unnoticed by the children. He joined them by the fire, looking with interest at his little niece who had flushed and smiled at his remark.
"I've been telling May and Donald that that's father's favourite hymn," she said; "he thinks it's fine, and so do I. Oh, Uncle John, I do wonder when we shall hear from father! I suppose we might get a letter from him any day—there's no knowing. He said he thought I should have to go to school, but do you know what I should like? Why, to do lessons with May and Donald—if they would not mind."