"Dear Theodore," his stepmother said soothingly, "do not cry. God knows what is best, He does indeed! You must try to feel with me that Jack is in the hands of One whose love and care will never fail. We must trust in Him at all times. Yes, yes," as Theodore shook his head, "I know it is hard. You must try to believe that God knows best; you will, will you not?"
But Theodore made no answer, and they walked the remainder of the way to the Hall in silence.
[CHAPTER V.]
JACK'S LONELINESS; AND THEODORE'S LOVE FOR HIS STEPBROTHER.
BRIGHTLY the June sunshine shone into the nursery at Afton Hall, filling the room with its genial warmth; softly the balmy air wafted through the open windows, bearing with it the scent of roses and new-mown hay.
Jane sat sewing, every now and then glancing at Jack, who lay, with the sunbeams turning his fair locks into brightest gold, and lighting up his pale little face.
"Oh, the beautiful sunshine!" he cried. "How I love it! Listen, Jane; what is it I hear?"
"Only the voices of the children in the hayfields, Master Jack."
"I wish, oh! how I wish I was with them. I suppose Theo is there; he said he should ride home on the top of a waggon of hay; do you think he will?"
"Very likely. The men will look after him. There's not one among the lot that could bear to see him hurt in any way. He will be their master one day, you know."