"Something else?"
"Yes, please. My mother wrote a text under her name in her Bible, her favourite text—"
"And you want me to write your favourite text?" he questioned.
"No, sir, I would like you, please, to write yours." He took the Bible from her, did as she desired, and returned the book to her. She read what he had written: "'The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,'" then met his glance with one full of understanding.
"Thank you," she said softly; "thank you very, very much."
A few minutes later the little girl was walking between her father and Mr. Blackmore through the flower-scented garden towards the garden gate, where, subsequently, good-byes were exchanged.
Melina's eyes were dim as she shook hands with Mr. Blackmore and heard his kind voice say:
"Good-bye, Melina. God bless you and keep you, my dear."
"Good-bye, sir," she answered, smiling at him bravely through her tears; "and God bless you," she added. "Oh, I know He will!"
Then her father took her hand and led her away; but at the corner of the road she glanced back, and saw that the little gentleman was leaning over the garden gate looking after them. The sunset glow was falling full on his face, so that she could see it plainly; and thus, in after years, she always pictured it, illuminated with golden light.