"The problem will be afterward. How can I preach those weeks when I can not study?"
"Oh, father, we've been scheming," cried Doris. "Rosalie and I got out the barrel of old sermons you had at Delta before we came here, and we sorted over the outlines and picked out a lot of good ones, and—you can preach from those this summer. You tell the rest, Rosalie—it is your contribution."
"Well, father," she said shyly, "when I knew about your eyes I began to get ready to help. For I knew Doris would have the family to manage, and that I was the proper one to stand with you. And so I took a lot of special courses in Bible study and practical Christianity and social service stuff, and I can look up references as quick as a wink, and really I know a lot. So I shall be your pastor's assistant, and furnish the eyes while your own are resting."
"Why, Rosalie, you little—Problem," he said brokenly.
"I wanted to surprise you, father. And all the time I was talking of my career—I knew that my career would be—right here with you and Doris, backing up the manse."
He held her hands very closely in his, and did not speak for a while. "Every one is taking hold," he said at last. "I have worked all my life—every day crowded full to overflowing— Now everything is going, and— How shall I fill the days?"
"There is where I come in," said Mr. MacCammon quickly. "I have to begin some very important proof-reading on my newest philosophy, my very best work and the most pretentious. And I was wondering if you wouldn't come out and loaf with me most of the time—and let me proof-read aloud to you—I really need some expert opinion as I go along. Maybe it would help you with the time—I know it would help me with the book."
Mr. Artman sat silent again for a while. "Girls," he began finally, "I am ashamed to say I was puzzled. I could not see the way. Now it is opening up, step after step—and the rest will come in its proper time. I shall never worry again. And to-morrow night I will ask for my vacation at once."
"Have you got the money, father?" asked Zee.
"We may have to squeeze a little," he said, smiling. "The board will advance my June salary, I know, and the household bills can run for a while. There is a little in the bank—I do not know just how much—"