"Well, boys, I don't see these things as you do. My ideas of what is required of us are different from yours. Herbert, you and I have the same motto, but we read it differently and go our ways accordingly. This is mine. Good night."
[CHAPTER XXI.]
DECISIONS.
"All to leave end follow Thee."
THERE were many changed households in Westville. Perhaps nowhere was the change more marked than in the homes of the Lorings and the Knapps.
"How much they need Christ," was Mabel's thought months ago; but now He is with them an ever-present Friend and Helper.
At the Lorings's, the proud and haughty father has become a humble learner at the feet of the Great Teacher, led there through sorrow and bereavement. Willy's short life had not been fruitless. He brought a blessing to the home he left so early, and where his were the only prayers ever offered. The family altar has been established, the lonely mother is comforted, and Louise rejoices in her Saviour's love.
At the Knapps's, there is peace and harmony. The children are obedient and respectful, the tried mother has found a rest, and the stern father, remembering God's patience and long-suffering as exercised toward him, has grown more gentle and forbearing toward his children.
Mr. Earle's request that Willy and Helen should remain at home with the little ones while their parents came to church gave Helen much trouble. What! Stay at home from those precious meetings! How could she get on without the help and instruction which she found there? Mr. Earle could not have thought how much she loved to be there, nor how much she needed to hear him talk. She carried a very sober face to school the next morning, and brought it home with her at night—at least she started with it. She stopped a few minutes at Mr. Trafton's, and while Alice went to get a book for her, she sat in Henry's room.
"You find the meetings very pleasant, do you not?" he said.