"There is no need to say much," he answered. "I come only to tell you that, as man may, I am with you always."
"How quietly you came! I did not hear a sound!"
"I have been two hours here in the shrubbery."
"And I not once to suspect it! You might have given me some hint! A very small one would have been enough! Why did you not let me know?"
"It was not your hour; it is twelve but now; the moon comes to say so. I came for the luxury of expectation, and the delight of knowing you better attended than you thought: you knew me with you in spirit; I was with you in the body too!"
"My chief!" she said softly. "I shall always find you nearer and better than I was able to think! I know I do not know how good you are."
"I am good toward you, Mercy! I love you!"
A long silence, save of shining eyes, followed.
"We are waiting for God!" said Alister at length.
"Waiting is loving," answered Mercy.