But had Lawrence not watched with her—and with delight—the progress of Arthur Merlin’s feeling for that other?
Yes; but if, as he watched so closely, he saw and felt how lovely that other was, was it so wonderful that he should love her?
These things flashed through her mind as she sat motionless by Aunt Martha; and she said, with profound tranquillity,
“Very possibly, Hope Wayne.”
Aunt Martha did not look up. She seemed to feel that she should see something too sad if she did so; but she asked,
“Is she worthy of him?”
“Perfectly!” answered Amy, promptly.
At this word Aunt Martha did look up, and her eyes met Amy’s. Amy Waring burst into tears. Her aunt laid aside her work, and gently put her arms about her niece. She waited until the first gush of feeling had passed, and then said, tenderly,
“Amy, it is by the heart that God leads us women to himself. Through love I fell; but through love, in another way, I hope to be restored. Do you really believe he loves Hope Wayne?”
“I don’t know,” was the low reply.