"Thank God, Marion has at last found the key to the Bible," murmured Mr. Hayden, as he finished the letter.
CHAPTER XXII.
"Not in Jerusalem alone,
God hears and answers prayer,
Nor on Samaria's mountain lone,
Dispenses blessings there.
But in the secrecy of thought,
Our silent souls may pray;
Or round the household altar brought,
Begin and close the day."
—James Montgomery.
Grace was busily engaged with "Hypatia." She felt for the first time she could bring out the peace and reposeful strength of character Kate had thought so sadly lacking, and one afternoon, a few days after the memorable walk, she sat down to her work with a pleasurable anticipation of bringing out her ideal. As she put the touches here and there that changed the expression, now adding to this feature, now taking from that, she was thinking of the changes needed in herself, and wondering how or by what process they would be wrought by the invisible Artist.
She was mixing some paint on her palette, when a rap was heard at the door. Before she had time to say or do anything, in walked Mrs. Dyke with a timid little woman who came in like a martyr, but one resolved to die at her post if necessary. Grace was too astonished to speak for an instant, then rising, she put down her palette, wiped her hands and went forward with an invitation to the ladies to be seated.
"Is this Miss Turner?" began Mrs. Dyke, with a critical glance about the apartment, and then at Grace.
"No, madam, Miss Turner is not in. She generally returns about five, but to-day—"
"Very well, we can come again, for it is very important business. Are you the young woman who lives with her?" asked Mrs. Dyke, as she seated herself with deliberate dignity. "This is Mrs. Linberger, and we have called as the church committee to look after Miss Turner's soul," she continued, waving her hand majestically toward her companion-in-arms.