How happy it makes one feel to unburden a troubled mind to a true friend, and it seems to make the heart lighter to have words of consolation given in the hour of trial from a true, loving friend. Many a young person and many aged ones can bring back to memory the same solemn fact.
Thus it was with Nettie as she went homeward. Warren’s kind words ever rang in her ears: “He is a man of honor; if he told my little cousin he loved her it is the truth.”
How many times in the future did she think of them and draw consolation from them.
Warren watched the stage that bore his cousin homeward until it was out of sight, then started homeward at a brisk pace.
He had not gone but a few miles when he overtook Paul returning from hunting. On his shoulder hung several pheasants.
Warren brought his horses to a halt as he said, “Take a seat by my side, Paul, it is better to ride than to walk. Are you not tired? You must have gone out early this morning, as I heard the report of your gun when I went to town.”
“Yes,” answered his companion getting into the buggy, “I came out very early, as mother is not as well as usual and I thought some wild food would be good for her. I fear my mother is not long for this world, as she is failing every day. I sent Pompey for the doctor this morning, but mother says it will do no good, as she is past cure. Oh, Warren, I do not know what to do or where to turn, for I am in deep trouble. Why don’t you come over oftener and stay some night with us?”
“Would your mother be willing? She is so delicate about company,” answered Warren.
“She would be very happy indeed to see me have company,” said Paul.
“I will come over in a day or so,” said Warren.