"But, John, if it would influence Venna to join, wouldn't you sacrifice your preference?"
"Well, I guess that is one point worth considering. Our girl should have some religious influence, that is sure. We won't always be with her. And to join the Church practically means no difference to me. Just add my name to the many other Dr. Hansom worshippers!"
Emily's mild face lit up with gentle enthusiasm.
"Then I can tell Venna you've decided to join?"
"Why, yes, if you wish it."
Emily met his half-amused, tolerant gaze, with affectionate adoration.
"John," she said, simply, "you always do the best thing when it's necessary."
So Venna and her father joined Dr. Hansom's Congregational Church. John Hastings' act was for his daughter's sake, and Venna's easy compliance resulted from her adoration of "Daddy."
—
Four years passed over the Hastings home. Scientists tell us our characters either progress or retrograde. If this be so, the progressing and retrograding must have struck an equilibrium in the last four years of John Hastings' life and that of his sister. He was the same cool, practical man of affairs, without a single gray hair added above his high intellectual brow. Emily was the same mild, adoring sister and aunt. Perhaps both had acquired a still deeper pride and affection for Venna,—if that could be called a change.