Hastings noticed a wistful sadness come to the brown eyes—a look which always bothered him.
"Why so pensive?" he asked gently.
Venna gave a little sigh.
"Lately, I've been thinking quite a lot about the 'may-bes' in religion. I've been talking to Dr. Hansom a great deal and he's so full of 'may-bes.' So are you. Daddy dear."
"So is the whole Christian world, honey. You know the Bible tells us that we see through a darkened glass. But 'enough to know is given'" he added with practical satisfaction.
"That may be. 'Enough to know is given,' but do we ponder enough over what is given? We seem so unsure of almost everything. There's a girl in my class at school who is a Christian Scientist. She claims she understands everything, but when I ask her questions, her answers are so hazy and confused."
"Why puzzle over those things, dear? You're too young to bother your head this way. What this world needs is good, wholesome manhood and womanhood. Not a lot of dreamers, filled with catch-penny ideas. Be your own bright self and live your young life naturally. Don't we give you everything, dear, to make you the happiest girl in New York? If there's anything lacking, say the word," he added, patting her curls.
"Oh, you're wonderful. Daddy!" she replied, smiling brightly at him. "I'm never really unhappy. I just love to sometimes sit alone and dream." Then softly she added, "It is only then that I feel mother is near me."
Hastings' keen eyes scanned her face anxiously.
"I guess you had a hard last year at school. I'm glad you've graduated for good, and decided not to go to college. Just think of your music now, plenty of fresh air and lots of fun! It doesn't do for girls to get weak nerves!"