"I never could have done it alone," replied Letty. "It was Dr. Woodman who showed me the way out of my trouble."
"And that was—"
"'The Way,'" said Letty, softly. "'The Way, the Truth and the Life.' He showed me how to throw all the burden of my sins on Jesus, and let Him do his own work in saving me from it. I have been very wrong, John; I have been hard and ungrateful to God and you and every one; but I hope things are better now. I have so much left. And my boy is not lost! He is being kept safely for me, where I shall see him never to lose him again. And, oh, John, I can be thankful that he was not left to suffer,—as Emily Trescott did, and as I fear Madge is destined to suffer. Agnes was right,—though she did not know what she was saying:—my trial is nothing to hers. I cannot be angry with her, when I think what is before her."
"These last days have been very dark to me," said John; "but I trust now all is well."
As he saw Mrs. Train coming in, he added, "Here comes Aunt Train. I suppose she has done like other people who ask advice,—made up her mind beforehand, and now wants confirmation in her resolution. She will never get it from me, I am sure of that."
It soon appeared that John was in the right Mrs. Train was evidently dazzled by the prospect of Joe's going into business for himself, and with such a grand person as Mr. Van Horn. She had, as John said, made up her mind before asking counsel; and she looked very much disappointed when he strongly advised her to keep her house in her own hands.
"But what is the use of my keeping the house in my own hands, when I have made up my mind to live with Agnes?" said she, peevishly. "It will only be a burden to me."
"You can easily rent it," said John. "Such houses never go begging. Besides, you may not always wish to live with Agnes. I do not like to have you give up your independence."
"You talk as though you thought my children were determined to cheat me," said Mrs. Train. "I don't like such suspicions: they look as if folks judged others by themselves."
"Not at all," returned John, with unruffled temper, while Letty flushed and looked indignant. "I have a good opinion of Joe's honesty."