"Yes, my daughter, I have long felt it is a mockery for any one to pray the words, 'Thy kingdom come,' and yet do nothing to help it on just where they live. Lewis and Archie have learned that lesson also, don't you think?"
"Yes, indeed," replied Prissy, "I am sure they have. Lewis writes that Austin taught him that lesson long ago, though it was our dear mother who first spoke to him about it. And Archie—O father, I am glad about him. His letters are so earnest and good, and he takes such just views of life and its responsibilities. I am sure he will make a noble Christian architect."
Ere Dr. Warner could reply, the door opened, and Ruth, a sweet-looking girl, entered, bearing a basket filled with violets in her hand.
"Prissy," she said, "I am taking these to give to Gabrielle as she steps out of the train, she does so love flowers, la petite Francaise! Though, I daresay, little Jean will be beforehand with me. Still there are no violets so sweet, I am sure, as ours are."
Prissy smiled, but said, "So be it, Ruth. But now let us be off; violets and all, in case the travellers arrive ere we do. I believe Claude is at the station already."
Father and daughters set off together, walking across the common, now richly carpeted with summer flowers.
"Ruth," said her father, playfully, "it would be more in keeping with your name if instead of violets, you bore a sheaf of corn in your hand."
"Not yet, father," she said, a quiet grave look crossing her face as she spoke. "But one day I do hope to carry a large sheaf and lay it down at the Master's feet, like the 'little soul-gatherer' of whom I read lately. That is my ambition, father, that the 'woman's work' I desire to do."
Prissy glanced at her with tears of joy in her eyes. Never before had Ruth so openly spoken of her life's aim.
In answer, her father laid his hand on Ruth's shoulder, saying, "The Lord give thee the desire of thy heart, my child."