"'Oh, I'm sorry, darling!'" I said. "'Did you enjoy seeing them?'"
"'No, I didn't. I was afraid somebody would come; and then I knew God could see right through the sky. I'm so sorry now.'"
"How could I utter one word of reproof? The gentle monitor in his breast had done that. I only reminded him how ready God is to forgive us when we have sinned; and we knelt down together to ask him to have compassion for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ."
"He jumped up from his low chair, with such a bright face, and asked quickly:"
"'Has he forgiven me, aunt Marion?'"
"'Yes, dear, I think he has; and you will not touch the book again.'"
"'No, I wont till you show it to me. That is the way I like to see it best. Now I feel glad.'"
"I longed for you to see him then. His eyes sparkled with happiness, and a heart at ease; his cheeks were mantled with roses; and his cherry lips were dimpled with smiles. Do you wonder we all love him so dearly?"
Mr. Wallingford's health was now confirmed. A regular correspondence had been kept up between him and Marion, in which they had learned to understand each other well. There seemed to be a peculiar harmony in their views, as well as in the principles which actuated their conduct.
The travellers' return was fixed for June, when it was arranged that a certain ceremony at the parsonage should be followed by a tour to Canada, the lakes, Chicago, and home by the Southern route; via, Washington, Philadelphia and New York.