"God be praised!" was his fervent reply as she bounded away; and throwing herself into the corner of the close carriage sobbed as if her heart would break.
During the voyage, the feebleness of the pale invalid;—the watchful tenderness of the lady accompanying him;—the evident refinement and cultivation of both, rendered them of great interest to their fellow passengers. Indeed, few could watch the noble carriage of Mrs. Wallingford;—the well-formed head so gracefully poised on the shoulders;—the clear dark eye;—the open brow;—the peaceful calm resting on every feature;—the elastic step, without wishing to know more of the stranger.
One of the gentlemen had ascertained from the captain's books that the names of the couple were Wallingford. It was natural to suppose that they were man and wife; and in this relation they were regarded through the voyage.
On reaching Liverpool, Gertrude lost no time in starting for the south of France where they proposed to pass the month of May.
So far the effect of the journey had been beneficial; and Gertrude's first letter home was full of encouragement. Marion had engaged to keep a journal, in which every saying of Master Paul should be recorded. As Gertrude was closing her letter to her friend she turned to her brother with the inquiry:
"Do you wish to send a message?"
"Enclose this," he answered, giving her a sealed envelope addressed to Dr. Gilbert.
Without a suspicion that her brother had at last gained courage to ask for the hand of her friend, in case his health should be restored, Gertrude answered, "I thought you settled all business with him the week before we left."
Remaining in Paris only one week in order to receive letters forwarded there; they proceeded to Nice, where they soon found the salubrious air was restoring vigor to the enfeebled frame. With her usual energy Gertrude devoted herself to the care of her brother. She walked with him; drove him in the easy carriage she had hired; sung his favorite songs; read the books he loved best; more than all, talked by the hour of home and Marion.
How rejoiced she was during all these days that the tie of Christian love rendered their natural relationship more enduring. Even though this change of climate, from which they hoped so much, should end in disappointment, she rested her hopes for him on the Saviour's promise, "'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.'"