She knew her brother had learned to pray; and she believed that his consecration of himself and all that he had to his crucified Redeemer had been accepted. Nothing short of this would have supported him in the prospect of death, and given him such acquiescence in the will of his heavenly Father.
Now that she knew the state of his affection toward Marion, she sometimes regretted that the marriage had not taken place at once; and then the wife could have accompanied him abroad; but she did not think it wise to produce useless regret in her brother's mind by such a suggestion.
In June they went to Switzerland; and Edward had so far regained his health as to join a party, who were intending to ascend some heights in the Alps.
News from home came regularly to hand, through their banker in Paris; and news from the travellers gladdened many hearts in the quiet village.
October found them settled in Rome for the winter. Edward who was now quite able to relieve his sister of care, hired a beautiful villa, on the banks of the Tiber; and every fine day a little pleasure boat could be seen shooting out from the tiny wharf, carrying the elegant Americans.
They had been in Rome almost a month; had received calls from many distinguished countrymen and countrywomen; and were beginning to feel quite at home, when one morning Gertrude accompanied her brother to the studio of an American artist, who had some pictures on exhibition before they were sent to New York.
There was quite a crowd in the room, and Gertrude, leaning on the arm of her brother lingered outside the door quietly awaiting her turn, when she was startled by the sound of a familiar voice.
She turned quickly, but not before Edward who had also heard it, had stepped where he could intercept her view.
He took her hand, drew it into his arm and as at this moment several persons left the studio, pressed his way inside the door.
Every particle of color had vanished from her face, and he could feel her form tremble as she leaned heavily against him for support.