The number of times the new watch was consulted within the next hour it would be impossible to tell. At the end of that time the happy owner announced, in a tone of triumph, that it had not varied from the clock upon the mantel a quarter of a second.
At the close of the evening Mrs. Danforth took her son's arm and led him into her own room. Her heart was full to overflowing; and she longed to unburden herself to the gracious Being who had been so much better to her than her fears. While the young people had sat together in the moonlight, engaged in an animated conversation, she had been communing with her own heart, and reviewing the path by which she had been led. Now, she thought, if I could only see my dear son dedicating all his powers to the service of his Maker, I could die content. Surely, while his heart is subdued with happiness, I must urge this upon him.
"I am glad to see you alone, mother," he said, as he seated himself by her side. "Even the presence of these dear friends does not compensate me for the loss of your ever-ready sympathy."
"My dear boy!" said she, almost starting at the resemblance to his father, as he turned toward her with a glance of affection, "when I look back upon the last six months, it seems like a troubled dream."
"This has been a happy awakening, though, mother, hasn't it? Oh, I can't tell you how much I have suffered!"
"You have not suffered alone," responded the mother, softly. "My heart has yearned over you, as I saw you going forth day after day to your duties, with a cloud settling upon your brow. I could find no relief except upon my knees."
"O, mother!" cried Harrison, with a burst of feeling, "if your prayers could save me, I know I should be sure of heaven. Lately," he added, sinking his voice to a deeper tone, "I have begun in earnest to pray for myself. I have often asked myself, What have I in my own heart to keep me from being such a villain as Mr. Grant? O, mother! I wish that I were really good. I want to feel, as you do, that God is my friend."
Mrs. Danforth could not answer for her tears. At length, by a great effort calming herself, she said, "He is ready, my son. The Saviour waits to be gracious. Open your heart to the influences of the Spirit. Give up trying to win heaven by your own merits; trust in the pardoning love of Christ, and you will have peace."
"I have tried to do this, mother. I tried only yesterday. In the midst of all my trouble, I felt that I needed an Almighty arm to rest upon. I went into my room to dress; and I kneeled for a moment by my bed to ask God to forgive my sins for the sake of his Son, and to take me for his own child. But he seemed to be so exalted that I could not realize that he would attend to my humble prayer. Then I begged you to pray for me. Will you pray now, mother?"
She did pray, pouring out her whole heart in supplications for the soul of her son. She was importunate, and besought the mercy-seat as if she would not be denied the blessing.