“You look as if you needed a good sleep. Suppose I read to you a little?”
Her Bible lay on the pillow, and he took it up. She laid herself down wearily, and rested her cheek on her hand. The book opened most readily at the Psalms, and he read what first met his eye.
“‘They that wait on the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people, from henceforth even for ever.’”
Christie’s countenance lighted up with pleasure as he read, and the tears that had been close at hand flowed freely. It was only a summer shower, however, and they were soon dried, but the smile remained. Mr Sherwood looked at her a little surprised.
“‘They that wait on the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, that cannot be removed,’” she repeated. “Surely that ought to be enough to make me content.”
“And was it because you had forgotten it that I found you with such a sad face to-day?” he asked, gravely.
He read on, while Christie lay quite still, her eyes closed, and Mr Sherwood thought she slept; but when he stopped reading she opened her eyes, and thanked him gratefully. She was evidently soothed and comforted, and Mr Sherwood could not help wondering at the change.
“I had a letter from my sister Effie, since you were here,” said she.
“I trust you had no bad news? Are all well at home?”
“They are all well now, but little Will had the scarlet fever, and Effie couldn’t leave him; and now her holidays are over, and she cannot come to see me.”