“Janet, when will Sandy come? Have you got a letter yet?”
“Yes; I got a letter to-day. It winna be long now.”
“Oh! I hope not. I want to see him and your mother. I want them to see me, too. Sandy would hardly mind me, if he didna come till afterwards.”
“Miss Graeme, my dear,” said Mrs Snow, hoarsely, “go ben and sit with your father a while. It will rest you, and I’ll bide with Menie here.”
Graeme rose, and kissing her sister, softly went away. Not into the study, however, but out into the darkness, where the March wind moaned so drearily among the leafless elms, that she might weep out the tears which she had been struggling with so long. Up and down the snow-encumbered path she walked, scarce knowing that she shivered in the blast. Conscious only of one thought, that Menie must die, and that the time was hastening.
Yes. It was coming very near now. God help them all. Weary with the unavailing struggle, weary to faintness with the burden of care and sorrow, she had borne through all these months of watching, to-night she let it fall. She bowed herself utterly down.
“So let it be! God’s will be done!”
And leaning with bowed head and clasped hands over the little gate, where she had stood in many a changing mood, she prayed as twice or thrice in a lifetime. God gives power to his children to pray—face to face—in His very presence. Giving her will and wish up quite, she lay at his feet like a little child, chastened, yet consoled, saying not with her lips, but with the soul’s deepest breathing, “I am Thine. Save me.” Between her and all earthly things, except the knowledge that her sister was dying, a kindly veil was interposed. No foreshadowing of a future more utterly bereaved than Menie’s death would bring, darkened the light which this momentary glimpse of her Lord revealed. In that hour she ate angel’s food, and from it received strength to walk through desert places.
She started as a hand was laid upon her shoulder, but her head drooped again as she met Mr Snow’s look, so grave in its kindliness.
“Miss Graeme, is it best you should be out here in the cold?”