“I don’t see any difference,” she added, after a moment.
“Not just now, maybe, because you have been busy and your cheeks are red. And as for being a great deal older, how old are you, Shenac?”
“I am—I shall be nineteen in September; but I feel a great deal older than that,” said Shenac.
“Yes; that is what I was saying. You are changed as well as I. And you are not to fancy things about me and add to your trouble. I am quite well. If I were not, I would tell you, Shenac. It would be cruel kindness to keep it from you; I know that quite well.”
Shenac looked wistfully in her brother’s face.
“I know I am growing a coward,” she said in a broken voice. “O Hamish, it does seem as though our troubles were too many and hard to bear just now!”
“He who sent them knows them—every one; and He can make his grace sufficient for us,” said Hamish softly.
“Ay, for you, Hamish.”
“And for you too, Shenac. You are not very far from the light, dear sister. Never fear.”
“And in that purest light of thine
We clearly light shall see,”