“Don’t I?” said Lilias, standing still.
“Well, maybe not, though I had not thought about it. I am waiting for the birds to begin again, I suppose; and that won’t be long now.”
But spring seemed long in coming. March passed over, and left matters no better in the cottage. Indeed, it was the worst time of all. The damp days and bleak winds aggravated Mrs Blair’s illness, and increased her suffering. The young lambs and calves at home needed Elsie’s care, and she could seldom come now; and Lilias’ burden grew heavier every day. Two rainy Saturdays in succession had presented Archie’s coming home; and time seemed to move on leaden wings.
“You have need of patience, Lily,” said her aunt one night, as the child seated herself on a low stool and laid her head down on the side of the bed.
“Have I, aunt?” said she, raising herself quickly, for she thought her aunt’s words were intended to convey reproof.
“Yes; and God is giving it to you, my child. It ought to be some comfort to you, love, that you are doing good in the weary life you are leading. You are not living in vain, my child.”
“I am quite happy, aunt,” said Lilias, coming near, and speaking in a low, wondering voice.
“Blessed with the peace He gives His own through His dear Son our Saviour: thank God for that!” said her aunt, as she returned her caress.
March passed and April too, and May came warm and beautiful, at last. It brought the blessing so earnestly longed for by the weary Lilias,—comparative health to her aunt. Although she was not quite well yet, she was no longer confined to her bed; and, with some assistance, could walk about the house, and even in the little garden, now bright with violets and daisies. “She had aged wonderfully,” Mrs Stirling said; as indeed she had. Lilias could see that, but she had great faith in the “bonny summer days,” and thought that now their troubles were nearly at an end.
The return of spring had not made the schoolmaster willing to part with Archie, and he was seldom at home more than once or twice a week. But, though Lilias still missed him, she had long ago persuaded herself that it would be selfishness on her part to wish it otherwise. It was for Archie’s good; and that was more than enough to reconcile her to his continued absence.