There was a sedateness upon the faces of the people as they filed out of the Church; but hope and resoluteness were visible there also. Many of them were beginning a new life, indeed; and some remained behind to pray; and others went to their homes with such joyful hearts that God must have heard their song, if no one else did.
As soon as Arthur Knight reached the road, a young man, who took off his hat and stood bareheaded, addressed him.
“You have forgotten me, sir, no doubt; but my name is Jones. It was I who threw the stone at you on the first Sunday after your return to England.”
“Yes; I remember you. I am glad to find you are here.”
“Sir, I want to give my life to you. I suppose you are not going to settle down with us here, because you have your great work in the world to do. We do not like you to go out as you do, alone. Oh, we know that God will take care of you, and no harm will come to you; but sometimes you must want a servant to do an odd thing for you, or some one you know to speak to you.”
“My dear fellow, no; I do not want a servant in the least. My habits are far too simple, and my portmanteau is too small for that. I carry it in my hand, and I stay with friends, so that there is no expense.”
“Yes; we know. But a dozen young men are going to keep me and pay my expenses. I am just to follow you about, but not to interfere with you in any way. You won’t know that I am there unless you happen to want me. But I shall be where you are, and I can let them know at home, here, how you are and all about you. I shall be in the same train and the same town. I shall hear you speak, and be near you all the time. Don’t say No, please, sir; for we have all set our hearts upon it. I am to do it for a year. I, who deserve it least, am to have the honour first, then I shall go back to work, and the others each take a turn, sir; please do give way on this thing, and let us have our own will in the matter.”
Arthur Knight was much touched.
“I do not know how it will answer, but since you desire it so much, we will try this plan.”
“Thank you, sir; thank you! All the fellows will be much obliged to you. As for me, the fact is, sir, I—I—I love the very ground you tread upon!”