"The plan of salvation is very simple,—its very simplicity seems to stumble many; they don't know how to believe that it is offered them as a free gift; they think they must do something to merit it; but it cannot be bought, it is 'without money and without price.' 'Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,' Come to Jesus, dear one; come now, for only the present moment is yours; delay is most dangerous, for the invitation may be withdrawn at any time."
"If I could only see him! If I could hear his voice!" she sighed.
"That you cannot; yet you know I am not nearer to you, or more willing to hear a petition from you, than he is."
At that moment a well-known step was heard in the hall without; and as
Zoe rose hastily, wiping her eyes, Arthur tapped at the door.
CHAPTER VIII.
"I bless thee for kind looks and words
Showered on my path like dew,
For all the love in those deep eyes,
A gladness ever new."
—MRS. HEMANS.
A week had passed since Edward's accident; and he now exchanged his bed, during the day, for an easy-chair.
He and Zoe had just finished taking their breakfast together in her boudoir when a servant came in with the mail.
There were letters from Viamede,—one for Edward from his mother, one for Zoe from Betty Johnson.
Both brought the unwelcome tidings that little Grace Raymond and
Violet's babe were very ill with scarlet-fever.