"Carol, I have been thinking of something," Mrs. Mandeville said, as the train bore them along.
"Should you like to know of what I have been thinking?"
"Please, dear Auntie; I should very much like to know."
"Well, dear, I have been thinking if it should occur to the young Master of Willmar Court to send Rosebud and me an invitation whilst he is at home, we should accept it."
"Oh, Auntie, what a lovely thought! To have you and Rosebud, and Cousin Alicia, all together!"
"I want Miss Desmond, Carol, to teach me some of the things she has taught you."
There was a long silence. The boy's heart was too full for words. Then he said: "Auntie, I know now how the little bird felt when the King opened the cage door, and he sang and sang for joy. My heart is singing to my King. I wonder if--perhaps--He will say, some missing note has come into Carol's song."
"Indeed, my darling, I think so."
He nestled closely beside her. Looking down she saw on his face the reflection of a great joy--a great peace; and she knew that he had just crept into Love's arms.
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.... He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust. His Truth shall be thy shield and buckler."