“I have nothing to do, now you have arrived and saved me the laborious effort of writing to you.”
“Then you wished me here?”
“I did. My thoughts went out to you this morning. I felt that you needed a change.”
“I do indeed;” and they walked together for awhile, then sat beneath the shade of a tree, whose long outstretched branches seemed to wave benedictions on their heads.
“I need change, but human sympathy most. Mabel has gone from me. It is not a corporal separation only, but one of soul and heart.”
“Mabel gone! Is it, indeed, true? But the separation cannot last; she will surely return to your love and protection. Howard, I am glad you are h; ere. Some unseen power must have brought you to this place, where you can unburden your grief, and take better and clearer views of the case.”
“Then you think she will come again to me?”
“Certainly; and you will both be stronger for the temporary separation.”
“I could bear it better were I not so sensitive to the opinion of the world.”
“You must rise above that. There is no growth to him who, seeking the new, fears to lose his grasp on the old. These backward glances retard the pilgrim on his way. Do what you feel to be right, and care for no man's words or opinions.”