"Yes," again came from all the children, and very gravely now was the answer given.
"But you cannot do it in your own strength. Shall we kneel down together, and ask God that the Holy Spirit may help you?"
All excepting Lancie, who lay on his sofa, knelt down, and from that room ascended an earnest prayer that God would help each member of the family to keep the solemn promise that had been made, and that He would let them all meet again in health and safety. When they had risen from their knees, Mr. Grainger kissed his children one by one. Lancie's turn came last, and bending over him, his father took his thin white hand in his.
"Oh, father! How I shall want you."
"My poor little Lancie!"
There was the sound of a smothered sob, and then—
"Is there nothing I can do?"
"'They also serve who only stand and wait.'"
"Oh, yes, I had forgotten," said Lancie, and a smile lighted up his pale face. "And you think God will be as pleased with that as if—as if I could do as the others can?"
"I know He will," said Mr. Grainger, tenderly; "and remember He takes note of every pain you suffer. That He has given you so much to bear, Lancie, only shows His great love for you. He wants to make you 'perfect through suffering.'"