She thrust a paper into Mrs. Dunlap's hand and dropped down upon the lowest step of the stair in a little crushed heap, her face in her hands.
Mrs. Dunlap was reading the letter that had been given her:
Dear Mother: (it read)
There is only one thing left for me to do, and that is to go to number — Fifth Avenue New York and Prove that there is no Mr. Ralph Oliver. After I have done that, I shall go and find Rufus and we will be married at once! It is my duty to save Rufus from this terrible plot against his character. After that, we will take care of you. Don't worry. I will let you hear from me.
Lovingly,
DAISY.
Mary Dunlap read the letter over twice, while Mrs. Sheldon cried softly. Then the elder woman spoke:
"I know what you are thinking. You think the Lord has not heard your prayer. But you must not think that. I heard a great preacher from England once say that we must learn to 'trust Him where we could not trace Him,' and I think that if God has been preparing this thing while we were praying and claiming His promise, that in some way it is to answer our prayer. Come, let us trust Him, and tell him so."
Right there by the stairs Mary Dunlap prayed, talking to the Lord as if He stood where she could see Him, asking directions for what they should do next.
When the brief prayer was over the mother lifted her head and stood up.
"Daisy is not used to traveling alone! Especially out in the night this way, and to a great city!" She spoke in a tone of deep anguish.
"She is not alone!" said Mary Dunlap solemnly, "God is with her!"
Then after an instant she added: