“You have a treasure, Ernest, in that girl, if I do say it myself.”
“I am well aware of that, Madam, and I am indebted to the war for it. I have learned that God brings good out of evil. I never would have heard of Mildred, had it not been for the battle of Manassas. I am sorry, though, our cause is lost.”
“But it is God’s will,” quickly spoke up the Doctor, “and we should be thankful that it is no worse.”
“I am sure it is bad enough,” replied Ernest. “We have lost our independence.”
“It may appear to you to be a great calamity,” said the Doctor, “but I have no doubt it is a blessing in disguise. Two different governments could not exist in this glorious land of ours. I have never believed that we would succeed. I was fearful that we were in the wrong. But it is in vain to discuss such questions now. All is over, and we must submit. ‘Promotion cometh neither from the East nor the West, but God setteth up one, and pulleth down another.’”
Mildred now returned to the dining-room, and all partook of the meal with hearts glowing with gratitude. Do not the angels hover over, and smile upon, such a social scene?
The next day the family assembled in the parlor to hold a consultation, at the request of Ernest.
“Well,” said the Doctor, smiling upon the group, “‘the cruel war is over,’ and we must now all return to the blessed arts of peace. I suppose you will resume the practice of law,” he continued, turning to Ernest.
“No, I think not, Doctor,” answered Ernest. “I called this family meeting in order to lay my plans before you. After my marriage, when I returned to my command again, I solemnly promised God that if He would spare my life, I would devote my energies to His service in the ministry. I am here alive, without having received another wound. Now do you not think I ought to regard my vows?”
“O, my dear Ernest,” cried Mildred eagerly, “I have prayed God to put it in your heart to become a minister, and now, it seems, my prayer is answered.”