"Just think Louise how many changes have taken place since I came? Who then would have dreamed that Josie Jordan would become a clergyman's wife?"
"Think!" said Louise, with considerable feeling, "I dare not let myself think, each day brings its own thoughts. Life to me is made up of enigmas and puzzling contradictions, and not being endowed with an extra amount of brain power content myself with the comforting words—''tis folly to be wise.'"
"What shall I call you, Louise, a pessimist?"
"For goodness sake! Helen, be moderate. Remember that a successful speaker always adapts himself to the capacity of his hearers."
"What's all this about? preaching I suppose—something about hearers! Jennie Montgomery!" cried both girls in concert.
Cousin Jennie was truly the ruling spirit of the party. She was ready for anything that was proposed and met each difficulty with a happy solution.
Had Louise Rutherford gone further into the subject of changes she might have claimed the bright eyed Jennie as illustration.
A change had come to happy "Gladswood," Leslie Graham had won the esteem of aunt Hester, and in return had gained the heart of her daughter.
The fond mother does not regret her loss for she knows that the young man is possessed of all those traits of character which are truly noble and elevating, and which cannot fail to bring happiness to her whose happiness is his only concern.
Ah! yes, in Jennie Montgomery's face one can read her secret. She loves and is loved in return and that is all we wish to know.