Adam sighed, poor fellow! With his full heart, he wanted to say something, but he was dimly conscious that this would be the wrong time to persist, whilst he was afraid to be silent.
He had made a start on the new and better way. He had begun new practices of prayer and Bible reading, and he dreaded the thought of these being interrupted. Unlike many who think that the race is won when a start is made, Adam was almost painfully anxious not to be turned off the course, having once entered upon it. Yet he could not help feeling that difficulties might arise when Margaret returned, which would be hard to overcome.
It was something that as yet she had neither answered him sharply, nor ridiculed his new love for Bible reading; but this might arise from her not having heeded his words, though she answered them after a fashion. So, finding that Margaret was not likely to enter into his feelings, Adam tried to enter into hers, and even gave his opinion about the placing of the furniture, though he well knew it would not be acted upon, unless it agreed with her own. But what matter? Does not the great Apostle of the Gentiles tell us that it is the woman's business to "guide the house"? And is it not good for the husband when she attends well to this plain duty, and exercises a wholesome influence in her proper sphere?
Margaret's unpacking, straightening and plans for the morrow came to an end at last, and owning herself "right down tired," she announced her intention of going to rest.
"Won't you let me read a few verses, while you sit down for a minute or two, Margaret?" asked Adam, determined not to lose this first opportunity.
"Read! To-night! What is the man thinking about? I'm that tired I can hardly lift one foot after another to get upstairs. If I sit up any longer, how am I to turn out in the morning? Whatever has come to you?"
Adam was going to try and tell his wife what had come to him. But she did not want an answer.
Before he could shape his words, she quietly lifted the large Bible from the table before him, restored it to its usual resting-place, and deposited the tea-caddy on the top of it.
"It's no good beginning at this time o' night," she said. "If you started to read I should be sure to go to sleep, and then I should be like baby, as cross as two sticks at being waked up. Maybe you'd have to carry me upstairs."
Margaret's tone was good-tempered and her face smiling, but her actions were decided enough. She followed up the removal of the Bible by fastening the outer doors and putting out the gas. Then calling, "Come along, Adam," she went straight upstairs.