The Captain gives her a bright look. "Yes; and who are you—one of my Soldiers? I hoped so directly I saw you."
"I am—that is, I'd like to be—only I'm afraid I mustn't," stammers Betty.
"Mustn't be a Soldier? How's that, my child?"
"I'm Betty Langdale. You know my Grannie—she lives near Moordale. She's a Salvationist, but mother won't let me be one. I've tried to persuade her only this morning to say yes, but it's no use."
"Betty Langdale—of course! I'm so glad to see you, dear, and you can be a Soldier, even if the way is not yet open for you to be sworn-in. You can be the Lord's true Soldier, fighting His battles in His strength."
"But mother says she will never let me go to the Meetings."
"I am sorry, dear; but keep believing, and remember that Meetings alone do not make good Soldiers. God will help you to fight your battles at home. Fight against wrong wherever you see it. Keep very close to Jesus. Do all you can for those at home, and you can be a true Salvationist, although at present you may not join The Army."
"But mother ought not to stop me from attending the Meetings, ought she, Captain?"
"My dear, it is not your place to judge your mother. Your whole thought should be to win her gently, to prove to her your sincerity by your life.
"It is only by keeping things in their places, you know, that we have a tidy house. It is only through giving each member of our family his or her true place that we can have a happy home. Keep true and patient, and God Himself will one day open the door for you.