'What do you want to learn, my dear?' said Dr. Maryland, on his part gazing at the picture now.
'That picture always perplexes me,' said Hazel. 'What does it mean? And why do I love it so much, not knowing what it means?'
Standing and looking at the picture, Dr. Maryland answered in the words of Paul: ' "What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." '
'But papa,' said Primrose, 'that doesn't tell her what it means. Didn't Arthur say right—"The loss of all things"?'
'It means,' said Dr. Maryland,—'Human weakness and God's strength. Human emptiness and God's fulness. Earthly defeat and heavenly victory. How should you understand it, my dear, who have not begun the fight yet?'
'But then, papa, why does she love it so much?'
Dr. Maryland hesitated, and it was Rollo who answered:
'Because the fight is in her.'
'That's a queer way of putting it,' said Dr. Maryland; 'but perhaps it's true. I hope it is.'
The girl gave a swift look over her shoulder which it is to be hoped Mr. Rollo liked, as it was meant for him. So sparkling with the joy of being understood, so stirred with that sudden new life and purpose which appreciation wakes up in some natures. It was but an instant—then her eyes came back to Dr. Maryland, and were all quiet again. He did not think so, evidently. Which was right? Of what did he doubt her capable?