"Since when?" demanded the other incredulously.
"Does it matter, since when?" said Diana, with a calm gentleness which spoke for her. "I was not always so, but I am now."
"Hev' you met with a change?" the other asked, again judicially, and critically.
"Yes."
"Ain't that good news, now!" said Miss Barry, dropping her knitting and fairly wiping her eyes.
"I hope your evidence is clear," said the other lady.
"Do you want to hear what they are?" said Diana. "I have come to know the Lord Jesus—I have come to believe in him—I have given myself to be his servant. As truly his servant, though not so good a one, as my husband is. But what he bids me, I'll do."
The little assembly was silent, silent all round. Both the news and the manner of the teller of it were imposing. Decided, clear, calm, sweet, Diana's grey eyes as well as her lips gave her testimony; they did not shrink from other eyes, nor droop in hesitation or difficulty; as little was there a line of daring or self-assertion about them. The dignity of the woman struck and hushed her companions.
"Our minister'll be a happy man, I'm thinkin'," said good Mrs.
Carpenter, speaking out what was the secret thought of many present.
"You haven't joined the church, Diana," said Mrs. Starling harshly.