"If you have the one, my dear Elfie, the other is yours it is the note of hand of the maker of the promise sure to be honoured. And if you want proof, here it is and a threefold cord is not soon broken 'Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.' "
There was a pause of some length. Fleda had lifted up her head, but walked along very quietly, not seeming to care to speak.
"Have you the countersign, Elfie?"
Fleda flashed a look at him, and only restrained herself from weeping again.
"Yes. But so I had then, Mr. Carleton only sometimes I got those fits of feeling I forgot it, I suppose."
"When were these verses written?"
"Last fall uncle Rolf was away, and aunt Lucy unhappy and,
I believe, I was tired. I suppose it was that."
For a matter of several rods, each was busy with his own musings. But Mr. Carleton bethought himself.
"Where are you, Elfie?"
"Where am I?"