The matron uttered this first article in the great confession of woman's faith with the most unconscious simplicity.
"Well, mother, I will do whatever is my duty. I want to be guided. If I can make that good man happy, and help him to do some good in the world—After all, life is short, and the great thing is to do for others."
"I am sure, Mary, if you could have heard how he spoke, you would be sure you could make him happy. He had not spoken before, because he felt so unworthy of such a blessing; he said I was to tell you that he should love and honor you all the same, whether you could be his wife or not,—but that nothing this side of heaven would be so blessed a gift,—that it would make up for every trial that could possibly come upon him. And you know, Mary, he has a great many discouragements and trials;—people don't appreciate him; his efforts to do good are misunderstood and misconstrued; they look down on him, and despise him, and tell all sorts of evil things about him; and sometimes he gets quite discouraged."
"Yes, mother, I will marry him," said Mary;—"yes, I will."
"My darling daughter!" said Mrs. Scudder,—"this has been the hope of my life!"
"Has it, mother?" said Mary, with a faint smile; "I shall make you happier, then?"
"Yes, dear, you will. And think what a prospect of usefulness opens before you! You can take a position, as his wife, which will enable you to do even more good than you do now; and you will have the happiness of seeing, everyday, how much you comfort the hearts and encourage the hands of God's dear people."
"Mother, I ought to be very glad I can do it," said Mary; "and I trust I am. God orders all things for the best."
"Well, my child, sleep to-night, and to-morrow we will talk more about it."