What you have told me, Robert, also goes to confirm what I have before noticed--that this great favor of vision is usually the cup of strength, given to us in some great agony or strait." "Now, father, may I see Theodora?" "She went to her room to rest after our early dinner. She also has suffered." "She is in the parlor. I hear her singing. Let us go to her." At the parlor door they stood a minute and listened to the music. It was strong and clear, and her voice held both the sorrow and the hope that was in her heart: "_My heart is dashed with cares and fears, My song comes fluttering and is gone, But high above this home of tears Eternal Joy sings on--sings on!_" The last strain was a triumphant one, and to its joy they entered. Then Theodora's face was transfigured, she came swiftly towards them, and Mr. Newton laid her hand in Robert's hand, and so left them. And into the love and wonder and thanksgiving of that conversation we cannot enter; no, not even with the sweetest and clearest imagination. In a couple of hours David came, and Robert joined his father and brother, and Theodora went to assist her mother in preparing the evening meal. She found her standing by an open window, wringing her thin, small hands, and silently weeping. "Mother, mother!" cried Theodora, clasping her in her strong arms; "why are you weeping?" "It is that man here again," Mrs. Newton faltered. "I thought that trouble was over. I can bear no more of it, dear." "He will never give you another moment's grief, dear mother. He is totally changed. He has had an experience; he has been what we call--converted--mother." "Do you believe that?" "With all my soul! He has given up everything that made sin and trouble." "Then all is well. I am satisfied." "Robert will not be happy until you have welcomed him." "Then I will go and do so." That evening as they sat together David said: "Father and mother, I wish to speak for my brother and myself. We are going into a business partnership, as soon as Robert has been to Glasgow, and turned all his property into cash. Whatever he is worth, I will double, and 'Campbell Brothers, Bankers,' I believe, will soon become an important factor in the financial world of San Francisco." "It is a good thing, David. You two working as one will be a multitude. No one knows the financial conditions here better than you do, David, and as an investor, I do not believe you have ever made a mistake." "I think not, father. Well, then, we will all go into San Francisco as soon as Robert has rested a little, and select a home for him. I know of two houses for sale, either of which would be suitable." "And when the house is chosen," said Robert, "I hope, mother, you will assist Theodora in furnishing it just as she wishes, keeping her in mind, however, that she must be quite extravagant. Simplicity and economy are out of place in a banker's home, for entertaining on a large scale will have to be done."