"None. There are many who walk onward with erect heads and confident bearing. They are sure of their way, and smile if one whisper a caution as to the ground upon which they step so fearlessly. But they soon get astray or into pitfalls. God keeping and guiding us, Rose, we may find our way safely through this world. But we will soon lose ourselves if we trust in our own wisdom." Thus they talked--that old man and gentle-hearted girl--as they moved about the garden-walks, every new flower, or leaf, or opening bud they paused to admire or examine, suggesting themes for wiser words than usually pass between one so old and one so young. At Mr. Delancy's earnest request, Rose stayed to dinner, the waiting-man being tent to her father's, not far distant, to take word that she would not be at home until in the afternoon. CHAPTER XIX. THE SHIPWRECKED LIFE. _OFTEN_, during that morning, did the name of Irene come to their lips, for the thought of her was all the while present to both. "You must win her heart back again, Rose," said Mr. Delancy. "I will lure her to Ivy Cliff often this summer, and keep her here as long as possible each time. You will then be much together." They had risen from the dinner-table and were entering the library. "Things rarely come out as we plan them," answered Rose. "But I love Irene truly, and will make my own place in her heart again, if she will give me the key of entrance." "You must find the key, Rose." Miss Carman smiled. "I said if she would give it to me." "She does not carry the key that opens the door for you," replied Mr. Delancy. "If you do not know where it lies, search for it in the secret places of your own mind, and it will be found, God helping you, Rose." Mr. Delancy looked at her significantly. "God helping me," she answered, with a reverent sinking of her voice, "I will find the key." "Who is that?" said Mr. Delancy, in a tone of surprise, turning his face to the window. Rose followed his eyes, but no one was visible. "I saw, or thought I saw, a lady cross the portico this moment." Both stood still, listening and expectant. "It might have been fancy," said Mr. Delancy, drawing a deep breath. Rose stepped to one of the library windows, and throwing it up, looked out upon the portico. "There is no one," she remarked, coming back into the room. "Could I have been so mistaken?" Mr. Delancy looked bewildered. Seeing that the impression was so strong on his mind, Miss Carman went out into the hall, and glanced from there into the parlor and dining-room. "No one came in, Mr. Delancy," she said, on returning to the library.