'I remember the young lady well, sir,' said Blade-o'-Grass; 'and I thought of 'er orfen, though I never set eyes on 'er since then.' 'She will be here presently. She is married, and has a baby.' Blade-o'-Grass turned from me, trembling, and hid her face in her hands. 'She and her husband have a very happy home, not far from where we are sitting. If you had a home like theirs----' 'O, sir! for pity's sake, don't mock me!' 'Listen, my dear. Do you believe that we have your happiness and well-doing very close to our hearts?' 'If I didn't believe it, sir, I wouldn't be fit to live.' 'Then believe this as well. Such a happy home as Ruth's and this may be yours, if you have the courage to make a sacrifice. No, not yet! nor will I tell you what it is until the time comes. But think of it, and believe in it. Even if you doubted me, and Rachel told you it would be a good thing to do----' She looked lovingly at Rachel. 'I think, sir, that whatever she told me to do I would do, though I was sure to die the next minute.' 'You would be right, Blade-o'-Grass. All that she says and does is sweet and good.' * * * * * Ah, Rachel, my wife, how my heart yearned to you then! How tenderly, in the dim twilight of that Holy Day, did my thoughts dwell upon you in purest love! In the solemn pause that ensued I endeavoured to strengthen my heart by inward prayer. If the priceless gift of your love were denied to me, I might still hope that your friendship would sweeten my life. * * * * * Blade-o'-Grass laid her hand timidly upon mine, and whispered to me that the prospect I had held out was like heaven to her. Soon after this, Charley, and Ruth with her baby, came in quietly, and I brought Ruth and Blade-o'-Grass together. * * * * * I see them standing side by side at the window. I see Ruth showing her baby to Blade-o'-Grass. I see Blade-o'-Grass's hands tremble and wander. I see her stretch forth her arms convulsively, and presently I see her sitting on a low stool, with the baby in her lap, sobbing quietly over the child, whose fingers caress her face, pityingly as it seems. Ruth sinks upon her knees by the side of the bereaved mother, and their arms are round each other's neck. Night's shadows steal upon them, and wrap them in a peaceful embrace. XIII. HIS SOUL IS IN YOUR HANDS TO SAVE AND PURIFY!