Hope the befriending, Does what she can, for she points evermore up to heaven, and faithful Plunges her anchor’s peak in the depths of the grave, and beneath it Paints a more beautiful world * * * * * * * Then praise we our Father in Heaven, Him, who has given us more; for to us has Hope been illumined; Groping no longer in night; she is Faith, she is living assurance; Faith is enlighten’d hope; she is light, is the eye of affection; Dreams of the longing interprets, and carves their visions in marble; Faith is the sun of life; and her countenance shines like the Prophet’s, For she has look’d upon God.--EVANGELINE. There were anxious enquiries mingling with the glad welcome which Halbert Melville received as he entered his own house on that clear cold winter’s morning,--for the evening’s rain had passed away, and frost had set in once more--enquiries that showed the interest which both his own Mary and Christian--for Christian’s society, though she did not allow it to be monopolised by either, was claimed in part by both the Marys, and her time divided between them--felt in the unhappy sufferer. “Does Mary know, Christian?” was one of Halbert’s first questions. “Yes,” was the answer, “and much was she shocked and grieved, of course; as was Charles also, but we were all rejoiced to hear from him that a happy influence seemed at work before he left you. Has it gone on? Can he see any light yet, Halbert?” “I dare not answer you, Christian,” said her brother gravely. “I know too well the nature of Forsyth’s feelings to expect that he should speedily have entire rest; but God has different ways of working with different individuals, and I have reason to give Him thanks for my own terrible experience, as I believe my account of it was the means of softening the heart of yon poor despairing man.” “How wonderful, Halbert,” said Christian, laying her hand on his shoulder; “how wonderful are the ways and workings of Providence. Who could have imagined that you were to be the instrument, as I trust and pray you may be, of turning your old tempter from the evil of his ways, and leading him into the way of salvation!”