This summer was the most profitable, and in some respects the happiest, Gertrude had ever passed. To be sure her health was delicate; and there were many days when if she had yielded to the lassitude which oppressed her, she would not have risen from her couch; but she was beginning to find the reward of those who try to please their Saviour. She went to her heavenly Father as a loving child does to an earthly one, pleading his promise that all things, to them who love him shall work together for good. In a dim way her childish heart was learning to rest on him, and to feel that the discipline she was passing through, was what she needed for the perfection of her character. She had not the slightest idea that these exercises were gracious ones, giving evidence, that she was renewed in the spirit and temper of her mind; and often in talking with Dr. Gilbert, whom she had come to revere above every other earthly friend, she said, in her frank, artless way: "If I were a Christian I should not find it so hard to keep evil thoughts out of my mind. It would be easy to remember when I am angry, that Jesus returned not a word to the railing of his enemies." Instructed by her kind pastor, Gerty was learning that the warfare between indwelling sin and a yearning after holiness would have to be maintained as long as we are in a wicked world; but that the victories the child of God achieves, yield to the soul a sweet peace which all the pleasures of the earth can never give. In her studies the young wife made rapid advancement, considering the circumstances in which she was placed. With a wisdom for which none of her friends gave her credit, she insisted on reviewing her studies from the very foundation. "I am shamefully deficient," she exclaimed, raising her bright eyes to Marion's. "I used to worry poor Hannah almost to death, wandering in the field and cultivating the acquaintance of the birds, beasts and insects. You say I seldom use bad grammar or slang phrases. No credit is due to me, for I was never allowed in such expressions; and associating almost entirely with brother and Hannah, I imitated their manner of speech." It was amusing to see the young girl walking the chamber repeating aloud, subjunctive, potential and other moods, then turning to her spelling book and committing column after column with praiseworthy diligence. Every week a composition was written, in the form of a letter, which was sent for the perusal of Edward and Hannah; and which were of no little interest to the readers. By them her old friend grew to trace the workings of the Spirit in the heart of her beloved charge, while in her brother they excited a wish, that he too might experience the joys of religion.