There had never been such sweet and tender harmony in the manse as on that night--the sorrow falling on each one alike drew them very close together. And when they went to bed at last, each one in characteristic way thanked God that there were five to bear the hurt, for grief divided by five, after all, is only one-fifth a grief. CHAPTER XII FINDING THE PATH That Mr. MacCammon had suspected the trouble long before he was told of it did not surprise them at all. Somehow they always expected the most unexpected things of him. And he entered into their plans naturally and helpfully, as became one who boasted fairy powers. "I have a grand idea," announced Doris. "I thought of it just as Mr. MacCammon came in. Not that he has anything to do with it--but the sight of him inspired me." "Yes, and what is the grand idea?" urged her father, who knew from of old that her ideas were always well worth considering. "There is only one month of school before vacation, and then we will be a united family to handle you--and fathers take a lot of handling, you know. Now, I think you should ask for your vacation right away--on full pay, you understand--and go to Chicago and have the operation at once. Then by the time school is out the worst will be over. It will be quite easy to fill the pulpit now, because the town will be full of ministers here for commencement, and the trustees' meeting, and such things, and they will be glad to preach when they find how father is taking his vacation." "A good idea, as you say. And it will be a relief to have it over. Maybe I can arrange--" "You needn't arrange anything. Leave it to me. I shall go to the president of the college, and put up a scheme with him--when ministers come visiting he will tip me off, and I shall personally invite them to preach. Leave it to me." "But suppose you should miss a meeting?" "If she does, I shall give them a lecture on the psychology of religion. I can tell them a few things that are not mentioned in the Bible, but can help to make them better Christians none the less," offered Mr. MacCammon. "You should not suppose such things anyhow, father, it isn't ministerial. But since you hesitate to trust me alone, maybe you can let Providence and me together assume the responsibility with Mr. MacCammon to back us up." "That puts it on a firm foundation, at least. In the meantime I shall use my eyes as little as possible--" "Not at all! Rest them absolutely," said Mr. MacCammon quickly. "Get them in good shape for the operation. Wear the biggest, blackest glasses you can get, and do not look at a paper or book. Do not even touch your Bible." "I know my Bible pretty well, and I can _think_ my Scripture. But I shall miss the head-lines." "Oh, father, let me read the paper to you every morning. I am a good reader," cried Rosalie. "I come out strong on the right words, everybody says so." "The problem will be afterward. How can I preach those weeks when I can not study?"