"Unfolding the ideal man in me! Which being greater far than I have grown. I cannot comprehend. I am Thine, not mine One day completed unto Thine intent, I shall be able to discourse with Thee; For thy idea, gifted with a self, Must be of one with the mind where it sprang, And fit to talk with Thee about Thy thoughts. Lead me, O Father, holding by Thy hand; I ask not whither, for it must be on. This road will lead me to the hills I think; And there I am in safety and at home." Miss Gregson repeated the words in a soft voice as if afraid of waking the birds and flowers with which they were surrounded. As she ended a rustle in the bushes made her start. But Meg, accustomed to all night sounds, did not stir. Though the thoughts expressed were somewhat beyond her, the words, "My God take care of me," impressed themselves on her mind. She was glad to have heard them and they comforted her. Miss Gregson shivered as a night hawk cried out in the darkness and a slight breeze swept past them. "You will come in now, my dear child," she said, as she rose. As they parted outside her bedroom door, Meg threw her arms around her friend, then ran hastily into her room. CHAPTER XIV "THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER" THE day of the concert arrived all too soon for Meg, who would have liked a little more time in which to perfect her songs, but as she awoke with the sun streaming in upon her she sprang up with a strong feeling of exhilaration. She was not afraid of disappointing her audience, being fully conscious that her voice was far above the average, and that it would give real pleasure to those who listened. She had no conceit in her composition; she simply recognised the truth, that she had been given a remarkably beautiful voice, and was grateful. On coming down to breakfast Sheila was struck by the happy expression of the girl's face. "I believe that you are really looking forward to the ordeal," she said laughing. "Yes, I am," said Meg simply. "I mean to give 'em a treat." The smile on Sheila's face faded. "You'll spoil it all if you talk like that," she said. "What did I say?" "Didn't you know that you said 'give 'em?' You must be very careful not to get excited to-day or you will make no end of mistakes." Meg felt as if a wet blanket had been thrown over her, but she soon recovered her spirits as the sun was shining and the birds singing, and moreover she heard in the distance the sound of hammering which told her that men were already engaged in putting up the platform on the lawn. After breakfast she ran out to see how they were getting on. Two men were engaged on the work; one man's face she knew well as he was often employed in various jobs about the Court; the other, whose back was turned towards her, was a stranger; but something in his build produced a curious sensation of shock in the girl. The head and shoulders were so remarkably like those of Jem.