"We were very tired," answered Hope; "but mamma and Mrs. Mansbridge both said it would be really better for us to walk. Besides, we could not have done anything else, as there was no conveyance to be had. We all set out, and mamma drove. Fortunately there was a beautiful moon, and mamma told us to waste no time, but to press on as fast as we could. We walked along generally in a string across the road, hand-in-hand. I can't tell you how it felt, Mrs. Arundel; we all seemed so dear to each other, through having been companions in danger." "I am sure you must," said Aunt Ruth. "How little we thought, as we were quietly reading and watching the sunset, what was happening to you all." "I wish Hope would go to bed," said Nellie, as she saw her give another violent shudder. "Oh, no," said Hope; "but I will have a shawl." Before long, however, she was obliged to give in, and felt bed would be the best place for her. Nellie went upstairs with her, and helped her to undress, and then made her as comfortable as was possible. She fetched a hot bottle for her feet, drew the blind partly down, and set some roses on a little table by her side. "What a dear girl you are!" said Hope, gratefully looking up at her. "Where did you get those wild roses?" "We picked them by moonlight last night." "We? I did not see you picking any." "No; you were in the carriage then; it was so lovely, Hope, just like daylight, only better." Hope drew her down and kissed her. "Nellie," she said, "I think I am going to begin a new life from yesterday." "Oh, dear Hope, how glad I am!" "Yes; it was you first made me think about it. Aunt Ruth had often urged me to make a decision; but somehow I thought there was plenty of time, and that it was for older people. And then you came, and I found that, though you were young, it was like the air you breathed, you could not do without it! And then, Nellie, you asked me, that second day you were here, if I were a Christian?" "Yes," said Nellie, blushing; "but I was dreadfully afraid you would be offended." "That made me think more than ever; and when I began to know you, I longed to be like you." "Dear Hope, not like me; I wish I were more like Him." "Oh, yes! But still, Nellie, the face of Moses shone, you know, as we were reading this morning. You need not be ashamed, dear, but rejoice that it is so." Nellie's eyes filled with tears. How unworthy she felt of the blessing which God had laid at her feet; and yet she had prayed that she might be a help to Hope, and here was her prayer answered. "I am going to sleep now," said Hope, "so do go down and talk to Mrs. Arundel." When Nellie re-entered the drawing room, her grandmamma and aunt sat in their usual places in the bow window. She thought they looked a little grave, but hardly noticed it. She carried her basket in her hand, and seating herself on a low chair close to them, prepared herself for a happy morning.