“And trust to Providence to bring us there at the right moment,” she added thoughtfully. A moment of silent musing on the part of both, and Ethel suddenly sprang to her feet. “I will go there now--this moment!” “And may I go with you?” “Yes, yes; come!” and she started almost on a run. “Floy, Floy, not quite so fast!” he said, exerting himself to keep pace with her. “You will be all out of breath, and have no strength to push through the crowd.” She slackened her speed and took his offered arm. “Yes, you are right; I shall have need of all my strength. But oh, if I should be a moment too late!” “Try to be calm, dear Floy,” he said low and tenderly, gazing down upon the agitated face in loving solicitude. “You have been very brave and hopeful thus far, and are, I trust, soon to be rewarded for it all. But try to be calm and collected. You will need to have full command of yourself.” “I will try,” she answered with a deep-drawn sigh; “and oh, I am glad and thankful that I have you with me, Espy!” “Bless you, darling, for the words!” he said, flushing with pleasure. “To be a comfort and support to you has long been the dearest wish of my heart.” He led her on in the direction from which they had come at a rapid but steady pace, watching anxiously the while the changes in her speaking countenance. He was relieved to see a calm, peaceful, quiet look presently take the place of the painful agitation visible there a moment before. He knew not the cause, but she had fled to the Rock that was higher than she. Whatever might befall, this Refuge could not fail, this Friend would never forsake. While Ethel had sat listening with absorbing interest to Hetty’s story the persons of whom they spoke were in Horticultural Hall, which they left at nearly the same time that the first party separated and went their several ways. “Memorial Hall comes next on our programme, does it not, wife?” said the older gentleman as they descended the steps of the main entrance. “Yes,” she said, “but let us walk about here a little first; the sun is under a cloud at this moment, and these parterres and rustic seats are worth looking at.” “They are lovely, mamma,” said the older girl; “but I’ve seen them several times, and I want to buy some little things at the Japanese Bazaar. So may I go on? and I’ll meet you in the avenue near the Art Building.” Permission was given, and she tripped away. The others soon followed. Presently she came running breathlessly to meet them.