Was Menie reassured? It was not easy to tell; for very new to Menie Laurie was this trembling humility of tone and look--this faltering and wavering--as if she knew not to which side to turn. But Randall began to speak, as he knew how, of her own self, and of their betrothing, “for ever and for ever;” and the time these words were said came back upon her with new power. Her mind was not satisfied, her heart was not convinced, and very trembling and insecure now was her secret response to Randall’s declaration that she should find no disappointment in him; but her heart was young, and all unwilling to give up its blithe existence. Instinctively she fled from her own pain, and accepted the returning hope and pleasantness. Bright pictures rose before Menie, of a future household harmonious and full of peace--of the new love growing greater, fuller, day by day--the old love sacred and strong, as when it stood alone. Why did she fear? why did a lurking terror in her heart cry No, no! with a sob and pang? After all, this was no vain impracticable hope; many a one had realised it--it was right and true for ever under the skies; and Menie put her hand upon the arm of her betrothed, and closed her eyes for a moment with a softening sense of relief and comfort, and gentle tears under the lids. Let him lead forward; who can tell the precious stores of love, and tenderness, and supreme regard that wait him as his guerdon? Let him lead forward--on to those bright visionary days--in to this peaceful home. CHAPTER XXI. Perhaps next to the pleasure of doing all for those we love best, the joy of receiving all ranks highest. With her heart elate, Menie went in again to the house she had left so sadly--went in again, looking up to Randall, rejoicing in the thought that from him every daily gift--all that lay in the future--should henceforth come. And if it were well to be Menie’s mother--chief over one child’s heart which could but love--how much greater joy to be Randall’s mother, high in the reverent thought of such a mind as his! Now there remained but one difficulty--to bring the mother and the son lovingly together--to let no misconception, no false understanding, blind the one’s sight of the other--to clear away all evil judgment of the past--to show each how worthy of esteem and high appreciation the other was. She thought so in her own simple soul, poor heart! Through her own great affection she looked at both--to either of them _she_ would have yielded without a murmur her own little prides and resentments; and the light of her eyes suffused them with a circle of mingling radiance; and sweet was the fellowship and kindness, pure the love and good offices, harmonious and noble the life of home and every day, which blossomed out of Menie Laurie’s heart and fancy, in the reaction of her hopeless grief.