David, standing before him, and speaking with much
earnestness, "there is only one thing that can separate us--your serving
one master and I another; and that need not be. Your work may be as
much for Him as mine. Philip, dear friend--is He your Lord and Master,
as He is mine?"

Philip shook his head.

"I do not know. I fear not, Davie. What am I saying? I know He is
not. I have never done a stroke of work for Him, or for any one at His
bidding, or for His sake, and that is the whole truth, Davie."

"But that is not to be the end! His soldier and servant! There is
nothing in all the world to be compared with that! Have you offered
yourself to Him? Will you not offer yourself to Him? Oh, Philip! there
is nothing else."

"Davie," said Philip, hoarsely, "you don't begin to know what a bad
fellow I have been."

"No; nor do you. But He knows, and the worse you are the more you need
to come to Him. Have you never asked Him to forgive you and take you
for His own? It is for Him to do it. Ask Him now!"

David threw his arms round the neck of his friend. It was a sudden act,
boyish and impulsive--not at all like David. Philip was much moved.

"Ask Him, Davie," said he, huskily.

Kneeling beside him on the stone, David did ask Him, using simple words
and few--such words as Philip never forgot--words that he uttered in his
own heart many a time afterwards, and not in vain.

They lingered a good while, but there was not much said between them
after that, and when David went into the house, where his mother and
Violet were waiting for him, he told them that Philip had gone home. By
and by he said:

"The story Jem heard was true, mamma. Mr Caldwell wants Philip to
become his partner in a new business. It seems he has saved something,
and he is willing to put his capital against Philip's youth and energy
and business talents. It will be very good for Philip and for Mr
Caldwell too."

"It shows great confidence on Mr Caldwell's part," said Mrs Inglis.

"Yes; but, mamma, you said it as if you were surprised, as if his
confidence might be misplaced."

"I am surprised, dear, but the other idea I did not mean to convey. My
surprise was because of Mr Caldwell's well-known deliberation and
caution."

"Yes; the offer, even if it go no further, is a feather in Phil's cap,"
said Jem. "But Mr Caldwell is a shrewd old gentleman, though he be a
little slow. He knows what he is about."

"You look as thoug