such as represented by
Deb's text, had a wonderful attraction for her. She was very silent
all the way home that afternoon, and shut herself into the study for
some hours' more reading; but this time her poems were laid aside, and
the Bible had taken their place. It was only a day or two after that
she had a great joy.

She received a little parcel from Mrs. Knox, containing a small
Testament, a gift of her own to her lover, and inside a letter
addressed to her in his handwriting. It had been written just before
that fatal day when he had sallied forth so unthinkingly to his death.

'MY DARLING,--

'Just a line to-night, for I may not have much time to write again
before the mail. We are off into the bush tomorrow on one of our
business expeditions. How I have longed lately for our work to be
done, and the steamer to be bringing me back to you! I have been
having grave talks lately with one of our fellows who is a religious
chap. It has brought vividly before me your sweet gravity in the
quaint old study that last night we spent together just before I left,
when you told me that you thought we both might have more comfort if we
had more religion. Do you remember? What will you say when I tell you
that I have found out that you are right? I cannot express myself,
darling, as I should wish, but I can tell you that your little
Testament is my best friend. I have discovered that religion is
something more than a head belief. And here, in the stillness of my
tent, I confess----'

This was all. He had evidently broken off hurriedly, and the letter
had found its way to Clare to give her its unfinished message of hope.
She bowed her head over it in the silence of her room, and then down on
her knees she dropped in a burst of thankfulness for the mercy and
tenderness shown her in letting her receive such a message. All
rebellion and mistrust faded away, and in true humility and penitence
Clare was enabled to take the final step towards the realization of
that peace she had longed for all her life--that peace that only comes
to a soul that has truly sought and found its Saviour.

CHAPTER XIV

The Cousins' Return

''Tis sweet to hear the watch-dog's honest bark
Bay deep-mouthed welcome as we draw near home;
'Tis sweet to know there is an eye will mark
Our coming, and look brighter when we come.'--_Byron._

'Agatha! Clare! I have had an adventure! Where are you? Oh, here
you ar