"Which I should much prefer to hear from your lips, my little friend."

"Ah, read it, please; read it aloud to me; I shall then enjoy it as much
as I did the first time; and you will learn how truly good and pious Mr.
Mason is, far better than from my telling. Not that he talks of himself,
but you perceive it from what he says of others."

He complied with her request, reading in the undertone in which they had
been talking.

"A very well written and interesting letter," he remarked, as he refolded
and returned it. "Yes, I should judge from it that he is the right man in
the right place. I presume the selection of gifts so satisfactory to all
parties must have been yours?"

"Yes, sir; being with them, I was able to ascertain their wants and
wishes, by questioning one in regard to another. Then I made out the list,
and left Mr. Mason to do the purchasing for me. I think I can trust him
again, and it is a great relief to my mind to have some one there to
attend to the welfare of their souls and bodies."

"Have you gotten over your fright of this evening?" he inquired tenderly,
bending towards her, and speaking lower than before.

"Almost if--if you have not to return to Ion to-night. Must you, really?"

"Yes; mother would be alarmed by my absence; and she seldom retires till I
am there to bid her good-night."

"Then promise me to avoid that thicket," she pleaded anxiously.

"I cannot think there is any real danger," he said, with a reassuring
smile, "but I shall take the other road; 'tis but a mile further round,
and it would pay me to travel fifty to spare you a moment's anxiety,
dearest."

She looked her thanks.

He left at ten, his usual hour, bidding her have no fear for him, since no
real evil can befall those who put their trust in Him whose watchful,
protecting care is ever about His chosen ones.

"Yes," she whispered, as for a moment his arm encircled her waist, "'What
time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.' It is comparatively easy to trust
for myself, and God will help me to do it for you also."

She stood at the window watching his departure, her heart going up in
silent prayer for his safety. Then, saying to herself, "Papa must not be
disturbed with my idle fancies," she turned to receive his good-night with
a face so serene and unclouded, a manner so calm and peaceful, that he had
no suspicion of anything amiss.

Nor was it an assumed peace and calmness; for she had not now to learn to
cast