The shadow I felt on the night of
our betrothal has begun to creep toward me, Phyllis. I am in its chill
and gloom. It will darken all our remaining hours together, and they
are few now."
"Make the most of them, dear. Get all the sunshine you can; stay with
Richard. I am going to the village to bid Martha good-bye."
"Richard says you are to sail Wednesday?"
"Yes; what is the use of drawing out a parting? We have had a happy
holiday. Let us go ere its spirit is over. There must be times and
seasons, Elizabeth; it is the part of love and wisdom never to force
them. Besides, uncle has a very sore place in his heart, and Richard
can hardly avoid rubbing against it. It is best for us to go."
Martha was a little dull, and Phyllis was struck with her explanation:
"I'm a bit selfish to-day; and t' heart that isn't loving isn't
cheerful. Ben and me hev been so much to each other, that it comes
a bit hard to hev to step aside for a lass as one doesn't care much
for." She put her checked apron to her eyes, and wiped away a few
tears.
"But Ben can never forget what you did for him."
"It was Mary after a' that saved him. I nobbut prayed night and day.
She brought the magistrate and t' constable. Men don't count much on
prayer."
"Dear Martha, God sends by whom he will send. If he had thought it
best, you would have got the order.
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