And she quite put away
her own trouble and spoke cheerfully, and served Phyllis with busy
hospitality.
"For, you see," she said, as she knelt before the fire toasting the
cake, "I feel as if you were a pilgrim, Sister Phyllis, that had come
across my little cottage on your way to the kingdom. And if I didn't
mak' you welcome, and say a hearty, loving 'Godspeed' to you, I'd
happen miss a bit o' my own welcome when I enter the gates o' the
kingdom. So, eat and drink, dearie; and may the bread strengthen you,
and the cup be full o' blessing."
"I shall never forget you, Martha. I think we shall know each other
when we meet again."
"For sure we will. It will be in 'Jerusalem the golden' I don't doubt.
Farewell, sister!" and she took the sweet young face between her large
hands and kissed it.
Her smile was bright, her words cheerful, but Phyllis went down the
street with a heavy heart. She stopped at the house where Mr. North
lodged and asked to see him. He came down to her with a smile; but
when she said, "It is a good-bye, Mr. North," his face grew pale, his
eyes full of trouble; he was unable to answer her. The silence became
painful, and Phyllis rose.
"Let me walk a little way with you. Pardon me, I was not prepared for
this--blow."
Then Phyllis knew that he loved her.
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