He seems to vibrate between the Senate and the
frontier. He is a fine fellow, and they are doing well."
Then they fell into talking of Texas and of the disastrous Santa Fe
expedition; and Harry listened with blazing eyes to the tale of cruelty
and wrong. Then the rector came and Elizabeth made tea for her guests,
and after a happy evening, she watched them walk away together over
the familiar road, down the terraces, and across the park. And she
went to her room and sat down, silent with joy, yet thinking thoughts
that were thanksgivings, and lifting up her heart in speechless
gratitude and adoration.
By and by Martha came to her. "I couldn't frame mysen to sleep
to-night, Miss Hallam, till I said a word to you. God gave you a glad
surprise this morning; that's his way mostly. Hev you noticed that
great blessings come when we are nivver expecting 'em?"
"No, I don't think I have; and why should they?"
"I hev my own thoughts about it. Mebbe it isnt allays as easy for God's
angels to do _his will_ as we think for. T' devil hes angels too,
princes and powers o' evil; and I shouldn't wonder if they took a deal
o' pleasure in makkin good varry hard to do."
"What, makes you think such a strange thing as that?"
"Why-a! I could tell you what looks uncommon like it out o' my own
life; but you may tak' your Bible and find it plain as t' alphabet
can put it, Miss Hallam.
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