Only, dear
lady Arctura, there is no chance in this or in anything! We will not
forget you, and in three weeks or a month we shall be back."
"That is a long time," said Arctura, ready to weep again.
Is it necessary to say she was not a weak woman? It is not betrayal
of feeling, but avoidance of duty, that constitutes weakness. After
an illness he has borne like a hero, a strong man may be ready to
weep like a child. What the common people of society think about
strength and weakness, is poor stuff, like the rest of their wisdom.
She speedily recovered her composure, and with the gentlest smile
bade Donal good-bye. She was in her sitting-room next the
state-chamber where she now slept; the sun was shining in at the
open window, and with it came the song of a little bird, clear and
sweet.
"You hear him," said Donal. "--how he trusts God without knowing it!
We are made able to trust him knowing in whom we believe! Ah, dear
lady Arctura! no heart even yet can tell what things God has in
store for them who will just let him have his way with them.
Good-bye. Write to me if anything comes to you that I can help you
in. And be sure I will make haste to you the moment you let me know
you want me."
"Thank you, Mr. Grant: I know you mean every word you say! If I need
you, I will not hesitate to send for you--only if you come, it will
be as my friend, and not--"
"It will be as your servant, not lord Morven's," said Donal.
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