"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 her care on the Lord, whom she had loved and served from her very
infancy; and her head had not rested many moments upon her pillow ere she
fell into a deep, sweet sleep, that lasted until morning.
While Elsie slept, and Mr. Travilla galloped homeward by the longer route,
the moon, peering through the cloud curtains, looked down upon a dark
figure, standing behind a tree not many yards distant from the thicket
Elsie had besought her friend to shun. The man held a revolver in his
hand, ready cocked for instant use. His attitude was that of one
listening intently for some expected sound.
He had stood thus for hours, and was growing very weary.
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