"Grandpapa has talked to me about it many times, and I am quite ready to try it whenever you think best, papa." "You are not afraid of it then, Maudie ?” "I am not so brave as some people, you know; but I hope I shall have courage enough to bear this. At all events, I am willing to try." "It gives me great pleasure to find you so willing, my dear. It's not a very cheerful subject for you, and so we wont talk about it any more till it is necessary. But there is one thing I must say to you, which your grandpapa has often told you before, I have no doubt. We believe in one great Being, who is the source of strength; who observes every trial that comes upon us; and who will give us the power to bear it with firmness, if we only ask it of Him rightly." Mr. Summers then changed the subject of the conversation. Maud was glad that he had mentioned this to her;—she had been wanting him to do so ever since they came home. And, now that it was settled, she determined to take it as bravely as she could. And she made up her mind also, that, if she could possibly help it, she would not allow the thought of what was coming to interfere with her happiness during the few days that would intervene before their journey to London. A few words with her mother on the subject cheerful and hoping words-and then, as if by common consent, nothing more was said. Maud couldn't help thinking about it, of course; but, like a wise girl, she tried to think about it in its brightest aspect only. The only vacant place in her circle of friends was now filled up by the arrival of Henry Ansted, who had been away for some time with his private tutor, and now came home for a week or two before returning to college. Henry threw up his books and studies entirely for the time, and entered with a good will into all sorts of romps and ruralizing. Once more the old chesnut-tree in the orchard swayed to and fro to the motion of a swing, put up professedly for the benefit of little Arthur, but which, when once put up, was quite as often used by the others. Maud was almost surprised to find herself seated in it one morning, and sweeping breathlessly through the air, with Henry laughing near, and Ellen giving her most violent pushes. Very different she looked now, Henry said, to the little creature which she was when he had first lifted her into that swing; and when they had to stand on each side, and swing her very gently, because she was so fearful. "But we have all altered very much since that time," said Henry, rather complacently; being not unmindful of his present honourable position. Every day brought some fresh plan of pleasure, and between these and her duties, of which she did not lose sight all this time, Maud's attention was so fully occupied that she had no leisure to feel dull. The last day came at length, however-too soon, as most of them felt -and they were to start for London the next morning. That last evening was spent at the vicarage in a sort of family-gathering. It was as pleasant as the most devoted friendship could make it; and yet there seemed to be a little check upon their pleasure, for everybody there knew of the trial which awaited Maud, and everybody sympathized with her in their hearts. She did not appear less cheerful than usual herself, and joined in their amusements with as much readiness as she was accustomed to show. At the close of the evening, when Mr. Ansted bade her good-bye, he said, placing a strong emphasis on one word "We hope you will soon be back in Springfield, Maud, among your old friends. And be sure that you come to see us, first of all." CHAPTER XII. THE TIME OF TROUBLE. "Sustain me, Lord, and let me neither shrink, THE DOVE ON THE CROSS. Busy, bustling, noisy London. How it jarred upon Maud's nerves after the calmness and quiet of her village-home. How close and oppressive seemed the atmosphere, so full of smoke and dust, and so hot and stale to breathe. Yet they had taken rooms in what was called a pleasant part of town, where the streets were broad and open, and where the wind stirred among the branches of a few trees (already leafless), and where there was a park near at hand, in which Maud rode or walked with Mr. Ashton every day. But she would very soon get tired of this, she was sure. Dr. Pirie examined her eyes. He thought the probabilities were in favour of a successful operation, but recommended that it should be |