The state herald., 1913-06-20

Ger the excitement OF the sick-room,
and faithful in small, as well as large,
matters. Moreover. she excelled most
doctors in her ability to interpret
changes and symptoms. and In her in
genuity in dealing with them. Her two
days with James had given her an un-
derstanding Of the case. and she was
ready with new devices for his relief.
Agatha finished her tea and Joined
Mrs. Stoddard as she stood looking
out into the twilight, seeing things
not visible to the outward eye.
"Yes. that's It," she ended abruptly.
thinking aloud; then including Agatha
without any change of tone. she went
on: II think we'd better change our
plans little. I'm going upstairs now
to stay while your Mr.. Hand goes
over to the house for me. There are
several things l want from home"
Agatha had no conception OF having
an opinion that was contrary to Mrs.
Stoddards. so completely was she
won by her tower-like strength.
You know. Mrs. Stoddard." she
said earnestly. that want to be told
at once. if-if there is any change"
81 know. child" the older woman re-
piled, with a faraway look. 1--WE are
In the Lords hands. He taketh the
young in their might. and he healeth
them that are nigh unto death We
can only wait his will"
Agatha was the product of differ
~
thought. But she was still young, and
the pressure OF the hour revived in
her some ghost OF her Puritan ances-
tral faith. longing to become real
ity In her heart again. II only for this
dire emergency. She turned. eager
but painfully embarrassed. to Mrs,
Stoddard. OBTAINING her by touch on
her arm.
But you said. Mrs. Stoddard," she
implored. that the prayer of faith
shall heal the sick. And l have been
praying. too; / have tried to summon
my faith. Do you believe that It
counts-for goodi"
Mrs. stoddards rapt gaze blessed
Agatha. Her faith and courage were
of the type that rise according to
need. She drew nearer to her sanctu-
ary. to the fountain Of her faith. as
her earthly peril waxed. Her voice
rang with confidence a. she almost
chanted: mo striving toward God is
ever lost. dear child. He IL with US
In our sorrow. even as In our Joy"
Her strong hand closed over Agatha's
for q moment. and then her steady.
slow steps sounded on the stairs.
Agatha went into the parlor. whose
windows opened upon the piazza. and
from there wandered down the low
steps to the lawn. II was growing
dusk. q still. comfortable evening.
Cver the lawn lay the indescribable
freshness OF a region surrounded by
many trees and acres Of grass. Pres.
emily the old hound. Danny, cnme
slowly from his kennel In the back
yard. and paced the srass beside
Agatha. looking up often with melan.
choiy eyes into her face. Here was a
living relic OF her mothers dead
friend. carrying In his countenance
his sorrow for his departed master.
Agatha lonsed to comfort him q little.
convey to him the thought that she
would love him and try to understand
bis nature. now that his rishtful mas
ter was gone. She talked softly to
him, calling him to her but not touch.
ing him. Back and forth they paced.
the old dog following closer and closer
to AsAtha's heels.
Back OF the house was path lead.
ing diaEonaiiy across to the wall
which separated Pnrson Thnycr's
place from the mectinE.house The
dog seemed intent on following this
path. Agatha humored him. climbed
the low stiie and entered the church.
yard. A the hound ieaped the stiic
after her. hc wagged his tail md Ap
peared happy. Agatha remembered
that saliie had told her. on the day OF
her arrival. Of the dog. and how he
wns accustomed 10 walk every eve.
ming with his master. Doubtless they
sometimes walked here. among tho
silent company assembled In the
churohyard: and the ministers silent
friend was now having the peculiar
satisfaction OF doing again what he
had once done with his master. Thus
the little acre OF tho dead had its
claim on life. and it's happiness for
throbbing hearts.
Agatha called tho old dos to her
again. This time he came near. rubbed
hard against hor dresr. and. when she
sat down on hat tombstone. laid his
head comfortably In bor lap. whgrlng
his tail In satisfaction.
Danny was n companion who did not
obstruot thought. but encouraged Il.
md 40 Agatha Eat resting on tho
stone with Danny close by. in that
quiet yard full Of the noiseless ghosts
Of tho past. her thought wont back TO
| Jsmsa. Ills unnatural syss and rest