"
"Commence by living simple and true, my dear. Truthfulness is
the corner-stone of the character that men most respect and God
will honor. None of us can be perfect, but we can all be honest,
and pretend to be no better than we are. Just simply follow your
conscience, pray daily for light and guidance, and do the best you
can. Live up to the light as you get it, and remember the good
Lord will be as patient with you as a mother with her baby that is
just learning to walk. Be truthful and sincere as you have been
with me to-day, and all will be well."
Then he brought a step-ladder, and filled a little basket with pears.
"They'll ripen nicely in your drawer," he said, "and I shouldn't
wonder if you found 'em kind of nourishing to your soul as well as
body, now you know how they grew."
With a promise to come on the morrow Ida drove away more cheered
and comforted than she had thought it possible ever to be again.
But as she approached the hotel piazza, and saw the artist talking
with Jennie Burton, she experienced a sinking of heart that taught
her how difficult her path must be at best.
Van Berg hastened down eagerly to assist her to alight, for her
reappearance lifted a terrible load of anxiety from his mind.
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