, but no matter about them. We
parted, and it's all over as far as she is concerned. When I left
town last June I thought I'd be a bachelor always, because I loved
my jolly ease. I've a better reason now, Ida. Of course Van must
be the one referred to by Miss Burton. You have seen how she looks
at him at times when thinking herself unobserved!"
"Yes," sighed Ida, "it's all right. God is just, and there is no
use of trying to thwart his will."
"Well, Ida, I don't know. It's all a snarl to me. Sometimes
I think the world goes on the toss-up-a-penny plan, and again it
seems almost as if Old Nick himself was behind the scenes.
"Dear Brother Ik, don't talk to me that way. If I do lose ALL my
faith now, I don't know what will happen."
"Forgive me, Ida, I will try to do better by you though I fear I
shall prove one of Job's comforters. We'll stop in the village,
get some supper there, and, thus you won't have to face anybody
to-night, and by to-morrow you will be your own brave self."
"Oh," moaned Ida, "I am almost as sorry for father's sake as for
my own. How can I keep him up when I am sinking myself?"
Mr. Mayhew stood on the piazza, waiting for Ida and wondering why
she did not come, as Van Berg mounted the steps.
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