The Heart's Kingdom

"Billy," I said to him one afternoon when he had taken all four of the

kiddies out in his car to get wild grapes, when Harriet had counted on

having wee Susan to herself for the afternoon, while Nell was

interestedly busy over somber but much needed winter clothes for

herself. "You have just got to make up your mind that Harriet is going

to absolutely possess Sue for the future. I don't know about any

legalities but I am going to see that Harriet gets Susan."

"What you say goes, Charlotte, as it always has," he answered me, with

honest adoring in his young eyes that had lost their reckless hunger.

"And if you aren't careful you'll lead us all into Kingdom Come in blind

bridles. Be careful not to over-fill Goodloe's fold. I don't want to

crowd you. I'll take my turn when it comes." He was laughing as he

spoke but there was a depth to the laughter that I understood.

"Thank you, Billy, for your consideration," I answered him, as I took

small Sue's hand and turned in at the Sproul gate.

Harriet sat on the steps in the fading sunlight and the small music box

flung herself into the outstretched arms with a force that was alarming.

It was easy to see that Susan was most temperamental and would be a

handful of anxieties in the years to come, anxieties that Harriet

needed.

"Of course, she doesn't belong to me and I'm a fool," Harriet muttered

as Susan darted away to see what treasure for her lurked in the pocket

of Mrs. Sproul's beflowered silk skirt.

"I started plans to get her for you, just five minutes ago, dear," I

said, as I sat down beside her. "I laid down the law to Billy on the

subject."

"Charlotte," answered Harriet, as she looked with brooding into my eyes,

"do you really believe that--that we will find them again and--and--do

you really believe?" And the question was so hungry and haunted and so

like what had driven me for years that my heart ached in my breast for

her, but I knew that I could only stand fast and pray that she be

comforted. I couldn't make her see.

"Yes, dear, I know--but I can't make you know. Just go on--on

hungering like you are and you'll be fed," I answered.

"You've always understood, Charlotte, and if you say that the pain will

some day be eased I'll--I'll believe it. Yes, I'll make a start by

believing in you and there's no telling where it will land me."

The confidence with which she raised her comforted eyes to mine made a

stab of pain hit me full in the breast. Words that Gregory Goodloe had

spoken to me out under the old graybeards were the weapon used. "With

your hand in mine I can make this whole community see and know;

separated from you--" In all humility I now understood what he meant.