The Rector of St. Marks

"Yes; oh, yes. I could not give him up now, except to God. I trust I

could do that, though once I could not, I am sure," and, nestling

closer to Anna, Lucy whispered to her of the new-born hope that she

was better than she used to be, that daily interviews with Arthur had

not been without their effect, and now, she trusted, she tried to do

right, from a higher motive than just the pleasing of him.

"God bless you, darling," was Anna's response, as she clasped the

hand of the young girl who was now far more worthy to be Arthur's wife

than once she had been.

If Anna ever had a thought of telling Arthur, it would have been put

aside by that interview with Lucy. She could not harm that pure,

loving, trusting girl, and she sent her from her with a kiss and

blessing, praying silently that she might never know a shadow of the

pain which she was suffering.