She accepted
her position, none the less, doubted nothing but that the secret hidden in
these matters would some day be explained, and, according to her custom
before the approach of all mundane events and circumstances affecting
herself, viewed the present trial as heaven-sent to purify and strengthen.
So your religious egotists are ever wont to read into the great waves of
chance, as here and there a ripple from them sets their own little vessels
shaking, as here and there some splash of foam, a puff of wind, strikes the
nutshell which floats their lives, a personal, deliberate intervention, an
event designed by the Everlasting to test their powers, ripen their
characters, equip their souls for an eternity of satisfaction.
At tea time the cousins met again, and Uncle Chirgwin, returning from his
affairs, was rejoiced to learn Mary's decision. No outward sign marked her
struggle. She was calm, even stately, with a natural distinction which
physically appeared in her bearing and carriage. She chilled Joan a little,
but not with intention. Yet Joan was bold for her love and spoke no less
than the truth when she asserted that she viewed her position without shame
and without remorse. She spoke of it openly, fearlessly, and kept Uncle
Chirgwin on thorns between the cold silence of his elder niece and the
garrulous chatter of the younger. The saint was so stern, the sinner so
happy and so perfectly impressed with her own innocence, which latter fact
Mary too saw clearly; and it instantly solved half the problem in her mind.
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