ut it is
the only way--and you will understand. Love is a far country, and
prodigals take their journey there--but they seek it two by two. Oh,
father, another one and I went off together to that far, far land and
those who go leave father and mother far behind. But there is no hunger
and no famine there."

Rich the endowment love bestows! While we had all thought Margaret
anything but dull, yet this new speech of metaphor and music fell upon
my ears as a great surprise. That live coal from off God's altar had
touched her lips when first another's burning lips of love anointed them
with flame. When this new sun arises, the humblest of God's meadow
creatures know that the soul has wings and spread them in that holy
light.

Closer to my breast I pressed the heart whose tumult, as it struggled
with its muffled witnesses, started the same passionate riot in my own.

"There are many voices in your heart, daughter mine; let them speak
every one and tell me all their story. Where is it that your father
cannot come?"

"Father," she answered, with sweet calmness but with averted face, "I
never loved you more than now. But love's joy is in its loneliness, its
sweet bridal loneliness. It was a long weary way that another one and
I--you know his name, and I cannot speak it yet--walked together, but
not alone together; for others walked besides us--and friendship is a
cruel thing. But oh, father dear, one day--no, it was in the gloaming,
we saw an avenue far beyond; and we both knew it was for us and for us
alone. I saw it first, but I did not let Angus know. But he saw it in a
moment and he started quickly on. Then my feet fell back, though my
heart pressed on with his. But Angus would not let me stop. He hurried
me on; and it was sweet to be overborne, for love makes a man so strong
and a woman so weak.

"When we came close up to where you enter in, I saw that the way within
was sweet, and shadowy, so shadowy, but I saw that it was long, so long.
And I turned away, though my heart never turned. But Angus's eyes never
moved from the avenue, and he whispered that it was meant for us
two--just for us two--and for none on earth beside; he said no one could
go in alone, because it would vanish if they did--and he held me
close--and we went in together--and we shall come out no more forever.
That is where you cannot come, father--nor mother, nor dearest friend
can. You could not if you would, for it is God who keeps the gate."