esumed.

At six o'clock in the evening Traverse took leave of the doctor and his
fair daughter and started for home.

"Be sure to persuade your mother to come, Traverse," said Clara.

"She will not need persuasion; she will be only too glad to come, miss,"
said Traverse, with a deep bow, turning and hurrying away toward home.
With "winged feet" he ran down the wooded hill and got into the highway,
and hastened on with such speed that in half an hour he reached his
mother's little cottage. He was agog with joy and eagerness to tell her
the good news.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE RESIGNED SOUL.

This day be bread and peace my lot;
All else beneath the sun
Thou knowest if best bestowed or not,
And let thy will be done.
--Pope.

Poor Marah Rocke had schooled her soul to resignation; had taught
herself just to do the duty of each day as it came, and leave the
future--where, indeed, it must always remain--in the hands of God. Since
the doctor's delicate and judicious kindness had cherished her life,
some little health and cheerfulness had returned to her.

Upon this particular evening of the day upon which Traverse entered upon
his medical studies she felt very hopeful.

The little cottage fire burned brightly; the hearth was swept clean; the
tea kettle was singing over the blaze; the tiny tea table, with its two
cups and saucers and two plates and knives was set: everything was neat,
comfortable and cheerful for Traverse's return. Marah sat in her little
low chair, putting the finishing touches to a set of fine shirts.

She was not anxiously looking for her son, for he had told her that he
should stay at the doctor's until six o'clock; therefore she did not
expect him until seven.

But so fast had Traverse walked that just as the minute hand pointed to
half-past six the latch was raised and Traverse ran in--his face flushed
with joy.

The first thing he did was to run to his mother, fling his arms around
her neck and kiss her. Then he threw himself into his chair to take
breath.

"Now, then, what's the matter, Traverse? You look as if somebody had
left you a fortune!"

"And so they have, or, as good as done so!" exclaimed Traverse, panting
for breath.

"What in the world do you mean?" exclaimed Marah, her thoughts naturally
flying to Old Hurricane, and suggesting his possible repentance or
relenting.

"Read that, mother! read that!" said Travers