was now, and
how much all of us would give in money, or time, or love, to make her
sparkling, bubbling, happy again; so I thought and thought, gazing at
the sky, which every second became a grander sight. Little cold chills
began going up my back, and soon I was talking to the Lord exactly as
if He stood before me on the reddest ray that topped our apple trees.

I don't know all I said. That's funny, for I usually remember to the
last word; but this time it was so important, I wanted it so badly, and
I was so in earnest that words poured in a stream. I began by
reminding Him that He knew everything, and so He'd understand if what I
asked was for the best. Then I told Him how it looked to us, who knew
only a part; and then I went at Him and implored and beseeched, if it
would be best for Shelley, and would make her happy, to send her the
Paget man, and to be quick about it. When I had said the last word
that came to me, and begged all I thought becoming--I don't think with
His face, that Jesus wants us to grovel to Him, at least He looks too
dignified to do it Himself--I just stood there, still staring.

I didn't expect to see a burning bush, or a pillar of fire, or a cloud
of flame, or even to hear a small, still voice; but I watched, so I
wouldn't miss it if there should be anything different in that sunrise
from any other I ever had seen, and there was not. Not one thing! It
was so beautiful, and I was so in earnest my heart hurt; but that was
like any other sunrise on a fine July morning. There wasn't the least
sign that Jesus had heard me, and would send the man; yet before I knew
it, I was amazed to find the feeling creeping over me that he was
coming. If I had held the letter in my hand saying he would arrive on
the noon train, I couldn't have grown surer. Why, I even looked down
the first time I moved, to see if I had it; but I was certain anyway.
So I looked steadily toward the east once more and said, "Thank you,
with all my heart, Lord Jesus," then I slowly made my way down and back
to the house.

Shelley was at the orchard gate, waiting; so I knew they had missed me,
and Laddie had told them where I was and not to call. She had the
strangest look on her face, as she asked: "Where have you been?"

I looked straight and hard at her and said, "It's all right, Shelley.
He's going to come soon"; but I didn't think it was a thing to mouth
over, so I twisted away from her, and ran to the kitchen to s