“There’s a tap at the door; will you please open it?” said Molly.

It was Mrs. Travilla, Elsie and Violet whom Isadore admitted.  She recognized them with a deep blush and an embarrassed, deprecating air; for the thought instantly struck her that Vi had probably just been telling her mother what had occurred during her absence.

“Ah, Isa, I did not know you were here,” her cousin said taking her hand.  “I am pleased to see you.”

The tone was gentle and kind and there was not a trace of displeasure in look or manner.

“Thank you, cousin,” Isa said, trying to recover her composure.  “I came to—­mamma has a headache, and sent me——­”

“Yes; never mind, I know all you would say,” Elsie answered, tears trembling in her soft brown eyes, but a look of perfect peace and resignation on her sweet face; “you feel for my sorrow, and I thank you for your sympathy.  But Isa, the consolations of God are not small with me, and I know that my little one is safe with him.

“Molly, my child, how are you to-day?”

“Very well, thank you,” Molly answered, clinging to the hand that was offered her, and looking up with dewy eyes into the calm, beautiful face bending over her.  “How kind you are to think of me at such a time as this.  Ah cousin, it puzzles me to understand why afflictions should be sent to one who already seems almost an angel in goodness.”

Elsie shook her head.  “You cannot see my heart, Molly; and the Master knows just how many strokes of his chisel are needed to fashion the soul in his image; he will not make one too many.  Besides should I grudge him one of the many darlings he has given me? or her the bliss he has taken her to?  Ah no, no! his will be done with me and mine.”

She sat down upon a sofa, and making room for Isa, who had been exchanging greetings with her younger cousins, invited her to a seat by her side.

“I want to talk with you,” she said gently, “Vi has been telling me everything.  Ah, do not think I have any reproaches for you, though nothing could have grieved me more than your success in what you attempted.”

She then went on to give, in her own gentle, kindly way, good and sufficient reasons for her dread and hatred of—­not Papists—­but Popery, and concluded by inviting Isa to join with them in a thorough investigation of its arrogant claims.

Isa consented, won by her cousin’s generous forbearance and affectionate interest in her welfare, and arrangements were made to begin the very next day.

Molly’s writing desk stood open on the table by her side, and Violet’s bright eyes catching sight of the address on a letter lying there, “Oh, cousin, have you heard?” she exclaimed, “and is it good news?”

“Yes,” replied Molly, a flush of pride and pleasure mantling her cheek.  “I should have told you at once, if—­under ordinary circumstances;—­but—­” and her eyes filled as she turned them upon Mrs. Travilla.