Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/258

Rh was not in any way helpful to Sarah. But his heart was full of pity for both women, for the weak, distracted wife, wailing and moaning her life away; and for the brave, weary woman carrying a burden far too great for her strength. It was characteristic of Jonathan, however, that as soon as he entered the vestry he put his own thoughts quite away from his heart, and entered with all his old interest into the financial affairs of the circuit.

"Thou art quite like thysen, Burley, to-night." said an old friend, looking at him with a cheerful astonishment; and Jonathan answered, "The Lord hes turned again my captivity, Brother Latham; and the Lord's name be praised!"

It was a little trial for Jonathan that the brethren, rejoicing in his happiness, by a kind of friendly concert, walked part of the way home with him. At first he thought he had better not keep his engagement with Sarah. These men might wonder and talk, and he could not explain things, and so on, etc. But when they reached Steve's cottage he was ashamed that he could have been, even for a moment, such a coward. He stood still, and said, "Now, then, I'll bid you all good-night.