Page:The Clergyman's Wife.djvu/24

22 her high-hearted husband, and bade him teach her the lesson of resignation; bade him repeat to her, over and over again, that all which God orders is well. And, with his fond arm about her waist, her head resting on his shoulder, and his kindly voice dropping words of wisdom, like healing balm, upon her lacerated spirit, the teachings were not in vain. She found inexpressible comfort when he talked to her of the state of their two angel boys in their bright home. Upon that theme she dwelt untiringly, and soon her sorrow was hallowed to her. She accepted her fate, and it ceased to be terrible.

Her health was restored very slowly, and she never regained her former strength; yet she threw herself into active employment as the greatest safeguard against the melancholy which now and then would steal over her. Gradually the tranquil smiles returned to her lip. Her face had lost something of its joyous look, but had gained a holier expression that told of the chastening of grief, the bruise of the crushed flower that drew forth greater sweetness.

The young husband and wife were more united than ever. The link that childhood forges to bind