“Please, sir,” said Kate, “the Great Master of all dismissed the multitude and went up into the mountain apart.”
“Yes, child, yes,” answered the rector, painting as he talked; “and when He came down, He walked on the stormy waves. And I—His humble follower—I think I can tread on the troubles and cares of life erect, and not be swallowed up after I have been here.”
“I do not know how I shall bear to go back to Coombe Cellars,” said Kate sadly.
“You will go back braced to do your work. We cannot always play, Kitty dear. You know the fable of the bow. It was relaxed only that it might be the better weapon when restrung. Besides, when you return you will have pleasure.”
“I shall think about my delightful holiday.”
“Yes; and learn the names of the flowers you have dried in your Prayer-book,” said Mr. Fielding, with a twinkle in the corner of his eye.
Kate dropped her head in confusion, but looked up again and said frankly, “Yes, that will be pleasant; and I can tell where each grew and how I found it.”
“Tell whom—your aunt?” A faint crease in the old man’s cheek showed he was smiling.
“No, sir! she won’t care. I shall tell Mr. Bramber, if I have the chance.”
“Kitty, I get very downhearted over my work sometimes. Then I come up here, and gather courage and strength, and—and trust, Kitty. You will return to Coombe Cellars strengthened and nerved to do your duty well and hopefully. Remember, it was kind of your aunt to let you come. She has to drudge hard whilst you are absent, but she does it because you have been ill and need relaxation in mind and invigoration of body. She does it, Kitty, because she _loves_ you.”
“Oh, sir!” Kate coloured with astonishment and with a twinge of pain at her heart.
“Yes, dear little friend, she loves you. She is not a demonstrative person. She is a clear-headed, practical woman. She has had a hard life, and much to try her, and to give her a cold and perhaps repellent manner. Nevertheless, her heart is sound and warm. When you were ill I spoke with her. I saw how anxious she was for your welfare. I saw into her heart, and I read love there.”
Kate trembled, and let the mosses fall from her lap and strew themselves about her feet. The tears came into her eyes.