"I like that," said Aunt Angie, promptly. "And I think the churches make a mistake in forbidding innocent pleasures. Oh, why don’t they dwell on the good instead of squabbling over the bad?"
"You have described one of the chief differences between the Christian Science and the other churches," cried Carolina. "Why, Aunt Angie, you are a ready-made Scientist!"
"Am I? Well, we shall see. Now tell me when you can go to see Flower. Was Moultrie able to buy Araby for you?"
"No, Mr. Mazyck refused to sell her. But Moultrie has lent me Scintilla until he can find another good horse for me."
"But you especially wanted Araby, didn’t you?"
"Yes, because she is a direct descendant of the sire of my grandfather’s favourite saddle-horse. And she is simply perfect, Aunt Angie."
"I am afraid Barney Mazyck is hopeless. If he wants a thing, he wants it and is going to keep it."
"I know; but I have not despaired of getting her yet. Perhaps I am just as bent upon getting her as Mr. Barnwell Mazyck is upon keeping her."
"Well, I wouldn’t put any money on Mr. Mazyck!" laughed Carolina.
In the slight pause which ensued, Carolina could see that Mrs. La Grange was ill at ease. Suddenly she turned to the girl and said:
"My dear, doubtless you think it strange that I do not know beyond a doubt the state of my own little grandson’s sight, but--"
"I know," said Carolina, gently. "I have heard."
"Ah, then you have heard the truth! It is a terrible grief to us, Carolina. Think of the child! I do not know who my own grandson is descended from!"
"But you will know," said Carolina, earnestly. "And soon. I--we have a right to expect God’s harmony in our lives."
Mrs. La Grange looked at her curiously, but only said, with a sigh:
It was arranged that Carolina was to meet Mrs. La Grange at Flower’s the next afternoon at three o’clock.
"Can’t you go in the morning?" asked Mrs. La Grange.
"I have an appointment with the architect from Charleston and the builders at Guildford at ten. We wouldn’t get through in time, I am afraid, for there will be so much to discuss."
"I never get tired. There is rest in action for me."
Mrs. La Grange shook her head, but not in disapproval.
"I hope I am going to like it. If I like all of it as well as I do the sample bits you have fed me with, I think, as you say, you may find that I have been a Scientist all my life without knowing it."