And here the discussion ended for that day. Ernest, seeing Mildred walking in the yard and clipping flowers, vacated his seat and joined her. The Doctor looked at him, as he left, and a perceptible smile stole over his benevolent face.
The next day Ernest and the Doctor were alone in the study. The former seemed to be a little restless, like a man who wishes to say something, but knows not how to begin; the latter was tranquil as usual, poring over his theological books. Ernest would try to read, and then glance up uneasily at the calm old man upon whose open face God had put the seal of honesty. Ernest became fidgety. But presently he spoke:
“Will you give me your attention just a moment, Doctor?”
“Certainly; I am at your service,” replied the Doctor, laying his open book on the table.
“You believe the Confession of Faith?” asked Ernest with a merry twinkle, which escaped the preacher’s notice.
“Yesterday you said you believed that God ordained whatsoever comes to pass.”
“Yes,” replied the Doctor, unsuspiciously.
“Well, then,” said Ernest, casting his eyes to the floor, “Miss Mildred has agreed to become Mrs. Edgefield, when this ‘cruel war is over.’ If the Lord has ordained that, you will, of course, offer no objection.”
The old minister broke out into a hearty laugh in which he was joined by Ernest.
“That is a clever turning of the table, my young friend,” said the Doctor pleasantly. “But all that is really ordained is that she has agreed to the arrangement.”
“I mean so far as we actually know. We know not what God has in store for any of us. I believe that the Lord directs every Christian in his affairs. If you have won Mildred’s heart, I shall offer no objection to your union whenever it may please her to consummate it. These are very uncertain times, and the good Lord only knows what may become of any of us.”
Ernest was now happy and unhappy--a thrilling contradiction which all will understand who have been in the same condition. He must leave in a few hours. Would he ever return? There lay before him the prospect of a long and bloody war. How many battles like that of Bull Run could he go through, and escape with his life? He had already been severely wounded in the first fight in which he had been engaged. The chances seemed to be against him. Yet did not God control the events of battle? Could He not save and protect whom He would? Something similar to this the Doctor said to Ernest the morning he was to rejoin his command.