for in the midst of their happiness, their own earthly bliss, that love heightened all. It was their mutual joy and solace: and how naturally followed the joyous triumphant exclamation of the Apostle, after the song was hushed, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God?" The glad tears stood tremulously in Emily's eyes more than once as she listened to the words; and her heart beat with gratitude towards Him who had bestowed upon her such wonderful gifts,-gifts of heavenly anticipation -gifts of earthly joy. Word after word went up her petitions with Gilbert's, as presently they knelt in prayer: word for word his joyous thanksgiving was echoed in her heart: word for word his prayer for safe guiding, safe keeping, found response on her lips; and when at last they rose from their knees, and the little maid retired to the precincts of the kitchen, the husband and wife stood with clasped hands at the window, and Emily felt very, very happy. So happy, indeed, that the delicate slices of hot ham and golden eggs would soon have lost their excellence, and the coffee its rich aroma, had not the fragrance of the latter recalled Gilbert to more earthly sensations. Playfully placing his little wife in her new station at her own breakfast-table, and with a light laugh reminding her that, if she wished to explore the surroundings of her new home, it would be necessary to fortify for the occasion, he drew his own chair opposite hers, and leaning comfortably back amid its ample cushions, sat lovingly watching the graceful little figure and white hands so daintily lingering over the coffee-cups, and the half-important, half-blushing little face bending over this new work. What a contrast was that pretty picture, he thought, to the solitary bachelor breakfast it had so long been his lot to take! How bright the little wife had made his home to him, she could scarcely realise. CHAPTER V. NEW INTRODUCTIONS. "The soul of music slumbers in the shell, THE duties-household duties be it understooddevolving on Emily, with the wee little household the pretty cottage contained, were very, very light. The little maid was handy, rough though she was; willing too, and active: and Gilbert soon found his wee wife quite willing and pleased to be led wherever he chose to lead her. A pleasant round they had through their little possessions. Emily inspected everything with joyous exclamations, from the neat little stable and gighouse, to the pig-stye and hen and pigeon houses,— all of which were theirs,-neatly fenced off on one side, and nearly screened from view by more of the same wattle trees that grew most luxuriantly in the neighbourhood. A few choice fowls to be her own especial care, and some beautiful pigeons that came eagerly fluttering down to her very feet, won her admiration at once; and even the fine sow with her numerous litter of pigs did not escape her hearty approval. But the garden was her chief delight; and Gilbert had intended it should be so, for all that was choice, all that was lovely, eh, and all that was useful, were most carefully gathered into the small space won out of the "wilderness," as Gilbert playfully called the surrounding country. "See, I am building a summer-house for you, darling," he exclaimed fondly, as they approached one very pleasant part of the garden, where the roses grew most thickly, and the shade of two or three trees fell quietly. The rustic edifice had not made much progress, but it bore evidence of taste and skilful workmanship already. "I believe you can do anything, dear Gilbert! said Emily, her upturned face beaming her thanks and admiration. "I have found it very pleasant working for you, dear; but it will not be less pleasant to finish the work with my little wife standing by to watch its progress." And Gilbert glanced fondly into the upturned face, while, with the tears starting into her eyes, she reverently murmured, "How good God is to us!" "It shall be the business of our lives to praise Him, shall it not?" said Gilbert, tenderly leading her back again to the house, and leaving her awhile to her domestic duties and her helpmate Jenny. Jenny was rather a comely country maiden, short in stature and round as short, with fat arms and fat face, and, for the matter of that, fat ankles too, a good deal exposed by the curtness of her skirts. She was rosy and bright-looking, with round eyes habitually expressing curiosity and wonder; a head of rather coarse hair, thrust into a net as coarse, and hands and arms that were rosy with their work. She looked up with a smile as Emily entered her neat little kitchen, and exclaimed 66 Somebody comed while you and master were down at the stables; they wouldn't stay, but left these, and said maybe you'd like to accept of 'em;" and Jenny pointed to a large jar of honey, and a couple of ready slaughtered fowls of very fine proportions. "How very kind," said Emily, colouring with pleasure: "and who was it, Jenny? Would they not wait for you to call us?" “No, marm; they said as how they would come belike next week, that you would then be a little more settled like. It was Master Smith and his missus; master knows them; it's him as has the big farm a mile or so from the chapel." "Very kind, and very thoughtful, but very like them," said Gilbert Owen, as his wife enthusiastically related her conversation with Jenny. "John Smith is one of my main supporters; I do not know how we should get on without him. We will call upon them; it will give them pleasure, I know; and I'm sure, dearest, you will like his wife. She is a nice homely woman, with a heart full of sympathy and love. They are true Christians, Emily." "I shall like them very much indeed, dear Gilbert, as they are kind to you," said Emily. "Well, darling, this is our first visit. We may look for more now, and my little wife must not mind being looked at-she need not-though all people may not prove as considerate as the Smiths." |