CHAPTER II.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 30, 29 December 1883, Page 5

CHAPTER 11.

HELEN. " Gertrude, my love, has Helen finished those wreathes for the Church yet?" inquired Mrs Arnott, as her daughter entered with the tea-tray. "No, mama. She says 'twill be better to add the finishing touches early in the morning, as the delicate flowers fade so quickly ; and Ross Elliott will call at seven for us," replied Gertrude. Mrs Arnott looked anxiously across the room towards Gertrude's averted face, and answered slowly : " Ross seems extremely fond of Helen's company of late. Where are they now ?" " Helen has gone to practise the anthem just once more, and Ross will bring her home. Here they are, mama dear !" added Gertrude, as cheery voices were heard in the hall, and presently cousin Helen, followed by Ross Elliott, the young curate, entered the room. 11 Good evening, Mrs Arnott," says Ross, respectfully, approaching the invalid's couch ; "I do hope you may be able to attend the morning service j our floral decorations are really superb this season, and I know how you enjoy a choral service." "Yes, Ross," replied the lady, "the music is certainly an added charm, especially at this blessed season ; but I think I shall have to be content with • heart music ' to-morrow. The Prince of Peace can prepare a banquet of blessing for the lonely chamber, as well as a song of rejoicing for j the sanctuary." "I am grieved that you are not better, dear friend," he replied. "I had hoped to welcome you on Christmas morn, but," he added, reverently, "the soul that enjoys such constant nearness to the source of joy can realise His presence everywhere." " Yes, if His peace is shed abroad in the ■ heart, Ross," said Mrs Arnott, softly j "there is constant joy and sweet content— « Whate'er His will, to trust Him still ; His love shall guide, whate'er betide.' " " Ross, '"she continued, " what text have you chosen for to-morrow ? We are alone ; and if I know it I shall think of it all the time while the girls are at church." Looking round he saw that Helen and Gertrude had left the room, so bending over Mrs Arnott's couch he replied, " I was troubled greatly about it, but at last I decided on this: "Arise, shine, for thy light has come ;" but even now lam rather fearful about it, and cannot help wishing that Mr Evelyn had taken the service."

Mrs Arnott caught his hand and held it close for a moment as she replied, " Light, yes, truly He is our light, Ross, even in dark places ; even down into the valley of the shadow. He is our light." Then Helen returned with a mysterious pai'cel in her hand, which she gave to Ross, saying archly, "This is Gerty's contribution ; she was too shy to give it you herself, but please see that it is placed in a favourable light, Mr Elliott, for it is a truly beautiful design. I think you may show it to auntie, though Gerty does not wish anyone to know that it is her work." "The wish shall be sacred," replied Ross, " but you will convey my thanks to her, will you not. Miss Helen ? Oh ! how beautiful !" he cried, as he unfolded a large scroll and laid it before Mrs Arnott's admiring gaze. On a groundwork of crimson silk appeared a floral scroll of lilies of the valley and forget-me-nots, wrought in the most delicate crewel-work, among which were beautifully traced the words, "Behold, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." "Just like dear Gertrude!" exclaimed Mrs Arnott. "She delight? in silent, unobtrusive ministry. Her perfect unselfishness and loving service heed no outward d em 015 . strati ven ess ; they are felt, rather than seen ; expressed, rather than heard. I thank God daily for tins precious gift — my noble, generous Gertrude." Ross Elliott /said not another word, but two bright drops gathered in his clear, grey eyes, as he thought of this timid, sensitive nature with such a depth of love and confidence in its inmost soul. Then he rolled up the scroll with scrupulous care, and bidding the ladies a kindly "good night," he went away.