March 1932
T h e K i n g ’ s B u s i n e s s
118
RETURN o f ike TIDE A Serial Story ! . . B y Z enobia B ird
joy of a life of adventures of faith; yes, thrilling adventures they sometimes were, just to see God working miracles in her own life and in the lives of those for whom she might pray. Never had David Hillman heard any thing that gripped him as this message tonight. There seemed not a sentence she uttered that did not find echo in his heart; he knew the truth whereof she spoke. He had met many other girls, but here was one altogether apart from them and above all the rest. When she finished, there was a little, scarcely audible sigh. When the meeting closed, many of the young people crowded around Marian and Joyce to express their
C hapter XII
ou w il l d o i t , Joyce, won’t you ?” Marian asked, as the two girls were going upstairs to bed. “I would much rather hear you, Mar ian.” . ' I “I will take it another time, truly I will. I know our society will be glad to have you, and I am hungry to hear you myself.” Marian Linton had consented to lead the Young People’s meeting for the first time, when, to her delight, Joyce Good win announced that she was coming for
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appreciation. On the edge of the group was David Hill man with Nelson Barrington. They waited until the crowd scattered somewhat and then pressed nearer. Nelson was introduced to Joyce and in turn presented David. The four of them stood together chatting for a few minutes, and then, as the church service was about to begin, Nelson led Marian away. Joyce was escorted into the church by David Hillman—the boy half afraid that the radiance in his face must be seen and observed by every one who looked at him. After church, Nelson suggested that they walk home by a long, winding road that skirted the village and passed a pretty little lake. The others did not object, and the two couples wended their way slowly toward Cousin Rhetta’s little home. Cousin Rhetta did not go out to the evening service and was usually in bed before Marian returned. As they drew near this evening, Marian gave a startled exclamation. The house was all a-glimmer. There seemed to be lights in all the rooms upstairs and in the dining room, besides the light that always waited for Marian in the little parlor. This was so contrary to Cousin Rhetta’s thrifty soul that Marian felt sure something must be wrong. She hastened her steps, Nelson with her sharing her anxiety. “Cousin Rhetta must be sick,” she said in a low, troubled tone. “Would you rather we would wait here on the porch until you find out?” Nelson asked with tender concern. “If you will, please,” Marian answered gratefully. She quietly opened the door, and with a few light steps, she stood in the dining-room doorway. A strange man sat at the table. His arms were folded and his head bowed on a Book he had been reading. The girl stood frightened a moment, wondering whether to call Nelson, when a little sound made the man lift his head and turn his face to ward her; “Marian, my sister,” he exclaimed, leaping to his feet. “Oh, Bob,” was all she could say as he almost crushed her in his arms, their tears mingling together. When they could speak, there were eager questions and as eager answers. The anxious friends on the front porch were forgotten, until Nelson, unable longer to endure the
a week’s visit. The girls were having a happy time renew ing their old fellowship. There was much to talk over; so many things had happened since they were together last. % They laughed over the story of the finding of Mrs. Rabin- ock’s hecklace hidden in the hollow tree by the Browning’s old pet crow, and how variously the news was received over in Glenwold. But, importantly looming before Marian’s mind, was the coming Sunday evening service. She continued to coax, but Joyce urged that she had no time for preparation. “You need only tell something out of your own life, Joyce. The topic is ‘My Bible and I.’ You know what the Bible means to you and to your father and mother. Tell them about that night we found the verse about walking in the light of sparks. I never forgot that.” And finally Joyce consented. It was a beautiful Sunday evening in early summer. Commencement time was near, and both Nelson Barring ton and David Hillman were among the graduates. The previous' Sunday evening, they had heard Marian Linton’s name announced as the leader for the next meeting, and both determined to be there. The meeting had begun when they slipped into the room and took their seats. There was the usual singing and prayer time, but they waited irppatiently for Marian’s part on the program. When the time came, Marian rose and introduced her friend, Joyce Goodwin. There was a little rustle of interest for a moment, but soon all forgot the girl herself in her message. Modestly, she. told of her unpreparedness for this meeting, and of her friend’s importunity. Few of the young people would ever forget the testimony of the lovely stranger that night, a^she. told what the Bible meant in her own life, how it had.been her comfort in trial and disappointment when she’was obliged to give up her college career,' and all through those anxious days when her father lay so ill and tftetjg seemed no hope. She spoke of it as a guidebook, giving: clear guidance on every problem of her life and walk-,'and then above all, it was her message and her mis sion. All about her were others who needed to know of thigiworiderful Book and the almighty Saviour. She was glad'iLafiy: little wotd'of hers could help them to find the
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