Volume Ii Part 73 (1/2)
”It is more than I would dare say for my own land.”
”I should think” ? Fleda suddenly stopped.
”What?” ? said Mr. Carleton, gently.
”I beg your pardon, Sir ? I was going to say something very presumptuous.”
”You cannot,” he said in the same tone.
”I was going to say,” said Fleda, blus.h.i.+ng, ”that I should think there might be a great deal of pleasure in raising the tone of mind and character among the people, as one could who had influence over a large neighbourhood.”
His smile was very bright in answer.
”I have been trying that, Elfie, for the last eight years.”
Fleda's eye looked now eagerly in pleasure and in curiosity for more. But he was silent.
”I was thinking a little while ago,” he said, ”of the time, once before, when I rode here with you ? when you were beginning to lead me to the problem I have been trying to work out ever since. When I left you in Paris, I went to resolve with myself the question, What I had to do in the world? Your little Bible was my invaluable help. I had read very little of it when I threw aside all other books; and my problem was soon solved. I saw that the life has no honour nor value which is not spent to the glory of G.o.d. I saw the end I was made for ?
the happiness I was fitted for ? the dignity to which even a fallen creature may rise, through his dear Redeemer and Surety.”
Fleda's eyes were down now. Mr. Carleton was silent a moment, watching one or two bright witnesses that fell from them.
”The next conclusion was easy ? that my work was at home ? I have wanted my good fairy,” Mr. Carleton went on, smiling.
”But I hope she will be contented to carry the standard of Christianity, without that of republicanism.”
”But Christianity tends directly to republicanism, Mr.
Carleton,” said Fleda, trying to laugh.
”I know that,” said he, smiling ? ”and I am willing to know it. But the leaven of truth is one thing, and the powder train of the innovator is another.”
Fleda sat thinking that she had very little in common with the layers of powder trains. She did not know the sleigh was pa.s.sing Deepwater lake, till Mr. Carleton said ?
”I am glad, my dear Elfie, for your sake, that we are almost at the end of your journey.”
”I should think you might be glad for your own sake, Mr.
Carleton.”
”No ? my journey is not ended ?”
”Not?”
”No ? it will not be ended till I get back to New York, or rather till I find myself here again ? I shall make very little delay there ?”
”But you will not go any further to-night?” said Fleda, her eye this time meeting his fully.
”Yes ? I must take the first train to New York. I have some reason to expect my mother by this steamer.”
”Back to New York!” said Fleda. ”Then taking care of me has just hindered you in your business.”