easy work, lad, and I'm sure there will be no one as will hev a finer garden than thee."
This idea charmed Steve. He declared he would work every day, he would work over-hours for it, and in the glow of this new hope he went to bed. Sarah, also, was full of rest and confidence, and as she went about her common household tasks, Steve heard her cheerfully singing.
"O Lord, how happy is the time.
When in thy love I rest;
When from my weariness I climb.
E'en to thy tender breast.
"And, anywhere or everywhere.
So that I do thy will,
And do my life's work heartily,
I shall be happy still."
For, after all, there was in Sarah's heart a sense of disappointment, and a consciousness of resignation to some duty, which she had set before her own interest and pleasure. She had said, truly enough, that Steve was dearest of all to her; and yet, if—if—she would not think of the ifs at all; still, no woman, perhaps, ever resigned the prospect of wealth, honor, and a true affection without some lingering looks backward.
