best friend; that he might be directed aright; that he might be delivered from the many evils and temptations that surrounded him; and that she with whom his heart was knit might have the grace as well as the gifts of God.
When their heart-service was over, Susan said she felt as if a load were taken from her. "He," she said to Charlotte, "who commanded us to pray for our enemies, certainly knew what was in us: how differently we feel towards any one we earnestly pray for!"
From this time there was no apparent change in the sisters, except that Susan pursued her labours with even more than usual avidity, and sometimes a remark would escape from her that showed the course of her thoughts; such as, "I am sure, Charlotte, of having enough to do in this world, and that's a real comfort; for one can't be very unhappy while there is enough to do."
That Adeline's prophecy was verified, was obvious; a portion of her lightheartedness was gone, and even Uncle Phil remarked that "she did not sing as she used to;" he "wished she would; he had rather hear her than a bird." Meanwhile Charlotte watched her with a blending of the sister's sympathy, and the mother's tenderness; and daily, as she saw that Susan's resolution was carrying her serenely through the storm, did she offer her humble thanksgiving to Him who she knew was the source of her strength and peace.
