AS we entered the stately edifice and examined its various interesting objects, what a multitude of thoughts kept crowding into one's mind-thoughts especially of the past! Here in fancy one could see many a monk and nun seeking-seeking-what they could not find in this world-rest for their troubled consciences! One could understand them coming to the shelter of such edifices, and hoping thereby to get away from the evil around. They had yet to learn that the mischief was within!
Then a brighter vision would present itself to one's mind. An eager scholar pored over the pages of a worn, musty volume. No passing event was allowed to divert his mind from his occupation. Ink and pen lay beside him; but he used them not. What magic charm lay in that ancient manuscript? What thrilling tale thus captivated every power of his strong intellect? It was Luther who thus eagerly scanned the old, and in some places, almost faded letters. Yes, he too was seeking! and his eye fell upon the wonderful words, " The just shall live by faith."
The afternoon was passing on. Already several visitors had entered the transept where the afternoon service would shortly be held. Scrutinizing glances I gave at the countenances of one and another, as they passed our little party, still busy in deciphering strangely—worded epitaphs and curious inscriptions.
I wanted to discover, if possible, the motive which induced those people to leave the busy tasks of the day in order to go there for an hour's “devotion." It is a difficult task to read the human face aright. I could not possibly decide whether any amongst that number were of “the true worshippers, who worship the Father in spirit and in truth." More gifted eyes than mine were requisite for that, even the eyes of Him who seeth into the “thoughts and intents of the heart."
Herbert as “time-keeper" at last said they must think about returning. "You seem proud of my watch," said Mrs. Grahame playfully, as Herbert replaced me in his pocket with an air of self-importance. "It's a watch to be proud of, mother!" was his quick rejoinder. “I mean to save and buy one for myself; but I shall not get so good a one as this."
Through the busy streets, much faster than over the smooth field of Pitchcroft, we sped again towards Mary Street. Mrs. Grahame, unused to such excitement, was feeling fatigued, and gladly would she have walked at a more leisurely pace.
“Buy some sweets, Herbert," pleaded Sydney, as they passed a shop window full of those articles so attractive to childish eyes.
“Come along, then!" said the elder brother as he entered the shop, while Maude and Carrie were not long in following. Once inside, a shilling was soon spent. It appeared kind of Herbert to think of buying sweets for his little brother and sisters; but had he consulted me I certainly should have said, “See how tired your mother is, Herbert! A shilling will be better spent upon her. Call a cab and let her ride home!”
Herbert did not mean to be thoughtless. If any one had pointed out to him the need of such a thing, he would have spent a shilling as happily one way as another; but he was not in the habit of thinking far beyond his own present gratification.
After their return home there was, perhaps, less boisterous mirth than there had been in the earlier hours of the day; but the enjoyment was none the less on that account. Much there was to tell of all they had seen, and Mr. Grahame was asked many a question by his intelligent children. It was a relief to him to have his mind diverted even for a short time. Much he could tell them, too, of the early history of the cathedral they had just visited.
The evening passed more rapidly than I can describe. Conversation on many topics-the latest news of his brother Gerald, who was now in a merchant's office at Swindon, occupied and engrossed a good deal of Herbert's attention. It would be a long time, if indeed ever, before Herbert could feel as happy amidst the family circle as he did on that November evening.
“Half-past eight, my dear boy," said Mr. Grahame. “You will just have time to walk leisurely to Shrub Hill Station. I will come with you!"
“It’s very good of you, father, but aren't you too tired?"
"Not at all!" replied Mr. Grahame quickly. And then in a musing sort of way, he said in a low tone, as if speaking to himself, “I could call there, too, as I come back. It would be in my way." I then saw him glancing towards the mantelpiece, and though he said nothing when he found I had been removed, it was evident that the business to which he referred was connected with myself.
What might not to-morrow bring me? I had distinctly heard Mr. Grahame say in the morning, “Not to-day! I can manage for to-day!” But that implied to-morrow! And what would the morrow bring forth? Herbert kept me in his possession the whole of the afternoon and evening hours. Several times in the earlier part of the evening he playfully drew me from his waistcoat pocket, and gave a glance at my dial-plate. Not once, however, during the last two hours had he done so! And as he bade farewell to those at home, thoughts of me never once entered his head.
“Got your top-coat and scarf!” said his father, just before the train started.
“Yes, father! Purse, gloves, and all!” was the merry rejoinder, as first in one pocket and then in another Herbert searched to make sure that he had all that he required. His hand was once within an inch of where I was lying! Every pocket was searched except the one in which I lay.