Mabel's work from her and throwing it upon the bed. "Come and enjoy
the holy hour with me."

They leaned together upon the window-sill, their young faces tinted
by the changeful hues of the sky, both thoughtful and mute, until
Rosa broke the silence by a heavy sigh.

"O Mabel, you should be a happy, happy girl; blessed among women.
You can love--freely and joyously--and have pride and faith in the
one beloved."

"As you will some day," rejoined the other, drawing nearer to her,
"when you, in your turn, shall know the unspeakable sweetness of
unquestioning faith--of utter dependence upon him to whom you have
given your heart."

"Utter dependence!" echoed Rosa. "That would mean utter wreck of
heart, hope--everything--should the anchor give way. It is a
hazardous experiment, ma belle!"

The other looked down at her with simple fearlessness.

"'For it was founded upon a rock!'" she repeated softly; yet the
exultant ring of her accent vibrated upon the ear like a joyous
challenge.

Rosa's fretful movement was involuntary.

"Mine would drag in the sand at every turn of the tide, every rise
of the wind, if I were to follow your advice, and say 'yes' to the