affection between two who were comparatively strangers to each other.
The reason was not plain even to Emma and Mary, for neither of them yet
knew it by the Scripture name, which is "unity of the Spirit." Each had
loved the other while as yet no word of communication had passed
between them, because each had a portion of that Spirit which binds
heart to heart. Alice would not have understood this had it been told
her, for she had never entertained this gentle Spirit. She might have
done so, for it knocks at every human heart; but there are other
spirits there--spirits that must be cast out, before that which is
long-suffering, meek, and good, will come in and sup with us. Alice
would not cast emulation, pride, envy, and jealousy out of her heart,
that the good Spirit might enter. Would she have done so, she might not
have found it so difficult to understand what Emma and Mary saw in each
other to love.

The company was now assembled under a large tree near to the roadside.
Henry had constructed a rude table, over which was spread a cloth, and,
assisted by Joshua, he was now bringing the dinner from the wagon,
while the Misses Sliver arranged the dishes.

"Here is a comfortable seat, Miss Lindsay," said Henry, when the dinner
was ready; and he led her to a rock beside the table, which was covered
with moss.

"One of nature's verdant cushions," said Susan Sliver.

"Nature is very polite to the aristocracy," whispered Fanny, loud
enough to be heard; but Emma lifted little Edwin to the rock, saying
that it was just high enough for him.