“Yes, that is it, papa; and oh, what rest it is!  One feels so safe and happy; so free from fear and care; like a little child whose loving earthly father is holding it by the hand or in his strong, kind arms.”

“And you have loved and trusted Him since you were a very little child,” he remarked, half musingly.

“Yes, papa; I cannot remember when I did not; and could there be a greater cause for gratitude?”

“No; such love and trust are worth more to the happy possessor than the wealth of the universe.  But there was a time when, though my little girl had it, I was altogether ignorant of it, and marvelled greatly at her love for God’s word and her joy and peace in believing.  I shall never cease to bless God for giving me such a child.”

“Nor I to thank Him for my dear father,” she responded, putting her hand into his, with the very same loving, confiding gesture she had been wont to use in childhood’s days.

His fingers closed over it, and he held it fast in a warm, loving grasp, while they continued their talk concerning the things that lay nearest their hearts—­the love of the Master, His infinite perfection, the interests of His kingdom, the many great and precious promises of His word—­thus renewing their strength and provoking one another to love and to good works.

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.

“And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”

Ere another week had rolled its round, events had occurred which tested the sustaining power of their faith in God, and the joy of the Lord proved to be indeed their strength, keeping their hearts from failing in an hour of sore anxiety and distress.

The evening was bright with the radiance of a full moon and unusually warm for the season; so pleasant was it out of doors that most of our friends preferred the veranda to the cottage parlors, and some of the younger ones were strolling about the town or the beach.

Betty had gone down to the latter place, taking Lulu with her, with the captain’s permission, both promising not to go out of sight of home.

“Oh, how lovely the sea is to-night, with the moon shining so brightly on all the little dancing waves!” exclaimed Lulu, as they stood side by side close to the water’s edge.

“Yes,” said Betty; “doesn’t it make you feel like going in?”

“Do people ever bathe at night?” asked Lulu.

“I don’t know why they shouldn’t,” returned her companion.

“It might be dangerous, perhaps,” suggested Lulu.

“Why should it?” said Betty; “it’s almost as light as day.  Oh, Bob,” perceiving her brother close at hand, “don’t you want to go in?  I will if you will go with me.”