And as she went along, not only did she pass through many other villages, but met many on the way who were travelling towards the great city, and would greet her sweetly as they passed, and sometimes stop to say a pleasant word, so that the little Pilgrim was never lonely wherever she went.  But most of them began to speak to her in the other language, which was as beautiful and sweet as music, but which she could not understand:  and they were surprised to find her ignorant of it, not knowing that she was but a new-comer into these lands.  And there were many things that could not be told but in that language, for the earthly tongue had no words to express them.  The little Pilgrim was a little sad not to understand what was said to her, but cheered herself with the thought that it should be taught to her by one whom she loved best.  The way by the riverside was very cheerful and bright, with many people coming and going, and many villages, some of them with a bridge across the stream, some withdrawn among the fields, but all of them bright and full of life, and with sounds of music, and voices, and footsteps:  and the little Pilgrim felt no weariness, but moved along as lightly as a child, taking great pleasure in everything she saw, and answering all the friendly greetings with all her heart, yet glad to think that she was approaching ever nearer to the country where it was ordained that she should dwell for a time and succour the strangers, and receive those who were newly arrived.  And she consoled herself with the thought that there was no need of any language but that which she knew.  As this went through her mind making her glad she suddenly became aware of one who was walking by her side, a lady who was covered with a veil white and shining like that which Ama had worn in the beautiful city.  It hung about this stranger’s head so that it was not easy to see her face, and the sound of her voice was very sweet in the Pilgrim’s ear, yet startled her like the sound of something which she knew well, but could not remember.  And as there were few who were going that way, she was glad, and said, “Let us walk together, if that pleases you.”  And the stranger said, “It is for that I have come,” which was a reply which made the little Pilgrim wonder more and more, though she was very glad and joyful to have this companion upon her way.  And then the lady began to ask her many questions, not about the city, or the great things she had seen, but about herself, and what the dear Lord had given her to do.

“I am little and weak, and I cannot do much,” the little Pilgrim said.  “It is nothing but pleasure.  It is to welcome those that are coming, and tell them.  Sometimes they are astonished and do not know.  I was so myself.  I came in my sleep, and understood nothing.  But now that I know, it is sweet to tell them that they need not fear.”

“I was glad,” the lady said, “that you came in your sleep:  for sometimes the way is dark and hard, and you are little and tender.  When your brother comes you will be the first to see him, and show him the way.”