Verse after verse rang in splendid strength through the solemn aisles of the church, ending with the lines:—­

  “O God, to us may strength be given
    To follow in His train!”

Dr. George’s voice came to Polly as it sounded that gray October afternoon beside the sea; “When the sun of one’s happiness is set, one lights a candle called ‘Patience,’ and guides one’s footsteps by that.”

She leaned her head on the pew in front of her, and breathed a prayer.  The minister was praying for the rest of the people, but she needed to utter her own thought just then.

“Father in heaven, I will try to follow; I have lighted my little candle, help me to keep it burning!  I shall stumble often in the darkness, I know, for it was all so clear when I could walk by my darling mother’s light, which was like the sun, so bright, so pure, so strong!  Help me to keep the little candle steady, so that it may throw its beams farther and farther into the pathway that now looks so dim.”

* * * * *

Polly sank to sleep that night in her white bed in the Pilgrim Chamber; and the name of the chamber was Peace indeed, for she had a smile on her lips,—­a smile that looked as if the little candle had in truth been lighted in her soul, and was shining through her face as though it were a window.

CHAPTER XVII.

POLLY LAUNCHES HER SHIPS.

There were great doings in the Birds Nest.

A hundred dainty circulars, printed in black and scarlet on Irish linen paper, had been sent to those ladies on Mrs. Bird’s calling-list who had children between the ages of five and twelve, that being Polly’s chosen limit of age.

These notes of invitation read as follows:—­

  “Come, tell us a story!”

  THE CHILDREN’S HOUR.

Mrs. Donald Bird requests the pleasure of your company from 4.30 to 5.30 o’clock on Mondays or Thursdays from November to March inclusive.

FIRST GROUP:  Mondays.     Children from 5 to 8 years. 
SECOND GROUP:  Thursdays.    "       "  8 "  12 years.

Each group limited in number to twenty-four.

Miss Pauline Oliver will tell stories suitable to the ages of the children, adapted to their prevailing interests, and appropriate to the special months of the year.

These stories will be chosen with the greatest care, and will embrace representative tales of all classes,—­narrative, realistic, scientific, imaginative, and historical.  They will be illustrated by songs and black-board sketches.  Terms for the Series (Twenty Hours), Five Dollars.

    R.S.V.P.

Polly felt an absolute sense of suffocation as she saw Mrs. Bird seal and address the last square envelope.

“If anybody does come,” she said, somewhat sadly, “I am afraid it will be only that the story hour is at your lovely house.”