Then Wisi began to cry, and said
that it was all arranged; that she had given her promise, and that her
father was pleased. So my mother said no more about it; but poor Wisi
cried bitterly, until my mother took her by the hand, and led her to the
piano, and said kindly, 'Dry your tears: we will sing together.' And she
played the accompaniment, and we sang,--
"'To God you must confide
Your sorrow and your pain;
He will true care provide,
And show you heaven again.
"'For clouds and air and wind
He points the path and way;
Your road He'll also find,
Nor let your footsteps stray.'
"After this, Wisi left us apparently comforted, and my mother spoke
kindly to her at parting; but I felt very sadly about the whole affair.
I had a conviction that poor Wisi had passed her happiest days, and
would never be light-hearted again; and I could not express my sorrow
for Andrew. What would he say? He said nothing,--not one word,--but went
about for several years like a shadow, and became more silent than ever,
and had no longer the quietly happy expression that formerly
distinguished him."
"Poor fellow!" cried Max. "And did he never marry?"
"Oh, no, Max!" replied his sister, rather reproachfully. "How could he
do so? How can you ask such a question? He is faithfulness personified."
"How could I know that, dearest sister?" said Max soothingly.
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