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Page 38
"Inez, my heart is wrung by what I have heard to-night; but I beg of
you, as a last favor, do not, oh, do not turn away from God! Inez,
there is a God; and death is not an everlasting sleep. Hereafter is an
awful tribunal; and if not again on earth, you and I shall assuredly
meet before God. Oh I believe that he will yet bless you; that he
will enable you to bear all earthly trials; and, if faithful, he will
receive you at last into the kingdom of eternal rest. Try to forget
the past, and in this book you will find the path of duty so clearly
marked out, that you cannot mistake it. 'Tis all I have about me, yet
I pray God it may be the greatest treasure you possess."
She drew a small Bible from her pocket as she spoke, and pressed it
within Inez's fingers, adding--"I cannot sufficiently thank you for
your kindness in warning me of my danger; I shall leave this place as
soon as possible, and shall constantly pray that you may be spared and
blessed."
She held out her hands. Inez clasped them tightly for a moment, and
then glided down the walk as noiselessly as she came.
CHAPTER XVI.
Be sure that you teach nothing to the people but what is certainly
to be found in Scripture."
BISHOP TAYLOR.
Mary Irving sought her chamber, and sinking on her knees, fervently
implored the blessing and guidance of Him who is very precious help in
time of need. She prayed for strength to meet with Christian fortitude
the trials which awaited her, and in all the vicissitudes of her
checkered life to pursue unfalteringly the path of duty. She strove
to collect her scattered thoughts, and with what composure she could
assume, returned to the dining-room. The fire was burning low on
the hearth, and the single candle gave but a faint, unsteady light.
Florence was slowly pacing up and down the floor; she raised her head
as Mary entered, then sunk it wearily on her bosom, and resumed her
walk.
"Florry, come sit here by me--I want to consult you."
"Is it very important, Mary? I feel to-night as though I could
comprehend nothing; let me wear off this dull pain in my heart and
head by walking, if possible."
"My dear Florry, it is important; and therefore you will forgive me if
I claim your attention."
Florence seated herself, and as she did so, leaned her head on Mary's
shoulder, while the latter wound her arm fondly about her, and gently
stroked back the raven hair from her aching brow.
"Since we broke up our school, I have been warned that we are in
danger, and advised to leave San Antonio as speedily as possible; for
strife is evidently at hand, and a battleground is no place for those
so unprotected as you and I."
"Dr. Bryant has promised to watch over us: and surely you have
implicit confidence in both his judgment and honor. What do you fear,
Mary?"
"Everything. We may remain here too long--till escape will be
impossible; and then who may predict with any degree of certainty the
chances of war? That Dr. Bryant will do all that a friend or brother
would, I doubt not; but he may be powerless to help when danger
assails; and even if he should not, to travel from here in stormy
times would not be so easy as you imagine."
"Who has been filling your head with such ideas? It could be none
other than that dark-browed Inez."
"If she has, could aught but disinterested friendship actuate her to
such a course?"
"Really, Mary, I should not have given you credit for so much
credulity. Do you place any confidence in what that girl may tell
you?"
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