Beulah - Page 209/348

Her beautiful face was radiant with hope; yet in the violet eyes

there lurked unshed tears.

"I am very glad that you are so happy, Pauline; and, if you will, I

am very sure you can make yourself all that Mr. Mortimor could

desire."

"I am resolved I will. Yesterday he talked to me very seriously

about the duties which he said would devolve on me. I tried to laugh

him out of his sober mood, but he would talk about 'pastoral

relations,' and what would be expected of a pastor's wife, until I

was ready to cry with vexation. Ernest is not dependent on his

salary; his father is considered wealthy, I believe, which fact

reconciles ma in some degree. To-morrow he will preach in Dr. Hew's

church, and you must go to hear him. I have never yet heard him

preach, and am rather anxious to know what sort of sermons I am to

listen to for the remainder of my life." She looked at her watch,

and rose.

"I shall certainly go to hear him," answered Beulah.

"Of course you will, and after service you must go home and spend

the day with me. Ma begs that you will not refuse to dine with her;

and, as you are engaged all the week, Uncle Guy expects you also;

that is, he told me to insist on your coming, but thought you would

probably decline. Will you come? Do say yes."

"I don't know yet. I will see you at church."

Thus they parted.