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Mr Cophagus said I was right the terms were easily arranged, and I was independent. Still my advances with Susannah were slow, but if slow, they were sure. One day I observed to her, how happy Mr Cophagus appeared to be as a married man; her reply was, "He is, Japhet; he has worked hard for his independence, and he now is reaping the fruits of his industry."
Even before Halsey had regained his strength he drove Susannah to swell the congregation at the preachings which were daily taking place in different places within the township, for such converts as had already professed themselves were gathered now in the neighbourhood of Fayette. Experiences came to Susannah in such quick succession that this was not a time of reflection.
As he spoke he was holding up the stone, which glistened in the sunlight, before her eyes. Susannah stared at it to prove to herself that there was nothing remarkable about it. The feeling of opposition seemed to die of itself, and then she had a curious sensation of arousing herself with a start from a fixed posture and momentary oblivion.
Susannah was silent, wondering what was the true secret of his elusive thought. He went on with an effort. "Accepting your own words, Mrs. Halsey, that it is at my desire that they are there instead of being scattered among friendly settlements where they could obtain support, it remains true that they are naked, hungry, and cold. When I sleep the vision of their sufferings comes before me."
"He is dying, she said," replied the young widow with feeling. "Our best and truest friend," sobbed Susannah. "It is, it really is too much. I often think that I must myself succumb, and as for her hardly more than a child! And with what resignation she bears the heaviest sorrows!
She listened, drinking in each slow word. After all, then, to-day was just like yesterday, and that which she had to decide was as to the reasonableness of the whole new doctrine, as to her willingness to live among such scenes and such men. Ephraim had grown very pale. After he had watched her for a while, he said with a sad smile, "You will not come home with me to-day, Susannah?"
John at once went with the messenger, and Paula drew a deep breath as she saw him depart. Then she threw herself on to her nurse's shoulders, crying: "Now, come what may! Nothing can divide us; not even death!" The bishop was too late. He found the widow Susannah a corpse; standing at the head of the bed was little Katharina, as pale as death, speechless, tearless, utterly annihilated.
These, all of them, were amiable, elegant and pleasant people; such was especially an eldest daughter, Susannah Barton, a stately blooming black-eyed young woman, attractive enough in form and character; full of gay softness, of indolent sense and enthusiasm; about Sterling's own age, if not a little older.
"I must not injure thee with thy father, Japhet, it were no proof of my affection but, indeed, you are self-willed." "God bless you, Susannah," said I, as I gained the contested point, and hastened to the carriage. My father was a little out of humour when I returned, and questioned me rather sharply as to where I had been.
His face was smooth and had the peculiar boylike appearance that chubbiness gives even to the middle-aged; he had bright black eyes, and before he spoke he glanced at Susannah critically.
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