Halcyon Days Have Come Again on the Lake Shore 91 



to the lake, told them of the awakened energy of life, flowing free 

 and untrammeled, and the subconscious contact of both with all 

 stimulated in them the common thought of a future lived to- 

 gether, filled with worthy effort and noble deeds. Mary Morri- 

 son glowed with the vibrant force of all this ferment of life and 

 nascent energy and, suddenly turning to John, said : 



"Isn't the mere sense of living and being a part of all this new 

 world of action splendid and enough to arouse one's highest 

 efforts to their utmost exercise? It seems so strange, John, to 

 see you the central point and the impersonation of so much ac- 

 tivity and work going on everywhere around, and I cannot, when 

 with you, separate myself from it. All seems so fresh, pure and 

 independent in such a life, that one cannot but envy you in your 

 determination to make it your own." 



Filled with a sudden emotion at this unexpected declaration, 

 John stopped, and with difficulty found words to say: 



" Mary, it is too much to ask you, perhaps too greatly influ- 

 enced by the rushing waters and whispering pine trees, if you won't 

 help me to carry out what is daily becoming a pleasure as well as 

 an imperative duty. But won't you be like Tennyson's princess, 



" 'My wife, my life, O we will walk this world 

 Yoked in all exercise of noble end.' 



"You know my whole past too well, Mary, for me to refer to 

 it; but I think you can now be sure of me, since I feel so sure of 

 myself, and am realising the full meaning of what old Professor 

 Blackie called his creed: 



" 'Let prideful priests do battle about creeds: 



That church is mine which does most Christ-like deeds.' 



"And that is what my work here is to be. 



"We have gone together too long, to be ardent young lovers; 

 but, Mary, if you will only say you will become a part of my life 

 and help me, I can promise that, if a life of honest endeavour can 

 palliate the past, you will never, with God's help, have cause to 

 regret that you joined me to make my chosen task easier." 



With eyes full of joyous tears, Mary looked full into John's 

 face, and, giving him her hand, said: 



"Yes, John, I will be your wife, if it is going to make your task 

 easier!" 



