All I could do afterwards was to trust the result where we say we trust all things, and yet are for ever disquieting ourselves in vain--we of little faith! I have said, and I say again, that I believe every true marriage--of which there is probably one in every five thousand of conjugal unions--is brought about by heaven, and heaven only; and that all human influence is powerless either to make or to mar that happy end.
Therefore, to heaven I left this marriage, if such it was destined to be.

And so, after a season, I calmed myself enough to dare entering that quiet sick-chamber, where no one ever entered but Jael and me.
The old woman met me at the door.
"Come in gently, Phineas; I do think there is a change." A change!--that awful word! I staggered rather than walked to John's bed-side.
Ay, there was a change, but not THAT one--which made my blood run cold in my veins even to think of.

Thank God for evermore for His great mercies--not THAT change! John was sitting up in bed.

New life shone in his eyes, in his whole aspect.

Life and--no, not hope, but something far better, diviner.
"Phineas, how tired you look; it is time you were in bed." The old way of speaking--the old, natural voice, as I had not heard it for weeks.