Several of the neighbouring clergy were present to bid God-speed to the young couple ere they left their native land. At last, Austin stood up to say a few parting words.
"I thank God," he said, "that he has given to me the desire of my heart, in permitting me to go forth as a labourer in the dark places of the earth, many of which are white already to harvest. My heart is sad to-night as I think of bidding farewell to so many loved ones. But I go not alone. My loved wife goes with me, anxious to help on the great work of winning souls; and above all, the Saviour whom we love will himself go with us. And whilst he goes with us, he will also remain to bless and keep those we leave behind. Friends, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified in heathen countries, even as it is in our own beloved land; and seek that ere long all the kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. And may he in mercy grant that all of us may one day be amongst those who shall stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with the palms of victory in their hands."
"Amen!" responded many voices.
And when the farewell words commending the young couple to the keeping of God were pronounced, tears fell from many eyes, and even strangers were strongly moved. Amongst those was a handsome young man who had entered the church after the service had begun, and had listened with rapt attention to the young missionary; but the moment he ceased to speak, his eyes turned eagerly to the pew where Professor Warner and his family sat, and rested with a look of deep emotion on the figures there.
When the service was concluded the stranger stood back to let the people shake hands with Austin and his bride.
But as the young missionary was saying a kindly word to one of his cottage friends, his eye rested on the face of the tall, bearded stranger, and he started as if an electric shock had passed through him. That face, that figure, changed though they were, recalled so vividly the companion of his boyhood, his loved brother Lewis. Could it be he? Unheeding the crowd around him, he pressed forward to where the stranger stood as if spell-bound, and in another second, their hands were clasped in a loving grasp, and the long-parted brothers were once more side by side.
"Thank God you are here, Lewis; but how comes it about? And our father, does he know? How glad he will be! See, he and Prissy have gone to the porch to await me."
"But, Austin (dear old fellow, how good it is to see you again!), I could not meet my father amongst strangers. Go you to the many friends who are waiting for you, and I will cross the common to the Grove and await you there."
And afraid to trust himself to say another word, he passed out unobserved, and took the road to his father's house.
Dr. Warner, Austin, Gabrielle, and Prissy had assembled once more in the pleasant drawing-room in the Grove, the father's eye lingering lovingly on the face of the son from whom he was so soon to part, probably for life, and his thoughts turned to his other dearly-loved son in Australia, who had now amply redeemed the errors of his youth, and had now for five years held a situation of trust in the University of Sydney. His thoughts found vent in words.