Gravely they discussed the high themes of God's sovereignty and man's freedom, with all their practical issues upon conduct and destiny.

Only once, and that very shyly, did the old man bring round the talk to the subject of their first conversation that meant so much to them both.
"The Lord will not be wanting to shame us beyond what is necessary," he said.

"There are certain sins which he will bring to light, but there are those that, in his mercy, he permits us to hide; provided always," he added, with emphasis, "we are done with them." "Yes, indeed," assented Hughie, eagerly, "and who wouldn't be done with them ?" But the old man shook his head sadly.
"If that were always true a man would soon be rid of his evil heart.
But," he continued, as if eager to turn the conversation, "you will be talking with my woman about it.

She's a wonderful wise woman, yon." Somehow the opportunity came to Hughie to take the old man's advice.

On Saturday evening, just before leaving for home, he found himself alone with Mrs.Finch sitting beside the open window, watching the sun go down behind the trees.
"What a splendid sunset!" he cried.