The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-04-15

nausea, the vicar let himself into his
house with n latnli key. Ef,
There was a flushed, subdued air over
tho warm. comfortable house, felt Quite
certainly though not easy TO define. It
wns as though one lay dead IN an upper
chamber.
Mr. Bynrs turned into his study Helena
rosc to meet him. The beautiful, calm
face was very pnle and won MS II by
long vigis. Minute lines OF caro- had
crept round the eyes. though the eyes
themselves were as calm aid stcadfast
t,S OF old. Y$l g&
Basil feels much stronger Tonight
b Father" she said. "I1e Is dressing now,
and Will come down to supper. Flo wishes
tc have a long Talk with YOU, he says
For two weeks Gortre had lain pros
trato in the house Of his future father
in-law.
It was rs though he had watched the
waters gradually rising round him until
at last he was submerged In merciful
Inconsistencies. The doctor said that he
was enduring a very slight attack Of
brain-fever, but one which need cause
no one any alarm, and which was. IN
fact, nothing at Gil In collpa rison to his
former illness.
Ills fine physical strength asserted It.
self and helped him to an easy bodily
recovery.
TO Basil himself with returning health
and a clearer brain camo renewal OF
mental power. a great strain was re-
moved, the strain Of waiting and watch
ing, the tension of sick anticipation
ut was almost as If + wns conscious
OF this terrible thing that has happened"
he said to Helena. II am sure that
felt 1t coming instinctively In some cu-
rious psychic way. But now that we
know the worse. / am my own man.
again. Soon. denr, " shall he Bup and
about again. ready to fight against this
blaclness. to take my place IN the ranks
once more" 4sl
TO her loving soicitudc he seemed to
have some definite plan or purpose, but
when she questioned him his reserve was
impenetrable. even to her.
During the days Of darkness Helena's
lot was hard, her heart heavy. While
Mr.. Byars was at lenst active, militant.
she must eat her heart out In sorrow at
konle. The doctor had forbidden any
talk on those subjects which were agi-
tating the world, between her and
Basil She was denied that consolation.
So while her father was attending the
conferences at tho Bishops palace, speak
Ing at meetings. visiting the sick witty
passionate. and alas, how often useless!
assurance that the Truth would prevail
and the Light of the World once more
shine out undimned, she must live and
pray alone.
Helenas faith had never weakened.
All through the trying days and nights
1t had burned steadily. clear, and pure.
Iut all around her she saw the enemies of
slow momevent of ordinary secularsm,
Christ prevailing. or was 1t with
the slow movement of ordinary
secularinn, but with a great shout
OF triumph and exultation which
resounded through the world. Men
mon were deserving their posts, tho
Church she loved seemed lettering,
horrd confusion and anarchy was every
where.
And all that she could do was to pray.
But as the girl moved about her simple
household duties, as she tended the sick
man with an almost wifcly care, her
prayers went on INCREASINGLY and every
action was interviewer with supplcation.
Pale, subdued, but with a quiet clear
ness and resolution In his eye, Basil
came down to the meal. There was but
little conversation during It, Afterwards,
Helena went to her own room, knowing
that her father and Gortre wished to be
left alone.
In the study the two men sat on either
side Of the fireplace. Basil wore long
dressing-gown of camel's-hair. He would
not smoke, the doctor had forbidden It,
but MIR. Byars lit his pipe with sigh
Of satsfa elton.
ITO think, Basil" the older man said in
broken voice, Ito think that Christ
mas is upon us now! IT'S the vigil OF
Christmas and never since our Lords
Passion has the world been In such n
state. And worse than oil Is our utter
impotcnce!" His voice grew almost an
CRY. I'VE know, know rs surely as we
know anything. that this terrible bust
ness Is some stupendous mistake or fraud.
But there isn't the slightest possibility
OF any one listening to US. On ono side
the wcightlest expert proof, on the other
nothing but conviction to oppose to
what appear to be tho hardest facts. I
cannot blame any non-Chrstian for nc
nuiescing In this discovery. Viewing the
thing clearly and without prejudice.
can't blame any one. 1t IS only tho
smallest minority. even Of protesting
Christians. whose faith Is strong enough
to keep them from an utter denial of our
Lords divinity. It Is simply matter
OF long personal experience that gives
Won and me and Helena our confidence In
this utter darkness. But In comparison
to the rest OF the world how many have
that onhdence?'
He put down his pipe on the table and
rested his head In his outstretched hands,
n grey and venerable head. TITS awful,
Basil" he said In broken voice, and
with his eyes full of tears. I'm my old
ago have seen this. wish that
| had gone with my dear Wife, Help,
| Lord for tho godly manceaseth: for tho
| faithful fail from among the children OF
| men. But what Is so bitter to mo. my
| dear bo'h Is the sight Of the utter over
throw of Faith 1t all shows how terribly
weak the majority of Christians are.
Surface and symbol! symbol md sur
facet"
1T will not last long" said Gortro,
gravely "For my part. Father. think
that this terrible trial Is allowed and
permitted by God to bring about great
and future triumph for His Son. which
will marshal, organize and consolidate
Faith MS nothing has ever done before.
! am convinced of It.
Eyes, 1t must be that" answered tho
vicar; undoubtedly that Is Gods pur-
pose. But would that the light might
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