Evening star., 1912-11-12
CHAPTER XX.-Continued.

Horatio turned to the girl beside him.
and there was a wonderful light IN MS
eyes, the light of humility and spiritual
love. She lifted her eyes to his, then
dropped them, then lifted them again.
then dropped them again. A strange
thing had happened. The curate's heart
was so filled with the spirit OF kindness
and pity that there was no resisting IT,
either by him or by her. His well plan-
ned attack and her watchful defense
were alike unavailing against the spirit
Of kindness and pity.
Tears came suddenly into Horauo
eyes, and when he tried to speak there
was a catch in his voice. He looked at
this young woman, Gods fair creature.
and it seemed as II he read into her soul
and understood. Then he reached out
impulsively and took her two hands In
his
MY poor child! My poor. child" he
murmured.
, The gentle curate was far off the track
OF approved detective procedure. ne ne
was neither master Of himself nor OF the
situation. His analytical mind had falied
him. his intuitive insight also, leaving
only the treasure of his heart as an avail
able asset. Quite forgotten was his care.
fully set trap! And the girls letter!
And her lies! Just one fact remained.
that here was q soul in distress. sister
pilgrim on life's hard highway who need
ed succOr.
you have suffered! You have suf-
fered! IL am sorry!" he added.
In Hesters whole life this was unique
moment. For years she had broken the
law and had grown skillful In defending
herself, after the fashion Of lawbreakers.
Had Merle sprung his trap it is doubtful
if he would have caught her. Had he
letter
than likely she would have found some
way of explaining it. Had he pointed out
her lies she would have saved herself by
other lies. That was the sort of thing
learned to defend herself against love,
she didn't know the answering move to
pity-and when he looked at her like that
AS Rosalie had looked-and told her he
was sorry. why-it got right through her
guard. 1t was more than she could bear.
and. before either Of them knew it. that
world-old miracle, the power OF simple
goodness had been shown again, and one
more starved soul had heard and an
swered the silent voice.
Hester's bosom began to heave. her
breath came in quick, sharp gulps, she
clinched her hands and tried to fight this
thing that was happening, but 1t was
too strong for her.
"Wh-what is it?' she gasped. her eyes
on him in desperate pleading.
God calling the curate whispered.
Then the storm broke in convusive,
hysterical weeping. And Horatio waited.
without speaking, without trying to stem
the food.
Live told you what isn't true she
confessed, in broken tones. Il have no
right to be here. lin no good" and
the storm broke again.
Listen to me, my dear" said Merle,
soothingly. I'VE are all of us weak and
cfn fY1 I know
it seems to be our fate to"
''Wait!" sobbed the girl. You don't
know-what / am You don't know
what 1 have done"
gently.
Sorry" she repeated. "Oh. yes. I'm
sorry. but that isn't enough. I'm going
to tell you everything. and"
''Stop! / don't want to know what you
have done. can help you better II I
ever your sins, they will be forgiven-if
you ask God for forgiveness. You un-
derstand. my child?"
II understand"
for any wrong act you must take that
way"
The girls head was bowed. as il in
prayer. 81 will" she said.
And in the future you must try-with
all your heart and soul Say those
He laid his hand tenderly on her glossy
black hair.
Il will try in the future-with all my
heart and SOUL" she murmured.
ITO be honest, to be kind" he con-
tinued.
ITO be honest. to be kind" she re-
peated.
II will ask God every day to give me
strength against temptation"
Il will ask God every day-to give me
strength against famntafjOn.r
For Jesus sake. Amen