e of the nearest to the throne of the Eternal. However, I
am not here to preach to you. Besides, no one in our circle will annoy
you by the supposition that you will share our devotions. But for what
you give us, you will in every sense be richly rewarded. I only beg to
tell you on what conditions--"

"And suppose I could not consent upon any condition?" she quietly
interrupted.

He seized the book that lay on the table before him, turned the leaves
without apparently taking any notice of their contents, and after a
short pause replied:

"You will perhaps think differently, Fraeulein, when I tell you that you
need not attend these religious exercises in person. The instrument
stands in a room, which is divided from the hall where we assemble by a
tolerably large apartment. You will play as if to yourself, and not a
whisper of what takes place in the little congregation outside, will
reach your ears. In this way both you and we will be spared any mutual
annoyance, and only share what is alike to all."

He looked at her with a keen, searching glance. She was gazing into
vacancy, and seemed to be considering how far she should reveal her
most secret feelings to this stranger. A bitter expression suddenly
flitted over her lips, and her brows contracted.

"Pardon me," she said hastily, "if I must decline under any
circumstances, to take part in what is called divine service. My
reasons for so doing I may be permitted to keep to myself. I doubt
whether they would be understood, far less appreciated by you, and I am
not accustomed to be faithless to my convictions, even for the large
fee you intimate I should receive."

"Your reasons?" he said smiling, as he rose and approached her. "Will
you permit me to read these reasons, or rather this one motive from
your brow?"

"Sir--"

She looked at him in astonishment and retreated a step, as if to
protect her personal freedom. He stood still and again gazed steadily
at the ceiling.

"The one reason that you will take no part in any religious service,
is: that you have no God whom you desire to serve," he said in the
frankest possible tone, as if he were speaking of something that was
quite a matter of course.

She did not answer immediately. The man's amazing assurance seemed to
intimidate her. She was forced to arm herself with her old defiance ere
she could reply.

"Did you really read it from my brow, or only in the book on the
table?"

"My dear Fraeulein," he an