, Miss Thorn,--what a baby face it is, to be sure!--look up and
speak. You don't seem so glib on the subject as you ought to be. What
is "conversion"? Enlighten us.'

I looked up at my tormentor. 'You will find the best definition of it
in the dictionary, if you are anxious to know,' I said.

'That is evading my question. I begin to think you have a good deal of
cowardice in your composition. You are afraid to show your colours.
Now I am going to ask you a straightforward question, and I expect a
straightforward reply. Are you converted?'

Hugh and Mr. Stanton at this juncture joined our group, and there was a
sudden lull in the conversation. Miss Willoughby, without
relinquishing her hold of me, turned towards them with a face brimful
of fun.

'It's a case being tried,' she said to them. 'I am cross-examining a
witness.'

'A prisoner, I should say,' observed Hugh drily.

'I shall not run away, Miss Willoughby,' I said, trying to speak
amicably.

She dropped my hands at once, and I hoped the subject would be changed;
but such was not her intention.

'I am waiting for your answer,' she pursued. 'Are you converted?'

I held my head erect and looked her straight in the face. 'Yes, I am.'

'Good! When were you converted? No hesitation. You are bound in
honour not to run away from me, and I have several more questions yet
to ask.'

'About six months ago in London,' My tone was grave. I did not know
how this was going to end.

'Describe the process.'

'That I refuse to do, Miss Willoughby.'

'Then I shall not believe in you, for I expect you can't do it. And it
is a selfish, unkind spirit to refuse to enlighten an inquirer. My old
chapel friend was far kinder. You good people say conversion is a
blessing; yet, when I want to know how to get it, you refuse to assist
me.'

'If you want to know the way, the Bible will show you,' I said in a low
voice.

'The Bible! I heard a clergyman say once that the Bible did not teach
conversion!'

'But our Lord did. "Except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."'

It was Mr. Stanton who spoke, and every one looked up astonished.

'Do you know all about these things, Mr. Stanton?' questioned Miss
Willoughby, as she looked at him curiously.

'I am glad to say I do,' he replied, 'and shall be pleased at any time
to have a quiet talk with you about them.'

She shrugged her shoulders with a