to another verse, 'Take ye no thought how or what thing
ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; for the Holy Ghost shall teach you
in the same hour what ye ought to say.'

With this I was quite content.

CHAPTER III

THE REASON WHY

Let us, then, be what we are, and speak what we think, and
in all things
Keep ourselves loyal to truth.'--_Longfellow._

'General Forsyth, may I speak to you for a few minutes?'

It was after breakfast the next morning that I made this request. I
was determined to have the matter settled as soon as possible.

'Certainly,' my guardian said, looking at me in some surprise. 'Come
into the library, for we shall be undisturbed there.'

He led the way, politely handed me a chair, and then stood leaning his
back against the mantel-piece and stroking his moustache, giving me at
the same time a keen glance from under his shaggy eyebrows.

'Well,' he said, 'what is it? Do you want any money?'

'No,' I said a little nervously; 'it is quite another matter;' then
gathering courage, I looked him straight in the face and said, 'General
Forsyth, I think you expect me to go to those theatricals at the
Walkers' next week. I cannot do it.'

'Indeed!' he said lightly, 'is it a question of dress? What is the
difficulty?'

'No, it is not that. I want to tell you now, for I think it may save
difficulties afterwards. I do not wish to lead a gay life: I cannot go
to dances or theatres with an easy conscience. Don't think it a mere
whim or passing fancy; it is a matter of principle with me. I have
given myself to God for His service, and I look at everything in that
light, and from that standpoint.'

General Forsyth looked amused.

'Don't put so much tragedy in your tone, child! Since when have you
taken up these peculiar notions?'

'About two or three months ago,' I replied. 'It has made a great
difference in my life. I thought if I explained my reason to you, you
would not press me to go to things which are thoroughly distasteful to
me.'

'If it is only a couple of months since you formed these views, I think
you will find that time will alter them, Hilda. I should like to state
to you that, according to your father's will, I am to have full control
of your money until you marry, or if that does not occur soon, until
you are thirty years of age. After that you are your own mistress.
Are you aware of this?'

'I did not quite understand it so,' I said, wondering a