y, "and if we have lived well we need not dread it.
Surely you need not, of all the men I have ever known."

"I have always endeavored," said Mr. Denner, in a voice which still
trembled a little, "to remember that I was a gentleman."

Dr. Howe opened his lips and shut them again before he spoke. "I--I meant
that the trust in God, William, of a Christian man, which is yours, must
be your certain support now."

The lawyer looked up, with a faint surprise dawning in his eyes. "Ah--you
are very good to say so, I'm sure," he replied courteously.

Dr. Howe moved his hands nervously, clasping and re-clasping them upon
the head of his stick. "Yes, William," he said, after a moment's silence,
"that trust in God which leads us safely through all the dark places in
life will not fail us at the end. The rod and the staff still comfort
us."

"Ah--yes," responded Mr. Denner.

The rector gained confidence as he spoke. "And you must have that blessed
assurance of the love of God, William," he continued; "your life has been
so pure and good. You must see in this visitation not chastisement, but
mercy."

Dr. Howe's hand moved slowly back to the big pocket in one of his black
coat-tails, and brought out a small, shabby prayer-book.

"You will let me read the prayers for the sick," he continued gently, and
without waiting for a reply began to say with more feeling than Dr. Howe
often put into the reading of the service,--

"'Dearly beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and
death, and of all things to them pertaining; as'"--

"Archibald," said Mr. Denner faintly, "you will excuse me, but this is
not--not necessary, as it were."

Dr. Howe looked at him blankly, the prayer-book closing in his hand.

"I mean," Mr. Denner added, "if you will allow me to say so, the time
for--for speaking thus has passed. It is now, with me, Archibald."

There was a wistful look in his eyes as he spoke.

"I know," answered Dr. Howe tenderly, thinking that the Visitation of the
Sick must wait, "but God enters into now; the Eternal is our refuge, a
very present help in time of trouble."

"Ah--yes"--said the sick man; "but I should like to approach this from
our usual--point of view, if you will be so good. I have every respect
for your office, but would it not be easier for us to speak of--of this
as we have been in the habit of speaking on all subjects, quite--in our
ordinary way, as it were? You will pardon me, Archibald, if