hn replied.

"Yes, sir, I do come for Helen's sake," returned Dr. Howe, "but it is
because of your conduct, because of the heartless way in which you have
treated my niece. You cannot expect me to have a friendly feeling for the
man who is cruel to her." For the moment he forgot that this was to be a
theological dispute. "Now, sir, what explanation have you to give of this
outrageous affair?"

"Helen's soul shall be saved," John said, his voice growing firmer, but
losing none of its gentleness.

Dr. Howe made an impatient gesture. "Helen's soul!" he cried. "Is it
possible that a sane man can seriously excuse his conduct on such a
ground? Why, it is incredible! How do you suppose the world will regard
your action?"

"What have you or I to do with the world?" the other answered.

"We live in it," said Dr. Howe, "and if we are wise men we will not, for
a mad whim, violate its standards of propriety. When a man turns his wife
out of his house, he must consider what meaning is attached to such an
action by the world. You blast Helen's life, sir, and her family is
necessarily involved in the same disgrace."

John looked at him with clear, direct eyes. "I save Helen's soul, and her
family will rejoice with me when that day comes."

"Her family," the other replied contemptuously, "are not troubled about
Helen's soul; they are quite satisfied with her spiritual condition."

"Do they know what it is?" John asked.

"Certainly," answered the rector, "of course. But it isn't of the
slightest consequence, anyhow. The main thing is to cover up this
unfortunate affair at once. If Helen comes back right away, I think
no one need know what has happened."

"But there is nothing to cover up," John said simply; "there is no shame
that Helen should accept God's way of leading her to himself."

"Lord!" exclaimed Dr. Howe, and then stopped. This would never do; if
Ward became angry, he would only grow more obstinate.

"If you are so troubled about her unbelief," the rector said, feeling
that he was very wily, "I should think you would see the need of daily
influence. You could accomplish more if she were with you. The constant
guidance of a clergyman would be of the utmost value. I suppose you think
she is with me, but I doubt"--his lip curled a little--"if I can give her
quite the instruction you desire."

"Oh, I had not hoped for that," John answered. "But her surroundings
will not influence Helen now. Impelled by my grief, sh