he is not
yet admitted. No," he went on, "I have not found the way. The Father is
indeed very near me, and I am certain of His love--but there is still a
barrier between me and His Heart."

Then the priest bowed his head awhile in thought, but said nothing for a
long space; and then David said, "Dear sir, advise me." Then the priest
looked at him with a clear gaze, and said, "Shall I advise you, O my
brother?" And David said "Yes, dear sir." Then the priest said, "Indeed,
my brother, I see in your life the gracious hand of God. He did redeem
you, and he planted in your heart a true seed of peace. You have lived
here a holy and an innocent life; but he withholds from you his best
gift, because you are not willing to be utterly led by him. There have
been in ancient days many such souls, who have fled from the wickedness
of the world, and have spent themselves in prayer and penance, and have
done a holy work--for indeed there are many victories that may be won by
prayer. But indeed, dear brother, I think that God's will for you is
that this lonely life of yours should have an end. I think that you have
herein followed your own pleasure overmuch; and I believe that God would
now have you go back to the world, and work for him therein. You have a
great power with this simple folk; but they are as sheep without a
shepherd, and must be fed, and none but you can now feed them. You will
bethink you of the visit that the Lord Christ paid to the Sisters of
Bethany; Martha laboured much to please Him, but she laboured for her
own pleasing too; and Mary it was that had the good part, because she
thought not of herself but of the Lord. And now, dear brother, I would
have you do what will be very grievous to you. I would have you go back
to your native place, and there abide to labour for God; you may come
hither at seasons, and be alone with God, and that will refresh you; but
you are now, methinks, like a man who has found a great treasure, and
who speaks no word of it to others, and neither uses it himself, but
only looks upon it and is glad."

Then David was very sad at the priest's words, knowing that he spoke the
truth. But the priest said, "Now we will speak no more of this awhile;
and I would not have you do it, unless your heart consents thereto; only
be strong." And then he asked if he might have somewhat to eat; and
David brought him his simple fare; so they ate together, and while they
ate, it came into David's mind that