efforts, the
sacrifices."

Yes, Agnes was telling her brother. She had not to reason as to what was
right or wrong in this case, having read that we are to shun every
appearance of evil, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Her
heart beat fast, and her voice trembled, but not with indecision; for
her soul was strong in its purpose to do right at all cost as she
entered the room and said:

"Guy, I can't go to the theatre."

"What's the reason you can't?" was the surprised inquiry.

"Because our church does not allow it, and _I_ do not think it is a good
place."

"You don't! how do you know when you never were there? See here, Agnes,
don't be a simpleton. Where is Ruth? I'll be bound she'll go; she has
good sense and good taste. I saved up cigar money this week on purpose
to take you. Hurry now, or we shall not get good seats."

"I can't do wrong, Guy; I must not go;" and Agnes went out of the room,
back into the bright little kitchen where she had been so happy that
morning. She wanted to go to her own room, but Ruth was there.

Guy was angry, very angry, Agnes thought, from his voice as he spoke to
Ruth, but they passed out and she was alone.

[Illustration: Decoration]

CHAPTER III.

GUY OR CHRIST.

THERE are times when the soul isolates itself and is with God only;
although in the midst of a multitude. Then, although seeming alone, it
has companionship, it is not lonely. And there are hours of heart-felt
loneliness, though surrounded by a crowd, when no look, word or touch of
another can reach our hearts, so separated are we.

Agnes had felt all this, but never before did she feel such a complete
and painful separation as when the door had closed and she was left.
Ruth had made a sacrifice for Guy. She knew it must have been very hard
to do it, and only her love for him could have induced her to go. But
Ruth did not love him better than she. He would not understand that,
and would think that want of love had prevented her from yielding. But
O, if he could see her heart, if he could know how willingly she would
give up her life for him, how gladly she would sacrifice everything but
principle to satisfy him.

"And I can't tell him," she thought; "he would not understand it, but
think I was trying to excuse myself, for we never talk like other
brothers and sisters about our love for one another." Then came the
question, "Why must I suffer and be misunderstood, when Ruth can act
differ