do you think met our startled gaze?
The lord of the house was hanging there above the table in the place of
the chandelier: the chair under his feet that he had kicked away proved
that he had taken his own life...."

Topandy at these words raised his hands in ecstasy above his head.

"There is a God of justice in Heaven! He has smitten him with his own
hand."

Then he clasped his hands together with emotion and slipped towards the
head of Czipra's bed.

"Come, my child, say: 'I believe in God'--I shall say it first."

The doctor had not forbidden that.

Czipra devoutly waited for the words of wonder.

What a great, what a comforting world of thoughts.

A God who is a Father, a mother who is a maiden. A God who will be man
for man's sake, and who suffered at man's hands, who died and rose again
promises true justice, forgiveness for sins, resurrection, life eternal!

"What is that life eternal?"

If only some one could have answered!

The atheist was kneeling down beside the girl's bed when the priest
arrived.

He did not rise, was not embarrassed at his presence.

"See, reverend sir, here is a neophyte, waiting for the baptismal water:
I have just taught her the 'credo.'"

The girl gave him a look full of gratitude. What happiness glittered in
those eyes of ecstasy!

"Who will be the god-parents?" asked the clergyman.

"One, the magistrate,--if he will be so kind: the other, I."

Czipra looked appealingly, first at Topandy, then at Lorand.

Topandy understood the unspoken question.

"Lorand cannot be. In a few minutes you shall know why."

The minister performed the ceremony with that briefness which
consideration for a wounded person required.

When it was over, Topandy shook hands with the minister.

"If my hand has sinned at times against yours, I now ask your pardon."

"The debt has been paid by that clasp of your hand," said the priest.

"Your hand must now pronounce a blessing on us."

"Willingly."

"I do not ask it for myself: I await my punishment: I am going before my
judge and shall not murmur against him. I want the blessing for those
whom I love. This young fellow yesterday asked of me this maiden's hand.
They have long loved each other, and deserve each other's love:--give
them the blessing of faith, father. Do you agree, Czipra?"

The poor girl covered her burning face with her two hands, and, when
Lorand stepped towards her and took her hand, began to sob violently.

"Do