ot entirely
given up to evil, that she could remember her youth. Instead of feeling
contaminated by her words, you ought to feel, that unconsciously to
yourself, your fresh young countenance with its innocent eyes did an
angel's work to-day. They made her recall what she was in the days of
her own innocence; and who can tell what may follow such a
recollection."

"O Mr. Sylvester," said she, "you fill me with shame. If I could think
that--"

"You can, nothing appeals to the heart of crime like the glance of
perfect innocence. If evil walks the world, God's ministers walk it
also, and none can tell in what glance of the eye or what touch of the
hand, that ministry will speak."

It was her turn now to take his hand in hers. "O how good, how
thoughtful you are; you have comforted me and you have taught me. I
thank you very much."

With a look she did not perceive, he drew his hand away. "I am glad I
have helped you, Paula; there is but one thing more to say, and this I
would emphasize with every saddened look you have ever met in all your
life. Great sins make great sufferers. Side by side came the two
dreadful powers of vice and retribution into the world, and side by side
will they keep till they sink at last into the awful deeps of the
bottomless pit. When you turn your back on a man who has committed a
crime, one more door shuts in his darkened spirit."

The tears were falling from Paula's eyes now. He looked at them with
strange wistfulness and involuntarily his hand rose to her head,
smoothing her locks with fatherly touches. "Do not think," said he,
"that I would lessen by a hair's breadth your hatred of evil. I can more
easily bear to see the shadow upon your cup of joy than upon the banner
of truth you carry. These eyes must lose none of their inner light in
glancing compassionately on your fellow-men. Only remember that divinity
itself has stooped to rescue, and let the thought make your contact with
weary, wicked-hearted humanity a little less trying and a little more
hopeful to you. And now, my dear, that is enough of serious talk for
to-day. We are bound for a reception, you know, and it is time we were
dressing. Do you want me to tell you a secret?" asked he in a light
mysterious tone, as he saw her eyes still filling.

She glanced up with sudden interest.

"I know it is treason," resumed he, "I am fully aware of the grave
nature of my offence; but Paula I hate all public receptions, and shall
only