ouble."

My face flushed hotly, but I made her no reply.

"I expected you to flash back that you were never going to fall in love.
It is the way with most unsophisticated young people."

"If I should, and my love is returned, I will be faithful to any vows
I may make."

"My dear friend, you are too inexperienced to make such rash promises.
You do not know what mutinous elements are slumbering in your heart."

"God help me to have principle enough to smother them if they are there
and get wakened."

I rose to go, as night was rapidly falling.

"I can stay no longer and so far as my helping you is concerned, I have
been summoned uselessly," I said, coldly.

"No, indeed; I have heard that you were very pure minded, and see the
public estimate of your character is correct. I want you to teach me to
be like you, true and good."

She looked into my eyes with such a guileless expression that, for an
instant, I thought she might be tired of her old, heartless life, and
long to be better. I stood looking with some perplexity into the fire,
scarce knowing what to say; but, turning my eyes suddenly, I saw a
mocking gleam pass over her face.

"You would find it very tame patterning after me. I would advise you to
seek some higher ideal--one more worthy your superior powers." I bowed
and was turning towards the door.

"Just one moment longer--won't you come again? I have a favor to ask of
you, but the moments have slipped away so rapidly I have not had time to
say all I want. Tell me, do you not think I have sinned past all
forgiveness, and should become an outcast from Oaklands and its master?
Is that the old-fashioned Christianity the Bible teaches?"

"I cannot say that it is not."

"Do you not say every day 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them
that trespass against us?'"

"Yes. But the one who has done the wrong is commanded to do his or her
part also, to bring forth fruits showing their repentance."

"Am I not about to do that when I humble myself, as I shall do at the
first suitable opportunity, to that proud man?"

"Are you not suing for more than that? Have you come here merely to be
forgiven?"

"You must not turn inquisitor. I have not, however, offended against you,
therefore you will come to see me again. Shall we say to-morrow? I seem
to feel as if Oaklands and Mr. Winthrop were brought near to me when you
are present."

"I cannot promise to come again this week, at least."

"Shall we say