The great obstacle in Wilfred's mind was his inability to forgive. This his visitor soon perceived, and by the example of those dying words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," he gently impressed upon the penitent the duty of forgiving those who had wronged him--however deeply.
"But how can I forgive the murderers of my mother?"
"Thou believest that mother is in Paradise?"
"Indeed I do."
"Dost thou not wish to be with her at last?"
"As the hart desireth the water brooks."
"Then ask thyself what she would have thee do. Canst thou hope for the pardon of thine own grievous sins, unless thou dost first forgive all who have offended thee?"
"I will try. See me again tomorrow, father."
"I will do so: I remain at St. Frideswide's for--a day or two."
Wilfred understood the hesitation.