“Mother, I can’t feel with those who count an earthly love folly and sin,” Jack said vehemently.
“No need,” I said. “The power to love is given us by God. There is no sin in using that power to any extent, if only the heavenly love has its right place. But if Maimie is to be your idol—”
Jack rose, and paced about the room for two minutes. Then he stopped, facing me. “Yes. If Maimie is my idol—”
“Then, Jack, either your idol will separate you from your God, or God will mercifully separate you from your idol.”
“Mercifully, mother!”
“Yes, mercifully,” I answered, “if it is a question of life and death for ever. I pray that it may not be so.”
I said no more for awhile, nor did Jack, But presently he came back to my side, after gazing out of the window into the dusty street.
“Thank you, mother,” he said huskily. “I think I wanted a few plain words. I’ll look into that matter. I’m afraid—afraid Maimie is my idol.”
“Don’t look into it without prayer,” I said softly.
He shook his head. “But still—still, mother, I must try to win her.”