Then Harebell laid it open in her lap.
"I'd like you to see it. I'm afraid it's badly spelt, but I was so awfully earnest, I couldn't stop to think. You see he must, he must get through that Door somehow. And I want him to get through at once."
This was Harebell's letter:
"MY DEAR TOM,—I hope you are better. I wonder all day how you are. I saw a lovely picksher yesterday it was the Door—I wood like you to have been there. The sheep were going in fast. It was dark outside and in the distance was a wulf. It was light and comfertabel inside. The Lord was holding out His Arms.
"Have you got in yet Tom? I wish Someone would push you, but if sheep run in, I'm sure you can if you try. The clergyman said tell him it's one step only—but he must bend his head. He said you wood never get in if you don't bend your head, he said it was proude not to bend. Do bend and get in dear Tom and rite and tell me you are inside.
"I am in grate truble over you becorse I saw a Bible verse about the wicked who can't inherite the Kingdom of God, and a drunkarde was in them, and you'll never be a drunkarde any more if you get through the Kingdom's Door. I'll begin and find your wife as soon as I have time, but please dear Tom get through the Door first.
"And rite to me when You are through. I'm asking God every night to give you a push, and I hope you're nearly through.
"Your loving friend,
"HAREBELL."
"This is it: 'I am the door. If any man enter in, he shall be saved.'"
Mrs. Garland sat very grave and still, reading the letter. Then she handed it back to Harebell.
"Seal the envelope, dear, and it shall go by the post to-night."
Then she put her arm round Harebell.
"Are you through that Door yourself, darling?"
Harebell nodded.
"Yes; God seems to tell me I'm through. But, Mrs. Garland, can people ever run out of the Kingdom again and be lost? I want to know when I'm naughty. Can I be naughty in the Kingdom, or have I to run outside the Door and be it?"