Phineas caught the clue her words gave him with perverse readiness.
"Alone with him, yes!" he cried. "But what of the time when you must be alone with God?"
"Alas," said she, coming in, and seating herself at the table, "is there more still? Indeed, I thought you had said all your say outside. I am very wicked; let that end it."
He advanced to the table and stood directly opposite to her, stretching his arm towards her, while she sat with her chin on her hands, watching him with eyes half-amused, half-apprehensive.
"You who live in open sin——" he began; before he could say more I was by his elbow.
"Hold your tongue," I said. "What is it to you?"
"Let him go on, Simon," said she.
And go on he did, telling all—as I prayed, more than all—the truth, while she heard him patiently. Yet now and then she gave herself a little shake, as though to get rid of something that threatened to stick. Then he fell on his knees and prayed fervently, she still sitting quiet and I standing awkwardly near. He finished his prayer, and, rising again, looked earnestly at her. Her eyes met his in good nature, almost in friendliness. He stretched out his hand to her again, saying,
"Child, cannot you understand? Alas, your heart is hardened! I pray Christ our Lord to open your eyes and change your heart, that at the last your soul may be saved."
Nelly examined the pink nails of her right hand with curious attention.