"But God is good," her voice was clear and firm again. "Yes, He is good; I have found Him so over and over again. We judge Him too quickly so often, and so often blame Him for what comes through the sins of other."
"There's so many queer things in the world," said the man, "that it seemed to me there couldn't be a good God."
"It's the men and women who are queer."
"But, look here, if He's really good, will He take pity on a poor chap like me, who's been such a wicked 'un, and only comes to Him when he's not got nobody else to go to?" There was a depth of yearning in the voice.
"Before I answer that question I should like you to answer me one, because I cannot know your heart as God does. Suppose, now, God was to give you back health, how would you treat God then?"
"Ah, now, missis, I must take time to think, as you did." Then, after a pause: "I'd stand by Him, blest if I wouldn't!"
"And leave off going to the public-house and lead a straight, clean life?"
"Yes, I would, if only He'd make me downright sure He wiped off all old scores agen me. Will you ask Him to?"
"Yes, I will."
"But I mean here—now!"