”‘Pray to be perfect—though material heave
Forbid the spirit so on earth to be.’
“Your life is very full of trial, you have high thoughts and good thoughts. What hinders you from leading it like a saint?”
She looked at him still, but in silence.
“You say you don’t ‘feel religion.’ The word is a little vague. You have felt the guiding hand of God, and He speaks to you in that love of goodness which you possess. He will speak to you, believe me, with a yet clearer voice. He has a great deal yet to say to you. Aim spiritually at the very highest perfection; and, for the rest, my dear, you must indeed try for ‘a little.’ Perhaps a little study might keep your mind fresh, and, though I suppose religious observances will often be difficult to you, do what you can with a little. You have nearly all your life before you, and there is time in it for a great many things.”
A great hope shone in Amethyst’s face, a sense of vigour stole again into her soul. The light dawned in the depths of her earnest eyes, as she still looked up into her teacher’s face.
“The hope of holiness,” said Mr Riddell, “is an inspiration great enough to set against the greatness of the world’s temptations.”
“Yes,” said Amethyst, in full deep tones.
“You see that light, follow it, and you shall have more,” he said solemnly; then, with a change of tone to his usual simple and fatherly manner, he said—“Come and see Miss Riddell, and bring the girls with you. She will give you something to read up, or something to do—something interesting, you know.”
Amethyst laughed a little, and gave his hand a grateful pressure.
“Thank you,” she said earnestly, and sped away.