"'Ah, why was that?' exclaimed Purity. 'Felt you an unloving thought?'
"''Twas a fine deer. Had I but possessed a bow and arrow, I could have taken it!' returned the man, with excitement.
"'To what end?' asked Purity, her wondering eyes sad. 'One does not gain the Heavenly Country by slaying. We must wait now, until Love drives out all else.'
"The repentant man hung his head and looked at the broad chasm. 'Would that I had not willed to kill the creature,' he said, 'for I am loath to lose my own life, and it is less good than the deer's.'
"Purity smiled upon him and slid her hand into his, and again the deer bounded before them, followed this time by its mate.
"The child fondled them. 'Mount upon its back,' she said to the man, indicating the larger animal. He obeyed, though with trembling, while the smaller deer kneeled to the child and she took her seat.
"Then the creatures planted their feet unerringly and stepped to a lower jutting point of rock, from whence with flying leaps they bridged the chasm and scrambled to firm earth on the other side.
"'Our hearts' best thanks, loved ones,' said Purity, as the deer bounded away.
"The man was trembling. 'I have slain many of God's creatures for my pleasure,' he faltered. 'May He forgive me!'
"'If you do so no more you will forgive yourself; but only so,' returned Purity.