"Why?" asked Rhonda.
"God says Henry the Eighth may have only six wives—there are no names for more."
"There doesn't seem much sense in that," commented the girl.
"We may not question God's reasons. He created us, and he is all-wise. We must have faith; otherwise he will destroy us."
"Where does your god live?"
"In the great castle on the ledge above the city. It is called The Golden Gates. Through it we enter into heaven after we die—if we have believed in God and served him well."
"What is the castle like inside?" asked Rhonda, "this castle of God?"
"I have never been in it. Only the king and a few of his nobles, the cardinal, the archbishop, and the priests have ever entered The Golden Gates and come out again. The spirits of the dead enter, but, of course, they never come back. And occasionally God sends for a young man or a young woman. What happens to them no one knows, but they never come back either. It is said—" she hesitated.
"What is said?" Rhonda found herself becoming intrigued by the mystery surrounding this strange god that guarded the entrance to heaven.
"Oh, terrible things are said; but I dare not even whisper them. I must not think them. God can read our thoughts. Do not ask me any more questions. You have been sent by the devil to lure me to destruction," and that was the last that Rhonda could get out of Catherine Parr.