Brian thought of the enormous impetus given to the cause of secularism by Raeburn's martyrdom. The momentary triumph of bigotry and intolerance had, as in all other ages, been followed by this inevitable consequence a dead loss to the persecuting side. Would people at length learn the lesson? Would the reign of justice at length dawn? Would the majority at length believe that the All Father needs not to be supported by persecuting laws and unjust restrictions?
Yet it was not these thoughts which brought the tears to his eyes it was the rapture caused by Erica's words.
“My darling will live, and is glad to live!” he thought. “Who could bear witness to the truth so well? Who be so sweet a reconciler?”
“Why, Brian! Brian!” exclaimed Erica as the great drops fell on her hand lying clasped in his.
And there was that in tone and look and touch which made Brian more than content.