"Then you won't go?"
"Yes, I must; but I'm glad you don't wish me to go"
"Why need you go yet? You ought not. You should wait till you are strong."
"That is just why I go—to get strong. I never could here, with you looking so kindly at me as you do now. You see I am as frank as I promised to be. So please say no more, for you cannot and you ought not to change my purpose."
"O dear!" cried Annie, "how one's faith is tried! Why need this be so?"
"On the contrary," he said, "what little faith I ever had has been quite revived this afternoon. Daddy Tuggar has been 'talking religion' to me, and, pardon me for saying it, I found his words more convincing than even yours."
"I am not jealous of him," said Annie, gladly.
"I can't help thinking that God does see and care, in that He prevented your marriage."
Annie blushed deeply, and said, coldly, "I am sorry you touched upon that subject," and she left the room.
Gregory went quietly on with his reading, or seemed to do so. Indeed, he made a strong effort, and succeeded, for he was determined to master himself outwardly.