"Heal us, Immanuel; we are here
Waiting to feel Thy touch;
Deep-wounded souls to Thee repair,
And, Saviour, we are such.
"Our faith is feeble, we confess,
We faintly trust Thy word;
But wilt Thou pity us the less?
Be that far from Thee, Lord.
"Remember him who once applied
With trembling for relief;
'Lord, I believe,' with tears he cried,
'Oh, help my unbelief.'
"She too who touched Thee in the press,
And healing virtue stole,
Was answered, 'Daughter, go in peace;
Thy faith bath made thee whole.'
"Like her, with hopes and fears, we come,
To touch Thee if we may;
Oh! Send us not despairing home,
Send none unhealed away."
Whilst the hymn was being sung, Ellen's eyes were arrested by the appearance of a girl who sat on the bench before her. She was an unhappy looking girl, dressed in ragged and tawdry finery.
Ellen had noticed her when she entered, and had fancied that her features were familiar, but after that moment's glance, she had paid no further heed to her, till at the close of Jerry's address she saw this girl hastily cover her face with a corner of her shawl, whilst the sobs which shook her frame showed that she was in an agony of grief.
Ellen watched her with much concern, and seeing that she continued to weep, she hastened to her side, when the people began to move from the hall, and gently asked the cause of her grief.
Her words elicited no response. The girl did not raise her head, but sobbed more violently than before.
"Do tell me what is troubling you," said Ellen kindly; "I want to help you if I can."
This time the girl lifted her head, and looked to see who was speaking to her. She started back with a cry as she caught sight of Ellen, and as she did so, Ellen recognised Julia Coleman, sadly altered though she was.
"Oh, Julia, is it you?" she exclaimed, laying her hand affectionately on Julia's arm. "I have so wished to see you again."
"Don't, Ellen," cried Julia, hastily shaking off her hand. "Don't look at me—don't speak to me like that! If you knew how bad I am, you would not touch me."
As she spoke, Julia rose from her place, and turned to make her escape from the hall. But Ellen held her by the hand, and would not let her go.