“But,” interrupted Clementina, “if they don’t care about anything better—if they are content as they are?”
“Should he then who called them into existence be limited in his further intents for the perfecting of their creation, by their notions concerning themselves who cannot add to their life one cubit?—such notions being often consciously dishonest? If he knows them worthless without something that he can give, shall he withhold his hand because they do not care that he should stretch it forth? Should a child not be taught to ride because he is content to run on foot?”
“But the means, according to your own theory, are so frightful!” said Clementina.
“But suppose he knows that the barest beginnings of the good he intends them would not merely reconcile them to those means, but cause them to choose his will at any expense of suffering! I tell you, Lady Clementina,” continued Malcolm, rising, and approaching her a step or two, “if I had not the hope of one day being good like God himself, if I thought there was no escape out of the wrong and badness I feel within me and know I am not able to rid myself of without supreme help, not all the wealth and honours of the world could reconcile me to life.”
“You do not know what you are talking of,” said Clementina, coldly and softly, without lifting her head.
“I do,” said Malcolm.
“You mean you would kill yourself but for your belief in God?”
“By life, I meant being, my lady. If there were no God, I dared not kill myself, lest worse should be waiting me in the awful voids beyond. If there be a God, living or dying is all one—so it be what he pleases.”
“I have read of saints,” said Clementina, with cool dissatisfaction in her tone, “uttering such sentiments,”——“Sentiments!” said Malcolm to himself——“—and I do not doubt such were felt or at least imagined by them; but I fail to understand how, even supposing these things true, a young man like yourself should, in the midst of a busy world, and with an occupation which, to say the least,——”
Here she paused. After a moment Malcolm ventured to help her.