"And these," he said, pointing to the trees, the crags, the sea; "are these God's word?"
"They are His creation; in that sense His word."
"And you and I, and these bones, crumbling a few feet below—these are all His creation, and so His word—and we know not what they say."
She looked at him surprised. She had often sorrowed that these things did not engage his attention; she was surprised to note his earnestness.
"Paula," he said, "do you know what you were made for?"
"Made for?"
"Leonard would tell you, 'to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever,'" he said, "but he would also inform you that the chance of the purpose of your creation coming to pass is slim."
"You know I do not subscribe to Leonard's creed," she replied a little severely.
"The thirty-nine articles, though less explicit, imply that which Leonard's creed has the boldness to state. Yes, Paula, that is the great and glorious Hope offered by the Church—damnation for the great majority."
"Mark, I do not think I ought to discuss these questions."