"But, have I understood? You hope for a baby—you a Christian wife?"
"Why not I—a Christian wife, as you say?" was the answer of the visitor, who was both shocked and puzzled by the expression of her hostess.
"I do not understand," exclaimed Natalie hopelessly; then suddenly: "How can you dare? Have you no compassion, no fear? You can smile, believing that an awful calamity hangs over you!"
"Awful calamity!" echoed the bewildered visitor, perhaps a little alarmed by the speaker's energy.
"Is it not? Have I understood aright? Are you going to have a baby?"
"I have said so. Why the fact should affect you so strangely is a mystery to me."
"Do you believe this book?" and Natalie seized the well-known volume with its blue cover.
"Certainly, I believe the Confession."
"And your husband?"
"Does he not teach it?"