“Yes,” she replied quietly, “I know who you are.”
“I have been deeply stirred by this case of yours. I want to give you my sympathy, and to talk with you about your husband and yourself.”
“Thank you! I have no time to talk now. I must hurry home.”
“Pardon me! I’ll not keep you. But I’ll call on you, if I may, at your leisure.”
“I shall have no leisure.”
“Then at your convenience.”
“It will not be convenient.”
It was strange that the woman who had so eloquently poured her grievance into the ears of the friendly juror should have become so suddenly taciturn and unapproachable. The clergyman could not understand it. But it was his business, as a servant of Christ, to break down barriers that separated him from human hearts, so he persisted.
“Surely,” he said, “you will not refuse to see me. I understand your disappointment. I realize your suffering. I may be able to comfort you, possibly to help you. Give me the opportunity to try.”