He was seated on a large couch or divan, and timidly laid his fingers on hers, trying to remove them from her face.
"I didn't mean to pain you," he said humbly. "I have been reading the book you lent me; and when I found that passage, I said to myself, that exactly describes my—Mrs. Wallingford. I have treated her evil and she has recompensed evil with good!"
"Paul, do you wish to know how you can reward me?"
"Yes, yes," his eyes sparkling.
"Love my Saviour. Let my poor words be the instrument of bringing you to him, that I may have one jewel in my crown of rejoicing."
She was hurrying from the room to hide her tears, when he called softly:
"Gertrude. May I call you so once, just once? I would go to Christ; but I don't know how. I tried last night to pray, and I repeated over and over the words you used for me so long ago. 'Blessed Jesus, save him from the corruption of his own heart; lead him to the foot of the cross. May he find peace in believing on thee.' I need peace, my soul is all adrift. Can't you tell me once more how to go to him?"
She took the Bible from his hands; and read the beautiful parable of the prodigal son.
When she came to the words, "I will arise and go to my father," he waved his hand for her to stop, and repeated them, after her slowly and impressively.
She placed the book near him, hesitating whether to say more, when he began: