"I believe in Him as the one Divine Man ever born!" he said.
"Is that quite sufficient for orthodoxy?" And she looked up at him with a half smile.
"Perhaps not! But I fear orthodoxy and I are scarcely the best of friends!" he replied—"Must I really tell you my own private form of belief?"
"Ah yes!—please do so!" she answered gently—"It will help me so much!"
He paused a moment. Then he said—
"I believe this,—that Christ was born into the world as a Sign and Symbol of the life, death and destined immortality of each individual human soul. Into the mystery of His birth I do not presume to penetrate. But I see Him as He lived,—the embodiment of Truth—crucified! I see Him dead,—rising from the grave to take upon Himself eternal life. I accept Him as the true manifestation of the possible Divine in Man—for no man before or after Him has had such influence upon the human race. And I am convinced that the faithful following of His Gospel ensures peace in this world, and joy in the world to come!"
He paused, and drew nearer to her. "Will that suffice you?"
Her eyes were turned away from his, but he could see a sparkle as of dew on her lashes.
"Sit down by me again,"—she said in a low uncertain voice—"You do believe!—and now that I know this for certain, I can make my confession to you."
He resumed his seat beside her couch.