"And you think there may be hope in this--Christian Science?"
"I feel sure of it--since I have seen Carol."
The doctor smiled. The humor of the situation struck him. He pointed to the open letter on his desk.
"That letter," he said, "is from the Vicar of B-- asking me to give in his Parish Room the lecture which I gave at B--."
"Oh!" There was an accent of pain in Mrs. Burton's voice. "You are not going to?"
"Why do you object? The lecture was well received, you remember."
"Yes, but even at the time when the people laughed and applauded, it seemed to hurt me. I couldn't help thinking if these people, who call themselves Christian Scientists, believe so absolutely in the Christ healing, it was what the early Christians believed, and practised, and they were persecuted. When Christ spoke to Saul of Tarsus, he did not say, 'Why persecutest thou my followers?' He said 'Why persecutest thou me?'
"So I felt that night that the laughter and ridicule of all in the room were as stones thrown not at people, but at the Christ. Don't tell me, dear, that you are going to give that lecture again."
"I am not. That boy's radiant face would come between me and any audience I might think to address. I have commenced a letter to the Vicar, telling him I feel I cannot lecture on the subject again."
"And I may take Eloise to Willmar Court?"