"I did not know you were here; but I am very glad to speak to you—to welcome you home," I said, giving him my hand.
"You seem like one come back to me from the dead," he said, soberly, still holding my hand.
"I am not sure if it was not you who held me back from those shining gates."
"What do you mean?"
"When you held my hand through that long night, I thought but for your firm grasp I should drift out of reach of life altogether."
"I tried to pray that night, Medoline, as I had never done before; I believe my prayers were answered."
"Then you have found that the Bible is true?" I asked, looking up eagerly into his face.
"Yes, every day more clearly."
"Then it was well worth all the weariness and pain I endured to have you say this; but have you fully forgiven me, Mr. Winthrop, and may we take up our friendship as before?"
"Must we take it up as before, Medoline? I have found I cannot be satisfied with your friendship only?"