"And have you said that little prayer?"

"Yes, I have;

"'O Lord, forgive me my sins, for Jesus Christ's sake.'

"I've said it scores of times; but I don't believe He will forgive me, all the same."

"Why not?"

"Oh! Because—because! But I mustn't tell you. You see, I promised not to tell; but He'll never forgive me, I know He won't."

"But He says He will. 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.'"

"Yes, that's just it; that's just what I mean, my dear. If we confess our sins; but I haven't confessed my sin. See?"

"But, dear Mother Hotchkiss, you must confess it," said Marjorie.

"But I can't—I can't—you don't understand, my dear. It's something as I can't confess."