"Let me be baptized," she replied softly.
The father's body stiffened perceptibly, and his face sobered.
"Believe me, papa, I am sorry to have to annoy you so much on the matter; but I can't help it. Something within me urges me on. I can't get away from the testimony which I have, any more than I can get away from my shadow."
"You can get away from your shadow," said the minister.
"Yes; by going into the dark, and that I do not want to do. I want to live in the light,—the beautiful gospel light always."
Chester listened in pleased wonder to Lucy's pleadings. He added nothing as she seemed able to say all that was necessary. In time the father's face softened again, and he turned to Chester to ask:
"What do you think of such arguments?"
"They're splendid—and reasonable—and true, sir."
"Of course, you would say so. Well, I'll think about it, Lucy."
"But, papa, you've been thinking about it a lot, and time is going. Say yes today, now—here with Chester and me—and the Lord alone. Besides, papa, now I ought to be one with Chester in everything. That's right, isn't it?"