“I would like to be your friend, and help you in any way that is in my power,” Drake said quietly.
“That’s why I sent for you. I want your help, and you’re the only parson I’ve met in whom I should care to confide. I believe that you are a man—a man of God, and such a one can help me.”
Again Gaunt paused, and it might have been thought that he was nervous.
“I am a priest, and anything you may say will be held as spoken in confidence,” Drake said earnestly.
“When I left you yesterday so hurriedly, I came here; and Sir Felix Hellier told me that my wife was dying. I cannot describe to you my sufferings, for she is very dear to me. For a while I was in the deepest despair and had given up all hope. I am no Christian, Mr. Drake. I have not allowed religion to influence me one iota; but I remembered the teaching of my childhood, and as the last resource of desperation, I prayed.”
Gaunt’s voice had sunk almost to a whisper, and Drake realized that he was deeply affected.
“I offered God a bargain—in return for my wife’s life I promised that I would endeavor to act as a Christian and that each action of my life should be dictated by the teachings of Christ.”
Drake started up in his chair, and his hands tightly clutched the arms. There was an expression of extreme wonderment on his face.
“Your wife is living—and——”
“Yes. My wife will live. Almost immediately afterwards she took a turn for the better,” Gaunt answered quietly.