“How am I to get the grace of God?”
“Only by faithful prayer.”
“Do you think I could quit in that way?”
“Yes,” answered Ernest.
“Well, I’d give worlds to be as I once was. I am ashamed of myself. But if I am left to myself, I never can reform. Will you help me?”
“Will you put yourself in my hands?” asked Ernest. “Will you do as I tell you? If you will, you can reform.”
“But I know what you’ll tell me,” cried Comston. “You’ll say, never touch another drop. I can’t quit suddenly. You make no allowance for my appetite.”
“Yes, I do,” replied Ernest. “I will give you a substitute for strong drink.”
“All right,” said Comston. “I will do it.”