Rotha studied, and would have said she "did not know," only she had found by experience that Mr. Digby never would take that answer from her in a case like the present.
"I suppose," she said, speaking slowly, and vainly endeavouring to find words that quite suited her,—"he meant—something like— He meant, that he could give her something good, that would last."
Mr. Digby smiled.
"That would last always, and never fail, nor change, nor wear out its goodness."
"But, Mr. Digby, I should not want to stop being thirsty, because I should lose the pleasure of drinking."
Mr. Digby smiled again. "Did you think that was what the Lord promised? What would be the use of that 'well of water, springing up into everlasting life'? No, he meant only, that thirst and thirst and thirst as you will, the supply should always be at hand and be sufficient."
Rotha gave one of her quick glances of comprehension, which it was always pleasant to meet.
"Then go on, and tell me what is this living water which the Lord will give?"
"I suppose—do you mean—religion?" she said, after another pause of consideration.
"Religion is a rather vague term—people understand very different things under it. But if by 'religion' you mean the knowledge, the loving knowledge, of God,—you are right. Living water, in the Bible, constantly typifies the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart; and what He does, where he is received, is, to shew us Christ."