Yes, Father, for she died that very night.
But we thought that if we prayed very sincerely we might change His mind.
Why ... there is authority for our Hoping that in extremities our prayer may....
But she died. Then we were not sincere enough! Or persevering enough! Good! Sometimes He grants and sometimes He doesn't, and Christians are expected to pray hard on the chance that this is one of the times He might relent. What a notion! Astrée-Luce, what a thought!
Father, I can't stay and hear you talk this way.
What a view of these things. Listen. It is inincredible that He should change His mind. Because we frightened mortals are on the carpet? Oh! You are a slave, to the idea of bargain. The money changers are still in the temple!
Here Astrée-Luce, gone quite white, returned to the arena with one more brave venture: But, Father, you know He answers the requests of a good Catholic. Then she added in a lower voice with tears in her eyes. But you were there, dear Father. If you had deeply wished it you could have altered the ...
Here he half rose from his chair crying with terrible eyes: Insane child! What are you saying? I? Have I no losses?
Now she flung herself upon the floor before him. You have been saying these things to prove me. What is the answer? I will not let you go until you tell me. Dear Father, you know that prayer is answered. But your clever questions have upset all my old ... old ... What is the answer?
Come, sit down, my daughter, and tell me yourself. Think!