"I am honest!" she said, hurt by his expression. "What have I to gain, if not heaven? What have I not to lose? I feel surely that our happy household will never again be the same that it has been."
"I must believe you sincere," he replied. "But I cannot imagine what should have set you, of all persons, on this track."
Miss Hamilton smiled as she rose. "It was you, sir. You should beware of the flattery of abuse."
The next morning after breakfast the minister found on his study table a pile of controversial works that the housekeeper had been instructed to leave there for him. Beside them lay a crucifix. He touched it, and it seemed to burn his fingers. He pushed it away, and it burned his heart.
"After all, it is the image of my crucified Redeemer," he said; and took it in his hand again. Looking at it a moment, his eyes filled with tears.
To Be Continued.