“Indeed, Miss Church-Member,” replied Satan, “you need have no regret for being here. You are to be congratulated upon the good judgment which led you into fellowship with Mr. World. It is your happy fortune that he has succeeded in preventing you from leaving him. You are an exception to a host of cranks, who, without investigation, are prejudiced by what they hear. You are broad-minded, independent, and will be found wiser and happier than the army of fools you have left.”
These words brought a mixture of pride and shame to her heart, and threw her mind into a state of great confusion.
But by this time they had come to a long and steep hill called Remorse up which all pilgrims walked. Mr. World assisted his companion in alighting, and promised to give her all possible help in her efforts to climb the hill.
Satan remained with them, and Miss Church-Member, under deepening remorse of conscience, loitered a few steps in the rear. Her bowed head indicated the warring of her thoughts. Then I saw that she cast a longing glance over the rough hills toward the King’s Highway, and looked for some path by which she might go thither.
Her two wily companions endeavored to allay her fears by offering all manner of cajolements, none of which either diverted or quieted her mind.
“O ye friends of mine!” cried Miss Church-Member, “I can find rest only on yonder King’s Highway. Can you show me the shortest path leading thereto? I cannot go to the summit of this hill.”
On the Hill of Remorse. Miss Church-Member cast a longing glance toward the King’s Highway, and looked for some way by which she might go thither.
“It so happens,” pleasantly replied the Devil, “that there is no way of reaching the so-called King’s Highway from this part of our route, but, if you will have patience, we will conduct you safely to a point a little farther on where you can conveniently leave this way with all honor to yourself. In the meantime we will give you all the assistance that you may need, and every convenience that science can afford.”
Miss Church-Member wept tears of gratitude at this proffered kindness, and began to feel that this dark intruder was a friend with a rough exterior but a warm and congenial heart.