out of their heart, and let Satan in, and then God had to leave them
till they said they said they were sorry. I suppose directly they say:
'_Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in Thy sight, and am no more
worthy to be called Thy son,_' then God just folds them in His arms and
forgives them and takes them back again; isn't that it?"

"Look here, I think we have had enough of this subject. Talk about
something else."

Sir Edward's tone was irritable. Milly's ready tongue obeyed.

"Nurse says it's so cold to-day that she thinks it will snow. Do you
think it will? It is quite smoky by the river; nurse says it is a fog. I
wondered where it all came from. Do you think it might be God's breath,
uncle?"

As she was chatting on, suddenly there came a sharp knock at the door,
and a visitor appeared.

"Thought I'd look you up, for I heard you were on the sick list. Good
gracious! you have been pretty bad, haven't you? Will you put me up for
a night or two? I expect you want a little cheerful company."

Talking volubly, Major Lovell--for it was he--came forward and looked
with real concern on Sir Edward's altered face.

"I'm very glad to see you," said the latter, heartily, holding out his
hand. "Come and stay for as long as you like. I'm sick to death of my
own society."