and which we answer to our eternal loss or gain. Many different voices
call to us in this age of false prophets, but one only threatens as well
as invites. Would it not be only wise, prudent even, to give the
preference to that? Mr. Lyndsay, I beseech you, accept the teaching of
the Church, which is one with that of conscience and of nature, and
believe that there _is_ a God, a Sovereign, a Lawgiver, a Judge."

He was gone, and I still stood thinking of his words, and of his gaze
while he spoke them.

The mists were all gone, now, leaving behind them in shimmering dewdrops
an iridescent veil on mead and copse and garden; the river gleamed in
diamond curves and loops, while in the covert near me the birds were
singing as if from hearts that over-brimmed with joy.

And slowly, sadly, I repeated to myself the words--Sovereign, Lawgiver,
Judge.

I was hungering for bread; I was given a stone.




CHAPTER VI

MRS. MOLYNEUX'S GOSPEL


"The room is all ready now," said Lady Atherley, "but Lucinda has never
written to say what train she is coming by."