"If I could believe that the world--if I could believe anything! I've
lost the power, Dad; I don't even believe in a future life. If George
dies, we shall never meet again."

Pierson stared at her without a word.

Gratian went on: "The last time we talked, I was angry with George
because he laughed at my belief; now that I really want belief, I feel
that he was right."

Pierson said tremulously:

"No, no, my dear; it's only that you're overwrought. God in His mercy
will give you back belief."

"There is no God, Dad"

"My darling child, what are you saying?"

"No God who can help us; I feel it. If there were any God who could take
part in our lives, alter anything without our will, knew or cared what
we did--He wouldn't let the world go on as it does."

"But, my dear, His purposes are inscrutable. We dare not say He should
not do this or that, or try to fathom to what ends He is working."

"Then He's no good to us. It's the same as if He didn't exist. Why
should I pray for George's life to One whose ends are just His own? I
know George oughtn't to die. If there's a God who can help, it will be
a wicked shame if George dies; if there's a God who can help, it's a