you will one day regain your faith: you will come back to the
Church."

He shook his head.

"Don't be deceived," he said.

"Men, great men, have said that before and they have come back. I
am a woman, and these questions never trouble us; but is it not a
common occurrence that men who think deeply on such mysteries pass
through their period of doubt?"

"But suppose I never pass through mine! You have not answered my
question," he said determinedly. "Does this make no difference in
your feeling for me? Would it make none?"

"Will you bring me that book on the religions of the world?"

"Ah," he said, "you have not answered."

"I have told you that I am not your judge."

"Ah, but that tells nothing: a woman is never a judge. She is
either with one or against him."

"Which do I look like?"--she laughed evasively--"Mercy or
Vengeance? And have you forgotten that it is late--too late to ask
questions?"

He stood, comprehending her doubtfully, with immeasurable joy, and