Jesus smiles and _loves me too_."




CHAPTER VII.

"SUSIE."


Cecile had never anything more to say to the Salvation Army. What
lay behind the scenes, what must shock a more refined taste, never
came to her knowledge. To her that fervent, passionate meeting seemed
always like the very gate of heaven. To her the Jesus she had long
been seeking had at last come, come close, and entered into her heart
of hearts. She no longer regretted not seeing Him in the flesh; nay,
a wonderful spiritual sight and faith seemed born in her, and she
felt that this spiritual Christ was more suited to her need. She got
up gravely the next morning; her journey was before her, and the
Guide was there. There was no longer the least reason for delay, and
it was much better that she, Maurice, and Toby should start for
France, while they had a little money that they could lawfully spend.
When she had got up and dressed herself, she resolved to try the new
powerful weapon she had got in her hand. This weapon was prayer; the
Guide who was so near needed no darkness to enable Him to listen to
her. She did not kneel, she sat on the side of her tiny bed, and,
while Maurice still slept, began to speak aloud her earnest need:

"Jesus, I think it is hotter that me, and Maurice, and Toby should
go to France while we have a little money left. Please, Jesus, if