upon them."

"Nature, is cruel, not I father. Nature is always cruel," and she glanced
towards the little grave under the rock. Then, while for the second time
her father hesitated, not knowing what to answer, she added quickly, "Is
mother better now?"

"No," he said, "worse, I think, very hysterical and quite unable to see
things in the true light."

She rose and faced him, for she was a courageous child, then asked:

"Father, why don't you take her back? She isn't fit to go on. It is wrong
to drag her into this wilderness."

At this question he grew very angry, and began to scold and to talk of the
wickedness of abandoning his "call."

"But mother has not got a 'call,'" she broke in.

Then, as for the third time he could find no answer, he declared
vehemently that they were both in league against him, instruments used by
the Evil One to tempt him from his duty by working on his natural fears
and affections, and so forth.

The child watched him with her clear grey eyes, saying nothing further,
till at last he grew calm and paused.

"We are all much upset," he went on, rubbing his high forehead with his
thin hand. "I suppose it is the heat and this--this--trial of our faith.