on
trust. I should, therefore, be inclined to place religion before him in
a way that would appeal more to his affections than to his reason, and
try to interest him in our Lord from, so to speak, a _human_ point of
view, without going into the mysteries connected with the Incarnation,
and if possible without, at first, telling the end of the Gospel
narrative. Speak of a Person--One Whom you love--Who might have lived
for ever in perfect happiness, but Who, from love to us, preferred to
come and live on earth in poverty and suffering (the poor lad will
appreciate the meaning of those words only too well)--Who was
all-powerful, though living as a Man, and full of tenderness. Then tell
of the miracles and works of love, of his continued existence--though
for the present invisible to us--of His love and watchfulness; and when
Wikkey's interest is aroused, as I believe it will be, I should read
from the Bible itself the story of the sufferings and death. Can you
gather any meaning from this rough outline? It seems to me that it is
intended that Wikkey should be led _upwards_ from the human to the
Divine. For others a different plan of teaching might be better, but I
think this is the right key to his development; and, moreover, I firmly
believe that you will be shown how to use it."

Lawrence remained for some time after reading his letter with his elbows
on the table, and his head resting on his hands, which were buried in
his thick brown hair; a look of great perplexity was on his face.

"Of course, I must try," he thought; "one couldn't have it on one's
conscience; but it's a serious business to have started." Looking up, he
met Wikkey's rather anxious glance.

"Is anythink amiss, Lawrence?"

"No, Wikkey--I was only thinking;" then, plunging on desperately, he
continued: "I was thinking how I could best make you understand what I
said last night about Someone Who sees everything you do--Someone Who is
very good."

"Cut on, I'm minding. Is it Someone as you love?"

Lawrence reddened. What _was_ his feeling towards the Christ? Reverence
certainly, and some loyalty, but could he call it _love_, in the
presence of the passionate devotion to himself which showed in every
look of those wistful eyes?

"Yes, I love him," he said slowly, "but not as much as I should." Then
as a sudden thought struck him. "Look here, Wikkey, you said you would
like to have me for a king; well, He that I am telling you of is my
King, and H