John that I could not change?" Helen said
sadly, ignoring the suggestion of a concession; "and to go back, uncle
Archie,--you don't know John! He thinks I will come back,--you are right
there,--but only because he thinks this plan of his is an inspiration
from God, and will lead me to believe as he wishes. It will not, and you
know it. But John would feel that he was doubting God to let me come, if
the promise were unfulfilled. So I shall never return. Oh, must we
discuss it? It is fixed; it can never be changed. If only it could be
understood at once! There is no hope."

Dr. Howe rose, and walked about the room a moment, breathing hard, and
swallowing once or twice, as though to choke some hot words. Then he sat
down, and began to argue.

First, he tried to prove to Helen that there was a hell, but
unconsciously he veered to assertions that it made no difference, anyhow;
that of course the doctrine of eternal damnation was preposterous, and
that she must persuade Mr. Ward to drop the subject. He reasoned and
threatened, then he expostulated and implored, ending all with, "You must
go back, and at once."

Helen had been silent, but when he finished she said, so absently that he
knew she had not been listening, "Shall I explain why I have come back,
or would you prefer to do it?"

"Explain?" cried the rector. "What are you thinking of? Of course not! It
is not to be known."

"It must be known, I think," Helen answered calmly. "I am here, and I
shall stay here, so it seems to me better to disarm gossip by telling the
truth at once."

Dr. Howe sunk back in his chair, and looked at his niece in speechless
annoyance.

"You had better let me tell them, uncle Archie," she said simply; "it
will be less unpleasant for you."

Then he regained his voice: "It is not to be told, Helen. I shall not
allow it. If you have no sense, I'll take the matter into my own hands.
If people choose to gossip about your being here a few days or a
week,--it may take a week for this folly to blow over,--why, they can,
that's all. I will not--you hear me, Helen?--I will not enter into any
absurd explanations."

Helen lifted her heavy eyes, and looked at him a moment, and then she
said, "Aunt Deely?"

Dr. Howe suffered a sudden collapse. "Well, I--ah--well, perhaps Adele. I
suppose Adele must know it. I don't know but what her common sense may be
good for you, my dear. Yes, I'll tell Adele."

"I should like to have Lois understand it,"