er, who was almost a year old and had just
learned to walk. The child was sitting on the floor at her mother's
feet, playing.

As Karin sat watching the child, the door opened, and in came a
tall, dark man, with keen eyes and large sinewy hands. Before Karin
had heard him say a word, she guessed that it was Hellgum.

After passing the time of day, the man asked after Halvor. He
learned that Karin's husband had gone to a town meeting, and was
expected home shortly. Hellgum sat down. Now and then he
glanced over at Karin, and after a little he said:

"I've been told that you are ill."

"I have not been able to walk for the past six months," Karin
replied.

"I have been thinking of coming here to pray for you," volunteered
the preacher.

Karin closed her eyes and retired within herself.

"You have perhaps heard that by the Grace of God I am able to
heal the sick?"

The woman opened her eyes and sent him a look of distrust. "I'm
much obliged to you for thinking of me," she said, "but it isn't
likely that you can help me, as I'm not the kind that changes faith
easily."

"Possibly God will help you, anyhow, since you have always tried to
live an upright life."

"I'm afraid I don't stand well enough in the sight of God to expect
help from Him in this matter."

In a little while Hellgum asked her if she had looked within to get
at the cause of this affliction. "Has Mother Karin ever asked
herself why this affliction has been visited upon her?"

Karin made no reply; again she seemed to retire within herself.

"Something tells me that God has done this that His Name might be
glorified," said Hellgum.

At that Karin grew angry and two bright red spots appeared in her
cheeks. She thought it very presumptuous in Hellgum to think this
illness had come upon her simply to give him an opportunity to
perform a miracle.

Presently the preacher got up and went over to Karin. Placing his
heavy hand on her head, he asked: "Do you want me to pray for you?"

Karin immediately felt a current of life and health shoot through
her body, but she was so offended at the man for his obtrusiveness
that she pushed away his hand and raised her own as if to strike
him. Her indignation was beyond words.

Hellgum withdrew toward the door. "One should not reject the help
which God sends, but accept it thankfully."

"That's true," Karin returned. "Whatever God sends one is obliged
to accept."

"Mark well what I say to you! This day