the hall door told the departure of the unwelcome guest.

Looks of amazement, beyond description, passed between the reverend
gentlemen.

At length the younger one said:

"She does not know of our arrival. I will go into the hall and touch
the bell."

"Oh! excuse me, sir. I thought Miss Bland was in the drawing-room. I
will tell her now," said the servant.

Could this gentle, dignified woman be the same whose harsh, hard tones
were still lingering in their ears?

Impossible! thought the elder man. Surely he must be in a dreadful,
dreadful dream. Not so David; he clearly understood it all, and felt
truly thankful that the blundering servant had enabled him to get this
"peep behind the scenes."

The meeting was over, and they were just leaving the church, when:

"Please, sir, tell me where I can find the preacher or doctor--and
I've forgot which--maybe both. They frightened me so when they hurried
me off!" said a boy, running up to them.

"Here, my lad--what is it?"

"Mr. Preacher, please come with me. There is a young woman very
ill--maybe dying. They sent me for somebody, and I can't remember; but
please run, sir!"

"I will go. Excuse me, Miss Bland; father will take charge of you."

And he followed, with hasty steps, the running boy.

"Here, sir--this is the house. Go in, sir, please!"

"Now, my lad, run over to Dr. Lenord's office--he is in--and ask him
to come. So, one or the other of us will be the right one."

David Carlton entered, treading noiselessly along the passage, until
he had reached a door slightly open. Glancing in to be sure he was
right, he beheld lying--apparently almost dying--a young woman. Beside
the bed, kneeling with upraised head and clasped hands, was a
strangely familiar form. Then came forth a sweet voice, pleading to
the throne of Mercy for the sufferer. He gazed spellbound for a
moment. Then slowly and softly he retraced his steps to the door. Then
he almost flew along the streets until he reached Mr. Fairleigh's,
just as his father and Miss Bland were ascending the steps. Seizing
the former very unceremoniously, he said:

"Come, father, with me quickly--you are wanted."

In a few moments more, before the boy had returned with the physician,
they stood again at the door of the sickroom. David whispered:

"Look there! listen!"

"Be still, Mary, dear! Do not worry. I shall not judge you wrongfully.
How dare I? We are all so sinful. That you are suffering and in need