Picture Dictionary & Books : Free for English Learner!

"Where are you?" I exclaimed.

The hills beyond Marsh Glen sent the answer faintly back-"Where are you?" I listened. The wind sighed low in the firs: all was moorland loneliness and midnight hush.

"Down superstition!" I commented, as that spectre rose up black by the black yew at the gate. "This is not thy deception, nor thy witchcraft: it is the work of nature. She was roused, and did-no miracle-but her best."

I broke from St. John, who had followed, and would have detained me.

It was my time to assume ascendency.

My powers were in play and in force.

I told him to forbear question or remark; I desired him to leave me: I must and would be alone.

He obeyed at once.

Where there is energy to command well enough, obedience never fails.

I mounted to my chamber; locked myself in; fell on my knees; and prayed in my way-a different way to St. John's, but effective in its own fashion.

I seemed to penetrate very near a Mighty Spirit; and my soul rushed out in gratitude at His feet.

I rose from the thanksgiving-took a resolve-and lay down, unscared, enlightened-eager but for the daylight.

The daylight came.

I rose at dawn.

I busied myself for an hour or two with arranging my things in my chamber, drawers, and wardrobe, in the order wherein I should wish to leave them during a brief absence.

Meantime, I heard St. John quit his room.

He stopped at my door: I feared he would knock-no, but a slip of paper was passed under the door.

I took it up.

It bore these words-

"You left me too suddenly last night.

Had you stayed but a little longer, you would have laid your hand on the Christian's cross and the angel's crown.

I shall expect your clear decision when I return this day fortnight.

Meantime, watch and pray that you enter not into temptation: the spirit, I trust, is willing, but the flesh, I see, is weak.

I shall pray for you hourly.-Yours, St. John."

Chapter 36

Table of Contents