And I can never love anybody else. Don't make this
visit of mine a misery to me. I've had to conquer so much and I need
your prayers."
"I wish you needed my kisses."
"Mark!"
"What did I say? Oh, Esther, I'm a brute. Tell me one thing."
"I've already told you more than I've told anyone except my confessor."
"Have you found happiness in the religious life?"
"I have found myself. The Reverend Mother wanted me to leave the
community and enter a contemplative order. She did not think I should be
able to help poor girls."
"Esther, what a stupid woman! Why surely you would be wonderful with
them?"
"I think she is a wise woman," said Esther. "I think since we came
picking St. John's wort I understand how wise she is."
"Esther, dear dear Esther, you make me feel more than ever ashamed of
myself. I entreat you not to believe what the Reverend Mother says."
"You have only a fortnight to convince me," said Esther.
"And I will convince you."
"Mark, do you remember when you made me pray for his soul telling me
that in that brief second he had time to repent?"
Mark nodded grimly.
"You still do think that, don't you?"
"Of course I do. He must have repented."
She thanked him with her eyes; and Mark looking into their depths of
hope unfathomable put away from him the thought that the damned soul of
Will Starling was abroad to-night with power of evil.
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