I am not a Christian." The words struck him like a blow.

It seemed so awful to think of this proud and brilliant woman, now balanced on the verge of what she believed to be utter annihilation.

Even the courage that induced her at such a moment to confess her hopeless state seemed awful.
"Try," he said with a gasp.
"No," she answered, "I do not fear to die.

Death cannot be worse than life is for most of us.

I have not prayed for years, not since--well, never mind.