But I am happier,--my faith teaches of purgatory--there is always a little hope!" "There is none! there is none!" exclaimed the minister rising in excitement from his seat, and swaying ponderously to and fro as he gesticulated with hands and head.

"You are doomed,--doomed! There is no middle course between hell and heaven.

It must be one thing or the other; God deals not in half-measures! Pause, oh pause, ere you decide to fall! Even at the latest hour the Lord desires to save your soul,--the Lord yearns for your redemption, and maketh me to yearn also.
Froeken Thelma!" and Mr.Dyceworthy's voice deepened in solemnity, "there is a way which the Lord hath whispered in mine ears,--a way that pointeth to the white robe and the crown of glory,--a way by which you shall possess the inner peace of the heart with bliss on earth as the forerunner of bliss in heaven!" She looked at him steadfastly.

"And that way is--what ?" she inquired.
Mr.Dyceworthy hesitated, and wished with all his heart that this girl was not so thoroughly self-possessed.

Any sign of timidity in her would have given him an increase of hardihood.