'Sir,' said I, 'I listen to your request with respect; only I
may tell you it is not needed to urge me to do all that I can on
behalf of one, love for whom is part of my very life. If for a time
I have absented myself from her, it is to think and work for her
redemption. I, a member of the English Church — my uncle, a Puritan
— pray morning and night for her by name: the congregations of
London, on the next Sabbath, will pray for one unknown, that she
may be set free from the Powers of Darkness. Moreover, I must tell
you, sir, that those evil ones touch not the great calm of her
soul. She lives her own pure and loving life, unharmed and
untainted, though all men fall off from her. I would I could have
her faith!'
My uncle now spoke.
'Nephew,' said he, 'it seems to me that this
