"I understand what you mean, Esther, but I can honestly say that I never
have."
Esther did not like him any better for his purity, and was irritated by
the clear tones of his icy voice.
"But that is no reason why I should be hard on those who have not been so
fortunate. I didn't mean to reproach you just now, Esther; I only meant to
say that I wish you had told me this before I took you to meeting."
"So you're ashamed of me, is that it? Well, you can keep your shame to
yourself."
"No, not that, Esther--"
"Then you'd like to see me humiliated before the others, as if I haven't
had enough of that already."
"No, Esther, listen to me. Those who transgress the moral law may not
kneel at the table for a time, until they have repented; but those who
believe in the sacrifice of the Cross are acquitted, and I believe you do
that."
"Yes."
"A sinner that repenteth----I will speak about this at our next meeting;
you will come with me there?"
"Next Sunday I'm going to Dulwich to see the child."
"Can't you go after meeting?"
"No, I can't be out morning and afternoon both."
"May I go with you?"
"To Dulwich!"
"You won't go until after meeting; I can meet you at the railway station."
"If you like."
As they walked home Esther told Fred the story of her betrayal.
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