Part 32 (1/2)
”Does it mean you are dying?”
”I--I--oh, no, they soon get better.”
He said this because he was so sorry for Grizel. There never was a more sympathetic nature than Tommy's. At every time of his life his pity was easily roused for persons in distress, and he sought to comfort them by shutting their eyes to the truth as long as possible. This sometimes brought relief to them, but it was useless to Grizel, who must face her troubles.
”Why don't you answer truthfully?” she cried, with vehemence. ”It is so easy to be truthful!”
”Well, then,” said Tommy, reluctantly, ”I think they generally die.”
Elspeth often carried in her pocket a little Testament, presented to her by the Rev. Mr. Dishart for learning by heart one of the n.o.blest of books, the Shorter Catechism, as Scottish children do or did, not understanding it at the time, but its meaning comes long afterwards and suddenly, when you have most need of it. Sometimes Elspeth read aloud from her Testament to Grizel, who made no comment, but this same evening, when the two were alone, she said abruptly:
”Have you your Testament?”
”Yes,” Elspeth said, producing it.
”Which is the page about saving sinners?”
”It's all about that.”
”But the page when you are in a hurry?”
Elspeth read aloud the story of the Crucifixion, and Grizel listened sharply until she heard what Jesus said to the malefactor: ”To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”
”And was he?”
”Of course.”
”But he had been wicked all his life, and I believe he was only good, just that minute, because they were crucifying him. If they had let him come down.--”
”No, he repented, you know. That means he had faith, and if you have faith you are saved. It doesna matter how bad you have been. You have just to say 'I believe' before you die, and G.o.d lets you in. It's so easy, Grizel,” cried Elspeth, with s.h.i.+ning eyes.
Grizel pondered. ”I don't believe it is so easy as that,” she said, decisively.
Nevertheless she asked presently what the Testament cost, and when Elspeth answered ”Fourpence,” offered her the money.
”I don't want to sell it,” Elspeth remonstrated.
”If you don't give it to me, I shall take it from you,” said Grizel, determinedly.
”You can buy one.”
”No, the shop people would guess.”
”Guess what?”
”I won't tell you.”
”I'll lend it to you.”
”I won't take it that way.” So Elspeth had to part with her Testament, saying wonderingly, ”Can you read?”