Part 24 (1/2)

”We do what we think would please her by loving one another, and caring for our brothers and Tessie. We can do nothing more,” said Selina.

”Ah! who knows?” said Miss Agnace. ”It is dark beyond the grave.”

”The grave is dark, but beyond the grave is heaven. Do you know what is said of it, Miss Agnace? 'And the city had no need of the sun neither of the moon, to s.h.i.+ne in it: for the glory of G.o.d did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.' Frederica, read about it to Miss Agnace.”

But Frederica made no movement.

”Miss Agnace does not care for the Bible. Father Jerome is her Bible.

I am glad he is not mine,” said Frederica contemptuously; for she was not pleased with what Miss Agnace had said. Miss Agnace took no notice.

”We know so little,” said she. ”But the Church teaches us that there are purifying fires through which some, even some of the saints, have had to pa.s.s to heaven. Every day I pray that if your dear mother is not yet safe and happy, the time may be hastened.”

Frederica uttered an angry cry.

”Nay, but I fear Father Jerome would say all that was wrong--to pray for the soul of a heretic.”

”Fred dear, that is quite wrong,” said Selina, but she was herself very pale. ”If you please, Miss Agnace will not speak of these things on which we do not think alike. But, Frederica, it is foolish to be angry.”

”But, my dear children, though we may keep silence, or forget, that will change nothing. And the Church teaches no doctrine more clearly than that some must enter heaven through purifying fires.”

”We will not talk about it,” said Frederica.

If they had talked all night about it, Miss Agnace could have said no more. The Church taught the doctrine--none more plainly--and there were examples enough, of which she could have told them.

”No, we will speak no more,” said Selina. ”Only this, Miss Agnace.

There is a word which you believe as well as we: 'The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' Now surely those who are cleansed in this precious blood need no purifying fires. And there is nothing else. The Book of G.o.d tells of no other way.”

”Yes, I know it is the blood of Jesus. Still the Church is clear in her teaching, and it would do no harm to ask. It might comfort you, and who knows--?”

”It would be mockery; for we do not believe in it,” said Frederica.

”It would be wrong,” said Selina. ”It would dishonour the Lord Jesus.

He has done all for His people. He saves to the uttermost, He needs no help from purifying fires. Could any one say, could even David have said, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me,' if there had been any danger that after all he might be left behind? And the old man told us, 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'”

”The Bible is what we go by,” said Frederica, ”and we do not mind what else is said.”

”But, dear child,” said Miss Agnace, showing no anger, though Frederica's manner might well have provoked it, ”you have not read even all the Bible carefully; and besides, how can children like you interpret what is written there? Indeed, it is because I love you that I speak of these things.”

”We know you love us,” said Selina. ”But there is only this to be said: Jesus died that we might live for ever. This is for you, and for us, and for all who believe on Him and love Him. All other words are vain.”

Nothing more was said; but that Miss Agnace was grieved and anxious about them, they could plainly see.

”Selina,” said Frederica, when they were left alone, ”did her words make you afraid?”

”No,” said Selina slowly, ”I am not afraid.”

”But how did you know how to answer her? I could only be angry. But we will not speak about it. Oh, dear! I am so tired of Miss Agnace and her teaching. I wish--”

”But you like her better than Madame Precoe.”

”Much better, but why should we have either?”