Madge brushed away her tears, and watched him earnestly for a moment.  In that confused instant she exulted in the strong, generous, kindly manhood that would not cringe even to omnipotence when apparently cruel.  She said, gently, “Graydon, you are condemning God.”

“I can’t help it,” he began, impetuously, “that is, such a God—­”

She put her hand over his mouth.

“I like you better for your words,” she continued, “but please don’t talk so any more.  Let what you have said apply to ‘such a God—­’ I know what you mean, but there is no such being in existence.  Let me finish my story.  We have had too many interruptions, and this secluded road has an end.  I won’t try to explain my faith.  What happened may make it clearer to you.  Well, Tilly gradually grew quieter, and at last slept.  The tired mother was sleeping also, and I sat at the window just as you imagined, my thoughts sad and questioning, to say the least At last I saw that Tilly was awake, and looking at me with something like interest and curiosity.  I went to her and asked if I could do anything.

“She said, in her slow, feeble way, ’I thought I knew every one about here, but I don’t remember to have seen you before.’

“Then I told her who I was, and that her mother was in the next room.

“‘You are very kind,’ she said.  ’And you are from the hotel.  Isn’t it a little strange?’

“‘It should not be,’ I replied, and explained how I came to stay, adding, ‘Don’t talk any more.  You are not strong enough.’

“With a quiet smile that astonished me, she said, ’It won’t make any difference, Miss Alden; I shall never be any better, or, rather, I shall soon be well.  My mind seems growing clearer, and I’d like to talk a little.  It is strange to see a young girl here.  Are you strong and well?’

“’Yes, very strong, and very glad to help your mother take care of you.  I was once almost as ill as you are, yet I got well.  Cheer up, and let us nurse you back to health.’

“She shook her head.  ’No, that’s now impossible.  You come and cheer poor mother and father, Miss Alden.  I am more than cheerful, I am happy.’

“I made her call me Madge, and said:  ’Tell me then in a few words how you can be happy.  My heart has just been aching for you ever since I came.’

“Perhaps she saw tears in my eyes, for she said, ‘Sit down by me.’  Then she took my hand, leaned her cheek upon it, and looked at me with such a lovely sympathy in her beautiful dark eyes!

“‘Yes,’ she said, ’I see you are young and strong, and you probably have wealth and many friends; still I think I am better off than you are.  I am almost home, and you may have long, weary journeying before you yet.  You ask me why I am happy.  I’ll just give you the negative reasons:  think how much they mean to me—­“And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.”  All these may be taken from my life any hour.  Think of what will be added to it.  You believe all this, Madge?’