“It’s rather hard to believe something different from what one was taught as a child,” said Halvor thoughtfully.

“Nevertheless, I feel certain, Halvor, that very soon you will give your full support to the upbuilding of the New Jerusalem,” Hellgum declared.

Then came a moment of silence, after which Karin heard Hellgum say good-bye.

Presently Halvor went into the house.  On seeing Karin seated by the open window, he remarked:  “You must have heard all that Hellgum said.”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Did you hear him say that he could heal any one who had faith in him?”

Karin reddened a little.  She had liked what Hellgum said better than anything she had heard that summer.  There was something sound and practical about his teaching which appealed to her common sense.  Here were works and service and no mere emotionalism, which meant nothing to her.  However, she would not admit this, for she had made up her mind to have no further dealings with preachers.  So she said to Halvor:  “My father’s faith is good enough for me.”

***

A fortnight later Karin was again seated in the living-room.  Autumn had just set in; the wind howled round the house and a fire crackled on the hearth.  There was nobody in the room but herself and her baby daughter, who was almost a year old and had just learned to walk.  The child was sitting on the floor at her mother’s feet, playing.

As Karin sat watching the child, the door opened, and in came a tall, dark man, with keen eyes and large sinewy hands.  Before Karin had heard him say a word, she guessed that it was Hellgum.

After passing the time of day, the man asked after Halvor.  He learned that Karin’s husband had gone to a town meeting, and was expected home shortly.  Hellgum sat down.  Now and then he glanced over at Karin, and after a little he said: 

“I’ve been told that you are ill.”

“I have not been able to walk for the past six months,” Karin replied.

“I have been thinking of coming here to pray for you,” volunteered the preacher.

Karin closed her eyes and retired within herself.

“You have perhaps heard that by the Grace of God I am able to heal the sick?”

The woman opened her eyes and sent him a look of distrust.  “I’m much obliged to you for thinking of me,” she said, “but it isn’t likely that you can help me, as I’m not the kind that changes faith easily.”

“Possibly God will help you, anyhow, since you have always tried to live an upright life.”

“I’m afraid I don’t stand well enough in the sight of God to expect help from Him in this matter.”

In a little while Hellgum asked her if she had looked within to get at the cause of this affliction.  “Has Mother Karin ever asked herself why this affliction has been visited upon her?”

Karin made no reply; again she seemed to retire within herself.