Her breath was coming in painful gasps as she screamed out the words as the nurse leaned over and gave her a quieting draught.

Bonnie, in a low, clear voice, began to repeat Bible verses: 

     “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all
     sin!

     “As far as the East is from the West, so far hath He removed
     our transgressions from us.

     “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for
     mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

     “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive
     us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Gila listened with wondering, incredulous eyes, like the eyes of a frightened, naughty child who scarcely understood what was being said and was in a frenzy of fear.

“Oh, if Paul Courtland were here he would tell me if this is true!” Gila cried at last.

Instantly, from out the shadow of the doorway, stepped Courtland, and stood at the foot of the bed where she could see him, looking steadily at the dying girl for a moment, and then lifting his eyes, as if to One who stood just beside her: 

“O Jesus Christ! who came to save, come close to this poor little wandering child of Thine and show her that she is forgiven!  Take her gently by the hand and help her to see Thee, how loving Thou art!  Help her to understand how Thou didst come to earth and die to take her place of punishment so that she might be forgiven!  Open her eyes to comprehend what love like that can be!”

Gila turned startled eyes on Courtland as she heard his voice, strong, beseeching, tender, intimate with God!  She lay listening, watching his illumined face as he prayed.  Watched and listened as one who suddenly sees a ray of light where all was darkness; till gradually the tenseness and pain faded from her face and a surprised calm came to take its place.

The strong voice went on, talking with the Saviour about what He had done for this poor erring one, till with a sigh, like a tired child, the eyelids dropped over her frightened eyes and a look of peace began to dawn.

While the prayer had been going on, Tennelly, with his little girl in his arms, had slipped silently into the room and stood with bowed head looking with anguished eyes at the wreck of the beautiful girl who was once his wife.

Suddenly, as if alive to subtle influences, Gila opened her great eyes again and looked straight at Tennelly and the baby!  A dart of consciousness came into her gaze and something like a wave of anguish passed over her face.  She made a piteous, helpless movement with the little jeweled hands that lay limply on the coverlet, and murmured one word, with pleading in her eyes: 

“Forgive!”

Courtland had ceased praying and the room was very still till Bonnie, just outside the door, began to sing, softly: