is growth,’ [Footnote:  “Science and Health,” page 520.] and nourished by the sunlight of divine Love, puts off, one by one, the husks, or the mortal man’s wrong ways of thinking and living, and, ever reaching Godward, puts on or unfolds first the tiny leaves of living green, then the stalk and bud, and, last, the white flower of purity, which is the image and likeness of God; and this image and likeness is immortal.”

“Oh, what a lovely—­lovely story!” breathed Dorothy, with luminous eyes.  “Then, if one never had any but good thoughts, perfect thoughts, one would grow to be perfect and spiritual.”

“That is what I think the Bible teaches.”

“I think it is beautiful.  I never heard anybody talk like this before!” cried the child, with a joyful ring in her tones.  “And now tell me how—­”

Katherine laughed out musically, and, stooping, kissed the small hand that she was still holding.

“You dear child! do you know how long we have been talking?” she said.  “I think we must stop right here, and—­I hope Prof.  Seabrook does not think I have said too much,” she concluded, glancing at the man who stood like a statue, with an inscrutable look on his high-bred face.

He made no reply, and the situation might have become awkward if Dorothy had not exclaimed: 

“No, indeed; you haven’t said half enough; and will you tell me some more things that you believe, another time?”

“If—­your father gives me permission,” Katherine replied, with heightened color.  “Now I must go, for I am sure the bell will ring in a few minutes.”

“Will you—­may I kiss you before you go?” begged the girl, who was used to much petting from everyone, and lifting her pale face to the bright one looking down upon her and which seemed to radiate love.

“Yes, indeed,” said Katherine, and heartily returned the caress.

“Now, good-by,” she added, and, with a respectful bow to her principal, left the room, whispering to herself as she tried to put out of thought the misshapen little figure in the chair: 

“God never made one of His children imperfect.  He made man upright, and there is no power apart from God.”

CHAPTER VI.

Materia medica and miracles.

The days and weeks sped swiftly by, Katherine gradually becoming mentally acclimated, so to speak, amid an adverse environment.  She did not make many acquaintances, for most of the students still held aloof from her; but she was content, even happy, for, with a stanch friend in Miss Reynolds, whom she found most congenial, and with whom she spent much of her leisure time, she did not miss other companionship so much.

Sadie, her roommate, was an affectionate and kind-hearted girl; but being of an indolent, ease-loving temperament, she was often a trial to Katherine, who loved order and system and believed it to be the duty of everyone to maintain them.