They may have studied books about it. They may have studied the language and poetry in the Bible; they may have even learned by heart some of its most beautiful passages, but they have never taken it with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

“You’re talking in an unknown tongue to me,” said Constance, staring at him again half-wistfully. “You look happy. You sound sincere, but I don’t see how you make the grade among other people if you live on such a different plane. Aren’t you terribly lonely? You don’t find other people who talk this way, do you?”

“You’d be surprised how many there are.” He flashed at her another of his dazzling smiles that lit up his whole face. “Why, back in the city where I’ve been this last year, there were so many of them, group after group! I used to meet them at the different Bible conferences, and we always had such glorious times together. There’s no fellowship like the fellowship of those who love the Lord Jesus.”

He said that name “the Lord Jesus” in such a tender, beautiful way that it seemed to put her afar and make her a stranger.

“Oh, old people, I suppose,” she said half-contemptuously. “I can’t imagine young people—excuse me, I’m convinced you’re one of a kind. I’ll admit you’re interesting, but I can’t imagine a bunch of young people getting together and being interested in such things.”

He flashed a look at her, with a slight lifting of the eyebrows, but his voice was steady, his lips were pleasant as he said, “No, they were young people. Many of them young people who were studying in one of the big Bible schools getting ready to do Christian work.”

“Oh! Missionaries!” said Constance patronizingly. “But aren’t they usually awfully dumb and kind of frumpy?”

“No, I didn’t find them so,” said the young man. “I’d like to take you to some of those gatherings. It would surprise you.”

“Are you getting ready to be a missionary?” she asked him suddenly.

“No,” he said, “I felt I could perhaps witness better at present in business. And you? Are you planning some big lifework?”

“Me? Oh, I don’t know what I shall do. Dad’s offered me a trip to Europe next summer. All the world’s before me. I’m only planning to have a good time. You think I’m a selfish little heathen, I suppose, but I’ve been under school and college life and discipline for a long time and I want to get out from under and just go my own way.”

“I used to think that,” said Seagrave thoughtfully, “but God showed me there was a better way.”

“A better way?” she said.

“Yes, just put one’s self in God’s hands and let Him have His way. I’ve had more peace and joy since I learned to do that than ever I had in all my life before. But see that plume of white smoke over there in the valley? Wouldn’t that be the morning train, and aren’t we getting rather late for our various appointments?”

Constance looked quickly at her wristwatch.

“Oh my goodness!” she cried and sprang to get up. “Think of my packing, not half done! However has the time flown?”

He helped her easily to her feet.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have been watching the time more carefully. But it’s been good to have this talk with you. I’m a stranger in town yet, you know. It was most gracious of you to come out with me.”

“Why, it’s been beautiful!” said Constance heartily. “I didn’t dream it would be so lovely up here. And I’ve enjoyed the talk. It certainly was a unique subject. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been more in harmony with the theme and the hour. I’m rather a heathen, you know, in spite of your gracious judgment of my unmodern face.