"Without faith in God you cannot. Even the ancient knight, whose success depended so much on the skill and strength of his arm, and the temper of his weapons and armor, was supposed to spend hours in prayer before attempting any great thing. But with God's help daily sought and obtained, you cannot fail. You can achieve that which the world cannot take from you--which will be a priceless possession after the world has forgotten you and you it--a noble character." Haldane was silent several moments, then, drawing a long breath, he said, slowly and humbly: "How I am to do this I do not yet understand; but if you will guide me, I will attempt it." "This book will guide you, Egbert," said Mrs. Arnot, placing her Bible in his hands. "God himself will guide you if you ask sincerely. Good-night." And she gave him such a warm and friendly grasp of the hand as to prove that evil had not yet wholly isolated him from the pure and good. CHAPTER XXXI THE LOW STARTING-POINT On the afternoon of the following day Mrs. Arnot again visited Haldane, bringing him several letters from his mother which had been sent in her care; and she urged that the son should write at once in a way that would reassure the mother's heart. In his better mood the young man's thoughts recurred to his mother with a remorseful tenderness, and he eagerly sought out the envelope bearing the latest date, and tore it open. As he read, the pallor and pain expressed in his face became so great that Mrs. Arnot was much troubled, fearing that the letter contained evil tidings. Without a word he handed it to her, and also two inclosed paragraphs cut from newspapers. "Do you think your mother would wish me to see it?" asked Mrs. Arnot, hesitatingly. "I wish you to see it, and it contains no injunctions of secrecy. Indeed, she has been taking some very open and decided steps which are here indicated." Mrs. Arnot read: