"No, indeed; I have heard that you were very pure minded, and see the public estimate of your character is correct. I want you to teach me to be like you, true and good." She looked into my eyes with such a guileless expression that, for an instant, I thought she might be tired of her old, heartless life, and long to be better. I stood looking with some perplexity into the fire, scarce knowing what to say; but, turning my eyes suddenly, I saw a mocking gleam pass over her face. "You would find it very tame patterning after me. I would advise you to seek some higher ideal--one more worthy your superior powers." I bowed and was turning towards the door. "Just one moment longer--won't you come again? I have a favor to ask of you, but the moments have slipped away so rapidly I have not had time to say all I want. Tell me, do you not think I have sinned past all forgiveness, and should become an outcast from Oaklands and its master? Is that the old-fashioned Christianity the Bible teaches?" "I cannot say that it is not." "Do you not say every day 'Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us?'" "Yes. But the one who has done the wrong is commanded to do his or her part also, to bring forth fruits showing their repentance." "Am I not about to do that when I humble myself, as I shall do at the first suitable opportunity, to that proud man?" "Are you not suing for more than that? Have you come here merely to be forgiven?" "You must not turn inquisitor. I have not, however, offended against you, therefore you will come to see me again. Shall we say to-morrow? I seem to feel as if Oaklands and Mr. Winthrop were brought near to me when you are present." "I cannot promise to come again this week, at least." "Shall we say next Monday then? But it seems such a long time to wait. I was not trained to patience in childhood, and I find it a difficult task, learning it now." "Unless something unforeseen should happen to prevent, you may look for me on Monday next." I promised, feeling a sort of pity for her in her lonely condition. "Just one word more. Your guardian, they tell me, does not attend church regularly." "Mr. Winthrop does not profess to be a religious man." "Could you not influence him to a better life? Have you ever asked him to accompany you to church?" "Certainly not. He is a better judge than I as to his duty in the matter." "I do not think so. I fear he is drifting very far from his boyhood's teachings. His mother was a perfect woman, so far as I have been able to learn." I looked my surprise; for I had not expected to hear such words from her lips. "You must not judge me so harshly," she said, with gentle reproach. "I hope I am not quite so bad as you think." "I am very glad you are interested in Mr. Winthrop, for other than selfish reasons," I said, bluntly. She bowed her head meekly. "You will try to influence him then in the matter of church going and other pure endeavors--won't you?"