Peter was silent for a moment then added, "I suppose one should also take into account the difference of temperament. Some naturally speak of things nearest to their hearts, while others are so reserved that they feel their tongues tied when perhaps they are wishing to speak. If a man really believes in God and loves Him and makes it his aim to serve Him, God stands for more in his life than anything or anybody, and if he is naturally reserved, he feels as if he cannot speak of his faith, because it means so much to him." "Does God mean all that to you?" asked Meg softly. "Yes. I try to think that God stands for all that in my life." "I am glad. You are the second person that I have met here who believes in God. Does Sheila?" "Surely, why should you doubt it?" "Because she never mentions Him. And yet she talks about everyone else she cares about." Peter was silent. Meg's words had set him thinking. It was the first time in his life that he had had this kind of conversation. Had anyone else ventured to talk about the secrets of his soul to him he would have shut him up at once. But Meg's simplicity, together with her evident longing to know something about God, had been the means of opening his mouth, and he was astonished to find how natural it had been to talk to her on the subject, about which he had spoken to no one since his confirmation, when he had learnt through the lips of his vicar what God might be to him. His reverie was broken in upon by Meg saying— "I'm so glad I am getting to know a little more. I used to look up at the stars at night and wonder all kinds of things, why I was I, and what we were all here for. And I wondered if anything was beyond the stars, and if the God, whose name I sometimes heard spoken in oaths, was really anywhere. But I can't explain: do you understand what I mean? I think Jem did, but he could only feel; I guess he could not talk." "Yes, I think I understand," answered Peter. Then after a pause he asked, "Who was Jem?" "Part of my old life; he was my very best friend. I know I once mentioned God to him and he smiled at me. He could not say his thoughts out aloud you know. He was slow in thinking and speaking. But I think now, that God may have meant to Jem what He means to you. Although of course he was not clever like you are, and would not have known so much." "Cleverness has nothing to do with the matter," said Peter. "Hasn't it? I'm glad of that, for I feel to know nothing. Do I make a very great many mistakes when I talk?" she added. "I want to pay Sheila back for all she has done for me, by learning quickly what I ought to know. Do tell me. Am I very unlike other girls in my behaviour or talk?" "I think you are wonderful," said Peter. "Of course you make mistakes sometimes, but they are becoming fewer and fewer."