“And after all those beautiful things”--Mrs. Porter smiled calmly--“that you said about him in your sermon.” “The feeling didn't last long,” Hillhouse said, gloomily. “It swept through me like a storm and left me on my knees praying God to spare her. Did she make any comment on my sermon?” “No, but I saw it failed to affect her as we wanted it to. I have kept a close watch on her. At times she's had the appearance of a woman giving up all hope, and then again a rebellious look would come in her face, and she'd move about with a quick step, her head up and a defiant expression, as if she was telling herself that she had a right to her happiness, and would have it at any cost.” “Ah, I guess she loves him,” Hillhouse sighed; “and she is fascinated by his hellish proposal and the thought that she is sacrificing something for his sake. I wish I could abuse him, but I can't. I can't blame him for trying to get her; it is no more than any man would do, any man who knows what she is.” “I want to ask you one thing, Brother Hillhouse”--Mrs. Porter was looking at a row of cottages across the square--“and I ask it as a member of your church and a woman that don't want to commit unpardonable sin. So far, I've tried to obey the commandments to the letter. I want to know if I'd ever be forgiven if I was to descend to downright deception--lying with my tongue and lying in my actions--that is, I mean, if, by so doing, I could save my child from this thing?” Hillhouse avoided her piercing eyes; his own shifted under lowering brows. “If you could actually save her?” he said. “Yes, if I could make her give him up--send him off?” “I'll answer you this way,” Hillhouse replied. “If she were in a room and a madman came searching for her with a pistol and a long knife bent upon killing her, and if he were to ask you, as you stood at the door, if she were inside, would you say yes?” “Of course I wouldn't.” “Well, there's your answer,” said the preacher. “He's a madman--mad in soul, brain, and body. He is seeking her eternal damnation, and the damnation of unborn souls. Lie?” He laughed sardonically. “Sister Porter, I could stand before God and lie that way, and wink at the angels hovering over the throne.” “I reckon you are right,” said the woman; “but I wanted to make sure. And let me tell you something. If I _do_ resort to lying I'll put up a good one, and I'll back it up by acting that she nor no one else could see through. Let me alone. Leave it to me. It's my last card, but I feel like it's going to win. I'm going home now. I can hardly walk, I feel so weak at the knees. I haven't slept regular since this thing came up. I'm going crazy--I know I am.” “Would you mind telling me what you intend to do?” Hillhouse asked, almost hopefully.