Ray forgot that the gentleman before him was Mr. Grafton, the proudest and richest merchant in the city. He forgot for the moment that he was father to his pupil, and the very man who, if offended, could take from him the very means by which he hoped to pay his way in the academy. He forgot that he was perhaps trespassing upon the valuable time of the merchant, and that his own business with him was not yet completed. I say Ray forgot these things; perhaps it would be more correct to say that he lost sight of them for a time, because a more important thing had already taken possession of his mind. He remembered only that the man before him had questioned the wisdom and mercy of the God he loved and served. Had he a right to let this fact go unnoticed? Would he not, in a sense, be denying his Lord if he did? Whatever others may have thought under the circumstances, this was the view Ray took of the case; therefore, he said, politely, but firmly: "I beg your pardon, sir, but may not God in his wisdom know better than we what is best for us; and may he not in his mercy, knowing just what is before us, send a light affliction upon us to save us from a more terrible evil that otherwise would have befallen us?" "How do you make that out?" asked the merchant, partly in surprise and partly in curiosity. Surprise that this young man should have dared to take up the gauntlet many an older Christian would have entirely ignored; curiosity as to how he would defend himself now that he had assumed the task. "Well," said Ray, boldly, "if a robber should seize in your house a casket full of rare jewels, would you not justify one who should rescue them, even though in this process the casket should be marred?" "I rather think I should," the merchant answered. "Perhaps," said Ray, "God wrought thus with your boy; and the casket was marred that the gem might be saved. Neither I nor you may understand it, but it will bring vast comfort to believe it." "Perhaps it may be so," replied the merchant, thoughtfully. "The boy has unusually deep religious impressions for one so young. He is like his mother in that. Since her death I have perhaps allowed myself to grow too bitter and hard of heart." Then, as if ashamed of his acknowledgment, he said, somewhat brusquely: "How about taking the extra scholar? Of course, you are to have double pay." "Indeed, sir; I had not expected that," said Ray, gratefully. "You pay me very liberally, and I am willing to take your niece without extra compensation." "I am very pleased with the progress Louis is making, and he is very much attached to you. If you only do as well with the two, we shall be abundantly satisfied. We shall insist, however, upon your taking double pay," responded Mr. Grafton, turning to his desk. "Thank you, sir," answered Ray, rising to go. "And you are not offended at my defense of One who is dearer to me than aught else."