human
I suppose, replied Mrs. Birtwell,
gpt
Granted; and what then? Do you see the first right thing to be done?
human
I believe so.
gpt
What is it?
human
If, as seems plain, the separation of Mr. Ridley from his home and children is to cut the last strand of the cord that holds him away from destruction, then our first work, if we would save him, is to help his daughter to maintain that home.
gpt
Then you would sacrifice the child for the sake of the father?
human
No; I would help the child to save her father. I would help her to keep their little home as pleasant and attractive as possible, and see that in doing so she did not work beyond her strength. This first.
gpt
And what next?
human
After I have done so much, I will trust God to show me what next. The path of duty is plain so far. If I enter it in faith and trust and walk whither it leads, I am sure that other ways, leading higher and to regions of safety, will open for my willing feet.
gpt
God grant that it may be so, exclaimed Mr. Elliott, with a fervor that showed how deeply he was interested.
human
I believe you are right. The slender mooring that holds this wretched man to the shore must not be cut or broken. Sever that, and he is swept, I fear, to hopeless ruin. You will see his daughter?
gpt
Yes. It is all plain now. I will go to her at once. I will be her fast friend. I will let my heart go out to her as if she were my own child. I will help her to keep the home her tender and loving heart is trying to maintain.