human
What is it, Emmeline? Is Carol worse?
gpt
I do not know if he is worse. He is just as ill as he can be, and is suffering cruelly. I want you to let me have that book you took from him, Raymond, _Science and Health_. He thinks if I read it to him he will fall asleep. He has not slept yet, and this is the third day since the accident. The Rector’s face, which before had been grave and kindly, now grew stern and resolute.
human
I am sorry, Emmeline, but I cannot let you have it. That book will never pass from my hands to his as long as I am his guardian. He knows too much already of its pernicious doctrines. Better better--anything than that his faith in its teachings should be strengthened.
gpt
Do you mean better that he should die, Raymond?
human
Yes, Emmeline, better that--even that.
gpt
Oh, Raymond, how can you hold such a thought? I do not know what the book is nor what it teaches. But I do know what is the fruit of it; and who was it said, ’A tree is known by its fruit; a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit’?
human
We need not discuss that, Emmeline. We both know whose words those are. Still, I maintain that the teachings of that book, being pernicious, cannot bring forth good fruit.
gpt
But, Raymond, is not gentleness, faith and love--such as Carol’s--good fruit? Jesus to him did not live two thousand years ago. He is living to-day. He is looking to him, as the disciples looked, when the storm arose at sea. His love and his faith are beautiful to witness. I have always tried to teach my children the love of God, but Carol possesses something I have not been able to give them, because I do not possess it myself. I think it is understanding. He seems to understand the Bible much better than I do.
human
I am sorry to hear you speak like this, Emmeline. In any difficulty why do you not come to me? Surely there are books enough here to explain, or to throw a light on anything that is not clear to you.
gpt
I cannot explain what it is I want, Raymond. I only know I always seem to be groping after something, and I cannot find it. But when I am talking to Carol, I seem nearer to it. Raymond, won’t you let me have that book--just for to-day--I will return it to you to-morrow?
human
No, Emmeline. Not for one hour.
gpt
You are cruel, Raymond, when the boy is suffering so, and it is all he asks you. If there were a shop near where I could buy a copy, I would straightway do so. I will know for myself what the book teaches. I shall write to Miss Desmond, and ask her to get me a copy.
human
Of course, Emmeline, if you choose to do that, I have no control over your actions. I have over Carol’s, and I shall exercise it.
gpt
Perhaps you won’t have power long. Oh, Raymond! You do not realize how ill he is! If meningitis sets in, Dr. Burton says it will be a matter of only a few hours. If I were asking for a Buddhist or a Mohammedan book, it would be right for you to let me have it.
human
No, my dear sister. I am not a believer in the doctrine that the end justifies the means. I will pray for Carol, and for you too. I am sorry to see you so overwrought.
gpt
Then you absolutely refuse, Raymond?
human
I do, Emmeline--absolutely.
gpt
HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP.