human
Ah! he said, in tones of deep solicitude,
gpt
We can do nothing if we stand afar off, Mr. Elliott, replied Mrs. Birtwell.
human
We must try to get near him. He must see our outstretched hands and hear our voices calling to him to come back. Oh, sir, my heart tells me that all is not lost. God's loving care is as much over him as it is over you and me, and his providence as active for his salvation.
gpt
How are we to get near him, Mrs. Birtwell? This is our great impediment.
human
How? I cannot see it,
gpt
There has come a crisis in his life, said Mrs. Birtwell.
human
In his downward course he has reached a point where, unless he can be held back and rescued, he will, I fear, drift far out from the reach of human hands. And it has so happened that I am brought to a knowledge of this crisis and the great peril it involves. Is not this God's providence? I verily believe so, Mr. Elliott. In the very depths of my soul I seem to hear a cry urging me to the rescue. And, God giving me strength, I mean to heed the admonition. This is why I have called today. I want your help, and counsel.
gpt
It shall be given, was the clergyman's answer, made in no half-hearted way.
human
And now tell me all you know about this sad case. What is the nature of the crisis that has come in the life of this unhappy man?
gpt
I called on Mrs. Sandford this morning, replied Mrs. Birtwell,
human
Has Mrs. Sandford engaged her?
gpt
No.
human
Why not?
gpt
Ethel is scarcely more than a child. Deeply as Mrs. Sandford feels for her, she cannot give her a place of so much responsibility. And besides, she does not think it right to let her remain where she is. The influence upon her life and character cannot be good, to say nothing of the tax and burden far beyond her strength that she will have to bear.
human
Does she propose anything?
gpt
Yes. To save the children and let the father go to destruction.
human
She would take them away from him?
gpt
Yes, thus cutting the last strand of the cord that held him away from utter ruin.
human
None, I fear,
gpt
Then on this last hope will I build my faith and work for his rescue, said Mrs. Birtwell, with a solemn determination;
human
To the uttermost in my power.
gpt
Ah! remarked Mrs. Birtwell as they talked still farther about the unhappy case,
human
A fearful one indeed, said Mr. Elliott,
gpt
And yet, replied Mrs. Birtwell, with a bitterness of tone she could not repress,