“Yes, because there are all the accumulations of centuries of martyrdom and discipleship between then and now. Grey, we live in an infinitely better world than when Jesus lived here before. Did he not say so himself? It is that note in his message yesterday that is going to give this age wings of courage and hope. The worst thing the devil has done for the churches this last quarter of a century has been to preach the doctrine of pessimism.”

Mr. Maxwell was interrupted by a telephone ring. It was a call from Rollin Page, who had just returned from Chicago. He was calling to say that their little girl Eloise was very sick.

“What?” Mr. Maxwell exclaimed, shocked by the sudden news. “Oh, I am deeply sorry for you. Don’t get anxious. . . . Yes, I knew Rachel was staying with Virginia while you were away. . . . Dr. West is always splendid with children. . . . Yes, I’ll come right over, if you want me to. . . . You do? I’ll come right over.”

As he hung up the receiver, he turned a serious look at Grey. “Rollin says Eloise is very ill. She was not feeling very well when Rachel put her to bed Saturday. Yesterday morning she was worse, but insisted her mother come to sing. And how Rachel did sing yesterday, Grey! It reminded me of sixteen years ago. But this morning, Rollin says the change in the child is so alarming, they have called in Jackson and Oswald to consult with West. Rachel is nearly beside herself. I must go right over.”

Grey said something by way of sympathy for Rollin and Rachel, and as Maxwell was going out, he walked along with him. As they turned the corner leading to Virginia’s house, Grey suddenly paused and put his hand on Maxwell’s arm. “In case—do you suppose if he knew—would he do anything?”

“Who?” said Maxwell, who had been musing over the events of the last two days.

“Jesus. Would he not be able to cure Eloise? How do we know what power he has over disease and death?”

“Grey, I have been thinking of all that, together with any number of things that his coming suggests. How little we really know about him so far! But if he has the power, why should he not use it? Rachel—how she does love those children. Yes, I see no reason why he would not help them, if he can.”

Maxwell hurried on to Virginia’s, leaving Grey standing on the corner looking after him.

Before he rang the bell, someone opened the door, and the moment he stepped into the hall, Maxwell felt the passing chill of that breath that blows off the coast of Death. Before he had reached the foot of the stairs, Virginia was there. Her face told the story.

“A few minutes ago,” her lips whispered. “The doctors think it was poison. It is a mystery. But Mr. Maxwell, I am afraid for Rachel. Go to her.”