But why
do you say you came here 'by chance'? If you are a good Christian
you know that nothing is by chance. All is ordered and designed
by Providence."
"So they told me in church long ago," said the soldier coldly; "but
now it does not seem so true--at least not with me."
The first feeling of friendliness and respect into which he had
been surprised was passing. He had fallen back into the mood of
his journey--mistrust, secrecy, resentment.
The priest caught the tone. His gray eyes under their bushy brows
looked kindly but searchingly at the soldier and smiled a little.
He set down his bag and leaned on his stick. "Well," he said, "I
can tell you one thing, my son. At all events it was not chance
that brought me here. I came with a purpose."
The soldier started a little, stung by suspicion. "What then," he
cried, roughly, "were you looking for me? What do you know of me?
What is this talk of chance and purpose?"
"Come, come," said the priest, his smile spreading from his eyes
to his lips, "do not be angry. I assure you that I know nothing of
you whatever, not even your name nor why you are here.
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