The Boy looked at her,
astonished and pitiful. He moved nearer to her, after a moment,
and spoke softly.
"I am very sorry, sister," he said; and as he spoke he felt her
tears falling on his feet. "I am more sorry than I ever was in my
life. It must be dreadful to be a sinner. But sinners can pray, for
God is our Father, and fathers know how to forgive. I will stay
with you and teach you some of the things my mother has taught me."
She looked up and caught his hand and kissed it. She wiped away
her tears, and rose, pushing back her hair.
"No, dear little master," she said, "you shall not stay in this
house--not an hour. It is not fit for you. My Nubian shall lead you
back to the gate, and you will return to your friends outside of
the city, and you will forget one whom you comforted for a moment."
The Boy turned back as he stood in the doorway. "No," he said. "I
will not forget you. I will always remember your love and kindness.
Will you learn to pray, and give up being a sinner?"
"I will try," she answered; "you have made me want to try.
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