Both
argued the question upon religious grounds, but from an entirely different
standpoint. Michael was not at the trouble to talk much, for his visitor
seemed scarce worthy of powder and shot. He explained that he deemed it
damnation to hold unnecessary converse with sinners; that, by her act, Joan
had raised eternal barriers between herself and those of her own home, and,
indeed, all chosen people; that he had walked in the light from the dawn of
his days until the present time, and could not imperil the souls of his
wife, his son and himself by any further communion with one, in his
judgment, lost beyond faintest possibility of redemption. Uncle Chirgwin
listened with open mouth to these sentiments. He longed to relate how Joan
had repented of her offense, how she had thrown herself upon the Lord, and
found peace and forgiveness. No such thing could be recorded, however, and
he felt himself at a disadvantage. He prayed for mercy on her behalf, but
mercy was a luxury Gray Michael deemed beyond the reach of man. He showed
absolutely no emotion upon the subject, and his chill unconcern quenched
the farmer's ardor. Mr. Chirgwin mourned mightily that he held not a
stronger case. Joan had tied his hands, at any rate, for the present. If
she would only come round, accept the truth and abandon her present
attitude--then he knew that he would fight like a giant for her, and that,
with right upon his side, he would surely prevail.
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