no one's door... She lives in the pitch darkness of black, gloomy thoughts...

Suddenly the chain of her thoughts was cut by a resonant, penetrating voice coming from a nearby radio, saying: Such was the life of Jesus — an unbroken chain of pain, torment, and deprivation... Let us take His life as an example, to guide us on the straight path in this earthly life. And let us not leave despair a way into our hearts to corrupt our faith — for whoever denies life has denied God... And let us take this feast as an occasion to renew our faith, to renew our spirits, and to renew hope within our souls; for the feast is not for holding parties, nor for giving banquets and exchanging toasts,

so much as it is an occasion for renewing faith in souls, and for setting hope anew in despairing spirits and desponding hearts...

Let us always take refuge, in our trials, with Him who never disappoints a hope... with Him who said: Call upon Me, and I will hear the call...

And she fell to listening, intent and eager, for it seemed to her that this voice had come down upon her from heaven, and that it meant her alone among all people... Yes — through her suc-cessive trials she had not thought for one moment of anything but herself; her own self had been the axis of her concern, the seat of her care... Not for one moment had she fled to the sure refuge and the strong fortress — to

the Deliverer from every strait, to Him who bore tremendous pains and great misfortunes with a wondrous patience and a hope that knew no despair.

She hurried inside and knelt in reverence before the picture of Jesus hanging at the head of the hall, choking on her tears... And she did not come out of her trance until a knocking at the door rang through the house... She rose, forcing herself up, dragging her feet... And no sooner had she opened the door than she nearly fell down in a faint... It is he... He has returned!...