Запретный лес
VI. The Black Wood by Night
Ithadbecomeaclosetforprayer.DavidcasthisperplexitiesontheLord,andwaitedfeverishlyforasign.Butnosigncame.AhordeoftextsaboutCanaanitishgarmentsandidolworshipcrowdedintohismind,butherefusedtheirapplication.Ayoungman’sface,agirl’seyesandvoice,madefollyofsucheasyformulas....YetthereweremomentswheninsheertormentofsoulDavidwasmindedtoembracethem--torenouncewhathadcharmedhimastheDevil’stemptation,andsteelhisheartagainstitsglamour.
OnedayherodeovertoCauldshawtoseeMr.Fordyce.Hewasinthemoodforconfession,buthefoundlittleencouragement.Mr.Jameswassickofaspringfever,andthoughhewasonhisfeethehadbeenbetterinbed,forhisteethchatteredandhishandtrembled.
TheyspokeofthehouseholdatCalidon."MistressSaintserfhasbeyonddoubtherinterestinChrist,"saidtheministerofCauldshaw."WhenIhavegonetoCalidonforthecatechizingIhavefoundherquicktoapprehendthedoctrinesofthefaith,andherlifeisinallrespectsanensample,savethatsheissomethingofalibertinewithhertongue.Butthelassie--she’sbutayoungthing,andhassojournedlonginpopishandprelaticallands.YetIdetectglimmeringsofgrace,Mr.David,andshehasaheartthatmaywellbeattunedtoGod’swork.Mywifepinesforthesightofherlikeasickmanforthemorning.MaybeIfailinmydutytowardsher,forsheislamentablyignorant,butIcannotfinditinmetobeharshtosograciousabairn."
Davidreturnedwithhispurposeunfulfilled,butacertaincomfortinhissoul.
