Anita Lawton shivered slightly, and raised a trembling, protesting hand. "Please," she said, softly, "I know--I heard you say that at St. James' two days ago. I try to believe, to think, that in some inscrutable way, God meant it for the best when he took my father so ruthlessly from me, with no premonition, no sign of warning. It is hard, Dr. Franklin. I cannot coordinate my thoughts just yet. You must give me a little time." The minister bent his short body still lower before her.