It was healing for a sick soul ; it was light and hope and peace . A Bible text , seemingly incongruous , came into Mr. Leonard 's mind -- `` This is the house of God ; this is the gate of heaven . '' Felix lowered the violin and dropped wearily on a chair by the bed . The inspired light faded from his face ; once more he was only a tired boy . But Stephen Leonard was on his knees , sobbing like a child ; and Naomi Clark was lying still , with her hands clasped over her breast . `` I understand now , '' she said very softly . `` I could n't see it before -- and now it 's so plain . I just FEEL it . God IS a God of love . He can forgive anybody -- even me -- even me . He knows all about it . I ai n't skeered any more . He just loves me and forgives me as I 'd have loved and forgiven my baby if she 'd lived , no matter how bad she was , or what she did . The minister told me that but I could n't believe it . I KNOW it now . And He sent you here to-night , boy , to tell it to me in a way that I could feel it . '' Naomi Clark died just as the dawn came up over the sea . Mr. Leonard rose from his watch at her bedside and went to the door . Before him spread the harbour , gray and austere in the faint light , but afar out the sun was rending asunder the milk-white mists in which the sea was scarfed , and under it was a virgin glow of sparkling water . The fir trees on the point moved softly and whispered together .
The whole world sang of spring and resurrection and life ; and behind him Naomi XXXXX 's dead face took on the peace that passes understanding .
Bible Clark Felix Leonard Mr. anybody harbour sea text violin