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 Clark 's dead face took on the peace that passes understanding . The old minister and his grandson walked home together in a silence that neither wished to break . Janet Andrews gave them a good scolding and an excellent breakfast .
Then she ordered them both XXXXX bed ; but Mr. Leonard , smiling at her , said : `` Presently , Janet , presently .
Before as at behind from in on over that to