had Mr. World adhered strictly to his promises."
"Indeed, Miss Church-Member," replied Satan, "you need have no regret
for being here. You are to be congratulated upon the good judgment
which led you into fellowship with Mr. World. It is your happy fortune
that he has succeeded in preventing you from leaving him. You are an
exception to a host of cranks, who, without investigation, are
prejudiced by what they hear. You are broad-minded, independent, and
will be found wiser and happier than the army of fools you have left."
These words brought a mixture of pride and shame to her heart, and
threw her mind into a state of great confusion.
But by this time they had come to a long and steep hill called Remorse
up which all pilgrims walked. Mr. World assisted his companion in
alighting, and promised to give her all possible help in her efforts
to climb the hill.
Satan remained with them, and Miss Church-Member, under deepening
remorse of conscience, loitered a few steps in the rear. Her bowed
head indicated the warring of her thoughts. Then I saw that she cast
a longing glance over the rough hills toward the King's Highway, and
looked for some path by which she might go thither.
Her two wily companions endeavored to allay her fears by offering all
manner of cajolements, none of which either diverted or quieted her
mind.
"O ye friends of mine!" cried Miss Church-Member, "I can find rest
only on yonder King's Highway. Can you show me the shortest path leading
thereto? I cannot go to the summit of this hill."
[Illustration: On the Hill of Remorse. Miss Church-Member cast a longing
glance toward the King's Highway, and looked for some way by which she
might go thither.]
"It so happens," pleasantly replied the Devil, "that there is no way
of reaching the so-called King's Highway from this part of our route,
but, if you will have patience, we will conduct you safely to a point
a little farther on where you can conveniently leave this way with all
honor to yourself. In the meantime we will give you all the assistance
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