"We cannot- we cannot," he answered，with short，sharp determination: "it would not do. You have said you will go with me to India: remember- you have said that."

"Conditionally."

"Well- well. To the main point- the departure with me from England，the co-operation with me in my future labours- you do not object.

You have already as good as put your hand to the plough: you are too consistent to withdraw it. You have but one end to keep in view- how the work you have undertaken can best be done. Simplify your plicated interests，feelings，thoughts，wishes，aims; merge all considerations in one purpose: that of fulfilling with effect- with power- the mission of your great Master. To do so，you must have a coadjutor: not a brother- that is a loose tie- but a husband. I，too，do not want a sister: a sister might any day be taken from me.

I want a wife: the sole helpmeet I can influence efficiently in life，and retain absolutely till death."

I shuddered as he spoke: I felt his influence in my marrow- his hold on my limbs.

"Seek one elsewhere than in me，St. John: seek one fitted to you."

"One fitted to my purpose，you mean- fitted to my vocation. Again I tell you it is not the insignificant private individual- the mere man，with the man"s selfish senses- I wish to mate: it is the missionary."

"And I will give the missionary my energies- it is all he wants- but not myself: that would be only adding the husk and shell to the kernel. For them he has no use: I retain them."

"You cannot- you ought not. Do you think God will be satisfied with half an oblation? Will He accept a mutilated sacrifice? It is the cause of God I advocate: it is under His standard I enlist you. I cannot accept on His behalf a divided allegiance: it must be entire."

"Oh! I will give my heart to God," I said. "You do not want it."