We may pray and weep and plead before God for an erring son, and we believe our prayers will be answered; but it will be in His time, not in our own.

And time and place are no barriers with Him.

He will do for Tom, I will not doubt it, what we have failed to do with all our pains and care." The mother wept silently--for the husband whose life was ebbing away; for the son over whose heart she seemed to have so little control; for herself, soon to be left alone in the world, with only her daughter for her prop and stay.

She was not a weak or helpless creature.

She had been in her husband's confidence, and had been his helpmeet throughout their married life.