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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:33:04 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:33:04 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/40527-0.txt b/40527-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1d386fb --- /dev/null +++ b/40527-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6570 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40527 *** + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file + which includes the original sheet music illustration + and an accompanying audio file of the music. + See 40527-h.htm or 40527-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h/40527-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala + + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL + +A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + +by + +ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON + +Author of +"Joel: A Boy of Galilee;" "The Story of the Resurrection;" +"Big Brother;" "The Little Colonel." + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + +Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings +New York: Eaton & Mains +1896 + +Copyright +By Curts & Jennings, +1896. + + + + +TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. + + +What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young Apostle of our Church, +become to the Jews. Surely, not as the priest or the Levite have you so +long passed them by "on the other side." + +Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which requires haste, +you have never noticed their need. But the world sees, and, re-reading +an old parable, cries out: "Who is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel +also, in thy midst?" + + Nor knowest thou what argument + Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. + --EMERSON. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I. + THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ, 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + ON TO CHATTANOOGA, 23 + + + CHAPTER III. + THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT," 43 + + + CHAPTER IV. + AN EPWORTH JEW, 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + "TRUST," 86 + + + CHAPTER VI. + TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE, 105 + + + CHAPTER VII. + JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER, 115 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + A KINDLING INTEREST, 130 + + + CHAPTER IX. + A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND, 145 + + + CHAPTER X. + THE DEACONESS'S STORY, 163 + + + CHAPTER XI. + "YOM KIPPUR," 186 + + + CHAPTER XII. + DR. TRENT, 189 + + + CHAPTER XIII. + A LITTLE PRODIGAL, 220 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + HERZENRUHE, 241 + + + CHAPTER XV. + ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 261 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION, 275 + + * * * * * + + SILENT KEYS, 297 + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ. + + +IT was growing dark in the library, but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight deepened, he unconsciously bent nearer +the great volume on the table before him, till his white beard lay on +the open page. + +He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his deep voice filled the room with +its musical intonations: "Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye +waters that be above the heavens." + +He raised his head and glanced out toward the western sky. A star or two +twinkled through the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, he walked +to the open window and looked up. + +There was a noise of children playing on the pavement below, and the +rumbling of an electric car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of a newsboy with the +evening paper. + +But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses in the Midian desert, Elijah +by the brook Cherith, were no more apart from the world than this old +rabbi at this moment. + +He saw only the star. He heard only the inward voice of adoration, as he +stood in silent communion with the God of his fathers. + +His strong, rugged features and white beard suggested the line of +patriarchs so forcibly, that had a robe and sandals been substituted for +the broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have been complete. + +He stood there a long time, with his lips moving silently; then +suddenly, as if his unspoken homage demanded voice, he caught up his +violin. Forty years of companionship had made it a part of himself. + +The depth of his being that could find no expression in words, poured +itself out in the passionately reverent tones of his violin. + +In such exalted moods as this it was no earthly instrument of music. It +became to him a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard the voices +of the angels ascending and descending, and on whose trembling rounds he +climbed to touch the Infinite. + +There was a quick step on the stairs, and a heavy tread along the upper +hall. Then the portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the world +brought the rhapsody to a close. + +"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too dark to see, but your fiddle says +that you are at home." + +"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike a light. I wondered why you were +so late." + +"I was out on my wheel," answered the young man. "Cycling is warm work +this time of year." + +He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily down among the pile of +cushions on the couch. + +"I had a letter from Marta to-day." + +"And what does the little sister have to say?" answered the rabbi, +noticing a frown deepening on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way home again." + +"No," answered David, with a still deeper frown. "She has changed all +her plans, and wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with them, and they are up on +Lookout Mountain. She wants me to meet her there and spend part of the +summer with her. She grows more infatuated with Frances Herrick every +day. You know they have been inseparable friends since they first +started to kindergarten." + +"Why did she go down there without consulting you?" asked the old man +impatiently. "You should be both father and mother to her, now that +neither of your parents is living. I wish I were really your uncle and +hers, that I might have some authority. You must be more careful of her, +my boy. She should spend this summer with you at home, instead of with +strangers in a hotel." + +"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick to excuse the little sister, +who was the only one in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. Mrs. Herrick is with the girls +now, and the major will join them next week. Marta is just like one of +the family, and I have encouraged the intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. +Herrick gives her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta and +Frances are so congenial in every way that they find their greatest +happiness together. I tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. It is +a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc." + +"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. "Do you remember that +the rest of that declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, and thy +God my God?' David, my son, I tell you there is great danger of the +child's being led away from the faith. Your father and hers was my +dearest friend. I have loved you children like my own. You must heed my +warning, and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile family, especially +when it includes such an agreeable member as that young Albert Herrick." + +"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra." + +"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they are thrown constantly +together." + +David looked down at the carpet, and began absently tracing a pattern +with his foot. He was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages gave him a fatherly feeling +for her. He could not bear the thought of interfering seriously with her +pleasure, yet he could not ignore the old man's warning. + +Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both languages and music. Aside +from a few years at college, all that he knew had been learned under the +old man's wise supervision. + +"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, when he lay dying, "take my +child and make him a man after your own pattern. I know your noble soul. +Give his the same strength and sweetness. We are so greedy for the +fleshpots of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul hunger. But you +will teach the little fellow higher things." + +Later, when the end had almost come, his hand groped out feebly towards +the child, who had been brought to his bedside. + +"Never mind about the shekels, little David," he said in a hoarse, +broken whisper. "But clean hands and a pure heart--that's all that +counts when you're in your coffin." + +The child's eyes grew wide with wonder as a paroxysm of pain contracted +the beloved face. He was led quickly away, but those words were never +forgotten. + +The rabbi was thinking of them now as he studied the handsome features +of the young fellow before him. + +It was a strong face, but refinement and gentleness showed in every +line. There was something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's lips. "Clean hands and a pure +heart," he said fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my David, if thou +couldst but see how thy little one has grown, not only in stature, but +in soul-life, in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied." + +"Well," he said aloud, as the young man left his seat and began to walk +up and down the room with his hands in his pockets, "what are you going +to do?" + +"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. "It would not be wise to +send for Marta to come home, for the reason you suggest, and I have no +other to offer her." + +"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. "You need not tell her that you +have any fear of her being influenced by Gentile society--but never for +a moment let her forget that she is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her +race. Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for all that is Hebrew." + +"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested. + +"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains will give you as good a summer +outing as you need, and you can play guardian angel for Marta while you +take it." + +David laughed, and took another turn across the room. Then he paused +beside the table, and picked up a newspaper. + +"I wonder what connections the trains make now," he said. "There used to +be a long wait at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily over the +time-table. + +"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here is a cheap excursion to +Chattanooga this next week. I could afford to run down and see Marta, +anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her to come back with me, if I promised +to take her to Hudson Bay with me." + +"What kind of an excursion?" asked the rabbi. + +"Epworth League, it says here, whatever that may be. It seems to be some +sort of an international convention, and says to apply to Frank B. +Marion for particulars." + +"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. "O, then it is a Methodist +affair. He is not only the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well, judging by the way he +works for it. I wish my congregation would take a few lessons from him." + +"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, and blue eyes, and a habit +of shaking hands with everybody?" asked David. "I believe I know the +man. I met him on the cars last fall. He's lively company. I've a notion +to hunt him up, and find what's going on." + +"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will not be at home to-night," +said the rabbi, "and stay in the city with me. If you conclude to go to +Chattanooga next week, I have much to say to you before taking leave of +you for the summer." + +"Very well," consented David. "I'll go down town immediately, and see if +I can find this Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you know?" + +"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He is in that big new building +next to Cohen's furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll not find him +Wednesday night. They have Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as his profession." + +David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I shall certainly cultivate his +acquaintance for the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It has never +been my lot to know a Christian who measured up to his creed." + +"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the old man, gently. "I have +made you a dreamer like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere of high +ideals. I have led you into the companionship of all that was heroic in +the past, and held you apart as much as possible from the sordid +selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick at heart sometimes when I stroll +through the great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle of +humanity as they snatch the bread from other mouths to feed their own. + +"You remember our Hebrew word for teach comes from tooth, and means to +make sharp like a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea has +become the popular view of education in this day. Anything that will fit +a man to bite and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack is what is +sought after, no matter how many of his kind are trampled under foot in +the struggle. I am almost afraid for you to step down from the place +where I have kept you. When you are thrown with men who care for +nothing but material things, who would barter not only their birthrights +but their souls for a mess of pottage, I am afraid you will lose faith +in humanity." + +"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra." + +"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. The world is certainly growing +a little less savage, and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how we have fallen, we still bear +the imprint of the Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned." + +Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling himself a dreamer. The ability +to live apart from his surroundings, had been his greatest comfort. +Because of it, the rigor of extreme poverty that surrounded his early +life had not touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had gone +through the world a happy optimist. + +He had been trained according to the most strictly orthodox system of +Judaism. But even its severe pressure had failed to confine him to the +limits of such a narrow mold. + +He was still a dreamer. In the new world he had cast aside the shackles +of tradition for the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew. + +Now in his serene old age, surrounded by luxuries, he still lived apart +in a world of music and literature. + +His congregation, broken loose from the old moorings, drifted +dangerously away towards radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief +that the "chosen people" would finally triumph over all error, and found +much comfort in the thought. + +David took out his watch. "It is after eight o'clock," he said. +"Probably if I walk down Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon." + +People were beginning to file out of the side entrance that led to the +prayer-meeting room, by the time he reached the church. + +"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of the colored janitor, who was +standing in the doorway. + +"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He sut'n'y is, sah! He am always +the fust to come, an' the last to depaht." + +"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed a pleasant voice. + +David turned quickly to lift his hat. An elderly lady was coming down +the steps with two young girls. She came up to him with a smile, and +held out her hand. + +"I have not seen you since you came back from college," she said, +cordially; "but I never lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates." + +"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with his hat still in his hand. + +As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection brought back the big +attic where he had passed many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain jar on their pantry +shelf, where the most delicious ginger-snaps were always to be found. + +But the next moment the smile left his lips, as an exclamation of one of +the girls was carried back to him. It was made in an undertone, but the +still evening air transmitted it with startling distinctness. + +"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't think you would shake hands with a +Jew!" + +He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He drew himself up haughtily. Then +the indignant flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should he, with +the princely blood of Israel in his veins, care for the callow +prejudices of a little school-girl? + +A crowd of people passed out, laughing and talking. Then he saw Mr. +Marion come into the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights. + +He turned to David with a hearty smile and a strong hand-clasp, +recognizing him instantly. + +"How are you, brother?" he asked. He spoke with a slight Southern +accent. Somehow, David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a matter +of habit that Frank Marion called him brother. Such a warm, personal +interest seemed to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking so +honestly into his own, that he was half-way persuaded to go to +Chattanooga with him before a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, discussing the excursion. +Then Mr. Marion stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, built +some distance back from the street. + +"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, a cousin of mine," he said. +"If you will wait a moment, I'll go with you over to the office." + +The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp sent a flood of yellow +light streaming out into the warm, June darkness. + +In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there was a flutter of a white dress +in the hall, and the next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It was Bethany Hallam. The +light seemed to make a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate her +dress and the sweet upturned face with such an ethereal whiteness that +David was reminded of a Psyche in Parian marble. + +"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion rejoined him. "One never sees +a face like that outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any other." + +"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. Marion responded. "He died last +fall, and Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at last persuaded +her to go to Chattanooga with us. She needs to have her thoughts turned +into another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish that +purpose." + +"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met him a number of times after I was +admitted to the bar." + +"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said Mr. Marion. + +"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after vacation," he answered. + +"Well, I am going to begin my practice right now," said Mr. Marion, +laughing, "and plead my case to such purpose that you will be persuaded +to take this Chattanooga trip." He slipped his arm through David's, and +drew him around the corner toward his store. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"ON TO CHATTANOOGA." + + +IT was within three minutes of time for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably in the first vacant seat, Mr. +Marion hurried past him down the aisle with a valise in each hand. He +was followed by two ladies. The first one seemed to know every one in +the car, judging by the smiles and friendly voices that greeted her +appearance. + +"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, Mrs. Marion," cried an +impulsive young girl, just in front of David. "It would have been such a +disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest thing in the world?" she +rattled on to her companion, as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing. + +"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam with her! Of all people to go on +an excursion, it seems to me she would be the very last." + +"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was the question uppermost in +David's mind, he listened with interest for the answer. + +"O, she seems so different from other people. Her father always used to +treat her as if she were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in a private car. When she +went to lectures or concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except one. She went to the +conservatory for her drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at noon." + +As he listened, David's eyes had followed the tall, graceful girl who +was now seating herself by Mrs. Marion. + +Every movement, as well as every detail of her traveling dress, +impressed him with a sense of her refinement and culture. He noticed +that she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over her face partially +concealed its delicate pallor; but her soft, light hair, drawn up under +the little black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever by contrast. + +"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative neighbor. "I used to +wish I could change places with her, especially the year when she went +abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now for anything in the world." + +"Why?" asked her companion again, and David mentally echoed her +interrogation. + +"O, because her father is dead now, and everything is so different. +Something happened to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a dreadful fall just after +the Judge's death. They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple all +his life; but I believe he's better now. He is sort of paralyzed, so he +has to stay in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right after awhile. It's a very +peculiar case, I've heard. There have only been a few like it. She is +studying stenography now, so that she can keep on living in the old home +and take care of little Jack." + +"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested listener. + +"No, not very well. I've always seen her in Church; you know Judge +Hallam was one of our best paying members, and rarely missed a Sabbath +morning service. But they were very exclusive socially. My easel stood +next to hers in the art conservatory one term, and we talked about our +work sometimes. She used to remind me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a +Wayside Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that + + 'Way of saying things + That made one think of courts and kings, + And lords and ladies of high degree, + So that not having been at court + Seemed something very little short + Of treason or lese-majesty, + Such an accomplished knight was he.'" + +Both girls laughed, and then the lively chatter was drowned by the +jarring rumble of the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot. + +"Any one would know this is a Methodist crowd," said Mrs. Marion +laughingly, as a dozen happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car. + +"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching into his coat pocket, "I +have something here that will prevent any mistake if doubt should +arise." + +He drew out a little box of ribbon badges and a paper of pins. "Here," +he said, "put one on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. You, +too, Bethany." + +"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I am not a member of the League." + +"That makes no difference," he answered, in his hearty, persistent way. +"You ought to be one, and you will be by the time you get back from this +conference." + +"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge in my life," she insisted. "I +have always had the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes one so +conspicuous to be branded in that way." + +He held out the little white ribbon, threaded with scarlet, and bearing +the imprint of the Maltese cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. He +was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel uncomfortable. + +"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" Then he paused reverently. +"The purity and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to wear those." + +He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed down the aisle, +distributing the others right and left. + +She looked at it in silence a moment, and then pinned it on the lapel of +her traveling coat. + +"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another such persistent man?" she asked. +"How is it that he can always make people go in exactly the opposite way +from the one they had intended? When he first planned for me to come on +this excursion, I thought it was the most preposterous idea I ever heard +of. But he put aside every objection, and overruled every argument I +could make. I did not want to come at all, but he planned his campaign +like a general, and I had to surrender." + +"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. Marion. "You know I did not get home +from Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have been too busy getting +ready to come on this excursion to ask him anything." + +"When he had urged all the reasons he could think of for my going, but +without success, he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, little Jack. +The child has considered Cousin Frank's word law and gospel ever since +he joined the Junior League. So, when he was told that my health would +be benefited by the trip, and it would arouse me from the despondent, +low-spirited state I had fallen into, he gave me no rest until I +promised to go. Jack showed generalship, too. He waited until the night +of his birthday. I had promised him a little party, but he was so much +worse that day, it had to be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The little rascal knew it, too. +While I was helping him undress, he put his arms around my neck, and +began to beg me to go. He told me that he had been praying that I might +change my mind. Ever since he has been in the League he has seemed to +get so much comfort out of the belief that his prayers are always +answered that I couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised him." + +"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; "you ought to give him +the full benefit of his name, Bethany." + +"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was as much too big for him as +the huge old-fashioned silver watch that Grandfather Bradford left him. +He suggested that both be laid away until he grew up to fit them." + +"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" was the next question. + +"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. They sent for his old nurse. +She came last night with her little nine-year-old grandson. Just Jack's +age, you see; so he will have somebody to make the time pass very +quickly." + +Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation of surprise. "Well, I wish +you'd look at Frank! What will he do next? He is actually pinning an +Epworth League badge on that young Jew!" + +Bethany turned her head a little to look. "What a fine face he has!" she +remarked. "It is almost handsome. He must feel very much out of place +among such an aggressive set of Christians. I wonder what he thinks of +all these songs?" + +Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent of both Sunday-school +and Junior League, he had won the love of every one connected with them. +His passage through the car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps. + +There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when he stopped beside his wife's +seat. She smiled up at him as he towered above her, and motioned him to +take the seat in front of them. + +"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want to bring a young man up here, +and introduce him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome time, I'm +afraid." + +"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. Marion. "I know every one else on +the car. I don't see that we are called on to entertain him, Frank. He +came with us, simply to take advantage of the excursion rates. I should +think he would prefer to be let alone. He must have thought it +presumptuous in you to pin that badge on him. What did he say when you +did it?" + +Mr. Marion bent down to make himself heard above the noise of the train. + +"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' and told him if there was +any people in the world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had climbed Sinai, and whose +tables of stone lifted up the highest standard of morality known to the +race of Adam." + +Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make a fine politician," she exclaimed. +"You always know just the right chord to touch." + +"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does it happen you have taken such +an intense interest in him?" + +He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and leaned forward. + +"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I have had several talks with +him, and have been wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and views +of life. But I am free to confess, had I met him ten years ago, I could +not have seen any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by a +prejudice that I am unable to account for. It must have been hereditary, +for it has existed since my earliest recollection, and entirely without +reason, as far as I can see. I somehow felt that I was justified in +hating the Jews. I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that they were +wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, that they were gross in their +manner of living, and petty and mean in business transactions. I took +Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens of the whole race. It was, really, a +most unaccountable hatred I had for them. My teeth would actually clinch +if I had to sit next to one on a street-car. You may think it strange, +but I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be a fact that there +are hundreds and hundreds of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy." + +Bethany looked up quickly. + +"My father's reading and training," she said, "has caused me to have a +great admiration and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean such as +the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees of a later date. But in the +concrete, I must say I like to have as little intercourse with them as +possible. And as to modern Israelites, all I know of them personally is +the almost cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants with whom +I have dealt, and the dirty swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short cut through those streets +sometimes in driving to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She gave a +little shiver of repugnance at the recollection. + +"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that same feeling the greater part of +my life. But ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, studying the +four Gospels. It opened my eyes, Bethany. I got a clearer view of the +Christ than I ever had before. I saw how I had been misrepresenting him +to the world. The inconsistencies of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs along the coast, that +vessels might be wrecked by their misleading light. Do you suppose a Jew +could have accepted such a Christ as I represented then? No wonder they +fail to recognize their Messiah in the distorted image that is reflected +in the lives of his followers." + +"But they rejected Christ himself when he was among them," ventured +Bethany. + +"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like the old story of the man with a +muck rake. Do you remember that picture that was shown to Christian at +the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's Progress?' As a nation, Israel had +stooped so much to the gathering of dry traditions, had bent so long +over the minute letter of the law, that it could not straighten itself +to take the crown held out to it. It could not even lift its eyes to +discern that there was a crown just over its head." + +"It always made me think of the blind Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In +trying to overthrow something it could not see, spiritually I mean, it +pulled down the pillars of prophecy on its own head." + +Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again. + +"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ; but who was it that wrote +those wonderful chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that went out +ablaze with the power of Pentecost to spread the deathless story of the +resurrection? Who were the apostles that founded our Church? To whom do +we owe our knowledge of God and our hope of redemption, if not to the +Jews? We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself belonged to that +race we so reproach." + +He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten his surroundings, until a +light touch on his shoulder interrupted him. + +"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, Brother Marion?" asked the +minister's genial voice. + +He turned quickly to smile into the frank, smooth-shaven face bending +over him. + +"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing my young friend back +there, David Herschel. Have you met him?" + +"Yes, I was talking with him a little while ago," answered the minister. +"He seems very reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier seems to +arise when we talk to one of that race. I just came in to tell you that +Cragmore is in the next car. He got on at the last station." + +"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, rising quickly. "I +haven't seen him for two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile." + +"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," said Mrs. Marion, as +the door banged behind the two men. + +"Frank will never think of us again when he gets to spinning yarns with +Mr. Cragmore. I want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of the most +original men I ever heard talk. He's a young minister from the 'auld +sod.' They called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first came over, he +was so fiery and impetuous. There is enough of the brogue left yet in +his speech to spice everything he says. He and Frank are a great deal +alike in some things. They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate love of joking. They are +both so terribly in earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they once settle on a point, +they are so tenacious nothing can move them. I often tell Frank he is +worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition says they do let go when it +thunders, but nothing will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched." + +There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. At the sound of a noisy gong +in front of the station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with his friend. +Capacious lunch-baskets were opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting. + +"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. "I intended to ask him to +lunch with us." + +"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied his wife. + +"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, George," said Mr. Marion. +"I've been all up and down this train trying to get people to be +neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the only one who has spoken to him. +They were all having such a good time when I interrupted them, or they +didn't know what to say to a Jew, and a dozen different excuses." + +"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject again!" exclaimed Mrs. +Marion. "Take a sandwich, and forget about it." + +Bethany Hallam laughed more than once during the merry luncheon that +followed. She could not remember that she had laughed before since her +father's death. The young Irishman's ready wit, his droll stories, and +odd expressions were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, too, drawing +constantly from Frank Marion's inexhaustible supply of fun. + +"You have seen only one side of him," remarked Mrs. Marion, when her +husband had taken him away to introduce David. "While he was very +entertaining, I think he has shown us one of the least attractive phases +of his character." + +David had felt very much out of place all morning. It was one thing to +travel among ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and another to be +surrounded by those who were constantly bubbling over with religious +enthusiasm. He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water tank, he +said to himself, but he did object to its boiling over on him. + +His neighbors would have been very much surprised could they have known +he was studying them with keen insight, and finding much to criticise. +Even some of their songs were objectionable to him, their catchy +refrains reminding him of some he had heard at colored minstrel shows. + +With such an exalted idea of worship as the old rabbi had inculcated in +him, it did not seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless through +such sonorous utterances as the psalms. Some of these little tinkling, +catch-penny tunes seemed profanation. + +He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. He had very unexpectedly +found a congenial friend in the young minister. It was not often he met +a man so keenly alert to nature, so versed in his favorite literature, +or of his same sensitive temperament. He felt himself opening his inner +doors as he did to no one else but the rabbi. + +A drizzling rain was falling when they began to wind in and out among +the mountains of Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. It crowned every hilltop +ahead of them. It reached its shining ladder of light into every valley. +It seemed such a prophecy of what awaited them on the mountain beyond, +that some one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises." + +As the full glory of the rainbow flashed on Cragmore's sight, he stopped +abruptly in the middle of a sentence. The expression of his face seemed +to transfigure it. When he turned to David, there were tears in his +eyes. + +"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" he said, in a low tone, that +thrilled David with its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The Mizpahs! +The Ebenezers! See, it is like a pillar of fire leading us to a +veritable land of promise." + +Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, he began to talk of the +promises of the Bible, till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make me +forget that you are a Christian. You enter into Israel's past even more +fully than many of her own sons." + +Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, nervous way, with an +impetuous gesture. + +"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously into the broad brogue of +his childhood, "we hold sacred with you the heritage of your past. We +look up with you to the same God, the Father; we confess a common faith +till we stand at the foot of the cross. There is no great barrier +between us--only a step--one step farther for you to take, and we stand +side by side!" + +He laid his hand on David's, and looked into his eyes with an +expression of tender pleading as he added: + +"O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has revealed +himself to me! I pray you may! I do pray you may!" + +It was the first time in David's life any one had ever said such a thing +to him. He sat back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an answer. It +put an end to their conversation for a while. Cragmore felt that his +sympathy had carried him to the point of giving offense. He was relieved +when Dr. Bascom beckoned him to share his seat. + +After a while, as the train sped on into the darkness, the passengers +subsided in to sleepy indifference. It seemed hours afterward when Mr. +Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying briskly, "Wake up, old +fellow, we are getting into Chattanooga." + +"Let us go in with banners flying," said Dr. Bascom. "I understand that +every car-full that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has come +singing." + +The lights of the city, twinkling through the car-windows, aroused the +sleepy passengers with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when they +steamed slowly into the crowded depot, it was as "pilgrims singing in +the night." + +In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. Marion lost sight of David. + +"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed tone. "I intended to ask +him to drive to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I wanted to +introduce him to you, Bethany." + +"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, Cousin Frank," she said, +as she followed him through the depot gates. "He may be very agreeable, +and all that, but he's a Jew, and I don't care to make his +acquaintance." + +The handle of the umbrella she was carrying came in collision with some +one behind her. + +"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in her gracious, high-bred way. + +The gentleman raised his hat. It was David Herschel. A stylish-looking +little school-girl was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded man, whom +she recognized as Major Herrick, was walking just behind him. They had +come down from the mountain to meet him, and take him to Lookout Inn. As +their eyes met, Bethany was positive that he had overheard her remark. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT." + + +BY some misunderstanding, Bethany and her cousins had been assigned to +different homes. + +"It is too late to make any change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they +left her. "We are only one block further up on this same street. We will +try to make some arrangement to-morrow to have you with us." + +Bethany followed her hostess into the wide reception-hall. One of the +most elegant homes of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, all as tired and +travel-stained as herself. + +During the introductions, Bethany mentally classified them as the most +uninteresting lot of people she had seen in a long time. + +"I believe you are the odd one of this party, Miss Hallam," said the +hostess, glancing over the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is one improvised for the +occasion; but you will probably be more comfortable here alone than in a +larger room with several others." + +It had never occurred to Bethany that she might have been asked to share +an apartment with some stranger, and she hastened to assure her hostess +of her appreciation of the little room, which, though very small indeed +compared with the great dimensions of the others, was quite comfortable +and attractive. + +"I have always been accustomed to being by myself," she said, "and it +makes no difference at all if it is so far away from the other +sleeping-rooms. I am not at all timid." + +Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, she realized that she had +never been so entirely alone before in all her life. Home seemed so very +far away. Her surroundings were so strange. Her extreme weariness +intensified her morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered such a +sensation coming to her one night in mid-ocean, but she had tapped on +her state-room wall, and her father had come to her immediately. Now she +might call a weary lifetime. No earthly voice could ever reach him. + +With a throbbing ache in her throat, and hot tears springing to her +eyes, she opened her valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out at her. She was kneeling +before them, with her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As she +gazed at them intently, a tear splashed down on her black dress. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she sobbed, passionately, "for God +to take everything! It would have been so easy for him to let me keep +them. How could he be so cruel? How could he take away all that made my +life worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?" + +She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm of sobbing. Presently she +looked up again at her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, very +like her own. It brought back all her happy childhood, that seemed +almost glorified now by the remembered halo of its devoted mother-love. + +The years had softened that grief, but it all came back to-night with +its old-time bitterness. + +The next face was little Jack's--a sturdy, wide-awake boy, with +mischievous dimples and laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he +had suffered since his accident, made her feel that she had lost him +also, in a way. The physician had assured her that he would be the same +vigorous, romping child again; but she found that hard to believe when +she thought of his present helpless condition. + +She pressed the next picture to her lips with trembling fingers, and +then looked lovingly into the eyes that seemed to answer her gaze with +one of steadfast, manly devotion. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she sobbed again. How it all came +back to her--the happy June-time of her engagement!--the summer days +when she dreamed of him, the summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the first bunch of violets he +brought her, to the judge's tender smile when she spread out all her +bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering lengths of the white, +trailing satin; such filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the telegram, and afterward +the darkened room, and the darker hour, when she groped her way to a +motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. O, how she had clung to the +cold hands, and kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in an +agony of despair! But as she turned, her father's strong arms were +folded about her, and his broken voice whispered comfort. + +The dear father! It had been doubly desolate since he had gone, too. + +Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her arms, she seemed to face a +future that was utterly hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, she felt +that there was absolutely no reason why she should go on living. + +The ticking of her watch reminded her that it was nearly midnight. In a +mechanical way, she got up and began to arrange her hair for the night. + +After she had extinguished the light, she pulled aside the curtain, and +looked out on the unfamiliar streets. + +The moon had come up. In the dim light the crest of old Lookout towered +grimly above the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms passed through +her mind: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh +my help." + +"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no help. God doesn't care. He +is too far away." + +As she went back to the bed, the words of the novice in Muloch's +"Benedetta Minelli" came to her: + + "O weary world, O heavy life, farewell! + Like a tired child that creeps into the dark + To sob itself asleep where none will mark, + So creep I to my silent convent cell." + +"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock myself away with my +memories, and not be obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not be so hard. How I dread +to-morrow, with its crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever come?" + +Next morning, the guests gathered out on the vine-covered piazza to +discuss their plans for the day. + +There were two theological students from Boston, a young doctor from +Texas, and the son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas farmer's +wife and her sister, a bright little schoolteacher from an Iowa village, +and three pretty Georgia girls, completed the party. + +Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering how they could be so +greatly interested in such things as the most direct car-line to +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to "do" the old +battle-grounds. + +The youngest Georgia girl was about her own age. She had made several +attempts to include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking her +reserve and indifference for haughtiness, turned to the Louisiana boy +with a remark about unsociable Northerners. + +Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, and she wondered, in a dull +way, how anybody could be light-hearted enough even to smile in such a +world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered that she had laughed +herself, the day before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It rather +puzzled her now to know how she could have done so. Her wakeful night +had left her unusually depressed. + +An open, two-seated carriage stopped at the gate. Mrs. Marion and George +Cragmore were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. Bascom sat with the +driver. Bethany had been waiting for them some time with her hat on, so +she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. Cragmore leaped over the wheel to +open the gate, and assist her to a seat between himself and Mrs. +Marion. + +They drove rapidly out towards Missionary Ridge. To Bethany's great +relief, neither of her companions seemed in a talkative mood. Mr. +Marion, who was an ardent Southerner, had been deep in a political +discussion with Dr. Bascom. As they stopped on the winding road, half +way up the ridge, to look down into the beautiful valley below, and +across to the purple summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long breath. +Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, "The work of His fingers! +What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, after a long silence: +"How insignificant our little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject." + +Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on every side, did not notice +Bethany's continued silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The fresh +air and brisk motion had somewhat aroused Bethany from her apathy. +First, she began to be interested in the constantly-changing view, and +then she noticed its effect on the erratic man beside her. + +From the time they commenced to ascend the ridge he had not spoken to +any one directly, but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if he were all alone; some of them +dreamily, some of them with startling force, and all with the slight +brogue he spoke so musically. + +"Every common bush afire with God," he murmured in an undertone, looking +at a dusty wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes. + +Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that if any other man of her +acquaintance had kept up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard him do it again after +that day. It seemed as if the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words that immortal pens had +made deathless. + +The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out to them from grassy orchards, +where the trees were bent over with their wealth of velvety, +sun-reddened fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had taken no notice of Bethany's +depression when she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature was +having on her sore heart. But she knew that he had seen it, when he +turned to her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as well as his +first one had the wayside weed. He half sang it, with a tender, wistful +smile, as he watched her face. + + "O the green things growing, the green things growing-- + The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing! + I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve, + Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing, + For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much, + With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing." + +Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had told him of all she had +suffered, or if he had guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that he +had not been told, but that he had divined it. Yet when they stopped on +the Chickamauga battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across the +rough fields like an overgrown boy, she thought of her cousin Ray's +remark, "They used to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered at the +contradictory phases his character presented. She saw him pause and lay +his hand reverently on the largest cannon, and then come running back +across the furrows with long, awkward jumps. + +"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?" asked Mr. Marion, in his +teasing way. "The idea of keeping us waiting while you were racing +across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun." + +"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, yet there was a flash in his +eyes that belied the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just wanted to lay my hands on +its dumb lips." He waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, but +they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day they spoke freedom to a race." + +He did not take his seat in the carriage for a while, but followed at a +little distance, ranging the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark of an old tree where the shells +had plowed deep scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush away the +leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any one but a true woodsman would +have passed with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare specimen up to +the carriage to ask its name. He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered. + +"It's a pity to tear them up, when they would wither in just a few +hours," he said; "the solitary places are so glad for them." + +"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, as he watched him break a +little sprig of cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree to put in +his card-case. "Sometimes he is the veriest clown; at others, a child +could not be more artless; and I have seen him a few times when he +seemed to be aroused into a spiritual giant. He fairly touched the +stars." + +Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive that she did not go to the +opening services in the big tent that afternoon. + +"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, when he came in after supper, +"and so did David Herschel." + +"Missed what?" inquired Bethany. + +"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. You know he is a Jew. +Such a broad, fraternal speech must have been a revelation to a great +many of his audience. I tell you, it was fine! You're going to-night, +aren't you, Bethany?" + +"No," she answered, "I want to save myself for the sunrise +prayer-meeting on the mountain to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all night to see." + +It was about two o'clock in the morning when they started up the +mountain by rail. The cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train lurched around sudden +curves. Notwithstanding the early hour, and the discomfort of their +position, they sang all the way up the mountain. + +"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me how these people can sing so +constantly. The last thing I heard last night before I went to sleep was +the electric street-car going past the house, with a regular hallelujah +chorus on board. Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? How can +they keep worked up to such a pitch all the time?" + +"You should have been at the tent last night, dear," answered Mrs. +Marion. "Then you would have gotten into the secret of it. There is an +inspiration in great numbers. The audiences we are having there are said +to be the greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our League at home +has been doing very faithful work, but I couldn't help wishing last +night that every member could have been present. To see ten thousand +faces lit up with the same interest and the same hope, to hear the +battle-cry, 'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled out in response +like a volley of ten thousand musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly awakened to the fact +that they were not fighting single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these were only the +advance-guard, for over a million young people are enlisted in the same +cause. Think of that, Bethany--a million leagued together just in +Methodism! Then, when you count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's Daughters and Sons, and +the Young Men's Christian Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought to revolutionize the +universe in the next decade." + +"Then you think it is an inspiration of the crowds that makes them sing +all the time," said Bethany. + +"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. "To be sure, it has something to do +with it; but to most of this vast number of young people, their religion +is not a sentiment to be fanned into spasmodic flame by some excitement. +It is a vital force, that underlies every thought and every act. They +will sing at home over their work, and all by themselves, just as +heartily as they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster Abbey, one +time, the profiles of John and Charles Wesley put side by side on the +same medallion. I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put the spirit of both brothers into its +daily life--that does not wing its sermons with its songs." + +Hundreds of people had already gathered on the brow of the mountain, +waiting the appointed hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a place where +nature had formed a great amphitheater of the rocks. They seated +themselves on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. They were +above the clouds. Such billows of mist rolled up and hid the sleeping +earth below that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless ocean. The +world and its petty turmoils were blotted out. There was only this one +gray peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. It was still and +solemn in the early light. They spoke together almost in whispers. + +"I can not believe that any man ever went up into a mountain to pray +without feeling himself drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said Dr. +Bascom. + +Frank Marion looked around on the assembled crowds, and then said +slowly: + +"Once a little band of five hundred met the risen Lord on a +mountain-side in Galilee, and were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am +with you alway!' Think what they accomplished, and then think of the +thousands here this morning that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! There ought to be a wonderful +work accomplished for the Master this year." + +Cragmore, who had walked away a little distance from the rest, and was +watching the eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight. + +"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a child, and yet with the +appreciation of a poet shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea." + +He pointed to the long bars of light spreading like great flaming +pinions above the horizon. The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven and +a new earth. In the solemn hush of the sunrise, a voice began to sing, +"Nearer, my God, to thee." + +It was as in the days of the old temple. They had left the outer courts +and passed up into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain of cloud +seemed to shut them in, till in that high Holy of Holies they stood face +to face with the Shekinah of God's presence. + +Bethany caught her breath. There had been times before this when, +carried along by the impetuous eloquence of some sermon or prayer, every +fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. In her childlike +reaching out towards spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses of +the Fatherhood of God. She had gone to him with every experience of her +young life, just as naturally and freely as she had to her earthly +father. But when beside the judge's death-bed she pleaded for his life +to be spared to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals met no +response, she turned away in rebellious silence. "She would pray no more +to a dumb heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been vain. + +Now, as she listened to songs and prayers and testimony, she began to +feel the power that emanated from them,--the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known him before: the Father +revealed through the Son. + +Below, the mists began to roll away until the hidden valley was revealed +in all its morning loveliness. But how small it looked from such a +height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver thread. The outlying forests +dwindled to thickets. + +Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll away from her spiritual +vision, and she saw her life in relation to the eternities. Self +dwindled out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no childish +questioning of Divine purposes. The blind Bartimeus by the wayside, +hearing the cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping his way +towards "the Light of the world," was no surer of his dawning vision +than Bethany, as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. She +saw not only the glory of the June sunrise; for her the "Sun of +righteousness had arisen, with healing in his wings." + +People seemed loath to go when the services were over. They gathered in +little groups on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from one point +of view to another, drinking in the rare beauty of the morning. + +Bethany walked on without speaking. She was a little in advance of the +others, and did not notice when the rest of her party were stopped by +some acquaintances. Absorbed in her own thoughts, she turned aside at +Prospect Point, and walked out to the edge. As she looked down over the +railing, the refrain of one of the songs that had been sung so +constantly during the last few days, unconsciously rose to her lips. She +hummed it softly to herself, over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day." + +So oblivious was she of all surroundings that she did not hear Frank +Marion's quick step behind her. He had come to tell her they were going +down the mountain by the incline. + +"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" The words came softly, almost +under her breath; but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred to bring any song to her +lips. + +"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean it, child? Has the light come?" + +The face that she turned towards him was radiant. She could find no +words wherewith to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her hands +in his, and the tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, with a tremor in his strong voice. +"It is what I have been praying for. Now you see why I urged you to +come. I knew what a mountain-top of transfiguration this would be." + +Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, David Herschel had looked around +with great curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was only a little +distance from the inn, and he had come down hoping to discover the real +motive that had brought these people together from such vast distances. +He wondered what power their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour. + +He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity of the sunrise. He felt, +too, the uplifting power of the old hymn, that song drawn from the +experience of Jacob at Bethel, that seemed to lift every heart nearer to +the Eternal. + +He was deeply stirred as the leader began to speak of the mountain +scenes of the Bible, of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount Zion with its thousand +hallowed memories. So far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, of Calvary, or of +Olivet. + +He had never heard such prayers as the ones that followed. Although +there can be found no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions of Jehovah, than are +bound in the rituals of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the heart +were a revelation to him. + +There came again the fulfillment of the deathless words, "And I, if I be +lifted up, will draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly Nazarene was +lifted up that morning in that great gathering of his people! How his +name was exalted! All up and down old Lookout Mountain, and even across +the wide valley of the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer. + +When the testimony service began, David turned from one speaker to +another. What had they come so far to tell? From every State in the +Union, from Canada, and from foreign shores, they brought only one +story--"Behold the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, the young Jew's +heart was strangely drawn to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a converted Jew. I was +brought to Christ by a little girl--a member of the Junior League. I +have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and fortune, but +I have gained so much that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated my life to his +service." + +David changed his position in order to get a better view of the speaker. +He scrutinized him closely. He studied his face, his dress, even his +attitude, to determine, if possible, the character of this new witness. +He saw a man of medium height, broad forehead, and firm mouth over which +drooped a heavy, dark mustache. There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were large, dark, and +magnetic, met David's with a steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment. + +With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to probe this man with +questions. As he went back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his +history, and find what had induced him to turn away from the faith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +AN EPWORTH JEW. + + +NEARLY every northern-bound mail-train, since Bethany's arrival in +Chattanooga, had carried something home to Jack--a paper, a postal, +souvenirs from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. Knowing how +eagerly he watched for the postman's visits, she never let a day pass +without a letter. Saturday morning she even missed part of the services +at the tent in order to write to him. + +"I have just come back from Grant University," she wrote. "Cousin Frank +was so interested in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise meeting yesterday, +because he said a little Junior League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview with him. His name is +Lessing. Cousin Frank asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I haven't time now to give all the +details, but will tell them to you when I come home." + +Bethany had been intensely interested in the man's story. They sat out +on one of the great porches of the university, with the mountains in +sight. They had drawn their chairs aside to a cool, shady corner, where +they would not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly passing +in and out. + +"It is for the children you want my story," he said; "so they must know +of my childhood. It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the strictest +of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully trained in the observances +of the law. He taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence to all +the customs of the synagogue." + +Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as he told many interesting +incidents of his early home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store in St. Elmo, at the foot +of Mount Lookout. He was very fond of children, and made friends with +all who came into the store. There was one little girl, a fair, +curly-haired child, who used to come oftener than the others. She grew +to love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion, often talked to him of +the Junior League, in which she was deeply interested. + +Her distress when she discovered that he did not love Christ was +pitiful. She insisted so on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon worried him all day. +It had been announced that the evening service would be a continuation +of the same subject. He went at night, and was so impressed with the +truth of what he heard, that when the child came for him to go to +prayer-meeting with her the next week, he did not refuse. + +Towards the close of the service the minister asked if any one present +wished to pray for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. Lessing, and +to his great embarrassment began to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother +Lessing!" was all she said, but she repeated it over and over with such +anxious earnestness, that it went straight to his heart. + +He dropped on his knees beside her, and began praying for himself. It +was not long until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing the +Christ he had been taught to despise. In the enthusiasm of this +new-found happiness he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly refused to listen. For +months she berated and ridiculed him. When she found that not only were +tears and arguments of no avail, but that he felt he must consecrate his +life to the ministry, she declared she would leave him. He sold the +store, and gave her all it brought; and she went back to her family in +Florida. + +In order to prepare for the ministry he entered the university, working +outside of study hours at anything he could find to do. In the meantime +he had written to his parents, knowing how greatly they would be +distressed, yet hoping their great love would condone the offense. + +His father's answer was cold and businesslike. He said that no disgrace +could have come to him that could have hurt him so deeply as the +infidelity of his trusted son. If he would renounce this false faith for +the true faith of his fathers, he would give him forty thousand dollars +outright, and also leave him a legacy of the same amount. But should he +refuse the offer, he should be to him as a stranger--the doors of both +his heart and his house should be forever barred against him. + +His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the pictures of all the family, +whom he had not seen for several years. Their faces called up so many +happy memories of the past that they pleaded more eloquently than words. +It was a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding him of all +they had been to each other, and begging him for her sake to come back +to the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: "If you insist on +clinging to this false Christ, whom we have taught you to despise, the +heart of your father and of your mother must be closed against you, and +you must be thrust out from us forever with our curse upon you." + +He knew it was the custom. He had been present once when the awful +anathema was hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing every right +from the outlaw, living or dead. He knew that his grave would be dug in +the Jewish cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would read the rites of +burial over his empty coffin, and that henceforth his only part in the +family life would be the blot of his disgraceful memory. + +He spread the pictures and the letters on the desk before him. A cold +perspiration broke out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by one he took up the photographs of +his brothers and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, and laid them +aside; then his father's, with its strong, proud face. He put that away, +too. + +At last he picked up his mother's picture. She looked straight out at +him, with such a world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, with +such trustful devotion, as if she knew he could not resist the appeal, +that he turned away his head. The trial seemed greater than he could +bear. He was trembling with the force of it. Then he looked again into +the dear, patient face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It was the +same old mother who had nursed him, who had loved him, who had borne +with his waywardness and forgiven him always. He seemed to feel the soft +touch of her lips on his forehead as she bent over to give him a +goodnight kiss. All that she had ever done for him came rushing through +his memory so overwhelmingly that he broke down utterly, and began to +sob like a child. "O, I can't give her up," he groaned. "My dear old +mother! I can't grieve her so!" + +All that morning he clung to her picture, sometimes walking the floor in +his agony, sometimes falling on his knees to pray. "God in heaven have +pity," he cried. "That a man should have to choose between his mother +and his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more long look at the +picture, laid it reverently away with shaking hands. He had surrendered +everything. + +He did not tell all this to his sympathizing listeners. They could read +part of the pathos of that struggle in his face, part in the voice that +trembled occasionally, despite his strong effort to control it. + +Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his own gentle mother in the old +homestead among the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought of the great +pillar of strength her unfaltering faith had been to him, of how from +boyhood it had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, of how much he +had always depended upon her love and her prayers, his sympathies were +stirred to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's hand in his +strong grasp. + +"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently. + +Bethany turned her head aside, and looked away into the hazy distances. +She knew what it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that bound her +best beloved to her. She knew what it was to have only pictured faces to +look into, and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. The +question flashed into her mind, could she have made the voluntary +surrender that he had made? She put it from her with a throb of shame +that she was glad that she had not been so tested. + +Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing down the steps, recognized him, +and called back: + +"What time does your speech come on the program, Frank? I understand you +are to hold forth to-day." + +Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a moment, to speak to his friend. + +Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while she drew unmeaning dots and +dashes over the cover of her note-book. + +Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did you ever speak to a Jew about +your Savior?" he asked, with such startling directness, that Bethany was +confused. + +"No," she said, hesitatingly. + +"Why?" he asked. + +He was looking at her with a penetrating gaze that seemed to read her +thoughts. + +"Really," she answered, "I have never considered the question. I am not +very well acquainted with any, for one reason; besides, I would have +felt that I was treading on forbidden grounds to speak to a Jew about +religion. They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched in their +beliefs, so proof against argument, that it would be both a useless and +thankless undertaking." + +"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," he answered, "but nobody is +proof against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss Hallam, it seems a +terrible thing to me. The Church will make sacrifices, will cross the +seas, will overcome almost any obstacle to send the gospel to China or +to Africa, anywhere but to the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I +know there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here and there through +the large cities, and a few earnest souls are devoting their entire +energy to the work. But suppose every Christian in the country became an +evangel to the little community of Jews within the radius of his +influence. Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual effort were made +to show them Christ, with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the old +story' to the Hottentots. What would be the result? O, if I had waited +for a grown person to speak to me about it, I might have waited until +the day of my death. I was restless. I was dissatisfied. I felt that I +needed something more than my creed could give me. For what is Judaism +now? I read an answer not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been possible; a religion of +the Passover and the Day of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two +millenniums, no lamb has been slain and no atonement offered; a +sacerdotal religion, with only the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of +a temple which has no temple more; its altar is quenched, its ashes +scattered, no longer kindling any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any +hope.'[A] No man ever took me by the hand and told me about the peace I +have now. No man ever shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the blessed guiding influence +of a little child, my hungry heart might still be crying out +unsatisfied." + +He went on to repeat several conversations he had had with men of his +own race, to show her how this indifference of Christians was reckoned +against them as a glaring inconsistency by the Jews. Almost as if some +one had spoken the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, "I +was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in. Inasmuch as ye did it +not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me." + +Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation of that Scripture had +always been in a temporal sense. More than once, when a child, she had +watched her mother feed some poor beggar, with the virtuous feeling that +that condemnation could not apply to the Hallam family. But now +Lessing's impassioned appeal had awakened a different thought. Who so +hungered as those who, reaching out for bread, grasped either the stones +of a formal ritualism or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? Who +such "strangers within the gates" of the nations as this race without a +country? From the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of Babylon, from +the Ghetto of Rome to the fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been driven--exiles and +aliens. The New World had welcomed them. The New World had opened all +its avenues to them. Only from the door of Christian society had they +turned away, saying, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in." + +In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart went out in an earnest +prayer: "O God, in the great day of thy judgment, let not that +condemnation be mine. Only send me some opportunity, show me some way +whereby I may lead even one of the least among them to the world's +Redeemer!" + +Mr. Marion came back from his interview, looking at his watch as he did +so. It was so near time for services to begin at the tent, that he did +not resume his seat. + +"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," said Bethany, holding out her +hand as she bade him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before I go, what +an impression this conversation has made upon me. It has aroused an +earnest desire to be the means of carrying the hope that comforts me, +to some one among your people." + +"You will succeed," he said, looking into her earnest upturned face. +Then he added softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an olden +day--"Peace be unto you." + +All that day, after the sunrise meeting, David Herschel had been with +Major Herrick, going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. A monument was to be erected on +the spot where nearly all the major's men had fallen in one of the most +hotly-contested battles of the war. He had come down to help locate the +place. + +"It's a very different reception they are giving us now," remarked the +major, as they drove through the city. + +Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. Every street +gleamed with the white and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South. + +"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests royally; people of every +denomination, and of no faith at all, are vying with each other to show +the kindliest hospitality. We are missing it by being at the hotel. I +told Mrs. Herrick and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?" + +"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity was satisfied this +morning. I'll go on up to the inn. I have a letter to write." + +The major laughed. + +"It's a letter that has to be written every day, isn't it?" he said, +banteringly. "Well, I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was young +myself once. Conferences aren't to be taken into account at all when a +billet-doux needs answering." + +The next day David kept Marta with him as much as possible. He could see +that she was becoming greatly interested, and catching much of Albert +Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy was a great League worker, and attended +every meeting. + +David took Marta a long walk over the mountain paths. They sat on the +wide, vine-hung veranda of the inn, and read together. Then, as it was +their Sabbath, he took her up to his room, and read some of the ritual +of the day, trying to arouse in her some interest for the old customs of +their childhood. + +To his great dismay, he found that she had drifted away from him. She +was not the yielding child she had been, whom he had been able to +influence with a word. + +She showed a disposition to question and contend, that annoyed him. The +rabbi was right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences. + +It was with a feeling of relief that he woke Sunday morning to hear the +rain beating violently against the windows. He was glad on her account +that the storm would prevent them going down into the city. But toward +evening the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began to insist on going +down to the night service in the tent. + +"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss it +for anything." + +"Neither would I," responded Marta. "There is something so inspiring in +all that great chorus of voices." + +When David found that his sister really intended to go, notwithstanding +his remonstrances, and that the family were waiting for her in the hall +below, he made no further protest, but surprised her by taking his hat, +and tucking her hand in his arm. + +"Then I will go with you, little sister," he said. "I want to have as +much of your company as possible during my short visit." + +Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, +divined David's purpose in keeping his sister so close. He lifted his +eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his mother's wraps, leaving +Frances to follow with the major. + +The tent was crowded when they reached it. They succeeded with great +difficulty in obtaining several chairs in one of the aisles. + +"Herschel and I will go back to the side," said Albert. "The audience +near the entrance is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the first +vacant seat; some will be sure to get tired and go out before long. They +always do." + +It was the first time David had been in the tent, and he was amazed at +the enormous audience. He leaned against one of the side supports, +watching the people, still intent on crowding forward. Suddenly his look +of idle curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He recognized the +face of the Jew who had attracted him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing slowly towards him. + +Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd at the door pushed harder. The +fresh impetus jostled them almost off their feet, and in the crush +Lessing was caught and held directly in front of David. Some magnetic +force in the eyes of each held the gaze of the other for a moment. Then +Lessing, recognizing the common bond of blood, smiled. + +That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," had sounded in David's ears +ever since it first startled him. He felt confident that the man was +laboring under some strong delusion, and he wished that he might have an +opportunity to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him back to the +old faith. + +Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was irresistible, he laid his hand +on the stranger's arm. + +"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, and in a low tone. "Come +this way. I will not detain you long." + +He drew him out of the press into one of the side aisles, and thence +towards the exit. + +"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he asked; "I want to ask you +several questions." + +Lessing complied quietly. + +The sound of a cornet followed them with the pleading notes of an old +hymn. It was like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding a call to +prayer. Then the singing began. Song after song rolled out on the night +air across the common to a street where two men paced back and forth in +the darkness. They were arm in arm. David was listening to the same +story that Bethany and Frank Marion had heard the day before. He could +not help but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so earnest, his faith +was so sure. When he was through, David was utterly silenced. The +questions with which he had intended to probe this man's claims were +already answered. + +"We might as well go back," he said at last. As they walked slowly +towards the tent, he said: "I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that you are under the spell of +some mysterious power that deludes you." + +Just as they passed within the tent, the cornet sounded again, the +great congregation rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one: + + "All hail the power of Jesus' name, + Let angels prostrate fall!" + +The sight was a magnificent one; the sound like an ocean-beat of praise. +Lessing seized David's arm. + +"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not only does it uplift all these +thousands you see here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was known among men. Could he +transform lives to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his power +were a delusion? What has brought them all these miles, if not this same +power? Look at the class of people who have been duped, as you call it." +He pointed to the platform. "Bishops, college presidents, editors, men +of marked ability and with world-wide reputation for worth and +scholarship." + +At the close of the hymn some one moved over, and made room for David on +one of the benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. David listened +to all that was said with a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon +began. The bishop's opening words caught his attention, and echoed in +his memory for months afterward. + +"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, and as he appeared to him when +he did not believe in him--when he despised him. Then he also knew +Christ after his surrender to him; after Christ had entered into his +life, and changed the character of his being; after new meanings of life +and destiny filled his horizon, after the Divine tenderness filled to +completeness his nature; then was he in possession of a knowledge of +Christ, of an experience of his presence and of his love that was a +benediction to him, and has through the centuries since that hour been a +blessing to men wherever the gospel has been preached. + +"It is such a man speaking in this text. A man with a singularly strong +mind, well disciplined, with great will-power; a man with a great +ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as ever tabernacled in flesh and +blood. He proclaimed everywhere that, if need be, he was ready to die +for the principles out of which had come to him a new life, and which +had brought to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming in +happiness, that he was led to do and undertake what he knew would lead +at the last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? Hear him: 'For the love +of Christ constraineth us.'" + +There was a testimony service following the sermon. As David watched the +hundreds rising to declare their faith, he wondered why they should thus +voluntarily come forward as witnesses. Then the text seemed to repeat +itself in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth us!" + +He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. He was glad when the +conference was at an end; when the decorations were taken down from the +streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible enthusiasts went singing +out of the city. + +Albert Herrick went to the seashore that week. David proposed taking +Marta home with him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced by +the whole family that he quietly dropped the subject, and went back to +Rabbi Barthold alone. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Archdeacon Farrar. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"TRUST." + + "Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the thin air + of life's supremer heights. We can not make each meal + a sacrament."--Lowell. + + +IT had seemed to Bethany, in the experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel despondent again; but away from the +uplifting influences of the place, back among the painful memories of +the old home, she fought as hard a fight with her returning doubts as +ever Christian did in his Valley of Humiliation. + +For a week since her return the weather had been intensely warm. It made +Jack irritable, and sapped her own strength. + +There came a day when everything went wrong. She had practiced her +shorthand exercises all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill much larger than she had +expected. While he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse. Then Jack upset a +little cut-glass vase that was standing on the table beside him. It was +broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a +borrowed book that would have to be replaced. + +About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. He had brought a new kind of +brace that he wanted tried. + +"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but it is very expensive." + +Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak +that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. She could +not see where all the money they needed was to come from. + +"It's too small," said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace. +"The size larger will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning." + +He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold. + +"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. "It is so oppressively sultry." + +It was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden +windstorm that came up with terrific force. The trees in the avenue were +lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth. Huge +limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and +hanging. It was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, +that suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off the bushes, their +pink petals scattered over the soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves. + +As night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, +dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house. + +"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" inquired Jack. "Let's have a +fire in the library and eat supper there to-night." + +Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's favorite room in the winter, +on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned tiling. +She rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in +the big arm-chair to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, and presently the +flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship. + +"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection +of the fire in the garden outside. "Don't you remember what you read me +in 'Snowbound?' + + 'Under the tree, + When fire outdoors burns merrily, + There the witches are making tea.' + +This would be a fine night for witch stories. The wind makes such queer +noises in the chimney. Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful ones +we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones." + +As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, when Bethany had tucked +him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the +queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on +such a grewsome subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her +soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted +to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her. + +The judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when +he had been near enough to do it for her. But his love had made him +short-sighted. In shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was +only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come +when he was no longer with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon. + +"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, "that you would try to teach +drawing or watercolors, or something. You have spent so much time on +your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work. Then those +little dinner-cards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful. I am +sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you +orders." + +"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; "I must have something +that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on. +While I have painted some very acceptable things, I never was cut out +for a teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in which I can never be +more than third-rate. I've decided to study stenography. I am sure I can +master that, and command a first-class position. I have heard papa +complain a great many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really good +stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt the work, such a small per +cent are really proficient enough to undertake court reporting." + +"You're just like your father," said Mrs. Marion. "Uncle Richard would +never be anything if he couldn't be uppermost." + +It had been nearly a year since that conversation. Bethany had +persevered in her undertaking until she felt confident that she had +accomplished her purpose. She was ready for any position that offered, +but there seemed to be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in the bank +was dwindling away with frightful rapidity. She was afraid to encroach +on it any further, but the bills had to be met constantly. + +Presently she drew her chair over to the library table, and spread out +her check-book and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look over the +accounts for the month just ended. Then she made a list of the probable +expenses of the next two months. The contrast between their needs and +their means was appalling. + +"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, in a distressed whisper. "When +the first of September comes, there will be nothing left but to sell +the old home and go away somewhere to a strange place." + +The prospect of leaving the dear old place, that had grown to seem +almost like a human friend, was the last drop that made the day's cup of +misery overflow. The old doubt came back. + +"I wonder if God really cares for us in a temporal way?" she asked +herself. + +The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack had been so interested in, +recurred to her. Many of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. God had not interfered in +their behalf, she told herself. Why should he trouble himself about her? + +She went back to her seat by the fender, and, with her chin resting in +her hand, looked drearily into the embers, as if they could answer the +question. She heard some one come up on the porch and ring the bell. It +was Dr. Trent's quick, imperative summons. + +"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, as she ushered him into the +library. "Well, it makes no difference; you know how to adjust the +brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all day with that on." + +He gave an appreciative glance around the cheerful room, and spread his +hands out towards the fire. + +"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, rubbing them together. "I +wish I could stay and enjoy it with you. I have just come in from a long +drive, and must answer another call away out in the country. You'd be +surprised to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night." + +"I venture you never stopped at the boarding-house at all," answered +Bethany, "and that you have not had a mouthful to eat since noon. I am +going to get you something. Yes, I shall," she insisted, in spite of his +protestations. Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung on the crane +to-night, so that he could hear it sing as he used to. "The water is +boiling, and you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time." + +Before he could answer, she was out of the room, and beyond the reach of +his remonstrance. He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray head +back on the cushions, wearily closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when +Bethany came back. + +"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. "I was quite +exhausted by the intense heat of this morning. These sudden changes of +temperature are bad for one." + +"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the heavy tray she carried, "you +have brought me a regular feast. You ought not to have put yourself to +such trouble for an old codger used to boarding-house fare." + +"All the more reason why you should have a change once in a while," said +Bethany, gayly, as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot. + +The sight of the doctor's face as she entered the room had almost +brought the tears. It looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, or how deeply his face was lined. + +He had been such an intimate friend of her father's that she had grown +up with the feeling that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle Doctor" until she was nearly +grown. He had been so thoughtful and kind during all her troubles, and +especially in Jack's illness, that she longed to show her appreciation +by some of the tender little ministrations of which his life was so +sadly bare. + +"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, as he stretched his +feet towards the fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I didn't +realize I was so tired until I sat down, or so hungry until I began to +eat." Then he added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside until I +feel the cheer of others'." + +The doubts that had been making Bethany miserable all evening, and that +she had forgotten in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back with +renewed force. + +"Does God really care?" she asked herself again. Here was this man, one +of the best she had ever known, left to stumble along under the weight +of a living sorrow, the things he cared for most, denied him. + +"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," she had heard her father +say. + +There were two things he held dearer than life--the honor of the old +family name that had come down to him unspotted through generations, and +his little home-loving wife. For fifteen years he had experienced as +much of the happiness of home-life as a physician with a large practice +can know. Then word came to him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then taken his own life, +leaving nothing but the memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He had +borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting old aunt, and left her +almost penniless. + +When Dr. Trent recovered from the first shock of the discovery, he +quietly set to work to wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could eradicate at least that much +of the stain on the family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, for another trial, worse than +the first, had come to weaken his strength and dispel his courage. + +The idolized little wife became affected by some nervous malady that +resulted in hopeless insanity. + +Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's daughter, a little +brown-eyed child of her own age. She could remember playing +hide-and-seek with her one day in an old peony-garden. But she had died +years ago. There was only one other child--Lee. He had grown to be a +big boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel his mother's loss at +the time she was taken away. Bethany knew that she was still living in a +private asylum near town, and that the doctor saw her every day, no +matter how violent she was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he saw very little of the +boy. The child had never known any home but a boarding-house, and was as +lawless and unrestrained as some little wild animal. But the doctor saw +no fault in him. He praised the reports brought home from school of high +per cents in his studies, knowing nothing of his open defiance to +authority. He kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow next his +own when he came in late at night, never dreaming of the forbidden +places it had been during the day. + +Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's a pity that Lee is such a +little terror;" but no one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of all this moved Bethany to +sudden speech. + +"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously--she had unconsciously used +the old name--as she sat down on a low stool near his knee, "I was +piling up my troubles to-night before you came. Not the old ones," she +added, quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy cross his face, +"but the new ones that confront me." + +She gave a mournful little smile. + +"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' you know, and these shadows +look so dark and threatening. I see no possible way but to sell this +home. You have had so much to bear yourself that it seems mean to worry +you with my troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I don't know +what's the matter with me--" + +She stopped abruptly, and choked back a sob. He laid his hand softly on +her shining hair. + +"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a soothing tone. Then he +added, lightly, "I can't make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms." + +When he had heard her little outburst of worry and distrust, he said, +slowly: + +"You have done all in your power to prepare yourself for a position as +stenographer. You have done all you could to secure such a position, and +have been unsuccessful. But you still have a roof over your head, you +still have enough on hands to keep you two months longer without selling +the house or even renting it--an arrangement that has not seemed to +occur to you." He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It strikes me +that a certain little lass I know has been praying, 'Give us this day +our to-morrow's bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn to trust?" + +"But isn't it right for me to be anxious about providing some way to +keep the house?" she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray for the +future? You can't realize how it would hurt me to give up this place." + +"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You forget I have been called on +to make just such a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may not think me much of a +Christian. They rarely see me in Church--my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for me to speak of these sacred +things, unless it is when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know how to trust. No matter how +he has hurt me, I have been able to hang on to his promises, and say, +'All right, Lord. The case is entirely in your hands. Amputate, if it is +necessary; cut to the very heart, if you will. You know what is best.'" + +He pushed the long tray of dishes farther on the table, and, rising +suddenly, walked over to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a well-worn book. + +"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. "I want to read you a passage +that caught my eyes in here once. I remember showing it to your father." + +He turned the pages rapidly till he found the place. Then seating +himself by the lamp again, he began to read: + +"It came to my mind a week or two ago, so full an' sweet an' precious +that I can hardly think of anything else. It was during them cold, +northeast winds; these winds had made my cough very bad, an' I was shook +all to bits, and felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, an' +once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put down her work, an' looked at +me till her eyes filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?' She was making a warm +little petticoat for the little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took +hold of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' She held it up +without a word; her heart was too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' +I says. 'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable it will keep her! +Does she know about it yet?' + +"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said the wife, wondering. 'What +should she know about it for?' + +"I waited another minute, an' then I said: 'What a wonderful mother you +must be, wifie, to think about the little maid like that!' + +"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be more like wonderful if I forgot +that the cold weather was a-coming, and that the little maid would be +a-wanting something warm.' + +"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, and Frankie smiled. 'O +wife,' says I, 'do you think that you be going to take care o' the +little maid like that an' your Father in heaven be a-going to forget you +altogether? Come now (bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as you +are! An' do you think that he'd see the winter coming up sharp and cold, +an' not have something waiting for you, an' just what you want, too? +An' I know, dear wifie, that you wouldn't like to hear the little maid +go a-fretting, and saying: "There the cold winter be a-coming, an' +whatever shall I do if my mother should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt +an' grieved that she should doubt you like that. She knows that you care +for her, an' what more does she need to know? That's enough to keep her +from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that you +have need of all these things." That be put down in his book for you, +wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you grieve an' hurt him when you go +to fretting about the future, an' doubting his love.'" + +Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into his listener's thoughtful +eyes. + +"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson I have learned. Nothing is +withheld that we really need. Sometimes I have thought that I was tried +beyond my power of endurance, but when His hand has fallen the heaviest, +His infinite fatherliness has seemed most near; and often, when I least +expected it, some great blessing has surprised me. I have learned, after +a long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly in His hands, he +is far kinder to us than we would be to ourselves. + + 'Always hath the daylight broken, + Always hath he comfort spoken, + Better hath he been for years + Than my fears.' + +I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, Though he slay me, yet +will I trust him." + +The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes as she listened. Now she +hastily brushed them aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had caught a gleam of sunshine in +the midst of an April shower. + +"You have brushed away my last doubt and foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she +exclaimed. "Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares." + +The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour chime, and he rose to +go. + +"You have beguiled me into staying much longer than I intended," he +answered. "What will my poor patients in the country think of such a +long delay?" + +"Tell them you have been opening blind eyes," she said, gravely. +"Indeed, Uncle Doctor, the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, strengthens my faith more +than you can imagine." + +At the hall door he turned and took both her hands in his: + +"There is another thing to remember," he said. "You are only called on +to live one day at a time. One can endure almost any ache until sundown, +or bear up under almost any load if the goal is in sight. Travel only to +the mile-post you can see, my little maid. Don't worry about the ones +that mark the to-morrows." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE. + + "Sunshine and hope are comrades." + + +THE early morning light streaming into Bethany's room, aroused her to a +vague consciousness of having been in a storm the night before. Then she +remembered the garden roses beaten to earth by the hail, and the flood +of doubt and perplexity that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems confronted her; but they did +not assume such gigantic proportions in the light of this new day, with +its infinite possibilities. + +All the time she was dressing she heard Jack singing lustily in the next +room. He was impatient to try the new brace, and paused between solos to +exhort her to greater haste. She knelt just an instant by the low +window-seat. The prayer she made was one of the shortest she had ever +uttered, and one of the most heartfelt: "Give me this day my daily +bread." That was all; yet it included everything--strength, courage, +temporal help, disappointments or blessings--anything the dear Father +saw she needed in her spiritual growth. When she arose from her knees, +it was with a feeling of perfect security and peace. No matter what the +day might bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be thankful. + +About an hour after breakfast she wheeled Jack to a front window. It was +growing very warm again. + +"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this brace on," he said. "If +you like, I'll help you practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic speed by dictating +rapid sentences. He read too slowly to be of any service that way, but +he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he could repeat with amazing +rapidity. + +"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can make a speech as fast as I +can say the piece about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked when he +first proposed such dictation; "and I can say the 'Peter Piper picked a +peck of pickled peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy." + +Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as the boy's tongue, when they +heard a cheery voice in the hall. + +"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have felt all morning that something +nice was going to happen, and now it has." Then he called out in a +tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way +comes.'" + +"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as she appeared in the doorway. "I +think he is decidedly better, Bethany; you need not worry about him any +longer." + +She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a great yellow pear in his +lap. + +"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when Bethany insisted on taking +her hat. "I am to entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, and +Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually long list of the 'sick and in +prison' kind to look after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that ought to be attended +to." + +She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan. + +"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly. + +"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes +shine." + +"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will +impress Bethany." + +She plunged into the subject abruptly. + +"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live." + +"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? +O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give +up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers." + +"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your +mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I +am sure." + +"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do +such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to +speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house." + +"I did. They married brothers, Joe and Ralph Courtney, who were both +killed in the late war. They have been widows for over thirty years, +you see. They are just the dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember them. I did not know they +were in the city until last night. But just as soon as I heard that they +had come to stay, and wanted to go to housekeeping, I thought of you +immediately. I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went over to see +them in all that rain." + +"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, as Mrs. Marion paused. + +She gave a quick glance around the room. She felt sick and faint, now +that the prospect of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she felt that, +since it had been unsolicited, there must be something providential in +the sending of such an opportunity. + +"O, they will be only too glad to come," resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you +are willing. They remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, and +we planned it all out beautifully. Since Jack's accident you sleep +down-stairs anyhow. You could keep the library and the two smaller rooms +back of it, and may be a couple of rooms up-stairs. They would take the +rest of the house, and board you and Jack for the rent. Your bread and +butter would be assured in that way. They are model housekeepers, and +such a comfortable sort of bodies to have around, that I couldn't +possibly think of a nicer arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than taking care of this big +house." + +"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl could gasp. Her voice faltered +from sheer gladness. "You can't imagine what a load you have lifted from +me. I love every inch of this place, every stone in its old gray walls. +I couldn't bear to think of giving it up. And, just to think! last +night, at the very time I was most despondent, the problem was being +solved. I can never thank you enough." + +"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she rose to go. "No thanks are due +me, child. And Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody still calls +them, are just as anxious for such an arrangement as you can possibly +be. They'll be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite anxious to +get settled. They have roamed about the world so long they begin to feel +that 'there's no place like home.' Jack, they've been in China and +Africa and the South Sea Islands. Think of the charming tales in store +for you!" + +"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when she came back into the room +after walking to the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines as if +there was a light inside of you." + +"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, giving him an ecstatic hug. "I +am so very happy! It seems too good to be true." + +"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems +to me she is always busy doing something for somebody. She never has a +minute for herself. I remember, when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them wanted something. Why do you +suppose they all went to her? Did she tell them they might?" + +"Jack, do you remember the plant you had in your window last winter?" +she replied. "No matter how many times I turned the jar that held it, +the flower always turned around again towards the sun. People are the +same way, dear. They unconsciously spread out their leaves towards those +who have help and comfort to give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking." + +"She makes me think of that verse in 'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar +and spice and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?" + +"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. "Lowell has described her: + + 'So circled lives she with love's holy light, + That from the shade of self she walketh free.'" + +"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, with a puzzled expression. + +She explained it, and he repeated it over and over, until he had it +firmly fixed in his mind. + +Then they went back to the dictation exercises. It was almost dark when +they had another caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door on his way home +to dinner. + +"I have good news for you, Bethany," he said, with his face aglow with +eager sympathy. "Did Ray tell you?" + +"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've been on a mountain-top all day +because of it." + +"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, hastily. "It's better than that. I +mean about Porter & Edmunds." + +"I don't see how anything could be better than the news she brought," +said Bethany. + +"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see their new law-office to-day. +They have just moved into the Clifton Block. They have an elegant place. +As I looked around, making mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. I asked him if he +needed a stenographer. It was a random shot, for I had no idea they did. +The young man they have has been there so long, I considered him a +fixture. To my surprise he told me the fellow is going into business for +himself, and the place will be open next week. I told him I could fill +it for him to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to give you the +refusal of it until to-morrow noon. I leave to-night on a business-trip, +or I would take you over and introduce you." + +"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. "I know Mr. Edmunds very +well. He was a warm friend of papa's." + +Then she added, impulsively: + +"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a dark place that I couldn't see +my hand before my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I was ready +to give up, and now the way has grown so plain and easy, all at once, I +feel that I must be living in a dream." + +"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. "Why +didn't you come to me with your troubles? Remember I am always glad to +smooth the way for you, just as much as lies in my power." + +When he had gone, Bethany crept away into the quiet twilight of the +library, and, kneeling before the big arm-chair, laid her head in its +cushioned seat. + +"O Father," she whispered, "I am so ashamed of myself to think I ever +doubted thee for one single moment. Forgive me, please, and help me +through every hour of every day to trust unfalteringly in thy great love +and goodness." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER. + + +THERE was so much to be done next morning, setting the rooms all in +order for the critical inspection of Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, +that Bethany had little time to think of the dreaded interview with +Porter & Edmunds. + +She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered piazza, and brought +him a pile of things for him to amuse himself with in her absence. + +"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything else," she said. "I will +be back before the sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe in +less than an hour." + +He caught at her dress with a detaining grasp, and a troubled look came +over his face. + +"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do get that place, will I have +to stay here all day by myself?" + +"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel you around the garden, and wait +on you; and I will think of all sorts of things to keep you busy. Then +the old ladies will be here, and I am sure they will be kind to you. +I'll be home at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together." + +"But if those people come, Mena will have so much more to do, she'll +never have any time to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" he +asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of bother. I'd take my books and +study, or look out of the window all the time, and keep just as quiet! +Please ask 'em if I can't come too, sister!" + +It was hard to resist the pleading tone. + +"Maybe they'll not want me," answered Bethany. "I'll have to settle that +matter before making any promises. But never mind, dear, we'll arrange +it in some way." + +It was a warm July morning. As Bethany walked slowly toward the business +portion of the town, several groups of girls passed her, evidently on +their way to work, from the few words she overheard in passing. Most of +them looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine of such a +treadmill existence was slowly draining their vitality. Two or three +had a pert, bold air, that their contact with business life had given +them. One was chewing gum and repeating in a loud voice some +conversation she had had with her "boss." + +Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized that she was about to join +the great working-class of which this ill-bred girl was a member. Not +that she had any of the false pride that pushes a woman who is an +independent wage-winner to a lower social scale than one whom +circumstances have happily hedged about with home walls; but she had +recalled at that moment some of her acquaintances who would do just such +a thing. In their short-sighted, self-assumed superiority, they could +make no discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, who flirted +with her customer, and the girl in the school-room, who taught her +pupils more from her inherent refinement and gentleness than from their +text-books. + +She had remembered that Belle Romney had said to her one day, as they +drove past a great factory where the girls were swarming out at noon: +"Do you know, Bethany dear, I would rather lie down and die than have +to work in such a place. You can't imagine what a horror I have of +being obliged to work for a living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; but I suppose these poor +creatures are so accustomed to it they never mind it." + +Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle Romney's position was due entirely +to the tolerance of a distant relative. She longed to answer vehemently: +"Well, I would starve before I would deliberately sit down to be a +willing dependent on the charity of my friends. It's only a species of +genteel pauperism, and none the less despicable because of the purple +and fine linen it flaunts in." + +She had not made the speech, however. Belle leaned back in the carriage, +and folded her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that amused Bethany then. It nettled her now +to remember it. + +She turned into the street where the Clifton Block stood, an imposing +building, whose first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. The elevator-boy showed her +the room. The door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, for the +walls were lined with books, and the rugs and massive furniture bespoke +taste as well as wealth. + +An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the window-sill and his back to +the door, was vigorously smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods client, +who had an early engagement. His feet came to the floor with sudden +force, and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window when he heard +Bethany's voice saying, timidly, + +"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?" + +He came forward with old-school gallantry. It was not often his office +was brightened by such a visitor. + +"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, in surprise, secretly wondering +what had brought her to his office. + +He had met her often in her father's house, and had seen her the center +of many an admiring group at parties and receptions. She had always +impressed him as having the air of one who had been surrounded by only +the most refined influences of life. He thought her unusually charming +this morning, all in black, with such a timid, almost childish +expression in her big, gray eyes. + +"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," he said, cordially. "I hope +this cigar smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I should have the +honor of entertaining a lady, or I should not have indulged." + +"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming this morning?" asked Bethany, +in some embarrassment. + +"No, not a word. I believe he said something to Mr. Porter about a +typewriter-girl that wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor of calling." + +Bethany smiled faintly. + +"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the place," she answered. + +"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing up in his surprise, and +beginning to stutter as he always did when much excited. "You! +w'y-w'y-w'y, you don't say so!" he finally managed to blurt out. + +"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked Bethany, beginning to be +amused. "Do you think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such a +position? I assure you I have a very fair speed." + +"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not that; but I never any more thought +of your going out in the world to make a living than a-a-a pet canary," +he added, in confusion. + +He seated himself again, and began tapping on the table with a +paper-knife. + +"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or teach French?" he asked, +half impatiently. "A girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially the part of a world one sees +in the court-room." + +Bethany looked at him gravely. + +"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those things after a fashion, but +none of them well enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand stenography, and I am confident I +can do thorough, first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, that it is +a mistaken idea that the girl who has had the most sheltered home-life +is the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa used to say we are +like the planets; we carry our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one may +carry the same personality into a reporter's stand that she would into +a drawing-room. We need not necessarily change with our surroundings." + +As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed her cheeks, and she +unconsciously raised her chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked at +her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow. + +"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any position she might choose to +fill," he said courteously. + +"Then you will let me try," she asked, eagerly. She slipped off her +glove, and took pencil and paper from the table. "If you will only test +my speed, maybe you can make a decision sooner." + +He dictated several pages, which she wrote to his entire satisfaction. + +"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, laughingly; and then she +told him of the practice she had had writing nursery rhymes. + +He seemed so interested that she went on to tell him more about the +child, and his great desire to be in the office with her. + +"I told him I would ask you," she said, finally; "but that it was a very +unusual thing to do, and that I doubted very much if any business firm +would allow it." + +He saw how hard it had been for her to prefer such a request, and smiled +reassuringly. + +"It would be a very small thing for me to do for Richard Hallam's boy," +he said. "Tell the little fellow to come, and welcome. He need not be in +any one's way. We have three rooms in this suite, and you will occupy +the one at the far end." + +It was hard for Bethany to keep back the tears. + +"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," she said. "The legacy papa +thought he had secured to us was swept away, but he has left us one +thing that more than compensates--the heritage of his friendships. I +have been finding out lately what a great thing it is to be rich in +friends." + +Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my twin tenants turn out to be half +as nice," she thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day." + +She tried to picture them, as she walked rapidly on, wondering whether +they would be prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs. Marion had +said they were fine housekeepers. That might mean they were exacting and +hard to please. + +"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" she concluded, finally. "I'll +take Uncle Doctor's advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones." + +She found them sitting on the side piazza, being abundantly entertained +by Jack. + +"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came up the steps to meet them; +"this one is Aunt Harry--that's what she told me to call her--and the +other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've both been around the world +together, and both ridden on elephants." + +There was a general laugh at the unceremonious introduction. + +Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her own little plump ones, and +stood on tiptoe to give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the same, +holding her a moment longer to look at her with fond scrutiny. + +"Such a striking resemblance to your dear mother," she said. "Sister and +I hoped you would look like her." + +"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully old-fashioned," was +Bethany's first impression, as she looked at them in their plain dresses +of Quaker gray. "But their voices are so musical, and they have such +good, motherly faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful kind +of people." + +"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, that it will seem good to +settle down in a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, as they +were going over the house together. + +"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, one appreciates big, roomy +closets and wardrobes like these." + +They went all over the place, from garret to cellar, and sat down to +rest beside an open window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance in +with every passing breeze. + +"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be ready for us before next week," +sighed Miss Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt me so. I wish +we could come this very afternoon." She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks." + +"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I shall be glad to surrender the +reins any time you want to assume the responsibility." + +"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" +and, catching Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she whirled her +around the room, regardless of her protestations, until their spectacles +slid down their noses, and they were out of breath. + +Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. Miss Caroline turned in +time to catch her expression of alarm. + +"Did you think we had lost our senses, dear?" she asked. "We do not +often forget our dignity so; but we have been so long like Noah's dove, +with no rest for the sole of our foot, that the thought of having at +last found an abiding-place is really overwhelming." + +"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" remarked Miss Harriet, with +dignity. "I am very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions of +enthusiasm, and it is fully time that you had too." + +"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss Caroline, soothingly. "You're just +as glad as I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our real selves +from people we are going to live with." + +Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic air. + +"Sister thinks because we have arrived at a certain date on our +calendar, we must conform to that date. But, try as hard as I can, I +fail to feel any older sometimes than I used to at Forest Seminary, when +we made midnight raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. I +suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; but I can't grow old +gracefully, so long as I am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was." + +Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, half-indulgent look that +Miss Harriet bestowed on her sister. + +"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," she thought. "I wonder +how we ever happened to drift together." + +Something of the last thought she expressed in a remark to the sisters +as they went down stairs together. + +"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, decidedly. "You +needed us, and we needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own." + +By nightfall the sisters had taken their places in the old house, as +quietly and naturally as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence in the house gave Bethany +such a care-free, restful feeling, and a sense of security that she had +not had since she had been left at the head of affairs. + +After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a rocking-chair out into the wide +hall, and sat down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept through it. + +Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing Mena about +breakfast. How delightful it was to be freed from all responsibility of +the meals and the marketing! After the next week she would not have even +the rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged a stout maid to do +the housework, that Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so irksome. + +Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly around, unpacking one of +the trunks. Bethany could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. Some of the notes were +muffled as she disappeared from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a refractory bureau drawer. + + "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, + The clouds ye so much dread + Are big with mercy, and shall break + In blessings on your head." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A KINDLING INTEREST. + + +FRANK Marion, on his way to the store one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed just a week. + +"You will find me dropping in here quite often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, +whom he met coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin of mine is +never to be found at home in the day-time any more, I shall have to call +on him here. He is my right-hand man in Junior League work." + +"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. "He's the most original little piece +I ever saw. Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're always welcome, +you know." + +Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so intent on her manuscript that +she did not notice Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by the +window, was working vigorously with slate and pencil at an arithmetic +lesson. As Bethany paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's tall form in the doorway. + +"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want you to see how nice everything +is here. We have the best times." + +Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and smiled at the child's delight. + +"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair up to the window, and +entering into the boy's pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children. + +"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto the elevator, and up we come. And +it's so nice and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy yet. While she +writes I get my lessons, or draw, or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. +Edmunds and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything to do, I recite +to her. But the best fun is grocery tales." + +"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, with flattering interest. + +"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store across the street?" asked Jack, +"and all the things sitting around in front? There's almost everything +you can think of, from a broom to a banana. I choose the first thing I +happen to look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's a +tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese story; or if it's a bottle +of olives, something about the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a lovely visit she had once on +a farm. She says when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind her +of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; and the coffee means a South +American story; and the watermelons a darkey story; and the brooms +something she read once about an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have +lots of fun watching people pass. So many teams stop at the +watering-trough over there. I like to wonder where everybody comes from, +and imagine what their homes are like. It is almost as good as reading +about them in a book." + +"You are a very happy little fellow," said Mr. Marion, patting his +cheek, approvingly. "I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world of ours, and teach +other people how to be happy. I've brought you some more work to do. I +want you to look up all these references, and copy them on separate +slips of paper for our next meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga Jew this morning. He +is as much in earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League interested +in him and his mission." + +"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin Frank," she answered. "Think of +the prejudices to overcome. How little the general membership of the +Church know or care about the Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble work is at first +impossible.'" + +"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul says: 'I can do all things through +Christ who strengthened me.' I can't get away from the feeling that God +wants me to take some forward step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. All the time in my +business I am brought in contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. Ray and I have been +reading Graetz's history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how any +one can read an account of all the race endured at the hands of the +Christianity of the Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward them. +Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of what was dealt out to them in +the name of the gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children were taught to +spit at the mention of such a name." + +"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of Martyrs?'" asked Jack, +eagerly. "We've got that at home, with the awfullest black and yellow +pictures in it of people being burned to death and tortured. I hope, if +it is as interesting, sister will read it out loud." + +Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance that Mr. Marion laughed. + +"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll not care to read all five +volumes, Jack; but Bethany can select the parts that will interest you +most." + +Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject up again that evening at the +table. + +"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing in the act of helping himself +to sugar, "do you like the Jews?" + +"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. "I can't say that I take any +special interest in them, one way or another. To tell the truth, I've +never known any personally." + +"Would you like to know more about them?" he asked, with childish +persistence. "'Cause Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can listen if you like." + +"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be glad to hear," answered Miss +Harriet. "At first sister and I thought we would not intrude on you in +the evenings; but the library does look so inviting, and it is so dull +for us to sit with just our knitting-work, since we have stopped reading +by lamp-light, that we can not resist the temptation to go in whenever +she begins to read aloud." + +"O, you're home-folks," said Jack. + +Bethany had excused herself before this conversation commenced, and was +in the library, opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to give her +at noon. When the others joined her, she held up a little pamphlet she +had just opened. + +"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from Chattanooga. It is an article +on 'What shall become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by one of +them, at least his name would indicate it--Leo N. Levi. It will be +interesting to look at that question from their standpoint." + +"Will I like it?" asked Jack. + +"No, I think not," she answered, after a rapid glance through its pages. +"We'll have some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, and save this +until you are asleep." + +Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch dialect. When she laid down +the book after the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," she saw a big +tear splash down on Miss Harriet's knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was +furtively wiping her spectacles. + +"Leave the door open," called Jack, when he had been tucked away for the +night. "Then I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull." + +"Do you really care to hear this?" asked Bethany, picking up the +pamphlet. + +"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic nods. "I'll own I am +very ignorant on the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no more than right that we should take +something improving." + +"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next room, "you never told +them about Mr. Lessing, did you?" + +"No," answered Bethany. "I never told them any of my Chattanooga +experiences. Maybe it would be better to begin with them, and then you +can understand how I happened to become so interested in the Hebrew +people. The pamphlet can wait until another time." + +She tossed it back on the table, and settled herself comfortably in a +big chair. + +"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, "and tell you how I was +persuaded into going, and how strangely events linked into each other." + +"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss Caroline, as Bethany drew a +graphic picture of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the crowded +tent. When she came to Lessing's story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in +her lap, and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair. + +"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out of a romance!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, when Bethany had finished. "That part about the mother's curse +and being buried in effigy makes me think of the novels that we used to +smuggle into our rooms at school. I wish you could go on and give us +the next chapter. It is intensely interesting." + +"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, sadly. "I thought of that at +the time. What can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace events? +He will simply go on to the end in a routine of study and work. He will +preach to whatever audiences he can gather around him. That is all the +world will see. The other part of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon +him because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, the soul-struggles, +the spiritual victories, the silent heroism, will be unwritten and +unapplauded, because unseen." + +"I don't wonder you are interested," said Miss Harriet. "Would you +believe it, I don't know the difference between an orthodox and a reform +Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow in the encyclopedia." + +She picked up the little pamphlet, and opened at random. + +"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. "'The Jew is everywhere in +evidence. He sells vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence and endures +martyrdom in the Balkan provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in France, England, Austria, +and Germany. He has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere he +is seen; and, what is more to the point, he is felt. He runs through the +entire length of history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched by +the high lights of great events at almost every point.'" + +"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" she asked, turning to Miss +Caroline. "Wasn't it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere in the +neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall have to trace that line back a +considerable distance, I am thinking, if we would know anything on the +subject." + +"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, with her usual alacrity. + +Several evenings after, when Bethany came home from the office, she +found a new book on the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto." + +"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, a little nervously. "It is +one of Zangwill's. The clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting. Of course, I am no +critic, but it looked interesting, and I thought you might not mind +reading it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye that made me think it +might be as entertaining as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'" + +Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I believe it is the very thing +to give us an insight into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses." + +She read the headings of several of the chapters aloud, and a sentence +here and there. + +"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are proud and happy in that the +dread unknown God of the infinite universe has chosen our race as the +medium by which to reveal his will to the world. History testifies that +this has verily been our mission, that we have taught the world religion +as truly as Greece has taught beauty and science. Our miraculous +survival through the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties is a +proof that our mission is not yet over.'" + +"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" exclaimed Jack, in a +disappointed tone. + +"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can understand part, and I will +explain the rest." + +So it came about that, after the Scotch tales were laid aside, the +little group in the library nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in the early days of the +century. + +"I can never feel the same towards them again," said Miss Caroline, the +night they finished the book. "I understand them so much better. It is +just as the proem says: 'People who have been living in a ghetto for a +couple of centuries are not able to step outside merely because the +gates are thrown down, nor to efface the brands on their souls by +putting off the yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its hovering +miasma of persecution.'" + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he has given us such a diversity of +types. You know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: 'No people +can be fairly judged by its superlatives. It would be silly to judge all +the Chinese by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict Arnold. If +the Jews squirm and indignantly protest against Shylock and Fagin and +Svengali, they must be consistent, and not claim as types Scott's +Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' Now, Zangwill has given us a +glimpse of all sorts of people--the 'pots and pans' of material +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual idealists. I +hope you'll go on another investigating tour, Miss Caroline, and bring +home something else as instructive." + +But before Miss Caroline found time to go on another voyage of discovery +among the book-stores, something happened at the office that gave a +deeper interest to their future investigations. + +Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes longer than usual, one +morning after he had finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss Hallam. Mr. Porter has +decided to go abroad for a while. Family matters may keep him there +possibly a year. During his absence it is necessary to have some one in +his place; and, after mature deliberation, we have decided to take in a +young lawyer who has two points decidedly in his favor. He has marked +ability, and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. He is a young +Jew, a protege of Rabbi Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest +respect for him, although Mr. Porter is a little prejudiced against him +on account of his nationality. I wondered if you shared that feeling." + +"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. "I have been greatly interested +in studying their history this summer." + +"Well, I have never given their past much thought," responded Mr. +Edmunds; "but their relation to the business world has recently +attracted my attention. It is wonderful to me the way they are filling +up the positions of honor and trust all over the world. Statistics show +such a large proportion of them have acquired wealth and prominence. +Still, it is only what we ought to expect, when we remember their +characteristics. They have such 'mental agility,' such power of adapting +themselves to circumstances, and such a resistless energy. Maybe I +should put their temperate habits first, for I can not remember ever +seeing a Jew intoxicated; and as to industry, the records of our county +poor-house show that in all the seventy years of its existence, it has +never had a Jewish inmate. People with such qualities are like cream, +bound to rise to the top, no matter what kind of a vessel they are +poured into." + +"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, coming back to the first +subject. + +"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. "You may have met him." + +"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. She caught her breath +in surprise. Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads here, +or had she been caught in some tangle of chance? Maybe this was the +opportunity she had prayed for that morning when she had listened to +Lessing's story, and caught the inspiration of his consecrated life. + +A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human voice could so reach the +ear of the Infinite, and draw down an answer to its petition. She was +almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility such an answer +laid upon her. O, the childishness with which we beat against the +portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, and then shrink +back when the Almighty hands them out to us, afraid to take and use what +we have most cried for! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND. + + +IT was a sultry morning in August when David Herschel took his place in +the law-office of Porter & Edmunds. + +The sun beat against the tall buildings until the radiated heat of the +streets was sickening in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything had a wilted look, and the +watering-carts left a steam rising in their trail, almost as +disagreeable as the clouds of dust had been before. + +Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining at home, and Bethany's +wearing a thin white dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany went slowly towards the +office she was glad that the sensible old lady had carried her point. + +To shorten the distance, she passed through one of the poorer streets of +the town. Disagreeable odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed children cried on the +doorsteps and quarreled in the gutters. + +A great longing came over Bethany for a breath from wide, fresh fields, +or green, shady woodlands. This was the first summer she had ever passed +in the city. August had always been associated in her mind with the wind +in the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some rocky coast. It +recalled the musical drip of the waterfalls trickling down high banks of +thickly-growing ferns. It brought back the breath of clover-fields and +the mint in hillside pastures. + +A strong repugnance to her work seized her. She felt that she could not +possibly bear to go back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer she thought of those old care-free +summers, the more she chafed at the confinement of the present one. + +She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance of the great building. +Every door and window stood open. While she waited for the elevator-boy +to respond to her ring, she turned her eyes toward the street. A blind +man passed by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was beating +mercilessly on the man's gray head, for his cap was held appealingly in +his outstretched hand. + +"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" thought Bethany, with a +swift rush of pity, as the contrast between this blind beggar's life and +hers was forced upon her. + +There was no one in the office when she entered. After the glare of the +street, it seemed so comfortable that she thought again of the blind +beggar and the child who led him, with a feeling of remorse for her +discontent. + +A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass vase on the table, filling +the room with their fragrance. She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, running hand, was the one +word--"Consider!" + +"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought Bethany, quickly interpreting the +message. "She knew this would be an unusually trying day on account of +the heat, so she gives me something to think about instead of my irksome +confinement. 'They toil not, neither do they spin,'" she whispered, +lifting one snowy chalice to her lips; "but what help they bring to +those who do--sweet, white evangels to all those who labor and are +heavy laden!" + +She fastened one in her belt, then turned to her work. She had been +copying a record, and wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was ready +to attend to the morning mail. Her fingers flew over the keys without a +pause, except when she stopped to put in a new sheet of paper. When she +was nearly through, she heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, and +increased her speed. She had forgotten that this was the day David +Herschel was to come into the office. He had taken the desk assigned +him, and was so busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Edmunds that for +a while he did not notice the occupant of the next room. When, at last, +he happened to glance through the open door, he did not recognize +Bethany, for she was seated with her back toward him. + +He noticed what a cool-looking white dress she wore, the graceful poise +of her head, and her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies beside +her, and wished she would turn so that he could see her face. + +"Some fair Elaine--a lily-maid of Astolat," he thought, and then smiled +at himself for having grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before he had +even heard her name or seen her face. + +At last Bethany finished the record, with a sigh of relief. Quickly +fastening the pages, she rose to take it into the next room. Just on the +threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary little start of +surprise. + +As she stood there, all in white, with one hand against the dark +door-casing, she looked just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered. + +Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of quick perceptions, but he noticed +the look of admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they both seemed +a trifle embarrassed as he introduced them. + +They had recalled at the same moment the night in the Chattanooga depot, +when she had distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did not care to +make his acquaintance. + +For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. That gracious +ease of manner which "stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one of her +greatest charms. But just at this moment, when she wished to atone for +that unfortunate remark by an especially friendly greeting, when she +wanted him to know that her point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she could not summon a word +to her aid. + +Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she blushed like a diffident +school-girl, and bowed coldly. + +David courteously remained standing until she had laid the record on Mr. +Edmunds's desk and left the room. + +Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he resumed his seat; but there +was not the slightest change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness of manner in Bethany's +greeting. But he had noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself. + +Nothing more passed between them for several days, except the formal +morning greeting. Then Jack came back to the office. He had gained +rapidly since the new brace had been applied. During his enforced +absence on account of the heat, he found that he could wheel himself +short distances, and proudly insisted on doing so, as they went through +the hall. He was a great favorite in the building. Everybody, from the +janitor to the dignified judge on the same floor, stopped to speak to +him. He was such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, despite the +misfortune that chained him to the chair and had sometimes made him +suffer extremely, that the sight of him oftener provoked pleasure than +pity. He was so glad to get back to the office that he was bubbling over +with happiness. It seemed to him he had been away for an age. The +cordial reception he met on every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks. + +Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David was at his desk, busily +writing. Bethany paused as they passed through the room. + +"Allow me to introduce my little brother, Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack +is very anxious to meet you." + +He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced girl, leaning over Jack's +chair, with the brightness of his roguish face reflected in her own, was +such a transformation from the dignified Miss Hallam he had known +heretofore, that he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was surprised +into such an unusual cordiality of manner, that Jack straightway took +him into his affections, and set about cultivating a very strong +friendship between them. + +One afternoon Bethany was called into another office to take a +deposition. She left Jack busy drawing on his slate. + +David, who had been reading several hours, laid down the book after a +while, with a yawn, and glanced into the next room. The steady scratch +of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack was gazing disconsolately out +of the window. + +As he heard the book drop on the table he turned his head quickly. "May +I come in there?" he asked David eagerly. + +David nodded assent. "You may come in and wake me up. The heat and the +book together, have made me drowsy." + +Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and looked out towards the court +house. It was late in the afternoon, and the massive building threw long +shadows across the green sward surrounding it. + +"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said Jack. "I can't tell from +my window. Don't you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always makes me +think of heroes. I love heroes, and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so creepy, and your hair kind o' +stands up, and you hold your breath while they're a-risking their lives +to save somebody, or doing something else that's awfully brave. And +then, when they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; but you feel +so warm all over somehow, and you want to cheer, and march right off to +'storm the heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face of the +earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. I always do. Don't you?" + +"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish enthusiasm, yet touched by +the recognition of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to lead the boy further on. + +"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. "Papa wanted me to be a +lawyer. He was in the war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used to put 'em on sometimes, +and say I was going to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. But +he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, that's not the highest way +you can serve your country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll have to be +a preacher like my grandfather, John Wesley Bradford, because he left me +all his library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't my real name, you +know." + +"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked David, as the boy paused to +catch a fly that was buzzing exasperatingly around him. + +"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer by a savage slap at the fly. +"Only except when we get to talking about the Jews. You know we are very +much interested in your people at our house." + +"No, I didn't know it," answered David, amused by the boy's +matter-of-fact announcement. "How did you come to be so interested?" + +"Well, it started with the Epworth League Conference at Chattanooga. +There was a converted Jew up there on the mountain that spoke in the +sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to see him afterwards. He took +Bethany with him to write down what they said in shorthand. O, he had +the most interesting history! You just ought to hear sister tell it. You +know the two old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. Well, +may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but they didn't have the least +bit of use for the Jews before that. Now, since we've been reading about +the awful way they were persecuted, and how they've hung together +through thick and thin, they've changed their minds." + +"And you say that it is only when you are talking about the Jews that +you would like to be a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring him back to the subject. + +"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how that man's whole life was +changed by a little Junior League girl; how she started him, and he'll +start others, and they'll start somebody else, and the ball will keep +rolling, and so much good will be done, just on her account, I'd like to +do something in that line myself. I'm first vice-president of our +League, you know," he said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on his +coat. + +"But I wouldn't like to be a regular preacher that just stands up and +tells people what they already believe. That's too much like boxing a +pillow." He doubled up his fist and sparred at an imaginary foe. + +"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, and make every blow count. +We studied the life of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes--there's one for you. My, but he was game! Thrashed and stoned, +and shipwrecked and put in prison, and chained up to another man--but +they couldn't choke him off!" Jack chuckled at the thought. + +"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that when a Jew does turn +Christian he's deader in earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told us +to notice that. There's Matthew. He was making a good salary in the +custom-house, and he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and the rest +of 'em left their boats and all their fishing tackle, and every thing in +the wide world that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give up his +family. Cousin Frank told us about ever so many that had done that way. +So that's why I'd rather preach to them than other people. They amount +to so much when you once get them made over." + +"You might commence on me," said David. + +Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and looked confused. He stole a +sidelong glance at David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back into +the other room. + +"I haven't gone into the business yet," he called back over his +shoulder, recovering his equanimity with young American quickness, "But +when I do I'll give you the first call." + +David was so amused by the conversation that he could not refrain from +recounting part of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed to put +them on a friendlier footing. + +Finding that she was really making a study of the history of his people, +he gave her many valuable suggestions, and several times brought Jewish +periodicals with articles marked for her to read. + +"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," she told him. "They +are very well versed in the ancient history, but this is something so +new to them." + +"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. "He would be an +inspiration in any line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you read Hebrew. One loses so +much in the translation. There are places in the Psalms and Job where +the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. You know there are +some pebbles and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from that element, they lose that +brilliancy. I have noticed the same effect in changing a thought from +the medium of one language to another." + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized that difficulty, too, in +translating from the German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, leaves the verse as +soulless as a flower without its fragrance." + +"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. "That is why I would have +you read the greatest of all literature in its original setting. Are you +fond of language?" + +"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. I took the course in +Latin and German at school, and got a smattering of French the year I +was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek a little at home with papa, to get a +better understanding of the New Testament. But Hebrew always seemed to +me so very difficult that only spectacled theologians attempted it. You +know ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius as a matter of +course. Only daring climbers attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the +heights made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts and mountain +railways." + +He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any +one that can master stenography can easily compass that. There is a +similarity in one respect. In both, dots and dashes take the place of +vowels. I will bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you how easy the +rudiments are." + +Jack was more interested than Bethany. He had never seen a book in +Hebrew type before. The square, even characters charmed him, and he +began to copy them on his slate. + +"I'd like to learn this," he announced. "The letters are nothing but +chairs and tables." + +"It was a picture language in the beginning," said David, leaning over +his chair, much pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter used +to be the head of an ox. See how the horns branch? And this next one, +Beth, was a house. Don't you remember how many names in the Bible begin +with that--Beth-el, Beth-horon, Beth-shan--they all mean house of +something; house of God, house of caves, house of rest." + +Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would teach a fellow lots. What are +you a house of, Beth-any?" + +He looked up, but his sister had been called into the next room. + +"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" asked David. "It will be a +great help to you when you 'go into the business' of preaching to us +Jews." + +Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his tongue out of the +corner of his mouth in an embarrassed way. Then he looked up, and saw +that David was not laughing at him, but soberly awaiting his answer. + +"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly. + +"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in the office." + +Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's dark head and Jack's yellow +one bending over the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters. + +"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school teachers," said Mr. +Marion. "Would you undertake to teach it, Herschel?" + +The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient I might make the +attempt," he said. "But I do not live in the city. My home is out at +Hillhollow." + +Then, after a pause, while some other plan seemed to be revolving in his +mind, he asked: "Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born teacher, and +nothing would delight him more than to imbue some other soul with a zeal +for his beloved mother-tongue." + +"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," responded Mr. +Marion, "if you will get his consent, and find what his terms are. +Bethany, I'll head the list with your name. Then there's Ray and myself. +That makes three, and I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. Do you know, Bethany, it +would not surprise me very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?" + +"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed. + +"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison Avenue, and unmarried besides. +But I heard that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. I hope the +bishop will consider the call." + +"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," she answered. "You know what +is apt to befall 'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE DEACONESS'S STORY. + + +AUGUST slipped into September. The vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, brightened the room with the glow of +the earliest golden-rod. + +"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray through his fingers. "It +makes me think of your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking." + +"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, wishing he dared express +his admiration as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle overlooking +Bethany's, and he often studied her face while she worked, as he would +have studied some rare portrait--not so much for the perfect contour and +delicacy of coloring as for the soul that shone through it. + +She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual things. It was from Jack he +learned how interested she was in all her Church relationships. Still +he felt forcibly an influence that he could not define; that silent +charm of a consecrated life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master. + +One day when he was thus idly occupied, the janitor tiptoed into the +room, ushering a lady past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It was all black, except that +there were deep, white cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was tied under the chin +with broad white bows. She was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands. + +David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine Bentley!" as if much +surprised to see her. Then they stood face to face, holding each other's +hands while they talked in low, rapid tones. + +The stranger staid only a few moments. After she passed out, David +strolled leisurely up to Bethany's desk. + +"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss Hallam," he said. "I am +interested in the costume of the lady who was here just now. I've seen +one like it before. Can you tell me to what order she belongs? Is it +anything like the Sisters of Charity?" + +"Yes, something like it," she answered. "She is a deaconess. There is +this difference. They take no vows of perpetual service to the order, +but their lives are as entirely consecrated to their work as though they +had 'taken the veil,' as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about doing good in the +Master's own way, to rich and poor alike. She came in just now to report +a case of destitution she had discovered. I am chairman of the Mercy and +Help Department in our League." + +"Is that all they do?" asked David. + +"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see the Deaconess Home on Clark +Street. They have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It is the work +of some of these women to gather in all the poor, neglected girls they +can find. They make it so very attractive that the poor children are +taught to be respectable little housekeepers, without suspecting that +the music and games are really lessons. Homes that could be reached in +no other way have some wonderful changes wrought in them." + +"You have so many different organizations in your Church," said David. +"Seems to me I am always hearing of a new one. There is an old saying, +'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Did you never prove the truth of +that?" + +"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," exclaimed Bethany. "The little +wheels all fit into the big one like so many cogs, and all help each +other. For instance, here is the deaconess work. It goes hand in hand +with the League, only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift Up,' +for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars all avenues to them. Of all +hard, self-sacrificing lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to pay for such services, and +whatever there is to do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly." + +"The reason I asked," answered David, "is that one day last week I went +down to that terrible quarter of the city near the lower wharves. I +wanted to find a man who I knew would be a valuable witness in the +Dartmon murder case. I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand on one of the early +boats. I had been directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten old +tenements near the river. I found the room used as an office was down in +a damp basement. It was about half-past five when I reached there. I +went down the rickety old stairs and knocked several times. You can +imagine my surprise when the door was opened by a refined-looking woman, +in just such a costume as your friend wore, except, of course, the +little bonnet. When I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside a +moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled me at first. There was a +narrow counter where a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, and these were left to +await claimants. There was a calico curtain stretched across the room to +form a partition. She drew it aside, and motioned me to look in. There +was a table, two chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying across +the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out with weariness and sorrow, +lay a young girl heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months old, was +lying among the pillows, as white and still as if it were dead. The +woman dropped the curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's husband +you are looking for,' she said. 'He is a rough, drunken fellow, and has +been away for days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. I was called +here at three o'clock this morning. A physician came for me, but he said +it could not live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches swarmed +all over the floor, and the rats were so bad they fairly ran over our +feet. The poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I came, from sheer +exhaustion. There is nothing to eat in the house, and the milk I brought +with me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful thing to say, but I +dare not leave the baby while she is asleep long enough to get +anything--on account of the rats.' Of course I went out and got the +things she needed. Then there was nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's bravery, have been in my +thoughts ever since." + +"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany said, when he had finished. "I +know the nurse, Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took the mother +to the Deaconess Hospital. She has typhoid fever. Belle told me of +another experience she had. Her life is full of them. She was sent to a +family where drunkenness was the cause of the poverty. The man had not +had steady work for a year, because he was never sober more than a few +days at a time. They lived in three rooms in the rear basement of a +large tenement-house. Belle said, when she opened the door of the first +room, it seemed the most forlorn place she had ever seen. There was a +table piled full of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with half-washed clothes. The +floor looked as if it had never known the touch of a broom. The odor of +the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, half-grown girl, one of +the neighbors, stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she knew how. +Four dirty, half-starved children were playing on the bare floor. Their +mother was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to repeat Belle's +description of that bedroom, it was so filthy and infested with vermin. +She said, when she saw all that must be done, that repulsive creature +bathed, the dishes washed, and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly touch a thing in the +room. She wanted to turn and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such repulsive things?'" + +"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel. + +Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness that must have shone in +Belle Carleton's, as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' sake!" + +There was a long pause, which Herschel broke by saying: "And she staid +there, I suppose, forced her shrinking hands into contact with what she +despised, did the most menial services, from a sense of duty to a man +whom she had never seen, who died centuries ago? Miss Hallam, how could +she? I find it very hard to understand." + +"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected Bethany, "so much as love." + +"Well, for love then. What was there in this man of Nazareth to inspire +such devotion after such a lapse of time? I understand how one might +admire his ethical teaching, how one might even try to embody his +precepts in a code to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. He was no greater +lawgiver than Moses, yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul; yet who is ready to lay down +his life cheerfully and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter--or Paul?'" + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up at him wistfully, "don't you +see that it is no mere man who exercises such power; that he must be +what he claimed--one with the Father?" + +Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day on the train came back to +him: "O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!" + +Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as they paced back and forth in +front of the tent, arm in arm in the darkness. + +"Of a truth you can not understand these things, unless you be born +again--be born of the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge you +have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life is latent in the worm, even +while it has no conception of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible for it to conceive of flight +until it has passed through some change that bursts the chrysalis and +provides the wings?" + +The silence was growing oppressive. David shook his head, rose, and +slowly walked out of the room. + + * * * * * + +"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she wheeled him homeward from +the office at noon-time, "Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the time +about something I said once about preaching to the Jews. He brings it up +so often, that if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure enough." + +Whatever answer Bethany might have made was interrupted by Miss +Caroline, who met them as they turned a corner. + +"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were in my mind just this +minute. I wondered if I might not chance to meet you." + +"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked Jack, seeing that she carried +several small parcels. + +"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! Caroline Courtney actually out +shopping in the dry-goods stores." + +"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. "It must be something important. I +can't remember that you have done such a thing before since I have +known you. Have you been invited to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?" + +Miss Caroline beamed on them through her spectacles. "Really, my dears, +that is just what I would like to know myself. That's why I had to make +these purchases. Your cousin Ray came in this morning, just after you +had gone, to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six this +evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort of an occasion she was planning, +only that it was a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of all. He +has been gone a week on a business trip, but will get home to-night at +six. Sister and I have been trying to think what kind of an occasion it +could be. I know it isn't their wedding anniversary, nor her birthday. +Maybe it is his. So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought to +dress--whether to wear our very best dove-colored silks and point lace, +or the black crepon dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she got in Brussels, although I +want very much to take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. My +second best is broken, and of course we wouldn't want to carry a +palm-leaf. There was no other way but to take the second best fan down +and match it. Then she had lost one of the bows of ribbon that was on +her gray dress, and I had to match that, in case we decided to wear the +grays. Here I have spent the whole morning over my fan and her ribbon." + +"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you carry your Brussels fan and wear +your gray dress, and let her wear her black dress and take the kind of +fan she wanted?" + +"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, "Neither of us would have taken +a mite of comfort so. You don't understand how it feels when there are +two of you. When you have spent--well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless you are in pairs." + +It was arranged that Jack should not go back to the office that +afternoon. The sisters volunteered to take him with them. + +Bethany hurried through her work, but it seemed to her she had never had +so many interruptions, or so much to do. + +It was after six when she closed her desk. Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired +look on her flushed face, and said: + +"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down stairs. I have to stay here +some time longer to meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while he is waiting." He went down on +the elevator with her, and handed her into the carriage. + +"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before you start home," he +said, kindly. "It will do you good." + +Bethany sank back gratefully among the cushions. Jerry had been her +father's coachman at one time. He grinned from ear to ear as she took +her seat. + +"We'll take a spin along the river road," she said. "Give me a glimpse +of the fields and the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, on +Phillips Avenue." + +"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. "I know all the roads you +like best!" + +The impatient horses needed no urging. They fairly flew down the beaten +track that led from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy byways. +On they went, past suburban orchards and outlying pastures, to the +sights and sounds of the real country. + +Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of bells in a quiet lane where +the cows stood softly lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves in +the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown stubble-field near by. +Then the wind swept up from the river, now turning red in the sunset. It +put new life into her pulses, and a new light in her eyes. The weariness +was all gone. The wind had blown the light, curly hair about her face, +and she put up her hands to smooth it back, as they came in sight of +Mrs. Marion's house. + +"It doesn't make any difference," she thought. "I can run up into Cousin +Ray's room and put myself in order before any one sees me." + +As the carriage stopped, some one stepped up quickly to assist her +alight. It was David Herschel. + +"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am literally blown to pieces. How +queerly things do happen in this world!" + +To her still greater wonderment, instead of closing the gate after her +and going on down the street, he followed her up the steps. + +"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," she thought. "This must be +part of it." + +Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just smoothed their plumage in the +guest-chamber, and were coming down the stairs hand in hand as David +and Bethany entered the reception-hall. + +This was their first glimpse of David. They had been very curious to see +him. Jack had talked about him so much that they recognized him +instantly from his description. + +Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, and said in a dramatic +whisper, "Sister! the surprise." + +"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. "How unusually bright she +looks, and yet a little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has been +saying anything to her. They came in together." + +"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they both moved forward with their +most beaming "company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. Herschel. + +"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading the way into the drawing-room, +while Bethany made her escape up stairs. + +"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. Dameron." + +"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet in +chorus, as a tall, thin woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling eyes +rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the land's sake! how did you ever +happen to get here?" + +"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained Mrs. Marion to David, +as the twins stood on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss her +repeatedly between their exclamations of joyful surprise. "They haven't +seen her since they were married. I'll present you, and then we'll leave +them to have a good old gossip." + +During the introductions in the drawing-room, Mr. Marion came into the +hall, with his gripsack in his hand. + +"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. "How are you, my boy? I'm so +glad to see you." + +He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap him on the shoulder and +hold the little hands lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden parting of the +portieres behind them, a swift rustle, and two white hands met over his +eyes and blindfolded him. + +"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then clapped his hand over his +mouth as he heard a warning "Sh!" + +"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, laughing and reaching backwards +to seize whoever had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would take such +liberties." + +"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. "What about Ray's younger +sister?" + +He turned around, and catching her by the shoulders, held her out in +front of him. + +"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in amazement. "When did you get here, +little sister? I never imagined you were within two hundred miles of +this place." + +"Neither did Ray until this morning. I just walked in unannounced." + +When he had given her a hearty welcome she said: "O, I'm not the only +one to surprise you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, and see +who all's there, while I talk with this young man I haven't seen for a +year." + +Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin since he was old enough to +fasten his baby fingers in her long, brown hair. In her yearly visits to +her sister she had devoted so much of her time to him, and been such a +willing slave, that he looked forward to her coming even a shade more +eagerly than he watched for Christmas. + +There was one thing that remained longest in the memory of every guest +who had ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Marion home. It was the warm +welcome that made itself continually felt. It met them even in the free +swing of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just walk right in +now, and make yourself at home." + +There was an atmosphere of genial comfort and cheer that cast its spell +on all who strayed over its inviting threshold. It made them long to +linger, and loath to leave. + +David Herschel was quick to appreciate the warm cordiality of his +greeting. He had not been in the house five minutes until he felt +himself on the familiar footing of an old friend. At first he wondered +at the strange assortment of guests, and thought it queer he had been +asked to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, who were so +absorbed in each other. + +Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois Denning--a slim, graceful +girl in a white duck suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl, decided in her +opinions, and original in her remarks. + +"That red carnation just suits her," said David to himself, as they +talked together. "She is so bright and spicy." + +"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. Marion, anxiously. "It's +getting dark, and I'm as hungry as a schoolboy." + +"Yes, and your guests will think you are as impatient as one," she +answered, laughingly. "We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. Cragmore +hasn't come yet." + +"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to his feet. + +"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend to tell you he was +coming. I knew you hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and I +wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to the Clark Street Church. I +met him coming up from the depot this morning, and asked him to dine +with us to-night." + +"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, "so that I +might give vent to my delight as I used to." + +"I remember how loud you could whoop when you were two feet six," +remarked Mrs. Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing you, now that +you are six feet two." + +There was a quick ring at the front door, and the next instant Frank +Marion and George Cragmore were shaking hands as though they could never +stop. + +"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's necks and weep a la +Joseph and his brethren," said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I feel that I am about to be +presented to a whole circus--menagerie and all." + +"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they heard his musical voice say. + +"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois in an undertone. "How's that +for a touch of the rale auld brogue?" + +He was introduced to the old ladies first, then to the saucy Lois and +Jack. Then he caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual pleasure, +and were about cordially to renew their acquaintance, begun that day on +the car, when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw Bethany. + +Both Lois and David noticed the way his face lighted up, and the +eagerness with which he went forward to speak to her. + +That evening was the beginning of several things. The Hebrew class was +organized. Mr. Marion had found only two of his teachers willing to +undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully allowed herself to be +substituted for the third one he had been so sure would join them. + +"I'll not be here more than long enough to get a good start," she said, +"but I'm in for anything that's going--Hebrew or Hopscotch, whichever it +happens to be." + +The twins declined to take any part. "I know it is beyond us," sighed +Miss Harriet. "The Latin conjugations were always such a terror to me, +and sister never did get her bearings in the German genders." + +When it came time for the merry party to break up, Frank Marion would +not listen to any good-nights from Cragmore. + +"You're not going away. That's the end of it," he declared. "I'll walk +down with you to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. You're to stay +here until you get a boarding place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go +then, if I did not know it was essential for you to live nearer your +congregation." + +Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's chair, with Miss Caroline on +one side, and Miss Harriet on the other. + +Bethany followed with George Cragmore. There was a brilliant moonlight, +and they walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare beauty of the +night. + +"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the +steps. "I want to finish spinning this yarn." + +They all went into the hall. + +Bethany opened the door into the library and struck a match. Cragmore +took it from her and lighted the gas. + +But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with his attentive audience of +three. + +"I'll be through in a moment," he called. The sisters dropped down in a +large double rocker. + +"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," said Bethany. "His +minute may prove to be elastic." + +Cragmore looked around the homelike old room, and then down at the +fair-haired woman at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other time. Yes, I think I should like +to come here very often, Miss Hallam." + +The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, made the remark so very +personal that Bethany was slightly annoyed. + +"O, our latch-string is always out to the clergy," she said lightly, and +then led the way back to the hall to join the others. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"YOM KIPPUR." + + +THE morning after the first meeting of the Hebrew class at Rabbi +Barthold's, Frank Marion came into the office. + +"Herschel," he said, "when do you have your Day of Atonement services? +Is it this week or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, but I am +not sure about the date. He is going to preach a series of sermons that +are to set forth the views now held by the Reform school, and Cragmore +and I are anxious to hear them." + +"It is the week after this," said David, consulting the calendar. + +"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip in time for the Friday night +service." + +"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" asked David. "Isn't he a +magnificent old fellow?" + +Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well," he said after some +deliberation, "I hardly know where to place him. He doesn't belong to +this age. If I believed in the transmigration of souls, I should say +that some old Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the Temple lamps +perpetually burning, had strayed back to earth again. + +"That seems to be his mission now. He is trying to rekindle the pride +and zeal and hope of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, Herschel, +but there are few in his congregation who understand him. Their vision +is so obscured by this dense fog of modern indifference that they fail +to appreciate his aims. They are still in the outer courts, among the +tables of the money-changers, and those who sell doves. They have never +entered the inner sanctuary of a spiritual life. Their religion stops +with the altar and the censer--the material things. Understand me," he +said hastily, as David interrupted him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit of Judaism, but they +are few and far between. I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services of the synagogue, and +their religion itself, is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree." + +David drew himself up rather stiffly. + +"And you are the disciple of the man who said, 'Let him that is without +sin among you cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the Jew has to +say about the dead-heads in your Churches? What proportion of your +membership has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? How many +in your pews, who mumble the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet the challenge of his +Shibboleth?" + +Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. "You misunderstand me, my +boy," he said. "I have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent Jew +than for the indifferent Christian. God pity them both! I was simply +drawing a contrast between Rabbi Barthold and his people, as it appears +to me--a shepherd who longs to lead his flock up to the source of all +living water; but they prefer to dispense with climbing the spiritual +heights, jostle each other for the richest herbage of the lowlands, and +are satisfied. You know that is so, David." + +"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He can not even arouse them to the +necessity of teaching their children Hebrew, if they would perpetuate +loyalty to its traditions." + +David was about to repeat what the Rabbi had said the night he consented +to take the Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: "What are we coming +to, my son? Protestantism is having a wonderful awakening in regard to +the study of the Bible. Never has there been such a widespread interest +in it as now. But among our people, how many of the younger generation +make it a text-book of daily study? Such negligence will surely write +its 'Ichabod' upon the future of our beloved Israel." + +"What a discussion we have drifted into!" exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had +only intended dropping in here to ask you a simple question. Come to +think, I believe I have not answered yours. You asked me my opinion of +Rabbi Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble soul, a true seeker +of the truth, and a man whose friendship I would value very highly." + +Herschel looked much pleased. + +"I hope you may be able to hear him on 'Yom Kippur,'" he said. + +"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion answered. + +As his footsteps died away in the hall, David said to himself: "If every +Gentile were like that man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," he added as an +after-thought, "what would become of the lawyers? We would starve." + + * * * * * + +In the waning light of the afternoon, that Day of the Atonement, there +was no more devout worshiper in all the temple than George Cragmore. He +had just finished reading a book of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among +the Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the prayer-book some one +handed him, he was impressed with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him: + +"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow bed between two rocky walls, +whence only the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a well so deep +that the ages have not dried it up, and the nations of the four corners +of the earth have come to slake their thirst at its waters." + +It seemed to him that all that was purest, most heart-searching and +sublime in the Old Covenant; all that time has proven most precious and +comforting of its promises; all therein that best satisfies the human +yearnings toward the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct in +man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite mosaic of this day's +ritual. + +Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly on the sermons, admired +their scholarly style, and indorsed most of their substance, but he came +away with a feeling of sadness. + +It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people with their backs turned +on the sacrifice a divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by their penitent pleadings and +good deeds. + +Herschel's devotions were interfered with by a spirit of criticism +heretofore unknown to him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that had +been having an almost imperceptible growth that he could not enter into +the service with his usual abandon. He was continually contrasting those +around him with that never-to-be-forgotten gathering on Lookout, and the +congregation in the tent. + +What made them to differ? He could not tell, but he felt that something +was lacking here that had made the other such a force. + +Cragmore had not been able to attend the Friday night service, nor the +one on the following morning. He came in just after the noon recess, and +was ushered to a pew near the center of the room, where he immediately +became absorbed in the ritual. He followed devoutly through the +meditations and the silent devotions, and when they came to the +responsive readings, his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there. + +The synagogue, with its modern trappings and fashionably-dressed +congregation, seemed to disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and burnt-offering. Through the +chanting of the choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed to see the clouds of +incense, and the smoke arising from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole soul seemed to go out in +reverent adoration to this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew and +Christian. + +The memorial service to the dead followed the sermon. + +Cragmore's music-loving nature responded like a quivering harp-string as +the choir began a minor chant: + + "Oh what is man, the child of dust? + What is man, O Lord?" + +The low, moaning tones of the great organ rose and fell like the beat of +a far-off tide, as all heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the great beyond. + +Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of thankfulness for the unbroken +family circle across the wide Atlantic. + +As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn hedges, a faint chiming of +the Shandon bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills seemed to +mingle a moment with his prayer. + +The sun had set, when in the concluding service his eyes fell on the +words the Rabbi was reading--The Mission of Israel--"It's a pity," he +thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed Christian, who, between +ignorance and bigotry, can get only a distorted impression of the Jews, +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially that prayer for all +mankind, and this one he is reading now: + +"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the eventide, when, according to +Thy gracious promise, Thy light will arise over all the children of men, +and Israel's spiritual descendants will be as numerous as the stars in +the heaven. Endow us, our Guardian, with strength and patience for our +holy mission. Grant that all the children of Thy people may recognize +the goal of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, by their +zeal and love for mankind, the truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity +on earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. Enlighten all that +call themselves by Thy name with the knowledge that the sanctuary of +wood and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but a gate, through +which Israel should step out into the world, to reconcile all mankind +unto Thee! Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement shall be +completed; when the day shall dawn in which the light of Thy truth, +brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. +But surely that great day of universal reconciliation, so fervently +prayed for, shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return empty, +unless they have done that for which Thou didst send them. Then joy +shall thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth to the other +shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the +Eternal our God, the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make pilgrimage +to Thy house, which shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, +and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for us the +gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, +ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'" + +And the choir chanting, replied: + +"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts--He is the King of glory." + +There was a short prayer, then a benediction that made Cragmore and +Marion look across the congregation at each other and smile. It was the +Epworth benediction, with which the League was always dismissed: + +"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. May the Lord let his +countenance shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up +his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." + +The two men met each other at the door, and walked homeward together +through the twilight. + +Cragmore had found a boarding place. It was not far from the temple. + +"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. "I see you still have +Herschel's prayer-book with you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I +have never known before to-day what special hope they clung to. Come in +and I will find the paragraph." + +He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a chair over towards his guest, +and, seating himself, began rapidly turning the leaves of the book. + +"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows: + +"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all tribal spirit and purified of +all national dross, will become the law of humanity. The world that +jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will witness the fulfillment of +prophecies delayed for twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According to the words of the +prophets, the nations will come to learn of Israel, and the people will +hang to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go up together to +the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the Lord of Israel, that he may +teach us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, for which +the world has been sighing since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted +to it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel needs but to discard +her old practices, as in spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her prophets, which has been +preserved intact beneath her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement to form. Then +only, after having infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of all +men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, be able to merge herself in +the nations." + +"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, as he closed the book. "And +yet do you know, Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that Israel has +some great part to play in the conversion of humanity? Any one must see +that nothing short of Divine power could have kept them intact as a +race, and Divine power is never aimlessly exerted. There must be some +great reason for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries of +the cross these people would make! What torch-bearers they have been! +They have carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien shore they +have touched." + +Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his eyes alight with something +akin to prophetic fire. + +"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet bud and blossom into the +perfect flower of Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O when it +does, the 'chosen people' will become a veritable tree of life, whose +leaves will be 'for the healing of the nations.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DR. TRENT. + + +IT was a cold, bleak night in November. There was a blazing wood-fire on +the library hearth. Bethany sat in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using as a desk for her +long-neglected letter-writing. An appetizing smell of pop-corn and +boiling molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, where the +sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned candy-pulling. The +occasional gusts that rattled the windows made Bethany draw closer to +the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth and comfort. She thoroughly +appreciated her luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had the long, +quiet evening ahead of her. + +For half an hour the steady trail of her pen along the paper, and the +singing of the kettle on the crane, was all that was audible. + +Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with a radiant, sticky face, and a +plate of candy. + +"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. "We're going to make some +chocolate creams now. Do come and help, sister?" + +She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters on the table. "I must get +these out of the way first," she said. "Then I'll join you." + +"I guess you can eat and write at the same time," he answered, holding +out the plate. + +He waited only long enough for her to taste his wares, and hurried back +to the kitchen to report her opinion of their skill as confectioners. + +Just as the dining-room door banged behind him, she thought she heard +some one coming up on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. She +paused in the act of dipping her pen into the ink, and listened. Some +one certainly tried the bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly alarmed, and half way across +the room stopped again to listen. There was a momentary rustling in the +hall. She heard something drop on the hat-rack. Then there was a low +knock at the library door. She opened it a little way, and saw Dr. Trent +standing there. + +"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the door wide open. "I never +once thought of its being you. I took you for a burglar." + +Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard look on his face. He seemed +to have grown ten years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he pushed slowly past her, and +stood shivering before the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in the +hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some unusual weight had been laid +upon his patient shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength. + +Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and stern face that he was in sore +need of comfort. + +"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following him to the fire, and +laying her hand lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that something +dreadful must have happened to unnerve him so. "What can I do for you?" +she asked with a tremble of distress in her voice. + +He dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. When he +raised his head his eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age. + +"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, huskily. + +Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. Trent's given name before, she +knew that he was speaking of his wife. + +There was a long pause, which she finally broke by saying, "Don't you +see her every day? I thought you were in the habit of going out to her +that often." + +"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, "day after day, and day +after day, all these long years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has +only been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized me. She was always +calling for me. The way she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to +her husband, would have touched a heart of flint; yet she never knew me +when I came. She would grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but she +would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused way that was pitiful. I +always hoped that some day she might recognize me. I would sing her old +songs to her, and talk about our old home, although the thought of its +shattered happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way to bring her to +herself. She would listen awhile, and look up at me with a recognition +almost dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would begin to roll down her +cheeks, and she would beg me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back to me for the first time in +eight years,--my own little Isabel! I knew it was only because the frail +body was worn out with its terrible struggle, and I could not keep her +long. O, such a day as this has been! I have held her in my arms every +moment, with her poor, tired head against my heart. She was so glad and +happy to find herself with me at last, but the happiness was over so +soon." + +He buried his face in his hands as before, with a groan. When he spoke +again, it was in a dull, mechanical way. + +"She died at sundown!" + +The tears were running down Bethany's face. She had been standing behind +his chair. Now she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over his gray +hair, with a comforting caress. + +"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with +sympathy. + +"You can," he answered. "That is why I came. None of her relatives are +living. Only my most intimate friends know that she did not die eight +years ago, when she was taken away to a sanitarium. I want--" he stopped +with a choking in his throat. "The attendants have been very kind, but +I want some woman of her own station--some woman who would have been her +friend--to put flowers about her--and--smooth her hair, as she would +have wanted it done--and--and--see that everything is all fine and +beautiful when she is dressed for her last sleep." + +He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; but his face was working +pitifully, and the tears were rolling down his face. + +"She would have wished it so. She knew Richard Hallam. He was my best +friend. I do not know any one I could ask to do this for my little +Isabel, but Richard Hallam's daughter." + +She leaned over and touched his forehead with her lips. + +"Then let her have a daughter's place in helping you bear this," she +said. "Let her serve her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father." + +He reached up and mutely took her hand, resting his face against it a +moment, as if the touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then he rose, +saying, "I shall send for you in the morning." + +"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. "You have hardly been +here long enough to get thoroughly warm." + +"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will be only a few hours longer +that I can sit beside her. I have staid away now longer than I intended, +but I had to come in town to see that Lee was all right." + +"O, does he know?" asked Bethany. + +"No, he was only two years old when they were separated. She has always +been dead to him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow his life with +such a grief?" + +Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, turned up the collar, and +buttoned it securely. Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps in an absent-minded way. + +"I suppose Richard told you about that debt I have been wrestling with +so long," he said, finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the last +wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, I seem to have lost all my +old vigor and ambition. If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to +stop, and not try to take another step. I should like to lie down and go +to sleep, too." + +He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, laden with snow, rushed in. + +Bethany watched him out of sight, then went shivering back to the fire. + +A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next day, so no one questioned, or no +one knew why Bethany was excused from the office during the morning. + +She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. She stood beside him in +the dreary cemetery till the white snow was laid back over the +newly-made mound. Then she rode silently back to town with him. He sat +with his hands over his eyes all the way, never speaking until the +carriage stopped at the office, and the driver opened the door for +Bethany to alight. + +Next day she saw him drive past on his usual round of professional +visits. No one else noticed any difference in him, except that he seemed +a little graver, and, if possible, more tender and thoughtful in his +ministrations, than he had been before. + +To Bethany there was something very pathetic in the sudden aging of +this man, who had borne his burden so silently and bravely that few had +ever suspected he had one. + +He was making a stern effort to keep on in the same old way. His +profession had brought him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the shadow of his burden on +other lives, if he could help it. + +Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast growing white, that he +stooped more, and that he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a quick, elastic step. She +ministered to his comfort in all the little ways in her power, but it +was not much that any one could do. + +It must have been nearly two weeks before he came again to the house. +This time it was to examine Jack. + +"What would you say, my son," he asked, "if I should tell you I do not +want you to go to the office any more after this week?" + +Jack's face was a study. The tears came to his eyes. "Why?" he asked. + +"Because you will be strong enough then to go through a certain exercise +I want you to take many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by Christmas." + +This was so much sooner than either Jack or Bethany had dared hope, that +they hardly knew how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud whoop, and +went wheeling out of the room at the top of his speed to tell Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet. + +Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly tenderness in his face. Then +he sighed and turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble to bring to +you, my dear. Lee has been getting into so much mischief lately. I never +knew till yesterday that he has not been attending school regularly this +term. You see every allowance ought to be made for the child--no home +but a boarding-house; no one to take an oversight--for I am called out +night and day. He is such a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am +satisfied that his teachers do not understand him. They have not been +fair with him. He has been transferred from one ward to another, and +finally expelled. He never told me until last night. He said he knew it +would grieve me, and that he put it off from day to day, because he did +not want to trouble me when I was so worried over several critical +cases. That showed a sweet spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has +always been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted to go and +interview the superintendent; but he insisted it would do no good, +because they are all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a good child. +They ought not to expect a growing boy, full of the animal spirits the +Creator has endowed him with, to always work like a prim little machine. +Maybe I am not acting wisely, but he begged so hard to be allowed to go +to work for awhile, instead of being sent to any other school, that I +gave my consent. It is little a ten-year old boy can do, but he has a +taking way with him, and he got a place himself. He is to be +elevator-boy in the same building where your office is. You will see him +every day, and I am giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look out a little for him, +Bethany." + +"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. "We are already great +friends. He used to often join us on his way to school, and wheel Jack +part of the distance." + +Jack made as much as possible of the remaining time that he was allowed +to go to the office. He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all the different offices +where he had made friends, and spent a great deal of time in the hall, +talking to Lee, who was soon installed in the building as elevator-boy. + +"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," exclaimed Jack to Bethany +after his first interview. "Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about doing. He's tough, I can +tell you. He smokes cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed me +an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven up.' He shoots 'craps,' +too. He has been playing hooky half his time. One of the hostlers at the +livery-stable, where his father keeps his horse, used to write his +excuses for him. Lee paid him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of +the warehouses down by the river. You just ought to see the book he +carries around in his pocket to read when he isn't busy. It's called +'The Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' There is the awfulest +pictures in it of people being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the stuff he read; and asked +him how he would like to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the reason he has gone to work +is to save up money so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or some big +place, and have a 'howling good time.'" + +It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the deception the boy had +practiced on his father. Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and was glad when the time came +for him to stay at home from the office. But in every way she could she +strengthened her friendship with Lee. She brought him great, rosy +apples, and pop-corn balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy could +be proof against the long twists of homemade candy she frequently +slipped into his pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped to put a bunch of violets or a +little red rose in his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful that +she awakened the dormant chivalry within him, and he would not for +worlds have had her suspect that he was not all his father believed him +to be. + +One day she told David enough of his history to enlist his sympathy. +After that the young lawyer began to take considerable notice of him, +and finally won his complete friendship by the gift of a little brown +puppy, that he brought down one morning in his overcoat pocket. + +There was no more time to read "The Pirate's Revenge." The helpless, +sprawling little pup demanded all his attention. He kept it swung up in +a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, but spent every spare moment +trying to develop its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. That +was one occupation of which he never wearied, and in which he never lost +patience. From the moment he took the soft, warm, little thing in his +arms, he loved it dearly. + +"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it up to him, "because he's +so sweet and brown." + +Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee to dine with them on +Thanksgiving day, but the sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and +Mrs. Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend the day with them, +that she reluctantly gave up her plan. + +"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she promised herself, "and a +big tree for Lee and Jack. Lois will help me with it." + +It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with gray skies, and snow, to +intensify the indoor cheer. + +"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning with its decorations of +fruit and vegetables, and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. Dameron's, and was holding her +big mink muff in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it in the +snow. + +"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" chimed in Miss Caroline. +"Sally always did have a real talent for such things." + +"It couldn't have been any better than we had," insisted Jack. "I don't +believe I'll want anything more to eat for a week." + +"That's very fortunate," answered Miss Caroline, "for I gave Mena an +entire holiday. We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make that in +here." + +They sat around the fire in the gloaming, quietly talking over the happy +day. One of Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was that these +two gentle lives had come in contact with her own. Their simple piety +and childlike faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, like the +modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers they loved so dearly. Well for +Bethany that she had the constant companionship of these loving sisters. +Happy for Jack that he found in them the gracious grandmotherly +tenderness, without which no home is complete. They were very proud of +their boy, as they called him. Between the Junior League and their +conscientious instruction, Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and grounded" +in the faith of his fathers. Night stole on so gradually, and the +firelight filled the room with such a cheerful glow, they did not notice +how dark it had grown outside, until a sudden peal of the door-bell +startled them. + +"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the spectacles that had slipped +down when the sudden sound made her start nervously up from her chair. +She waited to light the gas, and hastily arrange the disordered chairs. + +When she opened the door she saw David Herschel patiently awaiting +admittance. It was the first time he had ever called. She was all in a +flutter of surprise as she ushered him into the library. He declined to +take a seat. + +"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," he said. "You know he boards +across the street from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been spending the +day. He was called out to see a patient last night, and came home late, +with a hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate a little while ago, +and came running over to tell me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found his father delirious, and +had telephoned for Dr. Mills. He was very much frightened, and wanted me +to stay with him until the doctor came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined +him, he called me aside and asked me to get into his buggy and drive out +to the Deaconess Home. I have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if ever she was needed in her +life, she is needed now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected too +long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter of only a few hours." + +Bethany started up, looking so white and alarmed that David thought she +was going to faint. He arose, too. + +"I must go over there at once," she said. + +"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am at your service, if you want +me to wait for you." + +"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," she answered. "Jack, I'll be +back in time to help you to bed." + +As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, which were still lying on +the chair, where she had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before. + +David offered his arm as they went down the icy steps. + +"It was so good of you to come at once," she said, as she accepted his +assistance. "Is Miss Carleton there now?" + +"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost instantly. She is the same +nurse that I met early one morning in that laundry office. She told me +on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so much for the Home and for the +poor. She says she owes her own life to his skill and care, and that no +service she could render him would be great enough to express her +gratitude. They all feel that way about him at the Home." + +Belle Carleton met them at the bedroom door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken +about you," she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had several +lucid intervals. Take off your hat before you go to him." + +Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark corner of the room, with +Taffy hugged tight in his arms. An undefinable dread had taken +possession of him. He looked up at Bethany, with a frightened, tearful +expression, as she patted him on the cheek in passing. + +Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down beside him, and took his +hand. He smiled brightly as he recognized her. + +"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse whisper, for he could not +speak audibly. "Dear old Dick." + +Then he grew delirious again. It was only at intervals he had these +gleams of consciousness. + +After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He seemed to sink into a heavy +stupor. Bethany sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn fingers clasped over hers. + +What a world of good that hand had done! How unselfishly it had toiled +on for others, to wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy with the best of +everything! Besides all that, it had filled, as far as lay in its power, +every other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic clasp. + +She sat beside him a long time, but he did not waken from the heavy +sleep into which he had fallen, even when she gently withdrew her +fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills take her place. He had just +come in again. + +"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" asked Bethany. + +The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. He shook his head. "Miss +Carleton can do all that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, if I am needed. He will +probably have no more rational awakenings while this fever keeps at such +a frightful heat. If we can subdue that soon, he has such great vitality +he may pull through all right." + +"You'd better go back, dear," urged the nurse. "You have your work ahead +of you to-morrow, and you look very tired." + +"I have an almost unbearable headache," admitted Bethany, "or I would +not think of leaving. I would not go even for that, if I thought he +would have conscious intervals of any length; but the doctor thinks that +is hardly probable to-night. I'll come back early in the morning. Maybe +he will know me then." + +"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging wistfully to David's hand, as +Bethany put on her hat. + +"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, kindly. + +Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep back the tears. + +"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with his lip trembling. + +David put his arm around him caressingly. His sympathies went out +strongly to the little lad, who might so soon be left fatherless. + +"Then I'll come back and stay with you till you go to sleep, after I +take Miss Hallam home," he promised. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LITTLE PRODIGAL. + + +LEE was waiting disconsolately on the stairs, with Taffy beside him, +when David opened the door and stepped into the hall. The landlady was +up-stairs with the nurse, and all the boarders had gone to a concert, so +the parlor was vacant, and David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward told him such +entertaining stories of his travels that Lee forgot his painful +forebodings. The clock in the hall struck ten before either of them was +aware how swiftly the time had passed. + +"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know where he is to sleep," David +said to the nurse, when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's room. + +"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," she said, kindly. "He'd better +not undress." + +David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is there any change?" he asked, +anxiously. + +She nodded, and then motioned him aside. "Would it be too much to ask +you to stay a couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? Lee clings +to you so, and the end may be much nearer than we thought." + +"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," he replied. + +They moved the sofa to the other side of the room, and the nurse began +folding some blankets the landlady brought her to lay over it. + +"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, dear?" she asked Lee. + +He picked up a larger lump than he could well manage. The tongs slipped, +and it fell with a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces as it +did so, then rattling over the hearth. + +They all turned apprehensively toward the bed. The heavy jarring sound +had thoroughly aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked around the +room as if trying to comprehend the situation. He seemed puzzled to +account for David's presence in the room, and drew his hand wonderingly +across his burning forehead, then pressed it against his aching throat. + +The nurse bent over him to moisten his parched lips with a spoonful of +water. + +Then he understood. A look of awe stole over his face, as he realized +his condition. He held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, turning, +beckoned the child to come. He folded the cold, trembling little fingers +in his hot hands. "Papa's--dear--little son!" he gasped in whispers. + +David turned his head away, his eyes suffused with hot tears. The scene +recalled so vividly the night he had crept to his father's bedside for +the last time. His heart ached for the little fellow. + +"God--keep--you!" came in the same hoarse whisper. + +Then he turned to the nurse, and with great effort spoke aloud, "Belle, +pray!" + +David, standing with bowed head, while she knelt with her arm around the +frightened boy, listened to such a prayer as he had never heard before. +He had wondered one time how this woman could sacrifice everything in +life for the sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. But as he +listened now, to her low, earnest voice, he felt an unseen Presence in +the room, as of the Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly. + +As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms might be underneath as this +soul went down into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried out +exultingly, "There is no valley!" + +David looked up. The doctor's worn face was shining with an unspeakable +happiness. He stretched out his arms. + +"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!" + +His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes closed, and he relapsed into a +stupor, from which he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at midnight he +was still breathing; but the street lights were beginning to fade in the +gray, wintry dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the lifeless hands +across the still heart, and turned to look at Lee. + +The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the sofa, and David had gone. + + * * * * * + +O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease of our appreciation to +wreathe cold coffin-lids, and cover unresponsive clay! + +There was a constant stream of people passing in and out of the +boarding-house parlor all day. + +Bethany was not surprised at the great number who came to do honor to +Baxter Trent, nor at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she arranged the great masses of +flowers they brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't they send these +when he was in such sore need of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference." + +All sorts of people came. A man whose wrists had not yet forgotten the +chafing of a convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that Bethany +had placed on the table at the head of the casket. + +"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his head mournfully. "I reckon +he was ready to go if ever any body was." + +They happened to be alone in the room, and Bethany repeated what the +nurse had told her of the doctor's triumphant passing. + +Late in the afternoon there was a timid knock at the door. Bethany +opened it, and saw two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over her head, and the other wore a +big, flapping sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful face. Their +teeth were chattering with cold and bashfulness. + +"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we couldn't get no wreaves or +crosses, but granny said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'" + +The dirty little hand held out a stemless, yellow chrysanthemum. + +"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening the door wide to the +little ragamuffins. + +They glanced around the mass of blossoms filling the room, with a look +of astonishment that so much beauty could be found in one place. + +"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, "'Pears like our 'n +don't show up for much, beside all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry we was." + +Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. "Did you know him well?" she +asked. + +"I should rather say," answered the child. "He kep' us from starvin', +all the time granny was down sick so long." + +"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with him, away out in the country, +and he let us get out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, Jess?" + +The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped her eyes with the corner of +her sister's shawl, "Granny says we'll never have another friend like +him while the world stands." + +Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless chrysanthemum. "See," she +said, "I'm going to put it in the best place of all, right here by his +hand." + +The door opened again to admit David Herschel. Before it closed the +children had slipped bashfully away, still hand in hand. + +Bethany told him of their errand. "Who could have brought more?" she +said, touching the shining yellow flower; "for with this little drop of +gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, and the frankincense of a loving +remembrance." + +She felt that he could appreciate the pathos of the gift, and the love +that prompted it. They had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours. + +"You've been here nearly all day, haven't you?" he asked, noticing her +tired face. "I wish you would go home and rest, and let me take your +place awhile." + +He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded. Her sympathies had been +sorely wrought upon during the day, and she was nearly exhausted. + +After she had gone, he sat down with his overcoat on, near the front +window. There was only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the grate. + +The last rays of the sunset were streaming in between the slats of the +shutters. He could hear the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells. + +"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He had not seen the child since +morning. + +Two working men came in presently. They looked long and silently at the +doctor's peaceful face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again. + +The minutes dragged slowly by. + +The heavy perfume of the flowers made David drowsy, and he leaned his +head on his hand. + +The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked in. His eyes were swollen +with crying. He did not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only one +long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, and it lay athwart the still +form in the center of the room. + +Lee paused just a moment beside it, then slipped noiselessly over to the +grate. There was a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the dying +embers as quietly as he could, and one by one laid the books on the red +coals. They were the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. Last of +all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. They blazed up, filling the +room with light, and revealing David in his seat by the window. + +"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any one was in here." + +Then leaning against the wall, he put his head on his arm, and began to +sob in deeper distress than he had yet shown. He felt in his pocket for +a handkerchief, but there was none there. + +David took out his own and wiped the boy's wet face, as he drew him +tenderly to his knee. + +"Now tell me all about it," he said. + +Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried harder for awhile. Then he +sobbed brokenly: "O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I came in +here early this morning before anybody was up, to tell him I was +sorry--that I would be a good boy--but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa, papa!" he wailed. "It's so +awful to be left all alone--just a little boy like me!" + +David folded him closer without speaking. No words could touch such a +grief. + +Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of paper. It was only the +scrap of a fly-leaf, its jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book. + +"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his pocket?" he asked in a +trembling voice. "I want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in his pocket, he'd know how +sorry I was." + +David took the bit of paper, all blistered with boyish tears, where a +penitent little hand, out of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,--I will be good." + +A sob shook the man's strong frame as he read it. + +"I think he will be very glad to have you give him that," he answered. +"You'd better put it in his pocket before any one comes in." + +Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed the room. "O, I can't," he +moaned, attempting to lift the lifeless hands. + +David reached down, and unbuttoning the coat, laid the promise of the +little prodigal gently on his father's heart, to await its reading in +the glad light of the resurrection morning. Then he called some one else +to take his place, and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little while +he was driving through the twilight out one of the white country roads, +with Lee beside him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a cool +hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore heart. + +Bethany took him home with her after the funeral, and kept him a week. + +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him with all the ardor of their +motherly old hearts. Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his usual vivacity. + +"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion said to Bethany one day. He had +gone up to the office to talk to her about it. + +Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting that Frank Marion be +appointed guardian. + +"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. "She would have turned the house +into an orphan asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But she has so many +demands on her time and strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should take Lee, I am away from +home so much, that the greater part of the care and responsibility would +fall on her. Just now his father's death has touched him, and he is +making a great effort to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for +him in a big place like this, so full of temptations to a boy of his +age. He would be a constant care. The only thing I can see is to put him +in some private school for a few years." + +"Let me keep him till after Christmas," urged Bethany. "I can't bear to +let the little fellow go away among strangers this near the holiday +season. I keep thinking, What if it were Jack?" + +"How would it do for me to take him out on my next trip?" suggested Mr. +Marion. "I will be gone two weeks, just to little country towns in the +northern part of the State, where he could have a variety of scenes to +amuse him." + +"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. "I'm sure he will like it." + +Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified guardian. He had a secret +fear that he would always be preaching to him, or telling him Bible +stories. He hoped that the customers would keep him very busy during the +day, and he resolved always to go to bed early enough to escape any +curtain lectures that might be in store for him. + +To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the jolliest of traveling +companions. There was no preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a moral on to the end of his +stories, and he only laughed when Taffy crawled out of the +innocent-looking brown paper bundle that Lee would not put out of his +arms until after the train had started. + +Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the open country between +little towns! Such fine skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten chapters, he told one of +the drivers. + +One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, frozen pike, one of the +horses began to limp. + +"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. "Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. +It's jes' round the next bend, over the bridge." + +The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying sparks and noisy anvils, was +nothing new to Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. In fact, +there were few places he had not explored. + +The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in the habit of using rough +language that every sentence was accompanied with an oath. + +Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the fire. + +"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he said. They had heard a harsh, +grating sound, like some discordant grinding, ever since they came in +sight of the shop. + +Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty thumb. + +"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' gear somew'eres. It set me +plumb crazy at first, but I'm gettin' used to it now." + +"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. Marion, anxious to get Lee out +of such polluted atmosphere. + +The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly as broad as he was long, +did not even take the trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just one of the cogs is gone out +of one of the wheels. I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get 'round to it. Does make +an or'nery sound for a fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry." + +"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, after they had passed out of +doors again. "I don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. It is a +nuisance to the whole neighborhood." + +When he reported the conversation at the smithy, Sikes swore at the +miller soundly. + +Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a step forward. + +"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone that made every one in the +shop pause to listen, "you've got a bigger cog missing in you than the +old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger nuisance to the +neighborhood. You have lost your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, leaving out Christ, making a +miserable failure of your life grist, and every time you open your lips, +your blasphemous words tell the story of the missing cog. If that old +mill-wheel makes such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do you +suppose your life is making in the ears of your Heavenly Father?" + +Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. His first impulse was to +knock him over with the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not help respecting the man who +had the courage to utter them. + +"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no idee you was a parson. I +laid out as you was a drummer." + +"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; +but I spent so many years on the road for this same house before I went +into the firm, that I often go out over my old territory." + +Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me you've got sermons and +shoe-leather pretty badly mixed up," he said. + +Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh disappear down the road, he +picked up the bellows and worked them in an absent-minded sort of a way. + +"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. "A drummer! I'll +be--blowed!" + +The incident made a profound impression on Lee. A loop in the road +brought them in sight of the old mill again. + +"We don't want to have any cogs missing, do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, +first pinching the boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him. + +The subject was not referred to again, but the lesson was not forgotten. + +Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. They walked to the Church a +mile away in the morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in the +afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. If it had not been for Taffy, it +would have been insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. Marion +did not take him out to the night service. He left him playing with the +landlady's baby in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not last long, +however. The baby was put to bed, and some of the neighbors came in for +a visit. Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room. + +It was the best the house afforded, but it was far from being an +attractive place. The walls were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The rag carpet was a dull, +faded gray. The lamp smoked when he turned it up, and smelled strongly +of coal-oil when he turned it down. + +He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded to go to bed. It was +very early. He could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening to +somebody's rocking-chair, going squeakety squeak in the parlor below. + +He wished he could be as comfortable and content as Taffy, curled up in +some flannel in a shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached out, +and stroked the puppy's soft back. + +The feeling came over him as he did so, that there wasn't anybody in all +the world for him really to belong to. + +It was the first time since Bethany took him home that he had felt like +crying. Now he lay and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs. + +He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. Mr. Marion lighted the +lamp, putting a high-backed chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that was lying on the table, +and, turning the leaves very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson. + +A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a long time he heard another. +Laying down his book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and his face streaked with traces of +tears. Marion, with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking at +him. + +All the fatherly impulses of his nature were stirred by the pitiful +little face on the pillow. + +He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly over the boy. + +"Lee," he said, "look up here, son." + +Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so near his own. + +"You were lying here in the dark, crying because you felt that there was +nobody left to love you. Now put your arms around my neck, dear, while I +tell you something. I had a little child once. I can never begin to tell +you how I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my heart. But I said, +for her sake I shall love all children, and try to make them happy. +Because her little feet knew the way home to God, I shall try to keep +all other children in the same pure path. For her sake, first, I loved +you; now, since we have been together, for your own. I want you to feel +that I am such a close friend that you can always come to me just as +freely as you did to your father." + +The boy's clasp around his neck tightened. + +"But, Lee, there will be times in your life when you will need greater +help than I can give; and because I know just how you will be tried, and +tempted, and discouraged, I want you to take the best of friends for +your own right now. I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?" + +Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened whisper, "I don't know +how." + +"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you after you had been very +naughty?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." Between his choking sobs he +told of the promise lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars. + +Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an effort, as he pointed out the +way so surely and so simply that Lee could not fail to understand. + +Then, with his arm still around him, he prayed; and the boy, following +him step by step through that earnest prayer, groped his way to his +Savior. + +It was a time never to be forgotten by either Frank Marion or Lee. They +lay awake till long after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +HERZENRUHE. + + +A STORY has come down to us of a cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those winter wilds made the +bravest heart appalled; when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's bonny hedgerows, then +the brave little cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its familiar +chirp, bringing back the cheer of the happy past, comforted the +children, and sang new hopes into the hearts of their elders. + +With every vessel that has touched the New World's shores since that +time have come these fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the ample +chests of the first Virginians, or bound in the bundles of the last +steerage passengers just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom of +a distant Fatherland has always folded its wings, ready to chirp on the +new hearthstone, the familiar even-song of the old. + +That is how the American celebration of Christmas has become so +cosmopolitan in its character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its song of an "auld lang +syne." + +"I should like to have a little of everything this year," remarked Miss +Caroline, as, pencil in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum. + +It was two weeks before Christmas, and she had called a family council +in her room, after Jack had gone to bed. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily embroidering. + +"It is the first time we have had a home of our own for so many years, +or been where there is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, "that +we ought to make quite an occasion of it." + +"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, "is to begin back with the +mistletoe of the Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding of old +England. I'm sorry we can't have the Yule log and the wassail-bowl and +the dear little Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. But we +can have a tree Christmas eve, with all the beautiful German customs +that go with it. Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, whether +he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then we must read up all the +Scandinavian and Dutch and Flemish customs, and observe just as many as +we can." + +"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully. + +"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. "Jack is going to invite ten +poor children that the Junior Mercy and Help Department have reported. +He is so grateful for being able to walk a little, that he wants to give +up his whole Christmas to them." + +"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. "I'm through with my last +present now, and am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to the +slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment." + +As she spoke she snipped the last thread of silk with her little silver +scissors, and tossed the piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap. + +Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You are a true artist, Lois," she +said. "These sweet peas look as if they had just been gathered. They +would almost tempt the bees." + +"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," answered Lois. "You can't +guess whom she's making that table-cover for?" + +Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For that dear old grandmother +where we were entertained at Chattanooga last summer," she said. "Don't +you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? She couldn't hear well enough to +enjoy the meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was a perpetual +welcome. She asked me into her room one day, and showed me a great bunch +of red clover some one had sent her from the country. She seemed so +pleased with it, and told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows at home, with all the +artlessness of a child. That is why I chose this design." + +"There never was another like you, Cousin Ray," said Bethany. "You +remember everything and everybody at Christmas, and I don't see how you +ever manage to get through with so much work." + +"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet, sententiously. "At least +that's what my old copy-book used to say." + +"And it also said, if I remember aright," said Miss Caroline, a little +severely, "'Plan out your work, and work out your plan.' It's high time +we were settling down to business, if we expect to accomplish anything." + +While this Christmas council was in session in Miss Caroline's room, +another was being held in an old farm-house in the northern part of the +State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and daughter. Everything in the room +gave evidence of German thrift and neatness, from the shining brass +andirons on the hearth, to the geraniums blooming on the window-sill. + +"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind +him in the Fatherland, when he came to America a poor emigrant boy; and +that was the name now carved on the arch that spanned the wide +entrance-gate, leading to the home and the well-tilled acres that he had +earned by years of steady, honest toil. + +It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to every wayfarer sheltered +under its ample roof-tree. + +He had accumulated his property by careful economy, but he gave out with +the same conscientious spirit with which he gathered in. No matter when +the summons might come, at nightfall or at cock-crowing, he was ready to +give an account of his faithful stewardship. Not only had he divided his +bread with the hungry, but he had given time and personal care, and a +share in his own home-life, to those who were in need. + +More than one young farmer, jogging past Herzenruhe in a wagon of his +own, looked gratefully up the long lane, and remembered that he owed the +steady habits of his manhood and his present prosperity to Gottlieb +Hartmann. For in all the years since he had had a place of his own, +there had seldom been a time when some homeless boy or another had not +been a member of his household. + +He was an old man now, white-haired and rheumatic, and called +grandfather by all the country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy winter apple. His +children had all married and gone farther West, except his oldest +daughter, Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to lure away from +her comfortable home-nest. She was an energetic, self-willed little +body, and had gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had wheeled her sewing-machine beside +the table, on which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing to dress a +whole family of dolls to be packed in the Christmas boxes that were soon +to be sent West. + +Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, her sweet, wrinkled old +face bright with the loving thoughts that her needles were putting into +a little red mitten, destined for one of the boxes. + +"It will be the first Christmas since I can remember," said Carlotta, +"that there will be no little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children the year before. It's a +pity they are so far away. It will just spoil my Christmas." + +Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate he was reading. + +"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. There will be a little lad +here to-morrow to take dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I met +our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had a boy with him whose father is +just dead, and he is the guardian." + +"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion first came here?" asked +Carlotta. "Seems to me I was only a little girl, and now I have pulled +out lots of gray hairs already." + +"It has been twenty years at least," answered her mother. "It was while +we were building the ice-house, I know." + +"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone into Ridgeville one Saturday to +get some new boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was just a young +fellow making his first trip, and he seemed so strange and homesick that +when I found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, I brought him +out here to stay over Sunday with us." + +"I remember you brought him right into the kitchen where I was dropping +noodles in the soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has seemed to feel +like one of the family ever since." + +"Yes, he has never missed coming out here every time he has been in this +part of the State, from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking up +his paper again. + +Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three miles away, Mr. Marion was +telling Lee of all the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he could hardly wait for the time +to come, and he dreamed all night of the country. + +Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the visit. The delighted child +spent all his time in the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he said. "There's the +dearest little colt in the barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond +in the pasture covered with ice!" + +Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta makes doughnuts every +Saturday, and she says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the garret." + +When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion was going on to the next town +before starting home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return. + +"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into his pulses.' It will be good +for him," she said. + +"Nobody knows better than I," answered Mr. Marion, "the sweet +wholesomeness of country living. I should be glad to leave him in such +an atmosphere always. He would develop into a much purer manhood, and I +am sure would be far happier." + +Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. "We'll see," she said. "Don't say +anything to him about it, but we'll try him while you're gone, and then +I'll talk to father. He seems right handy about the chores, and there is +a good school near here." + +Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, he went out to the barn to +find Lee. The boy had just scrambled out of a haymow with his hat full +of eggs. His face was beaming. + +"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, "and I rode to the post-office +this afternoon, horseback." + +"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. "Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann +is just the grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, and they're all +so good to me." + +It proved to be a very eventful journey for the boy; for after some +discussion about his board, it was arranged that he should come back to +the farm after the holidays. + +"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. "Why couldn't I stay right on, +now I'm here. You could send my clothes to me, and it wouldn't cost near +as much as to go home first." + +"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. "She is planning for a big +tree and lots of fun Christmas." + +"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. "I'd so much rather stay here +than go back to town and find him gone." + +"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, touched by the +expression of his face. "We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself." + +When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode down the lane with him to open the +big gate. After he had driven through he turned for one more look. + +The boy stood under the archway waving good-bye with his cap. The late +afternoon sun shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated the +snow, still clinging to the quaintly carved letters on the arch above, +till it seemed they were all golden letters that spelled the name of +Herzenruhe. + + * * * * * + +This holiday season would have been a sad time for Bethany, had she +allowed herself to listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely away from her +memories, saying: "I will be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it." + +Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness into every life that +touched her own, she found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show windows. She +anticipated the pleasure that would attend the opening of each bundle +carried by every purchaser that jostled against her in the street. It +was impossible for her to breathe the general air of festivity at home, +and not carry something of the Christmas spirit to the office with her. + +"Everybody has caught the contagion," she said gayly, coming into the +office Saturday afternoon, with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, Mr. Crookshaw, whom +everybody thinks so miserly, going along with a little red cart under +his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out of his pocket." + +"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, "by not being down-town +every day." + +"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is nearly wild now with the +excitement of the preparations that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for you to be present at the +lighting of his tree Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will enjoy watching the +children," she added, after she had told him of their various plans, +"and I hope you will be sure to come." + +"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That is the second invitation I have +had this afternoon. Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to attend the +League's devotional meeting to-morrow night. He says it will be +especially interesting on account of the season, and insists that 'turn +about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day services, and he wants +me to be present at his Christmas services." + +"We shall be very glad to have you come," said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is +to lead the meeting instead of any of the young people, who usually take +turns. I can not tell how such a meeting might impress an outsider; to +me they are very inspiring and helpful." + +That night, as she sat in her room indulging in a few minutes of +meditation before putting out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned her for the little use she +had made of her opportunity. + +It had been four months since he had come into the office, and while +they had several times discussed their respective religions, she had +never found an occasion when she could make a personal appeal to him to +accept Christ. Once when she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had interrupted them. + +"I must speak to him frankly," she said. Then she knelt and prayed that +something might be said or sung in the service of the morrow that would +prepare the way for such a conversation. + +David felt decidedly out of place Sunday evening as he took a seat in +the back part of the room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find. + +They were singing when he entered. He recognized the tune. It was the +one he had heard at Chattanooga--"Nearer, my God, to Thee." It seemed to +bring the whole scene before him--the sunrise--the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every soul. + +At the close of the song, another was announced in a voice that he +thought he recognized. He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, he had been +correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's--one of the keenest, most scholarly +lawyers at the bar, and a man he met daily. + +He was leaning back in his seat, beating time with his left hand, as he +led the tune with his strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note. + +David moved over to make room for a newcomer. From his changed position +he could see a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. Marion, Lois +Denning, and the Courtney sisters. Bethany was seated at the piano. + +Presently the door from the pastor's study opened, and Dr. Bascom came +in and took his seat beside the president of the League. + +"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one behind him whisper to her +escort. "What do you suppose could have happened? His face actually +shines." + +David had been watching it ever since he took his seat. It was a benign, +pleasant face at all times, but just now it seemed to have caught the +reflection of a great light. Everybody in the room noticed it. David, +quick to make Old Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming down +the mountain from a talk with God. He felt as positively, as if he had +seen for himself, that the minister had just risen from his knees, and +had come in among them, radiant from the unspeakable joy of that +communion. Every one present began to feel its influence. + +The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for reading, was one they had heard +many times, but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered it: + +"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." + +Something of the gladness that must have rung through the song of the +heralds on that first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read. + +Then he turned to Luke's account of the shepherds abiding in the fields +by night--that beautiful old story, that will always be new until the +stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem shall have ceased to be a +wonder. + +As the service progressed, David began to feel that he was not in a +church, but that he had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told the experiences of the past week, +the blessings and the trials that had come to them since they had last +seen each other. + +Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke from where they sat, just as +they would have talked in some home-circle. + +And through it all they seemed to recognize a Divine presence in the +room, to whom they spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, but +with the deepest love and gratitude. + +As David listened to voice after voice testifying to a personal +knowledge of Christ as a Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an utter stranger. + +When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened with still greater interest. +He knew him to be an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number of +times in rousing political speeches, and once in a masterly oration over +the Nation's dead on Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man had with +a jury, and he knew what respect even his enemies had for his +unimpeachable veracity and honor. + +Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned as when examining a +witness, to give his own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony. + +He said: "There may be some here to-night to whom the prophecy that was +read, and the story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. To +such I do not come with the sayings of the prophets, or to repeat the +tidings of the shepherds, or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times believed. I tell you +that which I myself do know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not the Son of God, he +could not have entered into my life, and transformed it as he has done. +My star of hope is far more real to me than the stars outside that +lighted my way to this room to-night. I have knelt at his feet and +worshiped, and gone on my way rejoicing. I know that through the +sacrifice he offered on Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his only-begotten. The +voice that bears witness to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined to dispute it, they would +be as nothing to that still, small voice within that whispers peace--the +witness of the Spirit." + +On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore had not been half so +surprised at hearing the League benediction intoned by rabbi and choir, +as was David when the familiar blessing of the synagogue was repeated in +unison by those of another faith: + +"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon +thee, and give thee peace." + +David had heard so much of Methodists that he had expected noisy +demonstrations and great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of amen during the prayers; +but while the prevailing spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, it +had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless under-current. + +He slipped out of the room after the benediction, fearful of meeting +curious glances. A member of the reception committee managed to shake +hands with him, but his friends had not discovered his attendance. + +Two things followed him persistently. The expression of Dr. Bascom's +face, and Hewson Raleigh's emphatic "I know." + +He took the last train out to Hillhollow, wishing he had staid away from +the League meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable. + +He walked the floor until long after midnight. Even sleep brought him no +rest, for in his dreams he was still groping blindly in the dark for +something--he knew not what--but something wise men had found long years +ago in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON CHRISTMAS EVE. + + +IT was Christmas eve, and nearing the time for Bethany to leave the +office. She stood, with her wraps on, by one of the windows, waiting for +Mr. Edmunds to come back. She had a message to deliver before she could +leave, and she expected him momentarily. + +In the street below people were hurrying by with their arms full of +bundles. She was impatient to be gone, too. There were a great many +finishing touches for her to give the tall tree in the drawing-room at +home. + +She had worked till the last moment at noon, and locked the door +regretfully on the gayly-decked room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of Christmas festivities. + +While she stood there, she heard steps in the hall. + +"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she exclaimed, as David entered. It +was the first time he had been at the office that day. "I have a message +for him. Have you seen him anywhere?" + +"No," answered David. "I have just come in from Hillhollow. Marta has +telegraphed that she is coming home on the night train, so I shall not +be able to accept Jack's invitation. She had not expected to come at all +during the holidays; but one of the teachers was called home, and she +could not resist the temptation to accompany her, although she can only +stay until the end of the week." + +As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's disappointment, David picked +up a small package that lay on his desk. + +"O, the expressman left that for you a little while ago," she said. +"Your Christmas is beginning early." + +She turned again to the window, peering out through the dusk, while +David lighted the gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package. + +It occurred to her that here was a time, while all the world was turning +towards the Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, that she +might venture to speak of him. Before she could decide just how to +begin, David spoke to her: + +"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would like for you to see it." + +He held a little silver case towards her, on which a handsome monogram +was heavily engraved. + +As she touched the spring it flew open, showing an exquisitely painted +miniature on ivory. + +She gave an involuntary cry of delight. + +"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It is one of the loveliest +faces I ever saw." She scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an +artist's evident pleasure. Then she looked up with a smile. + +"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke to me about," she said. "He +said that she was rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight." + +"How long ago since he told you that?" asked David in surprise. + +"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," she answered. + +"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?" + +"Yes." + +David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively why his old friend had departed +so from his usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. He had +intimated to David, when he had first met Miss Hallam, that she was an +unusually fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing friendship +might gradually lessen the young man's interest in Esther, whom he saw +only at long intervals, as she lived in a distant city. + +"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling you myself," said David. + +"I have often wondered what she is like," answered Bethany, "and I am +glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations. I wish +that she lived here that I might make her acquaintance. I do not know +when I have seen a face that has captivated me so." + +"Thank you," replied David, flushing with pleasure. A tender smile +lighted his eyes as he glanced at the miniature again before closing the +case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the spring," he added proudly. + +They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. Bethany held out her hand. + +"I shall not see you again until next week, I suppose," she said, "so +let me wish you a very happy Christmas." + +He kept her hand in his an instant as he repeated her greeting, then, +looking earnestly down into the upturned face, added gently in Hebrew, +the old benediction--"Peace be upon you." + +It was quite dark when she stepped out into the streets. She thought of +David and Esther all the way home. + +At first she thought of them with a tender smile curving her lips, as +she entered unselfishly into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered. + +Then she thought of them with tears in her eyes and a chill in her +heart, as some little waif might stand shivering on the outside of a +window, looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth and comfort he could +not share. The joy of her own betrothal, and the desolation that ended +it, surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she was in no mood for +merry-making when she reached home. + +She longed to slip quietly away to her own room, and spend the evening +in the dark with her memories. She had to wait a moment on the +threshold before she could summon strength enough to go in cheerfully. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room helping the sisters +decorate the long table, where the children were to be served with +supper immediately on their arrival. + +"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh to gather them up," said Mrs. +Marion. "They'll soon be here, so you'll not have much time to dress." + +"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in a minute. Mr. Herschel can't +come, so you may as well take off one plate." + +"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, pausing on her way to the +kitchen. "I asked him this morning, and forgot to say anything about +it." + +Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully unconscious of the +grimace Bethany made behind her back. + +"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline means all right, but she +is a born matchmaker. She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. Cragmore, and +wants me to do the same. She thinks she is so very deep, and so very +wary in the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; but the +dear old soul is as transparent as a window-pane. I can see every move +she makes." + +"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. "Is he conscious of her efforts +in his behalf?" + +"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly old lady, and is always +paying her some flattering attention. It is well worth his while, for +she makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his pockets full of goodies, +as if he were an overgrown boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. She is always going out +to Clarke Street to hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to him +afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, as two short rings and one +long one were given the front door-bell. + +"So he even has his especial signals," laughed Lois. "He must be on a +very familiar footing, indeed." + +"He got into that habit when he first started to calling by to take me +up to the Hebrew class," she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him in +it." + +Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying through the room to receive him. + +"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited stage whisper, "you'd better run +up the back stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a rose in your +hair, just to please me. Now, won't you?" + +Bethany and Lois looked at each other and laughed. + +"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I am," said Bethany; "but as +it's Christmas-time I suppose I must be good and please everybody." + +It was not long before a great stamping of many snowy little feet +announced the arrival of the Christmas guests. + +They came into the house with such rosy, happy faces, that no one +thought of the patched clothes and ragged shoes. + +"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred instead of ten," sighed +Miss Harriet, as she helped seat them at the table. "They look as though +they never once had enough to eat in all their little lives." + +"They shall have it now," declared Miss Caroline heartily, "if George +Cragmore doesn't keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just hear +the man!" + +She had never seen him in such a gay humor, or heard him tell such +irresistibly funny stories as the ones he brought out for the +entertainment of these poor little guests, who had never known anything +but the depressing poverty of the most wretched homes. + +Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who had found them, and spirited +them away to this enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin who +rubbed his lamp until their eyes were dazzled by the wonderful scenes he +conjured up for them. + +When the dinner was over, and everything had been taken off the table +but the flowers and candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on his knee. + +With his arms around her, he began to tell the story of the first +Christmas. His voice was very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the white sheep huddled +together, and the shepherds keeping watch by night. + +One by one the children slipped down from their chairs, and crowded +closer around him. + +He had never preached before to such a breathless audience, and he had +never put into his sermons such gentleness and pathos and power. + +He was thinking of their poor, neglected lives, and how much they needed +the love of One who could sympathize to the utmost, because he was born +among the lowly, and "was despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the intensity of his feeling, +and the children were very quiet. + +The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. Then she smiled up in his +face, and, putting her arm around his neck, leaned her head against him. + +There was a bugle-call from the library, and Jack led the children away +to listen to an orchestra composed of boys from the League, who had +volunteered their services for the occasion. + +While they were playing some old carols, Miss Caroline called Mr. +Cragmore aside. "I've sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can help her." + +Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, "May the saints bless +you for that now!" She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany. + +"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, "you needn't be putting everything +off onto poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered that she is only +somebody's cat's-paw." + +Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly touched by the winning +tenderness of Cragmore's manner with the children. If there had been no +memory of a past love in her life, she could have found in this man all +the qualities that would inspire the deepest affection; but with that +memory always present, she resented the slightest word that hinted of +his interest in her. + +She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, and that mischief-loving +girl thoroughly enjoyed forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege. + +It was still early in the evening, while the children were romping +around the dismantled tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving. + +"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission to-night," he explained, in +answer to the remonstrances that greeted him on all sides. + +"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended to tell you about that, and I +must stay a moment longer to do it." + +He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall chair, and folded his arms +across it. + +"The other day I made the acquaintance of a Russian Jew, Sigmund +Ragolsky. He has a remarkable history. He married an English Jewess, was +a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, and is now a Baptist preacher, +converted after a fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief in +the truth of Christianity. The story of his life sounds like a romance. +He was so strictly orthodox that he would not strike a match on the +Sabbath. He would have starved before he would have touched food that +had not been prepared according to ritual. He is here for the purpose of +establishing a Hebrew mission. You should see the people who come to +hear him. They are nearly all from that poor class in the tenement +district. One can hardly believe they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky, though, is a scholar, and +I should like to hear the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews are no +Jews at all--that they are the hardest people in the world to convert, +because they look for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that suits +them, and are so well satisfied with themselves that they feel no need +of any mediator between them and eternal holiness. They feel fully equal +to the task of making their own atonement. Rabbi Barthold says that the +orthodox are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of them live two +lives--one towards God, of slavish religious observances; the other +towards man, of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want you to hear +Ragolsky preach some night. I'll tell you his story some other time." + +"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as he picked up his overcoat +again; "did he have to give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?" + +"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children were converted also. He had +two rich brothers-in-law in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over that, I can assure you. +O, he is so full of his purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business as he is, the +millennium would soon be here." + +Afterward, when the children had been taken home, and the feast and the +tree, and the people who gave them, were only blissful memories in their +happy little hearts, Bethany stood by the window in her room, holding +aside the curtain. + +Everything outside was covered with snow. She was thinking of Ragolsky +and Lessing, and wondering which of the two fates would be David +Herschel's, if he should ever become a Christian. + +Would Esther's love for her people be stronger than her love for him? + +She knew how tenaciously the women of Israel cling to their faith, yet +she felt that it was no ordinary bond that held these two together. + +Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, Bethany whispered a very +heartfelt prayer for David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who was to +be his bride; and like an answering omen of good, over the white roofs +of the city came the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION. + + +THE office work for the old year was all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David would soon follow. He had only some +private correspondence to finish. + +Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters in the different +pigeon-holes of her desk. Ninety-five was slipping out into the +eternities. It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; it was carrying +away a far different record from the one she had planned. She felt that +she could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an unaccountable +reticence sealed her lips. + +David had been in the office very little during the past week, only long +enough to get his mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for Bethany to say what was trembling +on her lips. + +She heard him slipping the letter into the envelope. He would be gone +in just another moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. O, she must +say something! Her heart beat violently, and her face grew hot. She shut +her eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing appeal for help. + +David strolled into the room with his hat in his hand, and stood beside +her table. + +"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," he said, gravely. "It +has brought me a great many unexpected experiences, but the most +unexpected of all is the one that led to our acquaintance. In wishing +you a happy new year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your friendship +has been to me in the old." + +Bethany found sudden speech as she took the proffered hand. + +"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that I have not only been +wishing, but praying earnestly, that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds--the peace that comes in accepting Christ +as a Savior." + +He turned from her abruptly, and, with his hands thrust in his overcoat +pockets, began pacing up and down the room with quick, excited strides. + +"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem to be pursued. Every way I +turn, the same thing is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it--O, longer than that--since I first talked to Lessing. Then +there was Dr. Trent's death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. Cragmore has talked to +me so often, too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer such lives +and faith as theirs. Yesterday morning I had a letter from Lee--little +Lee Trent--thanking me for a book I had sent him, and even that child +had something to say. He told me about his conversion. Last night +curiosity led me down town to hear a Russian Jew preach to a lot of +rough people in an old warehouse by the river. His text was Pilate's +question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?' It +wasn't a sermon. There wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and death sentence--but he +made it such a personal matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, 'What shall I do? What shall I +do with this Jesus called Christ!'" + +He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth in silence. Then he broke +out again: + +"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down there last night. He had +been a rough, blasphemous drunkard that I have seen in the police courts +many a time. I saw him fall on his knees at the altar, groaning for +mercy, and I saw him, when he stood up after a while, with a face like a +different creature's, all transformed by a great joy, crying out that he +had been pardoned for Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, and +wondered which of us is nearer the truth. If I am right, what a poor, +deluded fool he is! But if he is right, good God--" + +He stopped abruptly. + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if you were convinced that, by +going on some certain pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that the +finding would shatter your belief in the creed you cling to now, would +you undertake the journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for the +faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for Truth, regardless of +long-cherished opinion?" + +For a moment there was no answer. Then he threw back his shoulders +resolutely. + +"I would take the journey," he said, with decision. "If I am wrong I +want to know it." Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one of the +pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, opened at the place where the answer +to Thomas was heavily underscored: + +"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; no man +cometh unto the Father but by me." + +"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The door has never been opened to +you, because you have never knocked. You have no personal knowledge of +Christ, because you have never sought for it. He has never revealed +himself to you, because you have never asked him to do so." + +He turned to her impatiently. + +"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, +or John the Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me than any other +man who has taught and died. How can I pray to him, then?" + +Bethany fingered the leaves of her little Testament, her heart +fluttering nervously. + +"I wish you would take this and read it," she said. "It would answer you +far better than I can." + +"I have read it," he replied, "a number of years ago. I could see +nothing in it." + +"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she answered. "See!" she cried +eagerly, turning the leaves to find another place she had marked. "Paul +wrote this about the children of Israel: 'Their minds were blinded: for +until this day remaineth the same veil' (the one told about in Exodus, +you know) 'untaken away, in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the +veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, +the veil shall be taken away.'" + +"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. He took the book, and +turning back to the first of the chapter, commenced to read. + +The great bell in the court-house tower began clanging six. + +"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this with me and look through it +another time." + +"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting to-night," she said, +wistfully. "It is from ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the city +meet at Garrison Avenue." + +He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned up his overcoat. A +sudden reserve of manner seemed to envelop him at the same time. + +"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on his gloves. "I have an informal +invitation from some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year out and +the new year in." + +His tone seemed so flippant after the recent depth of feeling he had +betrayed, that it jarred on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door. + +"No matter where you may be," she said as he opened it, "I shall be +praying for you." + +After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her desk, mechanically assorting +the letters. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had quite +forgotten it was time to go home. + +The door opened, and Frank Marion came in. He was followed by Cragmore, +who was going home with him to dinner. + +"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. "Where's David? We dropped in +to invite him around to the watch-meeting to-night." + +"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I asked him, but he declined on +account of a previous engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, "I +do believe he is almost convinced of the truth of Christianity!" + +She repeated the conversation that had just taken place. + +"He has been fighting against that conviction for some time," answered +Mr. Marion. "I had a talk with him last week." + +"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold would say if Mr. Herschel should +become a Christian?" asked Bethany. + +"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very question yesterday," exclaimed +Mr. Cragmore. "It astounded him at first. I could see that the mere +thought of such apostasy in one he loves as dearly as his young David, +wounded him sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But he is a noble +soul, broad-minded and generous. He did not answer for a moment, and +when he finally spoke I could see what an effort the words cost him: + +"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. 'He has a right to +choose for himself. I would rather read the rites of burial over his +dead body than to see him cut loose from the faith in which I have so +carefully trained him; but no matter what course he pursues, I am sure +of one thing, his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he does, will be +from a deep conviction of right. I, who was denounced and misunderstood +in my youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy that bound me +down spiritually, should be the last one to condemn the same +independence of thought in others.'" + +"Herschel would have less opposition to contend with than any Jew I +know," remarked Mr. Marion. + +"That little sister of his would be rather pleased than otherwise, and, +I think, would soon follow his example." + +Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing. + +"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," said Cragmore, who had +been appointed to lead the meeting. + +"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend on the shoulder. Then he +quoted emphatically: "'And this is the confidence that we have in Him, +that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.'" + +"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, in his impetuous way. + +He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling beside David's desk, +began praying for his absent friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering earnestness, and +after his voice ceased, Bethany took up the petition. + +"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are not heard," exclaimed +Marion, triumphantly, as he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk as far as the avenue with +you." + +As they went down-stairs together, he kept singing softly under his +breath, "Blessed be the name, blessed be the name of the Lord!" + +By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison Avenue Church was +crowded. + +George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied address for the +occasion; but during the half hour of the song service preceding it, +while he studied the faces of his audience, his heart began to be +strangely burdened for David and his people. He covered his eyes with +his hand a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, before he +arose to speak. + +"My friends," he said in his deep, musical voice, "I had thought to talk +to you to-night of 'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been +sitting here, God had put another message into my mouth. We are all +children of one Father who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness of the questions I shall +ask, and the seeming harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how many, during the year just +gone, have contributed in any way to the support of Home and Foreign +Missions?" + +Every one in the room arose. + +"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, and direct appeal, to +bring some one to Christ?" + +Again every one arose. + +"How many of you, during the past year, have spoken to a Jew about your +Savior, or in any way evinced to any one of them a personal interest in +the salvation of that race?" + +Looks of surprise were exchanged among the Leaguers, and many smiled at +the question. Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam. + +When they had taken their seats again there was a moment of intense +silence. The earnest solemnity of the minister was felt by every one +present. They waited almost breathlessly for what was coming. + +"There is a young Jew in this city to-night whose heart is turning +lovingly towards your Savior and mine. I have come to ask your prayers +in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks in his way may be removed. But +it is not for him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear Isaiah's +voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your +God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her +warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.' And then I seem +to hear another voice that through the thunderings of Sinai proclaims, +'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It must read a terrible +handwriting on the wall in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had she seen Christ in the +daily life of every follower since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of Sauls turned Pauls! We +are Christ's witnesses to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished no racial prejudices. He +turned away from no man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of +indifference. He drew no line across which his sympathies and love and +helping hands should not reach. When we do these things, are we not +bearing false witness to the character of him whose name we have +assumed, and the emblem of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful of this corner of the +Lord's vineyard. It must be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent to this." + +Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky and David, and called on them +to pray that his friend might find the light he was seeking. A dozen +earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, and every heart went +out in sympathy to this young Jew, whom they longed to see happy in the +consciousness of a personal Savior. + +David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He dined at the restaurant, and +was just starting leisurely down to the depot when he found that his +watch told the same time as when he had looked at it an hour before. It +must have been stopped even some time before that. At any rate it had +made him too late for the train. The next one would not leave till nine +o'clock. He stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, and finally +concluded to go back to the office for a magazine he had borrowed from +Rabbi Barthold, and take it home to him. + +His steps echoed strangely through the deserted hall as he climbed the +stairs to the office. He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But when he had found it, he +still sat there idly, drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair. + +After awhile he took Bethany's Testament out of his pocket, and began to +read. It was marked heavily with many marginal notes and underscored +passages, that he examined with a great deal of curiosity. Beginning +with Matthew's account of the wise men's search, he read steadily on +through the four Gospels, past Acts, and through some of Paul's +epistles. It was after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews. + +He put the book down with a groan, and, folding his arms on the desk, +wearily laid his head on them. + +Just then Bethany's parting words echoed in his ears, "No matter where +you may be, I shall be praying for you." + +It had irritated him at the moment. Now there was comfort in the thought +that she might be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith of his +fathers. He was proud of every drop of Israelitish blood that coursed +through his veins. He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism--nothing! Yet his heart went out lovingly toward the Christ that +had been so wonderfully revealed to him as he read. + +The conviction was slowly forcing itself on his mind that in accepting +him he would not be giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own people--only believing fulfilled +prophecy. + +He wanted him so--this Christ who seemed able to satisfy every longing +of his heart, which just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the world that he had given +himself a willing sacrifice to make propitiation for its sins--for +his--David Herschel's sins. + +The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation came back to +perplex him, and he put them resolutely away, remembering the words that +Bethany had quoted, that when Israel should turn to the Lord, the veil +should be taken from its heart. + +Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his hands clasped above his +head, cried out: "O, Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me Christ! I +will give up anything--everything that stands in the way of my accepting +him, if thou wilt but make him manifest!" + +He threw himself on his knees in an agony of supplication, and then +rising, walked the floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and again +rose in despair to pace back and forth. + +He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's conversion had been attended +by such miraculous manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him. + +Opening the little Testament at random, he saw the words, "If thou shalt +confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart +that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." + +"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will confess it the first +opportunity I have. Yes, I will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra--no +matter what it may cause him to say to me." + +He looked at the clock again. The old year was almost gone. It was +nearly midnight. Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered the +watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them. + +He started rapidly down the street, saying to himself: "How queer this +seems! Here am I, a Jew, on my way to confess before men that I believe +a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. I don't understand the mystery of +it, but I do believe in some way the promised atonement has been made, +and that it avails for me." + +He clung to that hope all the way down to the Church. It was growing +stronger every step. + +Bethany had risen to take her place at the piano at the announcement of +another hymn, when the door opened and David Herschel stood in their +midst. Not even glancing at the startled members of the League, he +walked across the room and held out one hand to Cragmore and the other +to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners with its intensity of +purpose. + +"I have come to confess before you the belief that your Jesus is the +Christ, and that through him I shall be saved." + +Then a look of happy wonderment shone in his face, as the dawning +consciousness of his acceptance became clearer to him. + +"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful surprise. + +Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one exclamation could express +the depth of Frank Marion's gratitude--an old-fashioned shout of "Glory +to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion--for it came in when "the morning +stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." + +"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried David. + +"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to those around him, and laying his +hand on David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned Paul. Who such +missionaries of the cross as these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the world. Who will join the +alliance?" + +In answer they came crowding around David, with warm hand-clasps and +sympathetic words, till the bells all over the city began tolling the +hour of midnight. + +At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the final prayer of consecration. + +There was a deep silence. Then the leader's voice began: + +"The untried paths of the new year stretch out into unknown distances. +But trusting in an Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how many will sing with me: + +[Illustration: Music + + "Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow. + I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."] + +The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as every voice covenanted with his. + +"But some of us may have planned out certain paths for our own feet, +that lead alluringly to ease and approbation. Think! God may call us +into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to no earthly recompense, to +lowly service and unrequited toil. Can we still sing it? Let us wait. +Let us consider and be very sure." + +In the prayerful silence, David thought of his profession and the hopes +of the great success that it was his ambition to attain. Could he give +it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated ministry to his people? He +wavered. But just then he had a vision of the Christ. He seemed to see a +footsore, tired man, holding out his hands in blessing to the motley +crowds that thronged him; and again he saw the same patient form +stumbling wearily along under a heavy beam of wood, scourged, mocked, +spit upon, nailed to the cross, for--him! + +David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: "I'll go with Him, with +Him, all the way." + +"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal plans are concerned, we +are willing to put ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose he +should call for our hearts' best beloved, are we willing to make of this +hour a Mount Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs--our all? Do we +consecrate ourselves entirely? Will we go with him all the way, no +matter through what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead us?" + +Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful face came before him. + +"O God! anything but that!" he cried out passionately. + +Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching out, clasped his hand, and +prayed silently that strength might be given him to make the +consecration complete. + +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!" + +David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When they arose the tears were +streaming down his cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been revealed to him. A new +life and a new year had been born together. + + * * * * * + +No, the story is not done, but the rest of it can not be written until +it has first been lived. + +In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes shall weave these +life-webs to the finish. Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. Who can tell? The new year +has only begun. + +But we know that all things work together for good to those who give +themselves into the eternal keeping, and--"God's in his heaven." + + + + +SILENT KEYS. + + +ONCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to take in the Christmas +choruses. + +It was not long before every voice had caught the sweet old tune of "Joy +to the World," and as their little feet pattered down the solemn aisles, +the song was carried with them to the work and play of the streets +outside. + +As the girl turned to follow, she found the old white-haired organist, a +master-musician, standing beside her. + +"Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister?" he asked. "You +have left silent some of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is what +you should have put into your song." + +As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the key-board, till the great +cathedral seemed to tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it--"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" + +High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of sky-larks, fluttered away +from his touch, and went winging their flight--up and up--beyond all +mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords and majestic octaves rolled +the triumphal gladness. Every key seemed to find a voice, as the hands +of the old musician swept through the variations of "Antioch." + +Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when he had finished she said +sadly: "Ah, only a master-hand could do that--bring out the varied tones +of those silent keys, and yet through it all keep the thread of the song +clear and unbroken. All those divine harmonies were in my soul as I +played, yet had I tried to give expression to them, I might have +wandered away from the simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those fuller chords you strike so +easily, or in reaching always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take in the choruses, and they +would not have gone out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world." + +Maybe some such master may turn the pages of this story, and feel the +same impatience at its incompleteness. Here in this place he would have +added, with strong touches, many a convincing argument. There he would +have spoken with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may turn away, +saying: "Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister? You have +left silent some of the sweetest and deepest." + +The answer is the same. Only a master-hand can sweep the gamut of +history and human weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the discordant +elements of controversy and criticism in all their variations, and at +the same time keep the simple theme constantly throbbing through them, +so strong and full and clear it can never be forgotten. + +The purpose of this story is accomplished if it has only attracted the +attention of the League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not stop with that. + +There is only one song that will ever bring universal joy to this old, +tear-blinded world, and that is that the Lord is come, and that he is +risen indeed in the lives of his followers. + +True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the League should not be +content simply to do that. It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and longings, that it will +know just what chord to touch in every heart it is striving to help. + +Go back to the days of the dispersion, and follow this Ishmael through +his almost limitless desert of persecution--his hand against every man +because every man's hand was against him. + +Put yourself in his place until your vision grows broad and your +sympathy deep. Chafe against his limitations. Stumble over his +obstacles, and in so doing learn where best to place the +stepping-stones. + +Dig down through the strata of tradition, below all the manifold +ceremonies of his formal worship, until you come to the bed-rock of +principle underlying them. + +When you have thus studied Judaism, its prophets, its priesthood, its +patriots--when you have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's tent to +the Temple gates, and then followed its diverging lines on into almost +every hamlet of both hemispheres, you will have learned something more +than the history of Judaism. You will have read the story of the whole +race of Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far better to serve +humanity. + +Christ reached his hearers through his intimate knowledge of them. He +never talked to shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers of +flocks. He gave the same water of life to the woman at Jacob's well that +he bestowed on the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how differently +he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan and the learned Nicodemus. + +To this end, then, study these creeds and systems; for instance, the +unity of God, clung to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating his +Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is God, and Mohammed is his +prophet!" + +Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes deeply channeling its way +through centuries of Semitic thought, until it enters the very +life-blood. You can trace its influence even down into the early +Christian Church, in the hot disputes of Arius and his followers, at the +Council of Nicea. + +Not until you comprehend how idolatrous the worship of the Trinity +seems to a Jew, can you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah. + +You will find this study of Judaism reaching out like a banyan-tree, +striking root and branching again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one of its manifold +ramifications, shadow every great problem and people. + +In the first conception of this story it was purposed to place +considerable emphasis on a number of things that have been left +untouched, especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, and the prophecies concerning the +return of the Jews to Palestine. + +But prophecy, while always a most interesting and profitable subject for +research and study, leads into an unmapped country of speculation. Many +an enthusiast, not recognizing that on God's great calendar a thousand +years are but as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries of +Revelations by the same numerical system with which he calculates his +assets and liabilities. As we examine this subject, we must not forget +the vast difference between our finite yardsticks, and the reed of the +angel who measured the city. + +God grant that, as the tree thrown into the stream of Marah changed its +bitter waters into wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study of +Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may turn all bitterness of +prejudice into the broad, sweet spirit of true brotherhood! + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + +Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. + +Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the +chapter "Dr. Trent". + +Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance) + +Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent +Southerner) + +Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. +Notwithstanding) + +Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them) + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40527 *** diff --git a/40527-8.txt b/40527-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0cabd41 --- /dev/null +++ b/40527-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6963 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, In League with Israel, by Annie F. Johnston + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: In League with Israel + A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + + +Author: Annie F. Johnston + + + +Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made +available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org). Music was +transcribed by Linda Cantoni. + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file + which includes the original sheet music illustration + and an accompanying audio file of the music. + See 40527-h.htm or 40527-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h/40527-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala + + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL + +A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + +by + +ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON + +Author of +"Joel: A Boy of Galilee;" "The Story of the Resurrection;" +"Big Brother;" "The Little Colonel." + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + +Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings +New York: Eaton & Mains +1896 + +Copyright +By Curts & Jennings, +1896. + + + + +TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. + + +What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young Apostle of our Church, +become to the Jews. Surely, not as the priest or the Levite have you so +long passed them by "on the other side." + +Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which requires haste, +you have never noticed their need. But the world sees, and, re-reading +an old parable, cries out: "Who is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel +also, in thy midst?" + + Nor knowest thou what argument + Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. + --EMERSON. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I. + THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ, 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + ON TO CHATTANOOGA, 23 + + + CHAPTER III. + THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT," 43 + + + CHAPTER IV. + AN EPWORTH JEW, 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + "TRUST," 86 + + + CHAPTER VI. + TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE, 105 + + + CHAPTER VII. + JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER, 115 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + A KINDLING INTEREST, 130 + + + CHAPTER IX. + A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND, 145 + + + CHAPTER X. + THE DEACONESS'S STORY, 163 + + + CHAPTER XI. + "YOM KIPPUR," 186 + + + CHAPTER XII. + DR. TRENT, 189 + + + CHAPTER XIII. + A LITTLE PRODIGAL, 220 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + HERZENRUHE, 241 + + + CHAPTER XV. + ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 261 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION, 275 + + * * * * * + + SILENT KEYS, 297 + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ. + + +IT was growing dark in the library, but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight deepened, he unconsciously bent nearer +the great volume on the table before him, till his white beard lay on +the open page. + +He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his deep voice filled the room with +its musical intonations: "Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye +waters that be above the heavens." + +He raised his head and glanced out toward the western sky. A star or two +twinkled through the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, he walked +to the open window and looked up. + +There was a noise of children playing on the pavement below, and the +rumbling of an electric car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of a newsboy with the +evening paper. + +But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses in the Midian desert, Elijah +by the brook Cherith, were no more apart from the world than this old +rabbi at this moment. + +He saw only the star. He heard only the inward voice of adoration, as he +stood in silent communion with the God of his fathers. + +His strong, rugged features and white beard suggested the line of +patriarchs so forcibly, that had a robe and sandals been substituted for +the broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have been complete. + +He stood there a long time, with his lips moving silently; then +suddenly, as if his unspoken homage demanded voice, he caught up his +violin. Forty years of companionship had made it a part of himself. + +The depth of his being that could find no expression in words, poured +itself out in the passionately reverent tones of his violin. + +In such exalted moods as this it was no earthly instrument of music. It +became to him a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard the voices +of the angels ascending and descending, and on whose trembling rounds he +climbed to touch the Infinite. + +There was a quick step on the stairs, and a heavy tread along the upper +hall. Then the portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the world +brought the rhapsody to a close. + +"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too dark to see, but your fiddle says +that you are at home." + +"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike a light. I wondered why you were +so late." + +"I was out on my wheel," answered the young man. "Cycling is warm work +this time of year." + +He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily down among the pile of +cushions on the couch. + +"I had a letter from Marta to-day." + +"And what does the little sister have to say?" answered the rabbi, +noticing a frown deepening on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way home again." + +"No," answered David, with a still deeper frown. "She has changed all +her plans, and wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with them, and they are up on +Lookout Mountain. She wants me to meet her there and spend part of the +summer with her. She grows more infatuated with Frances Herrick every +day. You know they have been inseparable friends since they first +started to kindergarten." + +"Why did she go down there without consulting you?" asked the old man +impatiently. "You should be both father and mother to her, now that +neither of your parents is living. I wish I were really your uncle and +hers, that I might have some authority. You must be more careful of her, +my boy. She should spend this summer with you at home, instead of with +strangers in a hotel." + +"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick to excuse the little sister, +who was the only one in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. Mrs. Herrick is with the girls +now, and the major will join them next week. Marta is just like one of +the family, and I have encouraged the intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. +Herrick gives her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta and +Frances are so congenial in every way that they find their greatest +happiness together. I tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. It is +a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc." + +"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. "Do you remember that +the rest of that declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, and thy +God my God?' David, my son, I tell you there is great danger of the +child's being led away from the faith. Your father and hers was my +dearest friend. I have loved you children like my own. You must heed my +warning, and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile family, especially +when it includes such an agreeable member as that young Albert Herrick." + +"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra." + +"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they are thrown constantly +together." + +David looked down at the carpet, and began absently tracing a pattern +with his foot. He was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages gave him a fatherly feeling +for her. He could not bear the thought of interfering seriously with her +pleasure, yet he could not ignore the old man's warning. + +Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both languages and music. Aside +from a few years at college, all that he knew had been learned under the +old man's wise supervision. + +"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, when he lay dying, "take my +child and make him a man after your own pattern. I know your noble soul. +Give his the same strength and sweetness. We are so greedy for the +fleshpots of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul hunger. But you +will teach the little fellow higher things." + +Later, when the end had almost come, his hand groped out feebly towards +the child, who had been brought to his bedside. + +"Never mind about the shekels, little David," he said in a hoarse, +broken whisper. "But clean hands and a pure heart--that's all that +counts when you're in your coffin." + +The child's eyes grew wide with wonder as a paroxysm of pain contracted +the beloved face. He was led quickly away, but those words were never +forgotten. + +The rabbi was thinking of them now as he studied the handsome features +of the young fellow before him. + +It was a strong face, but refinement and gentleness showed in every +line. There was something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's lips. "Clean hands and a pure +heart," he said fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my David, if thou +couldst but see how thy little one has grown, not only in stature, but +in soul-life, in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied." + +"Well," he said aloud, as the young man left his seat and began to walk +up and down the room with his hands in his pockets, "what are you going +to do?" + +"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. "It would not be wise to +send for Marta to come home, for the reason you suggest, and I have no +other to offer her." + +"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. "You need not tell her that you +have any fear of her being influenced by Gentile society--but never for +a moment let her forget that she is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her +race. Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for all that is Hebrew." + +"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested. + +"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains will give you as good a summer +outing as you need, and you can play guardian angel for Marta while you +take it." + +David laughed, and took another turn across the room. Then he paused +beside the table, and picked up a newspaper. + +"I wonder what connections the trains make now," he said. "There used to +be a long wait at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily over the +time-table. + +"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here is a cheap excursion to +Chattanooga this next week. I could afford to run down and see Marta, +anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her to come back with me, if I promised +to take her to Hudson Bay with me." + +"What kind of an excursion?" asked the rabbi. + +"Epworth League, it says here, whatever that may be. It seems to be some +sort of an international convention, and says to apply to Frank B. +Marion for particulars." + +"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. "O, then it is a Methodist +affair. He is not only the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well, judging by the way he +works for it. I wish my congregation would take a few lessons from him." + +"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, and blue eyes, and a habit +of shaking hands with everybody?" asked David. "I believe I know the +man. I met him on the cars last fall. He's lively company. I've a notion +to hunt him up, and find what's going on." + +"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will not be at home to-night," +said the rabbi, "and stay in the city with me. If you conclude to go to +Chattanooga next week, I have much to say to you before taking leave of +you for the summer." + +"Very well," consented David. "I'll go down town immediately, and see if +I can find this Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you know?" + +"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He is in that big new building +next to Cohen's furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll not find him +Wednesday night. They have Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as his profession." + +David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I shall certainly cultivate his +acquaintance for the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It has never +been my lot to know a Christian who measured up to his creed." + +"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the old man, gently. "I have +made you a dreamer like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere of high +ideals. I have led you into the companionship of all that was heroic in +the past, and held you apart as much as possible from the sordid +selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick at heart sometimes when I stroll +through the great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle of +humanity as they snatch the bread from other mouths to feed their own. + +"You remember our Hebrew word for teach comes from tooth, and means to +make sharp like a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea has +become the popular view of education in this day. Anything that will fit +a man to bite and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack is what is +sought after, no matter how many of his kind are trampled under foot in +the struggle. I am almost afraid for you to step down from the place +where I have kept you. When you are thrown with men who care for +nothing but material things, who would barter not only their birthrights +but their souls for a mess of pottage, I am afraid you will lose faith +in humanity." + +"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra." + +"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. The world is certainly growing +a little less savage, and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how we have fallen, we still bear +the imprint of the Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned." + +Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling himself a dreamer. The ability +to live apart from his surroundings, had been his greatest comfort. +Because of it, the rigor of extreme poverty that surrounded his early +life had not touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had gone +through the world a happy optimist. + +He had been trained according to the most strictly orthodox system of +Judaism. But even its severe pressure had failed to confine him to the +limits of such a narrow mold. + +He was still a dreamer. In the new world he had cast aside the shackles +of tradition for the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew. + +Now in his serene old age, surrounded by luxuries, he still lived apart +in a world of music and literature. + +His congregation, broken loose from the old moorings, drifted +dangerously away towards radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief +that the "chosen people" would finally triumph over all error, and found +much comfort in the thought. + +David took out his watch. "It is after eight o'clock," he said. +"Probably if I walk down Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon." + +People were beginning to file out of the side entrance that led to the +prayer-meeting room, by the time he reached the church. + +"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of the colored janitor, who was +standing in the doorway. + +"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He sut'n'y is, sah! He am always +the fust to come, an' the last to depaht." + +"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed a pleasant voice. + +David turned quickly to lift his hat. An elderly lady was coming down +the steps with two young girls. She came up to him with a smile, and +held out her hand. + +"I have not seen you since you came back from college," she said, +cordially; "but I never lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates." + +"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with his hat still in his hand. + +As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection brought back the big +attic where he had passed many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain jar on their pantry +shelf, where the most delicious ginger-snaps were always to be found. + +But the next moment the smile left his lips, as an exclamation of one of +the girls was carried back to him. It was made in an undertone, but the +still evening air transmitted it with startling distinctness. + +"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't think you would shake hands with a +Jew!" + +He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He drew himself up haughtily. Then +the indignant flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should he, with +the princely blood of Israel in his veins, care for the callow +prejudices of a little school-girl? + +A crowd of people passed out, laughing and talking. Then he saw Mr. +Marion come into the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights. + +He turned to David with a hearty smile and a strong hand-clasp, +recognizing him instantly. + +"How are you, brother?" he asked. He spoke with a slight Southern +accent. Somehow, David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a matter +of habit that Frank Marion called him brother. Such a warm, personal +interest seemed to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking so +honestly into his own, that he was half-way persuaded to go to +Chattanooga with him before a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, discussing the excursion. +Then Mr. Marion stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, built +some distance back from the street. + +"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, a cousin of mine," he said. +"If you will wait a moment, I'll go with you over to the office." + +The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp sent a flood of yellow +light streaming out into the warm, June darkness. + +In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there was a flutter of a white dress +in the hall, and the next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It was Bethany Hallam. The +light seemed to make a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate her +dress and the sweet upturned face with such an ethereal whiteness that +David was reminded of a Psyche in Parian marble. + +"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion rejoined him. "One never sees +a face like that outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any other." + +"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. Marion responded. "He died last +fall, and Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at last persuaded +her to go to Chattanooga with us. She needs to have her thoughts turned +into another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish that +purpose." + +"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met him a number of times after I was +admitted to the bar." + +"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said Mr. Marion. + +"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after vacation," he answered. + +"Well, I am going to begin my practice right now," said Mr. Marion, +laughing, "and plead my case to such purpose that you will be persuaded +to take this Chattanooga trip." He slipped his arm through David's, and +drew him around the corner toward his store. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"ON TO CHATTANOOGA." + + +IT was within three minutes of time for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably in the first vacant seat, Mr. +Marion hurried past him down the aisle with a valise in each hand. He +was followed by two ladies. The first one seemed to know every one in +the car, judging by the smiles and friendly voices that greeted her +appearance. + +"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, Mrs. Marion," cried an +impulsive young girl, just in front of David. "It would have been such a +disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest thing in the world?" she +rattled on to her companion, as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing. + +"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam with her! Of all people to go on +an excursion, it seems to me she would be the very last." + +"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was the question uppermost in +David's mind, he listened with interest for the answer. + +"O, she seems so different from other people. Her father always used to +treat her as if she were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in a private car. When she +went to lectures or concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except one. She went to the +conservatory for her drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at noon." + +As he listened, David's eyes had followed the tall, graceful girl who +was now seating herself by Mrs. Marion. + +Every movement, as well as every detail of her traveling dress, +impressed him with a sense of her refinement and culture. He noticed +that she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over her face partially +concealed its delicate pallor; but her soft, light hair, drawn up under +the little black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever by contrast. + +"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative neighbor. "I used to +wish I could change places with her, especially the year when she went +abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now for anything in the world." + +"Why?" asked her companion again, and David mentally echoed her +interrogation. + +"O, because her father is dead now, and everything is so different. +Something happened to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a dreadful fall just after +the Judge's death. They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple all +his life; but I believe he's better now. He is sort of paralyzed, so he +has to stay in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right after awhile. It's a very +peculiar case, I've heard. There have only been a few like it. She is +studying stenography now, so that she can keep on living in the old home +and take care of little Jack." + +"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested listener. + +"No, not very well. I've always seen her in Church; you know Judge +Hallam was one of our best paying members, and rarely missed a Sabbath +morning service. But they were very exclusive socially. My easel stood +next to hers in the art conservatory one term, and we talked about our +work sometimes. She used to remind me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a +Wayside Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that + + 'Way of saying things + That made one think of courts and kings, + And lords and ladies of high degree, + So that not having been at court + Seemed something very little short + Of treason or lese-majesty, + Such an accomplished knight was he.'" + +Both girls laughed, and then the lively chatter was drowned by the +jarring rumble of the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot. + +"Any one would know this is a Methodist crowd," said Mrs. Marion +laughingly, as a dozen happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car. + +"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching into his coat pocket, "I +have something here that will prevent any mistake if doubt should +arise." + +He drew out a little box of ribbon badges and a paper of pins. "Here," +he said, "put one on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. You, +too, Bethany." + +"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I am not a member of the League." + +"That makes no difference," he answered, in his hearty, persistent way. +"You ought to be one, and you will be by the time you get back from this +conference." + +"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge in my life," she insisted. "I +have always had the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes one so +conspicuous to be branded in that way." + +He held out the little white ribbon, threaded with scarlet, and bearing +the imprint of the Maltese cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. He +was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel uncomfortable. + +"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" Then he paused reverently. +"The purity and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to wear those." + +He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed down the aisle, +distributing the others right and left. + +She looked at it in silence a moment, and then pinned it on the lapel of +her traveling coat. + +"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another such persistent man?" she asked. +"How is it that he can always make people go in exactly the opposite way +from the one they had intended? When he first planned for me to come on +this excursion, I thought it was the most preposterous idea I ever heard +of. But he put aside every objection, and overruled every argument I +could make. I did not want to come at all, but he planned his campaign +like a general, and I had to surrender." + +"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. Marion. "You know I did not get home +from Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have been too busy getting +ready to come on this excursion to ask him anything." + +"When he had urged all the reasons he could think of for my going, but +without success, he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, little Jack. +The child has considered Cousin Frank's word law and gospel ever since +he joined the Junior League. So, when he was told that my health would +be benefited by the trip, and it would arouse me from the despondent, +low-spirited state I had fallen into, he gave me no rest until I +promised to go. Jack showed generalship, too. He waited until the night +of his birthday. I had promised him a little party, but he was so much +worse that day, it had to be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The little rascal knew it, too. +While I was helping him undress, he put his arms around my neck, and +began to beg me to go. He told me that he had been praying that I might +change my mind. Ever since he has been in the League he has seemed to +get so much comfort out of the belief that his prayers are always +answered that I couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised him." + +"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; "you ought to give him +the full benefit of his name, Bethany." + +"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was as much too big for him as +the huge old-fashioned silver watch that Grandfather Bradford left him. +He suggested that both be laid away until he grew up to fit them." + +"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" was the next question. + +"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. They sent for his old nurse. +She came last night with her little nine-year-old grandson. Just Jack's +age, you see; so he will have somebody to make the time pass very +quickly." + +Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation of surprise. "Well, I wish +you'd look at Frank! What will he do next? He is actually pinning an +Epworth League badge on that young Jew!" + +Bethany turned her head a little to look. "What a fine face he has!" she +remarked. "It is almost handsome. He must feel very much out of place +among such an aggressive set of Christians. I wonder what he thinks of +all these songs?" + +Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent of both Sunday-school +and Junior League, he had won the love of every one connected with them. +His passage through the car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps. + +There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when he stopped beside his wife's +seat. She smiled up at him as he towered above her, and motioned him to +take the seat in front of them. + +"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want to bring a young man up here, +and introduce him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome time, I'm +afraid." + +"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. Marion. "I know every one else on +the car. I don't see that we are called on to entertain him, Frank. He +came with us, simply to take advantage of the excursion rates. I should +think he would prefer to be let alone. He must have thought it +presumptuous in you to pin that badge on him. What did he say when you +did it?" + +Mr. Marion bent down to make himself heard above the noise of the train. + +"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' and told him if there was +any people in the world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had climbed Sinai, and whose +tables of stone lifted up the highest standard of morality known to the +race of Adam." + +Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make a fine politician," she exclaimed. +"You always know just the right chord to touch." + +"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does it happen you have taken such +an intense interest in him?" + +He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and leaned forward. + +"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I have had several talks with +him, and have been wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and views +of life. But I am free to confess, had I met him ten years ago, I could +not have seen any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by a +prejudice that I am unable to account for. It must have been hereditary, +for it has existed since my earliest recollection, and entirely without +reason, as far as I can see. I somehow felt that I was justified in +hating the Jews. I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that they were +wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, that they were gross in their +manner of living, and petty and mean in business transactions. I took +Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens of the whole race. It was, really, a +most unaccountable hatred I had for them. My teeth would actually clinch +if I had to sit next to one on a street-car. You may think it strange, +but I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be a fact that there +are hundreds and hundreds of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy." + +Bethany looked up quickly. + +"My father's reading and training," she said, "has caused me to have a +great admiration and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean such as +the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees of a later date. But in the +concrete, I must say I like to have as little intercourse with them as +possible. And as to modern Israelites, all I know of them personally is +the almost cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants with whom +I have dealt, and the dirty swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short cut through those streets +sometimes in driving to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She gave a +little shiver of repugnance at the recollection. + +"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that same feeling the greater part of +my life. But ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, studying the +four Gospels. It opened my eyes, Bethany. I got a clearer view of the +Christ than I ever had before. I saw how I had been misrepresenting him +to the world. The inconsistencies of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs along the coast, that +vessels might be wrecked by their misleading light. Do you suppose a Jew +could have accepted such a Christ as I represented then? No wonder they +fail to recognize their Messiah in the distorted image that is reflected +in the lives of his followers." + +"But they rejected Christ himself when he was among them," ventured +Bethany. + +"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like the old story of the man with a +muck rake. Do you remember that picture that was shown to Christian at +the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's Progress?' As a nation, Israel had +stooped so much to the gathering of dry traditions, had bent so long +over the minute letter of the law, that it could not straighten itself +to take the crown held out to it. It could not even lift its eyes to +discern that there was a crown just over its head." + +"It always made me think of the blind Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In +trying to overthrow something it could not see, spiritually I mean, it +pulled down the pillars of prophecy on its own head." + +Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again. + +"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ; but who was it that wrote +those wonderful chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that went out +ablaze with the power of Pentecost to spread the deathless story of the +resurrection? Who were the apostles that founded our Church? To whom do +we owe our knowledge of God and our hope of redemption, if not to the +Jews? We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself belonged to that +race we so reproach." + +He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten his surroundings, until a +light touch on his shoulder interrupted him. + +"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, Brother Marion?" asked the +minister's genial voice. + +He turned quickly to smile into the frank, smooth-shaven face bending +over him. + +"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing my young friend back +there, David Herschel. Have you met him?" + +"Yes, I was talking with him a little while ago," answered the minister. +"He seems very reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier seems to +arise when we talk to one of that race. I just came in to tell you that +Cragmore is in the next car. He got on at the last station." + +"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, rising quickly. "I +haven't seen him for two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile." + +"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," said Mrs. Marion, as +the door banged behind the two men. + +"Frank will never think of us again when he gets to spinning yarns with +Mr. Cragmore. I want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of the most +original men I ever heard talk. He's a young minister from the 'auld +sod.' They called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first came over, he +was so fiery and impetuous. There is enough of the brogue left yet in +his speech to spice everything he says. He and Frank are a great deal +alike in some things. They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate love of joking. They are +both so terribly in earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they once settle on a point, +they are so tenacious nothing can move them. I often tell Frank he is +worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition says they do let go when it +thunders, but nothing will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched." + +There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. At the sound of a noisy gong +in front of the station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with his friend. +Capacious lunch-baskets were opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting. + +"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. "I intended to ask him to +lunch with us." + +"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied his wife. + +"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, George," said Mr. Marion. +"I've been all up and down this train trying to get people to be +neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the only one who has spoken to him. +They were all having such a good time when I interrupted them, or they +didn't know what to say to a Jew, and a dozen different excuses." + +"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject again!" exclaimed Mrs. +Marion. "Take a sandwich, and forget about it." + +Bethany Hallam laughed more than once during the merry luncheon that +followed. She could not remember that she had laughed before since her +father's death. The young Irishman's ready wit, his droll stories, and +odd expressions were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, too, drawing +constantly from Frank Marion's inexhaustible supply of fun. + +"You have seen only one side of him," remarked Mrs. Marion, when her +husband had taken him away to introduce David. "While he was very +entertaining, I think he has shown us one of the least attractive phases +of his character." + +David had felt very much out of place all morning. It was one thing to +travel among ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and another to be +surrounded by those who were constantly bubbling over with religious +enthusiasm. He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water tank, he +said to himself, but he did object to its boiling over on him. + +His neighbors would have been very much surprised could they have known +he was studying them with keen insight, and finding much to criticise. +Even some of their songs were objectionable to him, their catchy +refrains reminding him of some he had heard at colored minstrel shows. + +With such an exalted idea of worship as the old rabbi had inculcated in +him, it did not seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless through +such sonorous utterances as the psalms. Some of these little tinkling, +catch-penny tunes seemed profanation. + +He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. He had very unexpectedly +found a congenial friend in the young minister. It was not often he met +a man so keenly alert to nature, so versed in his favorite literature, +or of his same sensitive temperament. He felt himself opening his inner +doors as he did to no one else but the rabbi. + +A drizzling rain was falling when they began to wind in and out among +the mountains of Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. It crowned every hilltop +ahead of them. It reached its shining ladder of light into every valley. +It seemed such a prophecy of what awaited them on the mountain beyond, +that some one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises." + +As the full glory of the rainbow flashed on Cragmore's sight, he stopped +abruptly in the middle of a sentence. The expression of his face seemed +to transfigure it. When he turned to David, there were tears in his +eyes. + +"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" he said, in a low tone, that +thrilled David with its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The Mizpahs! +The Ebenezers! See, it is like a pillar of fire leading us to a +veritable land of promise." + +Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, he began to talk of the +promises of the Bible, till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make me +forget that you are a Christian. You enter into Israel's past even more +fully than many of her own sons." + +Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, nervous way, with an +impetuous gesture. + +"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously into the broad brogue of +his childhood, "we hold sacred with you the heritage of your past. We +look up with you to the same God, the Father; we confess a common faith +till we stand at the foot of the cross. There is no great barrier +between us--only a step--one step farther for you to take, and we stand +side by side!" + +He laid his hand on David's, and looked into his eyes with an +expression of tender pleading as he added: + +"O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has revealed +himself to me! I pray you may! I do pray you may!" + +It was the first time in David's life any one had ever said such a thing +to him. He sat back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an answer. It +put an end to their conversation for a while. Cragmore felt that his +sympathy had carried him to the point of giving offense. He was relieved +when Dr. Bascom beckoned him to share his seat. + +After a while, as the train sped on into the darkness, the passengers +subsided in to sleepy indifference. It seemed hours afterward when Mr. +Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying briskly, "Wake up, old +fellow, we are getting into Chattanooga." + +"Let us go in with banners flying," said Dr. Bascom. "I understand that +every car-full that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has come +singing." + +The lights of the city, twinkling through the car-windows, aroused the +sleepy passengers with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when they +steamed slowly into the crowded depot, it was as "pilgrims singing in +the night." + +In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. Marion lost sight of David. + +"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed tone. "I intended to ask +him to drive to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I wanted to +introduce him to you, Bethany." + +"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, Cousin Frank," she said, +as she followed him through the depot gates. "He may be very agreeable, +and all that, but he's a Jew, and I don't care to make his +acquaintance." + +The handle of the umbrella she was carrying came in collision with some +one behind her. + +"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in her gracious, high-bred way. + +The gentleman raised his hat. It was David Herschel. A stylish-looking +little school-girl was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded man, whom +she recognized as Major Herrick, was walking just behind him. They had +come down from the mountain to meet him, and take him to Lookout Inn. As +their eyes met, Bethany was positive that he had overheard her remark. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT." + + +BY some misunderstanding, Bethany and her cousins had been assigned to +different homes. + +"It is too late to make any change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they +left her. "We are only one block further up on this same street. We will +try to make some arrangement to-morrow to have you with us." + +Bethany followed her hostess into the wide reception-hall. One of the +most elegant homes of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, all as tired and +travel-stained as herself. + +During the introductions, Bethany mentally classified them as the most +uninteresting lot of people she had seen in a long time. + +"I believe you are the odd one of this party, Miss Hallam," said the +hostess, glancing over the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is one improvised for the +occasion; but you will probably be more comfortable here alone than in a +larger room with several others." + +It had never occurred to Bethany that she might have been asked to share +an apartment with some stranger, and she hastened to assure her hostess +of her appreciation of the little room, which, though very small indeed +compared with the great dimensions of the others, was quite comfortable +and attractive. + +"I have always been accustomed to being by myself," she said, "and it +makes no difference at all if it is so far away from the other +sleeping-rooms. I am not at all timid." + +Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, she realized that she had +never been so entirely alone before in all her life. Home seemed so very +far away. Her surroundings were so strange. Her extreme weariness +intensified her morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered such a +sensation coming to her one night in mid-ocean, but she had tapped on +her state-room wall, and her father had come to her immediately. Now she +might call a weary lifetime. No earthly voice could ever reach him. + +With a throbbing ache in her throat, and hot tears springing to her +eyes, she opened her valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out at her. She was kneeling +before them, with her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As she +gazed at them intently, a tear splashed down on her black dress. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she sobbed, passionately, "for God +to take everything! It would have been so easy for him to let me keep +them. How could he be so cruel? How could he take away all that made my +life worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?" + +She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm of sobbing. Presently she +looked up again at her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, very +like her own. It brought back all her happy childhood, that seemed +almost glorified now by the remembered halo of its devoted mother-love. + +The years had softened that grief, but it all came back to-night with +its old-time bitterness. + +The next face was little Jack's--a sturdy, wide-awake boy, with +mischievous dimples and laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he +had suffered since his accident, made her feel that she had lost him +also, in a way. The physician had assured her that he would be the same +vigorous, romping child again; but she found that hard to believe when +she thought of his present helpless condition. + +She pressed the next picture to her lips with trembling fingers, and +then looked lovingly into the eyes that seemed to answer her gaze with +one of steadfast, manly devotion. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she sobbed again. How it all came +back to her--the happy June-time of her engagement!--the summer days +when she dreamed of him, the summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the first bunch of violets he +brought her, to the judge's tender smile when she spread out all her +bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering lengths of the white, +trailing satin; such filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the telegram, and afterward +the darkened room, and the darker hour, when she groped her way to a +motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. O, how she had clung to the +cold hands, and kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in an +agony of despair! But as she turned, her father's strong arms were +folded about her, and his broken voice whispered comfort. + +The dear father! It had been doubly desolate since he had gone, too. + +Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her arms, she seemed to face a +future that was utterly hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, she felt +that there was absolutely no reason why she should go on living. + +The ticking of her watch reminded her that it was nearly midnight. In a +mechanical way, she got up and began to arrange her hair for the night. + +After she had extinguished the light, she pulled aside the curtain, and +looked out on the unfamiliar streets. + +The moon had come up. In the dim light the crest of old Lookout towered +grimly above the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms passed through +her mind: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh +my help." + +"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no help. God doesn't care. He +is too far away." + +As she went back to the bed, the words of the novice in Muloch's +"Benedetta Minelli" came to her: + + "O weary world, O heavy life, farewell! + Like a tired child that creeps into the dark + To sob itself asleep where none will mark, + So creep I to my silent convent cell." + +"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock myself away with my +memories, and not be obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not be so hard. How I dread +to-morrow, with its crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever come?" + +Next morning, the guests gathered out on the vine-covered piazza to +discuss their plans for the day. + +There were two theological students from Boston, a young doctor from +Texas, and the son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas farmer's +wife and her sister, a bright little schoolteacher from an Iowa village, +and three pretty Georgia girls, completed the party. + +Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering how they could be so +greatly interested in such things as the most direct car-line to +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to "do" the old +battle-grounds. + +The youngest Georgia girl was about her own age. She had made several +attempts to include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking her +reserve and indifference for haughtiness, turned to the Louisiana boy +with a remark about unsociable Northerners. + +Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, and she wondered, in a dull +way, how anybody could be light-hearted enough even to smile in such a +world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered that she had laughed +herself, the day before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It rather +puzzled her now to know how she could have done so. Her wakeful night +had left her unusually depressed. + +An open, two-seated carriage stopped at the gate. Mrs. Marion and George +Cragmore were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. Bascom sat with the +driver. Bethany had been waiting for them some time with her hat on, so +she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. Cragmore leaped over the wheel to +open the gate, and assist her to a seat between himself and Mrs. +Marion. + +They drove rapidly out towards Missionary Ridge. To Bethany's great +relief, neither of her companions seemed in a talkative mood. Mr. +Marion, who was an ardent Southerner, had been deep in a political +discussion with Dr. Bascom. As they stopped on the winding road, half +way up the ridge, to look down into the beautiful valley below, and +across to the purple summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long breath. +Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, "The work of His fingers! +What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, after a long silence: +"How insignificant our little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject." + +Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on every side, did not notice +Bethany's continued silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The fresh +air and brisk motion had somewhat aroused Bethany from her apathy. +First, she began to be interested in the constantly-changing view, and +then she noticed its effect on the erratic man beside her. + +From the time they commenced to ascend the ridge he had not spoken to +any one directly, but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if he were all alone; some of them +dreamily, some of them with startling force, and all with the slight +brogue he spoke so musically. + +"Every common bush afire with God," he murmured in an undertone, looking +at a dusty wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes. + +Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that if any other man of her +acquaintance had kept up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard him do it again after +that day. It seemed as if the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words that immortal pens had +made deathless. + +The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out to them from grassy orchards, +where the trees were bent over with their wealth of velvety, +sun-reddened fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had taken no notice of Bethany's +depression when she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature was +having on her sore heart. But she knew that he had seen it, when he +turned to her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as well as his +first one had the wayside weed. He half sang it, with a tender, wistful +smile, as he watched her face. + + "O the green things growing, the green things growing-- + The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing! + I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve, + Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing, + For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much, + With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing." + +Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had told him of all she had +suffered, or if he had guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that he +had not been told, but that he had divined it. Yet when they stopped on +the Chickamauga battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across the +rough fields like an overgrown boy, she thought of her cousin Ray's +remark, "They used to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered at the +contradictory phases his character presented. She saw him pause and lay +his hand reverently on the largest cannon, and then come running back +across the furrows with long, awkward jumps. + +"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?" asked Mr. Marion, in his +teasing way. "The idea of keeping us waiting while you were racing +across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun." + +"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, yet there was a flash in his +eyes that belied the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just wanted to lay my hands on +its dumb lips." He waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, but +they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day they spoke freedom to a race." + +He did not take his seat in the carriage for a while, but followed at a +little distance, ranging the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark of an old tree where the shells +had plowed deep scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush away the +leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any one but a true woodsman would +have passed with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare specimen up to +the carriage to ask its name. He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered. + +"It's a pity to tear them up, when they would wither in just a few +hours," he said; "the solitary places are so glad for them." + +"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, as he watched him break a +little sprig of cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree to put in +his card-case. "Sometimes he is the veriest clown; at others, a child +could not be more artless; and I have seen him a few times when he +seemed to be aroused into a spiritual giant. He fairly touched the +stars." + +Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive that she did not go to the +opening services in the big tent that afternoon. + +"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, when he came in after supper, +"and so did David Herschel." + +"Missed what?" inquired Bethany. + +"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. You know he is a Jew. +Such a broad, fraternal speech must have been a revelation to a great +many of his audience. I tell you, it was fine! You're going to-night, +aren't you, Bethany?" + +"No," she answered, "I want to save myself for the sunrise +prayer-meeting on the mountain to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all night to see." + +It was about two o'clock in the morning when they started up the +mountain by rail. The cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train lurched around sudden +curves. Notwithstanding the early hour, and the discomfort of their +position, they sang all the way up the mountain. + +"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me how these people can sing so +constantly. The last thing I heard last night before I went to sleep was +the electric street-car going past the house, with a regular hallelujah +chorus on board. Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? How can +they keep worked up to such a pitch all the time?" + +"You should have been at the tent last night, dear," answered Mrs. +Marion. "Then you would have gotten into the secret of it. There is an +inspiration in great numbers. The audiences we are having there are said +to be the greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our League at home +has been doing very faithful work, but I couldn't help wishing last +night that every member could have been present. To see ten thousand +faces lit up with the same interest and the same hope, to hear the +battle-cry, 'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled out in response +like a volley of ten thousand musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly awakened to the fact +that they were not fighting single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these were only the +advance-guard, for over a million young people are enlisted in the same +cause. Think of that, Bethany--a million leagued together just in +Methodism! Then, when you count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's Daughters and Sons, and +the Young Men's Christian Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought to revolutionize the +universe in the next decade." + +"Then you think it is an inspiration of the crowds that makes them sing +all the time," said Bethany. + +"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. "To be sure, it has something to do +with it; but to most of this vast number of young people, their religion +is not a sentiment to be fanned into spasmodic flame by some excitement. +It is a vital force, that underlies every thought and every act. They +will sing at home over their work, and all by themselves, just as +heartily as they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster Abbey, one +time, the profiles of John and Charles Wesley put side by side on the +same medallion. I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put the spirit of both brothers into its +daily life--that does not wing its sermons with its songs." + +Hundreds of people had already gathered on the brow of the mountain, +waiting the appointed hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a place where +nature had formed a great amphitheater of the rocks. They seated +themselves on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. They were +above the clouds. Such billows of mist rolled up and hid the sleeping +earth below that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless ocean. The +world and its petty turmoils were blotted out. There was only this one +gray peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. It was still and +solemn in the early light. They spoke together almost in whispers. + +"I can not believe that any man ever went up into a mountain to pray +without feeling himself drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said Dr. +Bascom. + +Frank Marion looked around on the assembled crowds, and then said +slowly: + +"Once a little band of five hundred met the risen Lord on a +mountain-side in Galilee, and were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am +with you alway!' Think what they accomplished, and then think of the +thousands here this morning that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! There ought to be a wonderful +work accomplished for the Master this year." + +Cragmore, who had walked away a little distance from the rest, and was +watching the eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight. + +"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a child, and yet with the +appreciation of a poet shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea." + +He pointed to the long bars of light spreading like great flaming +pinions above the horizon. The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven and +a new earth. In the solemn hush of the sunrise, a voice began to sing, +"Nearer, my God, to thee." + +It was as in the days of the old temple. They had left the outer courts +and passed up into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain of cloud +seemed to shut them in, till in that high Holy of Holies they stood face +to face with the Shekinah of God's presence. + +Bethany caught her breath. There had been times before this when, +carried along by the impetuous eloquence of some sermon or prayer, every +fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. In her childlike +reaching out towards spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses of +the Fatherhood of God. She had gone to him with every experience of her +young life, just as naturally and freely as she had to her earthly +father. But when beside the judge's death-bed she pleaded for his life +to be spared to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals met no +response, she turned away in rebellious silence. "She would pray no more +to a dumb heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been vain. + +Now, as she listened to songs and prayers and testimony, she began to +feel the power that emanated from them,--the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known him before: the Father +revealed through the Son. + +Below, the mists began to roll away until the hidden valley was revealed +in all its morning loveliness. But how small it looked from such a +height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver thread. The outlying forests +dwindled to thickets. + +Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll away from her spiritual +vision, and she saw her life in relation to the eternities. Self +dwindled out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no childish +questioning of Divine purposes. The blind Bartimeus by the wayside, +hearing the cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping his way +towards "the Light of the world," was no surer of his dawning vision +than Bethany, as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. She +saw not only the glory of the June sunrise; for her the "Sun of +righteousness had arisen, with healing in his wings." + +People seemed loath to go when the services were over. They gathered in +little groups on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from one point +of view to another, drinking in the rare beauty of the morning. + +Bethany walked on without speaking. She was a little in advance of the +others, and did not notice when the rest of her party were stopped by +some acquaintances. Absorbed in her own thoughts, she turned aside at +Prospect Point, and walked out to the edge. As she looked down over the +railing, the refrain of one of the songs that had been sung so +constantly during the last few days, unconsciously rose to her lips. She +hummed it softly to herself, over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day." + +So oblivious was she of all surroundings that she did not hear Frank +Marion's quick step behind her. He had come to tell her they were going +down the mountain by the incline. + +"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" The words came softly, almost +under her breath; but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred to bring any song to her +lips. + +"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean it, child? Has the light come?" + +The face that she turned towards him was radiant. She could find no +words wherewith to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her hands +in his, and the tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, with a tremor in his strong voice. +"It is what I have been praying for. Now you see why I urged you to +come. I knew what a mountain-top of transfiguration this would be." + +Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, David Herschel had looked around +with great curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was only a little +distance from the inn, and he had come down hoping to discover the real +motive that had brought these people together from such vast distances. +He wondered what power their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour. + +He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity of the sunrise. He felt, +too, the uplifting power of the old hymn, that song drawn from the +experience of Jacob at Bethel, that seemed to lift every heart nearer to +the Eternal. + +He was deeply stirred as the leader began to speak of the mountain +scenes of the Bible, of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount Zion with its thousand +hallowed memories. So far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, of Calvary, or of +Olivet. + +He had never heard such prayers as the ones that followed. Although +there can be found no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions of Jehovah, than are +bound in the rituals of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the heart +were a revelation to him. + +There came again the fulfillment of the deathless words, "And I, if I be +lifted up, will draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly Nazarene was +lifted up that morning in that great gathering of his people! How his +name was exalted! All up and down old Lookout Mountain, and even across +the wide valley of the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer. + +When the testimony service began, David turned from one speaker to +another. What had they come so far to tell? From every State in the +Union, from Canada, and from foreign shores, they brought only one +story--"Behold the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, the young Jew's +heart was strangely drawn to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a converted Jew. I was +brought to Christ by a little girl--a member of the Junior League. I +have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and fortune, but +I have gained so much that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated my life to his +service." + +David changed his position in order to get a better view of the speaker. +He scrutinized him closely. He studied his face, his dress, even his +attitude, to determine, if possible, the character of this new witness. +He saw a man of medium height, broad forehead, and firm mouth over which +drooped a heavy, dark mustache. There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were large, dark, and +magnetic, met David's with a steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment. + +With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to probe this man with +questions. As he went back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his +history, and find what had induced him to turn away from the faith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +AN EPWORTH JEW. + + +NEARLY every northern-bound mail-train, since Bethany's arrival in +Chattanooga, had carried something home to Jack--a paper, a postal, +souvenirs from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. Knowing how +eagerly he watched for the postman's visits, she never let a day pass +without a letter. Saturday morning she even missed part of the services +at the tent in order to write to him. + +"I have just come back from Grant University," she wrote. "Cousin Frank +was so interested in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise meeting yesterday, +because he said a little Junior League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview with him. His name is +Lessing. Cousin Frank asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I haven't time now to give all the +details, but will tell them to you when I come home." + +Bethany had been intensely interested in the man's story. They sat out +on one of the great porches of the university, with the mountains in +sight. They had drawn their chairs aside to a cool, shady corner, where +they would not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly passing +in and out. + +"It is for the children you want my story," he said; "so they must know +of my childhood. It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the strictest +of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully trained in the observances +of the law. He taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence to all +the customs of the synagogue." + +Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as he told many interesting +incidents of his early home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store in St. Elmo, at the foot +of Mount Lookout. He was very fond of children, and made friends with +all who came into the store. There was one little girl, a fair, +curly-haired child, who used to come oftener than the others. She grew +to love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion, often talked to him of +the Junior League, in which she was deeply interested. + +Her distress when she discovered that he did not love Christ was +pitiful. She insisted so on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon worried him all day. +It had been announced that the evening service would be a continuation +of the same subject. He went at night, and was so impressed with the +truth of what he heard, that when the child came for him to go to +prayer-meeting with her the next week, he did not refuse. + +Towards the close of the service the minister asked if any one present +wished to pray for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. Lessing, and +to his great embarrassment began to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother +Lessing!" was all she said, but she repeated it over and over with such +anxious earnestness, that it went straight to his heart. + +He dropped on his knees beside her, and began praying for himself. It +was not long until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing the +Christ he had been taught to despise. In the enthusiasm of this +new-found happiness he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly refused to listen. For +months she berated and ridiculed him. When she found that not only were +tears and arguments of no avail, but that he felt he must consecrate his +life to the ministry, she declared she would leave him. He sold the +store, and gave her all it brought; and she went back to her family in +Florida. + +In order to prepare for the ministry he entered the university, working +outside of study hours at anything he could find to do. In the meantime +he had written to his parents, knowing how greatly they would be +distressed, yet hoping their great love would condone the offense. + +His father's answer was cold and businesslike. He said that no disgrace +could have come to him that could have hurt him so deeply as the +infidelity of his trusted son. If he would renounce this false faith for +the true faith of his fathers, he would give him forty thousand dollars +outright, and also leave him a legacy of the same amount. But should he +refuse the offer, he should be to him as a stranger--the doors of both +his heart and his house should be forever barred against him. + +His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the pictures of all the family, +whom he had not seen for several years. Their faces called up so many +happy memories of the past that they pleaded more eloquently than words. +It was a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding him of all +they had been to each other, and begging him for her sake to come back +to the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: "If you insist on +clinging to this false Christ, whom we have taught you to despise, the +heart of your father and of your mother must be closed against you, and +you must be thrust out from us forever with our curse upon you." + +He knew it was the custom. He had been present once when the awful +anathema was hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing every right +from the outlaw, living or dead. He knew that his grave would be dug in +the Jewish cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would read the rites of +burial over his empty coffin, and that henceforth his only part in the +family life would be the blot of his disgraceful memory. + +He spread the pictures and the letters on the desk before him. A cold +perspiration broke out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by one he took up the photographs of +his brothers and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, and laid them +aside; then his father's, with its strong, proud face. He put that away, +too. + +At last he picked up his mother's picture. She looked straight out at +him, with such a world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, with +such trustful devotion, as if she knew he could not resist the appeal, +that he turned away his head. The trial seemed greater than he could +bear. He was trembling with the force of it. Then he looked again into +the dear, patient face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It was the +same old mother who had nursed him, who had loved him, who had borne +with his waywardness and forgiven him always. He seemed to feel the soft +touch of her lips on his forehead as she bent over to give him a +goodnight kiss. All that she had ever done for him came rushing through +his memory so overwhelmingly that he broke down utterly, and began to +sob like a child. "O, I can't give her up," he groaned. "My dear old +mother! I can't grieve her so!" + +All that morning he clung to her picture, sometimes walking the floor in +his agony, sometimes falling on his knees to pray. "God in heaven have +pity," he cried. "That a man should have to choose between his mother +and his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more long look at the +picture, laid it reverently away with shaking hands. He had surrendered +everything. + +He did not tell all this to his sympathizing listeners. They could read +part of the pathos of that struggle in his face, part in the voice that +trembled occasionally, despite his strong effort to control it. + +Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his own gentle mother in the old +homestead among the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought of the great +pillar of strength her unfaltering faith had been to him, of how from +boyhood it had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, of how much he +had always depended upon her love and her prayers, his sympathies were +stirred to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's hand in his +strong grasp. + +"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently. + +Bethany turned her head aside, and looked away into the hazy distances. +She knew what it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that bound her +best beloved to her. She knew what it was to have only pictured faces to +look into, and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. The +question flashed into her mind, could she have made the voluntary +surrender that he had made? She put it from her with a throb of shame +that she was glad that she had not been so tested. + +Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing down the steps, recognized him, +and called back: + +"What time does your speech come on the program, Frank? I understand you +are to hold forth to-day." + +Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a moment, to speak to his friend. + +Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while she drew unmeaning dots and +dashes over the cover of her note-book. + +Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did you ever speak to a Jew about +your Savior?" he asked, with such startling directness, that Bethany was +confused. + +"No," she said, hesitatingly. + +"Why?" he asked. + +He was looking at her with a penetrating gaze that seemed to read her +thoughts. + +"Really," she answered, "I have never considered the question. I am not +very well acquainted with any, for one reason; besides, I would have +felt that I was treading on forbidden grounds to speak to a Jew about +religion. They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched in their +beliefs, so proof against argument, that it would be both a useless and +thankless undertaking." + +"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," he answered, "but nobody is +proof against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss Hallam, it seems a +terrible thing to me. The Church will make sacrifices, will cross the +seas, will overcome almost any obstacle to send the gospel to China or +to Africa, anywhere but to the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I +know there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here and there through +the large cities, and a few earnest souls are devoting their entire +energy to the work. But suppose every Christian in the country became an +evangel to the little community of Jews within the radius of his +influence. Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual effort were made +to show them Christ, with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the old +story' to the Hottentots. What would be the result? O, if I had waited +for a grown person to speak to me about it, I might have waited until +the day of my death. I was restless. I was dissatisfied. I felt that I +needed something more than my creed could give me. For what is Judaism +now? I read an answer not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been possible; a religion of +the Passover and the Day of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two +millenniums, no lamb has been slain and no atonement offered; a +sacerdotal religion, with only the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of +a temple which has no temple more; its altar is quenched, its ashes +scattered, no longer kindling any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any +hope.'[A] No man ever took me by the hand and told me about the peace I +have now. No man ever shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the blessed guiding influence +of a little child, my hungry heart might still be crying out +unsatisfied." + +He went on to repeat several conversations he had had with men of his +own race, to show her how this indifference of Christians was reckoned +against them as a glaring inconsistency by the Jews. Almost as if some +one had spoken the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, "I +was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in. Inasmuch as ye did it +not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me." + +Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation of that Scripture had +always been in a temporal sense. More than once, when a child, she had +watched her mother feed some poor beggar, with the virtuous feeling that +that condemnation could not apply to the Hallam family. But now +Lessing's impassioned appeal had awakened a different thought. Who so +hungered as those who, reaching out for bread, grasped either the stones +of a formal ritualism or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? Who +such "strangers within the gates" of the nations as this race without a +country? From the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of Babylon, from +the Ghetto of Rome to the fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been driven--exiles and +aliens. The New World had welcomed them. The New World had opened all +its avenues to them. Only from the door of Christian society had they +turned away, saying, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in." + +In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart went out in an earnest +prayer: "O God, in the great day of thy judgment, let not that +condemnation be mine. Only send me some opportunity, show me some way +whereby I may lead even one of the least among them to the world's +Redeemer!" + +Mr. Marion came back from his interview, looking at his watch as he did +so. It was so near time for services to begin at the tent, that he did +not resume his seat. + +"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," said Bethany, holding out her +hand as she bade him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before I go, what +an impression this conversation has made upon me. It has aroused an +earnest desire to be the means of carrying the hope that comforts me, +to some one among your people." + +"You will succeed," he said, looking into her earnest upturned face. +Then he added softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an olden +day--"Peace be unto you." + +All that day, after the sunrise meeting, David Herschel had been with +Major Herrick, going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. A monument was to be erected on +the spot where nearly all the major's men had fallen in one of the most +hotly-contested battles of the war. He had come down to help locate the +place. + +"It's a very different reception they are giving us now," remarked the +major, as they drove through the city. + +Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. Every street +gleamed with the white and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South. + +"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests royally; people of every +denomination, and of no faith at all, are vying with each other to show +the kindliest hospitality. We are missing it by being at the hotel. I +told Mrs. Herrick and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?" + +"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity was satisfied this +morning. I'll go on up to the inn. I have a letter to write." + +The major laughed. + +"It's a letter that has to be written every day, isn't it?" he said, +banteringly. "Well, I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was young +myself once. Conferences aren't to be taken into account at all when a +billet-doux needs answering." + +The next day David kept Marta with him as much as possible. He could see +that she was becoming greatly interested, and catching much of Albert +Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy was a great League worker, and attended +every meeting. + +David took Marta a long walk over the mountain paths. They sat on the +wide, vine-hung veranda of the inn, and read together. Then, as it was +their Sabbath, he took her up to his room, and read some of the ritual +of the day, trying to arouse in her some interest for the old customs of +their childhood. + +To his great dismay, he found that she had drifted away from him. She +was not the yielding child she had been, whom he had been able to +influence with a word. + +She showed a disposition to question and contend, that annoyed him. The +rabbi was right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences. + +It was with a feeling of relief that he woke Sunday morning to hear the +rain beating violently against the windows. He was glad on her account +that the storm would prevent them going down into the city. But toward +evening the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began to insist on going +down to the night service in the tent. + +"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss it +for anything." + +"Neither would I," responded Marta. "There is something so inspiring in +all that great chorus of voices." + +When David found that his sister really intended to go, notwithstanding +his remonstrances, and that the family were waiting for her in the hall +below, he made no further protest, but surprised her by taking his hat, +and tucking her hand in his arm. + +"Then I will go with you, little sister," he said. "I want to have as +much of your company as possible during my short visit." + +Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, +divined David's purpose in keeping his sister so close. He lifted his +eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his mother's wraps, leaving +Frances to follow with the major. + +The tent was crowded when they reached it. They succeeded with great +difficulty in obtaining several chairs in one of the aisles. + +"Herschel and I will go back to the side," said Albert. "The audience +near the entrance is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the first +vacant seat; some will be sure to get tired and go out before long. They +always do." + +It was the first time David had been in the tent, and he was amazed at +the enormous audience. He leaned against one of the side supports, +watching the people, still intent on crowding forward. Suddenly his look +of idle curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He recognized the +face of the Jew who had attracted him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing slowly towards him. + +Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd at the door pushed harder. The +fresh impetus jostled them almost off their feet, and in the crush +Lessing was caught and held directly in front of David. Some magnetic +force in the eyes of each held the gaze of the other for a moment. Then +Lessing, recognizing the common bond of blood, smiled. + +That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," had sounded in David's ears +ever since it first startled him. He felt confident that the man was +laboring under some strong delusion, and he wished that he might have an +opportunity to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him back to the +old faith. + +Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was irresistible, he laid his hand +on the stranger's arm. + +"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, and in a low tone. "Come +this way. I will not detain you long." + +He drew him out of the press into one of the side aisles, and thence +towards the exit. + +"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he asked; "I want to ask you +several questions." + +Lessing complied quietly. + +The sound of a cornet followed them with the pleading notes of an old +hymn. It was like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding a call to +prayer. Then the singing began. Song after song rolled out on the night +air across the common to a street where two men paced back and forth in +the darkness. They were arm in arm. David was listening to the same +story that Bethany and Frank Marion had heard the day before. He could +not help but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so earnest, his faith +was so sure. When he was through, David was utterly silenced. The +questions with which he had intended to probe this man's claims were +already answered. + +"We might as well go back," he said at last. As they walked slowly +towards the tent, he said: "I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that you are under the spell of +some mysterious power that deludes you." + +Just as they passed within the tent, the cornet sounded again, the +great congregation rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one: + + "All hail the power of Jesus' name, + Let angels prostrate fall!" + +The sight was a magnificent one; the sound like an ocean-beat of praise. +Lessing seized David's arm. + +"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not only does it uplift all these +thousands you see here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was known among men. Could he +transform lives to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his power +were a delusion? What has brought them all these miles, if not this same +power? Look at the class of people who have been duped, as you call it." +He pointed to the platform. "Bishops, college presidents, editors, men +of marked ability and with world-wide reputation for worth and +scholarship." + +At the close of the hymn some one moved over, and made room for David on +one of the benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. David listened +to all that was said with a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon +began. The bishop's opening words caught his attention, and echoed in +his memory for months afterward. + +"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, and as he appeared to him when +he did not believe in him--when he despised him. Then he also knew +Christ after his surrender to him; after Christ had entered into his +life, and changed the character of his being; after new meanings of life +and destiny filled his horizon, after the Divine tenderness filled to +completeness his nature; then was he in possession of a knowledge of +Christ, of an experience of his presence and of his love that was a +benediction to him, and has through the centuries since that hour been a +blessing to men wherever the gospel has been preached. + +"It is such a man speaking in this text. A man with a singularly strong +mind, well disciplined, with great will-power; a man with a great +ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as ever tabernacled in flesh and +blood. He proclaimed everywhere that, if need be, he was ready to die +for the principles out of which had come to him a new life, and which +had brought to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming in +happiness, that he was led to do and undertake what he knew would lead +at the last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? Hear him: 'For the love +of Christ constraineth us.'" + +There was a testimony service following the sermon. As David watched the +hundreds rising to declare their faith, he wondered why they should thus +voluntarily come forward as witnesses. Then the text seemed to repeat +itself in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth us!" + +He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. He was glad when the +conference was at an end; when the decorations were taken down from the +streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible enthusiasts went singing +out of the city. + +Albert Herrick went to the seashore that week. David proposed taking +Marta home with him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced by +the whole family that he quietly dropped the subject, and went back to +Rabbi Barthold alone. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Archdeacon Farrar. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"TRUST." + + "Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the thin air + of life's supremer heights. We can not make each meal + a sacrament."--Lowell. + + +IT had seemed to Bethany, in the experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel despondent again; but away from the +uplifting influences of the place, back among the painful memories of +the old home, she fought as hard a fight with her returning doubts as +ever Christian did in his Valley of Humiliation. + +For a week since her return the weather had been intensely warm. It made +Jack irritable, and sapped her own strength. + +There came a day when everything went wrong. She had practiced her +shorthand exercises all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill much larger than she had +expected. While he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse. Then Jack upset a +little cut-glass vase that was standing on the table beside him. It was +broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a +borrowed book that would have to be replaced. + +About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. He had brought a new kind of +brace that he wanted tried. + +"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but it is very expensive." + +Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak +that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. She could +not see where all the money they needed was to come from. + +"It's too small," said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace. +"The size larger will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning." + +He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold. + +"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. "It is so oppressively sultry." + +It was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden +windstorm that came up with terrific force. The trees in the avenue were +lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth. Huge +limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and +hanging. It was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, +that suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off the bushes, their +pink petals scattered over the soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves. + +As night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, +dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house. + +"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" inquired Jack. "Let's have a +fire in the library and eat supper there to-night." + +Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's favorite room in the winter, +on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned tiling. +She rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in +the big arm-chair to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, and presently the +flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship. + +"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection +of the fire in the garden outside. "Don't you remember what you read me +in 'Snowbound?' + + 'Under the tree, + When fire outdoors burns merrily, + There the witches are making tea.' + +This would be a fine night for witch stories. The wind makes such queer +noises in the chimney. Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful ones +we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones." + +As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, when Bethany had tucked +him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the +queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on +such a grewsome subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her +soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted +to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her. + +The judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when +he had been near enough to do it for her. But his love had made him +short-sighted. In shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was +only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come +when he was no longer with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon. + +"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, "that you would try to teach +drawing or watercolors, or something. You have spent so much time on +your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work. Then those +little dinner-cards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful. I am +sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you +orders." + +"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; "I must have something +that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on. +While I have painted some very acceptable things, I never was cut out +for a teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in which I can never be +more than third-rate. I've decided to study stenography. I am sure I can +master that, and command a first-class position. I have heard papa +complain a great many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really good +stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt the work, such a small per +cent are really proficient enough to undertake court reporting." + +"You're just like your father," said Mrs. Marion. "Uncle Richard would +never be anything if he couldn't be uppermost." + +It had been nearly a year since that conversation. Bethany had +persevered in her undertaking until she felt confident that she had +accomplished her purpose. She was ready for any position that offered, +but there seemed to be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in the bank +was dwindling away with frightful rapidity. She was afraid to encroach +on it any further, but the bills had to be met constantly. + +Presently she drew her chair over to the library table, and spread out +her check-book and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look over the +accounts for the month just ended. Then she made a list of the probable +expenses of the next two months. The contrast between their needs and +their means was appalling. + +"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, in a distressed whisper. "When +the first of September comes, there will be nothing left but to sell +the old home and go away somewhere to a strange place." + +The prospect of leaving the dear old place, that had grown to seem +almost like a human friend, was the last drop that made the day's cup of +misery overflow. The old doubt came back. + +"I wonder if God really cares for us in a temporal way?" she asked +herself. + +The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack had been so interested in, +recurred to her. Many of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. God had not interfered in +their behalf, she told herself. Why should he trouble himself about her? + +She went back to her seat by the fender, and, with her chin resting in +her hand, looked drearily into the embers, as if they could answer the +question. She heard some one come up on the porch and ring the bell. It +was Dr. Trent's quick, imperative summons. + +"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, as she ushered him into the +library. "Well, it makes no difference; you know how to adjust the +brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all day with that on." + +He gave an appreciative glance around the cheerful room, and spread his +hands out towards the fire. + +"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, rubbing them together. "I +wish I could stay and enjoy it with you. I have just come in from a long +drive, and must answer another call away out in the country. You'd be +surprised to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night." + +"I venture you never stopped at the boarding-house at all," answered +Bethany, "and that you have not had a mouthful to eat since noon. I am +going to get you something. Yes, I shall," she insisted, in spite of his +protestations. Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung on the crane +to-night, so that he could hear it sing as he used to. "The water is +boiling, and you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time." + +Before he could answer, she was out of the room, and beyond the reach of +his remonstrance. He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray head +back on the cushions, wearily closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when +Bethany came back. + +"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. "I was quite +exhausted by the intense heat of this morning. These sudden changes of +temperature are bad for one." + +"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the heavy tray she carried, "you +have brought me a regular feast. You ought not to have put yourself to +such trouble for an old codger used to boarding-house fare." + +"All the more reason why you should have a change once in a while," said +Bethany, gayly, as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot. + +The sight of the doctor's face as she entered the room had almost +brought the tears. It looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, or how deeply his face was lined. + +He had been such an intimate friend of her father's that she had grown +up with the feeling that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle Doctor" until she was nearly +grown. He had been so thoughtful and kind during all her troubles, and +especially in Jack's illness, that she longed to show her appreciation +by some of the tender little ministrations of which his life was so +sadly bare. + +"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, as he stretched his +feet towards the fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I didn't +realize I was so tired until I sat down, or so hungry until I began to +eat." Then he added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside until I +feel the cheer of others'." + +The doubts that had been making Bethany miserable all evening, and that +she had forgotten in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back with +renewed force. + +"Does God really care?" she asked herself again. Here was this man, one +of the best she had ever known, left to stumble along under the weight +of a living sorrow, the things he cared for most, denied him. + +"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," she had heard her father +say. + +There were two things he held dearer than life--the honor of the old +family name that had come down to him unspotted through generations, and +his little home-loving wife. For fifteen years he had experienced as +much of the happiness of home-life as a physician with a large practice +can know. Then word came to him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then taken his own life, +leaving nothing but the memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He had +borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting old aunt, and left her +almost penniless. + +When Dr. Trent recovered from the first shock of the discovery, he +quietly set to work to wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could eradicate at least that much +of the stain on the family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, for another trial, worse than +the first, had come to weaken his strength and dispel his courage. + +The idolized little wife became affected by some nervous malady that +resulted in hopeless insanity. + +Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's daughter, a little +brown-eyed child of her own age. She could remember playing +hide-and-seek with her one day in an old peony-garden. But she had died +years ago. There was only one other child--Lee. He had grown to be a +big boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel his mother's loss at +the time she was taken away. Bethany knew that she was still living in a +private asylum near town, and that the doctor saw her every day, no +matter how violent she was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he saw very little of the +boy. The child had never known any home but a boarding-house, and was as +lawless and unrestrained as some little wild animal. But the doctor saw +no fault in him. He praised the reports brought home from school of high +per cents in his studies, knowing nothing of his open defiance to +authority. He kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow next his +own when he came in late at night, never dreaming of the forbidden +places it had been during the day. + +Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's a pity that Lee is such a +little terror;" but no one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of all this moved Bethany to +sudden speech. + +"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously--she had unconsciously used +the old name--as she sat down on a low stool near his knee, "I was +piling up my troubles to-night before you came. Not the old ones," she +added, quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy cross his face, +"but the new ones that confront me." + +She gave a mournful little smile. + +"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' you know, and these shadows +look so dark and threatening. I see no possible way but to sell this +home. You have had so much to bear yourself that it seems mean to worry +you with my troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I don't know +what's the matter with me--" + +She stopped abruptly, and choked back a sob. He laid his hand softly on +her shining hair. + +"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a soothing tone. Then he +added, lightly, "I can't make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms." + +When he had heard her little outburst of worry and distrust, he said, +slowly: + +"You have done all in your power to prepare yourself for a position as +stenographer. You have done all you could to secure such a position, and +have been unsuccessful. But you still have a roof over your head, you +still have enough on hands to keep you two months longer without selling +the house or even renting it--an arrangement that has not seemed to +occur to you." He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It strikes me +that a certain little lass I know has been praying, 'Give us this day +our to-morrow's bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn to trust?" + +"But isn't it right for me to be anxious about providing some way to +keep the house?" she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray for the +future? You can't realize how it would hurt me to give up this place." + +"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You forget I have been called on +to make just such a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may not think me much of a +Christian. They rarely see me in Church--my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for me to speak of these sacred +things, unless it is when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know how to trust. No matter how +he has hurt me, I have been able to hang on to his promises, and say, +'All right, Lord. The case is entirely in your hands. Amputate, if it is +necessary; cut to the very heart, if you will. You know what is best.'" + +He pushed the long tray of dishes farther on the table, and, rising +suddenly, walked over to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a well-worn book. + +"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. "I want to read you a passage +that caught my eyes in here once. I remember showing it to your father." + +He turned the pages rapidly till he found the place. Then seating +himself by the lamp again, he began to read: + +"It came to my mind a week or two ago, so full an' sweet an' precious +that I can hardly think of anything else. It was during them cold, +northeast winds; these winds had made my cough very bad, an' I was shook +all to bits, and felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, an' +once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put down her work, an' looked at +me till her eyes filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?' She was making a warm +little petticoat for the little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took +hold of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' She held it up +without a word; her heart was too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' +I says. 'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable it will keep her! +Does she know about it yet?' + +"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said the wife, wondering. 'What +should she know about it for?' + +"I waited another minute, an' then I said: 'What a wonderful mother you +must be, wifie, to think about the little maid like that!' + +"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be more like wonderful if I forgot +that the cold weather was a-coming, and that the little maid would be +a-wanting something warm.' + +"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, and Frankie smiled. 'O +wife,' says I, 'do you think that you be going to take care o' the +little maid like that an' your Father in heaven be a-going to forget you +altogether? Come now (bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as you +are! An' do you think that he'd see the winter coming up sharp and cold, +an' not have something waiting for you, an' just what you want, too? +An' I know, dear wifie, that you wouldn't like to hear the little maid +go a-fretting, and saying: "There the cold winter be a-coming, an' +whatever shall I do if my mother should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt +an' grieved that she should doubt you like that. She knows that you care +for her, an' what more does she need to know? That's enough to keep her +from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that you +have need of all these things." That be put down in his book for you, +wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you grieve an' hurt him when you go +to fretting about the future, an' doubting his love.'" + +Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into his listener's thoughtful +eyes. + +"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson I have learned. Nothing is +withheld that we really need. Sometimes I have thought that I was tried +beyond my power of endurance, but when His hand has fallen the heaviest, +His infinite fatherliness has seemed most near; and often, when I least +expected it, some great blessing has surprised me. I have learned, after +a long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly in His hands, he +is far kinder to us than we would be to ourselves. + + 'Always hath the daylight broken, + Always hath he comfort spoken, + Better hath he been for years + Than my fears.' + +I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, Though he slay me, yet +will I trust him." + +The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes as she listened. Now she +hastily brushed them aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had caught a gleam of sunshine in +the midst of an April shower. + +"You have brushed away my last doubt and foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she +exclaimed. "Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares." + +The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour chime, and he rose to +go. + +"You have beguiled me into staying much longer than I intended," he +answered. "What will my poor patients in the country think of such a +long delay?" + +"Tell them you have been opening blind eyes," she said, gravely. +"Indeed, Uncle Doctor, the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, strengthens my faith more +than you can imagine." + +At the hall door he turned and took both her hands in his: + +"There is another thing to remember," he said. "You are only called on +to live one day at a time. One can endure almost any ache until sundown, +or bear up under almost any load if the goal is in sight. Travel only to +the mile-post you can see, my little maid. Don't worry about the ones +that mark the to-morrows." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE. + + "Sunshine and hope are comrades." + + +THE early morning light streaming into Bethany's room, aroused her to a +vague consciousness of having been in a storm the night before. Then she +remembered the garden roses beaten to earth by the hail, and the flood +of doubt and perplexity that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems confronted her; but they did +not assume such gigantic proportions in the light of this new day, with +its infinite possibilities. + +All the time she was dressing she heard Jack singing lustily in the next +room. He was impatient to try the new brace, and paused between solos to +exhort her to greater haste. She knelt just an instant by the low +window-seat. The prayer she made was one of the shortest she had ever +uttered, and one of the most heartfelt: "Give me this day my daily +bread." That was all; yet it included everything--strength, courage, +temporal help, disappointments or blessings--anything the dear Father +saw she needed in her spiritual growth. When she arose from her knees, +it was with a feeling of perfect security and peace. No matter what the +day might bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be thankful. + +About an hour after breakfast she wheeled Jack to a front window. It was +growing very warm again. + +"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this brace on," he said. "If +you like, I'll help you practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic speed by dictating +rapid sentences. He read too slowly to be of any service that way, but +he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he could repeat with amazing +rapidity. + +"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can make a speech as fast as I +can say the piece about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked when he +first proposed such dictation; "and I can say the 'Peter Piper picked a +peck of pickled peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy." + +Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as the boy's tongue, when they +heard a cheery voice in the hall. + +"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have felt all morning that something +nice was going to happen, and now it has." Then he called out in a +tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way +comes.'" + +"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as she appeared in the doorway. "I +think he is decidedly better, Bethany; you need not worry about him any +longer." + +She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a great yellow pear in his +lap. + +"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when Bethany insisted on taking +her hat. "I am to entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, and +Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually long list of the 'sick and in +prison' kind to look after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that ought to be attended +to." + +She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan. + +"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly. + +"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes +shine." + +"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will +impress Bethany." + +She plunged into the subject abruptly. + +"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live." + +"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? +O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give +up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers." + +"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your +mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I +am sure." + +"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do +such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to +speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house." + +"I did. They married brothers, Joe and Ralph Courtney, who were both +killed in the late war. They have been widows for over thirty years, +you see. They are just the dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember them. I did not know they +were in the city until last night. But just as soon as I heard that they +had come to stay, and wanted to go to housekeeping, I thought of you +immediately. I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went over to see +them in all that rain." + +"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, as Mrs. Marion paused. + +She gave a quick glance around the room. She felt sick and faint, now +that the prospect of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she felt that, +since it had been unsolicited, there must be something providential in +the sending of such an opportunity. + +"O, they will be only too glad to come," resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you +are willing. They remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, and +we planned it all out beautifully. Since Jack's accident you sleep +down-stairs anyhow. You could keep the library and the two smaller rooms +back of it, and may be a couple of rooms up-stairs. They would take the +rest of the house, and board you and Jack for the rent. Your bread and +butter would be assured in that way. They are model housekeepers, and +such a comfortable sort of bodies to have around, that I couldn't +possibly think of a nicer arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than taking care of this big +house." + +"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl could gasp. Her voice faltered +from sheer gladness. "You can't imagine what a load you have lifted from +me. I love every inch of this place, every stone in its old gray walls. +I couldn't bear to think of giving it up. And, just to think! last +night, at the very time I was most despondent, the problem was being +solved. I can never thank you enough." + +"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she rose to go. "No thanks are due +me, child. And Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody still calls +them, are just as anxious for such an arrangement as you can possibly +be. They'll be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite anxious to +get settled. They have roamed about the world so long they begin to feel +that 'there's no place like home.' Jack, they've been in China and +Africa and the South Sea Islands. Think of the charming tales in store +for you!" + +"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when she came back into the room +after walking to the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines as if +there was a light inside of you." + +"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, giving him an ecstatic hug. "I +am so very happy! It seems too good to be true." + +"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems +to me she is always busy doing something for somebody. She never has a +minute for herself. I remember, when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them wanted something. Why do you +suppose they all went to her? Did she tell them they might?" + +"Jack, do you remember the plant you had in your window last winter?" +she replied. "No matter how many times I turned the jar that held it, +the flower always turned around again towards the sun. People are the +same way, dear. They unconsciously spread out their leaves towards those +who have help and comfort to give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking." + +"She makes me think of that verse in 'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar +and spice and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?" + +"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. "Lowell has described her: + + 'So circled lives she with love's holy light, + That from the shade of self she walketh free.'" + +"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, with a puzzled expression. + +She explained it, and he repeated it over and over, until he had it +firmly fixed in his mind. + +Then they went back to the dictation exercises. It was almost dark when +they had another caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door on his way home +to dinner. + +"I have good news for you, Bethany," he said, with his face aglow with +eager sympathy. "Did Ray tell you?" + +"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've been on a mountain-top all day +because of it." + +"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, hastily. "It's better than that. I +mean about Porter & Edmunds." + +"I don't see how anything could be better than the news she brought," +said Bethany. + +"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see their new law-office to-day. +They have just moved into the Clifton Block. They have an elegant place. +As I looked around, making mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. I asked him if he +needed a stenographer. It was a random shot, for I had no idea they did. +The young man they have has been there so long, I considered him a +fixture. To my surprise he told me the fellow is going into business for +himself, and the place will be open next week. I told him I could fill +it for him to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to give you the +refusal of it until to-morrow noon. I leave to-night on a business-trip, +or I would take you over and introduce you." + +"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. "I know Mr. Edmunds very +well. He was a warm friend of papa's." + +Then she added, impulsively: + +"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a dark place that I couldn't see +my hand before my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I was ready +to give up, and now the way has grown so plain and easy, all at once, I +feel that I must be living in a dream." + +"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. "Why +didn't you come to me with your troubles? Remember I am always glad to +smooth the way for you, just as much as lies in my power." + +When he had gone, Bethany crept away into the quiet twilight of the +library, and, kneeling before the big arm-chair, laid her head in its +cushioned seat. + +"O Father," she whispered, "I am so ashamed of myself to think I ever +doubted thee for one single moment. Forgive me, please, and help me +through every hour of every day to trust unfalteringly in thy great love +and goodness." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER. + + +THERE was so much to be done next morning, setting the rooms all in +order for the critical inspection of Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, +that Bethany had little time to think of the dreaded interview with +Porter & Edmunds. + +She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered piazza, and brought +him a pile of things for him to amuse himself with in her absence. + +"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything else," she said. "I will +be back before the sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe in +less than an hour." + +He caught at her dress with a detaining grasp, and a troubled look came +over his face. + +"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do get that place, will I have +to stay here all day by myself?" + +"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel you around the garden, and wait +on you; and I will think of all sorts of things to keep you busy. Then +the old ladies will be here, and I am sure they will be kind to you. +I'll be home at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together." + +"But if those people come, Mena will have so much more to do, she'll +never have any time to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" he +asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of bother. I'd take my books and +study, or look out of the window all the time, and keep just as quiet! +Please ask 'em if I can't come too, sister!" + +It was hard to resist the pleading tone. + +"Maybe they'll not want me," answered Bethany. "I'll have to settle that +matter before making any promises. But never mind, dear, we'll arrange +it in some way." + +It was a warm July morning. As Bethany walked slowly toward the business +portion of the town, several groups of girls passed her, evidently on +their way to work, from the few words she overheard in passing. Most of +them looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine of such a +treadmill existence was slowly draining their vitality. Two or three +had a pert, bold air, that their contact with business life had given +them. One was chewing gum and repeating in a loud voice some +conversation she had had with her "boss." + +Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized that she was about to join +the great working-class of which this ill-bred girl was a member. Not +that she had any of the false pride that pushes a woman who is an +independent wage-winner to a lower social scale than one whom +circumstances have happily hedged about with home walls; but she had +recalled at that moment some of her acquaintances who would do just such +a thing. In their short-sighted, self-assumed superiority, they could +make no discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, who flirted +with her customer, and the girl in the school-room, who taught her +pupils more from her inherent refinement and gentleness than from their +text-books. + +She had remembered that Belle Romney had said to her one day, as they +drove past a great factory where the girls were swarming out at noon: +"Do you know, Bethany dear, I would rather lie down and die than have +to work in such a place. You can't imagine what a horror I have of +being obliged to work for a living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; but I suppose these poor +creatures are so accustomed to it they never mind it." + +Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle Romney's position was due entirely +to the tolerance of a distant relative. She longed to answer vehemently: +"Well, I would starve before I would deliberately sit down to be a +willing dependent on the charity of my friends. It's only a species of +genteel pauperism, and none the less despicable because of the purple +and fine linen it flaunts in." + +She had not made the speech, however. Belle leaned back in the carriage, +and folded her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that amused Bethany then. It nettled her now +to remember it. + +She turned into the street where the Clifton Block stood, an imposing +building, whose first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. The elevator-boy showed her +the room. The door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, for the +walls were lined with books, and the rugs and massive furniture bespoke +taste as well as wealth. + +An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the window-sill and his back to +the door, was vigorously smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods client, +who had an early engagement. His feet came to the floor with sudden +force, and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window when he heard +Bethany's voice saying, timidly, + +"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?" + +He came forward with old-school gallantry. It was not often his office +was brightened by such a visitor. + +"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, in surprise, secretly wondering +what had brought her to his office. + +He had met her often in her father's house, and had seen her the center +of many an admiring group at parties and receptions. She had always +impressed him as having the air of one who had been surrounded by only +the most refined influences of life. He thought her unusually charming +this morning, all in black, with such a timid, almost childish +expression in her big, gray eyes. + +"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," he said, cordially. "I hope +this cigar smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I should have the +honor of entertaining a lady, or I should not have indulged." + +"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming this morning?" asked Bethany, +in some embarrassment. + +"No, not a word. I believe he said something to Mr. Porter about a +typewriter-girl that wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor of calling." + +Bethany smiled faintly. + +"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the place," she answered. + +"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing up in his surprise, and +beginning to stutter as he always did when much excited. "You! +w'y-w'y-w'y, you don't say so!" he finally managed to blurt out. + +"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked Bethany, beginning to be +amused. "Do you think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such a +position? I assure you I have a very fair speed." + +"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not that; but I never any more thought +of your going out in the world to make a living than a-a-a pet canary," +he added, in confusion. + +He seated himself again, and began tapping on the table with a +paper-knife. + +"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or teach French?" he asked, +half impatiently. "A girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially the part of a world one sees +in the court-room." + +Bethany looked at him gravely. + +"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those things after a fashion, but +none of them well enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand stenography, and I am confident I +can do thorough, first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, that it is +a mistaken idea that the girl who has had the most sheltered home-life +is the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa used to say we are +like the planets; we carry our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one may +carry the same personality into a reporter's stand that she would into +a drawing-room. We need not necessarily change with our surroundings." + +As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed her cheeks, and she +unconsciously raised her chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked at +her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow. + +"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any position she might choose to +fill," he said courteously. + +"Then you will let me try," she asked, eagerly. She slipped off her +glove, and took pencil and paper from the table. "If you will only test +my speed, maybe you can make a decision sooner." + +He dictated several pages, which she wrote to his entire satisfaction. + +"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, laughingly; and then she +told him of the practice she had had writing nursery rhymes. + +He seemed so interested that she went on to tell him more about the +child, and his great desire to be in the office with her. + +"I told him I would ask you," she said, finally; "but that it was a very +unusual thing to do, and that I doubted very much if any business firm +would allow it." + +He saw how hard it had been for her to prefer such a request, and smiled +reassuringly. + +"It would be a very small thing for me to do for Richard Hallam's boy," +he said. "Tell the little fellow to come, and welcome. He need not be in +any one's way. We have three rooms in this suite, and you will occupy +the one at the far end." + +It was hard for Bethany to keep back the tears. + +"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," she said. "The legacy papa +thought he had secured to us was swept away, but he has left us one +thing that more than compensates--the heritage of his friendships. I +have been finding out lately what a great thing it is to be rich in +friends." + +Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my twin tenants turn out to be half +as nice," she thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day." + +She tried to picture them, as she walked rapidly on, wondering whether +they would be prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs. Marion had +said they were fine housekeepers. That might mean they were exacting and +hard to please. + +"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" she concluded, finally. "I'll +take Uncle Doctor's advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones." + +She found them sitting on the side piazza, being abundantly entertained +by Jack. + +"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came up the steps to meet them; +"this one is Aunt Harry--that's what she told me to call her--and the +other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've both been around the world +together, and both ridden on elephants." + +There was a general laugh at the unceremonious introduction. + +Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her own little plump ones, and +stood on tiptoe to give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the same, +holding her a moment longer to look at her with fond scrutiny. + +"Such a striking resemblance to your dear mother," she said. "Sister and +I hoped you would look like her." + +"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully old-fashioned," was +Bethany's first impression, as she looked at them in their plain dresses +of Quaker gray. "But their voices are so musical, and they have such +good, motherly faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful kind +of people." + +"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, that it will seem good to +settle down in a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, as they +were going over the house together. + +"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, one appreciates big, roomy +closets and wardrobes like these." + +They went all over the place, from garret to cellar, and sat down to +rest beside an open window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance in +with every passing breeze. + +"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be ready for us before next week," +sighed Miss Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt me so. I wish +we could come this very afternoon." She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks." + +"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I shall be glad to surrender the +reins any time you want to assume the responsibility." + +"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" +and, catching Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she whirled her +around the room, regardless of her protestations, until their spectacles +slid down their noses, and they were out of breath. + +Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. Miss Caroline turned in +time to catch her expression of alarm. + +"Did you think we had lost our senses, dear?" she asked. "We do not +often forget our dignity so; but we have been so long like Noah's dove, +with no rest for the sole of our foot, that the thought of having at +last found an abiding-place is really overwhelming." + +"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" remarked Miss Harriet, with +dignity. "I am very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions of +enthusiasm, and it is fully time that you had too." + +"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss Caroline, soothingly. "You're just +as glad as I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our real selves +from people we are going to live with." + +Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic air. + +"Sister thinks because we have arrived at a certain date on our +calendar, we must conform to that date. But, try as hard as I can, I +fail to feel any older sometimes than I used to at Forest Seminary, when +we made midnight raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. I +suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; but I can't grow old +gracefully, so long as I am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was." + +Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, half-indulgent look that +Miss Harriet bestowed on her sister. + +"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," she thought. "I wonder +how we ever happened to drift together." + +Something of the last thought she expressed in a remark to the sisters +as they went down stairs together. + +"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, decidedly. "You +needed us, and we needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own." + +By nightfall the sisters had taken their places in the old house, as +quietly and naturally as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence in the house gave Bethany +such a care-free, restful feeling, and a sense of security that she had +not had since she had been left at the head of affairs. + +After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a rocking-chair out into the wide +hall, and sat down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept through it. + +Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing Mena about +breakfast. How delightful it was to be freed from all responsibility of +the meals and the marketing! After the next week she would not have even +the rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged a stout maid to do +the housework, that Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so irksome. + +Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly around, unpacking one of +the trunks. Bethany could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. Some of the notes were +muffled as she disappeared from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a refractory bureau drawer. + + "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, + The clouds ye so much dread + Are big with mercy, and shall break + In blessings on your head." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A KINDLING INTEREST. + + +FRANK Marion, on his way to the store one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed just a week. + +"You will find me dropping in here quite often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, +whom he met coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin of mine is +never to be found at home in the day-time any more, I shall have to call +on him here. He is my right-hand man in Junior League work." + +"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. "He's the most original little piece +I ever saw. Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're always welcome, +you know." + +Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so intent on her manuscript that +she did not notice Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by the +window, was working vigorously with slate and pencil at an arithmetic +lesson. As Bethany paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's tall form in the doorway. + +"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want you to see how nice everything +is here. We have the best times." + +Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and smiled at the child's delight. + +"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair up to the window, and +entering into the boy's pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children. + +"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto the elevator, and up we come. And +it's so nice and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy yet. While she +writes I get my lessons, or draw, or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. +Edmunds and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything to do, I recite +to her. But the best fun is grocery tales." + +"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, with flattering interest. + +"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store across the street?" asked Jack, +"and all the things sitting around in front? There's almost everything +you can think of, from a broom to a banana. I choose the first thing I +happen to look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's a +tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese story; or if it's a bottle +of olives, something about the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a lovely visit she had once on +a farm. She says when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind her +of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; and the coffee means a South +American story; and the watermelons a darkey story; and the brooms +something she read once about an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have +lots of fun watching people pass. So many teams stop at the +watering-trough over there. I like to wonder where everybody comes from, +and imagine what their homes are like. It is almost as good as reading +about them in a book." + +"You are a very happy little fellow," said Mr. Marion, patting his +cheek, approvingly. "I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world of ours, and teach +other people how to be happy. I've brought you some more work to do. I +want you to look up all these references, and copy them on separate +slips of paper for our next meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga Jew this morning. He +is as much in earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League interested +in him and his mission." + +"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin Frank," she answered. "Think of +the prejudices to overcome. How little the general membership of the +Church know or care about the Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble work is at first +impossible.'" + +"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul says: 'I can do all things through +Christ who strengthened me.' I can't get away from the feeling that God +wants me to take some forward step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. All the time in my +business I am brought in contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. Ray and I have been +reading Graetz's history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how any +one can read an account of all the race endured at the hands of the +Christianity of the Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward them. +Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of what was dealt out to them in +the name of the gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children were taught to +spit at the mention of such a name." + +"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of Martyrs?'" asked Jack, +eagerly. "We've got that at home, with the awfullest black and yellow +pictures in it of people being burned to death and tortured. I hope, if +it is as interesting, sister will read it out loud." + +Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance that Mr. Marion laughed. + +"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll not care to read all five +volumes, Jack; but Bethany can select the parts that will interest you +most." + +Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject up again that evening at the +table. + +"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing in the act of helping himself +to sugar, "do you like the Jews?" + +"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. "I can't say that I take any +special interest in them, one way or another. To tell the truth, I've +never known any personally." + +"Would you like to know more about them?" he asked, with childish +persistence. "'Cause Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can listen if you like." + +"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be glad to hear," answered Miss +Harriet. "At first sister and I thought we would not intrude on you in +the evenings; but the library does look so inviting, and it is so dull +for us to sit with just our knitting-work, since we have stopped reading +by lamp-light, that we can not resist the temptation to go in whenever +she begins to read aloud." + +"O, you're home-folks," said Jack. + +Bethany had excused herself before this conversation commenced, and was +in the library, opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to give her +at noon. When the others joined her, she held up a little pamphlet she +had just opened. + +"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from Chattanooga. It is an article +on 'What shall become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by one of +them, at least his name would indicate it--Leo N. Levi. It will be +interesting to look at that question from their standpoint." + +"Will I like it?" asked Jack. + +"No, I think not," she answered, after a rapid glance through its pages. +"We'll have some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, and save this +until you are asleep." + +Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch dialect. When she laid down +the book after the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," she saw a big +tear splash down on Miss Harriet's knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was +furtively wiping her spectacles. + +"Leave the door open," called Jack, when he had been tucked away for the +night. "Then I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull." + +"Do you really care to hear this?" asked Bethany, picking up the +pamphlet. + +"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic nods. "I'll own I am +very ignorant on the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no more than right that we should take +something improving." + +"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next room, "you never told +them about Mr. Lessing, did you?" + +"No," answered Bethany. "I never told them any of my Chattanooga +experiences. Maybe it would be better to begin with them, and then you +can understand how I happened to become so interested in the Hebrew +people. The pamphlet can wait until another time." + +She tossed it back on the table, and settled herself comfortably in a +big chair. + +"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, "and tell you how I was +persuaded into going, and how strangely events linked into each other." + +"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss Caroline, as Bethany drew a +graphic picture of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the crowded +tent. When she came to Lessing's story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in +her lap, and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair. + +"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out of a romance!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, when Bethany had finished. "That part about the mother's curse +and being buried in effigy makes me think of the novels that we used to +smuggle into our rooms at school. I wish you could go on and give us +the next chapter. It is intensely interesting." + +"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, sadly. "I thought of that at +the time. What can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace events? +He will simply go on to the end in a routine of study and work. He will +preach to whatever audiences he can gather around him. That is all the +world will see. The other part of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon +him because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, the soul-struggles, +the spiritual victories, the silent heroism, will be unwritten and +unapplauded, because unseen." + +"I don't wonder you are interested," said Miss Harriet. "Would you +believe it, I don't know the difference between an orthodox and a reform +Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow in the encyclopedia." + +She picked up the little pamphlet, and opened at random. + +"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. "'The Jew is everywhere in +evidence. He sells vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence and endures +martyrdom in the Balkan provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in France, England, Austria, +and Germany. He has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere he +is seen; and, what is more to the point, he is felt. He runs through the +entire length of history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched by +the high lights of great events at almost every point.'" + +"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" she asked, turning to Miss +Caroline. "Wasn't it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere in the +neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall have to trace that line back a +considerable distance, I am thinking, if we would know anything on the +subject." + +"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, with her usual alacrity. + +Several evenings after, when Bethany came home from the office, she +found a new book on the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto." + +"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, a little nervously. "It is +one of Zangwill's. The clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting. Of course, I am no +critic, but it looked interesting, and I thought you might not mind +reading it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye that made me think it +might be as entertaining as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'" + +Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I believe it is the very thing +to give us an insight into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses." + +She read the headings of several of the chapters aloud, and a sentence +here and there. + +"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are proud and happy in that the +dread unknown God of the infinite universe has chosen our race as the +medium by which to reveal his will to the world. History testifies that +this has verily been our mission, that we have taught the world religion +as truly as Greece has taught beauty and science. Our miraculous +survival through the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties is a +proof that our mission is not yet over.'" + +"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" exclaimed Jack, in a +disappointed tone. + +"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can understand part, and I will +explain the rest." + +So it came about that, after the Scotch tales were laid aside, the +little group in the library nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in the early days of the +century. + +"I can never feel the same towards them again," said Miss Caroline, the +night they finished the book. "I understand them so much better. It is +just as the proem says: 'People who have been living in a ghetto for a +couple of centuries are not able to step outside merely because the +gates are thrown down, nor to efface the brands on their souls by +putting off the yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its hovering +miasma of persecution.'" + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he has given us such a diversity of +types. You know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: 'No people +can be fairly judged by its superlatives. It would be silly to judge all +the Chinese by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict Arnold. If +the Jews squirm and indignantly protest against Shylock and Fagin and +Svengali, they must be consistent, and not claim as types Scott's +Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' Now, Zangwill has given us a +glimpse of all sorts of people--the 'pots and pans' of material +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual idealists. I +hope you'll go on another investigating tour, Miss Caroline, and bring +home something else as instructive." + +But before Miss Caroline found time to go on another voyage of discovery +among the book-stores, something happened at the office that gave a +deeper interest to their future investigations. + +Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes longer than usual, one +morning after he had finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss Hallam. Mr. Porter has +decided to go abroad for a while. Family matters may keep him there +possibly a year. During his absence it is necessary to have some one in +his place; and, after mature deliberation, we have decided to take in a +young lawyer who has two points decidedly in his favor. He has marked +ability, and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. He is a young +Jew, a protege of Rabbi Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest +respect for him, although Mr. Porter is a little prejudiced against him +on account of his nationality. I wondered if you shared that feeling." + +"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. "I have been greatly interested +in studying their history this summer." + +"Well, I have never given their past much thought," responded Mr. +Edmunds; "but their relation to the business world has recently +attracted my attention. It is wonderful to me the way they are filling +up the positions of honor and trust all over the world. Statistics show +such a large proportion of them have acquired wealth and prominence. +Still, it is only what we ought to expect, when we remember their +characteristics. They have such 'mental agility,' such power of adapting +themselves to circumstances, and such a resistless energy. Maybe I +should put their temperate habits first, for I can not remember ever +seeing a Jew intoxicated; and as to industry, the records of our county +poor-house show that in all the seventy years of its existence, it has +never had a Jewish inmate. People with such qualities are like cream, +bound to rise to the top, no matter what kind of a vessel they are +poured into." + +"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, coming back to the first +subject. + +"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. "You may have met him." + +"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. She caught her breath +in surprise. Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads here, +or had she been caught in some tangle of chance? Maybe this was the +opportunity she had prayed for that morning when she had listened to +Lessing's story, and caught the inspiration of his consecrated life. + +A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human voice could so reach the +ear of the Infinite, and draw down an answer to its petition. She was +almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility such an answer +laid upon her. O, the childishness with which we beat against the +portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, and then shrink +back when the Almighty hands them out to us, afraid to take and use what +we have most cried for! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND. + + +IT was a sultry morning in August when David Herschel took his place in +the law-office of Porter & Edmunds. + +The sun beat against the tall buildings until the radiated heat of the +streets was sickening in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything had a wilted look, and the +watering-carts left a steam rising in their trail, almost as +disagreeable as the clouds of dust had been before. + +Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining at home, and Bethany's +wearing a thin white dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany went slowly towards the +office she was glad that the sensible old lady had carried her point. + +To shorten the distance, she passed through one of the poorer streets of +the town. Disagreeable odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed children cried on the +doorsteps and quarreled in the gutters. + +A great longing came over Bethany for a breath from wide, fresh fields, +or green, shady woodlands. This was the first summer she had ever passed +in the city. August had always been associated in her mind with the wind +in the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some rocky coast. It +recalled the musical drip of the waterfalls trickling down high banks of +thickly-growing ferns. It brought back the breath of clover-fields and +the mint in hillside pastures. + +A strong repugnance to her work seized her. She felt that she could not +possibly bear to go back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer she thought of those old care-free +summers, the more she chafed at the confinement of the present one. + +She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance of the great building. +Every door and window stood open. While she waited for the elevator-boy +to respond to her ring, she turned her eyes toward the street. A blind +man passed by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was beating +mercilessly on the man's gray head, for his cap was held appealingly in +his outstretched hand. + +"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" thought Bethany, with a +swift rush of pity, as the contrast between this blind beggar's life and +hers was forced upon her. + +There was no one in the office when she entered. After the glare of the +street, it seemed so comfortable that she thought again of the blind +beggar and the child who led him, with a feeling of remorse for her +discontent. + +A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass vase on the table, filling +the room with their fragrance. She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, running hand, was the one +word--"Consider!" + +"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought Bethany, quickly interpreting the +message. "She knew this would be an unusually trying day on account of +the heat, so she gives me something to think about instead of my irksome +confinement. 'They toil not, neither do they spin,'" she whispered, +lifting one snowy chalice to her lips; "but what help they bring to +those who do--sweet, white evangels to all those who labor and are +heavy laden!" + +She fastened one in her belt, then turned to her work. She had been +copying a record, and wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was ready +to attend to the morning mail. Her fingers flew over the keys without a +pause, except when she stopped to put in a new sheet of paper. When she +was nearly through, she heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, and +increased her speed. She had forgotten that this was the day David +Herschel was to come into the office. He had taken the desk assigned +him, and was so busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Edmunds that for +a while he did not notice the occupant of the next room. When, at last, +he happened to glance through the open door, he did not recognize +Bethany, for she was seated with her back toward him. + +He noticed what a cool-looking white dress she wore, the graceful poise +of her head, and her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies beside +her, and wished she would turn so that he could see her face. + +"Some fair Elaine--a lily-maid of Astolat," he thought, and then smiled +at himself for having grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before he had +even heard her name or seen her face. + +At last Bethany finished the record, with a sigh of relief. Quickly +fastening the pages, she rose to take it into the next room. Just on the +threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary little start of +surprise. + +As she stood there, all in white, with one hand against the dark +door-casing, she looked just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered. + +Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of quick perceptions, but he noticed +the look of admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they both seemed +a trifle embarrassed as he introduced them. + +They had recalled at the same moment the night in the Chattanooga depot, +when she had distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did not care to +make his acquaintance. + +For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. That gracious +ease of manner which "stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one of her +greatest charms. But just at this moment, when she wished to atone for +that unfortunate remark by an especially friendly greeting, when she +wanted him to know that her point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she could not summon a word +to her aid. + +Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she blushed like a diffident +school-girl, and bowed coldly. + +David courteously remained standing until she had laid the record on Mr. +Edmunds's desk and left the room. + +Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he resumed his seat; but there +was not the slightest change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness of manner in Bethany's +greeting. But he had noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself. + +Nothing more passed between them for several days, except the formal +morning greeting. Then Jack came back to the office. He had gained +rapidly since the new brace had been applied. During his enforced +absence on account of the heat, he found that he could wheel himself +short distances, and proudly insisted on doing so, as they went through +the hall. He was a great favorite in the building. Everybody, from the +janitor to the dignified judge on the same floor, stopped to speak to +him. He was such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, despite the +misfortune that chained him to the chair and had sometimes made him +suffer extremely, that the sight of him oftener provoked pleasure than +pity. He was so glad to get back to the office that he was bubbling over +with happiness. It seemed to him he had been away for an age. The +cordial reception he met on every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks. + +Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David was at his desk, busily +writing. Bethany paused as they passed through the room. + +"Allow me to introduce my little brother, Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack +is very anxious to meet you." + +He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced girl, leaning over Jack's +chair, with the brightness of his roguish face reflected in her own, was +such a transformation from the dignified Miss Hallam he had known +heretofore, that he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was surprised +into such an unusual cordiality of manner, that Jack straightway took +him into his affections, and set about cultivating a very strong +friendship between them. + +One afternoon Bethany was called into another office to take a +deposition. She left Jack busy drawing on his slate. + +David, who had been reading several hours, laid down the book after a +while, with a yawn, and glanced into the next room. The steady scratch +of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack was gazing disconsolately out +of the window. + +As he heard the book drop on the table he turned his head quickly. "May +I come in there?" he asked David eagerly. + +David nodded assent. "You may come in and wake me up. The heat and the +book together, have made me drowsy." + +Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and looked out towards the court +house. It was late in the afternoon, and the massive building threw long +shadows across the green sward surrounding it. + +"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said Jack. "I can't tell from +my window. Don't you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always makes me +think of heroes. I love heroes, and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so creepy, and your hair kind o' +stands up, and you hold your breath while they're a-risking their lives +to save somebody, or doing something else that's awfully brave. And +then, when they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; but you feel +so warm all over somehow, and you want to cheer, and march right off to +'storm the heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face of the +earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. I always do. Don't you?" + +"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish enthusiasm, yet touched by +the recognition of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to lead the boy further on. + +"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. "Papa wanted me to be a +lawyer. He was in the war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used to put 'em on sometimes, +and say I was going to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. But +he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, that's not the highest way +you can serve your country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll have to be +a preacher like my grandfather, John Wesley Bradford, because he left me +all his library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't my real name, you +know." + +"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked David, as the boy paused to +catch a fly that was buzzing exasperatingly around him. + +"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer by a savage slap at the fly. +"Only except when we get to talking about the Jews. You know we are very +much interested in your people at our house." + +"No, I didn't know it," answered David, amused by the boy's +matter-of-fact announcement. "How did you come to be so interested?" + +"Well, it started with the Epworth League Conference at Chattanooga. +There was a converted Jew up there on the mountain that spoke in the +sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to see him afterwards. He took +Bethany with him to write down what they said in shorthand. O, he had +the most interesting history! You just ought to hear sister tell it. You +know the two old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. Well, +may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but they didn't have the least +bit of use for the Jews before that. Now, since we've been reading about +the awful way they were persecuted, and how they've hung together +through thick and thin, they've changed their minds." + +"And you say that it is only when you are talking about the Jews that +you would like to be a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring him back to the subject. + +"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how that man's whole life was +changed by a little Junior League girl; how she started him, and he'll +start others, and they'll start somebody else, and the ball will keep +rolling, and so much good will be done, just on her account, I'd like to +do something in that line myself. I'm first vice-president of our +League, you know," he said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on his +coat. + +"But I wouldn't like to be a regular preacher that just stands up and +tells people what they already believe. That's too much like boxing a +pillow." He doubled up his fist and sparred at an imaginary foe. + +"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, and make every blow count. +We studied the life of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes--there's one for you. My, but he was game! Thrashed and stoned, +and shipwrecked and put in prison, and chained up to another man--but +they couldn't choke him off!" Jack chuckled at the thought. + +"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that when a Jew does turn +Christian he's deader in earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told us +to notice that. There's Matthew. He was making a good salary in the +custom-house, and he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and the rest +of 'em left their boats and all their fishing tackle, and every thing in +the wide world that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give up his +family. Cousin Frank told us about ever so many that had done that way. +So that's why I'd rather preach to them than other people. They amount +to so much when you once get them made over." + +"You might commence on me," said David. + +Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and looked confused. He stole a +sidelong glance at David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back into +the other room. + +"I haven't gone into the business yet," he called back over his +shoulder, recovering his equanimity with young American quickness, "But +when I do I'll give you the first call." + +David was so amused by the conversation that he could not refrain from +recounting part of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed to put +them on a friendlier footing. + +Finding that she was really making a study of the history of his people, +he gave her many valuable suggestions, and several times brought Jewish +periodicals with articles marked for her to read. + +"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," she told him. "They +are very well versed in the ancient history, but this is something so +new to them." + +"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. "He would be an +inspiration in any line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you read Hebrew. One loses so +much in the translation. There are places in the Psalms and Job where +the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. You know there are +some pebbles and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from that element, they lose that +brilliancy. I have noticed the same effect in changing a thought from +the medium of one language to another." + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized that difficulty, too, in +translating from the German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, leaves the verse as +soulless as a flower without its fragrance." + +"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. "That is why I would have +you read the greatest of all literature in its original setting. Are you +fond of language?" + +"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. I took the course in +Latin and German at school, and got a smattering of French the year I +was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek a little at home with papa, to get a +better understanding of the New Testament. But Hebrew always seemed to +me so very difficult that only spectacled theologians attempted it. You +know ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius as a matter of +course. Only daring climbers attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the +heights made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts and mountain +railways." + +He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any +one that can master stenography can easily compass that. There is a +similarity in one respect. In both, dots and dashes take the place of +vowels. I will bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you how easy the +rudiments are." + +Jack was more interested than Bethany. He had never seen a book in +Hebrew type before. The square, even characters charmed him, and he +began to copy them on his slate. + +"I'd like to learn this," he announced. "The letters are nothing but +chairs and tables." + +"It was a picture language in the beginning," said David, leaning over +his chair, much pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter used +to be the head of an ox. See how the horns branch? And this next one, +Beth, was a house. Don't you remember how many names in the Bible begin +with that--Beth-el, Beth-horon, Beth-shan--they all mean house of +something; house of God, house of caves, house of rest." + +Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would teach a fellow lots. What are +you a house of, Beth-any?" + +He looked up, but his sister had been called into the next room. + +"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" asked David. "It will be a +great help to you when you 'go into the business' of preaching to us +Jews." + +Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his tongue out of the +corner of his mouth in an embarrassed way. Then he looked up, and saw +that David was not laughing at him, but soberly awaiting his answer. + +"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly. + +"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in the office." + +Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's dark head and Jack's yellow +one bending over the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters. + +"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school teachers," said Mr. +Marion. "Would you undertake to teach it, Herschel?" + +The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient I might make the +attempt," he said. "But I do not live in the city. My home is out at +Hillhollow." + +Then, after a pause, while some other plan seemed to be revolving in his +mind, he asked: "Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born teacher, and +nothing would delight him more than to imbue some other soul with a zeal +for his beloved mother-tongue." + +"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," responded Mr. +Marion, "if you will get his consent, and find what his terms are. +Bethany, I'll head the list with your name. Then there's Ray and myself. +That makes three, and I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. Do you know, Bethany, it +would not surprise me very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?" + +"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed. + +"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison Avenue, and unmarried besides. +But I heard that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. I hope the +bishop will consider the call." + +"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," she answered. "You know what +is apt to befall 'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE DEACONESS'S STORY. + + +AUGUST slipped into September. The vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, brightened the room with the glow of +the earliest golden-rod. + +"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray through his fingers. "It +makes me think of your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking." + +"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, wishing he dared express +his admiration as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle overlooking +Bethany's, and he often studied her face while she worked, as he would +have studied some rare portrait--not so much for the perfect contour and +delicacy of coloring as for the soul that shone through it. + +She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual things. It was from Jack he +learned how interested she was in all her Church relationships. Still +he felt forcibly an influence that he could not define; that silent +charm of a consecrated life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master. + +One day when he was thus idly occupied, the janitor tiptoed into the +room, ushering a lady past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It was all black, except that +there were deep, white cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was tied under the chin +with broad white bows. She was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands. + +David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine Bentley!" as if much +surprised to see her. Then they stood face to face, holding each other's +hands while they talked in low, rapid tones. + +The stranger staid only a few moments. After she passed out, David +strolled leisurely up to Bethany's desk. + +"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss Hallam," he said. "I am +interested in the costume of the lady who was here just now. I've seen +one like it before. Can you tell me to what order she belongs? Is it +anything like the Sisters of Charity?" + +"Yes, something like it," she answered. "She is a deaconess. There is +this difference. They take no vows of perpetual service to the order, +but their lives are as entirely consecrated to their work as though they +had 'taken the veil,' as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about doing good in the +Master's own way, to rich and poor alike. She came in just now to report +a case of destitution she had discovered. I am chairman of the Mercy and +Help Department in our League." + +"Is that all they do?" asked David. + +"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see the Deaconess Home on Clark +Street. They have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It is the work +of some of these women to gather in all the poor, neglected girls they +can find. They make it so very attractive that the poor children are +taught to be respectable little housekeepers, without suspecting that +the music and games are really lessons. Homes that could be reached in +no other way have some wonderful changes wrought in them." + +"You have so many different organizations in your Church," said David. +"Seems to me I am always hearing of a new one. There is an old saying, +'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Did you never prove the truth of +that?" + +"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," exclaimed Bethany. "The little +wheels all fit into the big one like so many cogs, and all help each +other. For instance, here is the deaconess work. It goes hand in hand +with the League, only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift Up,' +for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars all avenues to them. Of all +hard, self-sacrificing lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to pay for such services, and +whatever there is to do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly." + +"The reason I asked," answered David, "is that one day last week I went +down to that terrible quarter of the city near the lower wharves. I +wanted to find a man who I knew would be a valuable witness in the +Dartmon murder case. I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand on one of the early +boats. I had been directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten old +tenements near the river. I found the room used as an office was down in +a damp basement. It was about half-past five when I reached there. I +went down the rickety old stairs and knocked several times. You can +imagine my surprise when the door was opened by a refined-looking woman, +in just such a costume as your friend wore, except, of course, the +little bonnet. When I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside a +moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled me at first. There was a +narrow counter where a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, and these were left to +await claimants. There was a calico curtain stretched across the room to +form a partition. She drew it aside, and motioned me to look in. There +was a table, two chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying across +the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out with weariness and sorrow, +lay a young girl heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months old, was +lying among the pillows, as white and still as if it were dead. The +woman dropped the curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's husband +you are looking for,' she said. 'He is a rough, drunken fellow, and has +been away for days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. I was called +here at three o'clock this morning. A physician came for me, but he said +it could not live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches swarmed +all over the floor, and the rats were so bad they fairly ran over our +feet. The poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I came, from sheer +exhaustion. There is nothing to eat in the house, and the milk I brought +with me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful thing to say, but I +dare not leave the baby while she is asleep long enough to get +anything--on account of the rats.' Of course I went out and got the +things she needed. Then there was nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's bravery, have been in my +thoughts ever since." + +"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany said, when he had finished. "I +know the nurse, Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took the mother +to the Deaconess Hospital. She has typhoid fever. Belle told me of +another experience she had. Her life is full of them. She was sent to a +family where drunkenness was the cause of the poverty. The man had not +had steady work for a year, because he was never sober more than a few +days at a time. They lived in three rooms in the rear basement of a +large tenement-house. Belle said, when she opened the door of the first +room, it seemed the most forlorn place she had ever seen. There was a +table piled full of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with half-washed clothes. The +floor looked as if it had never known the touch of a broom. The odor of +the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, half-grown girl, one of +the neighbors, stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she knew how. +Four dirty, half-starved children were playing on the bare floor. Their +mother was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to repeat Belle's +description of that bedroom, it was so filthy and infested with vermin. +She said, when she saw all that must be done, that repulsive creature +bathed, the dishes washed, and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly touch a thing in the +room. She wanted to turn and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such repulsive things?'" + +"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel. + +Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness that must have shone in +Belle Carleton's, as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' sake!" + +There was a long pause, which Herschel broke by saying: "And she staid +there, I suppose, forced her shrinking hands into contact with what she +despised, did the most menial services, from a sense of duty to a man +whom she had never seen, who died centuries ago? Miss Hallam, how could +she? I find it very hard to understand." + +"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected Bethany, "so much as love." + +"Well, for love then. What was there in this man of Nazareth to inspire +such devotion after such a lapse of time? I understand how one might +admire his ethical teaching, how one might even try to embody his +precepts in a code to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. He was no greater +lawgiver than Moses, yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul; yet who is ready to lay down +his life cheerfully and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter--or Paul?'" + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up at him wistfully, "don't you +see that it is no mere man who exercises such power; that he must be +what he claimed--one with the Father?" + +Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day on the train came back to +him: "O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!" + +Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as they paced back and forth in +front of the tent, arm in arm in the darkness. + +"Of a truth you can not understand these things, unless you be born +again--be born of the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge you +have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life is latent in the worm, even +while it has no conception of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible for it to conceive of flight +until it has passed through some change that bursts the chrysalis and +provides the wings?" + +The silence was growing oppressive. David shook his head, rose, and +slowly walked out of the room. + + * * * * * + +"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she wheeled him homeward from +the office at noon-time, "Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the time +about something I said once about preaching to the Jews. He brings it up +so often, that if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure enough." + +Whatever answer Bethany might have made was interrupted by Miss +Caroline, who met them as they turned a corner. + +"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were in my mind just this +minute. I wondered if I might not chance to meet you." + +"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked Jack, seeing that she carried +several small parcels. + +"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! Caroline Courtney actually out +shopping in the dry-goods stores." + +"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. "It must be something important. I +can't remember that you have done such a thing before since I have +known you. Have you been invited to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?" + +Miss Caroline beamed on them through her spectacles. "Really, my dears, +that is just what I would like to know myself. That's why I had to make +these purchases. Your cousin Ray came in this morning, just after you +had gone, to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six this +evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort of an occasion she was planning, +only that it was a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of all. He +has been gone a week on a business trip, but will get home to-night at +six. Sister and I have been trying to think what kind of an occasion it +could be. I know it isn't their wedding anniversary, nor her birthday. +Maybe it is his. So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought to +dress--whether to wear our very best dove-colored silks and point lace, +or the black crepon dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she got in Brussels, although I +want very much to take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. My +second best is broken, and of course we wouldn't want to carry a +palm-leaf. There was no other way but to take the second best fan down +and match it. Then she had lost one of the bows of ribbon that was on +her gray dress, and I had to match that, in case we decided to wear the +grays. Here I have spent the whole morning over my fan and her ribbon." + +"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you carry your Brussels fan and wear +your gray dress, and let her wear her black dress and take the kind of +fan she wanted?" + +"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, "Neither of us would have taken +a mite of comfort so. You don't understand how it feels when there are +two of you. When you have spent--well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless you are in pairs." + +It was arranged that Jack should not go back to the office that +afternoon. The sisters volunteered to take him with them. + +Bethany hurried through her work, but it seemed to her she had never had +so many interruptions, or so much to do. + +It was after six when she closed her desk. Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired +look on her flushed face, and said: + +"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down stairs. I have to stay here +some time longer to meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while he is waiting." He went down on +the elevator with her, and handed her into the carriage. + +"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before you start home," he +said, kindly. "It will do you good." + +Bethany sank back gratefully among the cushions. Jerry had been her +father's coachman at one time. He grinned from ear to ear as she took +her seat. + +"We'll take a spin along the river road," she said. "Give me a glimpse +of the fields and the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, on +Phillips Avenue." + +"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. "I know all the roads you +like best!" + +The impatient horses needed no urging. They fairly flew down the beaten +track that led from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy byways. +On they went, past suburban orchards and outlying pastures, to the +sights and sounds of the real country. + +Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of bells in a quiet lane where +the cows stood softly lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves in +the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown stubble-field near by. +Then the wind swept up from the river, now turning red in the sunset. It +put new life into her pulses, and a new light in her eyes. The weariness +was all gone. The wind had blown the light, curly hair about her face, +and she put up her hands to smooth it back, as they came in sight of +Mrs. Marion's house. + +"It doesn't make any difference," she thought. "I can run up into Cousin +Ray's room and put myself in order before any one sees me." + +As the carriage stopped, some one stepped up quickly to assist her +alight. It was David Herschel. + +"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am literally blown to pieces. How +queerly things do happen in this world!" + +To her still greater wonderment, instead of closing the gate after her +and going on down the street, he followed her up the steps. + +"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," she thought. "This must be +part of it." + +Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just smoothed their plumage in the +guest-chamber, and were coming down the stairs hand in hand as David +and Bethany entered the reception-hall. + +This was their first glimpse of David. They had been very curious to see +him. Jack had talked about him so much that they recognized him +instantly from his description. + +Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, and said in a dramatic +whisper, "Sister! the surprise." + +"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. "How unusually bright she +looks, and yet a little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has been +saying anything to her. They came in together." + +"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they both moved forward with their +most beaming "company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. Herschel. + +"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading the way into the drawing-room, +while Bethany made her escape up stairs. + +"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. Dameron." + +"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet in +chorus, as a tall, thin woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling eyes +rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the land's sake! how did you ever +happen to get here?" + +"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained Mrs. Marion to David, +as the twins stood on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss her +repeatedly between their exclamations of joyful surprise. "They haven't +seen her since they were married. I'll present you, and then we'll leave +them to have a good old gossip." + +During the introductions in the drawing-room, Mr. Marion came into the +hall, with his gripsack in his hand. + +"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. "How are you, my boy? I'm so +glad to see you." + +He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap him on the shoulder and +hold the little hands lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden parting of the +portieres behind them, a swift rustle, and two white hands met over his +eyes and blindfolded him. + +"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then clapped his hand over his +mouth as he heard a warning "Sh!" + +"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, laughing and reaching backwards +to seize whoever had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would take such +liberties." + +"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. "What about Ray's younger +sister?" + +He turned around, and catching her by the shoulders, held her out in +front of him. + +"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in amazement. "When did you get here, +little sister? I never imagined you were within two hundred miles of +this place." + +"Neither did Ray until this morning. I just walked in unannounced." + +When he had given her a hearty welcome she said: "O, I'm not the only +one to surprise you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, and see +who all's there, while I talk with this young man I haven't seen for a +year." + +Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin since he was old enough to +fasten his baby fingers in her long, brown hair. In her yearly visits to +her sister she had devoted so much of her time to him, and been such a +willing slave, that he looked forward to her coming even a shade more +eagerly than he watched for Christmas. + +There was one thing that remained longest in the memory of every guest +who had ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Marion home. It was the warm +welcome that made itself continually felt. It met them even in the free +swing of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just walk right in +now, and make yourself at home." + +There was an atmosphere of genial comfort and cheer that cast its spell +on all who strayed over its inviting threshold. It made them long to +linger, and loath to leave. + +David Herschel was quick to appreciate the warm cordiality of his +greeting. He had not been in the house five minutes until he felt +himself on the familiar footing of an old friend. At first he wondered +at the strange assortment of guests, and thought it queer he had been +asked to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, who were so +absorbed in each other. + +Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois Denning--a slim, graceful +girl in a white duck suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl, decided in her +opinions, and original in her remarks. + +"That red carnation just suits her," said David to himself, as they +talked together. "She is so bright and spicy." + +"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. Marion, anxiously. "It's +getting dark, and I'm as hungry as a schoolboy." + +"Yes, and your guests will think you are as impatient as one," she +answered, laughingly. "We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. Cragmore +hasn't come yet." + +"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to his feet. + +"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend to tell you he was +coming. I knew you hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and I +wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to the Clark Street Church. I +met him coming up from the depot this morning, and asked him to dine +with us to-night." + +"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, "so that I +might give vent to my delight as I used to." + +"I remember how loud you could whoop when you were two feet six," +remarked Mrs. Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing you, now that +you are six feet two." + +There was a quick ring at the front door, and the next instant Frank +Marion and George Cragmore were shaking hands as though they could never +stop. + +"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's necks and weep a la +Joseph and his brethren," said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I feel that I am about to be +presented to a whole circus--menagerie and all." + +"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they heard his musical voice say. + +"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois in an undertone. "How's that +for a touch of the rale auld brogue?" + +He was introduced to the old ladies first, then to the saucy Lois and +Jack. Then he caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual pleasure, +and were about cordially to renew their acquaintance, begun that day on +the car, when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw Bethany. + +Both Lois and David noticed the way his face lighted up, and the +eagerness with which he went forward to speak to her. + +That evening was the beginning of several things. The Hebrew class was +organized. Mr. Marion had found only two of his teachers willing to +undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully allowed herself to be +substituted for the third one he had been so sure would join them. + +"I'll not be here more than long enough to get a good start," she said, +"but I'm in for anything that's going--Hebrew or Hopscotch, whichever it +happens to be." + +The twins declined to take any part. "I know it is beyond us," sighed +Miss Harriet. "The Latin conjugations were always such a terror to me, +and sister never did get her bearings in the German genders." + +When it came time for the merry party to break up, Frank Marion would +not listen to any good-nights from Cragmore. + +"You're not going away. That's the end of it," he declared. "I'll walk +down with you to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. You're to stay +here until you get a boarding place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go +then, if I did not know it was essential for you to live nearer your +congregation." + +Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's chair, with Miss Caroline on +one side, and Miss Harriet on the other. + +Bethany followed with George Cragmore. There was a brilliant moonlight, +and they walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare beauty of the +night. + +"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the +steps. "I want to finish spinning this yarn." + +They all went into the hall. + +Bethany opened the door into the library and struck a match. Cragmore +took it from her and lighted the gas. + +But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with his attentive audience of +three. + +"I'll be through in a moment," he called. The sisters dropped down in a +large double rocker. + +"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," said Bethany. "His +minute may prove to be elastic." + +Cragmore looked around the homelike old room, and then down at the +fair-haired woman at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other time. Yes, I think I should like +to come here very often, Miss Hallam." + +The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, made the remark so very +personal that Bethany was slightly annoyed. + +"O, our latch-string is always out to the clergy," she said lightly, and +then led the way back to the hall to join the others. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"YOM KIPPUR." + + +THE morning after the first meeting of the Hebrew class at Rabbi +Barthold's, Frank Marion came into the office. + +"Herschel," he said, "when do you have your Day of Atonement services? +Is it this week or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, but I am +not sure about the date. He is going to preach a series of sermons that +are to set forth the views now held by the Reform school, and Cragmore +and I are anxious to hear them." + +"It is the week after this," said David, consulting the calendar. + +"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip in time for the Friday night +service." + +"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" asked David. "Isn't he a +magnificent old fellow?" + +Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well," he said after some +deliberation, "I hardly know where to place him. He doesn't belong to +this age. If I believed in the transmigration of souls, I should say +that some old Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the Temple lamps +perpetually burning, had strayed back to earth again. + +"That seems to be his mission now. He is trying to rekindle the pride +and zeal and hope of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, Herschel, +but there are few in his congregation who understand him. Their vision +is so obscured by this dense fog of modern indifference that they fail +to appreciate his aims. They are still in the outer courts, among the +tables of the money-changers, and those who sell doves. They have never +entered the inner sanctuary of a spiritual life. Their religion stops +with the altar and the censer--the material things. Understand me," he +said hastily, as David interrupted him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit of Judaism, but they +are few and far between. I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services of the synagogue, and +their religion itself, is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree." + +David drew himself up rather stiffly. + +"And you are the disciple of the man who said, 'Let him that is without +sin among you cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the Jew has to +say about the dead-heads in your Churches? What proportion of your +membership has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? How many +in your pews, who mumble the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet the challenge of his +Shibboleth?" + +Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. "You misunderstand me, my +boy," he said. "I have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent Jew +than for the indifferent Christian. God pity them both! I was simply +drawing a contrast between Rabbi Barthold and his people, as it appears +to me--a shepherd who longs to lead his flock up to the source of all +living water; but they prefer to dispense with climbing the spiritual +heights, jostle each other for the richest herbage of the lowlands, and +are satisfied. You know that is so, David." + +"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He can not even arouse them to the +necessity of teaching their children Hebrew, if they would perpetuate +loyalty to its traditions." + +David was about to repeat what the Rabbi had said the night he consented +to take the Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: "What are we coming +to, my son? Protestantism is having a wonderful awakening in regard to +the study of the Bible. Never has there been such a widespread interest +in it as now. But among our people, how many of the younger generation +make it a text-book of daily study? Such negligence will surely write +its 'Ichabod' upon the future of our beloved Israel." + +"What a discussion we have drifted into!" exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had +only intended dropping in here to ask you a simple question. Come to +think, I believe I have not answered yours. You asked me my opinion of +Rabbi Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble soul, a true seeker +of the truth, and a man whose friendship I would value very highly." + +Herschel looked much pleased. + +"I hope you may be able to hear him on 'Yom Kippur,'" he said. + +"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion answered. + +As his footsteps died away in the hall, David said to himself: "If every +Gentile were like that man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," he added as an +after-thought, "what would become of the lawyers? We would starve." + + * * * * * + +In the waning light of the afternoon, that Day of the Atonement, there +was no more devout worshiper in all the temple than George Cragmore. He +had just finished reading a book of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among +the Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the prayer-book some one +handed him, he was impressed with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him: + +"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow bed between two rocky walls, +whence only the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a well so deep +that the ages have not dried it up, and the nations of the four corners +of the earth have come to slake their thirst at its waters." + +It seemed to him that all that was purest, most heart-searching and +sublime in the Old Covenant; all that time has proven most precious and +comforting of its promises; all therein that best satisfies the human +yearnings toward the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct in +man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite mosaic of this day's +ritual. + +Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly on the sermons, admired +their scholarly style, and indorsed most of their substance, but he came +away with a feeling of sadness. + +It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people with their backs turned +on the sacrifice a divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by their penitent pleadings and +good deeds. + +Herschel's devotions were interfered with by a spirit of criticism +heretofore unknown to him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that had +been having an almost imperceptible growth that he could not enter into +the service with his usual abandon. He was continually contrasting those +around him with that never-to-be-forgotten gathering on Lookout, and the +congregation in the tent. + +What made them to differ? He could not tell, but he felt that something +was lacking here that had made the other such a force. + +Cragmore had not been able to attend the Friday night service, nor the +one on the following morning. He came in just after the noon recess, and +was ushered to a pew near the center of the room, where he immediately +became absorbed in the ritual. He followed devoutly through the +meditations and the silent devotions, and when they came to the +responsive readings, his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there. + +The synagogue, with its modern trappings and fashionably-dressed +congregation, seemed to disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and burnt-offering. Through the +chanting of the choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed to see the clouds of +incense, and the smoke arising from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole soul seemed to go out in +reverent adoration to this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew and +Christian. + +The memorial service to the dead followed the sermon. + +Cragmore's music-loving nature responded like a quivering harp-string as +the choir began a minor chant: + + "Oh what is man, the child of dust? + What is man, O Lord?" + +The low, moaning tones of the great organ rose and fell like the beat of +a far-off tide, as all heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the great beyond. + +Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of thankfulness for the unbroken +family circle across the wide Atlantic. + +As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn hedges, a faint chiming of +the Shandon bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills seemed to +mingle a moment with his prayer. + +The sun had set, when in the concluding service his eyes fell on the +words the Rabbi was reading--The Mission of Israel--"It's a pity," he +thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed Christian, who, between +ignorance and bigotry, can get only a distorted impression of the Jews, +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially that prayer for all +mankind, and this one he is reading now: + +"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the eventide, when, according to +Thy gracious promise, Thy light will arise over all the children of men, +and Israel's spiritual descendants will be as numerous as the stars in +the heaven. Endow us, our Guardian, with strength and patience for our +holy mission. Grant that all the children of Thy people may recognize +the goal of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, by their +zeal and love for mankind, the truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity +on earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. Enlighten all that +call themselves by Thy name with the knowledge that the sanctuary of +wood and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but a gate, through +which Israel should step out into the world, to reconcile all mankind +unto Thee! Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement shall be +completed; when the day shall dawn in which the light of Thy truth, +brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. +But surely that great day of universal reconciliation, so fervently +prayed for, shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return empty, +unless they have done that for which Thou didst send them. Then joy +shall thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth to the other +shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the +Eternal our God, the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make pilgrimage +to Thy house, which shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, +and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for us the +gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, +ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'" + +And the choir chanting, replied: + +"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts--He is the King of glory." + +There was a short prayer, then a benediction that made Cragmore and +Marion look across the congregation at each other and smile. It was the +Epworth benediction, with which the League was always dismissed: + +"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. May the Lord let his +countenance shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up +his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." + +The two men met each other at the door, and walked homeward together +through the twilight. + +Cragmore had found a boarding place. It was not far from the temple. + +"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. "I see you still have +Herschel's prayer-book with you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I +have never known before to-day what special hope they clung to. Come in +and I will find the paragraph." + +He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a chair over towards his guest, +and, seating himself, began rapidly turning the leaves of the book. + +"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows: + +"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all tribal spirit and purified of +all national dross, will become the law of humanity. The world that +jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will witness the fulfillment of +prophecies delayed for twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According to the words of the +prophets, the nations will come to learn of Israel, and the people will +hang to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go up together to +the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the Lord of Israel, that he may +teach us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, for which +the world has been sighing since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted +to it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel needs but to discard +her old practices, as in spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her prophets, which has been +preserved intact beneath her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement to form. Then +only, after having infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of all +men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, be able to merge herself in +the nations." + +"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, as he closed the book. "And +yet do you know, Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that Israel has +some great part to play in the conversion of humanity? Any one must see +that nothing short of Divine power could have kept them intact as a +race, and Divine power is never aimlessly exerted. There must be some +great reason for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries of +the cross these people would make! What torch-bearers they have been! +They have carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien shore they +have touched." + +Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his eyes alight with something +akin to prophetic fire. + +"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet bud and blossom into the +perfect flower of Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O when it +does, the 'chosen people' will become a veritable tree of life, whose +leaves will be 'for the healing of the nations.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DR. TRENT. + + +IT was a cold, bleak night in November. There was a blazing wood-fire on +the library hearth. Bethany sat in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using as a desk for her +long-neglected letter-writing. An appetizing smell of pop-corn and +boiling molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, where the +sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned candy-pulling. The +occasional gusts that rattled the windows made Bethany draw closer to +the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth and comfort. She thoroughly +appreciated her luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had the long, +quiet evening ahead of her. + +For half an hour the steady trail of her pen along the paper, and the +singing of the kettle on the crane, was all that was audible. + +Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with a radiant, sticky face, and a +plate of candy. + +"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. "We're going to make some +chocolate creams now. Do come and help, sister?" + +She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters on the table. "I must get +these out of the way first," she said. "Then I'll join you." + +"I guess you can eat and write at the same time," he answered, holding +out the plate. + +He waited only long enough for her to taste his wares, and hurried back +to the kitchen to report her opinion of their skill as confectioners. + +Just as the dining-room door banged behind him, she thought she heard +some one coming up on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. She +paused in the act of dipping her pen into the ink, and listened. Some +one certainly tried the bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly alarmed, and half way across +the room stopped again to listen. There was a momentary rustling in the +hall. She heard something drop on the hat-rack. Then there was a low +knock at the library door. She opened it a little way, and saw Dr. Trent +standing there. + +"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the door wide open. "I never +once thought of its being you. I took you for a burglar." + +Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard look on his face. He seemed +to have grown ten years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he pushed slowly past her, and +stood shivering before the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in the +hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some unusual weight had been laid +upon his patient shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength. + +Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and stern face that he was in sore +need of comfort. + +"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following him to the fire, and +laying her hand lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that something +dreadful must have happened to unnerve him so. "What can I do for you?" +she asked with a tremble of distress in her voice. + +He dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. When he +raised his head his eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age. + +"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, huskily. + +Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. Trent's given name before, she +knew that he was speaking of his wife. + +There was a long pause, which she finally broke by saying, "Don't you +see her every day? I thought you were in the habit of going out to her +that often." + +"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, "day after day, and day +after day, all these long years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has +only been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized me. She was always +calling for me. The way she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to +her husband, would have touched a heart of flint; yet she never knew me +when I came. She would grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but she +would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused way that was pitiful. I +always hoped that some day she might recognize me. I would sing her old +songs to her, and talk about our old home, although the thought of its +shattered happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way to bring her to +herself. She would listen awhile, and look up at me with a recognition +almost dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would begin to roll down her +cheeks, and she would beg me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back to me for the first time in +eight years,--my own little Isabel! I knew it was only because the frail +body was worn out with its terrible struggle, and I could not keep her +long. O, such a day as this has been! I have held her in my arms every +moment, with her poor, tired head against my heart. She was so glad and +happy to find herself with me at last, but the happiness was over so +soon." + +He buried his face in his hands as before, with a groan. When he spoke +again, it was in a dull, mechanical way. + +"She died at sundown!" + +The tears were running down Bethany's face. She had been standing behind +his chair. Now she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over his gray +hair, with a comforting caress. + +"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with +sympathy. + +"You can," he answered. "That is why I came. None of her relatives are +living. Only my most intimate friends know that she did not die eight +years ago, when she was taken away to a sanitarium. I want--" he stopped +with a choking in his throat. "The attendants have been very kind, but +I want some woman of her own station--some woman who would have been her +friend--to put flowers about her--and--smooth her hair, as she would +have wanted it done--and--and--see that everything is all fine and +beautiful when she is dressed for her last sleep." + +He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; but his face was working +pitifully, and the tears were rolling down his face. + +"She would have wished it so. She knew Richard Hallam. He was my best +friend. I do not know any one I could ask to do this for my little +Isabel, but Richard Hallam's daughter." + +She leaned over and touched his forehead with her lips. + +"Then let her have a daughter's place in helping you bear this," she +said. "Let her serve her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father." + +He reached up and mutely took her hand, resting his face against it a +moment, as if the touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then he rose, +saying, "I shall send for you in the morning." + +"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. "You have hardly been +here long enough to get thoroughly warm." + +"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will be only a few hours longer +that I can sit beside her. I have staid away now longer than I intended, +but I had to come in town to see that Lee was all right." + +"O, does he know?" asked Bethany. + +"No, he was only two years old when they were separated. She has always +been dead to him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow his life with +such a grief?" + +Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, turned up the collar, and +buttoned it securely. Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps in an absent-minded way. + +"I suppose Richard told you about that debt I have been wrestling with +so long," he said, finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the last +wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, I seem to have lost all my +old vigor and ambition. If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to +stop, and not try to take another step. I should like to lie down and go +to sleep, too." + +He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, laden with snow, rushed in. + +Bethany watched him out of sight, then went shivering back to the fire. + +A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next day, so no one questioned, or no +one knew why Bethany was excused from the office during the morning. + +She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. She stood beside him in +the dreary cemetery till the white snow was laid back over the +newly-made mound. Then she rode silently back to town with him. He sat +with his hands over his eyes all the way, never speaking until the +carriage stopped at the office, and the driver opened the door for +Bethany to alight. + +Next day she saw him drive past on his usual round of professional +visits. No one else noticed any difference in him, except that he seemed +a little graver, and, if possible, more tender and thoughtful in his +ministrations, than he had been before. + +To Bethany there was something very pathetic in the sudden aging of +this man, who had borne his burden so silently and bravely that few had +ever suspected he had one. + +He was making a stern effort to keep on in the same old way. His +profession had brought him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the shadow of his burden on +other lives, if he could help it. + +Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast growing white, that he +stooped more, and that he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a quick, elastic step. She +ministered to his comfort in all the little ways in her power, but it +was not much that any one could do. + +It must have been nearly two weeks before he came again to the house. +This time it was to examine Jack. + +"What would you say, my son," he asked, "if I should tell you I do not +want you to go to the office any more after this week?" + +Jack's face was a study. The tears came to his eyes. "Why?" he asked. + +"Because you will be strong enough then to go through a certain exercise +I want you to take many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by Christmas." + +This was so much sooner than either Jack or Bethany had dared hope, that +they hardly knew how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud whoop, and +went wheeling out of the room at the top of his speed to tell Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet. + +Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly tenderness in his face. Then +he sighed and turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble to bring to +you, my dear. Lee has been getting into so much mischief lately. I never +knew till yesterday that he has not been attending school regularly this +term. You see every allowance ought to be made for the child--no home +but a boarding-house; no one to take an oversight--for I am called out +night and day. He is such a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am +satisfied that his teachers do not understand him. They have not been +fair with him. He has been transferred from one ward to another, and +finally expelled. He never told me until last night. He said he knew it +would grieve me, and that he put it off from day to day, because he did +not want to trouble me when I was so worried over several critical +cases. That showed a sweet spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has +always been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted to go and +interview the superintendent; but he insisted it would do no good, +because they are all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a good child. +They ought not to expect a growing boy, full of the animal spirits the +Creator has endowed him with, to always work like a prim little machine. +Maybe I am not acting wisely, but he begged so hard to be allowed to go +to work for awhile, instead of being sent to any other school, that I +gave my consent. It is little a ten-year old boy can do, but he has a +taking way with him, and he got a place himself. He is to be +elevator-boy in the same building where your office is. You will see him +every day, and I am giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look out a little for him, +Bethany." + +"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. "We are already great +friends. He used to often join us on his way to school, and wheel Jack +part of the distance." + +Jack made as much as possible of the remaining time that he was allowed +to go to the office. He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all the different offices +where he had made friends, and spent a great deal of time in the hall, +talking to Lee, who was soon installed in the building as elevator-boy. + +"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," exclaimed Jack to Bethany +after his first interview. "Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about doing. He's tough, I can +tell you. He smokes cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed me +an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven up.' He shoots 'craps,' +too. He has been playing hooky half his time. One of the hostlers at the +livery-stable, where his father keeps his horse, used to write his +excuses for him. Lee paid him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of +the warehouses down by the river. You just ought to see the book he +carries around in his pocket to read when he isn't busy. It's called +'The Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' There is the awfulest +pictures in it of people being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the stuff he read; and asked +him how he would like to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the reason he has gone to work +is to save up money so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or some big +place, and have a 'howling good time.'" + +It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the deception the boy had +practiced on his father. Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and was glad when the time came +for him to stay at home from the office. But in every way she could she +strengthened her friendship with Lee. She brought him great, rosy +apples, and pop-corn balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy could +be proof against the long twists of homemade candy she frequently +slipped into his pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped to put a bunch of violets or a +little red rose in his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful that +she awakened the dormant chivalry within him, and he would not for +worlds have had her suspect that he was not all his father believed him +to be. + +One day she told David enough of his history to enlist his sympathy. +After that the young lawyer began to take considerable notice of him, +and finally won his complete friendship by the gift of a little brown +puppy, that he brought down one morning in his overcoat pocket. + +There was no more time to read "The Pirate's Revenge." The helpless, +sprawling little pup demanded all his attention. He kept it swung up in +a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, but spent every spare moment +trying to develop its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. That +was one occupation of which he never wearied, and in which he never lost +patience. From the moment he took the soft, warm, little thing in his +arms, he loved it dearly. + +"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it up to him, "because he's +so sweet and brown." + +Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee to dine with them on +Thanksgiving day, but the sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and +Mrs. Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend the day with them, +that she reluctantly gave up her plan. + +"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she promised herself, "and a +big tree for Lee and Jack. Lois will help me with it." + +It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with gray skies, and snow, to +intensify the indoor cheer. + +"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning with its decorations of +fruit and vegetables, and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. Dameron's, and was holding her +big mink muff in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it in the +snow. + +"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" chimed in Miss Caroline. +"Sally always did have a real talent for such things." + +"It couldn't have been any better than we had," insisted Jack. "I don't +believe I'll want anything more to eat for a week." + +"That's very fortunate," answered Miss Caroline, "for I gave Mena an +entire holiday. We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make that in +here." + +They sat around the fire in the gloaming, quietly talking over the happy +day. One of Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was that these +two gentle lives had come in contact with her own. Their simple piety +and childlike faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, like the +modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers they loved so dearly. Well for +Bethany that she had the constant companionship of these loving sisters. +Happy for Jack that he found in them the gracious grandmotherly +tenderness, without which no home is complete. They were very proud of +their boy, as they called him. Between the Junior League and their +conscientious instruction, Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and grounded" +in the faith of his fathers. Night stole on so gradually, and the +firelight filled the room with such a cheerful glow, they did not notice +how dark it had grown outside, until a sudden peal of the door-bell +startled them. + +"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the spectacles that had slipped +down when the sudden sound made her start nervously up from her chair. +She waited to light the gas, and hastily arrange the disordered chairs. + +When she opened the door she saw David Herschel patiently awaiting +admittance. It was the first time he had ever called. She was all in a +flutter of surprise as she ushered him into the library. He declined to +take a seat. + +"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," he said. "You know he boards +across the street from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been spending the +day. He was called out to see a patient last night, and came home late, +with a hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate a little while ago, +and came running over to tell me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found his father delirious, and +had telephoned for Dr. Mills. He was very much frightened, and wanted me +to stay with him until the doctor came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined +him, he called me aside and asked me to get into his buggy and drive out +to the Deaconess Home. I have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if ever she was needed in her +life, she is needed now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected too +long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter of only a few hours." + +Bethany started up, looking so white and alarmed that David thought she +was going to faint. He arose, too. + +"I must go over there at once," she said. + +"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am at your service, if you want +me to wait for you." + +"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," she answered. "Jack, I'll be +back in time to help you to bed." + +As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, which were still lying on +the chair, where she had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before. + +David offered his arm as they went down the icy steps. + +"It was so good of you to come at once," she said, as she accepted his +assistance. "Is Miss Carleton there now?" + +"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost instantly. She is the same +nurse that I met early one morning in that laundry office. She told me +on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so much for the Home and for the +poor. She says she owes her own life to his skill and care, and that no +service she could render him would be great enough to express her +gratitude. They all feel that way about him at the Home." + +Belle Carleton met them at the bedroom door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken +about you," she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had several +lucid intervals. Take off your hat before you go to him." + +Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark corner of the room, with +Taffy hugged tight in his arms. An undefinable dread had taken +possession of him. He looked up at Bethany, with a frightened, tearful +expression, as she patted him on the cheek in passing. + +Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down beside him, and took his +hand. He smiled brightly as he recognized her. + +"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse whisper, for he could not +speak audibly. "Dear old Dick." + +Then he grew delirious again. It was only at intervals he had these +gleams of consciousness. + +After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He seemed to sink into a heavy +stupor. Bethany sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn fingers clasped over hers. + +What a world of good that hand had done! How unselfishly it had toiled +on for others, to wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy with the best of +everything! Besides all that, it had filled, as far as lay in its power, +every other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic clasp. + +She sat beside him a long time, but he did not waken from the heavy +sleep into which he had fallen, even when she gently withdrew her +fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills take her place. He had just +come in again. + +"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" asked Bethany. + +The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. He shook his head. "Miss +Carleton can do all that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, if I am needed. He will +probably have no more rational awakenings while this fever keeps at such +a frightful heat. If we can subdue that soon, he has such great vitality +he may pull through all right." + +"You'd better go back, dear," urged the nurse. "You have your work ahead +of you to-morrow, and you look very tired." + +"I have an almost unbearable headache," admitted Bethany, "or I would +not think of leaving. I would not go even for that, if I thought he +would have conscious intervals of any length; but the doctor thinks that +is hardly probable to-night. I'll come back early in the morning. Maybe +he will know me then." + +"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging wistfully to David's hand, as +Bethany put on her hat. + +"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, kindly. + +Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep back the tears. + +"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with his lip trembling. + +David put his arm around him caressingly. His sympathies went out +strongly to the little lad, who might so soon be left fatherless. + +"Then I'll come back and stay with you till you go to sleep, after I +take Miss Hallam home," he promised. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LITTLE PRODIGAL. + + +LEE was waiting disconsolately on the stairs, with Taffy beside him, +when David opened the door and stepped into the hall. The landlady was +up-stairs with the nurse, and all the boarders had gone to a concert, so +the parlor was vacant, and David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward told him such +entertaining stories of his travels that Lee forgot his painful +forebodings. The clock in the hall struck ten before either of them was +aware how swiftly the time had passed. + +"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know where he is to sleep," David +said to the nurse, when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's room. + +"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," she said, kindly. "He'd better +not undress." + +David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is there any change?" he asked, +anxiously. + +She nodded, and then motioned him aside. "Would it be too much to ask +you to stay a couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? Lee clings +to you so, and the end may be much nearer than we thought." + +"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," he replied. + +They moved the sofa to the other side of the room, and the nurse began +folding some blankets the landlady brought her to lay over it. + +"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, dear?" she asked Lee. + +He picked up a larger lump than he could well manage. The tongs slipped, +and it fell with a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces as it +did so, then rattling over the hearth. + +They all turned apprehensively toward the bed. The heavy jarring sound +had thoroughly aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked around the +room as if trying to comprehend the situation. He seemed puzzled to +account for David's presence in the room, and drew his hand wonderingly +across his burning forehead, then pressed it against his aching throat. + +The nurse bent over him to moisten his parched lips with a spoonful of +water. + +Then he understood. A look of awe stole over his face, as he realized +his condition. He held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, turning, +beckoned the child to come. He folded the cold, trembling little fingers +in his hot hands. "Papa's--dear--little son!" he gasped in whispers. + +David turned his head away, his eyes suffused with hot tears. The scene +recalled so vividly the night he had crept to his father's bedside for +the last time. His heart ached for the little fellow. + +"God--keep--you!" came in the same hoarse whisper. + +Then he turned to the nurse, and with great effort spoke aloud, "Belle, +pray!" + +David, standing with bowed head, while she knelt with her arm around the +frightened boy, listened to such a prayer as he had never heard before. +He had wondered one time how this woman could sacrifice everything in +life for the sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. But as he +listened now, to her low, earnest voice, he felt an unseen Presence in +the room, as of the Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly. + +As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms might be underneath as this +soul went down into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried out +exultingly, "There is no valley!" + +David looked up. The doctor's worn face was shining with an unspeakable +happiness. He stretched out his arms. + +"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!" + +His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes closed, and he relapsed into a +stupor, from which he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at midnight he +was still breathing; but the street lights were beginning to fade in the +gray, wintry dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the lifeless hands +across the still heart, and turned to look at Lee. + +The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the sofa, and David had gone. + + * * * * * + +O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease of our appreciation to +wreathe cold coffin-lids, and cover unresponsive clay! + +There was a constant stream of people passing in and out of the +boarding-house parlor all day. + +Bethany was not surprised at the great number who came to do honor to +Baxter Trent, nor at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she arranged the great masses of +flowers they brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't they send these +when he was in such sore need of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference." + +All sorts of people came. A man whose wrists had not yet forgotten the +chafing of a convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that Bethany +had placed on the table at the head of the casket. + +"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his head mournfully. "I reckon +he was ready to go if ever any body was." + +They happened to be alone in the room, and Bethany repeated what the +nurse had told her of the doctor's triumphant passing. + +Late in the afternoon there was a timid knock at the door. Bethany +opened it, and saw two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over her head, and the other wore a +big, flapping sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful face. Their +teeth were chattering with cold and bashfulness. + +"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we couldn't get no wreaves or +crosses, but granny said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'" + +The dirty little hand held out a stemless, yellow chrysanthemum. + +"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening the door wide to the +little ragamuffins. + +They glanced around the mass of blossoms filling the room, with a look +of astonishment that so much beauty could be found in one place. + +"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, "'Pears like our 'n +don't show up for much, beside all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry we was." + +Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. "Did you know him well?" she +asked. + +"I should rather say," answered the child. "He kep' us from starvin', +all the time granny was down sick so long." + +"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with him, away out in the country, +and he let us get out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, Jess?" + +The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped her eyes with the corner of +her sister's shawl, "Granny says we'll never have another friend like +him while the world stands." + +Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless chrysanthemum. "See," she +said, "I'm going to put it in the best place of all, right here by his +hand." + +The door opened again to admit David Herschel. Before it closed the +children had slipped bashfully away, still hand in hand. + +Bethany told him of their errand. "Who could have brought more?" she +said, touching the shining yellow flower; "for with this little drop of +gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, and the frankincense of a loving +remembrance." + +She felt that he could appreciate the pathos of the gift, and the love +that prompted it. They had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours. + +"You've been here nearly all day, haven't you?" he asked, noticing her +tired face. "I wish you would go home and rest, and let me take your +place awhile." + +He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded. Her sympathies had been +sorely wrought upon during the day, and she was nearly exhausted. + +After she had gone, he sat down with his overcoat on, near the front +window. There was only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the grate. + +The last rays of the sunset were streaming in between the slats of the +shutters. He could hear the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells. + +"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He had not seen the child since +morning. + +Two working men came in presently. They looked long and silently at the +doctor's peaceful face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again. + +The minutes dragged slowly by. + +The heavy perfume of the flowers made David drowsy, and he leaned his +head on his hand. + +The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked in. His eyes were swollen +with crying. He did not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only one +long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, and it lay athwart the still +form in the center of the room. + +Lee paused just a moment beside it, then slipped noiselessly over to the +grate. There was a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the dying +embers as quietly as he could, and one by one laid the books on the red +coals. They were the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. Last of +all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. They blazed up, filling the +room with light, and revealing David in his seat by the window. + +"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any one was in here." + +Then leaning against the wall, he put his head on his arm, and began to +sob in deeper distress than he had yet shown. He felt in his pocket for +a handkerchief, but there was none there. + +David took out his own and wiped the boy's wet face, as he drew him +tenderly to his knee. + +"Now tell me all about it," he said. + +Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried harder for awhile. Then he +sobbed brokenly: "O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I came in +here early this morning before anybody was up, to tell him I was +sorry--that I would be a good boy--but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa, papa!" he wailed. "It's so +awful to be left all alone--just a little boy like me!" + +David folded him closer without speaking. No words could touch such a +grief. + +Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of paper. It was only the +scrap of a fly-leaf, its jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book. + +"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his pocket?" he asked in a +trembling voice. "I want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in his pocket, he'd know how +sorry I was." + +David took the bit of paper, all blistered with boyish tears, where a +penitent little hand, out of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,--I will be good." + +A sob shook the man's strong frame as he read it. + +"I think he will be very glad to have you give him that," he answered. +"You'd better put it in his pocket before any one comes in." + +Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed the room. "O, I can't," he +moaned, attempting to lift the lifeless hands. + +David reached down, and unbuttoning the coat, laid the promise of the +little prodigal gently on his father's heart, to await its reading in +the glad light of the resurrection morning. Then he called some one else +to take his place, and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little while +he was driving through the twilight out one of the white country roads, +with Lee beside him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a cool +hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore heart. + +Bethany took him home with her after the funeral, and kept him a week. + +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him with all the ardor of their +motherly old hearts. Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his usual vivacity. + +"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion said to Bethany one day. He had +gone up to the office to talk to her about it. + +Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting that Frank Marion be +appointed guardian. + +"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. "She would have turned the house +into an orphan asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But she has so many +demands on her time and strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should take Lee, I am away from +home so much, that the greater part of the care and responsibility would +fall on her. Just now his father's death has touched him, and he is +making a great effort to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for +him in a big place like this, so full of temptations to a boy of his +age. He would be a constant care. The only thing I can see is to put him +in some private school for a few years." + +"Let me keep him till after Christmas," urged Bethany. "I can't bear to +let the little fellow go away among strangers this near the holiday +season. I keep thinking, What if it were Jack?" + +"How would it do for me to take him out on my next trip?" suggested Mr. +Marion. "I will be gone two weeks, just to little country towns in the +northern part of the State, where he could have a variety of scenes to +amuse him." + +"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. "I'm sure he will like it." + +Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified guardian. He had a secret +fear that he would always be preaching to him, or telling him Bible +stories. He hoped that the customers would keep him very busy during the +day, and he resolved always to go to bed early enough to escape any +curtain lectures that might be in store for him. + +To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the jolliest of traveling +companions. There was no preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a moral on to the end of his +stories, and he only laughed when Taffy crawled out of the +innocent-looking brown paper bundle that Lee would not put out of his +arms until after the train had started. + +Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the open country between +little towns! Such fine skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten chapters, he told one of +the drivers. + +One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, frozen pike, one of the +horses began to limp. + +"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. "Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. +It's jes' round the next bend, over the bridge." + +The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying sparks and noisy anvils, was +nothing new to Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. In fact, +there were few places he had not explored. + +The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in the habit of using rough +language that every sentence was accompanied with an oath. + +Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the fire. + +"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he said. They had heard a harsh, +grating sound, like some discordant grinding, ever since they came in +sight of the shop. + +Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty thumb. + +"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' gear somew'eres. It set me +plumb crazy at first, but I'm gettin' used to it now." + +"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. Marion, anxious to get Lee out +of such polluted atmosphere. + +The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly as broad as he was long, +did not even take the trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just one of the cogs is gone out +of one of the wheels. I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get 'round to it. Does make +an or'nery sound for a fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry." + +"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, after they had passed out of +doors again. "I don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. It is a +nuisance to the whole neighborhood." + +When he reported the conversation at the smithy, Sikes swore at the +miller soundly. + +Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a step forward. + +"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone that made every one in the +shop pause to listen, "you've got a bigger cog missing in you than the +old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger nuisance to the +neighborhood. You have lost your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, leaving out Christ, making a +miserable failure of your life grist, and every time you open your lips, +your blasphemous words tell the story of the missing cog. If that old +mill-wheel makes such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do you +suppose your life is making in the ears of your Heavenly Father?" + +Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. His first impulse was to +knock him over with the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not help respecting the man who +had the courage to utter them. + +"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no idee you was a parson. I +laid out as you was a drummer." + +"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; +but I spent so many years on the road for this same house before I went +into the firm, that I often go out over my old territory." + +Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me you've got sermons and +shoe-leather pretty badly mixed up," he said. + +Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh disappear down the road, he +picked up the bellows and worked them in an absent-minded sort of a way. + +"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. "A drummer! I'll +be--blowed!" + +The incident made a profound impression on Lee. A loop in the road +brought them in sight of the old mill again. + +"We don't want to have any cogs missing, do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, +first pinching the boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him. + +The subject was not referred to again, but the lesson was not forgotten. + +Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. They walked to the Church a +mile away in the morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in the +afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. If it had not been for Taffy, it +would have been insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. Marion +did not take him out to the night service. He left him playing with the +landlady's baby in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not last long, +however. The baby was put to bed, and some of the neighbors came in for +a visit. Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room. + +It was the best the house afforded, but it was far from being an +attractive place. The walls were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The rag carpet was a dull, +faded gray. The lamp smoked when he turned it up, and smelled strongly +of coal-oil when he turned it down. + +He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded to go to bed. It was +very early. He could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening to +somebody's rocking-chair, going squeakety squeak in the parlor below. + +He wished he could be as comfortable and content as Taffy, curled up in +some flannel in a shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached out, +and stroked the puppy's soft back. + +The feeling came over him as he did so, that there wasn't anybody in all +the world for him really to belong to. + +It was the first time since Bethany took him home that he had felt like +crying. Now he lay and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs. + +He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. Mr. Marion lighted the +lamp, putting a high-backed chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that was lying on the table, +and, turning the leaves very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson. + +A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a long time he heard another. +Laying down his book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and his face streaked with traces of +tears. Marion, with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking at +him. + +All the fatherly impulses of his nature were stirred by the pitiful +little face on the pillow. + +He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly over the boy. + +"Lee," he said, "look up here, son." + +Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so near his own. + +"You were lying here in the dark, crying because you felt that there was +nobody left to love you. Now put your arms around my neck, dear, while I +tell you something. I had a little child once. I can never begin to tell +you how I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my heart. But I said, +for her sake I shall love all children, and try to make them happy. +Because her little feet knew the way home to God, I shall try to keep +all other children in the same pure path. For her sake, first, I loved +you; now, since we have been together, for your own. I want you to feel +that I am such a close friend that you can always come to me just as +freely as you did to your father." + +The boy's clasp around his neck tightened. + +"But, Lee, there will be times in your life when you will need greater +help than I can give; and because I know just how you will be tried, and +tempted, and discouraged, I want you to take the best of friends for +your own right now. I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?" + +Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened whisper, "I don't know +how." + +"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you after you had been very +naughty?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." Between his choking sobs he +told of the promise lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars. + +Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an effort, as he pointed out the +way so surely and so simply that Lee could not fail to understand. + +Then, with his arm still around him, he prayed; and the boy, following +him step by step through that earnest prayer, groped his way to his +Savior. + +It was a time never to be forgotten by either Frank Marion or Lee. They +lay awake till long after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +HERZENRUHE. + + +A STORY has come down to us of a cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those winter wilds made the +bravest heart appalled; when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's bonny hedgerows, then +the brave little cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its familiar +chirp, bringing back the cheer of the happy past, comforted the +children, and sang new hopes into the hearts of their elders. + +With every vessel that has touched the New World's shores since that +time have come these fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the ample +chests of the first Virginians, or bound in the bundles of the last +steerage passengers just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom of +a distant Fatherland has always folded its wings, ready to chirp on the +new hearthstone, the familiar even-song of the old. + +That is how the American celebration of Christmas has become so +cosmopolitan in its character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its song of an "auld lang +syne." + +"I should like to have a little of everything this year," remarked Miss +Caroline, as, pencil in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum. + +It was two weeks before Christmas, and she had called a family council +in her room, after Jack had gone to bed. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily embroidering. + +"It is the first time we have had a home of our own for so many years, +or been where there is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, "that +we ought to make quite an occasion of it." + +"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, "is to begin back with the +mistletoe of the Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding of old +England. I'm sorry we can't have the Yule log and the wassail-bowl and +the dear little Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. But we +can have a tree Christmas eve, with all the beautiful German customs +that go with it. Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, whether +he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then we must read up all the +Scandinavian and Dutch and Flemish customs, and observe just as many as +we can." + +"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully. + +"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. "Jack is going to invite ten +poor children that the Junior Mercy and Help Department have reported. +He is so grateful for being able to walk a little, that he wants to give +up his whole Christmas to them." + +"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. "I'm through with my last +present now, and am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to the +slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment." + +As she spoke she snipped the last thread of silk with her little silver +scissors, and tossed the piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap. + +Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You are a true artist, Lois," she +said. "These sweet peas look as if they had just been gathered. They +would almost tempt the bees." + +"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," answered Lois. "You can't +guess whom she's making that table-cover for?" + +Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For that dear old grandmother +where we were entertained at Chattanooga last summer," she said. "Don't +you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? She couldn't hear well enough to +enjoy the meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was a perpetual +welcome. She asked me into her room one day, and showed me a great bunch +of red clover some one had sent her from the country. She seemed so +pleased with it, and told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows at home, with all the +artlessness of a child. That is why I chose this design." + +"There never was another like you, Cousin Ray," said Bethany. "You +remember everything and everybody at Christmas, and I don't see how you +ever manage to get through with so much work." + +"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet, sententiously. "At least +that's what my old copy-book used to say." + +"And it also said, if I remember aright," said Miss Caroline, a little +severely, "'Plan out your work, and work out your plan.' It's high time +we were settling down to business, if we expect to accomplish anything." + +While this Christmas council was in session in Miss Caroline's room, +another was being held in an old farm-house in the northern part of the +State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and daughter. Everything in the room +gave evidence of German thrift and neatness, from the shining brass +andirons on the hearth, to the geraniums blooming on the window-sill. + +"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind +him in the Fatherland, when he came to America a poor emigrant boy; and +that was the name now carved on the arch that spanned the wide +entrance-gate, leading to the home and the well-tilled acres that he had +earned by years of steady, honest toil. + +It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to every wayfarer sheltered +under its ample roof-tree. + +He had accumulated his property by careful economy, but he gave out with +the same conscientious spirit with which he gathered in. No matter when +the summons might come, at nightfall or at cock-crowing, he was ready to +give an account of his faithful stewardship. Not only had he divided his +bread with the hungry, but he had given time and personal care, and a +share in his own home-life, to those who were in need. + +More than one young farmer, jogging past Herzenruhe in a wagon of his +own, looked gratefully up the long lane, and remembered that he owed the +steady habits of his manhood and his present prosperity to Gottlieb +Hartmann. For in all the years since he had had a place of his own, +there had seldom been a time when some homeless boy or another had not +been a member of his household. + +He was an old man now, white-haired and rheumatic, and called +grandfather by all the country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy winter apple. His +children had all married and gone farther West, except his oldest +daughter, Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to lure away from +her comfortable home-nest. She was an energetic, self-willed little +body, and had gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had wheeled her sewing-machine beside +the table, on which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing to dress a +whole family of dolls to be packed in the Christmas boxes that were soon +to be sent West. + +Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, her sweet, wrinkled old +face bright with the loving thoughts that her needles were putting into +a little red mitten, destined for one of the boxes. + +"It will be the first Christmas since I can remember," said Carlotta, +"that there will be no little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children the year before. It's a +pity they are so far away. It will just spoil my Christmas." + +Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate he was reading. + +"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. There will be a little lad +here to-morrow to take dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I met +our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had a boy with him whose father is +just dead, and he is the guardian." + +"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion first came here?" asked +Carlotta. "Seems to me I was only a little girl, and now I have pulled +out lots of gray hairs already." + +"It has been twenty years at least," answered her mother. "It was while +we were building the ice-house, I know." + +"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone into Ridgeville one Saturday to +get some new boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was just a young +fellow making his first trip, and he seemed so strange and homesick that +when I found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, I brought him +out here to stay over Sunday with us." + +"I remember you brought him right into the kitchen where I was dropping +noodles in the soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has seemed to feel +like one of the family ever since." + +"Yes, he has never missed coming out here every time he has been in this +part of the State, from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking up +his paper again. + +Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three miles away, Mr. Marion was +telling Lee of all the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he could hardly wait for the time +to come, and he dreamed all night of the country. + +Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the visit. The delighted child +spent all his time in the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he said. "There's the +dearest little colt in the barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond +in the pasture covered with ice!" + +Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta makes doughnuts every +Saturday, and she says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the garret." + +When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion was going on to the next town +before starting home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return. + +"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into his pulses.' It will be good +for him," she said. + +"Nobody knows better than I," answered Mr. Marion, "the sweet +wholesomeness of country living. I should be glad to leave him in such +an atmosphere always. He would develop into a much purer manhood, and I +am sure would be far happier." + +Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. "We'll see," she said. "Don't say +anything to him about it, but we'll try him while you're gone, and then +I'll talk to father. He seems right handy about the chores, and there is +a good school near here." + +Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, he went out to the barn to +find Lee. The boy had just scrambled out of a haymow with his hat full +of eggs. His face was beaming. + +"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, "and I rode to the post-office +this afternoon, horseback." + +"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. "Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann +is just the grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, and they're all +so good to me." + +It proved to be a very eventful journey for the boy; for after some +discussion about his board, it was arranged that he should come back to +the farm after the holidays. + +"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. "Why couldn't I stay right on, +now I'm here. You could send my clothes to me, and it wouldn't cost near +as much as to go home first." + +"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. "She is planning for a big +tree and lots of fun Christmas." + +"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. "I'd so much rather stay here +than go back to town and find him gone." + +"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, touched by the +expression of his face. "We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself." + +When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode down the lane with him to open the +big gate. After he had driven through he turned for one more look. + +The boy stood under the archway waving good-bye with his cap. The late +afternoon sun shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated the +snow, still clinging to the quaintly carved letters on the arch above, +till it seemed they were all golden letters that spelled the name of +Herzenruhe. + + * * * * * + +This holiday season would have been a sad time for Bethany, had she +allowed herself to listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely away from her +memories, saying: "I will be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it." + +Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness into every life that +touched her own, she found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show windows. She +anticipated the pleasure that would attend the opening of each bundle +carried by every purchaser that jostled against her in the street. It +was impossible for her to breathe the general air of festivity at home, +and not carry something of the Christmas spirit to the office with her. + +"Everybody has caught the contagion," she said gayly, coming into the +office Saturday afternoon, with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, Mr. Crookshaw, whom +everybody thinks so miserly, going along with a little red cart under +his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out of his pocket." + +"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, "by not being down-town +every day." + +"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is nearly wild now with the +excitement of the preparations that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for you to be present at the +lighting of his tree Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will enjoy watching the +children," she added, after she had told him of their various plans, +"and I hope you will be sure to come." + +"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That is the second invitation I have +had this afternoon. Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to attend the +League's devotional meeting to-morrow night. He says it will be +especially interesting on account of the season, and insists that 'turn +about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day services, and he wants +me to be present at his Christmas services." + +"We shall be very glad to have you come," said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is +to lead the meeting instead of any of the young people, who usually take +turns. I can not tell how such a meeting might impress an outsider; to +me they are very inspiring and helpful." + +That night, as she sat in her room indulging in a few minutes of +meditation before putting out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned her for the little use she +had made of her opportunity. + +It had been four months since he had come into the office, and while +they had several times discussed their respective religions, she had +never found an occasion when she could make a personal appeal to him to +accept Christ. Once when she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had interrupted them. + +"I must speak to him frankly," she said. Then she knelt and prayed that +something might be said or sung in the service of the morrow that would +prepare the way for such a conversation. + +David felt decidedly out of place Sunday evening as he took a seat in +the back part of the room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find. + +They were singing when he entered. He recognized the tune. It was the +one he had heard at Chattanooga--"Nearer, my God, to Thee." It seemed to +bring the whole scene before him--the sunrise--the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every soul. + +At the close of the song, another was announced in a voice that he +thought he recognized. He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, he had been +correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's--one of the keenest, most scholarly +lawyers at the bar, and a man he met daily. + +He was leaning back in his seat, beating time with his left hand, as he +led the tune with his strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note. + +David moved over to make room for a newcomer. From his changed position +he could see a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. Marion, Lois +Denning, and the Courtney sisters. Bethany was seated at the piano. + +Presently the door from the pastor's study opened, and Dr. Bascom came +in and took his seat beside the president of the League. + +"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one behind him whisper to her +escort. "What do you suppose could have happened? His face actually +shines." + +David had been watching it ever since he took his seat. It was a benign, +pleasant face at all times, but just now it seemed to have caught the +reflection of a great light. Everybody in the room noticed it. David, +quick to make Old Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming down +the mountain from a talk with God. He felt as positively, as if he had +seen for himself, that the minister had just risen from his knees, and +had come in among them, radiant from the unspeakable joy of that +communion. Every one present began to feel its influence. + +The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for reading, was one they had heard +many times, but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered it: + +"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." + +Something of the gladness that must have rung through the song of the +heralds on that first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read. + +Then he turned to Luke's account of the shepherds abiding in the fields +by night--that beautiful old story, that will always be new until the +stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem shall have ceased to be a +wonder. + +As the service progressed, David began to feel that he was not in a +church, but that he had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told the experiences of the past week, +the blessings and the trials that had come to them since they had last +seen each other. + +Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke from where they sat, just as +they would have talked in some home-circle. + +And through it all they seemed to recognize a Divine presence in the +room, to whom they spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, but +with the deepest love and gratitude. + +As David listened to voice after voice testifying to a personal +knowledge of Christ as a Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an utter stranger. + +When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened with still greater interest. +He knew him to be an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number of +times in rousing political speeches, and once in a masterly oration over +the Nation's dead on Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man had with +a jury, and he knew what respect even his enemies had for his +unimpeachable veracity and honor. + +Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned as when examining a +witness, to give his own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony. + +He said: "There may be some here to-night to whom the prophecy that was +read, and the story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. To +such I do not come with the sayings of the prophets, or to repeat the +tidings of the shepherds, or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times believed. I tell you +that which I myself do know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not the Son of God, he +could not have entered into my life, and transformed it as he has done. +My star of hope is far more real to me than the stars outside that +lighted my way to this room to-night. I have knelt at his feet and +worshiped, and gone on my way rejoicing. I know that through the +sacrifice he offered on Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his only-begotten. The +voice that bears witness to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined to dispute it, they would +be as nothing to that still, small voice within that whispers peace--the +witness of the Spirit." + +On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore had not been half so +surprised at hearing the League benediction intoned by rabbi and choir, +as was David when the familiar blessing of the synagogue was repeated in +unison by those of another faith: + +"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon +thee, and give thee peace." + +David had heard so much of Methodists that he had expected noisy +demonstrations and great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of amen during the prayers; +but while the prevailing spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, it +had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless under-current. + +He slipped out of the room after the benediction, fearful of meeting +curious glances. A member of the reception committee managed to shake +hands with him, but his friends had not discovered his attendance. + +Two things followed him persistently. The expression of Dr. Bascom's +face, and Hewson Raleigh's emphatic "I know." + +He took the last train out to Hillhollow, wishing he had staid away from +the League meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable. + +He walked the floor until long after midnight. Even sleep brought him no +rest, for in his dreams he was still groping blindly in the dark for +something--he knew not what--but something wise men had found long years +ago in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON CHRISTMAS EVE. + + +IT was Christmas eve, and nearing the time for Bethany to leave the +office. She stood, with her wraps on, by one of the windows, waiting for +Mr. Edmunds to come back. She had a message to deliver before she could +leave, and she expected him momentarily. + +In the street below people were hurrying by with their arms full of +bundles. She was impatient to be gone, too. There were a great many +finishing touches for her to give the tall tree in the drawing-room at +home. + +She had worked till the last moment at noon, and locked the door +regretfully on the gayly-decked room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of Christmas festivities. + +While she stood there, she heard steps in the hall. + +"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she exclaimed, as David entered. It +was the first time he had been at the office that day. "I have a message +for him. Have you seen him anywhere?" + +"No," answered David. "I have just come in from Hillhollow. Marta has +telegraphed that she is coming home on the night train, so I shall not +be able to accept Jack's invitation. She had not expected to come at all +during the holidays; but one of the teachers was called home, and she +could not resist the temptation to accompany her, although she can only +stay until the end of the week." + +As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's disappointment, David picked +up a small package that lay on his desk. + +"O, the expressman left that for you a little while ago," she said. +"Your Christmas is beginning early." + +She turned again to the window, peering out through the dusk, while +David lighted the gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package. + +It occurred to her that here was a time, while all the world was turning +towards the Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, that she +might venture to speak of him. Before she could decide just how to +begin, David spoke to her: + +"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would like for you to see it." + +He held a little silver case towards her, on which a handsome monogram +was heavily engraved. + +As she touched the spring it flew open, showing an exquisitely painted +miniature on ivory. + +She gave an involuntary cry of delight. + +"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It is one of the loveliest +faces I ever saw." She scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an +artist's evident pleasure. Then she looked up with a smile. + +"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke to me about," she said. "He +said that she was rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight." + +"How long ago since he told you that?" asked David in surprise. + +"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," she answered. + +"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?" + +"Yes." + +David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively why his old friend had departed +so from his usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. He had +intimated to David, when he had first met Miss Hallam, that she was an +unusually fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing friendship +might gradually lessen the young man's interest in Esther, whom he saw +only at long intervals, as she lived in a distant city. + +"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling you myself," said David. + +"I have often wondered what she is like," answered Bethany, "and I am +glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations. I wish +that she lived here that I might make her acquaintance. I do not know +when I have seen a face that has captivated me so." + +"Thank you," replied David, flushing with pleasure. A tender smile +lighted his eyes as he glanced at the miniature again before closing the +case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the spring," he added proudly. + +They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. Bethany held out her hand. + +"I shall not see you again until next week, I suppose," she said, "so +let me wish you a very happy Christmas." + +He kept her hand in his an instant as he repeated her greeting, then, +looking earnestly down into the upturned face, added gently in Hebrew, +the old benediction--"Peace be upon you." + +It was quite dark when she stepped out into the streets. She thought of +David and Esther all the way home. + +At first she thought of them with a tender smile curving her lips, as +she entered unselfishly into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered. + +Then she thought of them with tears in her eyes and a chill in her +heart, as some little waif might stand shivering on the outside of a +window, looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth and comfort he could +not share. The joy of her own betrothal, and the desolation that ended +it, surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she was in no mood for +merry-making when she reached home. + +She longed to slip quietly away to her own room, and spend the evening +in the dark with her memories. She had to wait a moment on the +threshold before she could summon strength enough to go in cheerfully. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room helping the sisters +decorate the long table, where the children were to be served with +supper immediately on their arrival. + +"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh to gather them up," said Mrs. +Marion. "They'll soon be here, so you'll not have much time to dress." + +"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in a minute. Mr. Herschel can't +come, so you may as well take off one plate." + +"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, pausing on her way to the +kitchen. "I asked him this morning, and forgot to say anything about +it." + +Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully unconscious of the +grimace Bethany made behind her back. + +"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline means all right, but she +is a born matchmaker. She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. Cragmore, and +wants me to do the same. She thinks she is so very deep, and so very +wary in the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; but the +dear old soul is as transparent as a window-pane. I can see every move +she makes." + +"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. "Is he conscious of her efforts +in his behalf?" + +"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly old lady, and is always +paying her some flattering attention. It is well worth his while, for +she makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his pockets full of goodies, +as if he were an overgrown boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. She is always going out +to Clarke Street to hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to him +afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, as two short rings and one +long one were given the front door-bell. + +"So he even has his especial signals," laughed Lois. "He must be on a +very familiar footing, indeed." + +"He got into that habit when he first started to calling by to take me +up to the Hebrew class," she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him in +it." + +Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying through the room to receive him. + +"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited stage whisper, "you'd better run +up the back stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a rose in your +hair, just to please me. Now, won't you?" + +Bethany and Lois looked at each other and laughed. + +"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I am," said Bethany; "but as +it's Christmas-time I suppose I must be good and please everybody." + +It was not long before a great stamping of many snowy little feet +announced the arrival of the Christmas guests. + +They came into the house with such rosy, happy faces, that no one +thought of the patched clothes and ragged shoes. + +"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred instead of ten," sighed +Miss Harriet, as she helped seat them at the table. "They look as though +they never once had enough to eat in all their little lives." + +"They shall have it now," declared Miss Caroline heartily, "if George +Cragmore doesn't keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just hear +the man!" + +She had never seen him in such a gay humor, or heard him tell such +irresistibly funny stories as the ones he brought out for the +entertainment of these poor little guests, who had never known anything +but the depressing poverty of the most wretched homes. + +Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who had found them, and spirited +them away to this enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin who +rubbed his lamp until their eyes were dazzled by the wonderful scenes he +conjured up for them. + +When the dinner was over, and everything had been taken off the table +but the flowers and candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on his knee. + +With his arms around her, he began to tell the story of the first +Christmas. His voice was very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the white sheep huddled +together, and the shepherds keeping watch by night. + +One by one the children slipped down from their chairs, and crowded +closer around him. + +He had never preached before to such a breathless audience, and he had +never put into his sermons such gentleness and pathos and power. + +He was thinking of their poor, neglected lives, and how much they needed +the love of One who could sympathize to the utmost, because he was born +among the lowly, and "was despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the intensity of his feeling, +and the children were very quiet. + +The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. Then she smiled up in his +face, and, putting her arm around his neck, leaned her head against him. + +There was a bugle-call from the library, and Jack led the children away +to listen to an orchestra composed of boys from the League, who had +volunteered their services for the occasion. + +While they were playing some old carols, Miss Caroline called Mr. +Cragmore aside. "I've sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can help her." + +Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, "May the saints bless +you for that now!" She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany. + +"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, "you needn't be putting everything +off onto poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered that she is only +somebody's cat's-paw." + +Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly touched by the winning +tenderness of Cragmore's manner with the children. If there had been no +memory of a past love in her life, she could have found in this man all +the qualities that would inspire the deepest affection; but with that +memory always present, she resented the slightest word that hinted of +his interest in her. + +She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, and that mischief-loving +girl thoroughly enjoyed forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege. + +It was still early in the evening, while the children were romping +around the dismantled tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving. + +"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission to-night," he explained, in +answer to the remonstrances that greeted him on all sides. + +"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended to tell you about that, and I +must stay a moment longer to do it." + +He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall chair, and folded his arms +across it. + +"The other day I made the acquaintance of a Russian Jew, Sigmund +Ragolsky. He has a remarkable history. He married an English Jewess, was +a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, and is now a Baptist preacher, +converted after a fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief in +the truth of Christianity. The story of his life sounds like a romance. +He was so strictly orthodox that he would not strike a match on the +Sabbath. He would have starved before he would have touched food that +had not been prepared according to ritual. He is here for the purpose of +establishing a Hebrew mission. You should see the people who come to +hear him. They are nearly all from that poor class in the tenement +district. One can hardly believe they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky, though, is a scholar, and +I should like to hear the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews are no +Jews at all--that they are the hardest people in the world to convert, +because they look for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that suits +them, and are so well satisfied with themselves that they feel no need +of any mediator between them and eternal holiness. They feel fully equal +to the task of making their own atonement. Rabbi Barthold says that the +orthodox are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of them live two +lives--one towards God, of slavish religious observances; the other +towards man, of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want you to hear +Ragolsky preach some night. I'll tell you his story some other time." + +"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as he picked up his overcoat +again; "did he have to give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?" + +"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children were converted also. He had +two rich brothers-in-law in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over that, I can assure you. +O, he is so full of his purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business as he is, the +millennium would soon be here." + +Afterward, when the children had been taken home, and the feast and the +tree, and the people who gave them, were only blissful memories in their +happy little hearts, Bethany stood by the window in her room, holding +aside the curtain. + +Everything outside was covered with snow. She was thinking of Ragolsky +and Lessing, and wondering which of the two fates would be David +Herschel's, if he should ever become a Christian. + +Would Esther's love for her people be stronger than her love for him? + +She knew how tenaciously the women of Israel cling to their faith, yet +she felt that it was no ordinary bond that held these two together. + +Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, Bethany whispered a very +heartfelt prayer for David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who was to +be his bride; and like an answering omen of good, over the white roofs +of the city came the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION. + + +THE office work for the old year was all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David would soon follow. He had only some +private correspondence to finish. + +Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters in the different +pigeon-holes of her desk. Ninety-five was slipping out into the +eternities. It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; it was carrying +away a far different record from the one she had planned. She felt that +she could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an unaccountable +reticence sealed her lips. + +David had been in the office very little during the past week, only long +enough to get his mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for Bethany to say what was trembling +on her lips. + +She heard him slipping the letter into the envelope. He would be gone +in just another moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. O, she must +say something! Her heart beat violently, and her face grew hot. She shut +her eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing appeal for help. + +David strolled into the room with his hat in his hand, and stood beside +her table. + +"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," he said, gravely. "It +has brought me a great many unexpected experiences, but the most +unexpected of all is the one that led to our acquaintance. In wishing +you a happy new year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your friendship +has been to me in the old." + +Bethany found sudden speech as she took the proffered hand. + +"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that I have not only been +wishing, but praying earnestly, that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds--the peace that comes in accepting Christ +as a Savior." + +He turned from her abruptly, and, with his hands thrust in his overcoat +pockets, began pacing up and down the room with quick, excited strides. + +"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem to be pursued. Every way I +turn, the same thing is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it--O, longer than that--since I first talked to Lessing. Then +there was Dr. Trent's death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. Cragmore has talked to +me so often, too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer such lives +and faith as theirs. Yesterday morning I had a letter from Lee--little +Lee Trent--thanking me for a book I had sent him, and even that child +had something to say. He told me about his conversion. Last night +curiosity led me down town to hear a Russian Jew preach to a lot of +rough people in an old warehouse by the river. His text was Pilate's +question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?' It +wasn't a sermon. There wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and death sentence--but he +made it such a personal matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, 'What shall I do? What shall I +do with this Jesus called Christ!'" + +He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth in silence. Then he broke +out again: + +"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down there last night. He had +been a rough, blasphemous drunkard that I have seen in the police courts +many a time. I saw him fall on his knees at the altar, groaning for +mercy, and I saw him, when he stood up after a while, with a face like a +different creature's, all transformed by a great joy, crying out that he +had been pardoned for Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, and +wondered which of us is nearer the truth. If I am right, what a poor, +deluded fool he is! But if he is right, good God--" + +He stopped abruptly. + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if you were convinced that, by +going on some certain pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that the +finding would shatter your belief in the creed you cling to now, would +you undertake the journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for the +faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for Truth, regardless of +long-cherished opinion?" + +For a moment there was no answer. Then he threw back his shoulders +resolutely. + +"I would take the journey," he said, with decision. "If I am wrong I +want to know it." Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one of the +pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, opened at the place where the answer +to Thomas was heavily underscored: + +"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; no man +cometh unto the Father but by me." + +"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The door has never been opened to +you, because you have never knocked. You have no personal knowledge of +Christ, because you have never sought for it. He has never revealed +himself to you, because you have never asked him to do so." + +He turned to her impatiently. + +"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, +or John the Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me than any other +man who has taught and died. How can I pray to him, then?" + +Bethany fingered the leaves of her little Testament, her heart +fluttering nervously. + +"I wish you would take this and read it," she said. "It would answer you +far better than I can." + +"I have read it," he replied, "a number of years ago. I could see +nothing in it." + +"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she answered. "See!" she cried +eagerly, turning the leaves to find another place she had marked. "Paul +wrote this about the children of Israel: 'Their minds were blinded: for +until this day remaineth the same veil' (the one told about in Exodus, +you know) 'untaken away, in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the +veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, +the veil shall be taken away.'" + +"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. He took the book, and +turning back to the first of the chapter, commenced to read. + +The great bell in the court-house tower began clanging six. + +"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this with me and look through it +another time." + +"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting to-night," she said, +wistfully. "It is from ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the city +meet at Garrison Avenue." + +He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned up his overcoat. A +sudden reserve of manner seemed to envelop him at the same time. + +"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on his gloves. "I have an informal +invitation from some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year out and +the new year in." + +His tone seemed so flippant after the recent depth of feeling he had +betrayed, that it jarred on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door. + +"No matter where you may be," she said as he opened it, "I shall be +praying for you." + +After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her desk, mechanically assorting +the letters. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had quite +forgotten it was time to go home. + +The door opened, and Frank Marion came in. He was followed by Cragmore, +who was going home with him to dinner. + +"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. "Where's David? We dropped in +to invite him around to the watch-meeting to-night." + +"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I asked him, but he declined on +account of a previous engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, "I +do believe he is almost convinced of the truth of Christianity!" + +She repeated the conversation that had just taken place. + +"He has been fighting against that conviction for some time," answered +Mr. Marion. "I had a talk with him last week." + +"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold would say if Mr. Herschel should +become a Christian?" asked Bethany. + +"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very question yesterday," exclaimed +Mr. Cragmore. "It astounded him at first. I could see that the mere +thought of such apostasy in one he loves as dearly as his young David, +wounded him sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But he is a noble +soul, broad-minded and generous. He did not answer for a moment, and +when he finally spoke I could see what an effort the words cost him: + +"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. 'He has a right to +choose for himself. I would rather read the rites of burial over his +dead body than to see him cut loose from the faith in which I have so +carefully trained him; but no matter what course he pursues, I am sure +of one thing, his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he does, will be +from a deep conviction of right. I, who was denounced and misunderstood +in my youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy that bound me +down spiritually, should be the last one to condemn the same +independence of thought in others.'" + +"Herschel would have less opposition to contend with than any Jew I +know," remarked Mr. Marion. + +"That little sister of his would be rather pleased than otherwise, and, +I think, would soon follow his example." + +Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing. + +"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," said Cragmore, who had +been appointed to lead the meeting. + +"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend on the shoulder. Then he +quoted emphatically: "'And this is the confidence that we have in Him, +that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.'" + +"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, in his impetuous way. + +He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling beside David's desk, +began praying for his absent friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering earnestness, and +after his voice ceased, Bethany took up the petition. + +"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are not heard," exclaimed +Marion, triumphantly, as he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk as far as the avenue with +you." + +As they went down-stairs together, he kept singing softly under his +breath, "Blessed be the name, blessed be the name of the Lord!" + +By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison Avenue Church was +crowded. + +George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied address for the +occasion; but during the half hour of the song service preceding it, +while he studied the faces of his audience, his heart began to be +strangely burdened for David and his people. He covered his eyes with +his hand a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, before he +arose to speak. + +"My friends," he said in his deep, musical voice, "I had thought to talk +to you to-night of 'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been +sitting here, God had put another message into my mouth. We are all +children of one Father who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness of the questions I shall +ask, and the seeming harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how many, during the year just +gone, have contributed in any way to the support of Home and Foreign +Missions?" + +Every one in the room arose. + +"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, and direct appeal, to +bring some one to Christ?" + +Again every one arose. + +"How many of you, during the past year, have spoken to a Jew about your +Savior, or in any way evinced to any one of them a personal interest in +the salvation of that race?" + +Looks of surprise were exchanged among the Leaguers, and many smiled at +the question. Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam. + +When they had taken their seats again there was a moment of intense +silence. The earnest solemnity of the minister was felt by every one +present. They waited almost breathlessly for what was coming. + +"There is a young Jew in this city to-night whose heart is turning +lovingly towards your Savior and mine. I have come to ask your prayers +in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks in his way may be removed. But +it is not for him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear Isaiah's +voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your +God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her +warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.' And then I seem +to hear another voice that through the thunderings of Sinai proclaims, +'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It must read a terrible +handwriting on the wall in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had she seen Christ in the +daily life of every follower since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of Sauls turned Pauls! We +are Christ's witnesses to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished no racial prejudices. He +turned away from no man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of +indifference. He drew no line across which his sympathies and love and +helping hands should not reach. When we do these things, are we not +bearing false witness to the character of him whose name we have +assumed, and the emblem of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful of this corner of the +Lord's vineyard. It must be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent to this." + +Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky and David, and called on them +to pray that his friend might find the light he was seeking. A dozen +earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, and every heart went +out in sympathy to this young Jew, whom they longed to see happy in the +consciousness of a personal Savior. + +David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He dined at the restaurant, and +was just starting leisurely down to the depot when he found that his +watch told the same time as when he had looked at it an hour before. It +must have been stopped even some time before that. At any rate it had +made him too late for the train. The next one would not leave till nine +o'clock. He stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, and finally +concluded to go back to the office for a magazine he had borrowed from +Rabbi Barthold, and take it home to him. + +His steps echoed strangely through the deserted hall as he climbed the +stairs to the office. He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But when he had found it, he +still sat there idly, drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair. + +After awhile he took Bethany's Testament out of his pocket, and began to +read. It was marked heavily with many marginal notes and underscored +passages, that he examined with a great deal of curiosity. Beginning +with Matthew's account of the wise men's search, he read steadily on +through the four Gospels, past Acts, and through some of Paul's +epistles. It was after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews. + +He put the book down with a groan, and, folding his arms on the desk, +wearily laid his head on them. + +Just then Bethany's parting words echoed in his ears, "No matter where +you may be, I shall be praying for you." + +It had irritated him at the moment. Now there was comfort in the thought +that she might be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith of his +fathers. He was proud of every drop of Israelitish blood that coursed +through his veins. He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism--nothing! Yet his heart went out lovingly toward the Christ that +had been so wonderfully revealed to him as he read. + +The conviction was slowly forcing itself on his mind that in accepting +him he would not be giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own people--only believing fulfilled +prophecy. + +He wanted him so--this Christ who seemed able to satisfy every longing +of his heart, which just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the world that he had given +himself a willing sacrifice to make propitiation for its sins--for +his--David Herschel's sins. + +The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation came back to +perplex him, and he put them resolutely away, remembering the words that +Bethany had quoted, that when Israel should turn to the Lord, the veil +should be taken from its heart. + +Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his hands clasped above his +head, cried out: "O, Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me Christ! I +will give up anything--everything that stands in the way of my accepting +him, if thou wilt but make him manifest!" + +He threw himself on his knees in an agony of supplication, and then +rising, walked the floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and again +rose in despair to pace back and forth. + +He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's conversion had been attended +by such miraculous manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him. + +Opening the little Testament at random, he saw the words, "If thou shalt +confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart +that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." + +"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will confess it the first +opportunity I have. Yes, I will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra--no +matter what it may cause him to say to me." + +He looked at the clock again. The old year was almost gone. It was +nearly midnight. Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered the +watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them. + +He started rapidly down the street, saying to himself: "How queer this +seems! Here am I, a Jew, on my way to confess before men that I believe +a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. I don't understand the mystery of +it, but I do believe in some way the promised atonement has been made, +and that it avails for me." + +He clung to that hope all the way down to the Church. It was growing +stronger every step. + +Bethany had risen to take her place at the piano at the announcement of +another hymn, when the door opened and David Herschel stood in their +midst. Not even glancing at the startled members of the League, he +walked across the room and held out one hand to Cragmore and the other +to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners with its intensity of +purpose. + +"I have come to confess before you the belief that your Jesus is the +Christ, and that through him I shall be saved." + +Then a look of happy wonderment shone in his face, as the dawning +consciousness of his acceptance became clearer to him. + +"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful surprise. + +Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one exclamation could express +the depth of Frank Marion's gratitude--an old-fashioned shout of "Glory +to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion--for it came in when "the morning +stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." + +"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried David. + +"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to those around him, and laying his +hand on David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned Paul. Who such +missionaries of the cross as these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the world. Who will join the +alliance?" + +In answer they came crowding around David, with warm hand-clasps and +sympathetic words, till the bells all over the city began tolling the +hour of midnight. + +At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the final prayer of consecration. + +There was a deep silence. Then the leader's voice began: + +"The untried paths of the new year stretch out into unknown distances. +But trusting in an Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how many will sing with me: + +[Illustration: Music + + "Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow. + I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."] + +The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as every voice covenanted with his. + +"But some of us may have planned out certain paths for our own feet, +that lead alluringly to ease and approbation. Think! God may call us +into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to no earthly recompense, to +lowly service and unrequited toil. Can we still sing it? Let us wait. +Let us consider and be very sure." + +In the prayerful silence, David thought of his profession and the hopes +of the great success that it was his ambition to attain. Could he give +it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated ministry to his people? He +wavered. But just then he had a vision of the Christ. He seemed to see a +footsore, tired man, holding out his hands in blessing to the motley +crowds that thronged him; and again he saw the same patient form +stumbling wearily along under a heavy beam of wood, scourged, mocked, +spit upon, nailed to the cross, for--him! + +David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: "I'll go with Him, with +Him, all the way." + +"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal plans are concerned, we +are willing to put ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose he +should call for our hearts' best beloved, are we willing to make of this +hour a Mount Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs--our all? Do we +consecrate ourselves entirely? Will we go with him all the way, no +matter through what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead us?" + +Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful face came before him. + +"O God! anything but that!" he cried out passionately. + +Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching out, clasped his hand, and +prayed silently that strength might be given him to make the +consecration complete. + +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!" + +David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When they arose the tears were +streaming down his cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been revealed to him. A new +life and a new year had been born together. + + * * * * * + +No, the story is not done, but the rest of it can not be written until +it has first been lived. + +In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes shall weave these +life-webs to the finish. Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. Who can tell? The new year +has only begun. + +But we know that all things work together for good to those who give +themselves into the eternal keeping, and--"God's in his heaven." + + + + +SILENT KEYS. + + +ONCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to take in the Christmas +choruses. + +It was not long before every voice had caught the sweet old tune of "Joy +to the World," and as their little feet pattered down the solemn aisles, +the song was carried with them to the work and play of the streets +outside. + +As the girl turned to follow, she found the old white-haired organist, a +master-musician, standing beside her. + +"Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister?" he asked. "You +have left silent some of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is what +you should have put into your song." + +As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the key-board, till the great +cathedral seemed to tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it--"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" + +High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of sky-larks, fluttered away +from his touch, and went winging their flight--up and up--beyond all +mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords and majestic octaves rolled +the triumphal gladness. Every key seemed to find a voice, as the hands +of the old musician swept through the variations of "Antioch." + +Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when he had finished she said +sadly: "Ah, only a master-hand could do that--bring out the varied tones +of those silent keys, and yet through it all keep the thread of the song +clear and unbroken. All those divine harmonies were in my soul as I +played, yet had I tried to give expression to them, I might have +wandered away from the simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those fuller chords you strike so +easily, or in reaching always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take in the choruses, and they +would not have gone out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world." + +Maybe some such master may turn the pages of this story, and feel the +same impatience at its incompleteness. Here in this place he would have +added, with strong touches, many a convincing argument. There he would +have spoken with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may turn away, +saying: "Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister? You have +left silent some of the sweetest and deepest." + +The answer is the same. Only a master-hand can sweep the gamut of +history and human weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the discordant +elements of controversy and criticism in all their variations, and at +the same time keep the simple theme constantly throbbing through them, +so strong and full and clear it can never be forgotten. + +The purpose of this story is accomplished if it has only attracted the +attention of the League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not stop with that. + +There is only one song that will ever bring universal joy to this old, +tear-blinded world, and that is that the Lord is come, and that he is +risen indeed in the lives of his followers. + +True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the League should not be +content simply to do that. It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and longings, that it will +know just what chord to touch in every heart it is striving to help. + +Go back to the days of the dispersion, and follow this Ishmael through +his almost limitless desert of persecution--his hand against every man +because every man's hand was against him. + +Put yourself in his place until your vision grows broad and your +sympathy deep. Chafe against his limitations. Stumble over his +obstacles, and in so doing learn where best to place the +stepping-stones. + +Dig down through the strata of tradition, below all the manifold +ceremonies of his formal worship, until you come to the bed-rock of +principle underlying them. + +When you have thus studied Judaism, its prophets, its priesthood, its +patriots--when you have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's tent to +the Temple gates, and then followed its diverging lines on into almost +every hamlet of both hemispheres, you will have learned something more +than the history of Judaism. You will have read the story of the whole +race of Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far better to serve +humanity. + +Christ reached his hearers through his intimate knowledge of them. He +never talked to shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers of +flocks. He gave the same water of life to the woman at Jacob's well that +he bestowed on the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how differently +he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan and the learned Nicodemus. + +To this end, then, study these creeds and systems; for instance, the +unity of God, clung to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating his +Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is God, and Mohammed is his +prophet!" + +Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes deeply channeling its way +through centuries of Semitic thought, until it enters the very +life-blood. You can trace its influence even down into the early +Christian Church, in the hot disputes of Arius and his followers, at the +Council of Nicea. + +Not until you comprehend how idolatrous the worship of the Trinity +seems to a Jew, can you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah. + +You will find this study of Judaism reaching out like a banyan-tree, +striking root and branching again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one of its manifold +ramifications, shadow every great problem and people. + +In the first conception of this story it was purposed to place +considerable emphasis on a number of things that have been left +untouched, especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, and the prophecies concerning the +return of the Jews to Palestine. + +But prophecy, while always a most interesting and profitable subject for +research and study, leads into an unmapped country of speculation. Many +an enthusiast, not recognizing that on God's great calendar a thousand +years are but as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries of +Revelations by the same numerical system with which he calculates his +assets and liabilities. As we examine this subject, we must not forget +the vast difference between our finite yardsticks, and the reed of the +angel who measured the city. + +God grant that, as the tree thrown into the stream of Marah changed its +bitter waters into wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study of +Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may turn all bitterness of +prejudice into the broad, sweet spirit of true brotherhood! + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + +Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. + +Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the +chapter "Dr. Trent". + +Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance) + +Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent +Southerner) + +Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. +Notwithstanding) + +Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them) + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +******* This file should be named 40527-8.txt or 40527-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Johnston</h1> +<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a +href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p> +<p>Title: In League with Israel</p> +<p> A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference</p> +<p>Author: Annie F. Johnston</p> +<p>Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy,<br /> + and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> + from page images generously made available by<br /> + Internet Archive<br /> + (<a href="http://www.archive.org">http://www.archive.org</a>).<br /> + Music was transcribed by Linda Cantoni.</h4> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + <a href="http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala"> + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 399px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="399" height="600" alt="Cover: In League with Israel" /> +</div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + +<h1>IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL</h1> + +<div class='center'><span class='big'><b>A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference</b></span><br /> +<br /> +<span class='small'>BY</span><br /> +<span class='author'>ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON</span><br /> + + +<span class='small'>AUTHOR OF</span><br /> +<span class='small'>"<span class="smcap">Joel: A Boy of Galilee</span>;" "<span class="smcap">The Story of the Resurrection</span>;"</span><br /> +<span class='small'>"<span class="smcap">Big Brother</span>;" "<span class="smcap">The Little Colonel</span>."</span><br /> +<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 38px;"> +<img src="images/leaves.png" width="38" height="45" alt="leaves" /> +</div> + +<div class='center'><br /><br /><br /> +<i>CINCINNATI: CURTS & JENNINGS</i><br /> +<i>NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS</i><br /> +<i>1896</i><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + + +<div class='copyright'> +COPYRIGHT<br /> +BY CURTS & JENNINGS,<br /> +1896.<br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE.</h2> + + +<p>What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young +Apostle of our Church, become to the Jews. Surely, not as +the priest or the Levite have you so long passed them by "on +the other side."</p> + +<p>Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which +requires haste, you have never noticed their need. But the +world sees, and, re-reading an old parable, cries out: "Who +is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel also, in thy midst?"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> + +<div class='poem'> +Nor knowest thou what argument<br /> +Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">—<span class='small'>EMERSON.</span></span><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + + + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right"><span class='small'><span class="smcap">Page.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'>CHAPTER I.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Rabbi's Protégé</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER II.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">On to Chattanooga</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER III.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Sunrise Service on</span> "<span class="smcap">Lookout</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">An Epworth Jew</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER V.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"<span class="smcap">Trust</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Two Turnings in Bethany's Lane</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Judge Hallam's Daughter, Stenographer</span>, </td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span><span class="smcap">A Kindling Interest</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IX.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Junior takes It in Hand</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER X.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Deaconess's Story</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"<span class="smcap">Yom Kippur</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Dr. Trent</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_199"><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads '189'">199</ins> </a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Little Prodigal</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Herzenruhe</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">On Christmas Eve</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A "Watch-night" Consecration</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />——————————</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><br /><span class="smcap">Silent Keys</span>,</td><td align="right"><br /><a href="#Page_297">297</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><span class="smcap">In League With Israel.</span></h2> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was growing dark in the library, +but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight +deepened, he unconsciously bent +nearer the great volume on the table before him, +till his white beard lay on the open page.</div> + +<p>He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his +deep voice filled the room with its musical intonations: +"Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, +and ye waters that be above the heavens."</p> + +<p>He raised his head and glanced out toward +the western sky. A star or two twinkled through +the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, +he walked to the open window and looked up.</p> + +<p>There was a noise of children playing on the +pavement below, and the rumbling of an electric<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of +a newsboy with the evening paper.</p> + +<p>But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses +in the Midian desert, Elijah by the brook +Cherith, were no more apart from the world +than this old rabbi at this moment.</p> + +<p>He saw only the star. He heard only the inward +voice of adoration, as he stood in silent communion +with the God of his fathers.</p> + +<p>His strong, rugged features and white beard +suggested the line of patriarchs so forcibly, that +had a robe and sandals been substituted for the +broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have +been complete.</p> + +<p>He stood there a long time, with his lips +moving silently; then suddenly, as if his unspoken +homage demanded voice, he caught up +his violin. Forty years of companionship had +made it a part of himself.</p> + +<p>The depth of his being that could find no +expression in words, poured itself out in the +passionately reverent tones of his violin.</p> + +<p>In such exalted moods as this it was no +earthly instrument of music. It became to him +a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +the voices of the angels ascending and descending, +and on whose trembling rounds he climbed +to touch the Infinite.</p> + +<p>There was a quick step on the stairs, and a +heavy tread along the upper hall. Then the +portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the +world brought the rhapsody to a close.</p> + +<p>"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too +dark to see, but your fiddle says that you are at +home."</p> + +<p>"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike +a light. I wondered why you were so late."</p> + +<p>"I was out on my wheel," answered the +young man. "Cycling is warm work this time +of year."</p> + +<p>He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily +down among the pile of cushions on the couch.</p> + +<p>"I had a letter from Marta to-day."</p> + +<p>"And what does the little sister have to say?" +answered the rabbi, noticing a frown deepening +on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way +home again."</p> + +<p>"No," answered David, with a still deeper +frown. "She has changed all her plans, and +wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with +them, and they are up on Lookout Mountain. +She wants me to meet her there and spend part +of the summer with her. She grows more infatuated +with Frances Herrick every day. You +know they have been inseparable friends since +they first started to kindergarten."</p> + +<p>"Why did she go down there without consulting +you?" asked the old man impatiently. +"You should be both father and mother to her, +now that neither of your parents is living. I +wish I were really your uncle and hers, +that I might have some authority. You must +be more careful of her, my boy. She should +spend this summer with you at home, instead +of with strangers in a hotel."</p> + +<p>"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick +to excuse the little sister, who was the only one +in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. +Mrs. Herrick is with the girls now, and the major +will join them next week. Marta is just like +one of the family, and I have encouraged the +intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. Herrick gives +her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta +and Frances are so congenial in every way that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> +they find their greatest happiness together. I +tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. +It is a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc."</p> + +<p>"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. +"Do you remember that the rest of that +declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, +and thy God my God?' David, my son, I tell +you there is great danger of the child's being led +away from the faith. Your father and hers +was my dearest friend. I have loved you children +like my own. You must heed my warning, +and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile +family, especially when it includes such an agreeable +member as that young Albert Herrick."</p> + +<p>"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they +are thrown constantly together."</p> + +<p>David looked down at the carpet, and began +absently tracing a pattern with his foot. He +was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages +gave him a fatherly feeling for her. He could +not bear the thought of interfering seriously +with her pleasure, yet he could not ignore the +old man's warning.</p> + +<p>Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +languages and music. Aside from a few years +at college, all that he knew had been learned +under the old man's wise supervision.</p> + +<p>"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, +when he lay dying, "take my child and make +him a man after your own pattern. I know +your noble soul. Give his the same strength +and sweetness. We are so greedy for the fleshpots +of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul +hunger. But you will teach the little fellow +higher things."</p> + +<p>Later, when the end had almost come, his +hand groped out feebly towards the child, who +had been brought to his bedside.</p> + +<p>"Never mind about the shekels, little +David," he said in a hoarse, broken whisper. +"But clean hands and a pure heart—that's all +that counts when you're in your coffin."</p> + +<p>The child's eyes grew wide with wonder +as a paroxysm of pain contracted the beloved +face. He was led quickly away, but those words +were never forgotten.</p> + +<p>The rabbi was thinking of them now as he +studied the handsome features of the young fellow +before him.</p> + +<p>It was a strong face, but refinement and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +gentleness showed in every line. There was +something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's +lips. "Clean hands and a pure heart," he said +fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my +David, if thou couldst but see how thy little +one has grown, not only in stature, but in soul-life, +in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said aloud, as the young man +left his seat and began to walk up and down +the room with his hands in his pockets, "what +are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. +"It would not be wise to send for Marta +to come home, for the reason you suggest, and +I have no other to offer her."</p> + +<p>"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. +"You need not tell her that you have any fear +of her being influenced by Gentile society—but +never for a moment let her forget that she +is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her race. +Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for +all that is Hebrew."</p> + +<p>"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested.</p> + +<p>"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +will give you as good a summer outing as you +need, and you can play guardian angel for +Marta while you take it."</p> + +<p>David laughed, and took another turn +across the room. Then he paused beside the +table, and picked up a newspaper.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what connections the trains make +now," he said. "There used to be a long wait +at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily +over the time-table.</p> + +<p>"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here +is a cheap excursion to Chattanooga this next +week. I could afford to run down and see +Marta, anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her +to come back with me, if I promised to take her +to Hudson Bay with me."</p> + +<p>"What kind of an excursion?" asked the +rabbi.</p> + +<p>"Epworth League, it says here, whatever +that may be. It seems to be some sort of an +international convention, and says to apply to +Frank B. Marion for particulars."</p> + +<p>"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. +"O, then it is a Methodist affair. He is not only +the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +judging by the way he works for it. I wish my +congregation would take a few lessons from +him."</p> + +<p>"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, +and blue eyes, and a habit of shaking hands +with everybody?" asked David. "I believe +I know the man. I met him on the cars last +fall. He's lively company. I've a notion to +hunt him up, and find what's going on."</p> + +<p>"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will +not be at home to-night," said the rabbi, "and +stay in the city with me. If you conclude to +go to Chattanooga next week, I have much to +say to you before taking leave of you for the +summer."</p> + +<p>"Very well," consented David. "I'll go +down town immediately, and see if I can find this +Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you +know?"</p> + +<p>"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He +is in that big new building next to Cohen's +furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll +not find him Wednesday night. They have +Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as +his profession."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I +shall certainly cultivate his acquaintance for +the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It +has never been my lot to know a Christian who +measured up to his creed."</p> + +<p>"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the +old man, gently. "I have made you a dreamer +like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere +of high ideals. I have led you into the companionship +of all that was heroic in the past, and +held you apart as much as possible from the +sordid selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick +at heart sometimes when I stroll through the +great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle +of humanity as they snatch the bread from +other mouths to feed their own.</p> + +<p>"You remember our Hebrew word for teach +comes from tooth, and means to make sharp like +a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea +has become the popular view of education in +this day. Anything that will fit a man to bite +and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack +is what is sought after, no matter how many of his +kind are trampled under foot in the struggle. +I am almost afraid for you to step down from +the place where I have kept you. When you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +are thrown with men who care for nothing but +material things, who would barter not only their +birthrights but their souls for a mess of pottage, +I am afraid you will lose faith in humanity."</p> + +<p>"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra."</p> + +<p>"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. +The world is certainly growing a little less savage, +and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how +we have fallen, we still bear the imprint of the +Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned."</p> + +<p>Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling +himself a dreamer. The ability to live apart +from his surroundings, had been his greatest +comfort. Because of it, the rigor of extreme +poverty that surrounded his early life had not +touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had +gone through the world a happy optimist.</p> + +<p>He had been trained according to the most +strictly orthodox system of Judaism. But even +its severe pressure had failed to confine him to +the limits of such a narrow mold.</p> + +<p>He was still a dreamer. In the new world +he had cast aside the shackles of tradition for +the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + +<p>Now in his serene old age, surrounded by +luxuries, he still lived apart in a world of music +and literature.</p> + +<p>His congregation, broken loose from the old +moorings, drifted dangerously away towards +radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief that +the "chosen people" would finally triumph over +all error, and found much comfort in the +thought.</p> + +<p>David took out his watch. "It is after eight +o'clock," he said. "Probably if I walk down +Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon."</p> + +<p>People were beginning to file out of the side +entrance that led to the prayer-meeting room, +by the time he reached the church.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of +the colored janitor, who was standing in the +doorway.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He +sut'n'y is, sah! He am always the fust to come, +an' the last to depaht."</p> + +<p>"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed +a pleasant voice.</p> + +<p>David turned quickly to lift his hat. An +elderly lady was coming down the steps with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +two young girls. She came up to him with a +smile, and held out her hand.</p> + +<p>"I have not seen you since you came back +from college," she said, cordially; "but I never +lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with +his hat still in his hand.</p> + +<p>As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection +brought back the big attic where he had passed +many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain +jar on their pantry shelf, where the most delicious +ginger-snaps were always to be found.</p> + +<p>But the next moment the smile left his lips, +as an exclamation of one of the girls was carried +back to him. It was made in an undertone, +but the still evening air transmitted it +with startling distinctness.</p> + +<p>"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't +think you would shake hands with a Jew!"</p> + +<p>He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He +drew himself up haughtily. Then the indignant +flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should +he, with the princely blood of Israel in his veins, +care for the callow prejudices of a little school-girl?</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> + +<p>A crowd of people passed out, laughing and +talking. Then he saw Mr. Marion come into +the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights.</p> + +<p>He turned to David with a hearty smile +and a strong hand-clasp, recognizing him instantly.</p> + +<p>"How are you, brother?" he asked. He +spoke with a slight Southern accent. Somehow, +David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a +matter of habit that Frank Marion called him +brother. Such a warm, personal interest seemed +to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking +so honestly into his own, that he was half-way +persuaded to go to Chattanooga with him before +a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, +discussing the excursion. Then Mr. Marion +stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, +built some distance back from the street.</p> + +<p>"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, +a cousin of mine," he said. "If you will wait +a moment, I'll go with you over to the office."</p> + +<p>The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp +sent a flood of yellow light streaming out into +the warm, June darkness.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> + +<p>In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there +was a flutter of a white dress in the hall, and the +next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It +was Bethany Hallam. The light seemed to make +a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate +her dress and the sweet upturned face with such +an ethereal whiteness that David was reminded +of a Psyche in Parian marble.</p> + +<p>"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion +rejoined him. "One never sees a face like that +outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any +other."</p> + +<p>"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. +Marion responded. "He died last fall, and +Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at +last persuaded her to go to Chattanooga with +us. She needs to have her thoughts turned into +another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish +that purpose."</p> + +<p>"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met +him a number of times after I was admitted +to the bar."</p> + +<p>"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said +Mr. Marion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after +vacation," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am going to begin my practice +right now," said Mr. Marion, laughing, "and +plead my case to such purpose that you will be +persuaded to take this Chattanooga trip." He +slipped his arm through David's, and drew him +around the corner toward his store.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"ON TO CHATTANOOGA."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was within three minutes of time +for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself +on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably +in the first vacant seat, Mr. Marion hurried +past him down the aisle with a valise in each +hand. He was followed by two ladies. The +first one seemed to know every one in the car, +judging by the smiles and friendly voices that +greeted her <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apearance'">appearance</ins>.</div> + +<p>"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, +Mrs. Marion," cried an impulsive young girl, +just in front of David. "It would have been +such a disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest +thing in the world?" she rattled on to her companion, +as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing.</p> + +<p>"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam +with her! Of all people to go on an excursion, +it seems to me she would be the very last."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was +the question uppermost in David's mind, he +listened with interest for the answer.</p> + +<p>"O, she seems so different from other people. +Her father always used to treat her as if she +were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in +a private car. When she went to lectures or +concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except +one. She went to the conservatory for her +drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at +noon."</p> + +<p>As he listened, David's eyes had followed +the tall, graceful girl who was now seating herself +by Mrs. Marion.</p> + +<p>Every movement, as well as every detail of +her traveling dress, impressed him with a sense +of her refinement and culture. He noticed that +she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over +her face partially concealed its delicate pallor; +but her soft, light hair, drawn up under the little +black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever +by contrast.</p> + +<p>"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +neighbor. "I used to wish I could change +places with her, especially the year when she +went abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now +for anything in the world."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked her companion again, and +David mentally echoed her interrogation.</p> + +<p>"O, because her father is dead now, and +everything is so different. Something happened +to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a +dreadful fall just after the Judge's death. +They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple +all his life; but I believe he's better now. +He is sort of paralyzed, so he has to stay +in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right +after awhile. It's a very peculiar case, I've +heard. There have only been a few like it. She +is studying stenography now, so that she can +keep on living in the old home and take care +of little Jack."</p> + +<p>"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested +listener.</p> + +<p>"No, not very well. I've always seen her +in Church; you know Judge Hallam was one of +our best paying members, and rarely missed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +Sabbath morning service. But they were very +exclusive socially. My easel stood next to hers +in the art conservatory one term, and we talked +about our work sometimes. She used to remind +me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a Wayside +Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that</p> + +<div class='poem'> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Way of saying things</span><br /> +That made one think of courts and kings,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And lords and ladies of high degree,</span><br /> +So that not having been at court<br /> +Seemed something very little short<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of treason or lese-majesty,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Such an accomplished knight was he.'"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>Both girls laughed, and then the lively +chatter was drowned by the jarring rumble of +the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot.</p> + +<p>"Any one would know this is a Methodist +crowd," said Mrs. Marion laughingly, as a dozen +happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car.</p> + +<p>"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching +into his coat pocket, "I have something +here that will prevent any mistake if doubt +should arise."</p> + +<p>He drew out a little box of ribbon badges +and a paper of pins. "Here," he said, "put one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. +You, too, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I +am not a member of the League."</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," he answered, +in his hearty, persistent way. "You ought to +be one, and you will be by the time you get +back from this conference."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge +in my life," she insisted. "I have always had +the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes +one so conspicuous to be branded in that way."</p> + +<p>He held out the little white ribbon, threaded +with scarlet, and bearing the imprint of the Maltese +cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. +He was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel +uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" +Then he paused reverently. "The purity +and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to +wear those."</p> + +<p>He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed +down the aisle, distributing the others right and +left.</p> + +<p>She looked at it in silence a moment, and +then pinned it on the lapel of her traveling coat.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another +such persistent man?" she asked. "How is it +that he can always make people go in exactly +the opposite way from the one they had intended? +When he first planned for me to come +on this excursion, I thought it was the most +preposterous idea I ever heard of. But he put +aside every objection, and overruled every argument +I could make. I did not want to come +at all, but he planned his campaign like a general, +and I had to surrender."</p> + +<p>"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. +Marion. "You know I did not get home from +Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have +been too busy getting ready to come on this +excursion to ask him anything."</p> + +<p>"When he had urged all the reasons he +could think of for my going, but without success, +he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, +little Jack. The child has considered Cousin +Frank's word law and gospel ever since he joined +the Junior League. So, when he was told that +my health would be benefited by the trip, and +it would arouse me from the despondent, low-spirited +state I had fallen into, he gave me no +rest until I promised to go. Jack showed generalship,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +too. He waited until the night of +his birthday. I had promised him a little party, +but he was so much worse that day, it had to +be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The +little rascal knew it, too. While I was helping +him undress, he put his arms around my neck, +and began to beg me to go. He told me that he +had been praying that I might change my mind. +Ever since he has been in the League he has +seemed to get so much comfort out of the belief +that his prayers are always answered that I +couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised +him."</p> + +<p>"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; +"you ought to give him the full benefit +of his name, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was +as much too big for him as the huge old-fashioned +silver watch that Grandfather Bradford +left him. He suggested that both be laid +away until he grew up to fit them."</p> + +<p>"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" +was the next question.</p> + +<p>"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. +They sent for his old nurse. She came last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +night with her little nine-year-old grandson. +Just Jack's age, you see; so he will have somebody +to make the time pass very quickly."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation +of surprise. "Well, I wish you'd look at +Frank! What will he do next? He is actually +pinning an Epworth League badge on that +young Jew!"</p> + +<p>Bethany turned her head a little to look. +"What a fine face he has!" she remarked. "It +is almost handsome. He must feel very much +out of place among such an aggressive set of +Christians. I wonder what he thinks of all these +songs?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent +of both Sunday-school and Junior +League, he had won the love of every one connected +with them. His passage through the +car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps.</p> + +<p>There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when +he stopped beside his wife's seat. She smiled up +at him as he towered above her, and motioned +him to take the seat in front of them.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +to bring a young man up here, and introduce +him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome +time, I'm afraid."</p> + +<p>"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. +Marion. "I know every one else on the car. +I don't see that we are called on to entertain +him, Frank. He came with us, simply to take +advantage of the excursion rates. I should think +he would prefer to be let alone. He must have +thought it presumptuous in you to pin that badge +on him. What did he say when you did it?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion bent down to make himself +heard above the noise of the train.</p> + +<p>"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' +and told him if there was any people in the +world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had +climbed Sinai, and whose tables of stone lifted +up the highest standard of morality known to +the race of Adam."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make +a fine politician," she exclaimed. "You always +know just the right chord to touch."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does +it happen you have taken such an intense interest +in him?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + +<p>He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and +leaned forward.</p> + +<p>"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I +have had several talks with him, and have been +wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and +views of life. But I am free to confess, had I +met him ten years ago, I could not have seen +any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by +a prejudice that I am unable to account for. +It must have been hereditary, for it has existed +since my earliest recollection, and entirely +without reason, as far as I can see. I somehow +felt that I was justified in hating the Jews. +I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that +they were wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, +that they were gross in their manner of living, +and petty and mean in business transactions. +I took Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens +of the whole race. It was, really, a most unaccountable +hatred I had for them. My teeth +would actually clinch if I had to sit next to one +on a street-car. You may think it strange, but +I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be +a fact that there are hundreds and hundreds +of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany looked up quickly.</p> + +<p>"My father's reading and training," she +said, "has caused me to have a great admiration +and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean +such as the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees +of a later date. But in the concrete, I +must say I like to have as little intercourse with +them as possible. And as to modern Israelites, +all I know of them personally is the almost +cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants +with whom I have dealt, and the dirty +swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short +cut through those streets sometimes in driving +to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She +gave a little shiver of repugnance at the recollection.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that +same feeling the greater part of my life. But +ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, +studying the four Gospels. It opened my eyes, +Bethany. I got a clearer view of the Christ +than I ever had before. I saw how I had been +misrepresenting him to the world. The inconsistencies +of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +along the coast, that vessels might be wrecked +by their misleading light. Do you suppose a +Jew could have accepted such a Christ as I represented +then? No wonder they fail to recognize +their Messiah in the distorted image that +is reflected in the lives of his followers."</p> + +<p>"But they rejected Christ himself when he +was among them," ventured Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like +the old story of the man with a muck rake. Do +you remember that picture that was shown to +Christian at the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's +Progress?' As a nation, Israel had stooped so +much to the gathering of dry traditions, had +bent so long over the minute letter of the law, +that it could not straighten itself to take the +crown held out to it. It could not even lift its +eyes to discern that there was a crown just over +its head."</p> + +<p>"It always made me think of the blind +Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In trying to overthrow +something it could not see, spiritually +I mean, it pulled down the pillars of prophecy +on its own head."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +but who was it that wrote those wonderful +chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that +went out ablaze with the power of Pentecost +to spread the deathless story of the resurrection? +Who were the apostles that founded our Church? +To whom do we owe our knowledge of God +and our hope of redemption, if not to the Jews? +We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself +belonged to that race we so reproach."</p> + +<p>He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten +his surroundings, until a light touch on +his shoulder interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, +Brother Marion?" asked the minister's genial +voice.</p> + +<p>He turned quickly to smile into the frank, +smooth-shaven face bending over him.</p> + +<p>"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing +my young friend back there, David +Herschel. Have you met him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was talking with him a little while +ago," answered the minister. "He seems very +reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier +seems to arise when we talk to one of that race. +I just came in to tell you that Cragmore is in the +next car. He got on at the last station."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. +Marion, rising quickly. "I haven't seen him for +two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile."</p> + +<p>"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," +said Mrs. Marion, as the door banged +behind the two men.</p> + +<p>"Frank will never think of us again when he +gets to spinning yarns with Mr. Cragmore. I +want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of +the most original men I ever heard talk. He's +a young minister from the 'auld sod.' They +called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first +came over, he was so fiery and impetuous. +There is enough of the brogue left yet in his +speech to spice everything he says. He and +Frank are a great deal alike in some things. +They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate +love of joking. They are both so terribly in +earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they +once settle on a point, they are so tenacious +nothing can move them. I often tell Frank +he is worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition +says they do let go when it thunders, but nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched."</p> + +<p>There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. +At the sound of a noisy gong in front of the +station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with +his friend. Capacious lunch-baskets were +opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting.</p> + +<p>"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. +"I intended to ask him to lunch with us."</p> + +<p>"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied +his wife.</p> + +<p>"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, +George," said Mr. Marion. "I've been +all up and down this train trying to get people +to be neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the +only one who has spoken to him. They were +all having such a good time when I interrupted +them, or they didn't know what to say to a +Jew, and a dozen different excuses."</p> + +<p>"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject +again!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion. "Take a +sandwich, and forget about it."</p> + +<p>Bethany Hallam laughed more than once +during the merry luncheon that followed. She +could not remember that she had laughed before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +since her father's death. The young Irishman's +ready wit, his droll stories, and odd expressions +were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, +too, drawing constantly from Frank Marion's +inexhaustible supply of fun.</p> + +<p>"You have seen only one side of him," remarked +Mrs. Marion, when her husband had +taken him away to introduce David. "While +he was very entertaining, I think he has +shown us one of the least attractive phases of +his character."</p> + +<p>David had felt very much out of place all +morning. It was one thing to travel among +ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and +another to be surrounded by those who were constantly +bubbling over with religious enthusiasm. +He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water +tank, he said to himself, but he did object to +its boiling over on him.</p> + +<p>His neighbors would have been very much +surprised could they have known he was studying +them with keen insight, and finding much +to criticise. Even some of their songs were objectionable +to him, their catchy refrains reminding +him of some he had heard at colored minstrel +shows.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>With such an exalted idea of worship as +the old rabbi had inculcated in him, it did not +seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless +through such sonorous utterances as the psalms. +Some of these little tinkling, catch-penny tunes +seemed profanation.</p> + +<p>He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. +He had very unexpectedly found a congenial +friend in the young minister. It was +not often he met a man so keenly alert to +nature, so versed in his favorite literature, or +of his same sensitive temperament. He felt +himself opening his inner doors as he did to no +one else but the rabbi.</p> + +<p>A drizzling rain was falling when they began +to wind in and out among the mountains of +Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. +It crowned every hilltop ahead of them. It +reached its shining ladder of light into every +valley. It seemed such a prophecy of what +awaited them on the mountain beyond, that some +one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises."</p> + +<p>As the full glory of the rainbow flashed +on Cragmore's sight, he stopped abruptly in the +middle of a sentence. The expression of his face<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +seemed to transfigure it. When he turned to +David, there were tears in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" +he said, in a low tone, that thrilled David with +its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The +Mizpahs! The Ebenezers! See, it is like a +pillar of fire leading us to a veritable land of +promise."</p> + +<p>Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, +he began to talk of the promises of the Bible, +till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make +me forget that you are a Christian. You enter +into Israel's past even more fully than many of +her own sons."</p> + +<p>Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, +nervous way, with an impetuous gesture.</p> + +<p>"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously +into the broad brogue of his childhood, +"we hold sacred with you the heritage of your +past. We look up with you to the same God, +the Father; we confess a common faith till we +stand at the foot of the cross. There is no +great barrier between us—only a step—one step +farther for you to take, and we stand side by +side!"</p> + +<p>He laid his hand on David's, and looked into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +his eyes with an expression of tender pleading +as he added:</p> + +<p>"O, my friend, if you could only see my +Savior as he has revealed himself to me! I +pray you may! I do pray you may!"</p> + +<p>It was the first time in David's life any one +had ever said such a thing to him. He sat +back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an +answer. It put an end to their conversation for +a while. Cragmore felt that his sympathy had +carried him to the point of giving offense. He +was relieved when Dr. Bascom beckoned him +to share his seat.</p> + +<p>After a while, as the train sped on into the +darkness, the passengers subsided in to sleepy +indifference. It seemed hours afterward when +Mr. Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying +briskly, "Wake up, old fellow, we are getting +into Chattanooga."</p> + +<p>"Let us go in with banners flying," said +Dr. Bascom. "I understand that every car-full +that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has +come singing."</p> + +<p>The lights of the city, twinkling through +the car-windows, aroused the sleepy passengers +with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +they steamed slowly into the crowded depot, +it was as "pilgrims singing in the night."</p> + +<p>In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. +Marion lost sight of David.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed +tone. "I intended to ask him to drive +to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I +wanted to introduce him to you, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, +Cousin Frank," she said, as she followed +him through the depot gates. "He may be +very agreeable, and all that, but he's a Jew, +and I don't care to make his acquaintance."</p> + +<p>The handle of the umbrella she was carrying +came in collision with some one behind her.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in +her gracious, high-bred way.</p> + +<p>The gentleman raised his hat. It was +David Herschel. A stylish-looking little school-girl +was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded +man, whom she recognized as Major Herrick, +was walking just behind him. They had come +down from the mountain to meet him, and take +him to Lookout Inn. As their eyes met, Bethany +was positive that he had overheard her remark.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 87px;"> +<img src="images/drop_b.png" width="87" height="100" alt="B" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />Y some misunderstanding, Bethany +and her cousins had been assigned +to different homes.</div> + +<p>"It is too late to make any +change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they left +her. "We are only one block further up on +this same street. We will try to make some arrangement +to-morrow to have you with us."</p> + +<p>Bethany followed her hostess into the wide +reception-hall. One of the most elegant homes +of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, +all as tired and travel-stained as herself.</p> + +<p>During the introductions, Bethany mentally +classified them as the most uninteresting lot of +people she had seen in a long time.</p> + +<p>"I believe you are the odd one of this party, +Miss Hallam," said the hostess, glancing over +the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +one improvised for the occasion; but you will +probably be more comfortable here alone than +in a larger room with several others."</p> + +<p>It had never occurred to Bethany that she +might have been asked to share an apartment +with some stranger, and she hastened to assure +her hostess of her appreciation of the little +room, which, though very small indeed compared +with the great dimensions of the others, +was quite comfortable and attractive.</p> + +<p>"I have always been accustomed to being by +myself," she said, "and it makes no difference +at all if it is so far away from the other sleeping-rooms. +I am not at all timid."</p> + +<p>Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, +she realized that she had never been so entirely +alone before in all her life. Home seemed so +very far away. Her surroundings were so +strange. Her extreme weariness intensified her +morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered +such a sensation coming to her one night in +mid-ocean, but she had tapped on her state-room +wall, and her father had come to her immediately. +Now she might call a weary lifetime. +No earthly voice could ever reach him.</p> + +<p>With a throbbing ache in her throat, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +hot tears springing to her eyes, she opened her +valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out +at her. She was kneeling before them, with +her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As +she gazed at them intently, a tear splashed +down on her black dress.</p> + +<p>"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she +sobbed, passionately, "for God to take everything! +It would have been so easy for him to +let me keep them. How could he be so cruel? +How could he take away all that made my life +worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?"</p> + +<p>She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm +of sobbing. Presently she looked up again at +her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, +very like her own. It brought back all her +happy childhood, that seemed almost glorified +now by the remembered halo of its devoted +mother-love.</p> + +<p>The years had softened that grief, but it +all came back to-night with its old-time bitterness.</p> + +<p>The next face was little Jack's—a sturdy, +wide-awake boy, with mischievous dimples and +laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +had suffered since his accident, made her feel +that she had lost him also, in a way. The +physician had assured her that he would be the +same vigorous, romping child again; but she +found that hard to believe when she thought +of his present helpless condition.</p> + +<p>She pressed the next picture to her lips +with trembling fingers, and then looked lovingly +into the eyes that seemed to answer her +gaze with one of steadfast, manly devotion.</p> + +<p>"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she +sobbed again. How it all came back to her—the +happy June-time of her engagement!—the +summer days when she dreamed of him, the +summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the +first bunch of violets he brought her, to the +judge's tender smile when she spread out all +her bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering +lengths of the white, trailing satin; such +filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the +telegram, and afterward the darkened room, +and the darker hour, when she groped her way +to a motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. +O, how she had clung to the cold hands, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in +an agony of despair! But as she turned, her +father's strong arms were folded about her, and +his broken voice whispered comfort.</p> + +<p>The dear father! It had been doubly desolate +since he had gone, too.</p> + +<p>Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her +arms, she seemed to face a future that was utterly +hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, +she felt that there was absolutely no reason +why she should go on living.</p> + +<p>The ticking of her watch reminded her that +it was nearly midnight. In a mechanical way, +she got up and began to arrange her hair for +the night.</p> + +<p>After she had extinguished the light, she +pulled aside the curtain, and looked out on the +unfamiliar streets.</p> + +<p>The moon had come up. In the dim light +the crest of old Lookout towered grimly above +the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms +passed through her mind: "I will lift up mine +eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."</p> + +<p>"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no +help. God doesn't care. He is too far away."</p> + +<p>As she went back to the bed, the words of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +the novice in Muloch's "Benedetta Minelli" +came to her:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"O weary world, O heavy life, farewell!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Like a tired child that creeps into the dark</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">To sob itself asleep where none will mark,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">So creep I to my silent convent cell."</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock +myself away with my memories, and not be +obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not +be so hard. How I dread to-morrow, with its +crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever +come?"</p> + +<p>Next morning, the guests gathered out on +the vine-covered piazza to discuss their plans for +the day.</p> + +<p>There were two theological students from +Boston, a young doctor from Texas, and the +son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas +farmer's wife and her sister, a bright little +schoolteacher from an Iowa village, and three +pretty Georgia girls, completed the party.</p> + +<p>Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering +how they could be so greatly interested +in such things as the most direct car-line to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to +"do" the old battle-grounds.</p> + +<p>The youngest Georgia girl was about her +own age. She had made several attempts to +include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking +her reserve and indifference for haughtiness, +turned to the Louisiana boy with a remark +about unsociable Northerners.</p> + +<p>Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, +and she wondered, in a dull way, how anybody +could be light-hearted enough even to smile in +such a world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered +that she had laughed herself, the day +before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It +rather puzzled her now to know how she could +have done so. Her wakeful night had left her +unusually depressed.</p> + +<p>An open, two-seated carriage stopped at +the gate. Mrs. Marion and George Cragmore +were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. +Bascom sat with the driver. Bethany had been +waiting for them some time with her hat on, +so she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. +Cragmore leaped over the wheel to open the +gate, and assist her to a seat between himself +and Mrs. Marion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> + +<p>They drove rapidly out towards Missionary +Ridge. To Bethany's great relief, neither of +her companions seemed in a talkative mood. +Mr. Marion, who was an ardent <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Southener'">Southerner</ins>, had +been deep in a political discussion with Dr. Bascom. +As they stopped on the winding road, +half way up the ridge, to look down into the +beautiful valley below, and across to the purple +summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long +breath. Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, +"The work of His fingers! What is +man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, +after a long silence: "How insignificant our +little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on +every side, did not notice Bethany's continued +silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The +fresh air and brisk motion had somewhat +aroused Bethany from her apathy. First, she +began to be interested in the constantly-changing +view, and then she noticed its effect on +the erratic man beside her.</p> + +<p>From the time they commenced to ascend +the ridge he had not spoken to any one directly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if +he were all alone; some of them dreamily, some +of them with startling force, and all with the +slight brogue he spoke so musically.</p> + +<p>"Every common bush afire with God," he +murmured in an undertone, looking at a dusty +wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes.</p> + +<p>Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that +if any other man of her acquaintance had kept +up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard +him do it again after that day. It seemed as if +the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words +that immortal pens had made deathless.</p> + +<p>The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out +to them from grassy orchards, where the trees +were bent over with their wealth of velvety, sun-reddened +fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had +taken no notice of Bethany's depression when +she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature +was having on her sore heart. But she +knew that he had seen it, when he turned to +her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as +well as his first one had the wayside weed. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +half sang it, with a tender, wistful smile, as he +watched her face.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"O the green things growing, the green things growing—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing."</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had +told him of all she had suffered, or if he had +guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that +he had not been told, but that he had divined it. +Yet when they stopped on the Chickamauga +battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across +the rough fields like an overgrown boy, she +thought of her cousin Ray's remark, "They used +to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered +at the contradictory phases his character presented. +She saw him pause and lay his hand +reverently on the largest cannon, and then come +running back across the furrows with long, awkward +jumps.</p> + +<p>"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +asked Mr. Marion, in his teasing way. +"The idea of keeping us waiting while you were +racing across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun."</p> + +<p>"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, +yet there was a flash in his eyes that belied +the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just +wanted to lay my hands on its dumb lips." He +waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, +but they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day +they spoke freedom to a race."</p> + +<p>He did not take his seat in the carriage for +a while, but followed at a little distance, ranging +the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark +of an old tree where the shells had plowed deep +scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush +away the leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any +one but a true woodsman would have passed +with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare +specimen up to the carriage to ask its name. +He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered.</p> + +<p>"It's a pity to tear them up, when they +would wither in just a few hours," he said; "the +solitary places are so glad for them."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, +as he watched him break a little sprig of +cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree +to put in his card-case. "Sometimes he is the +veriest clown; at others, a child could not be +more artless; and I have seen him a few times +when he seemed to be aroused into a spiritual +giant. He fairly touched the stars."</p> + +<p>Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive +that she did not go to the opening services in +the big tent that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, +when he came in after supper, "and so did +David Herschel."</p> + +<p>"Missed what?" inquired Bethany.</p> + +<p>"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. +You know he is a Jew. Such a broad, +fraternal speech must have been a revelation +to a great many of his audience. I tell you, +it was fine! You're going to-night, aren't you, +Bethany?"</p> + +<p>"No," she answered, "I want to save myself +for the sunrise prayer-meeting on the mountain +to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all +night to see."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was about two o'clock in the morning +when they started up the mountain by rail. The +cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train +lurched around sudden curves. <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Nothwithstanding'">Notwithstanding</ins> +the early hour, and the discomfort of +their position, they sang all the way up the +mountain.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me +how these people can sing so constantly. The +last thing I heard last night before I went to +sleep was the electric street-car going past the +house, with a regular hallelujah chorus on board. +Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? +How can they keep worked up to such a pitch +all the time?"</p> + +<p>"You should have been at the tent last night, +dear," answered Mrs. Marion. "Then you +would have gotten into the secret of it. There +is an inspiration in great numbers. The audiences +we are having there are said to be the +greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our +League at home has been doing very faithful +work, but I couldn't help wishing last night +that every member could have been present. +To see ten thousand faces lit up with the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +interest and the same hope, to hear the battle-cry, +'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled +out in response like a volley of ten thousand +musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly +awakened to the fact that they were not fighting +single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these +were only the advance-guard, for over a million +young people are enlisted in the same cause. +Think of that, Bethany—a million leagued together +just in Methodism! Then, when you +count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's +Daughters and Sons, and the Young Men's Christian +Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought +to revolutionize the universe in the next decade."</p> + +<p>"Then you think it is an inspiration of the +crowds that makes them sing all the time," said +Bethany.</p> + +<p>"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. +"To be sure, it has something to do with it; but +to most of this vast number of young people, +their religion is not a sentiment to be fanned +into spasmodic flame by some excitement. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +is a vital force, that underlies every thought +and every act. They will sing at home over their +work, and all by themselves, just as heartily as +they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster +Abbey, one time, the profiles of John and Charles +Wesley put side by side on the same medallion. +I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put +the spirit of both brothers into its daily life—that +does not wing its sermons with its songs."</p> + +<p>Hundreds of people had already gathered +on the brow of the mountain, waiting the appointed +hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a +place where nature had formed a great amphitheater +of the rocks. They seated themselves +on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. +They were above the clouds. Such billows of +mist rolled up and hid the sleeping earth below +that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless +ocean. The world and its petty turmoils +were blotted out. There was only this one gray +peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. +It was still and solemn in the early light. They +spoke together almost in whispers.</p> + +<p>"I can not believe that any man ever went +up into a mountain to pray without feeling himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said +Dr. Bascom.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion looked around on the assembled +crowds, and then said slowly:</p> + +<p>"Once a little band of five hundred met the +risen Lord on a mountain-side in Galilee, and +were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am with +you alway!' Think what they accomplished, +and then think of the thousands here this morning +that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! +There ought to be a wonderful work accomplished +for the Master this year."</p> + +<p>Cragmore, who had walked away a little +distance from the rest, and was watching the +eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight.</p> + +<p>"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a +child, and yet with the appreciation of a poet +shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea."</p> + +<p>He pointed to the long bars of light spreading +like great flaming pinions above the horizon. +The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven +and a new earth. In the solemn hush of the +sunrise, a voice began to sing, "Nearer, my God, +to thee."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was as in the days of the old temple. +They had left the outer courts and passed up +into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain +of cloud seemed to shut them in, till in +that high Holy of Holies they stood face to +face with the Shekinah of God's presence.</p> + +<p>Bethany caught her breath. There had been +times before this when, carried along by the impetuous +eloquence of some sermon or prayer, +every fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. +In her childlike reaching out towards +spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses +of the Fatherhood of God. She had gone +to him with every experience of her young life, +just as naturally and freely as she had to her +earthly father. But when beside the judge's +death-bed she pleaded for his life to be spared +to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals +met no response, she turned away in rebellious +silence. "She would pray no more to a dumb +heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been +vain.</p> + +<p>Now, as she listened to songs and prayers +and testimony, she began to feel the power that +emanated from them,—the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +him before: the Father revealed through the +Son.</p> + +<p>Below, the mists began to roll away until +the hidden valley was revealed in all its morning +loveliness. But how small it looked from +such a height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver +thread. The outlying forests dwindled to +thickets.</p> + +<p>Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll +away from her spiritual vision, and she saw her +life in relation to the eternities. Self dwindled +out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no +childish questioning of Divine purposes. The +blind Bartimeus by the wayside, hearing the +cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping +his way towards "the Light of the world," +was no surer of his dawning vision than Bethany, +as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. +She saw not only the glory of the +June sunrise; for her the "Sun of righteousness +had arisen, with healing in his wings."</p> + +<p>People seemed loath to go when the services +were over. They gathered in little groups +on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from +one point of view to another, drinking in the +rare beauty of the morning.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany walked on without speaking. She +was a little in advance of the others, and did +not notice when the rest of her party were +stopped by some acquaintances. Absorbed in +her own thoughts, she turned aside at Prospect +Point, and walked out to the edge. As she +looked down over the railing, the refrain of one +of the songs that had been sung so constantly +during the last few days, unconsciously rose +to her lips. She hummed it softly to herself, +over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day."</p> + +<p>So oblivious was she of all surroundings +that she did not hear Frank Marion's quick step +behind her. He had come to tell her they were +going down the mountain by the incline.</p> + +<p>"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" +The words came softly, almost under her breath; +but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred +to bring any song to her lips.</p> + +<p>"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean +it, child? Has the light come?"</p> + +<p>The face that she turned towards him was +radiant. She could find no words wherewith +to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +hands in his, and the tears sprang to her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, +with a tremor in his strong voice. "It is what +I have been praying for. Now you see why I +urged you to come. I knew what a mountain-top +of transfiguration this would be."</p> + +<p>Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, +David Herschel had looked around with great +curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was +only a little distance from the inn, and he had +come down hoping to discover the real motive +that had brought these people together from +such vast distances. He wondered what power +their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour.</p> + +<p>He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity +of the sunrise. He felt, too, the uplifting +power of the old hymn, that song drawn +from the experience of Jacob at Bethel, that +seemed to lift every heart nearer to the Eternal.</p> + +<p>He was deeply stirred as the leader began +to speak of the mountain scenes of the Bible, +of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount +Zion with its thousand hallowed memories. So<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, +of Calvary, or of Olivet.</p> + +<p>He had never heard such prayers as the ones +that followed. Although there can be found +no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions +of Jehovah, than are bound in the rituals +of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the +heart were a revelation to him.</p> + +<p>There came again the fulfillment of the +deathless words, "And I, if I be lifted up, will +draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly +Nazarene was lifted up that morning in that +great gathering of his people! How his name +was exalted! All up and down old Lookout +Mountain, and even across the wide valley of +the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer.</p> + +<p>When the testimony service began, David +turned from one speaker to another. What +had they come so far to tell? From every +State in the Union, from Canada, and from +foreign shores, they brought only one story—"Behold +the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, +the young Jew's heart was strangely drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a +converted Jew. I was brought to Christ by a +little girl—a member of the Junior League. +I have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, +brothers, and fortune, but I have gained so much +that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated +my life to his service."</p> + +<p>David changed his position in order to get +a better view of the speaker. He scrutinized +him closely. He studied his face, his dress, +even his attitude, to determine, if possible, the +character of this new witness. He saw a man +of medium height, broad forehead, and firm +mouth over which drooped a heavy, dark mustache. +There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were +large, dark, and magnetic, met David's with a +steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment.</p> + +<p>With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to +probe this man with questions. As he went +back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his history, +and find what had induced him to turn +away from the faith.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>AN EPWORTH JEW.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 89px;"> +<img src="images/drop_n.png" width="89" height="100" alt="N" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />EARLY every northern-bound mail-train, +since Bethany's arrival in Chattanooga, +had carried something home +to Jack—a paper, a postal, souvenirs +from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. +Knowing how eagerly he watched for the +postman's visits, she never let a day pass without +a letter. Saturday morning she even missed +part of the services at the tent in order to write +to him.</div> + +<p>"I have just come back from Grant University," +she wrote. "Cousin Frank was so interested +in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise +meeting yesterday, because he said a little Junior +League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview +with him. His name is Lessing. Cousin Frank +asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +haven't time now to give all the details, but +will tell them to you when I come home."</p> + +<p>Bethany had been intensely interested in +the man's story. They sat out on one of the +great porches of the university, with the mountains +in sight. They had drawn their chairs +aside to a cool, shady corner, where they would +not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly +passing in and out.</p> + +<p>"It is for the children you want my story," +he said; "so they must know of my childhood. +It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the +strictest of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully +trained in the observances of the law. He +taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence +to all the customs of the synagogue."</p> + +<p>Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as +he told many interesting incidents of his early +home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store +in St. Elmo, at the foot of Mount Lookout. +He was very fond of children, and made friends +with all who came into the store. There was +one little girl, a fair, curly-haired child, who used +to come oftener than the others. She grew to +love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +often talked to him of the Junior League, in +which she was deeply interested.</p> + +<p>Her distress when she discovered that he +did not love Christ was pitiful. She insisted so +on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon +worried him all day. It had been announced +that the evening service would be a +continuation of the same subject. He went at +night, and was so impressed with the truth of +what he heard, that when the child came for +him to go to prayer-meeting with her the next +week, he did not refuse.</p> + +<p>Towards the close of the service the minister +asked if any one present wished to pray +for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. +Lessing, and to his great embarrassment began +to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother Lessing!" +was all she said, but she repeated it over +and over with such anxious earnestness, that it +went straight to his heart.</p> + +<p>He dropped on his knees beside her, and +began praying for himself. It was not long +until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing +the Christ he had been taught to despise. +In the enthusiasm of this new-found happiness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly +refused to listen. For months she berated and +ridiculed him. When she found that not only +were tears and arguments of no avail, but that +he felt he must consecrate his life to the ministry, +she declared she would leave him. He +sold the store, and gave her all it brought; and +she went back to her family in Florida.</p> + +<p>In order to prepare for the ministry he +entered the university, working outside of study +hours at anything he could find to do. In the +meantime he had written to his parents, knowing +how greatly they would be distressed, yet +hoping their great love would condone the +offense.</p> + +<p>His father's answer was cold and businesslike. +He said that no disgrace could have come +to him that could have hurt him so deeply as +the infidelity of his trusted son. If he would +renounce this false faith for the true faith of +his fathers, he would give him forty thousand +dollars outright, and also leave him a legacy of +the same amount. But should he refuse the +offer, he should be to him as a stranger—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +doors of both his heart and his house should +be forever barred against him.</p> + +<p>His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the +pictures of all the family, whom he had not seen +for several years. Their faces called up so +many happy memories of the past that they +pleaded more eloquently than words. It was +a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding +him of all they had been to each other, +and begging him for her sake to come back to +the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: +"If you insist on clinging to this false Christ, +whom we have taught you to despise, the heart +of your father and of your mother must be +closed against you, and you must be thrust out +from us forever with our curse upon you."</p> + +<p>He knew it was the custom. He had been +present once when the awful anathema was +hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing +every right from the outlaw, living or dead. He +knew that his grave would be dug in the Jewish +cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would +read the rites of burial over his empty coffin, +and that henceforth his only part in the family +life would be the blot of his disgraceful +memory.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + +<p>He spread the pictures and the letters on the +desk before him. A cold perspiration broke +out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by +one he took up the photographs of his brothers +and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, +and laid them aside; then his father's, with its +strong, proud face. He put that away, too.</p> + +<p>At last he picked up his mother's picture. +She looked straight out at him, with such a +world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, +with such trustful devotion, as if she knew he +could not resist the appeal, that he turned away +his head. The trial seemed greater than he +could bear. He was trembling with the force +of it. Then he looked again into the dear, patient +face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It +was the same old mother who had nursed him, +who had loved him, who had borne with his +waywardness and forgiven him always. He +seemed to feel the soft touch of her lips on his +forehead as she bent over to give him a goodnight +kiss. All that she had ever done for him +came rushing through his memory so overwhelmingly +that he broke down utterly, and +began to sob like a child. "O, I can't give her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +up," he groaned. "My dear old mother! I +can't grieve her so!"</p> + +<p>All that morning he clung to her picture, +sometimes walking the floor in his agony, sometimes +falling on his knees to pray. "God in +heaven have pity," he cried. "That a man +should have to choose between his mother and +his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more +long look at the picture, laid it reverently away +with shaking hands. He had surrendered everything.</p> + +<p>He did not tell all this to his sympathizing +listeners. They could read part of the pathos +of that struggle in his face, part in the voice +that trembled occasionally, despite his strong +effort to control it.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his +own gentle mother in the old homestead among +the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought +of the great pillar of strength her unfaltering +faith had been to him, of how from boyhood it +had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, +of how much he had always depended upon her +love and her prayers, his sympathies were stirred +to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's +hand in his strong grasp.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently.</p> + +<p>Bethany turned her head aside, and looked +away into the hazy distances. She knew what +it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that +bound her best beloved to her. She knew what +it was to have only pictured faces to look into, +and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. +The question flashed into her mind, could +she have made the voluntary surrender that he +had made? She put it from her with a throb +of shame that she was glad that she had not +been so tested.</p> + +<p>Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing +down the steps, recognized him, and called back:</p> + +<p>"What time does your speech come on the +program, Frank? I understand you are to hold +forth to-day."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a +moment, to speak to his friend.</p> + +<p>Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while +she drew unmeaning dots and dashes over the +cover of her note-book.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did +you ever speak to a Jew about your Savior?" +he asked, with such startling directness, that +Bethany was confused.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," she said, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"Why?" he asked.</p> + +<p>He was looking at her with a penetrating +gaze that seemed to read her thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Really," she answered, "I have never considered +the question. I am not very well acquainted +with any, for one reason; besides, I +would have felt that I was treading on forbidden +grounds to speak to a Jew about religion. +They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched +in their beliefs, so proof against argument, +that it would be both a useless and thankless +undertaking."</p> + +<p>"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," +he answered, "but nobody is proof +against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss +Hallam, it seems a terrible thing to me. The +Church will make sacrifices, will cross the seas, +will overcome almost any obstacle to send the +gospel to China or to Africa, anywhere but to +the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I know +there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here +and there through the large cities, and a few +earnest souls are devoting their entire energy +to the work. But suppose every Christian in +the country became an evangel to the little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +community of Jews within the radius of his influence. +Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual +effort were made to show them Christ, +with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the +old story' to the Hottentots. What would be +the result? O, if I had waited for a grown +person to speak to me about it, I might have +waited until the day of my death. I was restless. +I was dissatisfied. I felt that I needed +something more than my creed could give me. +For what is Judaism now? I read an answer +not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been +possible; a religion of the Passover and the Day +of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two millenniums, +no lamb has been slain and no atonement +offered; a sacerdotal religion, with only +the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of a +temple which has no temple more; its altar is +quenched, its ashes scattered, no longer kindling +any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any hope.'<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> +No man ever took me by the hand and told me +about the peace I have now. No man ever +shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +blessed guiding influence of a little child, my +hungry heart might still be crying out unsatisfied."</p> + +<p>He went on to repeat several conversations +he had had with men of his own race, to show +her how this indifference of Christians was +reckoned against them as a glaring inconsistency +by the Jews. Almost as if some one had spoken +the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, +"I was a hungered, and ye gave me +no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not +in. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the +least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me."</p> + +<p>Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation +of that Scripture had always been in a +temporal sense. More than once, when a child, +she had watched her mother feed some poor +beggar, with the virtuous feeling that that condemnation +could not apply to the Hallam family. +But now Lessing's impassioned appeal had +awakened a different thought. Who so hungered +as those who, reaching out for bread, +grasped either the stones of a formal ritualism +or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? +Who such "strangers within the gates" of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +nations as this race without a country? From +the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of +Babylon, from the Ghetto of Rome to the +fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been +driven—exiles and aliens. The New World had +welcomed them. The New World had opened +all its avenues to them. Only from the door +of Christian society had they turned away, saying, +"I was a stranger, and ye took me not in."</p> + +<p>In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart +went out in an earnest prayer: "O God, in the +great day of thy judgment, let not that condemnation +be mine. Only send me some opportunity, +show me some way whereby I may +lead even one of the least among them to the +world's Redeemer!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came back from his interview, +looking at his watch as he did so. It was so near +time for services to begin at the tent, that he +did not resume his seat.</p> + +<p>"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," +said Bethany, holding out her hand as she bade +him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before +I go, what an impression this conversation has +made upon me. It has aroused an earnest desire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +to be the means of carrying the hope that +comforts me, to some one among your people."</p> + +<p>"You will succeed," he said, looking into +her earnest upturned face. Then he added +softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an +olden day—"Peace be unto you."</p> + +<p>All that day, after the sunrise meeting, +David Herschel had been with Major Herrick, +going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. +A monument was to be erected on the spot +where nearly all the major's men had fallen +in one of the most hotly-contested battles of the +war. He had come down to help locate the +place.</p> + +<p>"It's a very different reception they are +giving us now," remarked the major, as they +drove through the city.</p> + +<p>Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. +Every street gleamed with the white +and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South.</p> + +<p>"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests +royally; people of every denomination, and of +no faith at all, are vying with each other to +show the kindliest hospitality. We are missing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +it by being at the hotel. I told Mrs. Herrick +and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity +was satisfied this morning. I'll go on +up to the inn. I have a letter to write."</p> + +<p>The major laughed.</p> + +<p>"It's a letter that has to be written every +day, isn't it?" he said, banteringly. "Well, +I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was +young myself once. Conferences aren't to be +taken into account at all when a billet-doux +needs answering."</p> + +<p>The next day David kept Marta with him +as much as possible. He could see that she +was becoming greatly interested, and catching +much of Albert Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy +was a great League worker, and attended every +meeting.</p> + +<p>David took Marta a long walk over the +mountain paths. They sat on the wide, vine-hung +veranda of the inn, and read together. +Then, as it was their Sabbath, he took her up +to his room, and read some of the ritual of the +day, trying to arouse in her some interest for +the old customs of their childhood.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + +<p>To his great dismay, he found that she had +drifted away from him. She was not the yielding +child she had been, whom he had been able +to influence with a word.</p> + +<p>She showed a disposition to question and +contend, that annoyed him. The rabbi was +right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences.</p> + +<p>It was with a feeling of relief that he woke +Sunday morning to hear the rain beating violently +against the windows. He was glad on +her account that the storm would prevent them +going down into the city. But toward evening +the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began +to insist on going down to the night service +in the tent.</p> + +<p>"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. +"I wouldn't miss it for anything."</p> + +<p>"Neither would I," responded Marta. +"There is something so inspiring in all that great +chorus of voices."</p> + +<p>When David found that his sister really intended +to go, notwithstanding his remonstrances, +and that the family were waiting for her in +the hall below, he made no further protest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +but surprised her by taking his hat, and tucking +her hand in his arm.</p> + +<p>"Then I will go with you, little sister," he +said. "I want to have as much of your company +as possible during my short visit."</p> + +<p>Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her +at the foot of the stairs, divined David's purpose +in keeping his sister so close. He lifted +his eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his +mother's wraps, leaving Frances to follow with +the major.</p> + +<p>The tent was crowded when they reached +it. They succeeded with great difficulty in obtaining +several chairs in one of the aisles.</p> + +<p>"Herschel and I will go back to the side," +said Albert. "The audience near the entrance +is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the +first vacant seat; some will be sure to get +tired and go out before long. They always do."</p> + +<p>It was the first time David had been in +the tent, and he was amazed at the enormous +audience. He leaned against one of the side +supports, watching the people, still intent on +crowding forward. Suddenly his look of idle +curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He +recognized the face of the Jew who had attracted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing +slowly towards him.</p> + +<p>Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd +at the door pushed harder. The fresh impetus +jostled them almost off their feet, and in the +crush Lessing was caught and held directly in +front of David. Some magnetic force in the +eyes of each held the gaze of the other for +a moment. Then Lessing, recognizing the common +bond of blood, smiled.</p> + +<p>That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," +had sounded in David's ears ever since it first +startled him. He felt confident that the man +was laboring under some strong delusion, and +he wished that he might have an opportunity +to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him +back to the old faith.</p> + +<p>Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was +irresistible, he laid his hand on the stranger's +arm.</p> + +<p>"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, +and in a low tone. "Come this way. +I will not detain you long."</p> + +<p>He drew him out of the press into one of +the side aisles, and thence towards the exit.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he +asked; "I want to ask you several questions."</p> + +<p>Lessing complied quietly.</p> + +<p>The sound of a cornet followed them with +the pleading notes of an old hymn. It was +like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding +a call to prayer. Then the singing began. +Song after song rolled out on the night air +across the common to a street where two men +paced back and forth in the darkness. They +were arm in arm. David was listening to the +same story that Bethany and Frank Marion +had heard the day before. He could not help +but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so +earnest, his faith was so sure. When he was +through, David was utterly silenced. The questions +with which he had intended to probe this +man's claims were already answered.</p> + +<p>"We might as well go back," he said at last. +As they walked slowly towards the tent, he said: +"I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that +you are under the spell of some mysterious power +that deludes you."</p> + +<p>Just as they passed within the tent, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +cornet sounded again, the great congregation +rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"All hail the power of Jesus' name,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Let angels prostrate fall!"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>The sight was a magnificent one; the sound +like an ocean-beat of praise. Lessing seized +David's arm.</p> + +<p>"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not +only does it uplift all these thousands you see +here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was +known among men. Could he transform lives +to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his +power were a delusion? What has brought +them all these miles, if not this same power? +Look at the class of people who have been +duped, as you call it." He pointed to the platform. +"Bishops, college presidents, editors, +men of marked ability and with world-wide reputation +for worth and scholarship."</p> + +<p>At the close of the hymn some one moved +over, and made room for David on one of the +benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. +David listened to all that was said with +a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +began. The bishop's opening words caught his +attention, and echoed in his memory for months +afterward.</p> + +<p>"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, +and as he appeared to him when he did not +believe in him—when he despised him. Then +he also knew Christ after his surrender to him; +after Christ had entered into his life, and +changed the character of his being; after new +meanings of life and destiny filled his horizon, +after the Divine tenderness filled to completeness +his nature; then was he in possession of +a knowledge of Christ, of an experience of his +presence and of his love that was a benediction +to him, and has through the centuries since +that hour been a blessing to men wherever the +gospel has been preached.</p> + +<p>"It is such a man speaking in this text. A +man with a singularly strong mind, well disciplined, +with great will-power; a man with a +great ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as +ever tabernacled in flesh and blood. He proclaimed +everywhere that, if need be, he was +ready to die for the principles out of which had +come to him a new life, and which had brought +to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +in happiness, that he was led to do +and undertake what he knew would lead at the +last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? +Hear him: 'For the love of Christ constraineth +us.'"</p> + +<p>There was a testimony service following the +sermon. As David watched the hundreds rising +to declare their faith, he wondered why they +should thus voluntarily come forward as witnesses. +Then the text seemed to repeat itself +in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth +us!"</p> + +<p>He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. +He was glad when the conference was at an +end; when the decorations were taken down +from the streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible +enthusiasts went singing out of the +city.</p> + +<p>Albert Herrick went to the seashore that +week. David proposed taking Marta home with +him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced +by the whole family that he quietly +dropped the subject, and went back to Rabbi +Barthold alone.</p> +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> Archdeacon Farrar.</p></div></div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"TRUST."</div> + +<div class='blockquot'><p>"Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the +thin air of life's supremer heights. We can not make +each meal a sacrament."—Lowell.</p></div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T had seemed to Bethany, in the +experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel +despondent again; but away from +the uplifting influences of the place, back +among the painful memories of the old home, +she fought as hard a fight with her returning +doubts as ever Christian did in his Valley of +Humiliation.</div> + +<p>For a week since her return the weather +had been intensely warm. It made Jack irritable, +and sapped her own strength.</p> + +<p>There came a day when everything went +wrong. She had practiced her shorthand exercises +all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill +much larger than she had expected. While he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her +purse. Then Jack upset a little cut-glass vase +that was standing on the table beside him. It +was broken beyond repair, and the water ruined +the handsome binding of a borrowed book that +would have to be replaced.</p> + +<p>About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. +He had brought a new kind of brace that he +wanted tried.</p> + +<p>"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but +it is very expensive."</p> + +<p>Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the +pipes that had sprung a leak that morning, of +the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. +She could not see where all the money they +needed was to come from.</p> + +<p>"It's too small," said the doctor, after a +careful trial of the brace. "The size larger +will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning."</p> + +<p>He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped +on the threshold.</p> + +<p>"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. +"It is so oppressively sultry."</p> + +<p>It was not many hours before his prediction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +was verified by a sudden windstorm that +came up with terrific force. The trees in the +avenue were lashed violently back and forth +until they almost swept the earth. Huge limbs +were twisted completely off, and many were +left broken and hanging. It was followed by +hail and a sudden change of temperature, that +suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off +the bushes, their pink petals scattered over the +soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves.</p> + +<p>As night dropped down, the trees bordering +the avenue waved their green, dripping boughs +shiveringly towards the house.</p> + +<p>"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" +inquired Jack. "Let's have a fire in the library +and eat supper there to-night."</p> + +<p>Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's +favorite room in the winter, on account of its +large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned +tiling. She rarely went in there except to dust +the books or throw herself in the big arm-chair +to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, +and presently the flames went leaping up +the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship.</p> + +<p>"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the +window to the bright reflection of the fire in +the garden outside. "Don't you remember +what you read me in 'Snowbound?'</p> + +<div class='poem'> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Under the tree,</span><br /> +When fire outdoors burns merrily,<br /> +There the witches are making tea.'<br /> +</div> + +<div class='unindent'>This would be a fine night for witch stories. +The wind makes such queer noises in the chimney. +Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful +ones we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones."</div> + +<p>As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, +when Bethany had tucked him snugly in +bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening +to the queer noises in the chimney, she wished +they had not dwelt so long on such a grewsome +subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the +brass fender, and her soft hair pressed against +the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking +hands, little fitted to cope with the burdens +and responsibilities laid upon her.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The judge had never even permitted her +to open a door for herself when he had been +near enough to do it for her. But his love +had made him short-sighted. In shielding her +so carefully, he did not see that he was only +making her more keenly sensitive to later +troubles that must come when he was no longer +with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon.</p> + +<p>"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, +"that you would try to teach drawing or watercolors, +or something. You have spent so much +time on your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy +that kind of work. Then those little dinner-cards, +and german favors you do, are so beautiful. +I am sure you have any number of +friends who would be glad to give you orders."</p> + +<p>"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; +"I must have something that brings +in a settled income, something that can be depended +on. While I have painted some very +acceptable things, I never was cut out for a +teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in +which I can never be more than third-rate. +I've decided to study stenography. I am sure +I can master that, and command a first-class<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +position. I have heard papa complain a great +many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really +good stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt +the work, such a small per cent are really +proficient enough to undertake court reporting."</p> + +<p>"You're just like your father," said Mrs. +Marion. "Uncle Richard would never be anything +if he couldn't be uppermost."</p> + +<p>It had been nearly a year since that conversation. +Bethany had persevered in her undertaking +until she felt confident that she had accomplished +her purpose. She was ready for +any position that offered, but there seemed to +be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in +the bank was dwindling away with frightful +rapidity. She was afraid to encroach on it any +further, but the bills had to be met constantly.</p> + +<p>Presently she drew her chair over to the +library table, and spread out her check-book +and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look +over the accounts for the month just ended. +Then she made a list of the probable expenses +of the next two months. The contrast between +their needs and their means was appalling.</p> + +<p>"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, +in a distressed whisper. "When the first of September<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +comes, there will be nothing left but to +sell the old home and go away somewhere to a +strange place."</p> + +<p>The prospect of leaving the dear old place, +that had grown to seem almost like a human +friend, was the last drop that made the day's +cup of misery overflow. The old doubt came +back.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if God really cares for us in a +temporal way?" she asked herself.</p> + +<p>The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack +had been so interested in, recurred to her. Many +of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. +God had not interfered in their behalf, +she told herself. Why should he trouble himself +about her?</p> + +<p>She went back to her seat by the fender, +and, with her chin resting in her hand, looked +drearily into the embers, as if they could answer +the question. She heard some one come +up on the porch and ring the bell. It was Dr. +Trent's quick, imperative summons.</p> + +<p>"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, +as she ushered him into the library. "Well, it +makes no difference; you know how to adjust<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +the brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all +day with that on."</p> + +<p>He gave an appreciative glance around the +cheerful room, and spread his hands out towards +the fire.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, +rubbing them together. "I wish I could stay +and enjoy it with you. I have just come in +from a long drive, and must answer another call +away out in the country. You'd be surprised +to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night."</p> + +<p>"I venture you never stopped at the +boarding-house at all," answered Bethany, "and +that you have not had a mouthful to eat since +noon. I am going to get you something. Yes, +I shall," she insisted, in spite of his protestations. +Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung +on the crane to-night, so that he could hear it +sing as he used to. "The water is boiling, and +you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time."</p> + +<p>Before he could answer, she was out of the +room, and beyond the reach of his remonstrance. +He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray +head back on the cushions, wearily closed his +eyes. He was almost asleep when Bethany came +back.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. +"I was quite exhausted by the intense +heat of this morning. These sudden +changes of temperature are bad for one."</p> + +<p>"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the +heavy tray she carried, "you have brought me +a regular feast. You ought not to have put +yourself to such trouble for an old codger +used to boarding-house fare."</p> + +<p>"All the more reason why you should have +a change once in a while," said Bethany, gayly, +as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot.</p> + +<p>The sight of the doctor's face as she entered +the room had almost brought the tears. It +looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, +or how deeply his face was lined.</p> + +<p>He had been such an intimate friend of her +father's that she had grown up with the feeling +that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle +Doctor" until she was nearly grown. He had +been so thoughtful and kind during all her +troubles, and especially in Jack's illness, that +she longed to show her appreciation by some of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +the tender little ministrations of which his life +was so sadly bare.</p> + +<p>"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, +as he stretched his feet towards the +fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I +didn't realize I was so tired until I sat down, +or so hungry until I began to eat." Then he +added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside +until I feel the cheer of others'."</p> + +<p>The doubts that had been making Bethany +miserable all evening, and that she had forgotten +in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back +with renewed force.</p> + +<p>"Does God really care?" she asked herself +again. Here was this man, one of the best she +had ever known, left to stumble along under the +weight of a living sorrow, the things he cared for +most, denied him.</p> + +<p>"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," +she had heard her father say.</p> + +<p>There were two things he held dearer than +life—the honor of the old family name that had +come down to him unspotted through generations, +and his little home-loving wife. For fifteen +years he had experienced as much of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +happiness of home-life as a physician with a +large practice can know. Then word came to +him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then +taken his own life, leaving nothing but the +memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He +had borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting +old aunt, and left her almost penniless.</p> + +<p>When Dr. Trent recovered from the first +shock of the discovery, he quietly set to work to +wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could +eradicate at least that much of the stain on the +family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, +for another trial, worse than the first, had come +to weaken his strength and dispel his courage.</p> + +<p>The idolized little wife became affected by +some nervous malady that resulted in hopeless +insanity.</p> + +<p>Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's +daughter, a little brown-eyed child of her +own age. She could remember playing hide-and-seek +with her one day in an old peony-garden. +But she had died years ago. There was only one +other child—Lee. He had grown to be a big<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel +his mother's loss at the time she was taken away. +Bethany knew that she was still living in a private +asylum near town, and that the doctor +saw her every day, no matter how violent she +was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he +saw very little of the boy. The child had never +known any home but a boarding-house, and was +as lawless and unrestrained as some little wild +animal. But the doctor saw no fault in him. +He praised the reports brought home from school +of high per cents in his studies, knowing +nothing of his open defiance to authority. He +kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow +next his own when he came in late at night, +never dreaming of the forbidden places it had +been during the day.</p> + +<p>Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's +a pity that Lee is such a little terror;" but no +one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of +all this moved Bethany to sudden speech.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously—she +had unconsciously used the old +name—as she sat down on a low stool near his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +knee, "I was piling up my troubles to-night +before you came. Not the old ones," she added, +quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy +cross his face, "but the new ones that confront +me."</p> + +<p>She gave a mournful little smile.</p> + +<p>"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' +you know, and these shadows look so dark and +threatening. I see no possible way but to sell +this home. You have had so much to bear yourself +that it seems mean to worry you with my +troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I +don't know what's the matter with me—"</p> + +<p>She stopped abruptly, and choked back a +sob. He laid his hand softly on her shining +hair.</p> + +<p>"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a +soothing tone. Then he added, lightly, "I can't +make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms."</p> + +<p>When he had heard her little outburst of +worry and distrust, he said, slowly:</p> + +<p>"You have done all in your power to prepare +yourself for a position as stenographer. You +have done all you could to secure such a position, +and have been unsuccessful. But you still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +have a roof over your head, you still have enough +on hands to keep you two months longer without +selling the house or even renting it—an arrangement +that has not seemed to occur to you." +He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It +strikes me that a certain little lass I know has +been praying, 'Give us this day our to-morrow's +bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn +to trust?"</p> + +<p>"But isn't it right for me to be anxious +about providing some way to keep the house?" +she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray +for the future? You can't realize how it would +hurt me to give up this place."</p> + +<p>"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You +forget I have been called on to make just such +a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may +not think me much of a Christian. They rarely +see me in Church—my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for +me to speak of these sacred things, unless it is +when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know +how to trust. No matter how he has hurt me, +I have been able to hang on to his promises,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +and say, 'All right, Lord. The case is entirely +in your hands. Amputate, if it is necessary; +cut to the very heart, if you will. You know +what is best.'"</p> + +<p>He pushed the long tray of dishes farther +on the table, and, rising suddenly, walked over +to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a +well-worn book.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. +"I want to read you a passage that caught my +eyes in here once. I remember showing it to +your father."</p> + +<p>He turned the pages rapidly till he found the +place. Then seating himself by the lamp +again, he began to read:</p> + +<p>"It came to my mind a week or two ago, +so full an' sweet an' precious that I can hardly +think of anything else. It was during them +cold, northeast winds; these winds had made my +cough very bad, an' I was shook all to bits, and +felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, +an' once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put +down her work, an' looked at me till her eyes +filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +She was making a warm little petticoat for the +little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took hold +of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' +She held it up without a word; her heart was +too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' I says. +'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable +it will keep her! Does she know about it yet?'</p> + +<p>"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said +the wife, wondering. 'What should she know +about it for?'</p> + +<p>"I waited another minute, an' then I said: +'What a wonderful mother you must be, wifie, +to think about the little maid like that!'</p> + +<p>"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be +more like wonderful if I forgot that the cold +weather was a-coming, and that the little maid +would be a-wanting something warm.'</p> + +<p>"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, +and Frankie smiled. 'O wife,' says I, 'do you +think that you be going to take care o' the little +maid like that an' your Father in heaven be +a-going to forget you altogether? Come now +(bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as +you are! An' do you think that he'd see the +winter coming up sharp and cold, an' not have +something waiting for you, an' just what you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +want, too? An' I know, dear wifie, that you +wouldn't like to hear the little maid go a-fretting, +and saying: "There the cold winter be +a-coming, an' whatever shall I do if my mother +should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt an' +grieved that she should doubt you like that. +She knows that you care for her, an' what more +does she need to know? That's enough to keep +her from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly +Father knoweth that you have need of all +these things." That be put down in his book +for you, wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you +grieve an' hurt him when you go to fretting +about the future, an' doubting his love.'"</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into +his listener's thoughtful eyes.</p> + +<p>"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson +I have learned. Nothing is withheld that we +really need. Sometimes I have thought that +I was tried beyond my power of endurance, but +when His hand has fallen the heaviest, His infinite +fatherliness has seemed most near; and +often, when I least expected it, some great blessing +has surprised me. I have learned, after a +long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +in His hands, he is far kinder to us +than we would be to ourselves.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +'Always hath the daylight broken,<br /> +Always hath he comfort spoken,<br /> +Better hath he been for years<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than my fears.'</span><br /> +</div> + +<div class='unindent'>I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, +Though he slay me, yet will I trust him."</div> + +<p>The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes +as she listened. Now she hastily brushed them +aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had +caught a gleam of sunshine in the midst of an +April shower.</p> + +<p>"You have brushed away my last doubt and +foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she exclaimed. +"Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares."</p> + +<p>The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour +chime, and he rose to go.</p> + +<p>"You have beguiled me into staying much +longer than I intended," he answered. "What +will my poor patients in the country think of +such a long delay?"</p> + +<p>"Tell them you have been opening blind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +eyes," she said, gravely. "Indeed, Uncle Doctor, +the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, +strengthens my faith more than you can imagine."</p> + +<p>At the hall door he turned and took both her +hands in his:</p> + +<p>"There is another thing to remember," he +said. "You are only called on to live one day at +a time. One can endure almost any ache until +sundown, or bear up under almost any load if +the goal is in sight. Travel only to the mile-post +you can see, my little maid. Don't worry +about the ones that mark the to-morrows."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE.</div> + +<div class='center'> +"Sunshine and hope are comrades."<br /> +</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HE early morning light streaming +into Bethany's room, aroused her to +a vague consciousness of having been +in a storm the night before. Then +she remembered the garden roses beaten to earth +by the hail, and the flood of doubt and perplexity +that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems +confronted her; but they did not assume such +gigantic proportions in the light of this new +day, with its infinite possibilities.</div> + +<p>All the time she was dressing she heard +Jack singing lustily in the next room. He was +impatient to try the new brace, and paused between +solos to exhort her to greater haste. She +knelt just an instant by the low window-seat. +The prayer she made was one of the shortest +she had ever uttered, and one of the most heartfelt:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +"Give me this day my daily bread." That +was all; yet it included everything—strength, +courage, temporal help, disappointments or blessings—anything +the dear Father saw she needed +in her spiritual growth. When she arose from +her knees, it was with a feeling of perfect security +and peace. No matter what the day might +bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be +thankful.</p> + +<p>About an hour after breakfast she wheeled +Jack to a front window. It was growing very +warm again.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this +brace on," he said. "If you like, I'll help you +practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic +speed by dictating rapid sentences. He +read too slowly to be of any service that way, +but he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he +could repeat with amazing rapidity.</p> + +<p>"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can +make a speech as fast as I can say the piece +about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked +when he first proposed such dictation; "and I +can say the 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled +peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as +the boy's tongue, when they heard a cheery +voice in the hall.</p> + +<p>"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have +felt all morning that something nice was going +to happen, and now it has." Then he called +out in a tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my +thumbs, something wicked this way comes.'"</p> + +<p>"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as +she appeared in the doorway. "I think he is decidedly +better, Bethany; you need not worry +about him any longer."</p> + +<p>She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a +great yellow pear in his lap.</p> + +<p>"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when +Bethany insisted on taking her hat. "I am to +entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, +and Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually +long list of the 'sick and in prison' kind to look +after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that +ought to be attended to."</p> + +<p>She dropped into a chair near a window, +and picked up a fan.</p> + +<p>"You never could guess my errand," she +began, hesitatingly.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I know it is something nice," said Jack, +"from the way your eyes shine."</p> + +<p>"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I +don't know how it will impress Bethany."</p> + +<p>She plunged into the subject abruptly.</p> + +<p>"The Courtney sisters want to come here +to live."</p> + +<p>"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, +blankly. "To live! In our house? O Cousin +Ray! I have realized for some time that we +might have to give up the dear old place; but I +did hope that it need not be to strangers."</p> + +<p>"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. +They went to school with your mother for years +and years. You have heard of Harry and +Carrie Morse, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. +"They were the twins who used to do such outlandish +things at Forest Seminary. I remember, +mamma used to speak of them very often. +But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house."</p> + +<p>"I did. They married brothers, Joe and +Ralph Courtney, who were both killed in the +late war. They have been widows for over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +thirty years, you see. They are just the +dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember +them. I did not know they were in the city +until last night. But just as soon as I heard +that they had come to stay, and wanted to go +to housekeeping, I thought of you immediately. +I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went +over to see them in all that rain."</p> + +<p>"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, +as Mrs. Marion paused.</p> + +<p>She gave a quick glance around the room. +She felt sick and faint, now that the prospect +of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she +felt that, since it had been unsolicited, +there must be something providential in the +sending of such an opportunity.</p> + +<p>"O, they will be only too glad to come," +resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you are willing. They +remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, +and we planned it all out beautifully. +Since Jack's accident you sleep down-stairs anyhow. +You could keep the library and the two +smaller rooms back of it, and may be a couple +of rooms up-stairs. They would take the rest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +of the house, and board you and Jack for the +rent. Your bread and butter would be assured +in that way. They are model housekeepers, +and such a comfortable sort of bodies to have +around, that I couldn't possibly think of a nicer +arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than +taking care of this big house."</p> + +<p>"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl +could gasp. Her voice faltered from sheer gladness. +"You can't imagine what a load you have +lifted from me. I love every inch of this place, +every stone in its old gray walls. I couldn't +bear to think of giving it up. And, just to +think! last night, at the very time I was most +despondent, the problem was being solved. I +can never thank you enough."</p> + +<p>"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she +rose to go. "No thanks are due me, child. And +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody +still calls them, are just as anxious for such an +arrangement as you can possibly be. They'll +be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite +anxious to get settled. They have roamed about +the world so long they begin to feel that 'there's +no place like home.' Jack, they've been in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +China and Africa and the South Sea Islands. +Think of the charming tales in store for you!"</p> + +<p>"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when +she came back into the room after walking to +the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines +as if there was a light inside of you."</p> + +<p>"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, +giving him an ecstatic hug. "I am so very +happy! It seems too good to be true."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked +the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems to me she is +always busy doing something for somebody. +She never has a minute for herself. I remember, +when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them +wanted something. Why do you suppose they +all went to her? Did she tell them they might?"</p> + +<p>"Jack, do you remember the plant you had +in your window last winter?" she replied. "No +matter how many times I turned the jar that +held it, the flower always turned around again +towards the sun. People are the same way, dear. +They unconsciously spread out their leaves +towards those who have help and comfort to +give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She makes me think of that verse in +'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar and spice +and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. +"Lowell has described her:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +'So circled lives she with love's holy light,<br /> +That from the shade of self she walketh free.'"<br /> +</div> + +<p>"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, +with a puzzled expression.</p> + +<p>She explained it, and he repeated it over and +over, until he had it firmly fixed in his mind.</p> + +<p>Then they went back to the dictation exercises. +It was almost dark when they had another +caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door +on his way home to dinner.</p> + +<p>"I have good news for you, Bethany," he +said, with his face aglow with eager sympathy. +"Did Ray tell you?"</p> + +<p>"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've +been on a mountain-top all day because of it."</p> + +<p>"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, +hastily. "It's better than that. I mean about +Porter & Edmunds."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how anything could be better +than the news she brought," said Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +their new law-office to-day. They have just +moved into the Clifton Block. They have an +elegant place. As I looked around, making +mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. +I asked him if he needed a stenographer. +It was a random shot, for I had no idea they +did. The young man they have has been there +so long, I considered him a fixture. To my +surprise he told me the fellow is going into business +for himself, and the place will be open +next week. I told him I could fill it for him +to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to +give you the refusal of it until to-morrow noon. +I leave to-night on a business-trip, or I would +take you over and introduce you."</p> + +<p>"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. +"I know Mr. Edmunds very well. He +was a warm friend of papa's."</p> + +<p>Then she added, impulsively:</p> + +<p>"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a +dark place that I couldn't see my hand before +my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I +was ready to give up, and now the way has +grown so plain and easy, all at once, I feel that +I must be living in a dream."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, +holding out his hand. "Why didn't you come +to me with your troubles? Remember I am always +glad to smooth the way for you, just as +much as lies in my power."</p> + +<p>When he had gone, Bethany crept away into +the quiet twilight of the library, and, kneeling before +the big arm-chair, laid her head in its cushioned +seat.</p> + +<p>"O Father," she whispered, "I am so +ashamed of myself to think I ever doubted thee +for one single moment. Forgive me, please, +and help me through every hour of every day +to trust unfalteringly in thy great love and +goodness."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, +STENOGRAPHER.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HERE was so much to be done next +morning, setting the rooms all in order +for the critical inspection of Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet, that Bethany +had little time to think of the dreaded interview +with Porter & Edmunds.</div> + +<p>She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered +piazza, and brought him a pile of things +for him to amuse himself with in her absence.</p> + +<p>"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything +else," she said. "I will be back before the +sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe +in less than an hour."</p> + +<p>He caught at her dress with a detaining +grasp, and a troubled look came over his face.</p> + +<p>"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do +get that place, will I have to stay here all day +by myself?"</p> + +<p>"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +you around the garden, and wait on you; and +I will think of all sorts of things to keep you +busy. Then the old ladies will be here, and I +am sure they will be kind to you. I'll be home +at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together."</p> + +<p>"But if those people come, Mena will have +so much more to do, she'll never have any time +to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" +he asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of +bother. I'd take my books and study, or look +out of the window all the time, and keep just +as quiet! Please ask 'em if I can't come too, +sister!"</p> + +<p>It was hard to resist the pleading tone.</p> + +<p>"Maybe they'll not want me," answered +Bethany. "I'll have to settle that matter before +making any promises. But never mind, +dear, we'll arrange it in some way."</p> + +<p>It was a warm July morning. As Bethany +walked slowly toward the business portion of +the town, several groups of girls passed her, +evidently on their way to work, from the few +words she overheard in passing. Most of them +looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine +of such a treadmill existence was slowly draining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +their vitality. Two or three had a pert, +bold air, that their contact with business life +had given them. One was chewing gum and repeating +in a loud voice some conversation she +had had with her "boss."</p> + +<p>Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized +that she was about to join the great working-class +of which this ill-bred girl was a member. +Not that she had any of the false pride +that pushes a woman who is an independent +wage-winner to a lower social scale than one +whom circumstances have happily hedged about +with home walls; but she had recalled at that +moment some of her acquaintances who would +do just such a thing. In their short-sighted, +self-assumed superiority, they could make no +discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, +who flirted with her customer, and the +girl in the school-room, who taught her pupils +more from her inherent refinement and gentleness +than from their text-books.</p> + +<p>She had remembered that Belle Romney +had said to her one day, as they drove past a +great factory where the girls were swarming +out at noon: "Do you know, Bethany dear, I +would rather lie down and die than have to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +work in such a place. You can't imagine what +a horror I have of being obliged to work for a +living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; +but I suppose these poor creatures are so accustomed +to it they never mind it."</p> + +<p>Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle +Romney's position was due entirely to the tolerance +of a distant relative. She longed to answer +vehemently: "Well, I would starve before +I would deliberately sit down to be a willing dependent +on the charity of my friends. It's +only a species of genteel pauperism, and none +the less despicable because of the purple and +fine linen it flaunts in."</p> + +<p>She had not made the speech, however. +Belle leaned back in the carriage, and folded +her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that +amused Bethany then. It nettled her now to +remember it.</p> + +<p>She turned into the street where the Clifton +Block stood, an imposing building, whose +first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. +The elevator-boy showed her the room. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, +for the walls were lined with books, and the +rugs and massive furniture bespoke taste as well +as wealth.</p> + +<p>An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the +window-sill and his back to the door, was vigorously +smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods +client, who had an early engagement. +His feet came to the floor with sudden force, +and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window +when he heard Bethany's voice saying, +timidly,</p> + +<p>"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?"</p> + +<p>He came forward with old-school gallantry. +It was not often his office was brightened by +such a visitor.</p> + +<p>"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, +in surprise, secretly wondering what had brought +her to his office.</p> + +<p>He had met her often in her father's house, +and had seen her the center of many an admiring +group at parties and receptions. She had +always impressed him as having the air of one +who had been surrounded by only the most refined +influences of life. He thought her unusually +charming this morning, all in black,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +with such a timid, almost childish expression +in her big, gray eyes.</p> + +<p>"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," +he said, cordially. "I hope this cigar +smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I +should have the honor of entertaining a lady, +or I should not have indulged."</p> + +<p>"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming +this morning?" asked Bethany, in some embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"No, not a word. I believe he said something +to Mr. Porter about a typewriter-girl that +wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor +of calling."</p> + +<p>Bethany smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the +place," she answered.</p> + +<p>"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing +up in his surprise, and beginning to stutter as +he always did when much excited. "You! w'y-w'y-w'y, +you don't say so!" he finally managed +to blurt out.</p> + +<p>"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked +Bethany, beginning to be amused. "Do you +think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +a position? I assure you I have a very fair +speed."</p> + +<p>"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not +that; but I never any more thought of your +going out in the world to make a living than +a-a-a pet canary," he added, in confusion.</p> + +<p>He seated himself again, and began tapping +on the table with a paper-knife.</p> + +<p>"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or +teach French?" he asked, half impatiently. "A +girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially +the part of a world one sees in the court-room."</p> + +<p>Bethany looked at him gravely.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those +things after a fashion, but none of them well +enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand +stenography, and I am confident I can do thorough, +first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, +that it is a mistaken idea that the girl +who has had the most sheltered home-life is +the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa +used to say we are like the planets; we carry +our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one +may carry the same personality into a reporter's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +stand that she would into a drawing-room. We +need not necessarily change with our surroundings."</p> + +<p>As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed +her cheeks, and she unconsciously raised her +chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked +at her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow.</p> + +<p>"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any +position she might choose to fill," he said +courteously.</p> + +<p>"Then you will let me try," she asked, +eagerly. She slipped off her glove, and took +pencil and paper from the table. "If you will +only test my speed, maybe you can make a decision +sooner."</p> + +<p>He dictated several pages, which she wrote +to his entire satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, +laughingly; and then she told him of the practice +she had had writing nursery rhymes.</p> + +<p>He seemed so interested that she went on +to tell him more about the child, and his great +desire to be in the office with her.</p> + +<p>"I told him I would ask you," she said, +finally; "but that it was a very unusual thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +to do, and that I doubted very much if any +business firm would allow it."</p> + +<p>He saw how hard it had been for her to +prefer such a request, and smiled reassuringly.</p> + +<p>"It would be a very small thing for me to +do for Richard Hallam's boy," he said. "Tell +the little fellow to come, and welcome. He +need not be in any one's way. We have three +rooms in this suite, and you will occupy the +one at the far end."</p> + +<p>It was hard for Bethany to keep back the +tears.</p> + +<p>"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," +she said. "The legacy papa thought +he had secured to us was swept away, but he +has left us one thing that more than compensates—the +heritage of his friendships. I have +been finding out lately what a great thing it +is to be rich in friends."</p> + +<p>Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my +twin tenants turn out to be half as nice," she +thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day."</p> + +<p>She tried to picture them, as she walked +rapidly on, wondering whether they would be +prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +Marion had said they were fine housekeepers. +That might mean they were exacting and hard +to please.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" +she concluded, finally. "I'll take Uncle Doctor's +advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones."</p> + +<p>She found them sitting on the side piazza, +being abundantly entertained by Jack.</p> + +<p>"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came +up the steps to meet them; "this one is Aunt +Harry—that's what she told me to call her—and +the other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've +both been around the world together, and both +ridden on elephants."</p> + +<p>There was a general laugh at the unceremonious +introduction.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her +own little plump ones, and stood on tiptoe to +give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the +same, holding her a moment longer to look +at her with fond scrutiny.</p> + +<p>"Such a striking resemblance to your dear +mother," she said. "Sister and I hoped you +would look like her."</p> + +<p>"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +old-fashioned," was Bethany's first impression, +as she looked at them in their plain +dresses of Quaker gray. "But their voices are +so musical, and they have such good, motherly +faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful +kind of people."</p> + +<p>"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, +that it will seem good to settle down in +a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, +as they were going over the house together.</p> + +<p>"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, +one appreciates big, roomy closets and wardrobes +like these."</p> + +<p>They went all over the place, from garret +to cellar, and sat down to rest beside an open +window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance +in with every passing breeze.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be +ready for us before next week," sighed Miss +Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt +me so. I wish we could come this very afternoon." +She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks."</p> + +<p>"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I +shall be glad to surrender the reins any time +you want to assume the responsibility."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, +exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" and, catching +Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she +whirled her around the room, regardless of her +protestations, until their spectacles slid down +their noses, and they were out of breath.</p> + +<p>Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. +Miss Caroline turned in time to catch +her expression of alarm.</p> + +<p>"Did you think we had lost our senses, +dear?" she asked. "We do not often forget +our dignity so; but we have been so long like +Noah's dove, with no rest for the sole of our +foot, that the thought of having at last found +an abiding-place is really overwhelming."</p> + +<p>"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" +remarked Miss Harriet, with dignity. "I am +very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions +of enthusiasm, and it is fully time that +you had too."</p> + +<p>"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss +Caroline, soothingly. "You're just as glad as +I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our +real selves from people we are going to live +with."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic +air.</p> + +<p>"Sister thinks because we have arrived at +a certain date on our calendar, we must conform +to that date. But, try as hard as I can, +I fail to feel any older sometimes than I used +to at Forest Seminary, when we made midnight +raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. +I suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; +but I can't grow old gracefully, so long as I +am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was."</p> + +<p>Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, +half-indulgent look that Miss Harriet bestowed +on her sister.</p> + +<p>"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," +she thought. "I wonder how we ever +happened to drift together."</p> + +<p>Something of the last thought she expressed +in a remark to the sisters as they went down +stairs together.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, decidedly. "You needed us, and we +needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own."</p> + +<p>By nightfall the sisters had taken their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +places in the old house, as quietly and naturally +as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence +in the house gave Bethany such a care-free, +restful feeling, and a sense of security that she +had not had since she had been left at the head +of affairs.</p> + +<p>After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a +rocking-chair out into the wide hall, and sat +down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept +through it.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing +Mena about breakfast. How delightful +it was to be freed from all responsibility +of the meals and the marketing! After +the next week she would not have even the +rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged +a stout maid to do the housework, that +Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so +irksome.</p> + +<p>Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly +around, unpacking one of the trunks. Bethany +could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. +Some of the notes were muffled as she disappeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a +refractory bureau drawer.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">The clouds ye so much dread</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Are big with mercy, and shall break</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">In blessings on your head."</span><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A KINDLING INTEREST.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 90px;"> +<img src="images/drop_f.png" width="90" height="100" alt="F" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />RANK Marion, on his way to the store +one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed +just a week.</div> + +<p>"You will find me dropping in here quite +often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, whom he met +coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin +of mine is never to be found at home in the day-time +any more, I shall have to call on him here. +He is my right-hand man in Junior League +work."</p> + +<p>"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. +"He's the most original little piece I ever saw. +Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're +always welcome, you know."</p> + +<p>Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so +intent on her manuscript that she did not notice +Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by +the window, was working vigorously with slate +and pencil at an arithmetic lesson. As Bethany<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's +tall form in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want +you to see how nice everything is here. We +have the best times."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and +smiled at the child's delight.</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair +up to the window, and entering into the boy's +pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto +the elevator, and up we come. And it's so nice +and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy +yet. While she writes I get my lessons, or draw, +or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. Edmunds +and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything +to do, I recite to her. But the best fun is +grocery tales."</p> + +<p>"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, +with flattering interest.</p> + +<p>"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store +across the street?" asked Jack, "and all the +things sitting around in front? There's almost +everything you can think of, from a broom to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +a banana. I choose the first thing I happen to +look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's +a tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese +story; or if it's a bottle of olives, something about +the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a +lovely visit she had once on a farm. She says +when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind +her of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; +and the coffee means a South American +story; and the watermelons a darkey story; +and the brooms something she read once about +an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have lots +of fun watching people pass. So many teams +stop at the watering-trough over there. I like +to wonder where everybody comes from, and imagine +what their homes are like. It is almost as +good as reading about them in a book."</p> + +<p>"You are a very happy little fellow," said +Mr. Marion, patting his cheek, approvingly. +"I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world +of ours, and teach other people how to be happy. +I've brought you some more work to do. I want +you to look up all these references, and copy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +them on separate slips of paper for our next +meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga +Jew this morning. He is as much in +earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League +interested in him and his mission."</p> + +<p>"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin +Frank," she answered. "Think of the prejudices +to overcome. How little the general membership +of the Church know or care about the +Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble +work is at first impossible.'"</p> + +<p>"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul +says: 'I can do all things through Christ who +strengthened me.' I can't get away from the +feeling that God wants me to take some forward +step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. +All the time in my business I am brought in +contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. +Ray and I have been reading Graetz's +history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how +any one can read an account of all the race endured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +at the hands of the Christianity of the +Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward +them. Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of +what was dealt out to them in the name of the +gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children +were taught to spit at the mention of such a +name."</p> + +<p>"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of +Martyrs?'" asked Jack, eagerly. "We've got +that at home, with the awfullest black and +yellow pictures in it of people being burned to +death and tortured. I hope, if it is as interesting, +sister will read it out loud."</p> + +<p>Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance +that Mr. Marion laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll +not care to read all five volumes, Jack; but Bethany +can select the parts that will interest you +most."</p> + +<p>Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject +up again that evening at the table.</p> + +<p>"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing +in the act of helping himself to sugar, "do you +like the Jews?"</p> + +<p>"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. +"I can't say that I take any special interest in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +them, one way or another. To tell the truth, +I've never known any personally."</p> + +<p>"Would you like to know more about them?" +he asked, with childish persistence. "'Cause +Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can +listen if you like."</p> + +<p>"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be +glad to hear," answered Miss Harriet. "At +first sister and I thought we would not intrude +on you in the evenings; but the library does +look so inviting, and it is so dull for us to sit +with just our knitting-work, since we have +stopped reading by lamp-light, that we can not +resist the temptation to go in whenever she begins +to read aloud."</p> + +<p>"O, you're home-folks," said Jack.</p> + +<p>Bethany had excused herself before this conversation +commenced, and was in the library, +opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to +give her at noon. When the others joined her, +she held up a little pamphlet she had just +opened.</p> + +<p>"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from +Chattanooga. It is an article on 'What shall +become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +one of them, at least his name would indicate +it—Leo N. Levi. It will be interesting to look +at that question from their standpoint."</p> + +<p>"Will I like it?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not," she answered, after a +rapid glance through its pages. "We'll have +some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, +and save this until you are asleep."</p> + +<p>Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch +dialect. When she laid down the book after +the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," +she saw a big tear splash down on Miss Harriet's +knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was furtively +wiping her spectacles.</p> + +<p>"Leave the door open," called Jack, when +he had been tucked away for the night. "Then +I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull."</p> + +<p>"Do you really care to hear this?" asked +Bethany, picking up the pamphlet.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic +nods. "I'll own I am very ignorant on +the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no +more than right that we should take something +improving."</p> + +<p>"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +room, "you never told them about Mr. Lessing, +did you?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Bethany. "I never told +them any of my Chattanooga experiences. +Maybe it would be better to begin with them, +and then you can understand how I happened +to become so interested in the Hebrew people. +The pamphlet can wait until another time."</p> + +<p>She tossed it back on the table, and settled +herself comfortably in a big chair.</p> + +<p>"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, +"and tell you how I was persuaded into going, +and how strangely events linked into each +other."</p> + +<p>"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss +Caroline, as Bethany drew a graphic picture +of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the +crowded tent. When she came to Lessing's +story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in her lap, +and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair.</p> + +<p>"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out +of a romance!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, when +Bethany had finished. "That part about the +mother's curse and being buried in effigy makes +me think of the novels that we used to smuggle +into our rooms at school. I wish you could go<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +on and give us the next chapter. It is intensely +interesting."</p> + +<p>"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, +sadly. "I thought of that at the time. What +can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace +events? He will simply go on to the end in a +routine of study and work. He will preach to +whatever audiences he can gather around him. +That is all the world will see. The other part +of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon him +because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, +the soul-struggles, the spiritual victories, the +silent heroism, will be unwritten and unapplauded, +because unseen."</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder you are interested," said +Miss Harriet. "Would you believe it, I don't +know the difference between an orthodox and +a reform Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow +in the encyclopedia."</p> + +<p>She picked up the little pamphlet, and +opened at random.</p> + +<p>"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. +"'The Jew is everywhere in evidence. He sells +vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence +and endures martyrdom in the Balkan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in +France, England, Austria, and Germany. He +has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere +he is seen; and, what is more to the point, +he is felt. He runs through the entire length of +history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched +by the high lights of great events at almost every +point.'"</p> + +<p>"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" +she asked, turning to Miss Caroline. "Wasn't +it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere +in the neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall +have to trace that line back a considerable distance, +I am thinking, if we would know anything +on the subject."</p> + +<p>"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, +with her usual alacrity.</p> + +<p>Several evenings after, when Bethany came +home from the office, she found a new book on +the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto."</p> + +<p>"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, +a little nervously. "It is one of Zangwill's. The +clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +Of course, I am no critic, but it looked interesting, +and I thought you might not mind reading +it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye +that made me think it might be as entertaining +as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'"</p> + +<p>Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I +believe it is the very thing to give us an insight +into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses."</p> + +<p>She read the headings of several of the +chapters aloud, and a sentence here and there.</p> + +<p>"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are +proud and happy in that the dread unknown +God of the infinite universe has chosen our race +as the medium by which to reveal his will to +the world. History testifies that this has verily +been our mission, that we have taught the world +religion as truly as Greece has taught beauty +and science. Our miraculous survival through +the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties +is a proof that our mission is not yet over.'"</p> + +<p>"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" +exclaimed Jack, in a disappointed tone.</p> + +<p>"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can +understand part, and I will explain the rest."</p> + +<p>So it came about that, after the Scotch tales<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +were laid aside, the little group in the library +nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in +the early days of the century.</p> + +<p>"I can never feel the same towards them +again," said Miss Caroline, the night they finished +the book. "I understand them so much +better. It is just as the proem says: 'People +who have been living in a ghetto for a couple +of centuries are not able to step outside merely +because the gates are thrown down, nor to efface +the brands on their souls by putting off the +yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its +hovering miasma of persecution.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he +has given us such a diversity of types. You +know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: +'No people can be fairly judged by its superlatives. +It would be silly to judge all the Chinese +by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict +Arnold. If the Jews squirm and indignantly +protest against Shylock and Fagin and Svengali, +they must be consistent, and not claim as types +Scott's Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' +Now, Zangwill has given us a glimpse of all +sorts of people—the 'pots and pans' of material<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual +idealists. I hope you'll go on another investigating +tour, Miss Caroline, and bring home +something else as instructive."</p> + +<p>But before Miss Caroline found time to go +on another voyage of discovery among the book-stores, +something happened at the office that +gave a deeper interest to their future investigations.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes +longer than usual, one morning after he had +finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss +Hallam. Mr. Porter has decided to go abroad +for a while. Family matters may keep him +there possibly a year. During his absence it is +necessary to have some one in his place; and, +after mature deliberation, we have decided to +take in a young lawyer who has two points +decidedly in his favor. He has marked ability, +and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. +He is a young Jew, a protege of Rabbi +Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest respect +for him, although Mr. Porter is a little +prejudiced against him on account of his nationality.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +I wondered if you shared that feeling."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. +"I have been greatly interested in studying their +history this summer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I have never given their past much +thought," responded Mr. Edmunds; "but their +relation to the business world has recently attracted +my attention. It is wonderful to me +the way they are filling up the positions of +honor and trust all over the world. Statistics +show such a large proportion of them have acquired +wealth and prominence. Still, it is only +what we ought to expect, when we remember +their characteristics. They have such 'mental +agility,' such power of adapting themselves to +circumstances, and such a resistless energy. +Maybe I should put their temperate habits first, +for I can not remember ever seeing a Jew intoxicated; +and as to industry, the records of our +county poor-house show that in all the seventy +years of its existence, it has never had a Jewish +inmate. People with such qualities are like +cream, bound to rise to the top, no matter what +kind of a vessel they are poured into."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, +coming back to the first subject.</p> + +<p>"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. +"You may have met him."</p> + +<p>"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. +She caught her breath in surprise. +Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads +here, or had she been caught in some +tangle of chance? Maybe this was the opportunity +she had prayed for that morning when +she had listened to Lessing's story, and caught +the inspiration of his consecrated life.</p> + +<p>A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human +voice could so reach the ear of the Infinite, +and draw down an answer to its petition. She +was almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility +such an answer laid upon her. O, +the childishness with which we beat against +the portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, +and then shrink back when the Almighty +hands them out to us, afraid to take and +use what we have most cried for!</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was a sultry morning in August +when David Herschel took his place +in the law-office of Porter & Edmunds.</div> + +<p>The sun beat against the tall buildings until +the radiated heat of the streets was sickening +in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything +had a wilted look, and the watering-carts left a +steam rising in their trail, almost as disagreeable +as the clouds of dust had been before.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining +at home, and Bethany's wearing a thin white +dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany +went slowly towards the office she was glad that +the sensible old lady had carried her point.</p> + +<p>To shorten the distance, she passed through +one of the poorer streets of the town. Disagreeable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed +children cried on the doorsteps and +quarreled in the gutters.</p> + +<p>A great longing came over Bethany for a +breath from wide, fresh fields, or green, shady +woodlands. This was the first summer she had +ever passed in the city. August had always +been associated in her mind with the wind in +the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some +rocky coast. It recalled the musical drip of the +waterfalls trickling down high banks of thickly-growing +ferns. It brought back the breath of +clover-fields and the mint in hillside pastures.</p> + +<p>A strong repugnance to her work seized her. +She felt that she could not possibly bear to go +back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer +she thought of those old care-free summers, the +more she chafed at the confinement of the present +one.</p> + +<p>She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance +of the great building. Every door and +window stood open. While she waited for the +elevator-boy to respond to her ring, she turned +her eyes toward the street. A blind man passed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was +beating mercilessly on the man's gray head, +for his cap was held appealingly in his outstretched +hand.</p> + +<p>"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" +thought Bethany, with a swift rush of pity, as +the contrast between this blind beggar's life +and hers was forced upon her.</p> + +<p>There was no one in the office when she +entered. After the glare of the street, it seemed +so comfortable that she thought again of the +blind beggar and the child who led him, with a +feeling of remorse for her discontent.</p> + +<p>A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass +vase on the table, filling the room with their fragrance. +She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, +running hand, was the one word—"Consider!"</p> + +<p>"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought +Bethany, quickly interpreting the message. "She +knew this would be an unusually trying day +on account of the heat, so she gives me something +to think about instead of my irksome confinement. +'They toil not, neither do they +spin,'" she whispered, lifting one snowy chalice +to her lips; "but what help they bring to those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +who do—sweet, white evangels to all those who +labor and are heavy laden!"</p> + +<p>She fastened one in her belt, then turned to +her work. She had been copying a record, and +wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was +ready to attend to the morning mail. Her +fingers flew over the keys without a pause, except +when she stopped to put in a new sheet +of paper. When she was nearly through, she +heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, +and increased her speed. She had forgotten +that this was the day David Herschel was to +come into the office. He had taken the desk +assigned him, and was so busily engaged in conversation +with Mr. Edmunds that for a while +he did not notice the occupant of the next room. +When, at last, he happened to glance through +the open door, he did not recognize Bethany, +for she was seated with her back toward him.</p> + +<p>He noticed what a cool-looking white dress +she wore, the graceful poise of her head, and +her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies +beside her, and wished she would turn so that +he could see her face.</p> + +<p>"Some fair Elaine—a lily-maid of Astolat," +he thought, and then smiled at himself for having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before +he had even heard her name or seen her +face.</p> + +<p>At last Bethany finished the record, with a +sigh of relief. Quickly fastening the pages, +she rose to take it into the next room. Just on +the threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary +little start of surprise.</p> + +<p>As she stood there, all in white, with one +hand against the dark door-casing, she looked +just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of +quick perceptions, but he noticed the look of +admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they +both seemed a trifle embarrassed as he introduced +them.</p> + +<p>They had recalled at the same moment the +night in the Chattanooga depot, when she had +distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did +not care to make his acquaintance.</p> + +<p>For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. +That gracious ease of manner which +"stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one +of her greatest charms. But just at this moment, +when she wished to atone for that unfortunate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +remark by an especially friendly +greeting, when she wanted him to know that her +point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she +could not summon a word to her aid.</p> + +<p>Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she +blushed like a diffident school-girl, and bowed +coldly.</p> + +<p>David courteously remained standing until +she had laid the record on Mr. Edmunds's desk +and left the room.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he +resumed his seat; but there was not the slightest +change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness +of manner in Bethany's greeting. But he had +noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself.</p> + +<p>Nothing more passed between them for several +days, except the formal morning greeting. +Then Jack came back to the office. He had +gained rapidly since the new brace had been +applied. During his enforced absence on account +of the heat, he found that he could wheel +himself short distances, and proudly insisted on +doing so, as they went through the hall. He was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +a great favorite in the building. Everybody, +from the janitor to the dignified judge on the +same floor, stopped to speak to him. He was +such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, +despite the misfortune that chained him to the +chair and had sometimes made him suffer extremely, +that the sight of him oftener provoked +pleasure than pity. He was so glad to get back +to the office that he was bubbling over with +happiness. It seemed to him he had been away +for an age. The cordial reception he met on +every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David +was at his desk, busily writing. Bethany +paused as they passed through the room.</p> + +<p>"Allow me to introduce my little brother, +Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack is very anxious +to meet you."</p> + +<p>He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced +girl, leaning over Jack's chair, with the +brightness of his roguish face reflected in her +own, was such a transformation from the dignified +Miss Hallam he had known heretofore, that +he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was +surprised into such an unusual cordiality of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +manner, that Jack straightway took him into +his affections, and set about cultivating a very +strong friendship between them.</p> + +<p>One afternoon Bethany was called into another +office to take a deposition. She left Jack +busy drawing on his slate.</p> + +<p>David, who had been reading several hours, +laid down the book after a while, with a yawn, +and glanced into the next room. The steady +scratch of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack +was gazing disconsolately out of the window.</p> + +<p>As he heard the book drop on the table he +turned his head quickly. "May I come in +there?" he asked David eagerly.</p> + +<p>David nodded assent. "You may come in +and wake me up. The heat and the book together, +have made me drowsy."</p> + +<p>Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and +looked out towards the court house. It was late +in the afternoon, and the massive building threw +long shadows across the green sward surrounding +it.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said +Jack. "I can't tell from my window. Don't +you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always +makes me think of heroes. I love heroes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so +creepy, and your hair kind o' stands up, and you +hold your breath while they're a-risking their +lives to save somebody, or doing something +else that's awfully brave. And then, when +they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; +but you feel so warm all over somehow, and you +want to cheer, and march right off to 'storm the +heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face +of the earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. +I always do. Don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish +enthusiasm, yet touched by the recognition +of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to +lead the boy further on.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. +"Papa wanted me to be a lawyer. He was in the +war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used +to put 'em on sometimes, and say I was going +to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. +But he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, +that's not the highest way you can serve your +country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +have to be a preacher like my grandfather, John +Wesley Bradford, because he left me all his +library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't +my real name, you know."</p> + +<p>"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked +David, as the boy paused to catch a fly that was +buzzing exasperatingly around him.</p> + +<p>"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer +by a savage slap at the fly. "Only except +when we get to talking about the Jews. You +know we are very much interested in your people +at our house."</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't know it," answered David, +amused by the boy's matter-of-fact announcement. +"How did you come to be so interested?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it started with the Epworth League +Conference at Chattanooga. There was a converted +Jew up there on the mountain that spoke +in the sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to +see him afterwards. He took Bethany with him +to write down what they said in shorthand. O, +he had the most interesting history! You just +ought to hear sister tell it. You know the two +old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. +Well, may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +they didn't have the least bit of use for the Jews +before that. Now, since we've been reading +about the awful way they were persecuted, and +how they've hung together through thick and +thin, they've changed their minds."</p> + +<p>"And you say that it is only when you are +talking about the Jews that you would like to be +a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring +him back to the subject.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how +that man's whole life was changed by a little +Junior League girl; how she started him, and +he'll start others, and they'll start somebody +else, and the ball will keep rolling, and so much +good will be done, just on her account, I'd like +to do something in that line myself. I'm first +vice-president of our League, you know," he +said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on +his coat.</p> + +<p>"But I wouldn't like to be a regular +preacher that just stands up and tells people +what they already believe. That's too much like +boxing a pillow." He doubled up his fist and +sparred at an imaginary foe.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, +and make every blow count. We studied the life +of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes—there's one for you. My, but he was +game! Thrashed and stoned, and shipwrecked +and put in prison, and chained up to another +man—but they couldn't choke him off!" Jack +chuckled at the thought.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that +when a Jew does turn Christian he's deader in +earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told +us to notice that. There's Matthew. He was +making a good salary in the custom-house, and +he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and +the rest of 'em left their boats and all their fishing +tackle, and every thing in the wide world +that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give +up his family. Cousin Frank told us about ever +so many that had done that way. So that's why +I'd rather preach to them than other people. +They amount to so much when you once get +them made over."</p> + +<p>"You might commence on me," said David.</p> + +<p>Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and +looked confused. He stole a sidelong glance at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back +into the other room.</p> + +<p>"I haven't gone into the business yet," he +called back over his shoulder, recovering his +equanimity with young American quickness, +"But when I do I'll give you the first call."</p> + +<p>David was so amused by the conversation +that he could not refrain from recounting part +of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed +to put them on a friendlier footing.</p> + +<p>Finding that she was really making a study +of the history of his people, he gave her many +valuable suggestions, and several times brought +Jewish periodicals with articles marked for her +to read.</p> + +<p>"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," +she told him. "They are very well +versed in the ancient history, but this is something +so new to them."</p> + +<p>"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. +"He would be an inspiration in any +line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you +read Hebrew. One loses so much in the translation. +There are places in the Psalms and Job<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +where the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. +You know there are some pebbles +and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from +that element, they lose that brilliancy. I have +noticed the same effect in changing a thought +from the medium of one language to another."</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized +that difficulty, too, in translating from the +German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, +leaves the verse as soulless as a flower +without its fragrance."</p> + +<p>"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. +"That is why I would have you read +the greatest of all literature in its original setting. +Are you fond of language?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. +I took the course in Latin and German +at school, and got a smattering of French the +year I was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek +a little at home with papa, to get a better understanding +of the New Testament. But Hebrew +always seemed to me so very difficult that only +spectacled theologians attempted it. You know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius +as a matter of course. Only daring climbers +attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the heights +made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts +and mountain railways."</p> + +<p>He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as +you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any one that can +master stenography can easily compass that. +There is a similarity in one respect. In both, +dots and dashes take the place of vowels. I will +bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you +how easy the rudiments are."</p> + +<p>Jack was more interested than Bethany. He +had never seen a book in Hebrew type before. +The square, even characters charmed him, and +he began to copy them on his slate.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to learn this," he announced. +"The letters are nothing but chairs and tables."</p> + +<p>"It was a picture language in the beginning," +said David, leaning over his chair, much +pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter +used to be the head of an ox. See how the horns +branch? And this next one, Beth, was a house. +Don't you remember how many names in the +Bible begin with that—Beth-el, Beth-horon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +Beth-shan—they all mean house of something; +house of God, house of caves, house of rest."</p> + +<p>Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would +teach a fellow lots. What are you a house of, +Beth-any?"</p> + +<p>He looked up, but his sister had been called +into the next room.</p> + +<p>"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" +asked David. "It will be a great help to you +when you 'go into the business' of preaching to +us Jews."</p> + +<p>Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his +tongue out of the corner of his mouth in an embarrassed +way. Then he looked up, and saw that +David was not laughing at him, but soberly +awaiting his answer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in +the office."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's +dark head and Jack's yellow one bending over +the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +teachers," said Mr. Marion. "Would you +undertake to teach it, Herschel?"</p> + +<p>The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient +I might make the attempt," he said. +"But I do not live in the city. My home is out +at Hillhollow."</p> + +<p>Then, after a pause, while some other plan +seemed to be revolving in his mind, he asked: +"Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born +teacher, and nothing would delight him more +than to imbue some other soul with a zeal for his +beloved mother-tongue."</p> + +<p>"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," +responded Mr. Marion, "if you will get +his consent, and find what his terms are. Bethany, +I'll head the list with your name. Then +there's Ray and myself. That makes three, and +I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. +Do you know, Bethany, it would not surprise me +very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?"</p> + +<p>"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison +Avenue, and unmarried besides. But I heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. +I hope the bishop will consider the call."</p> + +<p>"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," +she answered. "You know what is apt to befall +'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE DEACONESS'S STORY.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 86px;"> +<img src="images/drop_a.png" width="86" height="100" alt="A" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />UGUST slipped into September. The +vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, +brightened the room with the glow +of the earliest golden-rod.</div> + +<p>"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray +through his fingers. "It makes me think of +your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking."</p> + +<p>"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, +wishing he dared express his admiration +as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle +overlooking Bethany's, and he often studied her +face while she worked, as he would have studied +some rare portrait—not so much for the perfect +contour and delicacy of coloring as for the soul +that shone through it.</p> + +<p>She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual +things. It was from Jack he learned how interested +she was in all her Church relationships.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +Still he felt forcibly an influence that he could +not define; that silent charm of a consecrated +life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master.</p> + +<p>One day when he was thus idly occupied, +the janitor tiptoed into the room, ushering a lady +past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It +was all black, except that there were deep, white +cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was +tied under the chin with broad white bows. She +was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands.</p> + +<p>David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine +Bentley!" as if much surprised to see +her. Then they stood face to face, holding each +other's hands while they talked in low, rapid +tones.</p> + +<p>The stranger staid only a few moments. +After she passed out, David strolled leisurely up +to Bethany's desk.</p> + +<p>"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss +Hallam," he said. "I am interested in the costume +of the lady who was here just now. I've +seen one like it before. Can you tell me to what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +order she belongs? Is it anything like the Sisters +of Charity?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, something like it," she answered. +"She is a deaconess. There is this difference. +They take no vows of perpetual service to the +order, but their lives are as entirely consecrated +to their work as though they had 'taken the veil,' +as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about +doing good in the Master's own way, to rich and +poor alike. She came in just now to report a +case of destitution she had discovered. I am +chairman of the Mercy and Help Department +in our League."</p> + +<p>"Is that all they do?" asked David.</p> + +<p>"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see +the Deaconess Home on Clark Street. They +have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It +is the work of some of these women to gather in +all the poor, neglected girls they can find. They +make it so very attractive that the poor children +are taught to be respectable little housekeepers, +without suspecting that the music and games +are really lessons. Homes that could be reached +in no other way have some wonderful changes +wrought in them."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have so many different organizations +in your Church," said David. "Seems to me I +am always hearing of a new one. There is an +old saying, 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' +Did you never prove the truth of that?"</p> + +<p>"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," +exclaimed Bethany. "The little wheels all fit +into the big one like so many cogs, and all help +each other. For instance, here is the deaconess +work. It goes hand in hand with the League, +only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift +Up,' for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars +all avenues to them. Of all hard, self-sacrificing +lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to +pay for such services, and whatever there is to +do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly."</p> + +<p>"The reason I asked," answered David, "is +that one day last week I went down to that terrible +quarter of the city near the lower wharves. +I wanted to find a man who I knew would be +a valuable witness in the Dartmon murder case. +I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand +on one of the early boats. I had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten +old tenements near the river. I found the room +used as an office was down in a damp basement. +It was about half-past five when I reached there. +I went down the rickety old stairs and knocked +several times. You can imagine my surprise +when the door was opened by a refined-looking +woman, in just such a costume as your friend +wore, except, of course, the little bonnet. When +I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside +a moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled +me at first. There was a narrow counter where +a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, +and these were left to await claimants. There +was a calico curtain stretched across the room +to form a partition. She drew it aside, and +motioned me to look in. There was a table, two +chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying +across the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out +with weariness and sorrow, lay a young girl +heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months +old, was lying among the pillows, as white and +still as if it were dead. The woman dropped the +curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's +husband you are looking for,' she said. 'He is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +a rough, drunken fellow, and has been away for +days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. +I was called here at three o'clock this morning. +A physician came for me, but he said it could not +live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches +swarmed all over the floor, and the rats +were so bad they fairly ran over our feet. The +poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I +came, from sheer exhaustion. There is nothing +to eat in the house, and the milk I brought with +me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful +thing to say, but I dare not leave the baby while +she is asleep long enough to get anything—on +account of the rats.' Of course I went out and +got the things she needed. Then there was +nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's +bravery, have been in my thoughts ever since."</p> + +<p>"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany +said, when he had finished. "I know the nurse, +Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took +the mother to the Deaconess Hospital. She has +typhoid fever. Belle told me of another experience +she had. Her life is full of them. She was +sent to a family where drunkenness was the cause +of the poverty. The man had not had steady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +work for a year, because he was never sober more +than a few days at a time. They lived in three +rooms in the rear basement of a large tenement-house. +Belle said, when she opened the door of +the first room, it seemed the most forlorn place +she had ever seen. There was a table piled full +of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with +half-washed clothes. The floor looked as if it +had never known the touch of a broom. The +odor of the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, +half-grown girl, one of the neighbors, +stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she +knew how. Four dirty, half-starved children +were playing on the bare floor. Their mother +was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to +repeat Belle's description of that bedroom, it +was so filthy and infested with vermin. She +said, when she saw all that must be done, that +repulsive creature bathed, the dishes washed, +and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly +touch a thing in the room. She wanted to turn +and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such +repulsive things?'"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel.</p> + +<p>Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness +that must have shone in Belle Carleton's, +as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' +sake!"</p> + +<p>There was a long pause, which Herschel +broke by saying: "And she staid there, I suppose, +forced her shrinking hands into contact +with what she despised, did the most menial +services, from a sense of duty to a man whom +she had never seen, who died centuries ago? +Miss Hallam, how could she? I find it very hard +to understand."</p> + +<p>"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected +Bethany, "so much as love."</p> + +<p>"Well, for love then. What was there in +this man of Nazareth to inspire such devotion +after such a lapse of time? I understand how +one might admire his ethical teaching, how one +might even try to embody his precepts in a code +to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. +He was no greater lawgiver than Moses, +yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +yet who is ready to lay down his life cheerfully +and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter—or +Paul?'"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up +at him wistfully, "don't you see that it is no +mere man who exercises such power; that he +must be what he claimed—one with the +Father?"</p> + +<p>Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day +on the train came back to him: "O, my friend, +if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!"</p> + +<p>Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as +they paced back and forth in front of the tent, +arm in arm in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Of a truth you can not understand these +things, unless you be born again—be born of +the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge +you have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life +is latent in the worm, even while it has no conception +of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible +for it to conceive of flight until it has passed +through some change that bursts the chrysalis +and provides the wings?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>The silence was growing oppressive. David +shook his head, rose, and slowly walked out of +the room.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she +wheeled him homeward from the office at noon-time, +"Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the +time about something I said once about preaching +to the Jews. He brings it up so often, that +if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure +enough."</p> + +<p>Whatever answer Bethany might have made +was interrupted by Miss Caroline, who met them +as they turned a corner.</p> + +<p>"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You +were in my mind just this minute. I wondered +if I might not chance to meet you."</p> + +<p>"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked +Jack, seeing that she carried several small +parcels.</p> + +<p>"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! +Caroline Courtney actually out shopping in the +dry-goods stores."</p> + +<p>"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. +"It must be something important. I can't remember +that you have done such a thing before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +since I have known you. Have you been invited +to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?"</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline beamed on them through her +spectacles. "Really, my dears, that is just what +I would like to know myself. That's why I had +to make these purchases. Your cousin Ray +came in this morning, just after you had gone, +to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six +this evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort +of an occasion she was planning, only that it was +a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of +all. He has been gone a week on a business trip, +but will get home to-night at six. Sister and I +have been trying to think what kind of an occasion +it could be. I know it isn't their wedding +anniversary, nor her birthday. Maybe it is his. +So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought +to dress—whether to wear our very best dove-colored +silks and point lace, or the black crepon +dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she +got in Brussels, although I want very much to +take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. +My second best is broken, and of course we +wouldn't want to carry a palm-leaf. There was +no other way but to take the second best fan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> +down and match it. Then she had lost one of the +bows of ribbon that was on her gray dress, and +I had to match that, in case we decided to wear +the grays. Here I have spent the whole morning +over my fan and her ribbon."</p> + +<p>"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you +carry your Brussels fan and wear your gray +dress, and let her wear her black dress and take +the kind of fan she wanted?"</p> + +<p>"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, +"Neither of us would have taken a mite of comfort +so. You don't understand how it feels +when there are two of you. When you have +spent—well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless +you are in pairs."</p> + +<p>It was arranged that Jack should not go back +to the office that afternoon. The sisters volunteered +to take him with them.</p> + +<p>Bethany hurried through her work, but it +seemed to her she had never had so many interruptions, +or so much to do.</p> + +<p>It was after six when she closed her desk. +Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired look on her +flushed face, and said:</p> + +<p>"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +stairs. I have to stay here some time longer to +meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while +he is waiting." He went down on the elevator +with her, and handed her into the carriage.</p> + +<p>"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before +you start home," he said, kindly. "It will +do you good."</p> + +<p>Bethany sank back gratefully among the +cushions. Jerry had been her father's coachman +at one time. He grinned from ear to ear +as she took her seat.</p> + +<p>"We'll take a spin along the river road," +she said. "Give me a glimpse of the fields and +the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, +on Phillips Avenue."</p> + +<p>"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. +"I know all the roads you like best!"</p> + +<p>The impatient horses needed no urging. +They fairly flew down the beaten track that led +from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy +byways. On they went, past suburban orchards +and outlying pastures, to the sights and sounds +of the real country.</p> + +<p>Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of +bells in a quiet lane where the cows stood softly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves +in the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown +stubble-field near by. Then the wind swept up +from the river, now turning red in the sunset. +It put new life into her pulses, and a new light +in her eyes. The weariness was all gone. The +wind had blown the light, curly hair about her +face, and she put up her hands to smooth it back, +as they came in sight of Mrs. Marion's house.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't make any difference," she +thought. "I can run up into Cousin Ray's room +and put myself in order before any one sees me."</p> + +<p>As the carriage stopped, some one stepped +up quickly to assist her alight. It was David +Herschel.</p> + +<p>"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am +literally blown to pieces. How queerly things +do happen in this world!"</p> + +<p>To her still greater wonderment, instead of +closing the gate after her and going on down +the street, he followed her up the steps.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," +she thought. "This must be part of it."</p> + +<p>Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just +smoothed their plumage in the guest-chamber,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +and were coming down the stairs hand in hand +as David and Bethany entered the reception-hall.</p> + +<p>This was their first glimpse of David. They +had been very curious to see him. Jack had +talked about him so much that they recognized +him instantly from his description.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, +and said in a dramatic whisper, "Sister! the +surprise."</p> + +<p>"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. +"How unusually bright she looks, and yet a +little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has +been saying anything to her. They came in +together."</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they +both moved forward with their most beaming +"company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. +Herschel.</p> + +<p>"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading +the way into the drawing-room, while Bethany +made her escape up stairs.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. +Dameron."</p> + +<p>"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> +and Miss Harriet in chorus, as a tall, thin +woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling +eyes rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the +land's sake! how did you ever happen to get +here?"</p> + +<p>"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained +Mrs. Marion to David, as the twins stood +on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss +her repeatedly between their exclamations of +joyful surprise. "They haven't seen her since +they were married. I'll present you, and then +we'll leave them to have a good old gossip."</p> + +<p>During the introductions in the drawing-room, +Mr. Marion came into the hall, with his +gripsack in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. +"How are you, my boy? I'm so glad to see +you."</p> + +<p>He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap +him on the shoulder and hold the little hands +lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden +parting of the portieres behind them, a swift +rustle, and two white hands met over his eyes +and blindfolded him.</p> + +<p>"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +clapped his hand over his mouth as he heard a +warning "Sh!"</p> + +<p>"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, +laughing and reaching backwards to seize whoever +had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would +take such liberties."</p> + +<p>"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. +"What about Ray's younger sister?"</p> + +<p>He turned around, and catching her by the +shoulders, held her out in front of him.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in +amazement. "When did you get here, little +sister? I never imagined you were within two +hundred miles of this place."</p> + +<p>"Neither did Ray until this morning. I +just walked in unannounced."</p> + +<p>When he had given her a hearty welcome +she said: "O, I'm not the only one to surprise +you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, +and see who all's there, while I talk with this +young man I haven't seen for a year."</p> + +<p>Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin +since he was old enough to fasten his baby fingers +in her long, brown hair. In her yearly +visits to her sister she had devoted so much of +her time to him, and been such a willing slave,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +that he looked forward to her coming even a +shade more eagerly than he watched for Christmas.</p> + +<p>There was one thing that remained longest +in the memory of every guest who had ever enjoyed +the hospitality of the Marion home. It +was the warm welcome that made itself continually +felt. It met them even in the free swing +of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just +walk right in now, and make yourself at home."</p> + +<p>There was an atmosphere of genial comfort +and cheer that cast its spell on all who strayed +over its inviting threshold. It made them long +to linger, and loath to leave.</p> + +<p>David Herschel was quick to appreciate the +warm cordiality of his greeting. He had not +been in the house five minutes until he felt himself +on the familiar footing of an old friend. At +first he wondered at the strange assortment of +guests, and thought it queer he had been asked +to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, +who were so absorbed in each other.</p> + +<p>Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois +Denning—a slim, graceful girl in a white duck +suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +decided in her opinions, and original in her +remarks.</p> + +<p>"That red carnation just suits her," said +David to himself, as they talked together. "She +is so bright and spicy."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. +Marion, anxiously. "It's getting dark, and I'm +as hungry as a schoolboy."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and your guests will think you are as +impatient as one," she answered, laughingly. +"We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. +Cragmore hasn't come yet."</p> + +<p>"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to +his feet.</p> + +<p>"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend +to tell you he was coming. I knew you +hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and +I wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to +the Clark Street Church. I met him coming +up from the depot this morning, and asked him +to dine with us to-night."</p> + +<p>"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed +Mr. Marion, "so that I might give vent +to my delight as I used to."</p> + +<p>"I remember how loud you could whoop +when you were two feet six," remarked Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing +you, now that you are six feet two."</p> + +<p>There was a quick ring at the front door, +and the next instant Frank Marion and George +Cragmore were shaking hands as though they +could never stop.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's +necks and weep a la Joseph and his brethren," +said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I +feel that I am about to be presented to a whole +circus—menagerie and all."</p> + +<p>"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they +heard his musical voice say.</p> + +<p>"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois +in an undertone. "How's that for a touch of +the rale auld brogue?"</p> + +<p>He was introduced to the old ladies first, +then to the saucy Lois and Jack. Then he +caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual +pleasure, and were about cordially to renew +their acquaintance, begun that day on the car, +when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw +Bethany.</p> + +<p>Both Lois and David noticed the way his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +face lighted up, and the eagerness with which he +went forward to speak to her.</p> + +<p>That evening was the beginning of several +things. The Hebrew class was organized. Mr. +Marion had found only two of his teachers willing +to undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully +allowed herself to be substituted for the third +one he had been so sure would join them.</p> + +<p>"I'll not be here more than long enough to +get a good start," she said, "but I'm in for anything +that's going—Hebrew or Hopscotch, +whichever it happens to be."</p> + +<p>The twins declined to take any part. "I +know it is beyond us," sighed Miss Harriet. +"The Latin conjugations were always such a +terror to me, and sister never did get her bearings +in the German genders."</p> + +<p>When it came time for the merry party to +break up, Frank Marion would not listen to any +good-nights from Cragmore.</p> + +<p>"You're not going away. That's the end +of it," he declared. "I'll walk down with you +to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. +You're to stay here until you get a boarding +place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go then,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +if I did not know it was essential for you to live +nearer your congregation."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's +chair, with Miss Caroline on one side, and Miss +Harriet on the other.</p> + +<p>Bethany followed with George Cragmore. +There was a brilliant moonlight, and they +walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare +beauty of the night.</p> + +<p>"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. +Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the steps. "I +want to finish spinning this yarn."</p> + +<p>They all went into the hall.</p> + +<p>Bethany opened the door into the library +and struck a match. Cragmore took it from her +and lighted the gas.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with +his attentive audience of three.</p> + +<p>"I'll be through in a moment," he called. +The sisters dropped down in a large double +rocker.</p> + +<p>"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," +said Bethany. "His minute may prove +to be elastic."</p> + +<p>Cragmore looked around the homelike old +room, and then down at the fair-haired woman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other +time. Yes, I think I should like to come here +very often, Miss Hallam."</p> + +<p>The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, +made the remark so very personal that Bethany +was slightly annoyed.</p> + +<p>"O, our latch-string is always out to the +clergy," she said lightly, and then led the way +back to the hall to join the others.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"YOM KIPPUR."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HE morning after the first meeting +of the Hebrew class at Rabbi Barthold's, +Frank Marion came into the +office.</div> + +<p>"Herschel," he said, "when do you have +your Day of Atonement services? Is it this week +or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, +but I am not sure about the date. He is going +to preach a series of sermons that are to set forth +the views now held by the Reform school, and +Cragmore and I are anxious to hear them."</p> + +<p>"It is the week after this," said David, consulting +the calendar.</p> + +<p>"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip +in time for the Friday night service."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" +asked David. "Isn't he a magnificent old +fellow?"</p> + +<p>Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +"Well," he said after some deliberation, "I +hardly know where to place him. He doesn't +belong to this age. If I believed in the transmigration +of souls, I should say that some old +Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the +Temple lamps perpetually burning, had strayed +back to earth again.</p> + +<p>"That seems to be his mission now. He is +trying to rekindle the pride and zeal and hope +of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, +Herschel, but there are few in his congregation +who understand him. Their vision is so obscured +by this dense fog of modern indifference +that they fail to appreciate his aims. They are +still in the outer courts, among the tables of the +money-changers, and those who sell doves. +They have never entered the inner sanctuary +of a spiritual life. Their religion stops with the +altar and the censer—the material things. Understand +me," he said hastily, as David interrupted +him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit +of Judaism, but they are few and far between. +I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +of the synagogue, and their religion itself, +is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree."</p> + +<p>David drew himself up rather stiffly.</p> + +<p>"And you are the disciple of the man who +said, 'Let him that is without sin among you +cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the +Jew has to say about the dead-heads in your +Churches? What proportion of your membership +has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? +How many in your pews, who mumble +the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet +the challenge of his Shibboleth?"</p> + +<p>Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. +"You misunderstand me, my boy," he said. "I +have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent +Jew than for the indifferent Christian. God +pity them both! I was simply drawing a contrast +between Rabbi Barthold and his people, +as it appears to me—a shepherd who longs to +lead his flock up to the source of all living water; +but they prefer to dispense with climbing the +spiritual heights, jostle each other for the richest +herbage of the lowlands, and are satisfied. You +know that is so, David."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He +can not even arouse them to the necessity of +teaching their children Hebrew, if they would +perpetuate loyalty to its traditions."</p> + +<p>David was about to repeat what the Rabbi +had said the night he consented to take the +Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: +"What are we coming to, my son? Protestantism +is having a wonderful awakening in regard +to the study of the Bible. Never has there been +such a widespread interest in it as now. But +among our people, how many of the younger +generation make it a text-book of daily study? +Such negligence will surely write its 'Ichabod' +upon the future of our beloved Israel."</p> + +<p>"What a discussion we have drifted into!" +exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had only intended +dropping in here to ask you a simple question. +Come to think, I believe I have not answered +yours. You asked me my opinion of Rabbi +Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble +soul, a true seeker of the truth, and a man whose +friendship I would value very highly."</p> + +<p>Herschel looked much pleased.</p> + +<p>"I hope you may be able to hear him on +'Yom Kippur,'" he said.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion +answered.</p> + +<p>As his footsteps died away in the hall, David +said to himself: "If every Gentile were like that +man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," +he added as an after-thought, "what would become +of the lawyers? We would starve."</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>In the waning light of the afternoon, that +Day of the Atonement, there was no more devout +worshiper in all the temple than George +Cragmore. He had just finished reading a book +of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among the +Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the +prayer-book some one handed him, he was impressed +with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him:</p> + +<p>"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow +bed between two rocky walls, whence only +the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a +well so deep that the ages have not dried it up, +and the nations of the four corners of the earth +have come to slake their thirst at its waters."</p> + +<p>It seemed to him that all that was purest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +most heart-searching and sublime in the Old +Covenant; all that time has proven most precious +and comforting of its promises; all therein +that best satisfies the human yearnings toward +the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct +in man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite +mosaic of this day's ritual.</p> + +<p>Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly +on the sermons, admired their scholarly style, +and indorsed most of their substance, but he +came away with a feeling of sadness.</p> + +<p>It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people +with their backs turned on the sacrifice a +divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by +their penitent pleadings and good deeds.</p> + +<p>Herschel's devotions were interfered with +by a spirit of criticism heretofore unknown to +him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that +had been having an almost imperceptible +growth that he could not enter into the service +with his usual abandon. He was continually +contrasting those around him with that never-to-be-forgotten +gathering on Lookout, and the congregation +in the tent.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + +<p>What made them to differ? He could not +tell, but he felt that something was lacking here +that had made the other such a force.</p> + +<p>Cragmore had not been able to attend the +Friday night service, nor the one on the following +morning. He came in just after the noon +recess, and was ushered to a pew near the center +of the room, where he immediately became absorbed +in the ritual. He followed devoutly +through the meditations and the silent devotions, +and when they came to the responsive readings, +his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there.</p> + +<p>The synagogue, with its modern trappings +and fashionably-dressed congregation, seemed to +disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and +burnt-offering. Through the chanting of the +choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed +to see the clouds of incense, and the smoke arising +from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole +soul seemed to go out in reverent adoration to +this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew +and Christian.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> + +<p>The memorial service to the dead followed +the sermon.</p> + +<p>Cragmore's music-loving nature responded +like a quivering harp-string as the choir began +a minor chant:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"Oh what is man, the child of dust?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">What is man, O Lord?"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>The low, moaning tones of the great organ +rose and fell like the beat of a far-off tide, as all +heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the +great beyond.</p> + +<p>Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of +thankfulness for the unbroken family circle +across the wide Atlantic.</p> + +<p>As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn +hedges, a faint chiming of the Shandon +bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills +seemed to mingle a moment with his prayer.</p> + +<p>The sun had set, when in the concluding +service his eyes fell on the words the Rabbi was +reading—The Mission of Israel—"It's a pity," +he thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed +Christian, who, between ignorance and bigotry, +can get only a distorted impression of the Jews,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially +that prayer for all mankind, and this one +he is reading now:</p> + +<p>"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the +eventide, when, according to Thy gracious +promise, Thy light will arise over all the children +of men, and Israel's spiritual descendants will +be as numerous as the stars in the heaven. Endow +us, our Guardian, with strength and patience +for our holy mission. Grant that all the +children of Thy people may recognize the goal +of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, +by their zeal and love for mankind, the +truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity on +earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. +Enlighten all that call themselves by Thy name +with the knowledge that the sanctuary of wood +and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but +a gate, through which Israel should step out into +the world, to reconcile all mankind unto Thee! +Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement +shall be completed; when the day shall +dawn in which the light of Thy truth, brighter +than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the +whole earth. But surely that great day of +universal reconciliation, so fervently prayed for,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return +empty, unless they have done that for +which Thou didst send them. Then joy shall +thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth +to the other shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, +O Israel, hear all mankind, the Eternal our God, +the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make +pilgrimage to Thy house, which shall be called +a house of prayer for all nations, and from their +lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for +us the gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, +O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting +doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'"</p> + +<p>And the choir chanting, replied:</p> + +<p>"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of +hosts—He is the King of glory."</p> + +<p>There was a short prayer, then a benediction +that made Cragmore and Marion look across the +congregation at each other and smile. It was +the Epworth benediction, with which the League +was always dismissed:</p> + +<p>"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. +May the Lord let his countenance shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift +up his countenance upon thee, and give thee +peace."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>The two men met each other at the door, +and walked homeward together through the +twilight.</p> + +<p>Cragmore had found a boarding place. It +was not far from the temple.</p> + +<p>"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. +"I see you still have Herschel's prayer-book with +you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day +of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I have never known before +to-day what special hope they clung to. Come +in and I will find the paragraph."</p> + +<p>He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a +chair over towards his guest, and, seating himself, +began rapidly turning the leaves of the +book.</p> + +<p>"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows:</p> + +<p>"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all +tribal spirit and purified of all national dross, +will become the law of humanity. The world +that jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will +witness the fulfillment of prophecies delayed for +twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According +to the words of the prophets, the nations will +come to learn of Israel, and the people will hang<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go +up together to the mountain of Jehovah, to the +house of the Lord of Israel, that he may teach +us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, +for which the world has been sighing +since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted to +it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel +needs but to discard her old practices, as in +spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her +prophets, which has been preserved intact beneath +her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement +to form. Then only, after having +infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of +all men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, +be able to merge herself in the nations."</p> + +<p>"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, +as he closed the book. "And yet do you know, +Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that +Israel has some great part to play in the conversion +of humanity? Any one must see that nothing +short of Divine power could have kept them +intact as a race, and Divine power is never aimlessly +exerted. There must be some great reason +for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +of the cross these people would make! +What torch-bearers they have been! They have +carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien +shore they have touched."</p> + +<p>Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his +eyes alight with something akin to prophetic +fire.</p> + +<p>"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet +bud and blossom into the perfect flower of +Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O +when it does, the 'chosen people' will become +a veritable tree of life, whose leaves will be 'for +the healing of the nations.'"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>DR. TRENT.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was a cold, bleak night in November. +There was a blazing wood-fire +on the library hearth. Bethany sat +in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using +as a desk for her long-neglected letter-writing. +An appetizing smell of pop-corn and boiling +molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, +where the sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned +candy-pulling. The occasional gusts +that rattled the windows made Bethany draw +closer to the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth +and comfort. She thoroughly appreciated her +luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had +the long, quiet evening ahead of her.</div> + +<p>For half an hour the steady trail of her pen +along the paper, and the singing of the kettle +on the crane, was all that was audible.</p> + +<p>Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with +a radiant, sticky face, and a plate of candy.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. +"We're going to make some chocolate creams +now. Do come and help, sister?"</p> + +<p>She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters +on the table. "I must get these out of the way +first," she said. "Then I'll join you."</p> + +<p>"I guess you can eat and write at the same +time," he answered, holding out the plate.</p> + +<p>He waited only long enough for her to taste +his wares, and hurried back to the kitchen to +report her opinion of their skill as confectioners.</p> + +<p>Just as the dining-room door banged behind +him, she thought she heard some one coming up +on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. +She paused in the act of dipping her pen into the +ink, and listened. Some one certainly tried the +bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly +alarmed, and half way across the room stopped +again to listen. There was a momentary rustling +in the hall. She heard something drop on +the hat-rack. Then there was a low knock at +the library door. She opened it a little way, and +saw Dr. Trent standing there.</p> + +<p>"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +door wide open. "I never once thought of its +being you. I took you for a burglar."</p> + +<p>Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard +look on his face. He seemed to have grown ten +years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he +pushed slowly past her, and stood shivering before +the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in +the hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some +unusual weight had been laid upon his patient +shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength.</p> + +<p>Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and +stern face that he was in sore need of comfort.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following +him to the fire, and laying her hand +lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that +something dreadful must have happened to unnerve +him so. "What can I do for you?" she +asked with a tremble of distress in her voice.</p> + +<p>He dropped into a chair and covered his face +with his hands. When he raised his head his +eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age.</p> + +<p>"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, +huskily.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> + +<p>Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. +Trent's given name before, she knew that he +was speaking of his wife.</p> + +<p>There was a long pause, which she finally +broke by saying, "Don't you see her every day? +I thought you were in the habit of going out to +her that often."</p> + +<p>"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, +"day after day, and day after day, all these long +years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has only +been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized +me. She was always calling for me. The way +she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to her +husband, would have touched a heart of flint; +yet she never knew me when I came. She would +grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but +she would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused +way that was pitiful. I always hoped that +some day she might recognize me. I would sing +her old songs to her, and talk about our old +home, although the thought of its shattered +happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way +to bring her to herself. She would listen awhile, +and look up at me with a recognition almost +dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would +begin to roll down her cheeks, and she would beg<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back +to me for the first time in eight years,—my own +little Isabel! I knew it was only because the +frail body was worn out with its terrible struggle, +and I could not keep her long. O, such a +day as this has been! I have held her in my +arms every moment, with her poor, tired head +against my heart. She was so glad and happy +to find herself with me at last, but the happiness +was over so soon."</p> + +<p>He buried his face in his hands as before, +with a groan. When he spoke again, it was in +a dull, mechanical way.</p> + +<p>"She died at sundown!"</p> + +<p>The tears were running down Bethany's face. +She had been standing behind his chair. Now +she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over +his gray hair, with a comforting caress.</p> + +<p>"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, +in a voice tremulous with sympathy.</p> + +<p>"You can," he answered. "That is why I +came. None of her relatives are living. Only +my most intimate friends know that she did not +die eight years ago, when she was taken away +to a sanitarium. I want—" he stopped with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +choking in his throat. "The attendants have +been very kind, but I want some woman of her +own station—some woman who would have been +her friend—to put flowers about her—and—smooth +her hair, as she would have wanted it +done—and—and—see that everything is all +fine and beautiful when she is dressed for her last +sleep."</p> + +<p>He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; +but his face was working pitifully, and the tears +were rolling down his face.</p> + +<p>"She would have wished it so. She knew +Richard Hallam. He was my best friend. I +do not know any one I could ask to do this +for my little Isabel, but Richard Hallam's +daughter."</p> + +<p>She leaned over and touched his forehead +with her lips.</p> + +<p>"Then let her have a daughter's place in +helping you bear this," she said. "Let her serve +her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father."</p> + +<p>He reached up and mutely took her hand, +resting his face against it a moment, as if the +touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +he rose, saying, "I shall send for you in the +morning."</p> + +<p>"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. +"You have hardly been here long +enough to get thoroughly warm."</p> + +<p>"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will +be only a few hours longer that I can sit beside +her. I have staid away now longer than I +intended, but I had to come in town to see that +Lee was all right."</p> + +<p>"O, does he know?" asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>"No, he was only two years old when they +were separated. She has always been dead to +him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow +his life with such a grief?"</p> + +<p>Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, +turned up the collar, and buttoned it securely. +Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps +in an absent-minded way.</p> + +<p>"I suppose Richard told you about that debt +I have been wrestling with so long," he said, +finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the +last wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, +I seem to have lost all my old vigor and ambition.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to stop, +and not try to take another step. I should like +to lie down and go to sleep, too."</p> + +<p>He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, +laden with snow, rushed in.</p> + +<p>Bethany watched him out of sight, then went +shivering back to the fire.</p> + +<p>A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next +day, so no one questioned, or no one knew why +Bethany was excused from the office during the +morning.</p> + +<p>She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. +She stood beside him in the dreary cemetery +till the white snow was laid back over the newly-made +mound. Then she rode silently back to +town with him. He sat with his hands over his +eyes all the way, never speaking until the carriage +stopped at the office, and the driver opened +the door for Bethany to alight.</p> + +<p>Next day she saw him drive past on his usual +round of professional visits. No one else noticed +any difference in him, except that he seemed a +little graver, and, if possible, more tender and +thoughtful in his ministrations, than he had been +before.</p> + +<p>To Bethany there was something very pathetic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +in the sudden aging of this man, who had +borne his burden so silently and bravely that +few had ever suspected he had one.</p> + +<p>He was making a stern effort to keep on in +the same old way. His profession had brought +him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the +shadow of his burden on other lives, if he could +help it.</p> + +<p>Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast +growing white, that he stooped more, and that +he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a +quick, elastic step. She ministered to his comfort +in all the little ways in her power, but it was +not much that any one could do.</p> + +<p>It must have been nearly two weeks before +he came again to the house. This time it was +to examine Jack.</p> + +<p>"What would you say, my son," he asked, +"if I should tell you I do not want you to go to +the office any more after this week?"</p> + +<p>Jack's face was a study. The tears came to +his eyes. "Why?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Because you will be strong enough then to +go through a certain exercise I want you to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by +Christmas."</p> + +<p>This was so much sooner than either Jack or +Bethany had dared hope, that they hardly knew +how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud +whoop, and went wheeling out of the room at +the top of his speed to tell Miss Caroline and +Miss Harriet.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly +tenderness in his face. Then he sighed and +turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble +to bring to you, my dear. Lee has been getting +into so much mischief lately. I never knew till +yesterday that he has not been attending school +regularly this term. You see every allowance +ought to be made for the child—no home but a +boarding-house; no one to take an oversight—for +I am called out night and day. He is such +a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am satisfied +that his teachers do not understand him. +They have not been fair with him. He has been +transferred from one ward to another, and finally +expelled. He never told me until last night. +He said he knew it would grieve me, and that he +put it off from day to day, because he did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> +want to trouble me when I was so worried over +several critical cases. That showed a sweet +spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has always +been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted +to go and interview the superintendent; but he +insisted it would do no good, because they are +all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a +good child. They ought not to expect a growing +boy, full of the animal spirits the Creator has +endowed him with, to always work like a prim +little machine. Maybe I am not acting wisely, +but he begged so hard to be allowed to go to work +for awhile, instead of being sent to any other +school, that I gave my consent. It is little a ten-year +old boy can do, but he has a taking way +with him, and he got a place himself. He is to +be elevator-boy in the same building where your +office is. You will see him every day, and I am +giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look +out a little for him, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. +"We are already great friends. He used +to often join us on his way to school, and wheel +Jack part of the distance."</p> + +<p>Jack made as much as possible of the remaining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +time that he was allowed to go to the office. +He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all +the different offices where he had made friends, +and spent a great deal of time in the hall, talking +to Lee, who was soon installed in the building +as elevator-boy.</p> + +<p>"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," +exclaimed Jack to Bethany after his first interview. +"Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about +doing. He's tough, I can tell you. He smokes +cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed +me an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven +up.' He shoots 'craps,' too. He has been playing +hooky half his time. One of the hostlers +at the livery-stable, where his father keeps his +horse, used to write his excuses for him. Lee paid +him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of the +warehouses down by the river. You just ought +to see the book he carries around in his pocket +to read when he isn't busy. It's called 'The +Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' +There is the awfulest pictures in it of people +being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +stuff he read; and asked him how he would like +to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the +reason he has gone to work is to save up money +so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or +some big place, and have a 'howling good time.'"</p> + +<p>It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the +deception the boy had practiced on his father. +Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and +was glad when the time came for him to stay +at home from the office. But in every way she +could she strengthened her friendship with Lee. +She brought him great, rosy apples, and pop-corn +balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy +could be proof against the long twists of homemade +candy she frequently slipped into his +pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped +to put a bunch of violets or a little red rose in +his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful +that she awakened the dormant chivalry within +him, and he would not for worlds have had her +suspect that he was not all his father believed +him to be.</p> + +<p>One day she told David enough of his history<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +to enlist his sympathy. After that the +young lawyer began to take considerable notice +of him, and finally won his complete friendship +by the gift of a little brown puppy, that he +brought down one morning in his overcoat +pocket.</p> + +<p>There was no more time to read "The Pirate's +Revenge." The helpless, sprawling little pup +demanded all his attention. He kept it swung +up in a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, +but spent every spare moment trying to develop +its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. +That was one occupation of which he never +wearied, and in which he never lost patience. +From the moment he took the soft, warm, little +thing in his arms, he loved it dearly.</p> + +<p>"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it +up to him, "because he's so sweet and brown."</p> + +<p>Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee +to dine with them on Thanksgiving day, but the +sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and Mrs. +Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend +the day with them, that she reluctantly gave up +her plan.</p> + +<p>"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +promised herself, "and a big tree for Lee and +Jack. Lois will help me with it."</p> + +<p>It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with +gray skies, and snow, to intensify the indoor +cheer.</p> + +<p>"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning +with its decorations of fruit and vegetables, +and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. +Dameron's, and was holding her big mink muff +in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it +in the snow.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" +chimed in Miss Caroline. "Sally always did +have a real talent for such things."</p> + +<p>"It couldn't have been any better than we +had," insisted Jack. "I don't believe I'll want +anything more to eat for a week."</p> + +<p>"That's very fortunate," answered Miss +Caroline, "for I gave Mena an entire holiday. +We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make +that in here."</p> + +<p>They sat around the fire in the gloaming, +quietly talking over the happy day. One of +Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +that these two gentle lives had come in contact +with her own. Their simple piety and childlike +faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, +like the modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers +they loved so dearly. Well for Bethany that she +had the constant companionship of these loving +sisters. Happy for Jack that he found in them +the gracious grandmotherly tenderness, without +which no home is complete. They were very +proud of their boy, as they called him. Between +the Junior League and their conscientious instruction, +Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and +grounded" in the faith of his fathers. Night +stole on so gradually, and the firelight filled the +room with such a cheerful glow, they did not +notice how dark it had grown outside, until a +sudden peal of the door-bell startled them.</p> + +<p>"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the +spectacles that had slipped down when the sudden +sound made her start nervously up from her +chair. She waited to light the gas, and hastily +arrange the disordered chairs.</p> + +<p>When she opened the door she saw David +Herschel patiently awaiting admittance. It +was the first time he had ever called. She was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> +all in a flutter of surprise as she ushered him +into the library. He declined to take a seat.</p> + +<p>"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," +he said. "You know he boards across the street +from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been +spending the day. He was called out to see a +patient last night, and came home late, with a +hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate +a little while ago, and came running over to tell +me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found +his father delirious, and had telephoned for Dr. +Mills. He was very much frightened, and +wanted me to stay with him until the doctor +came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined him, he +called me aside and asked me to get into his +buggy and drive out to the Deaconess Home. I +have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if +ever she was needed in her life, she is needed +now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected +too long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter +of only a few hours."</p> + +<p>Bethany started up, looking so white and +alarmed that David thought she was going to +faint. He arose, too.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I must go over there at once," she said.</p> + +<p>"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am +at your service, if you want me to wait for you."</p> + +<p>"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," +she answered. "Jack, I'll be back in time to +help you to bed."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, +which were still lying on the chair, where she +had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before.</p> + +<p>David offered his arm as they went down the +icy steps.</p> + +<p>"It was so good of you to come at once," she +said, as she accepted his assistance. "Is Miss +Carleton there now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost +instantly. She is the same nurse that I met early +one morning in that laundry office. She told +me on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so +much for the Home and for the poor. She says +she owes her own life to his skill and care, and +that no service she could render him would be +great enough to express her gratitude. They +all feel that way about him at the Home."</p> + +<p>Belle <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Cartleton'">Carleton</ins> met them at the bedroom +door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken about you,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had +several lucid intervals. Take off your hat before +you go to him."</p> + +<p>Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark +corner of the room, with Taffy hugged tight in +his arms. An undefinable dread had taken possession +of him. He looked up at Bethany, with +a frightened, tearful expression, as she patted +him on the cheek in passing.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down +beside him, and took his hand. He smiled +brightly as he recognized her.</p> + +<p>"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse +whisper, for he could not speak audibly. "Dear +old Dick."</p> + +<p>Then he grew delirious again. It was only +at intervals he had these gleams of consciousness.</p> + +<p>After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He +seemed to sink into a heavy stupor. Bethany +sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn +fingers clasped over hers.</p> + +<p>What a world of good that hand had done! +How unselfishly it had toiled on for others, to +wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +with the best of everything! Besides all that, +it had filled, as far as lay in its power, every +other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic +clasp.</p> + +<p>She sat beside him a long time, but he did +not waken from the heavy sleep into which he +had fallen, even when she gently withdrew +her fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills +take her place. He had just come in again.</p> + +<p>"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" +asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. +He shook his head. "Miss Carleton can do all +that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, +if I am needed. He will probably have no more +rational awakenings while this fever keeps at +such a frightful heat. If we can subdue that +soon, he has such great vitality he may pull +through all right."</p> + +<p>"You'd better go back, dear," urged the +nurse. "You have your work ahead of you +to-morrow, and you look very tired."</p> + +<p>"I have an almost unbearable headache," +admitted Bethany, "or I would not think of +leaving. I would not go even for that, if I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +thought he would have conscious intervals of +any length; but the doctor thinks that is hardly +probable to-night. I'll come back early in the +morning. Maybe he will know me then."</p> + +<p>"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging +wistfully to David's hand, as Bethany put on her +hat.</p> + +<p>"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, +kindly.</p> + +<p>Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep +back the tears.</p> + +<p>"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with +his lip trembling.</p> + +<p>David put his arm around him caressingly. +His sympathies went out strongly to the little +lad, who might so soon be left fatherless.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll come back and stay with you till +you go to sleep, after I take Miss Hallam home," +he promised.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A LITTLE PRODIGAL.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 92px;"> +<img src="images/drop_l.png" width="92" height="100" alt="L" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />EE was waiting disconsolately on the +stairs, with Taffy beside him, when +David opened the door and stepped +into the hall. The landlady was up-stairs +with the nurse, and all the boarders had +gone to a concert, so the parlor was vacant, and +David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward +told him such entertaining stories of his +travels that Lee forgot his painful forebodings. +The clock in the hall struck ten before either of +them was aware how swiftly the time had passed.</div> + +<p>"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know +where he is to sleep," David said to the nurse, +when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's +room.</p> + +<p>"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," +she said, kindly. "He'd better not undress."</p> + +<p>David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is +there any change?" he asked, anxiously.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + +<p>She nodded, and then motioned him aside. +"Would it be too much to ask you to stay a +couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? +Lee clings to you so, and the end may be much +nearer than we thought."</p> + +<p>"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," +he replied.</p> + +<p>They moved the sofa to the other side of the +room, and the nurse began folding some blankets +the landlady brought her to lay over it.</p> + +<p>"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, +dear?" she asked Lee.</p> + +<p>He picked up a larger lump than he could +well manage. The tongs slipped, and it fell with +a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces +as it did so, then rattling over the hearth.</p> + +<p>They all turned apprehensively toward the +bed. The heavy jarring sound had thoroughly +aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked +around the room as if trying to comprehend the +situation. He seemed puzzled to account for +David's presence in the room, and drew his hand +wonderingly across his burning forehead, then +pressed it against his aching throat.</p> + +<p>The nurse bent over him to moisten his +parched lips with a spoonful of water.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then he understood. A look of awe stole +over his face, as he realized his condition. He +held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, +turning, beckoned the child to come. He folded +the cold, trembling little fingers in his hot hands. +"Papa's—dear—little son!" he gasped in whispers.</p> + +<p>David turned his head away, his eyes suffused +with hot tears. The scene recalled so +vividly the night he had crept to his father's +bedside for the last time. His heart ached for +the little fellow.</p> + +<p>"God—keep—you!" came in the same +hoarse whisper.</p> + +<p>Then he turned to the nurse, and with great +effort spoke aloud, "Belle, pray!"</p> + +<p>David, standing with bowed head, while she +knelt with her arm around the frightened boy, +listened to such a prayer as he had never heard +before. He had wondered one time how this +woman could sacrifice everything in life for the +sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. +But as he listened now, to her low, earnest voice, +he felt an unseen Presence in the room, as of the +Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly.</p> + +<p>As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +might be underneath as this soul went down +into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried +out exultingly, "There is no valley!"</p> + +<p>David looked up. The doctor's worn face +was shining with an unspeakable happiness. He +stretched out his arms.</p> + +<p>"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!"</p> + +<p>His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes +closed, and he relapsed into a stupor, from which +he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at +midnight he was still breathing; but the street +lights were beginning to fade in the gray, wintry +dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the +lifeless hands across the still heart, and turned +to look at Lee.</p> + +<p>The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the +sofa, and David had gone.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease +of our appreciation to wreathe cold coffin-lids, +and cover unresponsive clay!</p> + +<p>There was a constant stream of people passing +in and out of the boarding-house parlor all +day.</p> + +<p>Bethany was not surprised at the great number +who came to do honor to Baxter Trent, nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she +arranged the great masses of flowers they +brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't +they send these when he was in such sore need +of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference."</p> + +<p>All sorts of people came. A man whose +wrists had not yet forgotten the chafing of a +convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that +Bethany had placed on the table at the head of +the casket.</p> + +<p>"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his +head mournfully. "I reckon he was ready to +go if ever any body was."</p> + +<p>They happened to be alone in the room, +and Bethany repeated what the nurse had told +her of the doctor's triumphant passing.</p> + +<p>Late in the afternoon there was a timid +knock at the door. Bethany opened it, and saw +two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over +her head, and the other wore a big, flapping +sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful +face. Their teeth were chattering with cold +and bashfulness.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we +couldn't get no wreaves or crosses, but granny +said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'"</p> + +<p>The dirty little hand held out a stemless, +yellow chrysanthemum.</p> + +<p>"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening +the door wide to the little ragamuffins.</p> + +<p>They glanced around the mass of blossoms +filling the room, with a look of astonishment that +so much beauty could be found in one place.</p> + +<p>"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, +"'Pears like our 'n don't show up for much, beside +all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry +we was."</p> + +<p>Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. +"Did you know him well?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I should rather say," answered the child. +"He kep' us from starvin', all the time granny +was down sick so long."</p> + +<p>"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with +him, away out in the country, and he let us get +out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, +Jess?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped +her eyes with the corner of her sister's shawl, +"Granny says we'll never have another friend +like him while the world stands."</p> + +<p>Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless +chrysanthemum. "See," she said, "I'm +going to put it in the best place of all, right here +by his hand."</p> + +<p>The door opened again to admit David Herschel. +Before it closed the children had slipped +bashfully away, still hand in hand.</p> + +<p>Bethany told him of their errand. "Who +could have brought more?" she said, touching +the shining yellow flower; "for with this little +drop of gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, +and the frankincense of a loving remembrance."</p> + +<p>She felt that he could appreciate the pathos +of the gift, and the love that prompted it. They +had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>"You've been here nearly all day, haven't +you?" he asked, noticing her tired face. "I wish +you would go home and rest, and let me take +your place awhile."</p> + +<p>He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +Her sympathies had been sorely wrought upon +during the day, and she was nearly exhausted.</p> + +<p>After she had gone, he sat down with his +overcoat on, near the front window. There was +only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the +grate.</p> + +<p>The last rays of the sunset were streaming in +between the slats of the shutters. He could hear +the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He +had not seen the child since morning.</p> + +<p>Two working men came in presently. They +looked long and silently at the doctor's peaceful +face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again.</p> + +<p>The minutes dragged slowly by.</p> + +<p>The heavy perfume of the flowers made +David drowsy, and he leaned his head on his +hand.</p> + +<p>The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked +in. His eyes were swollen with crying. He did +not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only +one long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, +and it lay athwart the still form in the center of +the room.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + +<p>Lee paused just a moment beside it, then +slipped noiselessly over to the grate. There was +a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the +dying embers as quietly as he could, and one by +one laid the books on the red coals. They were +the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. +Last of all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. +They blazed up, filling the room with light, and +revealing David in his seat by the window.</p> + +<p>"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any +one was in here."</p> + +<p>Then leaning against the wall, he put his +head on his arm, and began to sob in deeper distress +than he had yet shown. He felt in his +pocket for a handkerchief, but there was none +there.</p> + +<p>David took out his own and wiped the boy's +wet face, as he drew him tenderly to his knee.</p> + +<p>"Now tell me all about it," he said.</p> + +<p>Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried +harder for awhile. Then he sobbed brokenly: +"O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I +came in here early this morning before anybody +was up, to tell him I was sorry—that I would be +a good boy—but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +papa!" he wailed. "It's so awful to be left all +alone—just a little boy like me!"</p> + +<p>David folded him closer without speaking. +No words could touch such a grief.</p> + +<p>Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of +paper. It was only the scrap of a fly-leaf, its +jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his +pocket?" he asked in a trembling voice. "I +want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in +his pocket, he'd know how sorry I was."</p> + +<p>David took the bit of paper, all blistered with +boyish tears, where a penitent little hand, out +of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,—I will be +good."</p> + +<p>A sob shook the man's strong frame as he +read it.</p> + +<p>"I think he will be very glad to have you give +him that," he answered. "You'd better put it +in his pocket before any one comes in."</p> + +<p>Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed +the room. "O, I can't," he moaned, attempting +to lift the lifeless hands.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p> + +<p>David reached down, and unbuttoning the +coat, laid the promise of the little prodigal +gently on his father's heart, to await its reading +in the glad light of the resurrection morning. +Then he called some one else to take his place, +and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little +while he was driving through the twilight out +one of the white country roads, with Lee beside +him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a +cool hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore +heart.</p> + +<p>Bethany took him home with her after the +funeral, and kept him a week.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him +with all the ardor of their motherly old hearts. +Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his +usual vivacity.</p> + +<p>"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion +said to Bethany one day. He had gone up to the +office to talk to her about it.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting +that Frank Marion be appointed guardian.</p> + +<p>"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. +"She would have turned the house into an orphan +asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +she has so many demands on her time and +strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should +take Lee, I am away from home so much, that +the greater part of the care and responsibility +would fall on her. Just now his father's death +has touched him, and he is making a great effort +to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for him +in a big place like this, so full of temptations to +a boy of his age. He would be a constant care. +The only thing I can see is to put him in some +private school for a few years."</p> + +<p>"Let me keep him till after Christmas," +urged Bethany. "I can't bear to let the little +fellow go away among strangers this near the +holiday season. I keep thinking, What if it +were Jack?"</p> + +<p>"How would it do for me to take him out on +my next trip?" suggested Mr. Marion. "I will +be gone two weeks, just to little country towns +in the northern part of the State, where he could +have a variety of scenes to amuse him."</p> + +<p>"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. +"I'm sure he will like it."</p> + +<p>Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified +guardian. He had a secret fear that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +would always be preaching to him, or telling him +Bible stories. He hoped that the customers +would keep him very busy during the day, and +he resolved always to go to bed early enough to +escape any curtain lectures that might be in +store for him.</p> + +<p>To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the +jolliest of traveling companions. There was no +preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a +moral on to the end of his stories, and he only +laughed when Taffy crawled out of the innocent-looking +brown paper bundle that Lee would not +put out of his arms until after the train had +started.</p> + +<p>Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the +open country between little towns! Such fine +skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten +chapters, he told one of the drivers.</p> + +<p>One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, +frozen pike, one of the horses began to limp.</p> + +<p>"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. +"Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. It's jes' +round the next bend, over the bridge."</p> + +<p>The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +sparks and noisy anvils, was nothing new to +Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. +In fact, there were few places he had not explored.</p> + +<p>The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in +the habit of using rough language that every +sentence was accompanied with an oath.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the +fire.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he +said. They had heard a harsh, grating sound, +like some discordant grinding, ever since they +came in sight of the shop.</p> + +<p>Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty +thumb.</p> + +<p>"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' +gear somew'eres. It set me plumb crazy at first, +but I'm gettin' used to it now."</p> + +<p>"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. +Marion, anxious to get Lee out of such polluted +atmosphere.</p> + +<p>The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly +as broad as he was long, did not even take the +trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just +one of the cogs is gone out of one of the wheels.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get +'round to it. Does make an or'nery sound for a +fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry."</p> + +<p>"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, +after they had passed out of doors again. "I +don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. +It is a nuisance to the whole neighborhood."</p> + +<p>When he reported the conversation at the +smithy, Sikes swore at the miller soundly.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a +step forward.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone +that made every one in the shop pause to listen, +"you've got a bigger cog missing in you than +the old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger +nuisance to the neighborhood. You have lost +your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, +leaving out Christ, making a miserable failure +of your life grist, and every time you open your +lips, your blasphemous words tell the story of +the missing cog. If that old mill-wheel makes +such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +you suppose your life is making in the ears of +your Heavenly Father?"</p> + +<p>Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. +His first impulse was to knock him over with +the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not +help respecting the man who had the courage +to utter them.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no +idee you was a parson. I laid out as you was a +drummer."</p> + +<p>"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I +am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; but I spent +so many years on the road for this same house +before I went into the firm, that I often go out +over my old territory."</p> + +<p>Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me +you've got sermons and shoe-leather pretty +badly mixed up," he said.</p> + +<p>Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh +disappear down the road, he picked up the bellows +and worked them in an absent-minded sort +of a way.</p> + +<p>"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. +"A drummer! I'll be—blowed!"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<p>The incident made a profound impression on +Lee. A loop in the road brought them in sight +of the old mill again.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to have any cogs missing, +do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, first pinching the +boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him.</p> + +<p>The subject was not referred to again, but +the lesson was not forgotten.</p> + +<p>Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. +They walked to the Church a mile away in the +morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in +the afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. +If it had not been for Taffy, it would have been +insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. +Marion did not take him out to the night service. +He left him playing with the landlady's baby +in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not +last long, however. The baby was put to bed, +and some of the neighbors came in for a visit. +Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room.</p> + +<p>It was the best the house afforded, but it was +far from being an attractive place. The walls +were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +rag carpet was a dull, faded gray. The lamp +smoked when he turned it up, and smelled +strongly of coal-oil when he turned it down.</p> + +<p>He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded +to go to bed. It was very early. He +could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening +to somebody's rocking-chair, going +squeakety squeak in the parlor below.</p> + +<p>He wished he could be as comfortable and +content as Taffy, curled up in some flannel in a +shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached +out, and stroked the puppy's soft back.</p> + +<p>The feeling came over him as he did so, that +there wasn't anybody in all the world for him +really to belong to.</p> + +<p>It was the first time since Bethany took him +home that he had felt like crying. Now he lay +and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs.</p> + +<p>He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. +Mr. Marion lighted the lamp, putting a high-backed +chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that +was lying on the table, and, turning the leaves +very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> + +<p>A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a +long time he heard another. Laying down his +book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and +his face streaked with traces of tears. Marion, +with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking +at him.</p> + +<p>All the fatherly impulses of his nature were +stirred by the pitiful little face on the pillow.</p> + +<p>He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly +over the boy.</p> + +<p>"Lee," he said, "look up here, son."</p> + +<p>Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so +near his own.</p> + +<p>"You were lying here in the dark, crying +because you felt that there was nobody left to +love you. Now put your arms around my neck, +dear, while I tell you something. I had a little +child once. I can never begin to tell you how +I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my +heart. But I said, for her sake I shall love all +children, and try to make them happy. Because +her little feet knew the way home to God, I +shall try to keep all other children in the same +pure path. For her sake, first, I loved you;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +now, since we have been together, for your own. +I want you to feel that I am such a close friend +that you can always come to me just as freely +as you did to your father."</p> + +<p>The boy's clasp around his neck tightened.</p> + +<p>"But, Lee, there will be times in your life +when you will need greater help than I can give; +and because I know just how you will be tried, +and tempted, and discouraged, I want you to +take the best of friends for your own right now. +I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?"</p> + +<p>Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened +whisper, "I don't know how."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you +after you had been very naughty?" asked Mr. +Marion.</p> + +<p>"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." +Between his choking sobs he told of the promise +lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an +effort, as he pointed out the way so surely and +so simply that Lee could not fail to understand.</p> + +<p>Then, with his arm still around him, he +prayed; and the boy, following him step by step<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> +through that earnest prayer, groped his way to +his Savior.</p> + +<p>It was a time never to be forgotten by either +Frank Marion or Lee. They lay awake till long +after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>HERZENRUHE.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 86px;"> +<img src="images/drop_a.png" width="86" height="100" alt="A" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br /> STORY has come down to us of a +cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World +in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those +winter wilds made the bravest heart appalled; +when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's +bonny hedgerows, then the brave little +cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its +familiar chirp, bringing back the cheer of the +happy past, comforted the children, and sang +new hopes into the hearts of their elders.</div> + +<p>With every vessel that has touched the New +World's shores since that time have come these +fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the +ample chests of the first Virginians, or bound +in the bundles of the last steerage passengers +just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom +of a distant Fatherland has always folded its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> +wings, ready to chirp on the new hearthstone, +the familiar even-song of the old.</p> + +<p>That is how the American celebration of +Christmas has become so cosmopolitan in its +character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its +song of an "auld lang syne."</p> + +<p>"I should like to have a little of everything +this year," remarked Miss Caroline, as, pencil +in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum.</p> + +<p>It was two weeks before Christmas, and she +had called a family council in her room, after +Jack had gone to bed.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily +embroidering.</p> + +<p>"It is the first time we have had a home of +our own for so many years, or been where there +is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, +"that we ought to make quite an occasion of it."</p> + +<p>"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, +"is to begin back with the mistletoe of the +Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding +of old England. I'm sorry we can't have the +Yule log and the wassail-bowl and the dear little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. +But we can have a tree Christmas eve, with all +the beautiful German customs that go with it. +Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, +whether he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then +we must read up all the Scandinavian and Dutch +and Flemish customs, and observe just as many +as we can."</p> + +<p>"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said +Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. +"Jack is going to invite ten poor children that +the Junior Mercy and Help Department have +reported. He is so grateful for being able to +walk a little, that he wants to give up his whole +Christmas to them."</p> + +<p>"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. +"I'm through with my last present now, and +am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to +the slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she snipped the last thread of +silk with her little silver scissors, and tossed the +piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap.</p> + +<p>Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +are a true artist, Lois," she said. "These sweet +peas look as if they had just been gathered. +They would almost tempt the bees."</p> + +<p>"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," +answered Lois. "You can't guess whom +she's making that table-cover for?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For +that dear old grandmother where we were entertained +at Chattanooga last summer," she said. +"Don't you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? +She couldn't hear well enough to enjoy the +meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was +a perpetual welcome. She asked me into her +room one day, and showed me a great bunch of +red clover some one had sent her from the +country. She seemed so pleased with it, and +told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows +at home, with all the artlessness of a child. +That is why I chose this design."</p> + +<p>"There never was another like you, Cousin +Ray," said Bethany. "You remember everything +and everybody at Christmas, and I don't +see how you ever manage to get through with so +much work."</p> + +<p>"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +sententiously. "At least that's what my old +copy-book used to say."</p> + +<p>"And it also said, if I remember aright," +said Miss Caroline, a little severely, "'Plan out +your work, and work out your plan.' It's high +time we were settling down to business, if we +expect to accomplish anything."</p> + +<p>While this Christmas council was in session +in Miss Caroline's room, another was being held +in an old farm-house in the northern part of +the State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and +daughter. Everything in the room gave evidence +of German thrift and neatness, from the +shining brass andirons on the hearth, to the +geraniums blooming on the window-sill.</p> + +<p>"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home +Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind him in the +Fatherland, when he came to America a poor +emigrant boy; and that was the name now carved +on the arch that spanned the wide entrance-gate, +leading to the home and the well-tilled acres +that he had earned by years of steady, honest +toil.</p> + +<p>It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to +every wayfarer sheltered under its ample roof-tree.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> + +<p>He had accumulated his property by careful +economy, but he gave out with the same conscientious +spirit with which he gathered in. No +matter when the summons might come, at nightfall +or at cock-crowing, he was ready to give an +account of his faithful stewardship. Not only +had he divided his bread with the hungry, but +he had given time and personal care, and a share +in his own home-life, to those who were in need.</p> + +<p>More than one young farmer, jogging past +Herzenruhe in a wagon of his own, looked gratefully +up the long lane, and remembered that he +owed the steady habits of his manhood and his +present prosperity to Gottlieb Hartmann. For +in all the years since he had had a place of his +own, there had seldom been a time when some +homeless boy or another had not been a member +of his household.</p> + +<p>He was an old man now, white-haired and +rheumatic, and called grandfather by all the +country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy +winter apple. His children had all married and +gone farther West, except his oldest daughter, +Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +lure away from her comfortable home-nest. She +was an energetic, self-willed little body, and had +gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had +wheeled her sewing-machine beside the table, on +which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing +to dress a whole family of dolls to be packed +in the Christmas boxes that were soon to be sent +West.</p> + +<p>Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, +her sweet, wrinkled old face bright with the +loving thoughts that her needles were putting +into a little red mitten, destined for one of the +boxes.</p> + +<p>"It will be the first Christmas since I can +remember," said Carlotta, "that there will be no +little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children +the year before. It's a pity they are so far away. +It will just spoil my Christmas."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate +he was reading.</p> + +<p>"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. +There will be a little lad here to-morrow to take +dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +met our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had +a boy with him whose father is just dead, and +he is the guardian."</p> + +<p>"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion +first came here?" asked Carlotta. "Seems +to me I was only a little girl, and now I have +pulled out lots of gray hairs already."</p> + +<p>"It has been twenty years at least," answered +her mother. "It was while we were building +the ice-house, I know."</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone +into Ridgeville one Saturday to get some new +boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was +just a young fellow making his first trip, and +he seemed so strange and homesick that when I +found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, +I brought him out here to stay over Sunday +with us."</p> + +<p>"I remember you brought him right into the +kitchen where I was dropping noodles in the +soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has +seemed to feel like one of the family ever since."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has never missed coming out here +every time he has been in this part of the State, +from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking +up his paper again.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> + +<p>Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three +miles away, Mr. Marion was telling Lee of all +the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he +could hardly wait for the time to come, and he +dreamed all night of the country.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the +visit. The delighted child spent all his time in +the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he +said. "There's the dearest little colt in the +barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond in +the pasture covered with ice!"</p> + +<p>Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta +makes doughnuts every Saturday, and she +says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the +garret."</p> + +<p>When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion +was going on to the next town before starting +home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return.</p> + +<p>"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into +his pulses.' It will be good for him," she said.</p> + +<p>"Nobody knows better than I," answered +Mr. Marion, "the sweet wholesomeness of +country living. I should be glad to leave him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +in such an atmosphere always. He would develop +into a much purer manhood, and I am +sure would be far happier."</p> + +<p>Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. +"We'll see," she said. "Don't say anything to +him about it, but we'll try him while you're +gone, and then I'll talk to father. He seems +right handy about the chores, and there is a good +school near here."</p> + +<p>Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, +he went out to the barn to find Lee. The boy +had just scrambled out of a haymow with his +hat full of eggs. His face was beaming.</p> + +<p>"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, +"and I rode to the post-office this afternoon, +horseback."</p> + +<p>"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. +Marion.</p> + +<p>"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. +"Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann is just the +grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, +and they're all so good to me."</p> + +<p>It proved to be a very eventful journey for +the boy; for after some discussion about his +board, it was arranged that he should come back +to the farm after the holidays.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. +"Why couldn't I stay right on, now I'm here. +You could send my clothes to me, and it +wouldn't cost near as much as to go home first."</p> + +<p>"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. +"She is planning for a big tree and lots +of fun Christmas."</p> + +<p>"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. +"I'd so much rather stay here than go back to +town and find him gone."</p> + +<p>"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, +touched by the expression of his face. +"We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself."</p> + +<p>When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode +down the lane with him to open the big gate. +After he had driven through he turned for one +more look.</p> + +<p>The boy stood under the archway waving +good-bye with his cap. The late afternoon sun +shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated +the snow, still clinging to the quaintly +carved letters on the arch above, till it seemed +they were all golden letters that spelled the name +of Herzenruhe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p><hr class="tb" /> + +<p>This holiday season would have been a sad +time for Bethany, had she allowed herself to +listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely +away from her memories, saying: "I will +be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it."</p> + +<p>Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness +into every life that touched her own, she +found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show +windows. She anticipated the pleasure that +would attend the opening of each bundle carried +by every purchaser that jostled against her in +the street. It was impossible for her to breathe +the general air of festivity at home, and not carry +something of the Christmas spirit to the office +with her.</p> + +<p>"Everybody has caught the contagion," she +said gayly, coming into the office Saturday afternoon, +with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, +Mr. Crookshaw, whom everybody thinks +so miserly, going along with a little red cart +under his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out +of his pocket."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, +"by not being down-town every day."</p> + +<p>"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is +nearly wild now with the excitement of the preparations +that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for +you to be present at the lighting of his tree +Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will +enjoy watching the children," she added, after +she had told him of their various plans, "and I +hope you will be sure to come."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That +is the second invitation I have had this afternoon. +Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to +attend the League's devotional meeting to-morrow +night. He says it will be especially interesting +on account of the season, and insists that +'turn about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day +services, and he wants me to be present +at his Christmas services."</p> + +<p>"We shall be very glad to have you come," +said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is to lead the meeting +instead of any of the young people, who +usually take turns. I can not tell how such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +meeting might impress an outsider; to me they +are very inspiring and helpful."</p> + +<p>That night, as she sat in her room indulging +in a few minutes of meditation before putting +out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned +her for the little use she had made of +her opportunity.</p> + +<p>It had been four months since he had come +into the office, and while they had several times +discussed their respective religions, she had never +found an occasion when she could make a personal +appeal to him to accept Christ. Once when +she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had +interrupted them.</p> + +<p>"I must speak to him frankly," she said. +Then she knelt and prayed that something might +be said or sung in the service of the morrow that +would prepare the way for such a conversation.</p> + +<p>David felt decidedly out of place Sunday +evening as he took a seat in the back part of the +room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find.</p> + +<p>They were singing when he entered. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +recognized the tune. It was the one he had +heard at Chattanooga—"Nearer, my God, to +Thee." It seemed to bring the whole scene +before him—the sunrise—the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every +soul.</p> + +<p>At the close of the song, another was announced +in a voice that he thought he recognized. +He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, +he had been correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's—one +of the keenest, most scholarly lawyers at +the bar, and a man he met daily.</p> + +<p>He was leaning back in his seat, beating time +with his left hand, as he led the tune with his +strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note.</p> + +<p>David moved over to make room for a newcomer. +From his changed position he could see +a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. +Marion, Lois Denning, and the Courtney sisters. +Bethany was seated at the piano.</p> + +<p>Presently the door from the pastor's study +opened, and Dr. Bascom came in and took his +seat beside the president of the League.</p> + +<p>"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +behind him whisper to her escort. "What do +you suppose could have happened? His face +actually shines."</p> + +<p>David had been watching it ever since he +took his seat. It was a benign, pleasant face at +all times, but just now it seemed to have caught +the reflection of a great light. Everybody in the +room noticed it. David, quick to make Old +Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming +down the mountain from a talk with God. +He felt as positively, as if he had seen for himself, +that the minister had just risen from his +knees, and had come in among them, radiant +from the unspeakable joy of that communion. +Every one present began to feel its influence.</p> + +<p>The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for +reading, was one they had heard many times, +but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered +it:</p> + +<p>"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is +given."</p> + +<p>Something of the gladness that must have +rung through the song of the heralds on that +first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read.</p> + +<p>Then he turned to Luke's account of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> +shepherds abiding in the fields by night—that +beautiful old story, that will always be new until +the stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem +shall have ceased to be a wonder.</p> + +<p>As the service progressed, David began to +feel that he was not in a church, but that he +had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told +the experiences of the past week, the blessings +and the trials that had come to them since they +had last seen each other.</p> + +<p>Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke +from where they sat, just as they would have +talked in some home-circle.</p> + +<p>And through it all they seemed to recognize +a Divine presence in the room, to whom they +spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, +but with the deepest love and gratitude.</p> + +<p>As David listened to voice after voice testifying +to a personal knowledge of Christ as a +Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an +utter stranger.</p> + +<p>When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened +with still greater interest. He knew him to be +an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +of times in rousing political speeches, and once +in a masterly oration over the Nation's dead on +Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man +had with a jury, and he knew what respect even +his enemies had for his unimpeachable veracity +and honor.</p> + +<p>Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned +as when examining a witness, to give his +own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony.</p> + +<p>He said: "There may be some here to-night +to whom the prophecy that was read, and the +story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. +To such I do not come with the sayings of the +prophets, or to repeat the tidings of the shepherds, +or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times +believed. I tell you that which I myself do +know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not +the Son of God, he could not have entered into +my life, and transformed it as he has done. My +star of hope is far more real to me than the +stars outside that lighted my way to this room +to-night. I have knelt at his feet and worshiped, +and gone on my way rejoicing. I +know that through the sacrifice he offered on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his +only-begotten. The voice that bears witness +to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined +to dispute it, they would be as nothing to that +still, small voice within that whispers peace—the +witness of the Spirit."</p> + +<p>On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore +had not been half so surprised at hearing +the League benediction intoned by rabbi and +choir, as was David when the familiar blessing +of the synagogue was repeated in unison by +those of another faith:</p> + +<p>"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The +Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be +gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance +upon thee, and give thee peace."</p> + +<p>David had heard so much of Methodists that +he had expected noisy demonstrations and +great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of +amen during the prayers; but while the prevailing +spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, +it had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless +under-current.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p> + +<p>He slipped out of the room after the benediction, +fearful of meeting curious glances. A +member of the reception committee managed +to shake hands with him, but his friends had not +discovered his attendance.</p> + +<p>Two things followed him persistently. The +expression of Dr. Bascom's face, and Hewson +Raleigh's emphatic "I know."</p> + +<p>He took the last train out to Hillhollow, +wishing he had staid away from the League +meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>He walked the floor until long after midnight. +Even sleep brought him no rest, for in +his dreams he was still groping blindly in the +dark for something—he knew not what—but +something wise men had found long years ago +in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>ON CHRISTMAS EVE.</div> + + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div><div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was Christmas eve, and nearing the +time for Bethany to leave the office. +She stood, with her wraps on, by one +of the windows, waiting for Mr. Edmunds +to come back. She had a message to +deliver before she could leave, and she expected +him momentarily.</div> + +<p>In the street below people were hurrying +by with their arms full of bundles. She was +impatient to be gone, too. There were a great +many finishing touches for her to give the tall +tree in the drawing-room at home.</p> + +<p>She had worked till the last moment at noon, +and locked the door regretfully on the gayly-decked +room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of +Christmas festivities.</p> + +<p>While she stood there, she heard steps in +the hall.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> + +<p>"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she +exclaimed, as David entered. It was the first +time he had been at the office that day. "I have +a message for him. Have you seen him anywhere?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered David. "I have just come +in from Hillhollow. Marta has telegraphed +that she is coming home on the night train, so I +shall not be able to accept Jack's invitation. +She had not expected to come at all during the +holidays; but one of the teachers was called +home, and she could not resist the temptation +to accompany her, although she can only stay +until the end of the week."</p> + +<p>As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's +disappointment, David picked up a small package +that lay on his desk.</p> + +<p>"O, the expressman left that for you a little +while ago," she said. "Your Christmas is beginning +early."</p> + +<p>She turned again to the window, peering +out through the dusk, while David lighted the +gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package.</p> + +<p>It occurred to her that here was a time, +while all the world was turning towards the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, +that she might venture to speak of him. Before +she could decide just how to begin, David spoke +to her:</p> + +<p>"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would +like for you to see it."</p> + +<p>He held a little silver case towards her, on +which a handsome monogram was heavily engraved.</p> + +<p>As she touched the spring it flew open, showing +an exquisitely painted miniature on ivory.</p> + +<p>She gave an involuntary cry of delight.</p> + +<p>"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It +is one of the loveliest faces I ever saw." She +scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an artist's +evident pleasure. Then she looked up with +a smile.</p> + +<p>"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke +to me about," she said. "He said that she was +rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight."</p> + +<p>"How long ago since he told you that?" asked +David in surprise.</p> + +<p>"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," +she answered.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively +why his old friend had departed so from his +usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. +He had intimated to David, when he had first +met Miss Hallam, that she was an unusually +fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing +friendship might gradually lessen the young +man's interest in Esther, whom he saw only at +long intervals, as she lived in a distant city.</p> + +<p>"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling +you myself," said David.</p> + +<p>"I have often wondered what she is like," +answered Bethany, "and I am glad to have this +opportunity of offering my congratulations. I +wish that she lived here that I might make her +acquaintance. I do not know when I have seen +a face that has captivated me so."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," replied David, flushing with +pleasure. A tender smile lighted his eyes as he +glanced at the miniature again before closing +the case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the +spring," he added proudly.</p> + +<p>They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. +Bethany held out her hand.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall not see you again until next week, +I suppose," she said, "so let me wish you a very +happy Christmas."</p> + +<p>He kept her hand in his an instant as he +repeated her greeting, then, looking earnestly +down into the upturned face, added gently in +Hebrew, the old benediction—"Peace be upon +you."</p> + +<p>It was quite dark when she stepped out into +the streets. She thought of David and Esther +all the way home.</p> + +<p>At first she thought of them with a tender +smile curving her lips, as she entered unselfishly +into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered.</p> + +<p>Then she thought of them with tears in her +eyes and a chill in her heart, as some little waif +might stand shivering on the outside of a window, +looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth +and comfort he could not share. The joy of her +own betrothal, and the desolation that ended it, +surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she +was in no mood for merry-making when she +reached home.</p> + +<p>She longed to slip quietly away to her own +room, and spend the evening in the dark with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> +her memories. She had to wait a moment on +the threshold before she could summon strength +enough to go in cheerfully.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room +helping the sisters decorate the long table, +where the children were to be served with supper +immediately on their arrival.</p> + +<p>"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh +to gather them up," said Mrs. Marion. "They'll +soon be here, so you'll not have much time to +dress."</p> + +<p>"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in +a minute. Mr. Herschel can't come, so you may +as well take off one plate."</p> + +<p>"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, +pausing on her way to the kitchen. "I asked +him this morning, and forgot to say anything +about it."</p> + +<p>Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully +unconscious of the grimace Bethany made +behind her back.</p> + +<p>"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline +means all right, but she is a born matchmaker. +She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. +Cragmore, and wants me to do the same. She +thinks she is so very deep, and so very wary in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> +the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; +but the dear old soul is as transparent as +a window-pane. I can see every move she +makes."</p> + +<p>"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. +"Is he conscious of her efforts in his behalf?"</p> + +<p>"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly +old lady, and is always paying her some flattering +attention. It is well worth his while, for she +makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his +pockets full of goodies, as if he were an overgrown +boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. +She is always going out to Clarke Street to +hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to +him afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, +as two short rings and one long one +were given the front door-bell.</p> + +<p>"So he even has his especial signals," +laughed Lois. "He must be on a very familiar +footing, indeed."</p> + +<p>"He got into that habit when he first started +to calling by to take me up to the Hebrew class," +she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him +in it."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p> + +<p>Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying +through the room to receive him.</p> + +<p>"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited +stage whisper, "you'd better run up the back +stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a +rose in your hair, just to please me. Now, won't +you?"</p> + +<p>Bethany and Lois looked at each other and +laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I +am," said Bethany; "but as it's Christmas-time +I suppose I must be good and please everybody."</p> + +<p>It was not long before a great stamping of +many snowy little feet announced the arrival +of the Christmas guests.</p> + +<p>They came into the house with such rosy, +happy faces, that no one thought of the patched +clothes and ragged shoes.</p> + +<p>"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred +instead of ten," sighed Miss Harriet, as +she helped seat them at the table. "They look as +though they never once had enough to eat in all +their little lives."</p> + +<p>"They shall have it now," declared Miss +Caroline heartily, "if George Cragmore doesn't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just +hear the man!"</p> + +<p>She had never seen him in such a gay humor, +or heard him tell such irresistibly funny stories +as the ones he brought out for the entertainment +of these poor little guests, who had never known +anything but the depressing poverty of the most +wretched homes.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who +had found them, and spirited them away to this +enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin +who rubbed his lamp until their eyes were +dazzled by the wonderful scenes he conjured up +for them.</p> + +<p>When the dinner was over, and everything +had been taken off the table but the flowers and +candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on +his knee.</p> + +<p>With his arms around her, he began to tell +the story of the first Christmas. His voice was +very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the +white sheep huddled together, and the shepherds +keeping watch by night.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> + +<p>One by one the children slipped down from +their chairs, and crowded closer around him.</p> + +<p>He had never preached before to such a +breathless audience, and he had never put into +his sermons such gentleness and pathos and +power.</p> + +<p>He was thinking of their poor, neglected +lives, and how much they needed the love of +One who could sympathize to the utmost, because +he was born among the lowly, and "was +despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the +intensity of his feeling, and the children were +very quiet.</p> + +<p>The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. +Then she smiled up in his face, and, putting her +arm around his neck, leaned her head against +him.</p> + +<p>There was a bugle-call from the library, and +Jack led the children away to listen to an +orchestra composed of boys from the League, +who had volunteered their services for the occasion.</p> + +<p>While they were playing some old carols, +Miss Caroline called Mr. Cragmore aside. "I've +sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can +help her."</p> + +<p>Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, +"May the saints bless you for that now!" +She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, +"you needn't be putting everything off onto +poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered +that she is only somebody's cat's-paw."</p> + +<p>Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly +touched by the winning tenderness of Cragmore's +manner with the children. If there had +been no memory of a past love in her life, she +could have found in this man all the qualities +that would inspire the deepest affection; but +with that memory always present, she resented +the slightest word that hinted of his interest in +her.</p> + +<p>She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, +and that mischief-loving girl thoroughly enjoyed +forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege.</p> + +<p>It was still early in the evening, while the +children were romping around the dismantled +tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission +to-night," he explained, in answer to the remonstrances +that greeted him on all sides.</p> + +<p>"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended +to tell you about that, and I must stay a moment +longer to do it."</p> + +<p>He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall +chair, and folded his arms across it.</p> + +<p>"The other day I made the acquaintance of +a Russian Jew, Sigmund Ragolsky. He has a +remarkable history. He married an English +Jewess, was a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, +and is now a Baptist preacher, converted after a +fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief +in the truth of Christianity. The story of +his life sounds like a romance. He was so strictly +orthodox that he would not strike a match on +the Sabbath. He would have starved before +he would have touched food that had not been +prepared according to ritual. He is here for +the purpose of establishing a Hebrew mission. +You should see the people who come to hear +him. They are nearly all from that poor class +in the tenement district. One can hardly believe +they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +though, is a scholar, and I should like to hear +the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews +are no Jews at all—that they are the hardest +people in the world to convert, because they look +for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that +suits them, and are so well satisfied with themselves +that they feel no need of any mediator +between them and eternal holiness. They feel +fully equal to the task of making their own atonement. +Rabbi Barthold says that the orthodox +are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of +them live two lives—one towards God, of slavish +religious observances; the other towards man, +of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want +you to hear Ragolsky preach some night. I'll +tell you his story some other time."</p> + +<p>"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as +he picked up his overcoat again; "did he have to +give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children +were converted also. He had two rich brothers-in-law +in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over +that, I can assure you. O, he is so full of his +purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +as he is, the millennium would soon be +here."</p> + +<p>Afterward, when the children had been +taken home, and the feast and the tree, and the +people who gave them, were only blissful memories +in their happy little hearts, Bethany stood +by the window in her room, holding aside the +curtain.</p> + +<p>Everything outside was covered with snow. +She was thinking of Ragolsky and Lessing, and +wondering which of the two fates would be +David Herschel's, if he should ever become a +Christian.</p> + +<p>Would Esther's love for her people be +stronger than her love for him?</p> + +<p>She knew how tenaciously the women of +Israel cling to their faith, yet she felt that it +was no ordinary bond that held these two together.</p> + +<p>Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, +Bethany whispered a very heartfelt prayer for +David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who +was to be his bride; and like an answering omen +of good, over the white roofs of the city came +the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />THE office work for the old year was +all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David +would soon follow. He had only +some private correspondence to finish.</div> + +<p>Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters +in the different pigeon-holes of her desk. +Ninety-five was slipping out into the eternities. +It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; +it was carrying away a far different record from +the one she had planned. She felt that she +could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an +unaccountable reticence sealed her lips.</p> + +<p>David had been in the office very little during +the past week, only long enough to get his +mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for +Bethany to say what was trembling on her lips.</p> + +<p>She heard him slipping the letter into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +envelope. He would be gone in just another +moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. +O, she must say something! Her heart beat +violently, and her face grew hot. She shut her +eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing +appeal for help.</p> + +<p>David strolled into the room with his hat in +his hand, and stood beside her table.</p> + +<p>"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," +he said, gravely. "It has brought me a +great many unexpected experiences, but the +most unexpected of all is the one that led to our +acquaintance. In wishing you a happy new +year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your +friendship has been to me in the old."</p> + +<p>Bethany found sudden speech as she took +the proffered hand.</p> + +<p>"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that +I have not only been wishing, but praying earnestly, +that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds—the peace that +comes in accepting Christ as a Savior."</p> + +<p>He turned from her abruptly, and, with his +hands thrust in his overcoat pockets, began pacing +up and down the room with quick, excited +strides.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem +to be pursued. Every way I turn, the same thing +is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it—O, longer than that—since I first +talked to Lessing. Then there was Dr. Trent's +death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. +Cragmore has talked to me so often, +too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer +such lives and faith as theirs. Yesterday +morning I had a letter from Lee—little Lee +Trent—thanking me for a book I had sent him, +and even that child had something to say. He +told me about his conversion. Last night curiosity +led me down town to hear a Russian Jew +preach to a lot of rough people in an old warehouse +by the river. His text was Pilate's question, +'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is +called Christ?' It wasn't a sermon. There +wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and +death sentence—but he made it such a personal +matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, +'What shall I do? What shall I do with this +Jesus called Christ!'"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> + +<p>He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth +in silence. Then he broke out again:</p> + +<p>"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down +there last night. He had been a rough, blasphemous +drunkard that I have seen in the police +courts many a time. I saw him fall on his knees +at the altar, groaning for mercy, and I saw him, +when he stood up after a while, with a face like +a different creature's, all transformed by a great +joy, crying out that he had been pardoned for +Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, +and wondered which of us is nearer the truth. +If I am right, what a poor, deluded fool he is! +But if he is right, good God—"</p> + +<p>He stopped abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if +you were convinced that, by going on some certain +pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that +the finding would shatter your belief in the creed +you cling to now, would you undertake the +journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for +the faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for +Truth, regardless of long-cherished opinion?"</p> + +<p>For a moment there was no answer. Then +he threw back his shoulders resolutely.</p> + +<p>"I would take the journey," he said, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> +decision. "If I am wrong I want to know it." +Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one +of the pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, +opened at the place where the answer to Thomas +was heavily underscored:</p> + +<p>"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and +the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the +Father but by me."</p> + +<p>"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The +door has never been opened to you, because you +have never knocked. You have no personal +knowledge of Christ, because you have never +sought for it. He has never revealed himself +to you, because you have never asked him to +do so."</p> + +<p>He turned to her impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" +he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, or John the +Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me +than any other man who has taught and died. +How can I pray to him, then?"</p> + +<p>Bethany fingered the leaves of her little +Testament, her heart fluttering nervously.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would take this and read it," +she said. "It would answer you far better than +I can."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have read it," he replied, "a number of +years ago. I could see nothing in it."</p> + +<p>"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she +answered. "See!" she cried eagerly, turning +the leaves to find another place she had marked. +"Paul wrote this about the children of Israel: +'Their minds were blinded: for until this day +remaineth the same veil' (the one told about +in Exodus, you know) 'untaken away, in +the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, +when Moses is read, the veil is upon their +heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the +Lord, the veil shall be taken away.'"</p> + +<p>"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. +He took the book, and turning back to +the first of the chapter, commenced to read.</p> + +<p>The great bell in the court-house tower began +clanging six.</p> + +<p>"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this +with me and look through it another time."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting +to-night," she said, wistfully. "It is from +ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the +city meet at Garrison Avenue."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p> + +<p>He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned +up his overcoat. A sudden reserve of +manner seemed to envelop him at the same time.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on +his gloves. "I have an informal invitation from +some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year +out and the new year in."</p> + +<p>His tone seemed so flippant after the recent +depth of feeling he had betrayed, that it jarred +on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door.</p> + +<p>"No matter where you may be," she said as +he opened it, "I shall be praying for you."</p> + +<p>After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her +desk, mechanically assorting the letters. She +was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had +quite forgotten it was time to go home.</p> + +<p>The door opened, and Frank Marion came +in. He was followed by Cragmore, who was +going home with him to dinner.</p> + +<p>"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. +"Where's David? We dropped in to invite +him around to the watch-meeting to-night."</p> + +<p>"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I +asked him, but he declined on account of a previous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> +engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, +"I do believe he is almost convinced +of the truth of Christianity!"</p> + +<p>She repeated the conversation that had just +taken place.</p> + +<p>"He has been fighting against that conviction +for some time," answered Mr. Marion. "I +had a talk with him last week."</p> + +<p>"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold +would say if Mr. Herschel should become a +Christian?" asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very +question yesterday," exclaimed Mr. Cragmore. +"It astounded him at first. I could see that the +mere thought of such apostasy in one he loves +as dearly as his young David, wounded him +sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But +he is a noble soul, broad-minded and generous. +He did not answer for a moment, and when he +finally spoke I could see what an effort the words +cost him:</p> + +<p>"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. +'He has a right to choose for himself. I would +rather read the rites of burial over his dead body +than to see him cut loose from the faith in which +I have so carefully trained him; but no matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +what course he pursues, I am sure of one thing, +his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he +does, will be from a deep conviction of right. I, +who was denounced and misunderstood in my +youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy +that bound me down spiritually, should be +the last one to condemn the same independence +of thought in others.'"</p> + +<p>"Herschel would have less opposition to +contend with than any Jew I know," remarked +Mr. Marion.</p> + +<p>"That little sister of his would be rather +pleased than otherwise, and, I think, would soon +follow his example."</p> + +<p>Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing.</p> + +<p>"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," +said Cragmore, who had been appointed +to lead the meeting.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend +on the shoulder. Then he quoted emphatically: +"'And this is the confidence that we have +in Him, that if we ask anything according to +his will, he heareth us.'"</p> + +<p>"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, +in his impetuous way.</p> + +<p>He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +beside David's desk, began praying for his absent +friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering +earnestness, and after his voice ceased, +Bethany took up the petition.</p> + +<p>"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are +not heard," exclaimed Marion, triumphantly, as +he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk +as far as the avenue with you."</p> + +<p>As they went down-stairs together, he kept +singing softly under his breath, "Blessed be the +name, blessed be the name of the Lord!"</p> + +<p>By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison +Avenue Church was crowded.</p> + +<p>George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied +address for the occasion; but during the +half hour of the song service preceding it, while +he studied the faces of his audience, his heart +began to be strangely burdened for David and +his people. He covered his eyes with his hand +a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, +before he arose to speak.</p> + +<p>"My friends," he said in his deep, musical +voice, "I had thought to talk to you to-night of +'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> +sitting here, God had put another message into +my mouth. We are all children of one Father +who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness +of the questions I shall ask, and the seeming +harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how +many, during the year just gone, have contributed +in any way to the support of Home and +Foreign Missions?"</p> + +<p>Every one in the room arose.</p> + +<p>"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, +and direct appeal, to bring some one to +Christ?"</p> + +<p>Again every one arose.</p> + +<p>"How many of you, during the past year, +have spoken to a Jew about your Savior, or in +any way evinced to any one of them a personal +interest in the salvation of that race?"</p> + +<p>Looks of surprise were exchanged among +the Leaguers, and many smiled at the question. +Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam.</p> + +<p>When they had taken their seats again there +was a moment of intense silence. The earnest +solemnity of the minister was felt by every one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +present. They waited almost breathlessly for +what was coming.</p> + +<p>"There is a young Jew in this city to-night +whose heart is turning lovingly towards your +Savior and mine. I have come to ask your +prayers in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks +in his way may be removed. But it is not for +him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear +Isaiah's voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, +comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak +ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her +that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity +is pardoned.' And then I seem to hear +another voice that through the thunderings of +Sinai proclaims, 'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' +Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It +must read a terrible handwriting on the wall +in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had +she seen Christ in the daily life of every follower +since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of +Sauls turned Pauls! We are Christ's witnesses +to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished +no racial prejudices. He turned away from no +man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of indifference. +He drew no line across which his +sympathies and love and helping hands should +not reach. When we do these things, are we +not bearing false witness to the character of him +whose name we have assumed, and the emblem +of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful +of this corner of the Lord's vineyard. It must +be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent +to this."</p> + +<p>Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky +and David, and called on them to pray that his +friend might find the light he was seeking. A +dozen earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, +and every heart went out in sympathy +to this young Jew, whom they longed to see +happy in the consciousness of a personal Savior.</p> + +<p>David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He +dined at the restaurant, and was just starting +leisurely down to the depot when he found that +his watch told the same time as when he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> +looked at it an hour before. It must have been +stopped even some time before that. At any +rate it had made him too late for the train. The +next one would not leave till nine o'clock. He +stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, +and finally concluded to go back to the office for +a magazine he had borrowed from Rabbi Barthold, +and take it home to him.</p> + +<p>His steps echoed strangely through the deserted +hall as he climbed the stairs to the office. +He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But +when he had found it, he still sat there idly, +drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair.</p> + +<p>After awhile he took Bethany's Testament +out of his pocket, and began to read. It was +marked heavily with many marginal notes and +underscored passages, that he examined with a +great deal of curiosity. Beginning with Matthew's +account of the wise men's search, he read +steadily on through the four Gospels, past Acts, +and through some of Paul's epistles. It was +after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews.</p> + +<p>He put the book down with a groan, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +folding his arms on the desk, wearily laid his +head on them.</p> + +<p>Just then Bethany's parting words echoed +in his ears, "No matter where you may be, I +shall be praying for you."</p> + +<p>It had irritated him at the moment. Now +there was comfort in the thought that she might +be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith +of his fathers. He was proud of every drop of +Israelitish blood that coursed through his veins. +He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism—nothing! Yet his heart went +out lovingly toward the Christ that had been +so wonderfully revealed to him as he read.</p> + +<p>The conviction was slowly forcing itself on +his mind that in accepting him he would not be +giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own +people—only believing fulfilled prophecy.</p> + +<p>He wanted him so—this Christ who seemed +able to satisfy every longing of his heart, which +just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the +world that he had given himself a willing sacrifice +to make propitiation for its sins—for his—David +Herschel's sins.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> + +<p>The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation +came back to perplex him, and he put +them resolutely away, remembering the words +that Bethany had quoted, that when Israel +should turn to the Lord, the veil should be taken +from its heart.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his +hands clasped above his head, cried out: "O, +Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me +Christ! I will give up anything—everything +that stands in the way of my accepting him, if +thou wilt but make him manifest!"</p> + +<p>He threw himself on his knees in an agony +of supplication, and then rising, walked the +floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and +again rose in despair to pace back and forth.</p> + +<p>He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's +conversion had been attended by such miraculous +manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him.</p> + +<p>Opening the little Testament at random, he +saw the words, "If thou shalt confess with thy +mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine +heart that God hath raised him from the dead, +thou shalt be saved."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will +confess it the first opportunity I have. Yes, I +will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra—no matter +what it may cause him to say to me."</p> + +<p>He looked at the clock again. The old year +was almost gone. It was nearly midnight. +Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered +the watch-night service Bethany +had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them.</p> + +<p>He started rapidly down the street, saying +to himself: "How queer this seems! Here am I, +a Jew, on my way to confess before men that +I believe a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. +I don't understand the mystery of it, but I do +believe in some way the promised atonement +has been made, and that it avails for me."</p> + +<p>He clung to that hope all the way down to +the Church. It was growing stronger every +step.</p> + +<p>Bethany had risen to take her place at the +piano at the announcement of another hymn, +when the door opened and David Herschel stood +in their midst. Not even glancing at the startled +members of the League, he walked across the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> +room and held out one hand to Cragmore and +the other to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners +with its intensity of purpose.</p> + +<p>"I have come to confess before you the belief +that your Jesus is the Christ, and that +through him I shall be saved."</p> + +<p>Then a look of happy wonderment shone in +his face, as the dawning consciousness of his acceptance +became clearer to him.</p> + +<p>"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful +surprise.</p> + +<p>Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one +exclamation could express the depth of Frank +Marion's gratitude—an old-fashioned shout of +"Glory to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion—for +it came in when "the morning stars sang together, +and all the sons of God shouted for joy."</p> + +<p>"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried +David.</p> + +<p>"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to +those around him, and laying his hand on +David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned +Paul. Who such missionaries of the cross as +these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the +world. Who will join the alliance?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> + +<p>In answer they came crowding around +David, with warm hand-clasps and sympathetic +words, till the bells all over the city began tolling +the hour of midnight.</p> + +<p>At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the +final prayer of consecration.</p> + +<p>There was a deep silence. Then the leader's +voice began:</p> + +<p>"The untried paths of the new year stretch +out into unknown distances. But trusting in an +Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how +many will sing with me:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/music.png" width="500" height="391" alt="Music: Where He Leads me I will Follow" /> +</div><div class="center"><small>[<i>Transcriber's Note: You can play this music (MIDI file) by clicking</i> <a href="music/whereheleads.mid">here</a>.]</small></div> + +<div class='poem'> +"Where He leads me I will follow,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where He leads me I will follow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where He leads me I will follow.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."</span><br /> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span></p> + +<p>The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as +every voice covenanted with his.</p> + +<p>"But some of us may have planned out certain +paths for our own feet, that lead alluringly +to ease and approbation. Think! God may call +us into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to +no earthly recompense, to lowly service and unrequited +toil. Can we still sing it? Let us +wait. Let us consider and be very sure."</p> + +<p>In the prayerful silence, David thought of +his profession and the hopes of the great success +that it was his ambition to attain. Could +he give it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated +ministry to his people? He wavered. But +just then he had a vision of the Christ. He +seemed to see a footsore, tired man, holding out +his hands in blessing to the motley crowds that +thronged him; and again he saw the same patient +form stumbling wearily along under a heavy +beam of wood, scourged, mocked, spit upon, +nailed to the cross, for—him!</p> + +<p>David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the +way."</p> + +<p>"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal +plans are concerned, we are willing to put<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> +ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose +he should call for our hearts' best beloved, are +we willing to make of this hour a Mount +Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs—our +all? Do we consecrate ourselves entirely? Will +we go with him all the way, no matter through +what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead +us?"</p> + +<p>Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful +face came before him.</p> + +<p>"O God! anything but that!" he cried out +passionately.</p> + +<p>Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching +out, clasped his hand, and prayed silently that +strength might be given him to make the consecration +complete.</p> + +<p>"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!"</p> + +<p>David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When +they arose the tears were streaming down his +cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been +revealed to him. A new life and a new year +had been born together.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>No, the story is not done, but the rest of it +can not be written until it has first been lived.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span></p> + +<p>In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes +shall weave these life-webs to the finish. +Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. +Who can tell? The new year has only begun.</p> + +<p>But we know that all things work together +for good to those who give themselves into the +eternal keeping, and—"God's in his heaven."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>SILENT KEYS.</h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 92px;"> +<img src="images/drop_o.png" width="92" height="100" alt="O" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />NCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a +young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody +for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to +take in the Christmas choruses.</div> + +<p>It was not long before every voice had +caught the sweet old tune of "Joy to the World," +and as their little feet pattered down the solemn +aisles, the song was carried with them to the +work and play of the streets outside.</p> + +<p>As the girl turned to follow, she found the +old white-haired organist, a master-musician, +standing beside her.</p> + +<p>"Why did you not strike all the keys, little +sister?" he asked. "You have left silent some +of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is +what you should have put into your song."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the +key-board, till the great cathedral seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> +tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it—"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"</p> + +<p>High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of +sky-larks, fluttered away from his touch, and +went winging their flight—up and up—beyond +all mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords +and majestic octaves rolled the triumphal gladness. +Every key seemed to find a voice, as the +hands of the old musician swept through the +variations of "Antioch."</p> + +<p>Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when +he had finished she said sadly: "Ah, only a +master-hand could do that—bring out the varied +tones of those silent keys, and yet through it all +keep the thread of the song clear and unbroken. +All those divine harmonies were in my soul as +I played, yet had I tried to give expression to +them, I might have wandered away from the +simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those +fuller chords you strike so easily, or in reaching +always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take +in the choruses, and they would not have gone +out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p> + +<p>Maybe some such master may turn the pages +of this story, and feel the same impatience at +its incompleteness. Here in this place he would +have added, with strong touches, many a convincing +argument. There he would have spoken +with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may +turn away, saying: "Why did you not strike all +the keys, little sister? You have left silent some +of the sweetest and deepest."</p> + +<p>The answer is the same. Only a master-hand +can sweep the gamut of history and human +weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the +discordant elements of controversy and criticism +in all their variations, and at the same time keep +the simple theme constantly throbbing through +them, so strong and full and clear it can never +be forgotten.</p> + +<p>The purpose of this story is accomplished +if it has only attracted the attention of the +League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not +stop with that.</p> + +<p>There is only one song that will ever bring +universal joy to this old, tear-blinded world, and +that is that the Lord is come, and that he is risen +indeed in the lives of his followers.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span></p> + +<p>True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the +League should not be content simply to do that. +It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and +longings, that it will know just what chord to +touch in every heart it is striving to help.</p> + +<p>Go back to the days of the dispersion, and +follow this Ishmael through his almost limitless +desert of persecution—his hand against every +man because every man's hand was against him.</p> + +<p>Put yourself in his place until your vision +grows broad and your sympathy deep. Chafe +against his limitations. Stumble over his obstacles, +and in so doing learn where best to place +the stepping-stones.</p> + +<p>Dig down through the strata of tradition, +below all the manifold ceremonies of his formal +worship, until you come to the bed-rock of principle +underlying them.</p> + +<p>When you have thus studied Judaism, its +prophets, its priesthood, its patriots—when you +have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's +tent to the Temple gates, and then followed its +diverging lines on into almost every hamlet of +both hemispheres, you will have learned something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> +more than the history of Judaism. You +will have read the story of the whole race of +Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far +better to serve humanity.</p> + +<p>Christ reached his hearers through his intimate +knowledge of them. He never talked to +shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers +of flocks. He gave the same water of life to +the woman at Jacob's well that he bestowed on +the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how +differently he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan +and the learned Nicodemus.</p> + +<p>To this end, then, study these creeds and +systems; for instance, the unity of God, clung +to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating +his Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is +God, and Mohammed is his prophet!"</p> + +<p>Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes +deeply channeling its way through centuries of +Semitic thought, until it enters the very life-blood. +You can trace its influence even down +into the early Christian Church, in the hot disputes +of Arius and his followers, at the Council +of Nicea.</p> + +<p>Not until you comprehend how idolatrous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> +the worship of the Trinity seems to a Jew, can +you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah.</p> + +<p>You will find this study of Judaism reaching +out like a banyan-tree, striking root and branching +again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one +of its manifold ramifications, shadow every +great problem and people.</p> + +<p>In the first conception of this story it was +purposed to place considerable emphasis on a +number of things that have been left untouched, +especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, +and the prophecies concerning the return of the +Jews to Palestine.</p> + +<p>But prophecy, while always a most interesting +and profitable subject for research and study, +leads into an unmapped country of speculation. +Many an enthusiast, not recognizing that on +God's great calendar a thousand years are but +as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries +of Revelations by the same numerical system +with which he calculates his assets and liabilities. +As we examine this subject, we must not +forget the vast difference between our finite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> +yardsticks, and the reed of the angel who measured +the city.</p> + +<p>God grant that, as the tree thrown into the +stream of Marah changed its bitter waters into +wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study +of Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may +turn all bitterness of prejudice into the broad, +sweet spirit of true brotherhood!</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="chap" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> +<p>The cover for this HTML edition was created by the transcriber and is placed in the +public domain. The gray background was the original cover and the words and print were +taken from the original title page.</p> +<p>Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.</p> +<p>The remaining corrections made are listed below and also indicated by dotted lines under the corrected text. Scroll the cursor over the marked text and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> + +<p>Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the chapter "Dr. Trent".</p> + +<p>Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance)</p> + +<p>Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent Southerner)</p> + +<p>Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. Notwithstanding)</p> + +<p>Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them)</p></div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 40527-h.txt or 40527-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/5/2/40527</a></p> +<p> +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p> +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Johnston + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: In League with Israel + A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + + +Author: Annie F. Johnston + + + +Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made +available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org). Music was +transcribed by Linda Cantoni. + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file + which includes the original sheet music illustration + and an accompanying audio file of the music. + See 40527-h.htm or 40527-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h/40527-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala + + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL + +A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + +by + +ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON + +Author of +"Joel: A Boy of Galilee;" "The Story of the Resurrection;" +"Big Brother;" "The Little Colonel." + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + +Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings +New York: Eaton & Mains +1896 + +Copyright +By Curts & Jennings, +1896. + + + + +TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. + + +What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young Apostle of our Church, +become to the Jews. Surely, not as the priest or the Levite have you so +long passed them by "on the other side." + +Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which requires haste, +you have never noticed their need. But the world sees, and, re-reading +an old parable, cries out: "Who is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel +also, in thy midst?" + + Nor knowest thou what argument + Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. + --EMERSON. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I. + THE RABBI'S PROTEGE, 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + ON TO CHATTANOOGA, 23 + + + CHAPTER III. + THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT," 43 + + + CHAPTER IV. + AN EPWORTH JEW, 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + "TRUST," 86 + + + CHAPTER VI. + TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE, 105 + + + CHAPTER VII. + JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER, 115 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + A KINDLING INTEREST, 130 + + + CHAPTER IX. + A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND, 145 + + + CHAPTER X. + THE DEACONESS'S STORY, 163 + + + CHAPTER XI. + "YOM KIPPUR," 186 + + + CHAPTER XII. + DR. TRENT, 189 + + + CHAPTER XIII. + A LITTLE PRODIGAL, 220 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + HERZENRUHE, 241 + + + CHAPTER XV. + ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 261 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION, 275 + + * * * * * + + SILENT KEYS, 297 + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE RABBI'S PROTEGE. + + +IT was growing dark in the library, but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight deepened, he unconsciously bent nearer +the great volume on the table before him, till his white beard lay on +the open page. + +He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his deep voice filled the room with +its musical intonations: "Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye +waters that be above the heavens." + +He raised his head and glanced out toward the western sky. A star or two +twinkled through the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, he walked +to the open window and looked up. + +There was a noise of children playing on the pavement below, and the +rumbling of an electric car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of a newsboy with the +evening paper. + +But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses in the Midian desert, Elijah +by the brook Cherith, were no more apart from the world than this old +rabbi at this moment. + +He saw only the star. He heard only the inward voice of adoration, as he +stood in silent communion with the God of his fathers. + +His strong, rugged features and white beard suggested the line of +patriarchs so forcibly, that had a robe and sandals been substituted for +the broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have been complete. + +He stood there a long time, with his lips moving silently; then +suddenly, as if his unspoken homage demanded voice, he caught up his +violin. Forty years of companionship had made it a part of himself. + +The depth of his being that could find no expression in words, poured +itself out in the passionately reverent tones of his violin. + +In such exalted moods as this it was no earthly instrument of music. It +became to him a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard the voices +of the angels ascending and descending, and on whose trembling rounds he +climbed to touch the Infinite. + +There was a quick step on the stairs, and a heavy tread along the upper +hall. Then the portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the world +brought the rhapsody to a close. + +"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too dark to see, but your fiddle says +that you are at home." + +"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike a light. I wondered why you were +so late." + +"I was out on my wheel," answered the young man. "Cycling is warm work +this time of year." + +He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily down among the pile of +cushions on the couch. + +"I had a letter from Marta to-day." + +"And what does the little sister have to say?" answered the rabbi, +noticing a frown deepening on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way home again." + +"No," answered David, with a still deeper frown. "She has changed all +her plans, and wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with them, and they are up on +Lookout Mountain. She wants me to meet her there and spend part of the +summer with her. She grows more infatuated with Frances Herrick every +day. You know they have been inseparable friends since they first +started to kindergarten." + +"Why did she go down there without consulting you?" asked the old man +impatiently. "You should be both father and mother to her, now that +neither of your parents is living. I wish I were really your uncle and +hers, that I might have some authority. You must be more careful of her, +my boy. She should spend this summer with you at home, instead of with +strangers in a hotel." + +"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick to excuse the little sister, +who was the only one in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. Mrs. Herrick is with the girls +now, and the major will join them next week. Marta is just like one of +the family, and I have encouraged the intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. +Herrick gives her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta and +Frances are so congenial in every way that they find their greatest +happiness together. I tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. It is +a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc." + +"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. "Do you remember that +the rest of that declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, and thy +God my God?' David, my son, I tell you there is great danger of the +child's being led away from the faith. Your father and hers was my +dearest friend. I have loved you children like my own. You must heed my +warning, and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile family, especially +when it includes such an agreeable member as that young Albert Herrick." + +"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra." + +"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they are thrown constantly +together." + +David looked down at the carpet, and began absently tracing a pattern +with his foot. He was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages gave him a fatherly feeling +for her. He could not bear the thought of interfering seriously with her +pleasure, yet he could not ignore the old man's warning. + +Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both languages and music. Aside +from a few years at college, all that he knew had been learned under the +old man's wise supervision. + +"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, when he lay dying, "take my +child and make him a man after your own pattern. I know your noble soul. +Give his the same strength and sweetness. We are so greedy for the +fleshpots of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul hunger. But you +will teach the little fellow higher things." + +Later, when the end had almost come, his hand groped out feebly towards +the child, who had been brought to his bedside. + +"Never mind about the shekels, little David," he said in a hoarse, +broken whisper. "But clean hands and a pure heart--that's all that +counts when you're in your coffin." + +The child's eyes grew wide with wonder as a paroxysm of pain contracted +the beloved face. He was led quickly away, but those words were never +forgotten. + +The rabbi was thinking of them now as he studied the handsome features +of the young fellow before him. + +It was a strong face, but refinement and gentleness showed in every +line. There was something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's lips. "Clean hands and a pure +heart," he said fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my David, if thou +couldst but see how thy little one has grown, not only in stature, but +in soul-life, in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied." + +"Well," he said aloud, as the young man left his seat and began to walk +up and down the room with his hands in his pockets, "what are you going +to do?" + +"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. "It would not be wise to +send for Marta to come home, for the reason you suggest, and I have no +other to offer her." + +"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. "You need not tell her that you +have any fear of her being influenced by Gentile society--but never for +a moment let her forget that she is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her +race. Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for all that is Hebrew." + +"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested. + +"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains will give you as good a summer +outing as you need, and you can play guardian angel for Marta while you +take it." + +David laughed, and took another turn across the room. Then he paused +beside the table, and picked up a newspaper. + +"I wonder what connections the trains make now," he said. "There used to +be a long wait at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily over the +time-table. + +"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here is a cheap excursion to +Chattanooga this next week. I could afford to run down and see Marta, +anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her to come back with me, if I promised +to take her to Hudson Bay with me." + +"What kind of an excursion?" asked the rabbi. + +"Epworth League, it says here, whatever that may be. It seems to be some +sort of an international convention, and says to apply to Frank B. +Marion for particulars." + +"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. "O, then it is a Methodist +affair. He is not only the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well, judging by the way he +works for it. I wish my congregation would take a few lessons from him." + +"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, and blue eyes, and a habit +of shaking hands with everybody?" asked David. "I believe I know the +man. I met him on the cars last fall. He's lively company. I've a notion +to hunt him up, and find what's going on." + +"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will not be at home to-night," +said the rabbi, "and stay in the city with me. If you conclude to go to +Chattanooga next week, I have much to say to you before taking leave of +you for the summer." + +"Very well," consented David. "I'll go down town immediately, and see if +I can find this Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you know?" + +"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He is in that big new building +next to Cohen's furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll not find him +Wednesday night. They have Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as his profession." + +David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I shall certainly cultivate his +acquaintance for the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It has never +been my lot to know a Christian who measured up to his creed." + +"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the old man, gently. "I have +made you a dreamer like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere of high +ideals. I have led you into the companionship of all that was heroic in +the past, and held you apart as much as possible from the sordid +selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick at heart sometimes when I stroll +through the great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle of +humanity as they snatch the bread from other mouths to feed their own. + +"You remember our Hebrew word for teach comes from tooth, and means to +make sharp like a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea has +become the popular view of education in this day. Anything that will fit +a man to bite and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack is what is +sought after, no matter how many of his kind are trampled under foot in +the struggle. I am almost afraid for you to step down from the place +where I have kept you. When you are thrown with men who care for +nothing but material things, who would barter not only their birthrights +but their souls for a mess of pottage, I am afraid you will lose faith +in humanity." + +"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra." + +"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. The world is certainly growing +a little less savage, and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how we have fallen, we still bear +the imprint of the Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned." + +Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling himself a dreamer. The ability +to live apart from his surroundings, had been his greatest comfort. +Because of it, the rigor of extreme poverty that surrounded his early +life had not touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had gone +through the world a happy optimist. + +He had been trained according to the most strictly orthodox system of +Judaism. But even its severe pressure had failed to confine him to the +limits of such a narrow mold. + +He was still a dreamer. In the new world he had cast aside the shackles +of tradition for the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew. + +Now in his serene old age, surrounded by luxuries, he still lived apart +in a world of music and literature. + +His congregation, broken loose from the old moorings, drifted +dangerously away towards radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief +that the "chosen people" would finally triumph over all error, and found +much comfort in the thought. + +David took out his watch. "It is after eight o'clock," he said. +"Probably if I walk down Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon." + +People were beginning to file out of the side entrance that led to the +prayer-meeting room, by the time he reached the church. + +"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of the colored janitor, who was +standing in the doorway. + +"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He sut'n'y is, sah! He am always +the fust to come, an' the last to depaht." + +"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed a pleasant voice. + +David turned quickly to lift his hat. An elderly lady was coming down +the steps with two young girls. She came up to him with a smile, and +held out her hand. + +"I have not seen you since you came back from college," she said, +cordially; "but I never lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates." + +"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with his hat still in his hand. + +As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection brought back the big +attic where he had passed many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain jar on their pantry +shelf, where the most delicious ginger-snaps were always to be found. + +But the next moment the smile left his lips, as an exclamation of one of +the girls was carried back to him. It was made in an undertone, but the +still evening air transmitted it with startling distinctness. + +"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't think you would shake hands with a +Jew!" + +He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He drew himself up haughtily. Then +the indignant flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should he, with +the princely blood of Israel in his veins, care for the callow +prejudices of a little school-girl? + +A crowd of people passed out, laughing and talking. Then he saw Mr. +Marion come into the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights. + +He turned to David with a hearty smile and a strong hand-clasp, +recognizing him instantly. + +"How are you, brother?" he asked. He spoke with a slight Southern +accent. Somehow, David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a matter +of habit that Frank Marion called him brother. Such a warm, personal +interest seemed to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking so +honestly into his own, that he was half-way persuaded to go to +Chattanooga with him before a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, discussing the excursion. +Then Mr. Marion stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, built +some distance back from the street. + +"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, a cousin of mine," he said. +"If you will wait a moment, I'll go with you over to the office." + +The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp sent a flood of yellow +light streaming out into the warm, June darkness. + +In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there was a flutter of a white dress +in the hall, and the next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It was Bethany Hallam. The +light seemed to make a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate her +dress and the sweet upturned face with such an ethereal whiteness that +David was reminded of a Psyche in Parian marble. + +"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion rejoined him. "One never sees +a face like that outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any other." + +"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. Marion responded. "He died last +fall, and Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at last persuaded +her to go to Chattanooga with us. She needs to have her thoughts turned +into another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish that +purpose." + +"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met him a number of times after I was +admitted to the bar." + +"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said Mr. Marion. + +"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after vacation," he answered. + +"Well, I am going to begin my practice right now," said Mr. Marion, +laughing, "and plead my case to such purpose that you will be persuaded +to take this Chattanooga trip." He slipped his arm through David's, and +drew him around the corner toward his store. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"ON TO CHATTANOOGA." + + +IT was within three minutes of time for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably in the first vacant seat, Mr. +Marion hurried past him down the aisle with a valise in each hand. He +was followed by two ladies. The first one seemed to know every one in +the car, judging by the smiles and friendly voices that greeted her +appearance. + +"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, Mrs. Marion," cried an +impulsive young girl, just in front of David. "It would have been such a +disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest thing in the world?" she +rattled on to her companion, as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing. + +"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam with her! Of all people to go on +an excursion, it seems to me she would be the very last." + +"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was the question uppermost in +David's mind, he listened with interest for the answer. + +"O, she seems so different from other people. Her father always used to +treat her as if she were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in a private car. When she +went to lectures or concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except one. She went to the +conservatory for her drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at noon." + +As he listened, David's eyes had followed the tall, graceful girl who +was now seating herself by Mrs. Marion. + +Every movement, as well as every detail of her traveling dress, +impressed him with a sense of her refinement and culture. He noticed +that she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over her face partially +concealed its delicate pallor; but her soft, light hair, drawn up under +the little black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever by contrast. + +"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative neighbor. "I used to +wish I could change places with her, especially the year when she went +abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now for anything in the world." + +"Why?" asked her companion again, and David mentally echoed her +interrogation. + +"O, because her father is dead now, and everything is so different. +Something happened to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a dreadful fall just after +the Judge's death. They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple all +his life; but I believe he's better now. He is sort of paralyzed, so he +has to stay in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right after awhile. It's a very +peculiar case, I've heard. There have only been a few like it. She is +studying stenography now, so that she can keep on living in the old home +and take care of little Jack." + +"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested listener. + +"No, not very well. I've always seen her in Church; you know Judge +Hallam was one of our best paying members, and rarely missed a Sabbath +morning service. But they were very exclusive socially. My easel stood +next to hers in the art conservatory one term, and we talked about our +work sometimes. She used to remind me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a +Wayside Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that + + 'Way of saying things + That made one think of courts and kings, + And lords and ladies of high degree, + So that not having been at court + Seemed something very little short + Of treason or lese-majesty, + Such an accomplished knight was he.'" + +Both girls laughed, and then the lively chatter was drowned by the +jarring rumble of the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot. + +"Any one would know this is a Methodist crowd," said Mrs. Marion +laughingly, as a dozen happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car. + +"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching into his coat pocket, "I +have something here that will prevent any mistake if doubt should +arise." + +He drew out a little box of ribbon badges and a paper of pins. "Here," +he said, "put one on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. You, +too, Bethany." + +"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I am not a member of the League." + +"That makes no difference," he answered, in his hearty, persistent way. +"You ought to be one, and you will be by the time you get back from this +conference." + +"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge in my life," she insisted. "I +have always had the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes one so +conspicuous to be branded in that way." + +He held out the little white ribbon, threaded with scarlet, and bearing +the imprint of the Maltese cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. He +was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel uncomfortable. + +"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" Then he paused reverently. +"The purity and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to wear those." + +He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed down the aisle, +distributing the others right and left. + +She looked at it in silence a moment, and then pinned it on the lapel of +her traveling coat. + +"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another such persistent man?" she asked. +"How is it that he can always make people go in exactly the opposite way +from the one they had intended? When he first planned for me to come on +this excursion, I thought it was the most preposterous idea I ever heard +of. But he put aside every objection, and overruled every argument I +could make. I did not want to come at all, but he planned his campaign +like a general, and I had to surrender." + +"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. Marion. "You know I did not get home +from Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have been too busy getting +ready to come on this excursion to ask him anything." + +"When he had urged all the reasons he could think of for my going, but +without success, he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, little Jack. +The child has considered Cousin Frank's word law and gospel ever since +he joined the Junior League. So, when he was told that my health would +be benefited by the trip, and it would arouse me from the despondent, +low-spirited state I had fallen into, he gave me no rest until I +promised to go. Jack showed generalship, too. He waited until the night +of his birthday. I had promised him a little party, but he was so much +worse that day, it had to be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The little rascal knew it, too. +While I was helping him undress, he put his arms around my neck, and +began to beg me to go. He told me that he had been praying that I might +change my mind. Ever since he has been in the League he has seemed to +get so much comfort out of the belief that his prayers are always +answered that I couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised him." + +"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; "you ought to give him +the full benefit of his name, Bethany." + +"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was as much too big for him as +the huge old-fashioned silver watch that Grandfather Bradford left him. +He suggested that both be laid away until he grew up to fit them." + +"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" was the next question. + +"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. They sent for his old nurse. +She came last night with her little nine-year-old grandson. Just Jack's +age, you see; so he will have somebody to make the time pass very +quickly." + +Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation of surprise. "Well, I wish +you'd look at Frank! What will he do next? He is actually pinning an +Epworth League badge on that young Jew!" + +Bethany turned her head a little to look. "What a fine face he has!" she +remarked. "It is almost handsome. He must feel very much out of place +among such an aggressive set of Christians. I wonder what he thinks of +all these songs?" + +Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent of both Sunday-school +and Junior League, he had won the love of every one connected with them. +His passage through the car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps. + +There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when he stopped beside his wife's +seat. She smiled up at him as he towered above her, and motioned him to +take the seat in front of them. + +"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want to bring a young man up here, +and introduce him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome time, I'm +afraid." + +"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. Marion. "I know every one else on +the car. I don't see that we are called on to entertain him, Frank. He +came with us, simply to take advantage of the excursion rates. I should +think he would prefer to be let alone. He must have thought it +presumptuous in you to pin that badge on him. What did he say when you +did it?" + +Mr. Marion bent down to make himself heard above the noise of the train. + +"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' and told him if there was +any people in the world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had climbed Sinai, and whose +tables of stone lifted up the highest standard of morality known to the +race of Adam." + +Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make a fine politician," she exclaimed. +"You always know just the right chord to touch." + +"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does it happen you have taken such +an intense interest in him?" + +He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and leaned forward. + +"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I have had several talks with +him, and have been wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and views +of life. But I am free to confess, had I met him ten years ago, I could +not have seen any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by a +prejudice that I am unable to account for. It must have been hereditary, +for it has existed since my earliest recollection, and entirely without +reason, as far as I can see. I somehow felt that I was justified in +hating the Jews. I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that they were +wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, that they were gross in their +manner of living, and petty and mean in business transactions. I took +Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens of the whole race. It was, really, a +most unaccountable hatred I had for them. My teeth would actually clinch +if I had to sit next to one on a street-car. You may think it strange, +but I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be a fact that there +are hundreds and hundreds of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy." + +Bethany looked up quickly. + +"My father's reading and training," she said, "has caused me to have a +great admiration and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean such as +the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees of a later date. But in the +concrete, I must say I like to have as little intercourse with them as +possible. And as to modern Israelites, all I know of them personally is +the almost cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants with whom +I have dealt, and the dirty swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short cut through those streets +sometimes in driving to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She gave a +little shiver of repugnance at the recollection. + +"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that same feeling the greater part of +my life. But ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, studying the +four Gospels. It opened my eyes, Bethany. I got a clearer view of the +Christ than I ever had before. I saw how I had been misrepresenting him +to the world. The inconsistencies of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs along the coast, that +vessels might be wrecked by their misleading light. Do you suppose a Jew +could have accepted such a Christ as I represented then? No wonder they +fail to recognize their Messiah in the distorted image that is reflected +in the lives of his followers." + +"But they rejected Christ himself when he was among them," ventured +Bethany. + +"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like the old story of the man with a +muck rake. Do you remember that picture that was shown to Christian at +the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's Progress?' As a nation, Israel had +stooped so much to the gathering of dry traditions, had bent so long +over the minute letter of the law, that it could not straighten itself +to take the crown held out to it. It could not even lift its eyes to +discern that there was a crown just over its head." + +"It always made me think of the blind Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In +trying to overthrow something it could not see, spiritually I mean, it +pulled down the pillars of prophecy on its own head." + +Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again. + +"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ; but who was it that wrote +those wonderful chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that went out +ablaze with the power of Pentecost to spread the deathless story of the +resurrection? Who were the apostles that founded our Church? To whom do +we owe our knowledge of God and our hope of redemption, if not to the +Jews? We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself belonged to that +race we so reproach." + +He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten his surroundings, until a +light touch on his shoulder interrupted him. + +"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, Brother Marion?" asked the +minister's genial voice. + +He turned quickly to smile into the frank, smooth-shaven face bending +over him. + +"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing my young friend back +there, David Herschel. Have you met him?" + +"Yes, I was talking with him a little while ago," answered the minister. +"He seems very reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier seems to +arise when we talk to one of that race. I just came in to tell you that +Cragmore is in the next car. He got on at the last station." + +"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, rising quickly. "I +haven't seen him for two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile." + +"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," said Mrs. Marion, as +the door banged behind the two men. + +"Frank will never think of us again when he gets to spinning yarns with +Mr. Cragmore. I want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of the most +original men I ever heard talk. He's a young minister from the 'auld +sod.' They called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first came over, he +was so fiery and impetuous. There is enough of the brogue left yet in +his speech to spice everything he says. He and Frank are a great deal +alike in some things. They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate love of joking. They are +both so terribly in earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they once settle on a point, +they are so tenacious nothing can move them. I often tell Frank he is +worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition says they do let go when it +thunders, but nothing will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched." + +There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. At the sound of a noisy gong +in front of the station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with his friend. +Capacious lunch-baskets were opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting. + +"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. "I intended to ask him to +lunch with us." + +"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied his wife. + +"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, George," said Mr. Marion. +"I've been all up and down this train trying to get people to be +neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the only one who has spoken to him. +They were all having such a good time when I interrupted them, or they +didn't know what to say to a Jew, and a dozen different excuses." + +"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject again!" exclaimed Mrs. +Marion. "Take a sandwich, and forget about it." + +Bethany Hallam laughed more than once during the merry luncheon that +followed. She could not remember that she had laughed before since her +father's death. The young Irishman's ready wit, his droll stories, and +odd expressions were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, too, drawing +constantly from Frank Marion's inexhaustible supply of fun. + +"You have seen only one side of him," remarked Mrs. Marion, when her +husband had taken him away to introduce David. "While he was very +entertaining, I think he has shown us one of the least attractive phases +of his character." + +David had felt very much out of place all morning. It was one thing to +travel among ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and another to be +surrounded by those who were constantly bubbling over with religious +enthusiasm. He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water tank, he +said to himself, but he did object to its boiling over on him. + +His neighbors would have been very much surprised could they have known +he was studying them with keen insight, and finding much to criticise. +Even some of their songs were objectionable to him, their catchy +refrains reminding him of some he had heard at colored minstrel shows. + +With such an exalted idea of worship as the old rabbi had inculcated in +him, it did not seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless through +such sonorous utterances as the psalms. Some of these little tinkling, +catch-penny tunes seemed profanation. + +He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. He had very unexpectedly +found a congenial friend in the young minister. It was not often he met +a man so keenly alert to nature, so versed in his favorite literature, +or of his same sensitive temperament. He felt himself opening his inner +doors as he did to no one else but the rabbi. + +A drizzling rain was falling when they began to wind in and out among +the mountains of Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. It crowned every hilltop +ahead of them. It reached its shining ladder of light into every valley. +It seemed such a prophecy of what awaited them on the mountain beyond, +that some one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises." + +As the full glory of the rainbow flashed on Cragmore's sight, he stopped +abruptly in the middle of a sentence. The expression of his face seemed +to transfigure it. When he turned to David, there were tears in his +eyes. + +"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" he said, in a low tone, that +thrilled David with its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The Mizpahs! +The Ebenezers! See, it is like a pillar of fire leading us to a +veritable land of promise." + +Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, he began to talk of the +promises of the Bible, till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make me +forget that you are a Christian. You enter into Israel's past even more +fully than many of her own sons." + +Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, nervous way, with an +impetuous gesture. + +"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously into the broad brogue of +his childhood, "we hold sacred with you the heritage of your past. We +look up with you to the same God, the Father; we confess a common faith +till we stand at the foot of the cross. There is no great barrier +between us--only a step--one step farther for you to take, and we stand +side by side!" + +He laid his hand on David's, and looked into his eyes with an +expression of tender pleading as he added: + +"O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has revealed +himself to me! I pray you may! I do pray you may!" + +It was the first time in David's life any one had ever said such a thing +to him. He sat back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an answer. It +put an end to their conversation for a while. Cragmore felt that his +sympathy had carried him to the point of giving offense. He was relieved +when Dr. Bascom beckoned him to share his seat. + +After a while, as the train sped on into the darkness, the passengers +subsided in to sleepy indifference. It seemed hours afterward when Mr. +Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying briskly, "Wake up, old +fellow, we are getting into Chattanooga." + +"Let us go in with banners flying," said Dr. Bascom. "I understand that +every car-full that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has come +singing." + +The lights of the city, twinkling through the car-windows, aroused the +sleepy passengers with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when they +steamed slowly into the crowded depot, it was as "pilgrims singing in +the night." + +In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. Marion lost sight of David. + +"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed tone. "I intended to ask +him to drive to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I wanted to +introduce him to you, Bethany." + +"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, Cousin Frank," she said, +as she followed him through the depot gates. "He may be very agreeable, +and all that, but he's a Jew, and I don't care to make his +acquaintance." + +The handle of the umbrella she was carrying came in collision with some +one behind her. + +"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in her gracious, high-bred way. + +The gentleman raised his hat. It was David Herschel. A stylish-looking +little school-girl was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded man, whom +she recognized as Major Herrick, was walking just behind him. They had +come down from the mountain to meet him, and take him to Lookout Inn. As +their eyes met, Bethany was positive that he had overheard her remark. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT." + + +BY some misunderstanding, Bethany and her cousins had been assigned to +different homes. + +"It is too late to make any change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they +left her. "We are only one block further up on this same street. We will +try to make some arrangement to-morrow to have you with us." + +Bethany followed her hostess into the wide reception-hall. One of the +most elegant homes of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, all as tired and +travel-stained as herself. + +During the introductions, Bethany mentally classified them as the most +uninteresting lot of people she had seen in a long time. + +"I believe you are the odd one of this party, Miss Hallam," said the +hostess, glancing over the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is one improvised for the +occasion; but you will probably be more comfortable here alone than in a +larger room with several others." + +It had never occurred to Bethany that she might have been asked to share +an apartment with some stranger, and she hastened to assure her hostess +of her appreciation of the little room, which, though very small indeed +compared with the great dimensions of the others, was quite comfortable +and attractive. + +"I have always been accustomed to being by myself," she said, "and it +makes no difference at all if it is so far away from the other +sleeping-rooms. I am not at all timid." + +Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, she realized that she had +never been so entirely alone before in all her life. Home seemed so very +far away. Her surroundings were so strange. Her extreme weariness +intensified her morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered such a +sensation coming to her one night in mid-ocean, but she had tapped on +her state-room wall, and her father had come to her immediately. Now she +might call a weary lifetime. No earthly voice could ever reach him. + +With a throbbing ache in her throat, and hot tears springing to her +eyes, she opened her valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out at her. She was kneeling +before them, with her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As she +gazed at them intently, a tear splashed down on her black dress. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she sobbed, passionately, "for God +to take everything! It would have been so easy for him to let me keep +them. How could he be so cruel? How could he take away all that made my +life worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?" + +She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm of sobbing. Presently she +looked up again at her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, very +like her own. It brought back all her happy childhood, that seemed +almost glorified now by the remembered halo of its devoted mother-love. + +The years had softened that grief, but it all came back to-night with +its old-time bitterness. + +The next face was little Jack's--a sturdy, wide-awake boy, with +mischievous dimples and laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he +had suffered since his accident, made her feel that she had lost him +also, in a way. The physician had assured her that he would be the same +vigorous, romping child again; but she found that hard to believe when +she thought of his present helpless condition. + +She pressed the next picture to her lips with trembling fingers, and +then looked lovingly into the eyes that seemed to answer her gaze with +one of steadfast, manly devotion. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she sobbed again. How it all came +back to her--the happy June-time of her engagement!--the summer days +when she dreamed of him, the summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the first bunch of violets he +brought her, to the judge's tender smile when she spread out all her +bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering lengths of the white, +trailing satin; such filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the telegram, and afterward +the darkened room, and the darker hour, when she groped her way to a +motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. O, how she had clung to the +cold hands, and kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in an +agony of despair! But as she turned, her father's strong arms were +folded about her, and his broken voice whispered comfort. + +The dear father! It had been doubly desolate since he had gone, too. + +Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her arms, she seemed to face a +future that was utterly hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, she felt +that there was absolutely no reason why she should go on living. + +The ticking of her watch reminded her that it was nearly midnight. In a +mechanical way, she got up and began to arrange her hair for the night. + +After she had extinguished the light, she pulled aside the curtain, and +looked out on the unfamiliar streets. + +The moon had come up. In the dim light the crest of old Lookout towered +grimly above the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms passed through +her mind: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh +my help." + +"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no help. God doesn't care. He +is too far away." + +As she went back to the bed, the words of the novice in Muloch's +"Benedetta Minelli" came to her: + + "O weary world, O heavy life, farewell! + Like a tired child that creeps into the dark + To sob itself asleep where none will mark, + So creep I to my silent convent cell." + +"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock myself away with my +memories, and not be obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not be so hard. How I dread +to-morrow, with its crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever come?" + +Next morning, the guests gathered out on the vine-covered piazza to +discuss their plans for the day. + +There were two theological students from Boston, a young doctor from +Texas, and the son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas farmer's +wife and her sister, a bright little schoolteacher from an Iowa village, +and three pretty Georgia girls, completed the party. + +Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering how they could be so +greatly interested in such things as the most direct car-line to +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to "do" the old +battle-grounds. + +The youngest Georgia girl was about her own age. She had made several +attempts to include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking her +reserve and indifference for haughtiness, turned to the Louisiana boy +with a remark about unsociable Northerners. + +Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, and she wondered, in a dull +way, how anybody could be light-hearted enough even to smile in such a +world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered that she had laughed +herself, the day before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It rather +puzzled her now to know how she could have done so. Her wakeful night +had left her unusually depressed. + +An open, two-seated carriage stopped at the gate. Mrs. Marion and George +Cragmore were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. Bascom sat with the +driver. Bethany had been waiting for them some time with her hat on, so +she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. Cragmore leaped over the wheel to +open the gate, and assist her to a seat between himself and Mrs. +Marion. + +They drove rapidly out towards Missionary Ridge. To Bethany's great +relief, neither of her companions seemed in a talkative mood. Mr. +Marion, who was an ardent Southerner, had been deep in a political +discussion with Dr. Bascom. As they stopped on the winding road, half +way up the ridge, to look down into the beautiful valley below, and +across to the purple summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long breath. +Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, "The work of His fingers! +What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, after a long silence: +"How insignificant our little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject." + +Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on every side, did not notice +Bethany's continued silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The fresh +air and brisk motion had somewhat aroused Bethany from her apathy. +First, she began to be interested in the constantly-changing view, and +then she noticed its effect on the erratic man beside her. + +From the time they commenced to ascend the ridge he had not spoken to +any one directly, but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if he were all alone; some of them +dreamily, some of them with startling force, and all with the slight +brogue he spoke so musically. + +"Every common bush afire with God," he murmured in an undertone, looking +at a dusty wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes. + +Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that if any other man of her +acquaintance had kept up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard him do it again after +that day. It seemed as if the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words that immortal pens had +made deathless. + +The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out to them from grassy orchards, +where the trees were bent over with their wealth of velvety, +sun-reddened fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had taken no notice of Bethany's +depression when she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature was +having on her sore heart. But she knew that he had seen it, when he +turned to her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as well as his +first one had the wayside weed. He half sang it, with a tender, wistful +smile, as he watched her face. + + "O the green things growing, the green things growing-- + The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing! + I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve, + Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing, + For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much, + With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing." + +Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had told him of all she had +suffered, or if he had guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that he +had not been told, but that he had divined it. Yet when they stopped on +the Chickamauga battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across the +rough fields like an overgrown boy, she thought of her cousin Ray's +remark, "They used to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered at the +contradictory phases his character presented. She saw him pause and lay +his hand reverently on the largest cannon, and then come running back +across the furrows with long, awkward jumps. + +"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?" asked Mr. Marion, in his +teasing way. "The idea of keeping us waiting while you were racing +across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun." + +"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, yet there was a flash in his +eyes that belied the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just wanted to lay my hands on +its dumb lips." He waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, but +they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day they spoke freedom to a race." + +He did not take his seat in the carriage for a while, but followed at a +little distance, ranging the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark of an old tree where the shells +had plowed deep scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush away the +leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any one but a true woodsman would +have passed with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare specimen up to +the carriage to ask its name. He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered. + +"It's a pity to tear them up, when they would wither in just a few +hours," he said; "the solitary places are so glad for them." + +"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, as he watched him break a +little sprig of cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree to put in +his card-case. "Sometimes he is the veriest clown; at others, a child +could not be more artless; and I have seen him a few times when he +seemed to be aroused into a spiritual giant. He fairly touched the +stars." + +Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive that she did not go to the +opening services in the big tent that afternoon. + +"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, when he came in after supper, +"and so did David Herschel." + +"Missed what?" inquired Bethany. + +"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. You know he is a Jew. +Such a broad, fraternal speech must have been a revelation to a great +many of his audience. I tell you, it was fine! You're going to-night, +aren't you, Bethany?" + +"No," she answered, "I want to save myself for the sunrise +prayer-meeting on the mountain to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all night to see." + +It was about two o'clock in the morning when they started up the +mountain by rail. The cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train lurched around sudden +curves. Notwithstanding the early hour, and the discomfort of their +position, they sang all the way up the mountain. + +"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me how these people can sing so +constantly. The last thing I heard last night before I went to sleep was +the electric street-car going past the house, with a regular hallelujah +chorus on board. Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? How can +they keep worked up to such a pitch all the time?" + +"You should have been at the tent last night, dear," answered Mrs. +Marion. "Then you would have gotten into the secret of it. There is an +inspiration in great numbers. The audiences we are having there are said +to be the greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our League at home +has been doing very faithful work, but I couldn't help wishing last +night that every member could have been present. To see ten thousand +faces lit up with the same interest and the same hope, to hear the +battle-cry, 'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled out in response +like a volley of ten thousand musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly awakened to the fact +that they were not fighting single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these were only the +advance-guard, for over a million young people are enlisted in the same +cause. Think of that, Bethany--a million leagued together just in +Methodism! Then, when you count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's Daughters and Sons, and +the Young Men's Christian Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought to revolutionize the +universe in the next decade." + +"Then you think it is an inspiration of the crowds that makes them sing +all the time," said Bethany. + +"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. "To be sure, it has something to do +with it; but to most of this vast number of young people, their religion +is not a sentiment to be fanned into spasmodic flame by some excitement. +It is a vital force, that underlies every thought and every act. They +will sing at home over their work, and all by themselves, just as +heartily as they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster Abbey, one +time, the profiles of John and Charles Wesley put side by side on the +same medallion. I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put the spirit of both brothers into its +daily life--that does not wing its sermons with its songs." + +Hundreds of people had already gathered on the brow of the mountain, +waiting the appointed hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a place where +nature had formed a great amphitheater of the rocks. They seated +themselves on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. They were +above the clouds. Such billows of mist rolled up and hid the sleeping +earth below that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless ocean. The +world and its petty turmoils were blotted out. There was only this one +gray peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. It was still and +solemn in the early light. They spoke together almost in whispers. + +"I can not believe that any man ever went up into a mountain to pray +without feeling himself drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said Dr. +Bascom. + +Frank Marion looked around on the assembled crowds, and then said +slowly: + +"Once a little band of five hundred met the risen Lord on a +mountain-side in Galilee, and were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am +with you alway!' Think what they accomplished, and then think of the +thousands here this morning that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! There ought to be a wonderful +work accomplished for the Master this year." + +Cragmore, who had walked away a little distance from the rest, and was +watching the eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight. + +"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a child, and yet with the +appreciation of a poet shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea." + +He pointed to the long bars of light spreading like great flaming +pinions above the horizon. The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven and +a new earth. In the solemn hush of the sunrise, a voice began to sing, +"Nearer, my God, to thee." + +It was as in the days of the old temple. They had left the outer courts +and passed up into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain of cloud +seemed to shut them in, till in that high Holy of Holies they stood face +to face with the Shekinah of God's presence. + +Bethany caught her breath. There had been times before this when, +carried along by the impetuous eloquence of some sermon or prayer, every +fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. In her childlike +reaching out towards spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses of +the Fatherhood of God. She had gone to him with every experience of her +young life, just as naturally and freely as she had to her earthly +father. But when beside the judge's death-bed she pleaded for his life +to be spared to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals met no +response, she turned away in rebellious silence. "She would pray no more +to a dumb heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been vain. + +Now, as she listened to songs and prayers and testimony, she began to +feel the power that emanated from them,--the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known him before: the Father +revealed through the Son. + +Below, the mists began to roll away until the hidden valley was revealed +in all its morning loveliness. But how small it looked from such a +height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver thread. The outlying forests +dwindled to thickets. + +Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll away from her spiritual +vision, and she saw her life in relation to the eternities. Self +dwindled out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no childish +questioning of Divine purposes. The blind Bartimeus by the wayside, +hearing the cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping his way +towards "the Light of the world," was no surer of his dawning vision +than Bethany, as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. She +saw not only the glory of the June sunrise; for her the "Sun of +righteousness had arisen, with healing in his wings." + +People seemed loath to go when the services were over. They gathered in +little groups on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from one point +of view to another, drinking in the rare beauty of the morning. + +Bethany walked on without speaking. She was a little in advance of the +others, and did not notice when the rest of her party were stopped by +some acquaintances. Absorbed in her own thoughts, she turned aside at +Prospect Point, and walked out to the edge. As she looked down over the +railing, the refrain of one of the songs that had been sung so +constantly during the last few days, unconsciously rose to her lips. She +hummed it softly to herself, over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day." + +So oblivious was she of all surroundings that she did not hear Frank +Marion's quick step behind her. He had come to tell her they were going +down the mountain by the incline. + +"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" The words came softly, almost +under her breath; but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred to bring any song to her +lips. + +"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean it, child? Has the light come?" + +The face that she turned towards him was radiant. She could find no +words wherewith to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her hands +in his, and the tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, with a tremor in his strong voice. +"It is what I have been praying for. Now you see why I urged you to +come. I knew what a mountain-top of transfiguration this would be." + +Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, David Herschel had looked around +with great curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was only a little +distance from the inn, and he had come down hoping to discover the real +motive that had brought these people together from such vast distances. +He wondered what power their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour. + +He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity of the sunrise. He felt, +too, the uplifting power of the old hymn, that song drawn from the +experience of Jacob at Bethel, that seemed to lift every heart nearer to +the Eternal. + +He was deeply stirred as the leader began to speak of the mountain +scenes of the Bible, of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount Zion with its thousand +hallowed memories. So far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, of Calvary, or of +Olivet. + +He had never heard such prayers as the ones that followed. Although +there can be found no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions of Jehovah, than are +bound in the rituals of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the heart +were a revelation to him. + +There came again the fulfillment of the deathless words, "And I, if I be +lifted up, will draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly Nazarene was +lifted up that morning in that great gathering of his people! How his +name was exalted! All up and down old Lookout Mountain, and even across +the wide valley of the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer. + +When the testimony service began, David turned from one speaker to +another. What had they come so far to tell? From every State in the +Union, from Canada, and from foreign shores, they brought only one +story--"Behold the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, the young Jew's +heart was strangely drawn to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a converted Jew. I was +brought to Christ by a little girl--a member of the Junior League. I +have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and fortune, but +I have gained so much that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated my life to his +service." + +David changed his position in order to get a better view of the speaker. +He scrutinized him closely. He studied his face, his dress, even his +attitude, to determine, if possible, the character of this new witness. +He saw a man of medium height, broad forehead, and firm mouth over which +drooped a heavy, dark mustache. There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were large, dark, and +magnetic, met David's with a steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment. + +With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to probe this man with +questions. As he went back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his +history, and find what had induced him to turn away from the faith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +AN EPWORTH JEW. + + +NEARLY every northern-bound mail-train, since Bethany's arrival in +Chattanooga, had carried something home to Jack--a paper, a postal, +souvenirs from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. Knowing how +eagerly he watched for the postman's visits, she never let a day pass +without a letter. Saturday morning she even missed part of the services +at the tent in order to write to him. + +"I have just come back from Grant University," she wrote. "Cousin Frank +was so interested in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise meeting yesterday, +because he said a little Junior League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview with him. His name is +Lessing. Cousin Frank asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I haven't time now to give all the +details, but will tell them to you when I come home." + +Bethany had been intensely interested in the man's story. They sat out +on one of the great porches of the university, with the mountains in +sight. They had drawn their chairs aside to a cool, shady corner, where +they would not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly passing +in and out. + +"It is for the children you want my story," he said; "so they must know +of my childhood. It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the strictest +of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully trained in the observances +of the law. He taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence to all +the customs of the synagogue." + +Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as he told many interesting +incidents of his early home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store in St. Elmo, at the foot +of Mount Lookout. He was very fond of children, and made friends with +all who came into the store. There was one little girl, a fair, +curly-haired child, who used to come oftener than the others. She grew +to love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion, often talked to him of +the Junior League, in which she was deeply interested. + +Her distress when she discovered that he did not love Christ was +pitiful. She insisted so on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon worried him all day. +It had been announced that the evening service would be a continuation +of the same subject. He went at night, and was so impressed with the +truth of what he heard, that when the child came for him to go to +prayer-meeting with her the next week, he did not refuse. + +Towards the close of the service the minister asked if any one present +wished to pray for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. Lessing, and +to his great embarrassment began to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother +Lessing!" was all she said, but she repeated it over and over with such +anxious earnestness, that it went straight to his heart. + +He dropped on his knees beside her, and began praying for himself. It +was not long until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing the +Christ he had been taught to despise. In the enthusiasm of this +new-found happiness he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly refused to listen. For +months she berated and ridiculed him. When she found that not only were +tears and arguments of no avail, but that he felt he must consecrate his +life to the ministry, she declared she would leave him. He sold the +store, and gave her all it brought; and she went back to her family in +Florida. + +In order to prepare for the ministry he entered the university, working +outside of study hours at anything he could find to do. In the meantime +he had written to his parents, knowing how greatly they would be +distressed, yet hoping their great love would condone the offense. + +His father's answer was cold and businesslike. He said that no disgrace +could have come to him that could have hurt him so deeply as the +infidelity of his trusted son. If he would renounce this false faith for +the true faith of his fathers, he would give him forty thousand dollars +outright, and also leave him a legacy of the same amount. But should he +refuse the offer, he should be to him as a stranger--the doors of both +his heart and his house should be forever barred against him. + +His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the pictures of all the family, +whom he had not seen for several years. Their faces called up so many +happy memories of the past that they pleaded more eloquently than words. +It was a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding him of all +they had been to each other, and begging him for her sake to come back +to the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: "If you insist on +clinging to this false Christ, whom we have taught you to despise, the +heart of your father and of your mother must be closed against you, and +you must be thrust out from us forever with our curse upon you." + +He knew it was the custom. He had been present once when the awful +anathema was hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing every right +from the outlaw, living or dead. He knew that his grave would be dug in +the Jewish cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would read the rites of +burial over his empty coffin, and that henceforth his only part in the +family life would be the blot of his disgraceful memory. + +He spread the pictures and the letters on the desk before him. A cold +perspiration broke out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by one he took up the photographs of +his brothers and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, and laid them +aside; then his father's, with its strong, proud face. He put that away, +too. + +At last he picked up his mother's picture. She looked straight out at +him, with such a world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, with +such trustful devotion, as if she knew he could not resist the appeal, +that he turned away his head. The trial seemed greater than he could +bear. He was trembling with the force of it. Then he looked again into +the dear, patient face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It was the +same old mother who had nursed him, who had loved him, who had borne +with his waywardness and forgiven him always. He seemed to feel the soft +touch of her lips on his forehead as she bent over to give him a +goodnight kiss. All that she had ever done for him came rushing through +his memory so overwhelmingly that he broke down utterly, and began to +sob like a child. "O, I can't give her up," he groaned. "My dear old +mother! I can't grieve her so!" + +All that morning he clung to her picture, sometimes walking the floor in +his agony, sometimes falling on his knees to pray. "God in heaven have +pity," he cried. "That a man should have to choose between his mother +and his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more long look at the +picture, laid it reverently away with shaking hands. He had surrendered +everything. + +He did not tell all this to his sympathizing listeners. They could read +part of the pathos of that struggle in his face, part in the voice that +trembled occasionally, despite his strong effort to control it. + +Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his own gentle mother in the old +homestead among the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought of the great +pillar of strength her unfaltering faith had been to him, of how from +boyhood it had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, of how much he +had always depended upon her love and her prayers, his sympathies were +stirred to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's hand in his +strong grasp. + +"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently. + +Bethany turned her head aside, and looked away into the hazy distances. +She knew what it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that bound her +best beloved to her. She knew what it was to have only pictured faces to +look into, and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. The +question flashed into her mind, could she have made the voluntary +surrender that he had made? She put it from her with a throb of shame +that she was glad that she had not been so tested. + +Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing down the steps, recognized him, +and called back: + +"What time does your speech come on the program, Frank? I understand you +are to hold forth to-day." + +Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a moment, to speak to his friend. + +Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while she drew unmeaning dots and +dashes over the cover of her note-book. + +Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did you ever speak to a Jew about +your Savior?" he asked, with such startling directness, that Bethany was +confused. + +"No," she said, hesitatingly. + +"Why?" he asked. + +He was looking at her with a penetrating gaze that seemed to read her +thoughts. + +"Really," she answered, "I have never considered the question. I am not +very well acquainted with any, for one reason; besides, I would have +felt that I was treading on forbidden grounds to speak to a Jew about +religion. They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched in their +beliefs, so proof against argument, that it would be both a useless and +thankless undertaking." + +"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," he answered, "but nobody is +proof against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss Hallam, it seems a +terrible thing to me. The Church will make sacrifices, will cross the +seas, will overcome almost any obstacle to send the gospel to China or +to Africa, anywhere but to the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I +know there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here and there through +the large cities, and a few earnest souls are devoting their entire +energy to the work. But suppose every Christian in the country became an +evangel to the little community of Jews within the radius of his +influence. Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual effort were made +to show them Christ, with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the old +story' to the Hottentots. What would be the result? O, if I had waited +for a grown person to speak to me about it, I might have waited until +the day of my death. I was restless. I was dissatisfied. I felt that I +needed something more than my creed could give me. For what is Judaism +now? I read an answer not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been possible; a religion of +the Passover and the Day of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two +millenniums, no lamb has been slain and no atonement offered; a +sacerdotal religion, with only the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of +a temple which has no temple more; its altar is quenched, its ashes +scattered, no longer kindling any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any +hope.'[A] No man ever took me by the hand and told me about the peace I +have now. No man ever shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the blessed guiding influence +of a little child, my hungry heart might still be crying out +unsatisfied." + +He went on to repeat several conversations he had had with men of his +own race, to show her how this indifference of Christians was reckoned +against them as a glaring inconsistency by the Jews. Almost as if some +one had spoken the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, "I +was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in. Inasmuch as ye did it +not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me." + +Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation of that Scripture had +always been in a temporal sense. More than once, when a child, she had +watched her mother feed some poor beggar, with the virtuous feeling that +that condemnation could not apply to the Hallam family. But now +Lessing's impassioned appeal had awakened a different thought. Who so +hungered as those who, reaching out for bread, grasped either the stones +of a formal ritualism or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? Who +such "strangers within the gates" of the nations as this race without a +country? From the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of Babylon, from +the Ghetto of Rome to the fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been driven--exiles and +aliens. The New World had welcomed them. The New World had opened all +its avenues to them. Only from the door of Christian society had they +turned away, saying, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in." + +In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart went out in an earnest +prayer: "O God, in the great day of thy judgment, let not that +condemnation be mine. Only send me some opportunity, show me some way +whereby I may lead even one of the least among them to the world's +Redeemer!" + +Mr. Marion came back from his interview, looking at his watch as he did +so. It was so near time for services to begin at the tent, that he did +not resume his seat. + +"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," said Bethany, holding out her +hand as she bade him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before I go, what +an impression this conversation has made upon me. It has aroused an +earnest desire to be the means of carrying the hope that comforts me, +to some one among your people." + +"You will succeed," he said, looking into her earnest upturned face. +Then he added softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an olden +day--"Peace be unto you." + +All that day, after the sunrise meeting, David Herschel had been with +Major Herrick, going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. A monument was to be erected on +the spot where nearly all the major's men had fallen in one of the most +hotly-contested battles of the war. He had come down to help locate the +place. + +"It's a very different reception they are giving us now," remarked the +major, as they drove through the city. + +Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. Every street +gleamed with the white and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South. + +"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests royally; people of every +denomination, and of no faith at all, are vying with each other to show +the kindliest hospitality. We are missing it by being at the hotel. I +told Mrs. Herrick and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?" + +"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity was satisfied this +morning. I'll go on up to the inn. I have a letter to write." + +The major laughed. + +"It's a letter that has to be written every day, isn't it?" he said, +banteringly. "Well, I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was young +myself once. Conferences aren't to be taken into account at all when a +billet-doux needs answering." + +The next day David kept Marta with him as much as possible. He could see +that she was becoming greatly interested, and catching much of Albert +Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy was a great League worker, and attended +every meeting. + +David took Marta a long walk over the mountain paths. They sat on the +wide, vine-hung veranda of the inn, and read together. Then, as it was +their Sabbath, he took her up to his room, and read some of the ritual +of the day, trying to arouse in her some interest for the old customs of +their childhood. + +To his great dismay, he found that she had drifted away from him. She +was not the yielding child she had been, whom he had been able to +influence with a word. + +She showed a disposition to question and contend, that annoyed him. The +rabbi was right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences. + +It was with a feeling of relief that he woke Sunday morning to hear the +rain beating violently against the windows. He was glad on her account +that the storm would prevent them going down into the city. But toward +evening the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began to insist on going +down to the night service in the tent. + +"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss it +for anything." + +"Neither would I," responded Marta. "There is something so inspiring in +all that great chorus of voices." + +When David found that his sister really intended to go, notwithstanding +his remonstrances, and that the family were waiting for her in the hall +below, he made no further protest, but surprised her by taking his hat, +and tucking her hand in his arm. + +"Then I will go with you, little sister," he said. "I want to have as +much of your company as possible during my short visit." + +Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, +divined David's purpose in keeping his sister so close. He lifted his +eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his mother's wraps, leaving +Frances to follow with the major. + +The tent was crowded when they reached it. They succeeded with great +difficulty in obtaining several chairs in one of the aisles. + +"Herschel and I will go back to the side," said Albert. "The audience +near the entrance is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the first +vacant seat; some will be sure to get tired and go out before long. They +always do." + +It was the first time David had been in the tent, and he was amazed at +the enormous audience. He leaned against one of the side supports, +watching the people, still intent on crowding forward. Suddenly his look +of idle curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He recognized the +face of the Jew who had attracted him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing slowly towards him. + +Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd at the door pushed harder. The +fresh impetus jostled them almost off their feet, and in the crush +Lessing was caught and held directly in front of David. Some magnetic +force in the eyes of each held the gaze of the other for a moment. Then +Lessing, recognizing the common bond of blood, smiled. + +That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," had sounded in David's ears +ever since it first startled him. He felt confident that the man was +laboring under some strong delusion, and he wished that he might have an +opportunity to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him back to the +old faith. + +Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was irresistible, he laid his hand +on the stranger's arm. + +"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, and in a low tone. "Come +this way. I will not detain you long." + +He drew him out of the press into one of the side aisles, and thence +towards the exit. + +"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he asked; "I want to ask you +several questions." + +Lessing complied quietly. + +The sound of a cornet followed them with the pleading notes of an old +hymn. It was like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding a call to +prayer. Then the singing began. Song after song rolled out on the night +air across the common to a street where two men paced back and forth in +the darkness. They were arm in arm. David was listening to the same +story that Bethany and Frank Marion had heard the day before. He could +not help but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so earnest, his faith +was so sure. When he was through, David was utterly silenced. The +questions with which he had intended to probe this man's claims were +already answered. + +"We might as well go back," he said at last. As they walked slowly +towards the tent, he said: "I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that you are under the spell of +some mysterious power that deludes you." + +Just as they passed within the tent, the cornet sounded again, the +great congregation rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one: + + "All hail the power of Jesus' name, + Let angels prostrate fall!" + +The sight was a magnificent one; the sound like an ocean-beat of praise. +Lessing seized David's arm. + +"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not only does it uplift all these +thousands you see here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was known among men. Could he +transform lives to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his power +were a delusion? What has brought them all these miles, if not this same +power? Look at the class of people who have been duped, as you call it." +He pointed to the platform. "Bishops, college presidents, editors, men +of marked ability and with world-wide reputation for worth and +scholarship." + +At the close of the hymn some one moved over, and made room for David on +one of the benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. David listened +to all that was said with a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon +began. The bishop's opening words caught his attention, and echoed in +his memory for months afterward. + +"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, and as he appeared to him when +he did not believe in him--when he despised him. Then he also knew +Christ after his surrender to him; after Christ had entered into his +life, and changed the character of his being; after new meanings of life +and destiny filled his horizon, after the Divine tenderness filled to +completeness his nature; then was he in possession of a knowledge of +Christ, of an experience of his presence and of his love that was a +benediction to him, and has through the centuries since that hour been a +blessing to men wherever the gospel has been preached. + +"It is such a man speaking in this text. A man with a singularly strong +mind, well disciplined, with great will-power; a man with a great +ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as ever tabernacled in flesh and +blood. He proclaimed everywhere that, if need be, he was ready to die +for the principles out of which had come to him a new life, and which +had brought to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming in +happiness, that he was led to do and undertake what he knew would lead +at the last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? Hear him: 'For the love +of Christ constraineth us.'" + +There was a testimony service following the sermon. As David watched the +hundreds rising to declare their faith, he wondered why they should thus +voluntarily come forward as witnesses. Then the text seemed to repeat +itself in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth us!" + +He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. He was glad when the +conference was at an end; when the decorations were taken down from the +streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible enthusiasts went singing +out of the city. + +Albert Herrick went to the seashore that week. David proposed taking +Marta home with him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced by +the whole family that he quietly dropped the subject, and went back to +Rabbi Barthold alone. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Archdeacon Farrar. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"TRUST." + + "Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the thin air + of life's supremer heights. We can not make each meal + a sacrament."--Lowell. + + +IT had seemed to Bethany, in the experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel despondent again; but away from the +uplifting influences of the place, back among the painful memories of +the old home, she fought as hard a fight with her returning doubts as +ever Christian did in his Valley of Humiliation. + +For a week since her return the weather had been intensely warm. It made +Jack irritable, and sapped her own strength. + +There came a day when everything went wrong. She had practiced her +shorthand exercises all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill much larger than she had +expected. While he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse. Then Jack upset a +little cut-glass vase that was standing on the table beside him. It was +broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a +borrowed book that would have to be replaced. + +About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. He had brought a new kind of +brace that he wanted tried. + +"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but it is very expensive." + +Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak +that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. She could +not see where all the money they needed was to come from. + +"It's too small," said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace. +"The size larger will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning." + +He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold. + +"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. "It is so oppressively sultry." + +It was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden +windstorm that came up with terrific force. The trees in the avenue were +lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth. Huge +limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and +hanging. It was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, +that suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off the bushes, their +pink petals scattered over the soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves. + +As night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, +dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house. + +"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" inquired Jack. "Let's have a +fire in the library and eat supper there to-night." + +Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's favorite room in the winter, +on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned tiling. +She rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in +the big arm-chair to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, and presently the +flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship. + +"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection +of the fire in the garden outside. "Don't you remember what you read me +in 'Snowbound?' + + 'Under the tree, + When fire outdoors burns merrily, + There the witches are making tea.' + +This would be a fine night for witch stories. The wind makes such queer +noises in the chimney. Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful ones +we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones." + +As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, when Bethany had tucked +him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the +queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on +such a grewsome subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her +soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted +to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her. + +The judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when +he had been near enough to do it for her. But his love had made him +short-sighted. In shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was +only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come +when he was no longer with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon. + +"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, "that you would try to teach +drawing or watercolors, or something. You have spent so much time on +your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work. Then those +little dinner-cards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful. I am +sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you +orders." + +"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; "I must have something +that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on. +While I have painted some very acceptable things, I never was cut out +for a teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in which I can never be +more than third-rate. I've decided to study stenography. I am sure I can +master that, and command a first-class position. I have heard papa +complain a great many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really good +stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt the work, such a small per +cent are really proficient enough to undertake court reporting." + +"You're just like your father," said Mrs. Marion. "Uncle Richard would +never be anything if he couldn't be uppermost." + +It had been nearly a year since that conversation. Bethany had +persevered in her undertaking until she felt confident that she had +accomplished her purpose. She was ready for any position that offered, +but there seemed to be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in the bank +was dwindling away with frightful rapidity. She was afraid to encroach +on it any further, but the bills had to be met constantly. + +Presently she drew her chair over to the library table, and spread out +her check-book and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look over the +accounts for the month just ended. Then she made a list of the probable +expenses of the next two months. The contrast between their needs and +their means was appalling. + +"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, in a distressed whisper. "When +the first of September comes, there will be nothing left but to sell +the old home and go away somewhere to a strange place." + +The prospect of leaving the dear old place, that had grown to seem +almost like a human friend, was the last drop that made the day's cup of +misery overflow. The old doubt came back. + +"I wonder if God really cares for us in a temporal way?" she asked +herself. + +The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack had been so interested in, +recurred to her. Many of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. God had not interfered in +their behalf, she told herself. Why should he trouble himself about her? + +She went back to her seat by the fender, and, with her chin resting in +her hand, looked drearily into the embers, as if they could answer the +question. She heard some one come up on the porch and ring the bell. It +was Dr. Trent's quick, imperative summons. + +"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, as she ushered him into the +library. "Well, it makes no difference; you know how to adjust the +brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all day with that on." + +He gave an appreciative glance around the cheerful room, and spread his +hands out towards the fire. + +"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, rubbing them together. "I +wish I could stay and enjoy it with you. I have just come in from a long +drive, and must answer another call away out in the country. You'd be +surprised to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night." + +"I venture you never stopped at the boarding-house at all," answered +Bethany, "and that you have not had a mouthful to eat since noon. I am +going to get you something. Yes, I shall," she insisted, in spite of his +protestations. Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung on the crane +to-night, so that he could hear it sing as he used to. "The water is +boiling, and you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time." + +Before he could answer, she was out of the room, and beyond the reach of +his remonstrance. He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray head +back on the cushions, wearily closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when +Bethany came back. + +"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. "I was quite +exhausted by the intense heat of this morning. These sudden changes of +temperature are bad for one." + +"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the heavy tray she carried, "you +have brought me a regular feast. You ought not to have put yourself to +such trouble for an old codger used to boarding-house fare." + +"All the more reason why you should have a change once in a while," said +Bethany, gayly, as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot. + +The sight of the doctor's face as she entered the room had almost +brought the tears. It looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, or how deeply his face was lined. + +He had been such an intimate friend of her father's that she had grown +up with the feeling that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle Doctor" until she was nearly +grown. He had been so thoughtful and kind during all her troubles, and +especially in Jack's illness, that she longed to show her appreciation +by some of the tender little ministrations of which his life was so +sadly bare. + +"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, as he stretched his +feet towards the fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I didn't +realize I was so tired until I sat down, or so hungry until I began to +eat." Then he added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside until I +feel the cheer of others'." + +The doubts that had been making Bethany miserable all evening, and that +she had forgotten in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back with +renewed force. + +"Does God really care?" she asked herself again. Here was this man, one +of the best she had ever known, left to stumble along under the weight +of a living sorrow, the things he cared for most, denied him. + +"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," she had heard her father +say. + +There were two things he held dearer than life--the honor of the old +family name that had come down to him unspotted through generations, and +his little home-loving wife. For fifteen years he had experienced as +much of the happiness of home-life as a physician with a large practice +can know. Then word came to him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then taken his own life, +leaving nothing but the memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He had +borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting old aunt, and left her +almost penniless. + +When Dr. Trent recovered from the first shock of the discovery, he +quietly set to work to wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could eradicate at least that much +of the stain on the family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, for another trial, worse than +the first, had come to weaken his strength and dispel his courage. + +The idolized little wife became affected by some nervous malady that +resulted in hopeless insanity. + +Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's daughter, a little +brown-eyed child of her own age. She could remember playing +hide-and-seek with her one day in an old peony-garden. But she had died +years ago. There was only one other child--Lee. He had grown to be a +big boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel his mother's loss at +the time she was taken away. Bethany knew that she was still living in a +private asylum near town, and that the doctor saw her every day, no +matter how violent she was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he saw very little of the +boy. The child had never known any home but a boarding-house, and was as +lawless and unrestrained as some little wild animal. But the doctor saw +no fault in him. He praised the reports brought home from school of high +per cents in his studies, knowing nothing of his open defiance to +authority. He kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow next his +own when he came in late at night, never dreaming of the forbidden +places it had been during the day. + +Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's a pity that Lee is such a +little terror;" but no one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of all this moved Bethany to +sudden speech. + +"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously--she had unconsciously used +the old name--as she sat down on a low stool near his knee, "I was +piling up my troubles to-night before you came. Not the old ones," she +added, quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy cross his face, +"but the new ones that confront me." + +She gave a mournful little smile. + +"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' you know, and these shadows +look so dark and threatening. I see no possible way but to sell this +home. You have had so much to bear yourself that it seems mean to worry +you with my troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I don't know +what's the matter with me--" + +She stopped abruptly, and choked back a sob. He laid his hand softly on +her shining hair. + +"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a soothing tone. Then he +added, lightly, "I can't make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms." + +When he had heard her little outburst of worry and distrust, he said, +slowly: + +"You have done all in your power to prepare yourself for a position as +stenographer. You have done all you could to secure such a position, and +have been unsuccessful. But you still have a roof over your head, you +still have enough on hands to keep you two months longer without selling +the house or even renting it--an arrangement that has not seemed to +occur to you." He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It strikes me +that a certain little lass I know has been praying, 'Give us this day +our to-morrow's bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn to trust?" + +"But isn't it right for me to be anxious about providing some way to +keep the house?" she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray for the +future? You can't realize how it would hurt me to give up this place." + +"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You forget I have been called on +to make just such a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may not think me much of a +Christian. They rarely see me in Church--my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for me to speak of these sacred +things, unless it is when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know how to trust. No matter how +he has hurt me, I have been able to hang on to his promises, and say, +'All right, Lord. The case is entirely in your hands. Amputate, if it is +necessary; cut to the very heart, if you will. You know what is best.'" + +He pushed the long tray of dishes farther on the table, and, rising +suddenly, walked over to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a well-worn book. + +"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. "I want to read you a passage +that caught my eyes in here once. I remember showing it to your father." + +He turned the pages rapidly till he found the place. Then seating +himself by the lamp again, he began to read: + +"It came to my mind a week or two ago, so full an' sweet an' precious +that I can hardly think of anything else. It was during them cold, +northeast winds; these winds had made my cough very bad, an' I was shook +all to bits, and felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, an' +once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put down her work, an' looked at +me till her eyes filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?' She was making a warm +little petticoat for the little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took +hold of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' She held it up +without a word; her heart was too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' +I says. 'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable it will keep her! +Does she know about it yet?' + +"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said the wife, wondering. 'What +should she know about it for?' + +"I waited another minute, an' then I said: 'What a wonderful mother you +must be, wifie, to think about the little maid like that!' + +"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be more like wonderful if I forgot +that the cold weather was a-coming, and that the little maid would be +a-wanting something warm.' + +"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, and Frankie smiled. 'O +wife,' says I, 'do you think that you be going to take care o' the +little maid like that an' your Father in heaven be a-going to forget you +altogether? Come now (bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as you +are! An' do you think that he'd see the winter coming up sharp and cold, +an' not have something waiting for you, an' just what you want, too? +An' I know, dear wifie, that you wouldn't like to hear the little maid +go a-fretting, and saying: "There the cold winter be a-coming, an' +whatever shall I do if my mother should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt +an' grieved that she should doubt you like that. She knows that you care +for her, an' what more does she need to know? That's enough to keep her +from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that you +have need of all these things." That be put down in his book for you, +wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you grieve an' hurt him when you go +to fretting about the future, an' doubting his love.'" + +Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into his listener's thoughtful +eyes. + +"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson I have learned. Nothing is +withheld that we really need. Sometimes I have thought that I was tried +beyond my power of endurance, but when His hand has fallen the heaviest, +His infinite fatherliness has seemed most near; and often, when I least +expected it, some great blessing has surprised me. I have learned, after +a long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly in His hands, he +is far kinder to us than we would be to ourselves. + + 'Always hath the daylight broken, + Always hath he comfort spoken, + Better hath he been for years + Than my fears.' + +I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, Though he slay me, yet +will I trust him." + +The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes as she listened. Now she +hastily brushed them aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had caught a gleam of sunshine in +the midst of an April shower. + +"You have brushed away my last doubt and foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she +exclaimed. "Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares." + +The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour chime, and he rose to +go. + +"You have beguiled me into staying much longer than I intended," he +answered. "What will my poor patients in the country think of such a +long delay?" + +"Tell them you have been opening blind eyes," she said, gravely. +"Indeed, Uncle Doctor, the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, strengthens my faith more +than you can imagine." + +At the hall door he turned and took both her hands in his: + +"There is another thing to remember," he said. "You are only called on +to live one day at a time. One can endure almost any ache until sundown, +or bear up under almost any load if the goal is in sight. Travel only to +the mile-post you can see, my little maid. Don't worry about the ones +that mark the to-morrows." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE. + + "Sunshine and hope are comrades." + + +THE early morning light streaming into Bethany's room, aroused her to a +vague consciousness of having been in a storm the night before. Then she +remembered the garden roses beaten to earth by the hail, and the flood +of doubt and perplexity that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems confronted her; but they did +not assume such gigantic proportions in the light of this new day, with +its infinite possibilities. + +All the time she was dressing she heard Jack singing lustily in the next +room. He was impatient to try the new brace, and paused between solos to +exhort her to greater haste. She knelt just an instant by the low +window-seat. The prayer she made was one of the shortest she had ever +uttered, and one of the most heartfelt: "Give me this day my daily +bread." That was all; yet it included everything--strength, courage, +temporal help, disappointments or blessings--anything the dear Father +saw she needed in her spiritual growth. When she arose from her knees, +it was with a feeling of perfect security and peace. No matter what the +day might bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be thankful. + +About an hour after breakfast she wheeled Jack to a front window. It was +growing very warm again. + +"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this brace on," he said. "If +you like, I'll help you practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic speed by dictating +rapid sentences. He read too slowly to be of any service that way, but +he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he could repeat with amazing +rapidity. + +"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can make a speech as fast as I +can say the piece about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked when he +first proposed such dictation; "and I can say the 'Peter Piper picked a +peck of pickled peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy." + +Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as the boy's tongue, when they +heard a cheery voice in the hall. + +"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have felt all morning that something +nice was going to happen, and now it has." Then he called out in a +tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way +comes.'" + +"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as she appeared in the doorway. "I +think he is decidedly better, Bethany; you need not worry about him any +longer." + +She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a great yellow pear in his +lap. + +"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when Bethany insisted on taking +her hat. "I am to entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, and +Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually long list of the 'sick and in +prison' kind to look after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that ought to be attended +to." + +She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan. + +"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly. + +"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes +shine." + +"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will +impress Bethany." + +She plunged into the subject abruptly. + +"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live." + +"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? +O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give +up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers." + +"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your +mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I +am sure." + +"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do +such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to +speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house." + +"I did. They married brothers, Joe and Ralph Courtney, who were both +killed in the late war. They have been widows for over thirty years, +you see. They are just the dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember them. I did not know they +were in the city until last night. But just as soon as I heard that they +had come to stay, and wanted to go to housekeeping, I thought of you +immediately. I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went over to see +them in all that rain." + +"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, as Mrs. Marion paused. + +She gave a quick glance around the room. She felt sick and faint, now +that the prospect of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she felt that, +since it had been unsolicited, there must be something providential in +the sending of such an opportunity. + +"O, they will be only too glad to come," resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you +are willing. They remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, and +we planned it all out beautifully. Since Jack's accident you sleep +down-stairs anyhow. You could keep the library and the two smaller rooms +back of it, and may be a couple of rooms up-stairs. They would take the +rest of the house, and board you and Jack for the rent. Your bread and +butter would be assured in that way. They are model housekeepers, and +such a comfortable sort of bodies to have around, that I couldn't +possibly think of a nicer arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than taking care of this big +house." + +"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl could gasp. Her voice faltered +from sheer gladness. "You can't imagine what a load you have lifted from +me. I love every inch of this place, every stone in its old gray walls. +I couldn't bear to think of giving it up. And, just to think! last +night, at the very time I was most despondent, the problem was being +solved. I can never thank you enough." + +"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she rose to go. "No thanks are due +me, child. And Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody still calls +them, are just as anxious for such an arrangement as you can possibly +be. They'll be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite anxious to +get settled. They have roamed about the world so long they begin to feel +that 'there's no place like home.' Jack, they've been in China and +Africa and the South Sea Islands. Think of the charming tales in store +for you!" + +"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when she came back into the room +after walking to the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines as if +there was a light inside of you." + +"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, giving him an ecstatic hug. "I +am so very happy! It seems too good to be true." + +"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems +to me she is always busy doing something for somebody. She never has a +minute for herself. I remember, when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them wanted something. Why do you +suppose they all went to her? Did she tell them they might?" + +"Jack, do you remember the plant you had in your window last winter?" +she replied. "No matter how many times I turned the jar that held it, +the flower always turned around again towards the sun. People are the +same way, dear. They unconsciously spread out their leaves towards those +who have help and comfort to give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking." + +"She makes me think of that verse in 'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar +and spice and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?" + +"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. "Lowell has described her: + + 'So circled lives she with love's holy light, + That from the shade of self she walketh free.'" + +"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, with a puzzled expression. + +She explained it, and he repeated it over and over, until he had it +firmly fixed in his mind. + +Then they went back to the dictation exercises. It was almost dark when +they had another caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door on his way home +to dinner. + +"I have good news for you, Bethany," he said, with his face aglow with +eager sympathy. "Did Ray tell you?" + +"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've been on a mountain-top all day +because of it." + +"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, hastily. "It's better than that. I +mean about Porter & Edmunds." + +"I don't see how anything could be better than the news she brought," +said Bethany. + +"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see their new law-office to-day. +They have just moved into the Clifton Block. They have an elegant place. +As I looked around, making mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. I asked him if he +needed a stenographer. It was a random shot, for I had no idea they did. +The young man they have has been there so long, I considered him a +fixture. To my surprise he told me the fellow is going into business for +himself, and the place will be open next week. I told him I could fill +it for him to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to give you the +refusal of it until to-morrow noon. I leave to-night on a business-trip, +or I would take you over and introduce you." + +"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. "I know Mr. Edmunds very +well. He was a warm friend of papa's." + +Then she added, impulsively: + +"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a dark place that I couldn't see +my hand before my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I was ready +to give up, and now the way has grown so plain and easy, all at once, I +feel that I must be living in a dream." + +"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. "Why +didn't you come to me with your troubles? Remember I am always glad to +smooth the way for you, just as much as lies in my power." + +When he had gone, Bethany crept away into the quiet twilight of the +library, and, kneeling before the big arm-chair, laid her head in its +cushioned seat. + +"O Father," she whispered, "I am so ashamed of myself to think I ever +doubted thee for one single moment. Forgive me, please, and help me +through every hour of every day to trust unfalteringly in thy great love +and goodness." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER. + + +THERE was so much to be done next morning, setting the rooms all in +order for the critical inspection of Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, +that Bethany had little time to think of the dreaded interview with +Porter & Edmunds. + +She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered piazza, and brought +him a pile of things for him to amuse himself with in her absence. + +"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything else," she said. "I will +be back before the sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe in +less than an hour." + +He caught at her dress with a detaining grasp, and a troubled look came +over his face. + +"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do get that place, will I have +to stay here all day by myself?" + +"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel you around the garden, and wait +on you; and I will think of all sorts of things to keep you busy. Then +the old ladies will be here, and I am sure they will be kind to you. +I'll be home at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together." + +"But if those people come, Mena will have so much more to do, she'll +never have any time to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" he +asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of bother. I'd take my books and +study, or look out of the window all the time, and keep just as quiet! +Please ask 'em if I can't come too, sister!" + +It was hard to resist the pleading tone. + +"Maybe they'll not want me," answered Bethany. "I'll have to settle that +matter before making any promises. But never mind, dear, we'll arrange +it in some way." + +It was a warm July morning. As Bethany walked slowly toward the business +portion of the town, several groups of girls passed her, evidently on +their way to work, from the few words she overheard in passing. Most of +them looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine of such a +treadmill existence was slowly draining their vitality. Two or three +had a pert, bold air, that their contact with business life had given +them. One was chewing gum and repeating in a loud voice some +conversation she had had with her "boss." + +Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized that she was about to join +the great working-class of which this ill-bred girl was a member. Not +that she had any of the false pride that pushes a woman who is an +independent wage-winner to a lower social scale than one whom +circumstances have happily hedged about with home walls; but she had +recalled at that moment some of her acquaintances who would do just such +a thing. In their short-sighted, self-assumed superiority, they could +make no discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, who flirted +with her customer, and the girl in the school-room, who taught her +pupils more from her inherent refinement and gentleness than from their +text-books. + +She had remembered that Belle Romney had said to her one day, as they +drove past a great factory where the girls were swarming out at noon: +"Do you know, Bethany dear, I would rather lie down and die than have +to work in such a place. You can't imagine what a horror I have of +being obliged to work for a living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; but I suppose these poor +creatures are so accustomed to it they never mind it." + +Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle Romney's position was due entirely +to the tolerance of a distant relative. She longed to answer vehemently: +"Well, I would starve before I would deliberately sit down to be a +willing dependent on the charity of my friends. It's only a species of +genteel pauperism, and none the less despicable because of the purple +and fine linen it flaunts in." + +She had not made the speech, however. Belle leaned back in the carriage, +and folded her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that amused Bethany then. It nettled her now +to remember it. + +She turned into the street where the Clifton Block stood, an imposing +building, whose first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. The elevator-boy showed her +the room. The door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, for the +walls were lined with books, and the rugs and massive furniture bespoke +taste as well as wealth. + +An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the window-sill and his back to +the door, was vigorously smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods client, +who had an early engagement. His feet came to the floor with sudden +force, and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window when he heard +Bethany's voice saying, timidly, + +"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?" + +He came forward with old-school gallantry. It was not often his office +was brightened by such a visitor. + +"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, in surprise, secretly wondering +what had brought her to his office. + +He had met her often in her father's house, and had seen her the center +of many an admiring group at parties and receptions. She had always +impressed him as having the air of one who had been surrounded by only +the most refined influences of life. He thought her unusually charming +this morning, all in black, with such a timid, almost childish +expression in her big, gray eyes. + +"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," he said, cordially. "I hope +this cigar smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I should have the +honor of entertaining a lady, or I should not have indulged." + +"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming this morning?" asked Bethany, +in some embarrassment. + +"No, not a word. I believe he said something to Mr. Porter about a +typewriter-girl that wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor of calling." + +Bethany smiled faintly. + +"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the place," she answered. + +"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing up in his surprise, and +beginning to stutter as he always did when much excited. "You! +w'y-w'y-w'y, you don't say so!" he finally managed to blurt out. + +"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked Bethany, beginning to be +amused. "Do you think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such a +position? I assure you I have a very fair speed." + +"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not that; but I never any more thought +of your going out in the world to make a living than a-a-a pet canary," +he added, in confusion. + +He seated himself again, and began tapping on the table with a +paper-knife. + +"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or teach French?" he asked, +half impatiently. "A girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially the part of a world one sees +in the court-room." + +Bethany looked at him gravely. + +"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those things after a fashion, but +none of them well enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand stenography, and I am confident I +can do thorough, first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, that it is +a mistaken idea that the girl who has had the most sheltered home-life +is the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa used to say we are +like the planets; we carry our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one may +carry the same personality into a reporter's stand that she would into +a drawing-room. We need not necessarily change with our surroundings." + +As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed her cheeks, and she +unconsciously raised her chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked at +her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow. + +"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any position she might choose to +fill," he said courteously. + +"Then you will let me try," she asked, eagerly. She slipped off her +glove, and took pencil and paper from the table. "If you will only test +my speed, maybe you can make a decision sooner." + +He dictated several pages, which she wrote to his entire satisfaction. + +"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, laughingly; and then she +told him of the practice she had had writing nursery rhymes. + +He seemed so interested that she went on to tell him more about the +child, and his great desire to be in the office with her. + +"I told him I would ask you," she said, finally; "but that it was a very +unusual thing to do, and that I doubted very much if any business firm +would allow it." + +He saw how hard it had been for her to prefer such a request, and smiled +reassuringly. + +"It would be a very small thing for me to do for Richard Hallam's boy," +he said. "Tell the little fellow to come, and welcome. He need not be in +any one's way. We have three rooms in this suite, and you will occupy +the one at the far end." + +It was hard for Bethany to keep back the tears. + +"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," she said. "The legacy papa +thought he had secured to us was swept away, but he has left us one +thing that more than compensates--the heritage of his friendships. I +have been finding out lately what a great thing it is to be rich in +friends." + +Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my twin tenants turn out to be half +as nice," she thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day." + +She tried to picture them, as she walked rapidly on, wondering whether +they would be prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs. Marion had +said they were fine housekeepers. That might mean they were exacting and +hard to please. + +"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" she concluded, finally. "I'll +take Uncle Doctor's advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones." + +She found them sitting on the side piazza, being abundantly entertained +by Jack. + +"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came up the steps to meet them; +"this one is Aunt Harry--that's what she told me to call her--and the +other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've both been around the world +together, and both ridden on elephants." + +There was a general laugh at the unceremonious introduction. + +Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her own little plump ones, and +stood on tiptoe to give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the same, +holding her a moment longer to look at her with fond scrutiny. + +"Such a striking resemblance to your dear mother," she said. "Sister and +I hoped you would look like her." + +"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully old-fashioned," was +Bethany's first impression, as she looked at them in their plain dresses +of Quaker gray. "But their voices are so musical, and they have such +good, motherly faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful kind +of people." + +"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, that it will seem good to +settle down in a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, as they +were going over the house together. + +"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, one appreciates big, roomy +closets and wardrobes like these." + +They went all over the place, from garret to cellar, and sat down to +rest beside an open window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance in +with every passing breeze. + +"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be ready for us before next week," +sighed Miss Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt me so. I wish +we could come this very afternoon." She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks." + +"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I shall be glad to surrender the +reins any time you want to assume the responsibility." + +"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" +and, catching Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she whirled her +around the room, regardless of her protestations, until their spectacles +slid down their noses, and they were out of breath. + +Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. Miss Caroline turned in +time to catch her expression of alarm. + +"Did you think we had lost our senses, dear?" she asked. "We do not +often forget our dignity so; but we have been so long like Noah's dove, +with no rest for the sole of our foot, that the thought of having at +last found an abiding-place is really overwhelming." + +"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" remarked Miss Harriet, with +dignity. "I am very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions of +enthusiasm, and it is fully time that you had too." + +"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss Caroline, soothingly. "You're just +as glad as I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our real selves +from people we are going to live with." + +Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic air. + +"Sister thinks because we have arrived at a certain date on our +calendar, we must conform to that date. But, try as hard as I can, I +fail to feel any older sometimes than I used to at Forest Seminary, when +we made midnight raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. I +suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; but I can't grow old +gracefully, so long as I am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was." + +Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, half-indulgent look that +Miss Harriet bestowed on her sister. + +"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," she thought. "I wonder +how we ever happened to drift together." + +Something of the last thought she expressed in a remark to the sisters +as they went down stairs together. + +"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, decidedly. "You +needed us, and we needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own." + +By nightfall the sisters had taken their places in the old house, as +quietly and naturally as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence in the house gave Bethany +such a care-free, restful feeling, and a sense of security that she had +not had since she had been left at the head of affairs. + +After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a rocking-chair out into the wide +hall, and sat down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept through it. + +Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing Mena about +breakfast. How delightful it was to be freed from all responsibility of +the meals and the marketing! After the next week she would not have even +the rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged a stout maid to do +the housework, that Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so irksome. + +Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly around, unpacking one of +the trunks. Bethany could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. Some of the notes were +muffled as she disappeared from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a refractory bureau drawer. + + "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, + The clouds ye so much dread + Are big with mercy, and shall break + In blessings on your head." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A KINDLING INTEREST. + + +FRANK Marion, on his way to the store one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed just a week. + +"You will find me dropping in here quite often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, +whom he met coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin of mine is +never to be found at home in the day-time any more, I shall have to call +on him here. He is my right-hand man in Junior League work." + +"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. "He's the most original little piece +I ever saw. Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're always welcome, +you know." + +Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so intent on her manuscript that +she did not notice Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by the +window, was working vigorously with slate and pencil at an arithmetic +lesson. As Bethany paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's tall form in the doorway. + +"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want you to see how nice everything +is here. We have the best times." + +Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and smiled at the child's delight. + +"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair up to the window, and +entering into the boy's pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children. + +"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto the elevator, and up we come. And +it's so nice and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy yet. While she +writes I get my lessons, or draw, or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. +Edmunds and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything to do, I recite +to her. But the best fun is grocery tales." + +"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, with flattering interest. + +"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store across the street?" asked Jack, +"and all the things sitting around in front? There's almost everything +you can think of, from a broom to a banana. I choose the first thing I +happen to look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's a +tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese story; or if it's a bottle +of olives, something about the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a lovely visit she had once on +a farm. She says when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind her +of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; and the coffee means a South +American story; and the watermelons a darkey story; and the brooms +something she read once about an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have +lots of fun watching people pass. So many teams stop at the +watering-trough over there. I like to wonder where everybody comes from, +and imagine what their homes are like. It is almost as good as reading +about them in a book." + +"You are a very happy little fellow," said Mr. Marion, patting his +cheek, approvingly. "I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world of ours, and teach +other people how to be happy. I've brought you some more work to do. I +want you to look up all these references, and copy them on separate +slips of paper for our next meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga Jew this morning. He +is as much in earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League interested +in him and his mission." + +"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin Frank," she answered. "Think of +the prejudices to overcome. How little the general membership of the +Church know or care about the Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble work is at first +impossible.'" + +"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul says: 'I can do all things through +Christ who strengthened me.' I can't get away from the feeling that God +wants me to take some forward step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. All the time in my +business I am brought in contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. Ray and I have been +reading Graetz's history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how any +one can read an account of all the race endured at the hands of the +Christianity of the Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward them. +Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of what was dealt out to them in +the name of the gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children were taught to +spit at the mention of such a name." + +"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of Martyrs?'" asked Jack, +eagerly. "We've got that at home, with the awfullest black and yellow +pictures in it of people being burned to death and tortured. I hope, if +it is as interesting, sister will read it out loud." + +Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance that Mr. Marion laughed. + +"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll not care to read all five +volumes, Jack; but Bethany can select the parts that will interest you +most." + +Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject up again that evening at the +table. + +"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing in the act of helping himself +to sugar, "do you like the Jews?" + +"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. "I can't say that I take any +special interest in them, one way or another. To tell the truth, I've +never known any personally." + +"Would you like to know more about them?" he asked, with childish +persistence. "'Cause Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can listen if you like." + +"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be glad to hear," answered Miss +Harriet. "At first sister and I thought we would not intrude on you in +the evenings; but the library does look so inviting, and it is so dull +for us to sit with just our knitting-work, since we have stopped reading +by lamp-light, that we can not resist the temptation to go in whenever +she begins to read aloud." + +"O, you're home-folks," said Jack. + +Bethany had excused herself before this conversation commenced, and was +in the library, opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to give her +at noon. When the others joined her, she held up a little pamphlet she +had just opened. + +"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from Chattanooga. It is an article +on 'What shall become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by one of +them, at least his name would indicate it--Leo N. Levi. It will be +interesting to look at that question from their standpoint." + +"Will I like it?" asked Jack. + +"No, I think not," she answered, after a rapid glance through its pages. +"We'll have some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, and save this +until you are asleep." + +Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch dialect. When she laid down +the book after the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," she saw a big +tear splash down on Miss Harriet's knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was +furtively wiping her spectacles. + +"Leave the door open," called Jack, when he had been tucked away for the +night. "Then I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull." + +"Do you really care to hear this?" asked Bethany, picking up the +pamphlet. + +"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic nods. "I'll own I am +very ignorant on the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no more than right that we should take +something improving." + +"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next room, "you never told +them about Mr. Lessing, did you?" + +"No," answered Bethany. "I never told them any of my Chattanooga +experiences. Maybe it would be better to begin with them, and then you +can understand how I happened to become so interested in the Hebrew +people. The pamphlet can wait until another time." + +She tossed it back on the table, and settled herself comfortably in a +big chair. + +"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, "and tell you how I was +persuaded into going, and how strangely events linked into each other." + +"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss Caroline, as Bethany drew a +graphic picture of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the crowded +tent. When she came to Lessing's story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in +her lap, and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair. + +"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out of a romance!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, when Bethany had finished. "That part about the mother's curse +and being buried in effigy makes me think of the novels that we used to +smuggle into our rooms at school. I wish you could go on and give us +the next chapter. It is intensely interesting." + +"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, sadly. "I thought of that at +the time. What can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace events? +He will simply go on to the end in a routine of study and work. He will +preach to whatever audiences he can gather around him. That is all the +world will see. The other part of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon +him because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, the soul-struggles, +the spiritual victories, the silent heroism, will be unwritten and +unapplauded, because unseen." + +"I don't wonder you are interested," said Miss Harriet. "Would you +believe it, I don't know the difference between an orthodox and a reform +Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow in the encyclopedia." + +She picked up the little pamphlet, and opened at random. + +"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. "'The Jew is everywhere in +evidence. He sells vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence and endures +martyrdom in the Balkan provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in France, England, Austria, +and Germany. He has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere he +is seen; and, what is more to the point, he is felt. He runs through the +entire length of history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched by +the high lights of great events at almost every point.'" + +"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" she asked, turning to Miss +Caroline. "Wasn't it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere in the +neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall have to trace that line back a +considerable distance, I am thinking, if we would know anything on the +subject." + +"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, with her usual alacrity. + +Several evenings after, when Bethany came home from the office, she +found a new book on the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto." + +"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, a little nervously. "It is +one of Zangwill's. The clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting. Of course, I am no +critic, but it looked interesting, and I thought you might not mind +reading it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye that made me think it +might be as entertaining as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'" + +Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I believe it is the very thing +to give us an insight into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses." + +She read the headings of several of the chapters aloud, and a sentence +here and there. + +"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are proud and happy in that the +dread unknown God of the infinite universe has chosen our race as the +medium by which to reveal his will to the world. History testifies that +this has verily been our mission, that we have taught the world religion +as truly as Greece has taught beauty and science. Our miraculous +survival through the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties is a +proof that our mission is not yet over.'" + +"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" exclaimed Jack, in a +disappointed tone. + +"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can understand part, and I will +explain the rest." + +So it came about that, after the Scotch tales were laid aside, the +little group in the library nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in the early days of the +century. + +"I can never feel the same towards them again," said Miss Caroline, the +night they finished the book. "I understand them so much better. It is +just as the proem says: 'People who have been living in a ghetto for a +couple of centuries are not able to step outside merely because the +gates are thrown down, nor to efface the brands on their souls by +putting off the yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its hovering +miasma of persecution.'" + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he has given us such a diversity of +types. You know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: 'No people +can be fairly judged by its superlatives. It would be silly to judge all +the Chinese by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict Arnold. If +the Jews squirm and indignantly protest against Shylock and Fagin and +Svengali, they must be consistent, and not claim as types Scott's +Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' Now, Zangwill has given us a +glimpse of all sorts of people--the 'pots and pans' of material +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual idealists. I +hope you'll go on another investigating tour, Miss Caroline, and bring +home something else as instructive." + +But before Miss Caroline found time to go on another voyage of discovery +among the book-stores, something happened at the office that gave a +deeper interest to their future investigations. + +Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes longer than usual, one +morning after he had finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss Hallam. Mr. Porter has +decided to go abroad for a while. Family matters may keep him there +possibly a year. During his absence it is necessary to have some one in +his place; and, after mature deliberation, we have decided to take in a +young lawyer who has two points decidedly in his favor. He has marked +ability, and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. He is a young +Jew, a protege of Rabbi Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest +respect for him, although Mr. Porter is a little prejudiced against him +on account of his nationality. I wondered if you shared that feeling." + +"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. "I have been greatly interested +in studying their history this summer." + +"Well, I have never given their past much thought," responded Mr. +Edmunds; "but their relation to the business world has recently +attracted my attention. It is wonderful to me the way they are filling +up the positions of honor and trust all over the world. Statistics show +such a large proportion of them have acquired wealth and prominence. +Still, it is only what we ought to expect, when we remember their +characteristics. They have such 'mental agility,' such power of adapting +themselves to circumstances, and such a resistless energy. Maybe I +should put their temperate habits first, for I can not remember ever +seeing a Jew intoxicated; and as to industry, the records of our county +poor-house show that in all the seventy years of its existence, it has +never had a Jewish inmate. People with such qualities are like cream, +bound to rise to the top, no matter what kind of a vessel they are +poured into." + +"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, coming back to the first +subject. + +"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. "You may have met him." + +"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. She caught her breath +in surprise. Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads here, +or had she been caught in some tangle of chance? Maybe this was the +opportunity she had prayed for that morning when she had listened to +Lessing's story, and caught the inspiration of his consecrated life. + +A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human voice could so reach the +ear of the Infinite, and draw down an answer to its petition. She was +almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility such an answer +laid upon her. O, the childishness with which we beat against the +portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, and then shrink +back when the Almighty hands them out to us, afraid to take and use what +we have most cried for! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND. + + +IT was a sultry morning in August when David Herschel took his place in +the law-office of Porter & Edmunds. + +The sun beat against the tall buildings until the radiated heat of the +streets was sickening in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything had a wilted look, and the +watering-carts left a steam rising in their trail, almost as +disagreeable as the clouds of dust had been before. + +Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining at home, and Bethany's +wearing a thin white dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany went slowly towards the +office she was glad that the sensible old lady had carried her point. + +To shorten the distance, she passed through one of the poorer streets of +the town. Disagreeable odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed children cried on the +doorsteps and quarreled in the gutters. + +A great longing came over Bethany for a breath from wide, fresh fields, +or green, shady woodlands. This was the first summer she had ever passed +in the city. August had always been associated in her mind with the wind +in the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some rocky coast. It +recalled the musical drip of the waterfalls trickling down high banks of +thickly-growing ferns. It brought back the breath of clover-fields and +the mint in hillside pastures. + +A strong repugnance to her work seized her. She felt that she could not +possibly bear to go back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer she thought of those old care-free +summers, the more she chafed at the confinement of the present one. + +She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance of the great building. +Every door and window stood open. While she waited for the elevator-boy +to respond to her ring, she turned her eyes toward the street. A blind +man passed by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was beating +mercilessly on the man's gray head, for his cap was held appealingly in +his outstretched hand. + +"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" thought Bethany, with a +swift rush of pity, as the contrast between this blind beggar's life and +hers was forced upon her. + +There was no one in the office when she entered. After the glare of the +street, it seemed so comfortable that she thought again of the blind +beggar and the child who led him, with a feeling of remorse for her +discontent. + +A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass vase on the table, filling +the room with their fragrance. She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, running hand, was the one +word--"Consider!" + +"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought Bethany, quickly interpreting the +message. "She knew this would be an unusually trying day on account of +the heat, so she gives me something to think about instead of my irksome +confinement. 'They toil not, neither do they spin,'" she whispered, +lifting one snowy chalice to her lips; "but what help they bring to +those who do--sweet, white evangels to all those who labor and are +heavy laden!" + +She fastened one in her belt, then turned to her work. She had been +copying a record, and wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was ready +to attend to the morning mail. Her fingers flew over the keys without a +pause, except when she stopped to put in a new sheet of paper. When she +was nearly through, she heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, and +increased her speed. She had forgotten that this was the day David +Herschel was to come into the office. He had taken the desk assigned +him, and was so busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Edmunds that for +a while he did not notice the occupant of the next room. When, at last, +he happened to glance through the open door, he did not recognize +Bethany, for she was seated with her back toward him. + +He noticed what a cool-looking white dress she wore, the graceful poise +of her head, and her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies beside +her, and wished she would turn so that he could see her face. + +"Some fair Elaine--a lily-maid of Astolat," he thought, and then smiled +at himself for having grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before he had +even heard her name or seen her face. + +At last Bethany finished the record, with a sigh of relief. Quickly +fastening the pages, she rose to take it into the next room. Just on the +threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary little start of +surprise. + +As she stood there, all in white, with one hand against the dark +door-casing, she looked just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered. + +Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of quick perceptions, but he noticed +the look of admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they both seemed +a trifle embarrassed as he introduced them. + +They had recalled at the same moment the night in the Chattanooga depot, +when she had distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did not care to +make his acquaintance. + +For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. That gracious +ease of manner which "stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one of her +greatest charms. But just at this moment, when she wished to atone for +that unfortunate remark by an especially friendly greeting, when she +wanted him to know that her point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she could not summon a word +to her aid. + +Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she blushed like a diffident +school-girl, and bowed coldly. + +David courteously remained standing until she had laid the record on Mr. +Edmunds's desk and left the room. + +Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he resumed his seat; but there +was not the slightest change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness of manner in Bethany's +greeting. But he had noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself. + +Nothing more passed between them for several days, except the formal +morning greeting. Then Jack came back to the office. He had gained +rapidly since the new brace had been applied. During his enforced +absence on account of the heat, he found that he could wheel himself +short distances, and proudly insisted on doing so, as they went through +the hall. He was a great favorite in the building. Everybody, from the +janitor to the dignified judge on the same floor, stopped to speak to +him. He was such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, despite the +misfortune that chained him to the chair and had sometimes made him +suffer extremely, that the sight of him oftener provoked pleasure than +pity. He was so glad to get back to the office that he was bubbling over +with happiness. It seemed to him he had been away for an age. The +cordial reception he met on every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks. + +Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David was at his desk, busily +writing. Bethany paused as they passed through the room. + +"Allow me to introduce my little brother, Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack +is very anxious to meet you." + +He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced girl, leaning over Jack's +chair, with the brightness of his roguish face reflected in her own, was +such a transformation from the dignified Miss Hallam he had known +heretofore, that he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was surprised +into such an unusual cordiality of manner, that Jack straightway took +him into his affections, and set about cultivating a very strong +friendship between them. + +One afternoon Bethany was called into another office to take a +deposition. She left Jack busy drawing on his slate. + +David, who had been reading several hours, laid down the book after a +while, with a yawn, and glanced into the next room. The steady scratch +of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack was gazing disconsolately out +of the window. + +As he heard the book drop on the table he turned his head quickly. "May +I come in there?" he asked David eagerly. + +David nodded assent. "You may come in and wake me up. The heat and the +book together, have made me drowsy." + +Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and looked out towards the court +house. It was late in the afternoon, and the massive building threw long +shadows across the green sward surrounding it. + +"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said Jack. "I can't tell from +my window. Don't you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always makes me +think of heroes. I love heroes, and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so creepy, and your hair kind o' +stands up, and you hold your breath while they're a-risking their lives +to save somebody, or doing something else that's awfully brave. And +then, when they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; but you feel +so warm all over somehow, and you want to cheer, and march right off to +'storm the heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face of the +earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. I always do. Don't you?" + +"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish enthusiasm, yet touched by +the recognition of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to lead the boy further on. + +"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. "Papa wanted me to be a +lawyer. He was in the war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used to put 'em on sometimes, +and say I was going to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. But +he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, that's not the highest way +you can serve your country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll have to be +a preacher like my grandfather, John Wesley Bradford, because he left me +all his library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't my real name, you +know." + +"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked David, as the boy paused to +catch a fly that was buzzing exasperatingly around him. + +"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer by a savage slap at the fly. +"Only except when we get to talking about the Jews. You know we are very +much interested in your people at our house." + +"No, I didn't know it," answered David, amused by the boy's +matter-of-fact announcement. "How did you come to be so interested?" + +"Well, it started with the Epworth League Conference at Chattanooga. +There was a converted Jew up there on the mountain that spoke in the +sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to see him afterwards. He took +Bethany with him to write down what they said in shorthand. O, he had +the most interesting history! You just ought to hear sister tell it. You +know the two old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. Well, +may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but they didn't have the least +bit of use for the Jews before that. Now, since we've been reading about +the awful way they were persecuted, and how they've hung together +through thick and thin, they've changed their minds." + +"And you say that it is only when you are talking about the Jews that +you would like to be a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring him back to the subject. + +"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how that man's whole life was +changed by a little Junior League girl; how she started him, and he'll +start others, and they'll start somebody else, and the ball will keep +rolling, and so much good will be done, just on her account, I'd like to +do something in that line myself. I'm first vice-president of our +League, you know," he said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on his +coat. + +"But I wouldn't like to be a regular preacher that just stands up and +tells people what they already believe. That's too much like boxing a +pillow." He doubled up his fist and sparred at an imaginary foe. + +"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, and make every blow count. +We studied the life of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes--there's one for you. My, but he was game! Thrashed and stoned, +and shipwrecked and put in prison, and chained up to another man--but +they couldn't choke him off!" Jack chuckled at the thought. + +"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that when a Jew does turn +Christian he's deader in earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told us +to notice that. There's Matthew. He was making a good salary in the +custom-house, and he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and the rest +of 'em left their boats and all their fishing tackle, and every thing in +the wide world that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give up his +family. Cousin Frank told us about ever so many that had done that way. +So that's why I'd rather preach to them than other people. They amount +to so much when you once get them made over." + +"You might commence on me," said David. + +Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and looked confused. He stole a +sidelong glance at David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back into +the other room. + +"I haven't gone into the business yet," he called back over his +shoulder, recovering his equanimity with young American quickness, "But +when I do I'll give you the first call." + +David was so amused by the conversation that he could not refrain from +recounting part of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed to put +them on a friendlier footing. + +Finding that she was really making a study of the history of his people, +he gave her many valuable suggestions, and several times brought Jewish +periodicals with articles marked for her to read. + +"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," she told him. "They +are very well versed in the ancient history, but this is something so +new to them." + +"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. "He would be an +inspiration in any line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you read Hebrew. One loses so +much in the translation. There are places in the Psalms and Job where +the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. You know there are +some pebbles and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from that element, they lose that +brilliancy. I have noticed the same effect in changing a thought from +the medium of one language to another." + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized that difficulty, too, in +translating from the German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, leaves the verse as +soulless as a flower without its fragrance." + +"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. "That is why I would have +you read the greatest of all literature in its original setting. Are you +fond of language?" + +"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. I took the course in +Latin and German at school, and got a smattering of French the year I +was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek a little at home with papa, to get a +better understanding of the New Testament. But Hebrew always seemed to +me so very difficult that only spectacled theologians attempted it. You +know ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius as a matter of +course. Only daring climbers attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the +heights made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts and mountain +railways." + +He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any +one that can master stenography can easily compass that. There is a +similarity in one respect. In both, dots and dashes take the place of +vowels. I will bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you how easy the +rudiments are." + +Jack was more interested than Bethany. He had never seen a book in +Hebrew type before. The square, even characters charmed him, and he +began to copy them on his slate. + +"I'd like to learn this," he announced. "The letters are nothing but +chairs and tables." + +"It was a picture language in the beginning," said David, leaning over +his chair, much pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter used +to be the head of an ox. See how the horns branch? And this next one, +Beth, was a house. Don't you remember how many names in the Bible begin +with that--Beth-el, Beth-horon, Beth-shan--they all mean house of +something; house of God, house of caves, house of rest." + +Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would teach a fellow lots. What are +you a house of, Beth-any?" + +He looked up, but his sister had been called into the next room. + +"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" asked David. "It will be a +great help to you when you 'go into the business' of preaching to us +Jews." + +Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his tongue out of the +corner of his mouth in an embarrassed way. Then he looked up, and saw +that David was not laughing at him, but soberly awaiting his answer. + +"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly. + +"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in the office." + +Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's dark head and Jack's yellow +one bending over the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters. + +"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school teachers," said Mr. +Marion. "Would you undertake to teach it, Herschel?" + +The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient I might make the +attempt," he said. "But I do not live in the city. My home is out at +Hillhollow." + +Then, after a pause, while some other plan seemed to be revolving in his +mind, he asked: "Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born teacher, and +nothing would delight him more than to imbue some other soul with a zeal +for his beloved mother-tongue." + +"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," responded Mr. +Marion, "if you will get his consent, and find what his terms are. +Bethany, I'll head the list with your name. Then there's Ray and myself. +That makes three, and I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. Do you know, Bethany, it +would not surprise me very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?" + +"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed. + +"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison Avenue, and unmarried besides. +But I heard that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. I hope the +bishop will consider the call." + +"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," she answered. "You know what +is apt to befall 'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE DEACONESS'S STORY. + + +AUGUST slipped into September. The vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, brightened the room with the glow of +the earliest golden-rod. + +"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray through his fingers. "It +makes me think of your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking." + +"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, wishing he dared express +his admiration as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle overlooking +Bethany's, and he often studied her face while she worked, as he would +have studied some rare portrait--not so much for the perfect contour and +delicacy of coloring as for the soul that shone through it. + +She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual things. It was from Jack he +learned how interested she was in all her Church relationships. Still +he felt forcibly an influence that he could not define; that silent +charm of a consecrated life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master. + +One day when he was thus idly occupied, the janitor tiptoed into the +room, ushering a lady past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It was all black, except that +there were deep, white cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was tied under the chin +with broad white bows. She was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands. + +David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine Bentley!" as if much +surprised to see her. Then they stood face to face, holding each other's +hands while they talked in low, rapid tones. + +The stranger staid only a few moments. After she passed out, David +strolled leisurely up to Bethany's desk. + +"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss Hallam," he said. "I am +interested in the costume of the lady who was here just now. I've seen +one like it before. Can you tell me to what order she belongs? Is it +anything like the Sisters of Charity?" + +"Yes, something like it," she answered. "She is a deaconess. There is +this difference. They take no vows of perpetual service to the order, +but their lives are as entirely consecrated to their work as though they +had 'taken the veil,' as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about doing good in the +Master's own way, to rich and poor alike. She came in just now to report +a case of destitution she had discovered. I am chairman of the Mercy and +Help Department in our League." + +"Is that all they do?" asked David. + +"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see the Deaconess Home on Clark +Street. They have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It is the work +of some of these women to gather in all the poor, neglected girls they +can find. They make it so very attractive that the poor children are +taught to be respectable little housekeepers, without suspecting that +the music and games are really lessons. Homes that could be reached in +no other way have some wonderful changes wrought in them." + +"You have so many different organizations in your Church," said David. +"Seems to me I am always hearing of a new one. There is an old saying, +'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Did you never prove the truth of +that?" + +"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," exclaimed Bethany. "The little +wheels all fit into the big one like so many cogs, and all help each +other. For instance, here is the deaconess work. It goes hand in hand +with the League, only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift Up,' +for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars all avenues to them. Of all +hard, self-sacrificing lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to pay for such services, and +whatever there is to do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly." + +"The reason I asked," answered David, "is that one day last week I went +down to that terrible quarter of the city near the lower wharves. I +wanted to find a man who I knew would be a valuable witness in the +Dartmon murder case. I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand on one of the early +boats. I had been directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten old +tenements near the river. I found the room used as an office was down in +a damp basement. It was about half-past five when I reached there. I +went down the rickety old stairs and knocked several times. You can +imagine my surprise when the door was opened by a refined-looking woman, +in just such a costume as your friend wore, except, of course, the +little bonnet. When I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside a +moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled me at first. There was a +narrow counter where a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, and these were left to +await claimants. There was a calico curtain stretched across the room to +form a partition. She drew it aside, and motioned me to look in. There +was a table, two chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying across +the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out with weariness and sorrow, +lay a young girl heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months old, was +lying among the pillows, as white and still as if it were dead. The +woman dropped the curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's husband +you are looking for,' she said. 'He is a rough, drunken fellow, and has +been away for days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. I was called +here at three o'clock this morning. A physician came for me, but he said +it could not live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches swarmed +all over the floor, and the rats were so bad they fairly ran over our +feet. The poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I came, from sheer +exhaustion. There is nothing to eat in the house, and the milk I brought +with me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful thing to say, but I +dare not leave the baby while she is asleep long enough to get +anything--on account of the rats.' Of course I went out and got the +things she needed. Then there was nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's bravery, have been in my +thoughts ever since." + +"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany said, when he had finished. "I +know the nurse, Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took the mother +to the Deaconess Hospital. She has typhoid fever. Belle told me of +another experience she had. Her life is full of them. She was sent to a +family where drunkenness was the cause of the poverty. The man had not +had steady work for a year, because he was never sober more than a few +days at a time. They lived in three rooms in the rear basement of a +large tenement-house. Belle said, when she opened the door of the first +room, it seemed the most forlorn place she had ever seen. There was a +table piled full of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with half-washed clothes. The +floor looked as if it had never known the touch of a broom. The odor of +the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, half-grown girl, one of +the neighbors, stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she knew how. +Four dirty, half-starved children were playing on the bare floor. Their +mother was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to repeat Belle's +description of that bedroom, it was so filthy and infested with vermin. +She said, when she saw all that must be done, that repulsive creature +bathed, the dishes washed, and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly touch a thing in the +room. She wanted to turn and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such repulsive things?'" + +"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel. + +Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness that must have shone in +Belle Carleton's, as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' sake!" + +There was a long pause, which Herschel broke by saying: "And she staid +there, I suppose, forced her shrinking hands into contact with what she +despised, did the most menial services, from a sense of duty to a man +whom she had never seen, who died centuries ago? Miss Hallam, how could +she? I find it very hard to understand." + +"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected Bethany, "so much as love." + +"Well, for love then. What was there in this man of Nazareth to inspire +such devotion after such a lapse of time? I understand how one might +admire his ethical teaching, how one might even try to embody his +precepts in a code to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. He was no greater +lawgiver than Moses, yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul; yet who is ready to lay down +his life cheerfully and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter--or Paul?'" + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up at him wistfully, "don't you +see that it is no mere man who exercises such power; that he must be +what he claimed--one with the Father?" + +Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day on the train came back to +him: "O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!" + +Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as they paced back and forth in +front of the tent, arm in arm in the darkness. + +"Of a truth you can not understand these things, unless you be born +again--be born of the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge you +have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life is latent in the worm, even +while it has no conception of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible for it to conceive of flight +until it has passed through some change that bursts the chrysalis and +provides the wings?" + +The silence was growing oppressive. David shook his head, rose, and +slowly walked out of the room. + + * * * * * + +"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she wheeled him homeward from +the office at noon-time, "Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the time +about something I said once about preaching to the Jews. He brings it up +so often, that if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure enough." + +Whatever answer Bethany might have made was interrupted by Miss +Caroline, who met them as they turned a corner. + +"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were in my mind just this +minute. I wondered if I might not chance to meet you." + +"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked Jack, seeing that she carried +several small parcels. + +"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! Caroline Courtney actually out +shopping in the dry-goods stores." + +"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. "It must be something important. I +can't remember that you have done such a thing before since I have +known you. Have you been invited to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?" + +Miss Caroline beamed on them through her spectacles. "Really, my dears, +that is just what I would like to know myself. That's why I had to make +these purchases. Your cousin Ray came in this morning, just after you +had gone, to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six this +evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort of an occasion she was planning, +only that it was a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of all. He +has been gone a week on a business trip, but will get home to-night at +six. Sister and I have been trying to think what kind of an occasion it +could be. I know it isn't their wedding anniversary, nor her birthday. +Maybe it is his. So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought to +dress--whether to wear our very best dove-colored silks and point lace, +or the black crepon dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she got in Brussels, although I +want very much to take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. My +second best is broken, and of course we wouldn't want to carry a +palm-leaf. There was no other way but to take the second best fan down +and match it. Then she had lost one of the bows of ribbon that was on +her gray dress, and I had to match that, in case we decided to wear the +grays. Here I have spent the whole morning over my fan and her ribbon." + +"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you carry your Brussels fan and wear +your gray dress, and let her wear her black dress and take the kind of +fan she wanted?" + +"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, "Neither of us would have taken +a mite of comfort so. You don't understand how it feels when there are +two of you. When you have spent--well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless you are in pairs." + +It was arranged that Jack should not go back to the office that +afternoon. The sisters volunteered to take him with them. + +Bethany hurried through her work, but it seemed to her she had never had +so many interruptions, or so much to do. + +It was after six when she closed her desk. Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired +look on her flushed face, and said: + +"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down stairs. I have to stay here +some time longer to meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while he is waiting." He went down on +the elevator with her, and handed her into the carriage. + +"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before you start home," he +said, kindly. "It will do you good." + +Bethany sank back gratefully among the cushions. Jerry had been her +father's coachman at one time. He grinned from ear to ear as she took +her seat. + +"We'll take a spin along the river road," she said. "Give me a glimpse +of the fields and the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, on +Phillips Avenue." + +"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. "I know all the roads you +like best!" + +The impatient horses needed no urging. They fairly flew down the beaten +track that led from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy byways. +On they went, past suburban orchards and outlying pastures, to the +sights and sounds of the real country. + +Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of bells in a quiet lane where +the cows stood softly lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves in +the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown stubble-field near by. +Then the wind swept up from the river, now turning red in the sunset. It +put new life into her pulses, and a new light in her eyes. The weariness +was all gone. The wind had blown the light, curly hair about her face, +and she put up her hands to smooth it back, as they came in sight of +Mrs. Marion's house. + +"It doesn't make any difference," she thought. "I can run up into Cousin +Ray's room and put myself in order before any one sees me." + +As the carriage stopped, some one stepped up quickly to assist her +alight. It was David Herschel. + +"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am literally blown to pieces. How +queerly things do happen in this world!" + +To her still greater wonderment, instead of closing the gate after her +and going on down the street, he followed her up the steps. + +"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," she thought. "This must be +part of it." + +Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just smoothed their plumage in the +guest-chamber, and were coming down the stairs hand in hand as David +and Bethany entered the reception-hall. + +This was their first glimpse of David. They had been very curious to see +him. Jack had talked about him so much that they recognized him +instantly from his description. + +Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, and said in a dramatic +whisper, "Sister! the surprise." + +"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. "How unusually bright she +looks, and yet a little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has been +saying anything to her. They came in together." + +"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they both moved forward with their +most beaming "company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. Herschel. + +"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading the way into the drawing-room, +while Bethany made her escape up stairs. + +"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. Dameron." + +"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet in +chorus, as a tall, thin woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling eyes +rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the land's sake! how did you ever +happen to get here?" + +"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained Mrs. Marion to David, +as the twins stood on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss her +repeatedly between their exclamations of joyful surprise. "They haven't +seen her since they were married. I'll present you, and then we'll leave +them to have a good old gossip." + +During the introductions in the drawing-room, Mr. Marion came into the +hall, with his gripsack in his hand. + +"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. "How are you, my boy? I'm so +glad to see you." + +He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap him on the shoulder and +hold the little hands lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden parting of the +portieres behind them, a swift rustle, and two white hands met over his +eyes and blindfolded him. + +"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then clapped his hand over his +mouth as he heard a warning "Sh!" + +"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, laughing and reaching backwards +to seize whoever had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would take such +liberties." + +"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. "What about Ray's younger +sister?" + +He turned around, and catching her by the shoulders, held her out in +front of him. + +"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in amazement. "When did you get here, +little sister? I never imagined you were within two hundred miles of +this place." + +"Neither did Ray until this morning. I just walked in unannounced." + +When he had given her a hearty welcome she said: "O, I'm not the only +one to surprise you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, and see +who all's there, while I talk with this young man I haven't seen for a +year." + +Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin since he was old enough to +fasten his baby fingers in her long, brown hair. In her yearly visits to +her sister she had devoted so much of her time to him, and been such a +willing slave, that he looked forward to her coming even a shade more +eagerly than he watched for Christmas. + +There was one thing that remained longest in the memory of every guest +who had ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Marion home. It was the warm +welcome that made itself continually felt. It met them even in the free +swing of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just walk right in +now, and make yourself at home." + +There was an atmosphere of genial comfort and cheer that cast its spell +on all who strayed over its inviting threshold. It made them long to +linger, and loath to leave. + +David Herschel was quick to appreciate the warm cordiality of his +greeting. He had not been in the house five minutes until he felt +himself on the familiar footing of an old friend. At first he wondered +at the strange assortment of guests, and thought it queer he had been +asked to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, who were so +absorbed in each other. + +Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois Denning--a slim, graceful +girl in a white duck suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl, decided in her +opinions, and original in her remarks. + +"That red carnation just suits her," said David to himself, as they +talked together. "She is so bright and spicy." + +"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. Marion, anxiously. "It's +getting dark, and I'm as hungry as a schoolboy." + +"Yes, and your guests will think you are as impatient as one," she +answered, laughingly. "We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. Cragmore +hasn't come yet." + +"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to his feet. + +"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend to tell you he was +coming. I knew you hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and I +wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to the Clark Street Church. I +met him coming up from the depot this morning, and asked him to dine +with us to-night." + +"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, "so that I +might give vent to my delight as I used to." + +"I remember how loud you could whoop when you were two feet six," +remarked Mrs. Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing you, now that +you are six feet two." + +There was a quick ring at the front door, and the next instant Frank +Marion and George Cragmore were shaking hands as though they could never +stop. + +"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's necks and weep a la +Joseph and his brethren," said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I feel that I am about to be +presented to a whole circus--menagerie and all." + +"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they heard his musical voice say. + +"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois in an undertone. "How's that +for a touch of the rale auld brogue?" + +He was introduced to the old ladies first, then to the saucy Lois and +Jack. Then he caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual pleasure, +and were about cordially to renew their acquaintance, begun that day on +the car, when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw Bethany. + +Both Lois and David noticed the way his face lighted up, and the +eagerness with which he went forward to speak to her. + +That evening was the beginning of several things. The Hebrew class was +organized. Mr. Marion had found only two of his teachers willing to +undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully allowed herself to be +substituted for the third one he had been so sure would join them. + +"I'll not be here more than long enough to get a good start," she said, +"but I'm in for anything that's going--Hebrew or Hopscotch, whichever it +happens to be." + +The twins declined to take any part. "I know it is beyond us," sighed +Miss Harriet. "The Latin conjugations were always such a terror to me, +and sister never did get her bearings in the German genders." + +When it came time for the merry party to break up, Frank Marion would +not listen to any good-nights from Cragmore. + +"You're not going away. That's the end of it," he declared. "I'll walk +down with you to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. You're to stay +here until you get a boarding place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go +then, if I did not know it was essential for you to live nearer your +congregation." + +Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's chair, with Miss Caroline on +one side, and Miss Harriet on the other. + +Bethany followed with George Cragmore. There was a brilliant moonlight, +and they walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare beauty of the +night. + +"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the +steps. "I want to finish spinning this yarn." + +They all went into the hall. + +Bethany opened the door into the library and struck a match. Cragmore +took it from her and lighted the gas. + +But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with his attentive audience of +three. + +"I'll be through in a moment," he called. The sisters dropped down in a +large double rocker. + +"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," said Bethany. "His +minute may prove to be elastic." + +Cragmore looked around the homelike old room, and then down at the +fair-haired woman at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other time. Yes, I think I should like +to come here very often, Miss Hallam." + +The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, made the remark so very +personal that Bethany was slightly annoyed. + +"O, our latch-string is always out to the clergy," she said lightly, and +then led the way back to the hall to join the others. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"YOM KIPPUR." + + +THE morning after the first meeting of the Hebrew class at Rabbi +Barthold's, Frank Marion came into the office. + +"Herschel," he said, "when do you have your Day of Atonement services? +Is it this week or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, but I am +not sure about the date. He is going to preach a series of sermons that +are to set forth the views now held by the Reform school, and Cragmore +and I are anxious to hear them." + +"It is the week after this," said David, consulting the calendar. + +"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip in time for the Friday night +service." + +"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" asked David. "Isn't he a +magnificent old fellow?" + +Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well," he said after some +deliberation, "I hardly know where to place him. He doesn't belong to +this age. If I believed in the transmigration of souls, I should say +that some old Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the Temple lamps +perpetually burning, had strayed back to earth again. + +"That seems to be his mission now. He is trying to rekindle the pride +and zeal and hope of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, Herschel, +but there are few in his congregation who understand him. Their vision +is so obscured by this dense fog of modern indifference that they fail +to appreciate his aims. They are still in the outer courts, among the +tables of the money-changers, and those who sell doves. They have never +entered the inner sanctuary of a spiritual life. Their religion stops +with the altar and the censer--the material things. Understand me," he +said hastily, as David interrupted him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit of Judaism, but they +are few and far between. I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services of the synagogue, and +their religion itself, is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree." + +David drew himself up rather stiffly. + +"And you are the disciple of the man who said, 'Let him that is without +sin among you cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the Jew has to +say about the dead-heads in your Churches? What proportion of your +membership has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? How many +in your pews, who mumble the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet the challenge of his +Shibboleth?" + +Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. "You misunderstand me, my +boy," he said. "I have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent Jew +than for the indifferent Christian. God pity them both! I was simply +drawing a contrast between Rabbi Barthold and his people, as it appears +to me--a shepherd who longs to lead his flock up to the source of all +living water; but they prefer to dispense with climbing the spiritual +heights, jostle each other for the richest herbage of the lowlands, and +are satisfied. You know that is so, David." + +"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He can not even arouse them to the +necessity of teaching their children Hebrew, if they would perpetuate +loyalty to its traditions." + +David was about to repeat what the Rabbi had said the night he consented +to take the Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: "What are we coming +to, my son? Protestantism is having a wonderful awakening in regard to +the study of the Bible. Never has there been such a widespread interest +in it as now. But among our people, how many of the younger generation +make it a text-book of daily study? Such negligence will surely write +its 'Ichabod' upon the future of our beloved Israel." + +"What a discussion we have drifted into!" exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had +only intended dropping in here to ask you a simple question. Come to +think, I believe I have not answered yours. You asked me my opinion of +Rabbi Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble soul, a true seeker +of the truth, and a man whose friendship I would value very highly." + +Herschel looked much pleased. + +"I hope you may be able to hear him on 'Yom Kippur,'" he said. + +"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion answered. + +As his footsteps died away in the hall, David said to himself: "If every +Gentile were like that man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," he added as an +after-thought, "what would become of the lawyers? We would starve." + + * * * * * + +In the waning light of the afternoon, that Day of the Atonement, there +was no more devout worshiper in all the temple than George Cragmore. He +had just finished reading a book of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among +the Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the prayer-book some one +handed him, he was impressed with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him: + +"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow bed between two rocky walls, +whence only the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a well so deep +that the ages have not dried it up, and the nations of the four corners +of the earth have come to slake their thirst at its waters." + +It seemed to him that all that was purest, most heart-searching and +sublime in the Old Covenant; all that time has proven most precious and +comforting of its promises; all therein that best satisfies the human +yearnings toward the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct in +man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite mosaic of this day's +ritual. + +Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly on the sermons, admired +their scholarly style, and indorsed most of their substance, but he came +away with a feeling of sadness. + +It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people with their backs turned +on the sacrifice a divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by their penitent pleadings and +good deeds. + +Herschel's devotions were interfered with by a spirit of criticism +heretofore unknown to him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that had +been having an almost imperceptible growth that he could not enter into +the service with his usual abandon. He was continually contrasting those +around him with that never-to-be-forgotten gathering on Lookout, and the +congregation in the tent. + +What made them to differ? He could not tell, but he felt that something +was lacking here that had made the other such a force. + +Cragmore had not been able to attend the Friday night service, nor the +one on the following morning. He came in just after the noon recess, and +was ushered to a pew near the center of the room, where he immediately +became absorbed in the ritual. He followed devoutly through the +meditations and the silent devotions, and when they came to the +responsive readings, his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there. + +The synagogue, with its modern trappings and fashionably-dressed +congregation, seemed to disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and burnt-offering. Through the +chanting of the choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed to see the clouds of +incense, and the smoke arising from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole soul seemed to go out in +reverent adoration to this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew and +Christian. + +The memorial service to the dead followed the sermon. + +Cragmore's music-loving nature responded like a quivering harp-string as +the choir began a minor chant: + + "Oh what is man, the child of dust? + What is man, O Lord?" + +The low, moaning tones of the great organ rose and fell like the beat of +a far-off tide, as all heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the great beyond. + +Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of thankfulness for the unbroken +family circle across the wide Atlantic. + +As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn hedges, a faint chiming of +the Shandon bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills seemed to +mingle a moment with his prayer. + +The sun had set, when in the concluding service his eyes fell on the +words the Rabbi was reading--The Mission of Israel--"It's a pity," he +thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed Christian, who, between +ignorance and bigotry, can get only a distorted impression of the Jews, +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially that prayer for all +mankind, and this one he is reading now: + +"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the eventide, when, according to +Thy gracious promise, Thy light will arise over all the children of men, +and Israel's spiritual descendants will be as numerous as the stars in +the heaven. Endow us, our Guardian, with strength and patience for our +holy mission. Grant that all the children of Thy people may recognize +the goal of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, by their +zeal and love for mankind, the truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity +on earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. Enlighten all that +call themselves by Thy name with the knowledge that the sanctuary of +wood and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but a gate, through +which Israel should step out into the world, to reconcile all mankind +unto Thee! Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement shall be +completed; when the day shall dawn in which the light of Thy truth, +brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. +But surely that great day of universal reconciliation, so fervently +prayed for, shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return empty, +unless they have done that for which Thou didst send them. Then joy +shall thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth to the other +shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the +Eternal our God, the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make pilgrimage +to Thy house, which shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, +and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for us the +gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, +ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'" + +And the choir chanting, replied: + +"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts--He is the King of glory." + +There was a short prayer, then a benediction that made Cragmore and +Marion look across the congregation at each other and smile. It was the +Epworth benediction, with which the League was always dismissed: + +"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. May the Lord let his +countenance shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up +his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." + +The two men met each other at the door, and walked homeward together +through the twilight. + +Cragmore had found a boarding place. It was not far from the temple. + +"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. "I see you still have +Herschel's prayer-book with you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I +have never known before to-day what special hope they clung to. Come in +and I will find the paragraph." + +He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a chair over towards his guest, +and, seating himself, began rapidly turning the leaves of the book. + +"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows: + +"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all tribal spirit and purified of +all national dross, will become the law of humanity. The world that +jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will witness the fulfillment of +prophecies delayed for twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According to the words of the +prophets, the nations will come to learn of Israel, and the people will +hang to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go up together to +the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the Lord of Israel, that he may +teach us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, for which +the world has been sighing since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted +to it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel needs but to discard +her old practices, as in spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her prophets, which has been +preserved intact beneath her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement to form. Then +only, after having infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of all +men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, be able to merge herself in +the nations." + +"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, as he closed the book. "And +yet do you know, Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that Israel has +some great part to play in the conversion of humanity? Any one must see +that nothing short of Divine power could have kept them intact as a +race, and Divine power is never aimlessly exerted. There must be some +great reason for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries of +the cross these people would make! What torch-bearers they have been! +They have carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien shore they +have touched." + +Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his eyes alight with something +akin to prophetic fire. + +"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet bud and blossom into the +perfect flower of Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O when it +does, the 'chosen people' will become a veritable tree of life, whose +leaves will be 'for the healing of the nations.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DR. TRENT. + + +IT was a cold, bleak night in November. There was a blazing wood-fire on +the library hearth. Bethany sat in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using as a desk for her +long-neglected letter-writing. An appetizing smell of pop-corn and +boiling molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, where the +sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned candy-pulling. The +occasional gusts that rattled the windows made Bethany draw closer to +the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth and comfort. She thoroughly +appreciated her luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had the long, +quiet evening ahead of her. + +For half an hour the steady trail of her pen along the paper, and the +singing of the kettle on the crane, was all that was audible. + +Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with a radiant, sticky face, and a +plate of candy. + +"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. "We're going to make some +chocolate creams now. Do come and help, sister?" + +She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters on the table. "I must get +these out of the way first," she said. "Then I'll join you." + +"I guess you can eat and write at the same time," he answered, holding +out the plate. + +He waited only long enough for her to taste his wares, and hurried back +to the kitchen to report her opinion of their skill as confectioners. + +Just as the dining-room door banged behind him, she thought she heard +some one coming up on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. She +paused in the act of dipping her pen into the ink, and listened. Some +one certainly tried the bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly alarmed, and half way across +the room stopped again to listen. There was a momentary rustling in the +hall. She heard something drop on the hat-rack. Then there was a low +knock at the library door. She opened it a little way, and saw Dr. Trent +standing there. + +"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the door wide open. "I never +once thought of its being you. I took you for a burglar." + +Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard look on his face. He seemed +to have grown ten years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he pushed slowly past her, and +stood shivering before the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in the +hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some unusual weight had been laid +upon his patient shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength. + +Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and stern face that he was in sore +need of comfort. + +"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following him to the fire, and +laying her hand lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that something +dreadful must have happened to unnerve him so. "What can I do for you?" +she asked with a tremble of distress in her voice. + +He dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. When he +raised his head his eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age. + +"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, huskily. + +Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. Trent's given name before, she +knew that he was speaking of his wife. + +There was a long pause, which she finally broke by saying, "Don't you +see her every day? I thought you were in the habit of going out to her +that often." + +"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, "day after day, and day +after day, all these long years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has +only been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized me. She was always +calling for me. The way she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to +her husband, would have touched a heart of flint; yet she never knew me +when I came. She would grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but she +would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused way that was pitiful. I +always hoped that some day she might recognize me. I would sing her old +songs to her, and talk about our old home, although the thought of its +shattered happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way to bring her to +herself. She would listen awhile, and look up at me with a recognition +almost dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would begin to roll down her +cheeks, and she would beg me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back to me for the first time in +eight years,--my own little Isabel! I knew it was only because the frail +body was worn out with its terrible struggle, and I could not keep her +long. O, such a day as this has been! I have held her in my arms every +moment, with her poor, tired head against my heart. She was so glad and +happy to find herself with me at last, but the happiness was over so +soon." + +He buried his face in his hands as before, with a groan. When he spoke +again, it was in a dull, mechanical way. + +"She died at sundown!" + +The tears were running down Bethany's face. She had been standing behind +his chair. Now she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over his gray +hair, with a comforting caress. + +"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with +sympathy. + +"You can," he answered. "That is why I came. None of her relatives are +living. Only my most intimate friends know that she did not die eight +years ago, when she was taken away to a sanitarium. I want--" he stopped +with a choking in his throat. "The attendants have been very kind, but +I want some woman of her own station--some woman who would have been her +friend--to put flowers about her--and--smooth her hair, as she would +have wanted it done--and--and--see that everything is all fine and +beautiful when she is dressed for her last sleep." + +He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; but his face was working +pitifully, and the tears were rolling down his face. + +"She would have wished it so. She knew Richard Hallam. He was my best +friend. I do not know any one I could ask to do this for my little +Isabel, but Richard Hallam's daughter." + +She leaned over and touched his forehead with her lips. + +"Then let her have a daughter's place in helping you bear this," she +said. "Let her serve her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father." + +He reached up and mutely took her hand, resting his face against it a +moment, as if the touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then he rose, +saying, "I shall send for you in the morning." + +"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. "You have hardly been +here long enough to get thoroughly warm." + +"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will be only a few hours longer +that I can sit beside her. I have staid away now longer than I intended, +but I had to come in town to see that Lee was all right." + +"O, does he know?" asked Bethany. + +"No, he was only two years old when they were separated. She has always +been dead to him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow his life with +such a grief?" + +Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, turned up the collar, and +buttoned it securely. Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps in an absent-minded way. + +"I suppose Richard told you about that debt I have been wrestling with +so long," he said, finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the last +wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, I seem to have lost all my +old vigor and ambition. If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to +stop, and not try to take another step. I should like to lie down and go +to sleep, too." + +He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, laden with snow, rushed in. + +Bethany watched him out of sight, then went shivering back to the fire. + +A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next day, so no one questioned, or no +one knew why Bethany was excused from the office during the morning. + +She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. She stood beside him in +the dreary cemetery till the white snow was laid back over the +newly-made mound. Then she rode silently back to town with him. He sat +with his hands over his eyes all the way, never speaking until the +carriage stopped at the office, and the driver opened the door for +Bethany to alight. + +Next day she saw him drive past on his usual round of professional +visits. No one else noticed any difference in him, except that he seemed +a little graver, and, if possible, more tender and thoughtful in his +ministrations, than he had been before. + +To Bethany there was something very pathetic in the sudden aging of +this man, who had borne his burden so silently and bravely that few had +ever suspected he had one. + +He was making a stern effort to keep on in the same old way. His +profession had brought him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the shadow of his burden on +other lives, if he could help it. + +Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast growing white, that he +stooped more, and that he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a quick, elastic step. She +ministered to his comfort in all the little ways in her power, but it +was not much that any one could do. + +It must have been nearly two weeks before he came again to the house. +This time it was to examine Jack. + +"What would you say, my son," he asked, "if I should tell you I do not +want you to go to the office any more after this week?" + +Jack's face was a study. The tears came to his eyes. "Why?" he asked. + +"Because you will be strong enough then to go through a certain exercise +I want you to take many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by Christmas." + +This was so much sooner than either Jack or Bethany had dared hope, that +they hardly knew how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud whoop, and +went wheeling out of the room at the top of his speed to tell Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet. + +Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly tenderness in his face. Then +he sighed and turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble to bring to +you, my dear. Lee has been getting into so much mischief lately. I never +knew till yesterday that he has not been attending school regularly this +term. You see every allowance ought to be made for the child--no home +but a boarding-house; no one to take an oversight--for I am called out +night and day. He is such a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am +satisfied that his teachers do not understand him. They have not been +fair with him. He has been transferred from one ward to another, and +finally expelled. He never told me until last night. He said he knew it +would grieve me, and that he put it off from day to day, because he did +not want to trouble me when I was so worried over several critical +cases. That showed a sweet spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has +always been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted to go and +interview the superintendent; but he insisted it would do no good, +because they are all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a good child. +They ought not to expect a growing boy, full of the animal spirits the +Creator has endowed him with, to always work like a prim little machine. +Maybe I am not acting wisely, but he begged so hard to be allowed to go +to work for awhile, instead of being sent to any other school, that I +gave my consent. It is little a ten-year old boy can do, but he has a +taking way with him, and he got a place himself. He is to be +elevator-boy in the same building where your office is. You will see him +every day, and I am giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look out a little for him, +Bethany." + +"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. "We are already great +friends. He used to often join us on his way to school, and wheel Jack +part of the distance." + +Jack made as much as possible of the remaining time that he was allowed +to go to the office. He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all the different offices +where he had made friends, and spent a great deal of time in the hall, +talking to Lee, who was soon installed in the building as elevator-boy. + +"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," exclaimed Jack to Bethany +after his first interview. "Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about doing. He's tough, I can +tell you. He smokes cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed me +an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven up.' He shoots 'craps,' +too. He has been playing hooky half his time. One of the hostlers at the +livery-stable, where his father keeps his horse, used to write his +excuses for him. Lee paid him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of +the warehouses down by the river. You just ought to see the book he +carries around in his pocket to read when he isn't busy. It's called +'The Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' There is the awfulest +pictures in it of people being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the stuff he read; and asked +him how he would like to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the reason he has gone to work +is to save up money so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or some big +place, and have a 'howling good time.'" + +It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the deception the boy had +practiced on his father. Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and was glad when the time came +for him to stay at home from the office. But in every way she could she +strengthened her friendship with Lee. She brought him great, rosy +apples, and pop-corn balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy could +be proof against the long twists of homemade candy she frequently +slipped into his pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped to put a bunch of violets or a +little red rose in his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful that +she awakened the dormant chivalry within him, and he would not for +worlds have had her suspect that he was not all his father believed him +to be. + +One day she told David enough of his history to enlist his sympathy. +After that the young lawyer began to take considerable notice of him, +and finally won his complete friendship by the gift of a little brown +puppy, that he brought down one morning in his overcoat pocket. + +There was no more time to read "The Pirate's Revenge." The helpless, +sprawling little pup demanded all his attention. He kept it swung up in +a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, but spent every spare moment +trying to develop its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. That +was one occupation of which he never wearied, and in which he never lost +patience. From the moment he took the soft, warm, little thing in his +arms, he loved it dearly. + +"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it up to him, "because he's +so sweet and brown." + +Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee to dine with them on +Thanksgiving day, but the sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and +Mrs. Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend the day with them, +that she reluctantly gave up her plan. + +"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she promised herself, "and a +big tree for Lee and Jack. Lois will help me with it." + +It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with gray skies, and snow, to +intensify the indoor cheer. + +"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning with its decorations of +fruit and vegetables, and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. Dameron's, and was holding her +big mink muff in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it in the +snow. + +"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" chimed in Miss Caroline. +"Sally always did have a real talent for such things." + +"It couldn't have been any better than we had," insisted Jack. "I don't +believe I'll want anything more to eat for a week." + +"That's very fortunate," answered Miss Caroline, "for I gave Mena an +entire holiday. We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make that in +here." + +They sat around the fire in the gloaming, quietly talking over the happy +day. One of Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was that these +two gentle lives had come in contact with her own. Their simple piety +and childlike faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, like the +modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers they loved so dearly. Well for +Bethany that she had the constant companionship of these loving sisters. +Happy for Jack that he found in them the gracious grandmotherly +tenderness, without which no home is complete. They were very proud of +their boy, as they called him. Between the Junior League and their +conscientious instruction, Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and grounded" +in the faith of his fathers. Night stole on so gradually, and the +firelight filled the room with such a cheerful glow, they did not notice +how dark it had grown outside, until a sudden peal of the door-bell +startled them. + +"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the spectacles that had slipped +down when the sudden sound made her start nervously up from her chair. +She waited to light the gas, and hastily arrange the disordered chairs. + +When she opened the door she saw David Herschel patiently awaiting +admittance. It was the first time he had ever called. She was all in a +flutter of surprise as she ushered him into the library. He declined to +take a seat. + +"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," he said. "You know he boards +across the street from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been spending the +day. He was called out to see a patient last night, and came home late, +with a hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate a little while ago, +and came running over to tell me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found his father delirious, and +had telephoned for Dr. Mills. He was very much frightened, and wanted me +to stay with him until the doctor came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined +him, he called me aside and asked me to get into his buggy and drive out +to the Deaconess Home. I have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if ever she was needed in her +life, she is needed now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected too +long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter of only a few hours." + +Bethany started up, looking so white and alarmed that David thought she +was going to faint. He arose, too. + +"I must go over there at once," she said. + +"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am at your service, if you want +me to wait for you." + +"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," she answered. "Jack, I'll be +back in time to help you to bed." + +As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, which were still lying on +the chair, where she had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before. + +David offered his arm as they went down the icy steps. + +"It was so good of you to come at once," she said, as she accepted his +assistance. "Is Miss Carleton there now?" + +"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost instantly. She is the same +nurse that I met early one morning in that laundry office. She told me +on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so much for the Home and for the +poor. She says she owes her own life to his skill and care, and that no +service she could render him would be great enough to express her +gratitude. They all feel that way about him at the Home." + +Belle Carleton met them at the bedroom door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken +about you," she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had several +lucid intervals. Take off your hat before you go to him." + +Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark corner of the room, with +Taffy hugged tight in his arms. An undefinable dread had taken +possession of him. He looked up at Bethany, with a frightened, tearful +expression, as she patted him on the cheek in passing. + +Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down beside him, and took his +hand. He smiled brightly as he recognized her. + +"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse whisper, for he could not +speak audibly. "Dear old Dick." + +Then he grew delirious again. It was only at intervals he had these +gleams of consciousness. + +After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He seemed to sink into a heavy +stupor. Bethany sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn fingers clasped over hers. + +What a world of good that hand had done! How unselfishly it had toiled +on for others, to wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy with the best of +everything! Besides all that, it had filled, as far as lay in its power, +every other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic clasp. + +She sat beside him a long time, but he did not waken from the heavy +sleep into which he had fallen, even when she gently withdrew her +fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills take her place. He had just +come in again. + +"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" asked Bethany. + +The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. He shook his head. "Miss +Carleton can do all that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, if I am needed. He will +probably have no more rational awakenings while this fever keeps at such +a frightful heat. If we can subdue that soon, he has such great vitality +he may pull through all right." + +"You'd better go back, dear," urged the nurse. "You have your work ahead +of you to-morrow, and you look very tired." + +"I have an almost unbearable headache," admitted Bethany, "or I would +not think of leaving. I would not go even for that, if I thought he +would have conscious intervals of any length; but the doctor thinks that +is hardly probable to-night. I'll come back early in the morning. Maybe +he will know me then." + +"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging wistfully to David's hand, as +Bethany put on her hat. + +"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, kindly. + +Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep back the tears. + +"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with his lip trembling. + +David put his arm around him caressingly. His sympathies went out +strongly to the little lad, who might so soon be left fatherless. + +"Then I'll come back and stay with you till you go to sleep, after I +take Miss Hallam home," he promised. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LITTLE PRODIGAL. + + +LEE was waiting disconsolately on the stairs, with Taffy beside him, +when David opened the door and stepped into the hall. The landlady was +up-stairs with the nurse, and all the boarders had gone to a concert, so +the parlor was vacant, and David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward told him such +entertaining stories of his travels that Lee forgot his painful +forebodings. The clock in the hall struck ten before either of them was +aware how swiftly the time had passed. + +"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know where he is to sleep," David +said to the nurse, when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's room. + +"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," she said, kindly. "He'd better +not undress." + +David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is there any change?" he asked, +anxiously. + +She nodded, and then motioned him aside. "Would it be too much to ask +you to stay a couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? Lee clings +to you so, and the end may be much nearer than we thought." + +"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," he replied. + +They moved the sofa to the other side of the room, and the nurse began +folding some blankets the landlady brought her to lay over it. + +"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, dear?" she asked Lee. + +He picked up a larger lump than he could well manage. The tongs slipped, +and it fell with a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces as it +did so, then rattling over the hearth. + +They all turned apprehensively toward the bed. The heavy jarring sound +had thoroughly aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked around the +room as if trying to comprehend the situation. He seemed puzzled to +account for David's presence in the room, and drew his hand wonderingly +across his burning forehead, then pressed it against his aching throat. + +The nurse bent over him to moisten his parched lips with a spoonful of +water. + +Then he understood. A look of awe stole over his face, as he realized +his condition. He held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, turning, +beckoned the child to come. He folded the cold, trembling little fingers +in his hot hands. "Papa's--dear--little son!" he gasped in whispers. + +David turned his head away, his eyes suffused with hot tears. The scene +recalled so vividly the night he had crept to his father's bedside for +the last time. His heart ached for the little fellow. + +"God--keep--you!" came in the same hoarse whisper. + +Then he turned to the nurse, and with great effort spoke aloud, "Belle, +pray!" + +David, standing with bowed head, while she knelt with her arm around the +frightened boy, listened to such a prayer as he had never heard before. +He had wondered one time how this woman could sacrifice everything in +life for the sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. But as he +listened now, to her low, earnest voice, he felt an unseen Presence in +the room, as of the Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly. + +As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms might be underneath as this +soul went down into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried out +exultingly, "There is no valley!" + +David looked up. The doctor's worn face was shining with an unspeakable +happiness. He stretched out his arms. + +"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!" + +His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes closed, and he relapsed into a +stupor, from which he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at midnight he +was still breathing; but the street lights were beginning to fade in the +gray, wintry dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the lifeless hands +across the still heart, and turned to look at Lee. + +The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the sofa, and David had gone. + + * * * * * + +O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease of our appreciation to +wreathe cold coffin-lids, and cover unresponsive clay! + +There was a constant stream of people passing in and out of the +boarding-house parlor all day. + +Bethany was not surprised at the great number who came to do honor to +Baxter Trent, nor at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she arranged the great masses of +flowers they brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't they send these +when he was in such sore need of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference." + +All sorts of people came. A man whose wrists had not yet forgotten the +chafing of a convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that Bethany +had placed on the table at the head of the casket. + +"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his head mournfully. "I reckon +he was ready to go if ever any body was." + +They happened to be alone in the room, and Bethany repeated what the +nurse had told her of the doctor's triumphant passing. + +Late in the afternoon there was a timid knock at the door. Bethany +opened it, and saw two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over her head, and the other wore a +big, flapping sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful face. Their +teeth were chattering with cold and bashfulness. + +"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we couldn't get no wreaves or +crosses, but granny said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'" + +The dirty little hand held out a stemless, yellow chrysanthemum. + +"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening the door wide to the +little ragamuffins. + +They glanced around the mass of blossoms filling the room, with a look +of astonishment that so much beauty could be found in one place. + +"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, "'Pears like our 'n +don't show up for much, beside all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry we was." + +Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. "Did you know him well?" she +asked. + +"I should rather say," answered the child. "He kep' us from starvin', +all the time granny was down sick so long." + +"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with him, away out in the country, +and he let us get out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, Jess?" + +The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped her eyes with the corner of +her sister's shawl, "Granny says we'll never have another friend like +him while the world stands." + +Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless chrysanthemum. "See," she +said, "I'm going to put it in the best place of all, right here by his +hand." + +The door opened again to admit David Herschel. Before it closed the +children had slipped bashfully away, still hand in hand. + +Bethany told him of their errand. "Who could have brought more?" she +said, touching the shining yellow flower; "for with this little drop of +gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, and the frankincense of a loving +remembrance." + +She felt that he could appreciate the pathos of the gift, and the love +that prompted it. They had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours. + +"You've been here nearly all day, haven't you?" he asked, noticing her +tired face. "I wish you would go home and rest, and let me take your +place awhile." + +He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded. Her sympathies had been +sorely wrought upon during the day, and she was nearly exhausted. + +After she had gone, he sat down with his overcoat on, near the front +window. There was only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the grate. + +The last rays of the sunset were streaming in between the slats of the +shutters. He could hear the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells. + +"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He had not seen the child since +morning. + +Two working men came in presently. They looked long and silently at the +doctor's peaceful face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again. + +The minutes dragged slowly by. + +The heavy perfume of the flowers made David drowsy, and he leaned his +head on his hand. + +The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked in. His eyes were swollen +with crying. He did not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only one +long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, and it lay athwart the still +form in the center of the room. + +Lee paused just a moment beside it, then slipped noiselessly over to the +grate. There was a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the dying +embers as quietly as he could, and one by one laid the books on the red +coals. They were the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. Last of +all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. They blazed up, filling the +room with light, and revealing David in his seat by the window. + +"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any one was in here." + +Then leaning against the wall, he put his head on his arm, and began to +sob in deeper distress than he had yet shown. He felt in his pocket for +a handkerchief, but there was none there. + +David took out his own and wiped the boy's wet face, as he drew him +tenderly to his knee. + +"Now tell me all about it," he said. + +Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried harder for awhile. Then he +sobbed brokenly: "O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I came in +here early this morning before anybody was up, to tell him I was +sorry--that I would be a good boy--but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa, papa!" he wailed. "It's so +awful to be left all alone--just a little boy like me!" + +David folded him closer without speaking. No words could touch such a +grief. + +Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of paper. It was only the +scrap of a fly-leaf, its jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book. + +"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his pocket?" he asked in a +trembling voice. "I want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in his pocket, he'd know how +sorry I was." + +David took the bit of paper, all blistered with boyish tears, where a +penitent little hand, out of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,--I will be good." + +A sob shook the man's strong frame as he read it. + +"I think he will be very glad to have you give him that," he answered. +"You'd better put it in his pocket before any one comes in." + +Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed the room. "O, I can't," he +moaned, attempting to lift the lifeless hands. + +David reached down, and unbuttoning the coat, laid the promise of the +little prodigal gently on his father's heart, to await its reading in +the glad light of the resurrection morning. Then he called some one else +to take his place, and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little while +he was driving through the twilight out one of the white country roads, +with Lee beside him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a cool +hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore heart. + +Bethany took him home with her after the funeral, and kept him a week. + +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him with all the ardor of their +motherly old hearts. Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his usual vivacity. + +"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion said to Bethany one day. He had +gone up to the office to talk to her about it. + +Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting that Frank Marion be +appointed guardian. + +"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. "She would have turned the house +into an orphan asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But she has so many +demands on her time and strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should take Lee, I am away from +home so much, that the greater part of the care and responsibility would +fall on her. Just now his father's death has touched him, and he is +making a great effort to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for +him in a big place like this, so full of temptations to a boy of his +age. He would be a constant care. The only thing I can see is to put him +in some private school for a few years." + +"Let me keep him till after Christmas," urged Bethany. "I can't bear to +let the little fellow go away among strangers this near the holiday +season. I keep thinking, What if it were Jack?" + +"How would it do for me to take him out on my next trip?" suggested Mr. +Marion. "I will be gone two weeks, just to little country towns in the +northern part of the State, where he could have a variety of scenes to +amuse him." + +"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. "I'm sure he will like it." + +Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified guardian. He had a secret +fear that he would always be preaching to him, or telling him Bible +stories. He hoped that the customers would keep him very busy during the +day, and he resolved always to go to bed early enough to escape any +curtain lectures that might be in store for him. + +To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the jolliest of traveling +companions. There was no preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a moral on to the end of his +stories, and he only laughed when Taffy crawled out of the +innocent-looking brown paper bundle that Lee would not put out of his +arms until after the train had started. + +Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the open country between +little towns! Such fine skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten chapters, he told one of +the drivers. + +One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, frozen pike, one of the +horses began to limp. + +"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. "Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. +It's jes' round the next bend, over the bridge." + +The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying sparks and noisy anvils, was +nothing new to Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. In fact, +there were few places he had not explored. + +The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in the habit of using rough +language that every sentence was accompanied with an oath. + +Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the fire. + +"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he said. They had heard a harsh, +grating sound, like some discordant grinding, ever since they came in +sight of the shop. + +Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty thumb. + +"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' gear somew'eres. It set me +plumb crazy at first, but I'm gettin' used to it now." + +"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. Marion, anxious to get Lee out +of such polluted atmosphere. + +The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly as broad as he was long, +did not even take the trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just one of the cogs is gone out +of one of the wheels. I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get 'round to it. Does make +an or'nery sound for a fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry." + +"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, after they had passed out of +doors again. "I don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. It is a +nuisance to the whole neighborhood." + +When he reported the conversation at the smithy, Sikes swore at the +miller soundly. + +Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a step forward. + +"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone that made every one in the +shop pause to listen, "you've got a bigger cog missing in you than the +old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger nuisance to the +neighborhood. You have lost your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, leaving out Christ, making a +miserable failure of your life grist, and every time you open your lips, +your blasphemous words tell the story of the missing cog. If that old +mill-wheel makes such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do you +suppose your life is making in the ears of your Heavenly Father?" + +Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. His first impulse was to +knock him over with the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not help respecting the man who +had the courage to utter them. + +"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no idee you was a parson. I +laid out as you was a drummer." + +"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; +but I spent so many years on the road for this same house before I went +into the firm, that I often go out over my old territory." + +Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me you've got sermons and +shoe-leather pretty badly mixed up," he said. + +Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh disappear down the road, he +picked up the bellows and worked them in an absent-minded sort of a way. + +"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. "A drummer! I'll +be--blowed!" + +The incident made a profound impression on Lee. A loop in the road +brought them in sight of the old mill again. + +"We don't want to have any cogs missing, do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, +first pinching the boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him. + +The subject was not referred to again, but the lesson was not forgotten. + +Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. They walked to the Church a +mile away in the morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in the +afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. If it had not been for Taffy, it +would have been insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. Marion +did not take him out to the night service. He left him playing with the +landlady's baby in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not last long, +however. The baby was put to bed, and some of the neighbors came in for +a visit. Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room. + +It was the best the house afforded, but it was far from being an +attractive place. The walls were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The rag carpet was a dull, +faded gray. The lamp smoked when he turned it up, and smelled strongly +of coal-oil when he turned it down. + +He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded to go to bed. It was +very early. He could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening to +somebody's rocking-chair, going squeakety squeak in the parlor below. + +He wished he could be as comfortable and content as Taffy, curled up in +some flannel in a shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached out, +and stroked the puppy's soft back. + +The feeling came over him as he did so, that there wasn't anybody in all +the world for him really to belong to. + +It was the first time since Bethany took him home that he had felt like +crying. Now he lay and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs. + +He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. Mr. Marion lighted the +lamp, putting a high-backed chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that was lying on the table, +and, turning the leaves very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson. + +A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a long time he heard another. +Laying down his book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and his face streaked with traces of +tears. Marion, with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking at +him. + +All the fatherly impulses of his nature were stirred by the pitiful +little face on the pillow. + +He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly over the boy. + +"Lee," he said, "look up here, son." + +Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so near his own. + +"You were lying here in the dark, crying because you felt that there was +nobody left to love you. Now put your arms around my neck, dear, while I +tell you something. I had a little child once. I can never begin to tell +you how I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my heart. But I said, +for her sake I shall love all children, and try to make them happy. +Because her little feet knew the way home to God, I shall try to keep +all other children in the same pure path. For her sake, first, I loved +you; now, since we have been together, for your own. I want you to feel +that I am such a close friend that you can always come to me just as +freely as you did to your father." + +The boy's clasp around his neck tightened. + +"But, Lee, there will be times in your life when you will need greater +help than I can give; and because I know just how you will be tried, and +tempted, and discouraged, I want you to take the best of friends for +your own right now. I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?" + +Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened whisper, "I don't know +how." + +"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you after you had been very +naughty?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." Between his choking sobs he +told of the promise lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars. + +Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an effort, as he pointed out the +way so surely and so simply that Lee could not fail to understand. + +Then, with his arm still around him, he prayed; and the boy, following +him step by step through that earnest prayer, groped his way to his +Savior. + +It was a time never to be forgotten by either Frank Marion or Lee. They +lay awake till long after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +HERZENRUHE. + + +A STORY has come down to us of a cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those winter wilds made the +bravest heart appalled; when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's bonny hedgerows, then +the brave little cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its familiar +chirp, bringing back the cheer of the happy past, comforted the +children, and sang new hopes into the hearts of their elders. + +With every vessel that has touched the New World's shores since that +time have come these fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the ample +chests of the first Virginians, or bound in the bundles of the last +steerage passengers just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom of +a distant Fatherland has always folded its wings, ready to chirp on the +new hearthstone, the familiar even-song of the old. + +That is how the American celebration of Christmas has become so +cosmopolitan in its character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its song of an "auld lang +syne." + +"I should like to have a little of everything this year," remarked Miss +Caroline, as, pencil in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum. + +It was two weeks before Christmas, and she had called a family council +in her room, after Jack had gone to bed. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily embroidering. + +"It is the first time we have had a home of our own for so many years, +or been where there is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, "that +we ought to make quite an occasion of it." + +"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, "is to begin back with the +mistletoe of the Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding of old +England. I'm sorry we can't have the Yule log and the wassail-bowl and +the dear little Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. But we +can have a tree Christmas eve, with all the beautiful German customs +that go with it. Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, whether +he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then we must read up all the +Scandinavian and Dutch and Flemish customs, and observe just as many as +we can." + +"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully. + +"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. "Jack is going to invite ten +poor children that the Junior Mercy and Help Department have reported. +He is so grateful for being able to walk a little, that he wants to give +up his whole Christmas to them." + +"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. "I'm through with my last +present now, and am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to the +slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment." + +As she spoke she snipped the last thread of silk with her little silver +scissors, and tossed the piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap. + +Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You are a true artist, Lois," she +said. "These sweet peas look as if they had just been gathered. They +would almost tempt the bees." + +"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," answered Lois. "You can't +guess whom she's making that table-cover for?" + +Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For that dear old grandmother +where we were entertained at Chattanooga last summer," she said. "Don't +you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? She couldn't hear well enough to +enjoy the meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was a perpetual +welcome. She asked me into her room one day, and showed me a great bunch +of red clover some one had sent her from the country. She seemed so +pleased with it, and told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows at home, with all the +artlessness of a child. That is why I chose this design." + +"There never was another like you, Cousin Ray," said Bethany. "You +remember everything and everybody at Christmas, and I don't see how you +ever manage to get through with so much work." + +"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet, sententiously. "At least +that's what my old copy-book used to say." + +"And it also said, if I remember aright," said Miss Caroline, a little +severely, "'Plan out your work, and work out your plan.' It's high time +we were settling down to business, if we expect to accomplish anything." + +While this Christmas council was in session in Miss Caroline's room, +another was being held in an old farm-house in the northern part of the +State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and daughter. Everything in the room +gave evidence of German thrift and neatness, from the shining brass +andirons on the hearth, to the geraniums blooming on the window-sill. + +"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind +him in the Fatherland, when he came to America a poor emigrant boy; and +that was the name now carved on the arch that spanned the wide +entrance-gate, leading to the home and the well-tilled acres that he had +earned by years of steady, honest toil. + +It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to every wayfarer sheltered +under its ample roof-tree. + +He had accumulated his property by careful economy, but he gave out with +the same conscientious spirit with which he gathered in. No matter when +the summons might come, at nightfall or at cock-crowing, he was ready to +give an account of his faithful stewardship. Not only had he divided his +bread with the hungry, but he had given time and personal care, and a +share in his own home-life, to those who were in need. + +More than one young farmer, jogging past Herzenruhe in a wagon of his +own, looked gratefully up the long lane, and remembered that he owed the +steady habits of his manhood and his present prosperity to Gottlieb +Hartmann. For in all the years since he had had a place of his own, +there had seldom been a time when some homeless boy or another had not +been a member of his household. + +He was an old man now, white-haired and rheumatic, and called +grandfather by all the country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy winter apple. His +children had all married and gone farther West, except his oldest +daughter, Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to lure away from +her comfortable home-nest. She was an energetic, self-willed little +body, and had gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had wheeled her sewing-machine beside +the table, on which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing to dress a +whole family of dolls to be packed in the Christmas boxes that were soon +to be sent West. + +Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, her sweet, wrinkled old +face bright with the loving thoughts that her needles were putting into +a little red mitten, destined for one of the boxes. + +"It will be the first Christmas since I can remember," said Carlotta, +"that there will be no little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children the year before. It's a +pity they are so far away. It will just spoil my Christmas." + +Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate he was reading. + +"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. There will be a little lad +here to-morrow to take dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I met +our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had a boy with him whose father is +just dead, and he is the guardian." + +"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion first came here?" asked +Carlotta. "Seems to me I was only a little girl, and now I have pulled +out lots of gray hairs already." + +"It has been twenty years at least," answered her mother. "It was while +we were building the ice-house, I know." + +"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone into Ridgeville one Saturday to +get some new boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was just a young +fellow making his first trip, and he seemed so strange and homesick that +when I found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, I brought him +out here to stay over Sunday with us." + +"I remember you brought him right into the kitchen where I was dropping +noodles in the soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has seemed to feel +like one of the family ever since." + +"Yes, he has never missed coming out here every time he has been in this +part of the State, from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking up +his paper again. + +Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three miles away, Mr. Marion was +telling Lee of all the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he could hardly wait for the time +to come, and he dreamed all night of the country. + +Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the visit. The delighted child +spent all his time in the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he said. "There's the +dearest little colt in the barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond +in the pasture covered with ice!" + +Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta makes doughnuts every +Saturday, and she says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the garret." + +When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion was going on to the next town +before starting home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return. + +"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into his pulses.' It will be good +for him," she said. + +"Nobody knows better than I," answered Mr. Marion, "the sweet +wholesomeness of country living. I should be glad to leave him in such +an atmosphere always. He would develop into a much purer manhood, and I +am sure would be far happier." + +Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. "We'll see," she said. "Don't say +anything to him about it, but we'll try him while you're gone, and then +I'll talk to father. He seems right handy about the chores, and there is +a good school near here." + +Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, he went out to the barn to +find Lee. The boy had just scrambled out of a haymow with his hat full +of eggs. His face was beaming. + +"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, "and I rode to the post-office +this afternoon, horseback." + +"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. "Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann +is just the grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, and they're all +so good to me." + +It proved to be a very eventful journey for the boy; for after some +discussion about his board, it was arranged that he should come back to +the farm after the holidays. + +"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. "Why couldn't I stay right on, +now I'm here. You could send my clothes to me, and it wouldn't cost near +as much as to go home first." + +"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. "She is planning for a big +tree and lots of fun Christmas." + +"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. "I'd so much rather stay here +than go back to town and find him gone." + +"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, touched by the +expression of his face. "We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself." + +When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode down the lane with him to open the +big gate. After he had driven through he turned for one more look. + +The boy stood under the archway waving good-bye with his cap. The late +afternoon sun shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated the +snow, still clinging to the quaintly carved letters on the arch above, +till it seemed they were all golden letters that spelled the name of +Herzenruhe. + + * * * * * + +This holiday season would have been a sad time for Bethany, had she +allowed herself to listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely away from her +memories, saying: "I will be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it." + +Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness into every life that +touched her own, she found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show windows. She +anticipated the pleasure that would attend the opening of each bundle +carried by every purchaser that jostled against her in the street. It +was impossible for her to breathe the general air of festivity at home, +and not carry something of the Christmas spirit to the office with her. + +"Everybody has caught the contagion," she said gayly, coming into the +office Saturday afternoon, with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, Mr. Crookshaw, whom +everybody thinks so miserly, going along with a little red cart under +his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out of his pocket." + +"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, "by not being down-town +every day." + +"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is nearly wild now with the +excitement of the preparations that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for you to be present at the +lighting of his tree Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will enjoy watching the +children," she added, after she had told him of their various plans, +"and I hope you will be sure to come." + +"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That is the second invitation I have +had this afternoon. Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to attend the +League's devotional meeting to-morrow night. He says it will be +especially interesting on account of the season, and insists that 'turn +about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day services, and he wants +me to be present at his Christmas services." + +"We shall be very glad to have you come," said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is +to lead the meeting instead of any of the young people, who usually take +turns. I can not tell how such a meeting might impress an outsider; to +me they are very inspiring and helpful." + +That night, as she sat in her room indulging in a few minutes of +meditation before putting out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned her for the little use she +had made of her opportunity. + +It had been four months since he had come into the office, and while +they had several times discussed their respective religions, she had +never found an occasion when she could make a personal appeal to him to +accept Christ. Once when she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had interrupted them. + +"I must speak to him frankly," she said. Then she knelt and prayed that +something might be said or sung in the service of the morrow that would +prepare the way for such a conversation. + +David felt decidedly out of place Sunday evening as he took a seat in +the back part of the room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find. + +They were singing when he entered. He recognized the tune. It was the +one he had heard at Chattanooga--"Nearer, my God, to Thee." It seemed to +bring the whole scene before him--the sunrise--the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every soul. + +At the close of the song, another was announced in a voice that he +thought he recognized. He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, he had been +correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's--one of the keenest, most scholarly +lawyers at the bar, and a man he met daily. + +He was leaning back in his seat, beating time with his left hand, as he +led the tune with his strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note. + +David moved over to make room for a newcomer. From his changed position +he could see a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. Marion, Lois +Denning, and the Courtney sisters. Bethany was seated at the piano. + +Presently the door from the pastor's study opened, and Dr. Bascom came +in and took his seat beside the president of the League. + +"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one behind him whisper to her +escort. "What do you suppose could have happened? His face actually +shines." + +David had been watching it ever since he took his seat. It was a benign, +pleasant face at all times, but just now it seemed to have caught the +reflection of a great light. Everybody in the room noticed it. David, +quick to make Old Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming down +the mountain from a talk with God. He felt as positively, as if he had +seen for himself, that the minister had just risen from his knees, and +had come in among them, radiant from the unspeakable joy of that +communion. Every one present began to feel its influence. + +The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for reading, was one they had heard +many times, but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered it: + +"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." + +Something of the gladness that must have rung through the song of the +heralds on that first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read. + +Then he turned to Luke's account of the shepherds abiding in the fields +by night--that beautiful old story, that will always be new until the +stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem shall have ceased to be a +wonder. + +As the service progressed, David began to feel that he was not in a +church, but that he had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told the experiences of the past week, +the blessings and the trials that had come to them since they had last +seen each other. + +Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke from where they sat, just as +they would have talked in some home-circle. + +And through it all they seemed to recognize a Divine presence in the +room, to whom they spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, but +with the deepest love and gratitude. + +As David listened to voice after voice testifying to a personal +knowledge of Christ as a Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an utter stranger. + +When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened with still greater interest. +He knew him to be an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number of +times in rousing political speeches, and once in a masterly oration over +the Nation's dead on Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man had with +a jury, and he knew what respect even his enemies had for his +unimpeachable veracity and honor. + +Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned as when examining a +witness, to give his own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony. + +He said: "There may be some here to-night to whom the prophecy that was +read, and the story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. To +such I do not come with the sayings of the prophets, or to repeat the +tidings of the shepherds, or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times believed. I tell you +that which I myself do know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not the Son of God, he +could not have entered into my life, and transformed it as he has done. +My star of hope is far more real to me than the stars outside that +lighted my way to this room to-night. I have knelt at his feet and +worshiped, and gone on my way rejoicing. I know that through the +sacrifice he offered on Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his only-begotten. The +voice that bears witness to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined to dispute it, they would +be as nothing to that still, small voice within that whispers peace--the +witness of the Spirit." + +On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore had not been half so +surprised at hearing the League benediction intoned by rabbi and choir, +as was David when the familiar blessing of the synagogue was repeated in +unison by those of another faith: + +"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon +thee, and give thee peace." + +David had heard so much of Methodists that he had expected noisy +demonstrations and great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of amen during the prayers; +but while the prevailing spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, it +had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless under-current. + +He slipped out of the room after the benediction, fearful of meeting +curious glances. A member of the reception committee managed to shake +hands with him, but his friends had not discovered his attendance. + +Two things followed him persistently. The expression of Dr. Bascom's +face, and Hewson Raleigh's emphatic "I know." + +He took the last train out to Hillhollow, wishing he had staid away from +the League meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable. + +He walked the floor until long after midnight. Even sleep brought him no +rest, for in his dreams he was still groping blindly in the dark for +something--he knew not what--but something wise men had found long years +ago in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON CHRISTMAS EVE. + + +IT was Christmas eve, and nearing the time for Bethany to leave the +office. She stood, with her wraps on, by one of the windows, waiting for +Mr. Edmunds to come back. She had a message to deliver before she could +leave, and she expected him momentarily. + +In the street below people were hurrying by with their arms full of +bundles. She was impatient to be gone, too. There were a great many +finishing touches for her to give the tall tree in the drawing-room at +home. + +She had worked till the last moment at noon, and locked the door +regretfully on the gayly-decked room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of Christmas festivities. + +While she stood there, she heard steps in the hall. + +"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she exclaimed, as David entered. It +was the first time he had been at the office that day. "I have a message +for him. Have you seen him anywhere?" + +"No," answered David. "I have just come in from Hillhollow. Marta has +telegraphed that she is coming home on the night train, so I shall not +be able to accept Jack's invitation. She had not expected to come at all +during the holidays; but one of the teachers was called home, and she +could not resist the temptation to accompany her, although she can only +stay until the end of the week." + +As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's disappointment, David picked +up a small package that lay on his desk. + +"O, the expressman left that for you a little while ago," she said. +"Your Christmas is beginning early." + +She turned again to the window, peering out through the dusk, while +David lighted the gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package. + +It occurred to her that here was a time, while all the world was turning +towards the Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, that she +might venture to speak of him. Before she could decide just how to +begin, David spoke to her: + +"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would like for you to see it." + +He held a little silver case towards her, on which a handsome monogram +was heavily engraved. + +As she touched the spring it flew open, showing an exquisitely painted +miniature on ivory. + +She gave an involuntary cry of delight. + +"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It is one of the loveliest +faces I ever saw." She scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an +artist's evident pleasure. Then she looked up with a smile. + +"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke to me about," she said. "He +said that she was rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight." + +"How long ago since he told you that?" asked David in surprise. + +"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," she answered. + +"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?" + +"Yes." + +David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively why his old friend had departed +so from his usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. He had +intimated to David, when he had first met Miss Hallam, that she was an +unusually fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing friendship +might gradually lessen the young man's interest in Esther, whom he saw +only at long intervals, as she lived in a distant city. + +"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling you myself," said David. + +"I have often wondered what she is like," answered Bethany, "and I am +glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations. I wish +that she lived here that I might make her acquaintance. I do not know +when I have seen a face that has captivated me so." + +"Thank you," replied David, flushing with pleasure. A tender smile +lighted his eyes as he glanced at the miniature again before closing the +case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the spring," he added proudly. + +They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. Bethany held out her hand. + +"I shall not see you again until next week, I suppose," she said, "so +let me wish you a very happy Christmas." + +He kept her hand in his an instant as he repeated her greeting, then, +looking earnestly down into the upturned face, added gently in Hebrew, +the old benediction--"Peace be upon you." + +It was quite dark when she stepped out into the streets. She thought of +David and Esther all the way home. + +At first she thought of them with a tender smile curving her lips, as +she entered unselfishly into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered. + +Then she thought of them with tears in her eyes and a chill in her +heart, as some little waif might stand shivering on the outside of a +window, looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth and comfort he could +not share. The joy of her own betrothal, and the desolation that ended +it, surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she was in no mood for +merry-making when she reached home. + +She longed to slip quietly away to her own room, and spend the evening +in the dark with her memories. She had to wait a moment on the +threshold before she could summon strength enough to go in cheerfully. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room helping the sisters +decorate the long table, where the children were to be served with +supper immediately on their arrival. + +"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh to gather them up," said Mrs. +Marion. "They'll soon be here, so you'll not have much time to dress." + +"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in a minute. Mr. Herschel can't +come, so you may as well take off one plate." + +"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, pausing on her way to the +kitchen. "I asked him this morning, and forgot to say anything about +it." + +Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully unconscious of the +grimace Bethany made behind her back. + +"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline means all right, but she +is a born matchmaker. She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. Cragmore, and +wants me to do the same. She thinks she is so very deep, and so very +wary in the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; but the +dear old soul is as transparent as a window-pane. I can see every move +she makes." + +"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. "Is he conscious of her efforts +in his behalf?" + +"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly old lady, and is always +paying her some flattering attention. It is well worth his while, for +she makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his pockets full of goodies, +as if he were an overgrown boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. She is always going out +to Clarke Street to hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to him +afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, as two short rings and one +long one were given the front door-bell. + +"So he even has his especial signals," laughed Lois. "He must be on a +very familiar footing, indeed." + +"He got into that habit when he first started to calling by to take me +up to the Hebrew class," she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him in +it." + +Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying through the room to receive him. + +"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited stage whisper, "you'd better run +up the back stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a rose in your +hair, just to please me. Now, won't you?" + +Bethany and Lois looked at each other and laughed. + +"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I am," said Bethany; "but as +it's Christmas-time I suppose I must be good and please everybody." + +It was not long before a great stamping of many snowy little feet +announced the arrival of the Christmas guests. + +They came into the house with such rosy, happy faces, that no one +thought of the patched clothes and ragged shoes. + +"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred instead of ten," sighed +Miss Harriet, as she helped seat them at the table. "They look as though +they never once had enough to eat in all their little lives." + +"They shall have it now," declared Miss Caroline heartily, "if George +Cragmore doesn't keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just hear +the man!" + +She had never seen him in such a gay humor, or heard him tell such +irresistibly funny stories as the ones he brought out for the +entertainment of these poor little guests, who had never known anything +but the depressing poverty of the most wretched homes. + +Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who had found them, and spirited +them away to this enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin who +rubbed his lamp until their eyes were dazzled by the wonderful scenes he +conjured up for them. + +When the dinner was over, and everything had been taken off the table +but the flowers and candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on his knee. + +With his arms around her, he began to tell the story of the first +Christmas. His voice was very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the white sheep huddled +together, and the shepherds keeping watch by night. + +One by one the children slipped down from their chairs, and crowded +closer around him. + +He had never preached before to such a breathless audience, and he had +never put into his sermons such gentleness and pathos and power. + +He was thinking of their poor, neglected lives, and how much they needed +the love of One who could sympathize to the utmost, because he was born +among the lowly, and "was despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the intensity of his feeling, +and the children were very quiet. + +The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. Then she smiled up in his +face, and, putting her arm around his neck, leaned her head against him. + +There was a bugle-call from the library, and Jack led the children away +to listen to an orchestra composed of boys from the League, who had +volunteered their services for the occasion. + +While they were playing some old carols, Miss Caroline called Mr. +Cragmore aside. "I've sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can help her." + +Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, "May the saints bless +you for that now!" She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany. + +"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, "you needn't be putting everything +off onto poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered that she is only +somebody's cat's-paw." + +Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly touched by the winning +tenderness of Cragmore's manner with the children. If there had been no +memory of a past love in her life, she could have found in this man all +the qualities that would inspire the deepest affection; but with that +memory always present, she resented the slightest word that hinted of +his interest in her. + +She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, and that mischief-loving +girl thoroughly enjoyed forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege. + +It was still early in the evening, while the children were romping +around the dismantled tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving. + +"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission to-night," he explained, in +answer to the remonstrances that greeted him on all sides. + +"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended to tell you about that, and I +must stay a moment longer to do it." + +He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall chair, and folded his arms +across it. + +"The other day I made the acquaintance of a Russian Jew, Sigmund +Ragolsky. He has a remarkable history. He married an English Jewess, was +a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, and is now a Baptist preacher, +converted after a fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief in +the truth of Christianity. The story of his life sounds like a romance. +He was so strictly orthodox that he would not strike a match on the +Sabbath. He would have starved before he would have touched food that +had not been prepared according to ritual. He is here for the purpose of +establishing a Hebrew mission. You should see the people who come to +hear him. They are nearly all from that poor class in the tenement +district. One can hardly believe they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky, though, is a scholar, and +I should like to hear the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews are no +Jews at all--that they are the hardest people in the world to convert, +because they look for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that suits +them, and are so well satisfied with themselves that they feel no need +of any mediator between them and eternal holiness. They feel fully equal +to the task of making their own atonement. Rabbi Barthold says that the +orthodox are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of them live two +lives--one towards God, of slavish religious observances; the other +towards man, of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want you to hear +Ragolsky preach some night. I'll tell you his story some other time." + +"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as he picked up his overcoat +again; "did he have to give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?" + +"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children were converted also. He had +two rich brothers-in-law in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over that, I can assure you. +O, he is so full of his purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business as he is, the +millennium would soon be here." + +Afterward, when the children had been taken home, and the feast and the +tree, and the people who gave them, were only blissful memories in their +happy little hearts, Bethany stood by the window in her room, holding +aside the curtain. + +Everything outside was covered with snow. She was thinking of Ragolsky +and Lessing, and wondering which of the two fates would be David +Herschel's, if he should ever become a Christian. + +Would Esther's love for her people be stronger than her love for him? + +She knew how tenaciously the women of Israel cling to their faith, yet +she felt that it was no ordinary bond that held these two together. + +Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, Bethany whispered a very +heartfelt prayer for David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who was to +be his bride; and like an answering omen of good, over the white roofs +of the city came the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION. + + +THE office work for the old year was all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David would soon follow. He had only some +private correspondence to finish. + +Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters in the different +pigeon-holes of her desk. Ninety-five was slipping out into the +eternities. It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; it was carrying +away a far different record from the one she had planned. She felt that +she could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an unaccountable +reticence sealed her lips. + +David had been in the office very little during the past week, only long +enough to get his mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for Bethany to say what was trembling +on her lips. + +She heard him slipping the letter into the envelope. He would be gone +in just another moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. O, she must +say something! Her heart beat violently, and her face grew hot. She shut +her eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing appeal for help. + +David strolled into the room with his hat in his hand, and stood beside +her table. + +"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," he said, gravely. "It +has brought me a great many unexpected experiences, but the most +unexpected of all is the one that led to our acquaintance. In wishing +you a happy new year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your friendship +has been to me in the old." + +Bethany found sudden speech as she took the proffered hand. + +"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that I have not only been +wishing, but praying earnestly, that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds--the peace that comes in accepting Christ +as a Savior." + +He turned from her abruptly, and, with his hands thrust in his overcoat +pockets, began pacing up and down the room with quick, excited strides. + +"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem to be pursued. Every way I +turn, the same thing is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it--O, longer than that--since I first talked to Lessing. Then +there was Dr. Trent's death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. Cragmore has talked to +me so often, too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer such lives +and faith as theirs. Yesterday morning I had a letter from Lee--little +Lee Trent--thanking me for a book I had sent him, and even that child +had something to say. He told me about his conversion. Last night +curiosity led me down town to hear a Russian Jew preach to a lot of +rough people in an old warehouse by the river. His text was Pilate's +question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?' It +wasn't a sermon. There wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and death sentence--but he +made it such a personal matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, 'What shall I do? What shall I +do with this Jesus called Christ!'" + +He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth in silence. Then he broke +out again: + +"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down there last night. He had +been a rough, blasphemous drunkard that I have seen in the police courts +many a time. I saw him fall on his knees at the altar, groaning for +mercy, and I saw him, when he stood up after a while, with a face like a +different creature's, all transformed by a great joy, crying out that he +had been pardoned for Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, and +wondered which of us is nearer the truth. If I am right, what a poor, +deluded fool he is! But if he is right, good God--" + +He stopped abruptly. + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if you were convinced that, by +going on some certain pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that the +finding would shatter your belief in the creed you cling to now, would +you undertake the journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for the +faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for Truth, regardless of +long-cherished opinion?" + +For a moment there was no answer. Then he threw back his shoulders +resolutely. + +"I would take the journey," he said, with decision. "If I am wrong I +want to know it." Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one of the +pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, opened at the place where the answer +to Thomas was heavily underscored: + +"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; no man +cometh unto the Father but by me." + +"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The door has never been opened to +you, because you have never knocked. You have no personal knowledge of +Christ, because you have never sought for it. He has never revealed +himself to you, because you have never asked him to do so." + +He turned to her impatiently. + +"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, +or John the Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me than any other +man who has taught and died. How can I pray to him, then?" + +Bethany fingered the leaves of her little Testament, her heart +fluttering nervously. + +"I wish you would take this and read it," she said. "It would answer you +far better than I can." + +"I have read it," he replied, "a number of years ago. I could see +nothing in it." + +"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she answered. "See!" she cried +eagerly, turning the leaves to find another place she had marked. "Paul +wrote this about the children of Israel: 'Their minds were blinded: for +until this day remaineth the same veil' (the one told about in Exodus, +you know) 'untaken away, in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the +veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, +the veil shall be taken away.'" + +"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. He took the book, and +turning back to the first of the chapter, commenced to read. + +The great bell in the court-house tower began clanging six. + +"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this with me and look through it +another time." + +"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting to-night," she said, +wistfully. "It is from ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the city +meet at Garrison Avenue." + +He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned up his overcoat. A +sudden reserve of manner seemed to envelop him at the same time. + +"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on his gloves. "I have an informal +invitation from some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year out and +the new year in." + +His tone seemed so flippant after the recent depth of feeling he had +betrayed, that it jarred on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door. + +"No matter where you may be," she said as he opened it, "I shall be +praying for you." + +After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her desk, mechanically assorting +the letters. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had quite +forgotten it was time to go home. + +The door opened, and Frank Marion came in. He was followed by Cragmore, +who was going home with him to dinner. + +"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. "Where's David? We dropped in +to invite him around to the watch-meeting to-night." + +"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I asked him, but he declined on +account of a previous engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, "I +do believe he is almost convinced of the truth of Christianity!" + +She repeated the conversation that had just taken place. + +"He has been fighting against that conviction for some time," answered +Mr. Marion. "I had a talk with him last week." + +"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold would say if Mr. Herschel should +become a Christian?" asked Bethany. + +"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very question yesterday," exclaimed +Mr. Cragmore. "It astounded him at first. I could see that the mere +thought of such apostasy in one he loves as dearly as his young David, +wounded him sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But he is a noble +soul, broad-minded and generous. He did not answer for a moment, and +when he finally spoke I could see what an effort the words cost him: + +"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. 'He has a right to +choose for himself. I would rather read the rites of burial over his +dead body than to see him cut loose from the faith in which I have so +carefully trained him; but no matter what course he pursues, I am sure +of one thing, his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he does, will be +from a deep conviction of right. I, who was denounced and misunderstood +in my youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy that bound me +down spiritually, should be the last one to condemn the same +independence of thought in others.'" + +"Herschel would have less opposition to contend with than any Jew I +know," remarked Mr. Marion. + +"That little sister of his would be rather pleased than otherwise, and, +I think, would soon follow his example." + +Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing. + +"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," said Cragmore, who had +been appointed to lead the meeting. + +"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend on the shoulder. Then he +quoted emphatically: "'And this is the confidence that we have in Him, +that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.'" + +"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, in his impetuous way. + +He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling beside David's desk, +began praying for his absent friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering earnestness, and +after his voice ceased, Bethany took up the petition. + +"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are not heard," exclaimed +Marion, triumphantly, as he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk as far as the avenue with +you." + +As they went down-stairs together, he kept singing softly under his +breath, "Blessed be the name, blessed be the name of the Lord!" + +By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison Avenue Church was +crowded. + +George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied address for the +occasion; but during the half hour of the song service preceding it, +while he studied the faces of his audience, his heart began to be +strangely burdened for David and his people. He covered his eyes with +his hand a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, before he +arose to speak. + +"My friends," he said in his deep, musical voice, "I had thought to talk +to you to-night of 'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been +sitting here, God had put another message into my mouth. We are all +children of one Father who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness of the questions I shall +ask, and the seeming harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how many, during the year just +gone, have contributed in any way to the support of Home and Foreign +Missions?" + +Every one in the room arose. + +"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, and direct appeal, to +bring some one to Christ?" + +Again every one arose. + +"How many of you, during the past year, have spoken to a Jew about your +Savior, or in any way evinced to any one of them a personal interest in +the salvation of that race?" + +Looks of surprise were exchanged among the Leaguers, and many smiled at +the question. Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam. + +When they had taken their seats again there was a moment of intense +silence. The earnest solemnity of the minister was felt by every one +present. They waited almost breathlessly for what was coming. + +"There is a young Jew in this city to-night whose heart is turning +lovingly towards your Savior and mine. I have come to ask your prayers +in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks in his way may be removed. But +it is not for him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear Isaiah's +voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your +God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her +warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.' And then I seem +to hear another voice that through the thunderings of Sinai proclaims, +'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It must read a terrible +handwriting on the wall in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had she seen Christ in the +daily life of every follower since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of Sauls turned Pauls! We +are Christ's witnesses to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished no racial prejudices. He +turned away from no man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of +indifference. He drew no line across which his sympathies and love and +helping hands should not reach. When we do these things, are we not +bearing false witness to the character of him whose name we have +assumed, and the emblem of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful of this corner of the +Lord's vineyard. It must be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent to this." + +Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky and David, and called on them +to pray that his friend might find the light he was seeking. A dozen +earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, and every heart went +out in sympathy to this young Jew, whom they longed to see happy in the +consciousness of a personal Savior. + +David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He dined at the restaurant, and +was just starting leisurely down to the depot when he found that his +watch told the same time as when he had looked at it an hour before. It +must have been stopped even some time before that. At any rate it had +made him too late for the train. The next one would not leave till nine +o'clock. He stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, and finally +concluded to go back to the office for a magazine he had borrowed from +Rabbi Barthold, and take it home to him. + +His steps echoed strangely through the deserted hall as he climbed the +stairs to the office. He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But when he had found it, he +still sat there idly, drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair. + +After awhile he took Bethany's Testament out of his pocket, and began to +read. It was marked heavily with many marginal notes and underscored +passages, that he examined with a great deal of curiosity. Beginning +with Matthew's account of the wise men's search, he read steadily on +through the four Gospels, past Acts, and through some of Paul's +epistles. It was after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews. + +He put the book down with a groan, and, folding his arms on the desk, +wearily laid his head on them. + +Just then Bethany's parting words echoed in his ears, "No matter where +you may be, I shall be praying for you." + +It had irritated him at the moment. Now there was comfort in the thought +that she might be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith of his +fathers. He was proud of every drop of Israelitish blood that coursed +through his veins. He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism--nothing! Yet his heart went out lovingly toward the Christ that +had been so wonderfully revealed to him as he read. + +The conviction was slowly forcing itself on his mind that in accepting +him he would not be giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own people--only believing fulfilled +prophecy. + +He wanted him so--this Christ who seemed able to satisfy every longing +of his heart, which just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the world that he had given +himself a willing sacrifice to make propitiation for its sins--for +his--David Herschel's sins. + +The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation came back to +perplex him, and he put them resolutely away, remembering the words that +Bethany had quoted, that when Israel should turn to the Lord, the veil +should be taken from its heart. + +Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his hands clasped above his +head, cried out: "O, Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me Christ! I +will give up anything--everything that stands in the way of my accepting +him, if thou wilt but make him manifest!" + +He threw himself on his knees in an agony of supplication, and then +rising, walked the floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and again +rose in despair to pace back and forth. + +He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's conversion had been attended +by such miraculous manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him. + +Opening the little Testament at random, he saw the words, "If thou shalt +confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart +that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." + +"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will confess it the first +opportunity I have. Yes, I will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra--no +matter what it may cause him to say to me." + +He looked at the clock again. The old year was almost gone. It was +nearly midnight. Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered the +watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them. + +He started rapidly down the street, saying to himself: "How queer this +seems! Here am I, a Jew, on my way to confess before men that I believe +a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. I don't understand the mystery of +it, but I do believe in some way the promised atonement has been made, +and that it avails for me." + +He clung to that hope all the way down to the Church. It was growing +stronger every step. + +Bethany had risen to take her place at the piano at the announcement of +another hymn, when the door opened and David Herschel stood in their +midst. Not even glancing at the startled members of the League, he +walked across the room and held out one hand to Cragmore and the other +to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners with its intensity of +purpose. + +"I have come to confess before you the belief that your Jesus is the +Christ, and that through him I shall be saved." + +Then a look of happy wonderment shone in his face, as the dawning +consciousness of his acceptance became clearer to him. + +"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful surprise. + +Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one exclamation could express +the depth of Frank Marion's gratitude--an old-fashioned shout of "Glory +to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion--for it came in when "the morning +stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." + +"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried David. + +"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to those around him, and laying his +hand on David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned Paul. Who such +missionaries of the cross as these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the world. Who will join the +alliance?" + +In answer they came crowding around David, with warm hand-clasps and +sympathetic words, till the bells all over the city began tolling the +hour of midnight. + +At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the final prayer of consecration. + +There was a deep silence. Then the leader's voice began: + +"The untried paths of the new year stretch out into unknown distances. +But trusting in an Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how many will sing with me: + +[Illustration: Music + + "Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow. + I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."] + +The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as every voice covenanted with his. + +"But some of us may have planned out certain paths for our own feet, +that lead alluringly to ease and approbation. Think! God may call us +into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to no earthly recompense, to +lowly service and unrequited toil. Can we still sing it? Let us wait. +Let us consider and be very sure." + +In the prayerful silence, David thought of his profession and the hopes +of the great success that it was his ambition to attain. Could he give +it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated ministry to his people? He +wavered. But just then he had a vision of the Christ. He seemed to see a +footsore, tired man, holding out his hands in blessing to the motley +crowds that thronged him; and again he saw the same patient form +stumbling wearily along under a heavy beam of wood, scourged, mocked, +spit upon, nailed to the cross, for--him! + +David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: "I'll go with Him, with +Him, all the way." + +"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal plans are concerned, we +are willing to put ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose he +should call for our hearts' best beloved, are we willing to make of this +hour a Mount Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs--our all? Do we +consecrate ourselves entirely? Will we go with him all the way, no +matter through what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead us?" + +Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful face came before him. + +"O God! anything but that!" he cried out passionately. + +Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching out, clasped his hand, and +prayed silently that strength might be given him to make the +consecration complete. + +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!" + +David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When they arose the tears were +streaming down his cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been revealed to him. A new +life and a new year had been born together. + + * * * * * + +No, the story is not done, but the rest of it can not be written until +it has first been lived. + +In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes shall weave these +life-webs to the finish. Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. Who can tell? The new year +has only begun. + +But we know that all things work together for good to those who give +themselves into the eternal keeping, and--"God's in his heaven." + + + + +SILENT KEYS. + + +ONCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to take in the Christmas +choruses. + +It was not long before every voice had caught the sweet old tune of "Joy +to the World," and as their little feet pattered down the solemn aisles, +the song was carried with them to the work and play of the streets +outside. + +As the girl turned to follow, she found the old white-haired organist, a +master-musician, standing beside her. + +"Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister?" he asked. "You +have left silent some of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is what +you should have put into your song." + +As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the key-board, till the great +cathedral seemed to tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it--"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" + +High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of sky-larks, fluttered away +from his touch, and went winging their flight--up and up--beyond all +mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords and majestic octaves rolled +the triumphal gladness. Every key seemed to find a voice, as the hands +of the old musician swept through the variations of "Antioch." + +Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when he had finished she said +sadly: "Ah, only a master-hand could do that--bring out the varied tones +of those silent keys, and yet through it all keep the thread of the song +clear and unbroken. All those divine harmonies were in my soul as I +played, yet had I tried to give expression to them, I might have +wandered away from the simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those fuller chords you strike so +easily, or in reaching always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take in the choruses, and they +would not have gone out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world." + +Maybe some such master may turn the pages of this story, and feel the +same impatience at its incompleteness. Here in this place he would have +added, with strong touches, many a convincing argument. There he would +have spoken with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may turn away, +saying: "Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister? You have +left silent some of the sweetest and deepest." + +The answer is the same. Only a master-hand can sweep the gamut of +history and human weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the discordant +elements of controversy and criticism in all their variations, and at +the same time keep the simple theme constantly throbbing through them, +so strong and full and clear it can never be forgotten. + +The purpose of this story is accomplished if it has only attracted the +attention of the League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not stop with that. + +There is only one song that will ever bring universal joy to this old, +tear-blinded world, and that is that the Lord is come, and that he is +risen indeed in the lives of his followers. + +True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the League should not be +content simply to do that. It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and longings, that it will +know just what chord to touch in every heart it is striving to help. + +Go back to the days of the dispersion, and follow this Ishmael through +his almost limitless desert of persecution--his hand against every man +because every man's hand was against him. + +Put yourself in his place until your vision grows broad and your +sympathy deep. Chafe against his limitations. Stumble over his +obstacles, and in so doing learn where best to place the +stepping-stones. + +Dig down through the strata of tradition, below all the manifold +ceremonies of his formal worship, until you come to the bed-rock of +principle underlying them. + +When you have thus studied Judaism, its prophets, its priesthood, its +patriots--when you have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's tent to +the Temple gates, and then followed its diverging lines on into almost +every hamlet of both hemispheres, you will have learned something more +than the history of Judaism. You will have read the story of the whole +race of Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far better to serve +humanity. + +Christ reached his hearers through his intimate knowledge of them. He +never talked to shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers of +flocks. He gave the same water of life to the woman at Jacob's well that +he bestowed on the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how differently +he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan and the learned Nicodemus. + +To this end, then, study these creeds and systems; for instance, the +unity of God, clung to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating his +Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is God, and Mohammed is his +prophet!" + +Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes deeply channeling its way +through centuries of Semitic thought, until it enters the very +life-blood. You can trace its influence even down into the early +Christian Church, in the hot disputes of Arius and his followers, at the +Council of Nicea. + +Not until you comprehend how idolatrous the worship of the Trinity +seems to a Jew, can you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah. + +You will find this study of Judaism reaching out like a banyan-tree, +striking root and branching again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one of its manifold +ramifications, shadow every great problem and people. + +In the first conception of this story it was purposed to place +considerable emphasis on a number of things that have been left +untouched, especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, and the prophecies concerning the +return of the Jews to Palestine. + +But prophecy, while always a most interesting and profitable subject for +research and study, leads into an unmapped country of speculation. Many +an enthusiast, not recognizing that on God's great calendar a thousand +years are but as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries of +Revelations by the same numerical system with which he calculates his +assets and liabilities. As we examine this subject, we must not forget +the vast difference between our finite yardsticks, and the reed of the +angel who measured the city. + +God grant that, as the tree thrown into the stream of Marah changed its +bitter waters into wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study of +Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may turn all bitterness of +prejudice into the broad, sweet spirit of true brotherhood! + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + +Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. + +Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the +chapter "Dr. Trent". + +Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance) + +Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent +Southerner) + +Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. +Notwithstanding) + +Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them) + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +******* This file should be named 40527.txt or 40527.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..31c0ab2 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #40527 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40527) diff --git a/old/40527-8.txt b/old/40527-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0cabd41 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/40527-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6963 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, In League with Israel, by Annie F. Johnston + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: In League with Israel + A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + + +Author: Annie F. Johnston + + + +Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made +available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org). Music was +transcribed by Linda Cantoni. + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file + which includes the original sheet music illustration + and an accompanying audio file of the music. + See 40527-h.htm or 40527-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h/40527-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala + + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL + +A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + +by + +ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON + +Author of +"Joel: A Boy of Galilee;" "The Story of the Resurrection;" +"Big Brother;" "The Little Colonel." + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + +Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings +New York: Eaton & Mains +1896 + +Copyright +By Curts & Jennings, +1896. + + + + +TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. + + +What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young Apostle of our Church, +become to the Jews. Surely, not as the priest or the Levite have you so +long passed them by "on the other side." + +Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which requires haste, +you have never noticed their need. But the world sees, and, re-reading +an old parable, cries out: "Who is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel +also, in thy midst?" + + Nor knowest thou what argument + Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. + --EMERSON. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I. + THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ, 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + ON TO CHATTANOOGA, 23 + + + CHAPTER III. + THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT," 43 + + + CHAPTER IV. + AN EPWORTH JEW, 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + "TRUST," 86 + + + CHAPTER VI. + TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE, 105 + + + CHAPTER VII. + JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER, 115 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + A KINDLING INTEREST, 130 + + + CHAPTER IX. + A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND, 145 + + + CHAPTER X. + THE DEACONESS'S STORY, 163 + + + CHAPTER XI. + "YOM KIPPUR," 186 + + + CHAPTER XII. + DR. TRENT, 189 + + + CHAPTER XIII. + A LITTLE PRODIGAL, 220 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + HERZENRUHE, 241 + + + CHAPTER XV. + ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 261 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION, 275 + + * * * * * + + SILENT KEYS, 297 + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ. + + +IT was growing dark in the library, but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight deepened, he unconsciously bent nearer +the great volume on the table before him, till his white beard lay on +the open page. + +He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his deep voice filled the room with +its musical intonations: "Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye +waters that be above the heavens." + +He raised his head and glanced out toward the western sky. A star or two +twinkled through the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, he walked +to the open window and looked up. + +There was a noise of children playing on the pavement below, and the +rumbling of an electric car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of a newsboy with the +evening paper. + +But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses in the Midian desert, Elijah +by the brook Cherith, were no more apart from the world than this old +rabbi at this moment. + +He saw only the star. He heard only the inward voice of adoration, as he +stood in silent communion with the God of his fathers. + +His strong, rugged features and white beard suggested the line of +patriarchs so forcibly, that had a robe and sandals been substituted for +the broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have been complete. + +He stood there a long time, with his lips moving silently; then +suddenly, as if his unspoken homage demanded voice, he caught up his +violin. Forty years of companionship had made it a part of himself. + +The depth of his being that could find no expression in words, poured +itself out in the passionately reverent tones of his violin. + +In such exalted moods as this it was no earthly instrument of music. It +became to him a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard the voices +of the angels ascending and descending, and on whose trembling rounds he +climbed to touch the Infinite. + +There was a quick step on the stairs, and a heavy tread along the upper +hall. Then the portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the world +brought the rhapsody to a close. + +"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too dark to see, but your fiddle says +that you are at home." + +"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike a light. I wondered why you were +so late." + +"I was out on my wheel," answered the young man. "Cycling is warm work +this time of year." + +He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily down among the pile of +cushions on the couch. + +"I had a letter from Marta to-day." + +"And what does the little sister have to say?" answered the rabbi, +noticing a frown deepening on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way home again." + +"No," answered David, with a still deeper frown. "She has changed all +her plans, and wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with them, and they are up on +Lookout Mountain. She wants me to meet her there and spend part of the +summer with her. She grows more infatuated with Frances Herrick every +day. You know they have been inseparable friends since they first +started to kindergarten." + +"Why did she go down there without consulting you?" asked the old man +impatiently. "You should be both father and mother to her, now that +neither of your parents is living. I wish I were really your uncle and +hers, that I might have some authority. You must be more careful of her, +my boy. She should spend this summer with you at home, instead of with +strangers in a hotel." + +"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick to excuse the little sister, +who was the only one in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. Mrs. Herrick is with the girls +now, and the major will join them next week. Marta is just like one of +the family, and I have encouraged the intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. +Herrick gives her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta and +Frances are so congenial in every way that they find their greatest +happiness together. I tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. It is +a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc." + +"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. "Do you remember that +the rest of that declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, and thy +God my God?' David, my son, I tell you there is great danger of the +child's being led away from the faith. Your father and hers was my +dearest friend. I have loved you children like my own. You must heed my +warning, and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile family, especially +when it includes such an agreeable member as that young Albert Herrick." + +"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra." + +"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they are thrown constantly +together." + +David looked down at the carpet, and began absently tracing a pattern +with his foot. He was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages gave him a fatherly feeling +for her. He could not bear the thought of interfering seriously with her +pleasure, yet he could not ignore the old man's warning. + +Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both languages and music. Aside +from a few years at college, all that he knew had been learned under the +old man's wise supervision. + +"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, when he lay dying, "take my +child and make him a man after your own pattern. I know your noble soul. +Give his the same strength and sweetness. We are so greedy for the +fleshpots of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul hunger. But you +will teach the little fellow higher things." + +Later, when the end had almost come, his hand groped out feebly towards +the child, who had been brought to his bedside. + +"Never mind about the shekels, little David," he said in a hoarse, +broken whisper. "But clean hands and a pure heart--that's all that +counts when you're in your coffin." + +The child's eyes grew wide with wonder as a paroxysm of pain contracted +the beloved face. He was led quickly away, but those words were never +forgotten. + +The rabbi was thinking of them now as he studied the handsome features +of the young fellow before him. + +It was a strong face, but refinement and gentleness showed in every +line. There was something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's lips. "Clean hands and a pure +heart," he said fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my David, if thou +couldst but see how thy little one has grown, not only in stature, but +in soul-life, in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied." + +"Well," he said aloud, as the young man left his seat and began to walk +up and down the room with his hands in his pockets, "what are you going +to do?" + +"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. "It would not be wise to +send for Marta to come home, for the reason you suggest, and I have no +other to offer her." + +"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. "You need not tell her that you +have any fear of her being influenced by Gentile society--but never for +a moment let her forget that she is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her +race. Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for all that is Hebrew." + +"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested. + +"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains will give you as good a summer +outing as you need, and you can play guardian angel for Marta while you +take it." + +David laughed, and took another turn across the room. Then he paused +beside the table, and picked up a newspaper. + +"I wonder what connections the trains make now," he said. "There used to +be a long wait at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily over the +time-table. + +"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here is a cheap excursion to +Chattanooga this next week. I could afford to run down and see Marta, +anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her to come back with me, if I promised +to take her to Hudson Bay with me." + +"What kind of an excursion?" asked the rabbi. + +"Epworth League, it says here, whatever that may be. It seems to be some +sort of an international convention, and says to apply to Frank B. +Marion for particulars." + +"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. "O, then it is a Methodist +affair. He is not only the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well, judging by the way he +works for it. I wish my congregation would take a few lessons from him." + +"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, and blue eyes, and a habit +of shaking hands with everybody?" asked David. "I believe I know the +man. I met him on the cars last fall. He's lively company. I've a notion +to hunt him up, and find what's going on." + +"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will not be at home to-night," +said the rabbi, "and stay in the city with me. If you conclude to go to +Chattanooga next week, I have much to say to you before taking leave of +you for the summer." + +"Very well," consented David. "I'll go down town immediately, and see if +I can find this Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you know?" + +"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He is in that big new building +next to Cohen's furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll not find him +Wednesday night. They have Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as his profession." + +David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I shall certainly cultivate his +acquaintance for the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It has never +been my lot to know a Christian who measured up to his creed." + +"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the old man, gently. "I have +made you a dreamer like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere of high +ideals. I have led you into the companionship of all that was heroic in +the past, and held you apart as much as possible from the sordid +selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick at heart sometimes when I stroll +through the great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle of +humanity as they snatch the bread from other mouths to feed their own. + +"You remember our Hebrew word for teach comes from tooth, and means to +make sharp like a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea has +become the popular view of education in this day. Anything that will fit +a man to bite and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack is what is +sought after, no matter how many of his kind are trampled under foot in +the struggle. I am almost afraid for you to step down from the place +where I have kept you. When you are thrown with men who care for +nothing but material things, who would barter not only their birthrights +but their souls for a mess of pottage, I am afraid you will lose faith +in humanity." + +"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra." + +"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. The world is certainly growing +a little less savage, and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how we have fallen, we still bear +the imprint of the Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned." + +Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling himself a dreamer. The ability +to live apart from his surroundings, had been his greatest comfort. +Because of it, the rigor of extreme poverty that surrounded his early +life had not touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had gone +through the world a happy optimist. + +He had been trained according to the most strictly orthodox system of +Judaism. But even its severe pressure had failed to confine him to the +limits of such a narrow mold. + +He was still a dreamer. In the new world he had cast aside the shackles +of tradition for the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew. + +Now in his serene old age, surrounded by luxuries, he still lived apart +in a world of music and literature. + +His congregation, broken loose from the old moorings, drifted +dangerously away towards radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief +that the "chosen people" would finally triumph over all error, and found +much comfort in the thought. + +David took out his watch. "It is after eight o'clock," he said. +"Probably if I walk down Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon." + +People were beginning to file out of the side entrance that led to the +prayer-meeting room, by the time he reached the church. + +"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of the colored janitor, who was +standing in the doorway. + +"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He sut'n'y is, sah! He am always +the fust to come, an' the last to depaht." + +"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed a pleasant voice. + +David turned quickly to lift his hat. An elderly lady was coming down +the steps with two young girls. She came up to him with a smile, and +held out her hand. + +"I have not seen you since you came back from college," she said, +cordially; "but I never lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates." + +"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with his hat still in his hand. + +As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection brought back the big +attic where he had passed many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain jar on their pantry +shelf, where the most delicious ginger-snaps were always to be found. + +But the next moment the smile left his lips, as an exclamation of one of +the girls was carried back to him. It was made in an undertone, but the +still evening air transmitted it with startling distinctness. + +"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't think you would shake hands with a +Jew!" + +He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He drew himself up haughtily. Then +the indignant flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should he, with +the princely blood of Israel in his veins, care for the callow +prejudices of a little school-girl? + +A crowd of people passed out, laughing and talking. Then he saw Mr. +Marion come into the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights. + +He turned to David with a hearty smile and a strong hand-clasp, +recognizing him instantly. + +"How are you, brother?" he asked. He spoke with a slight Southern +accent. Somehow, David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a matter +of habit that Frank Marion called him brother. Such a warm, personal +interest seemed to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking so +honestly into his own, that he was half-way persuaded to go to +Chattanooga with him before a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, discussing the excursion. +Then Mr. Marion stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, built +some distance back from the street. + +"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, a cousin of mine," he said. +"If you will wait a moment, I'll go with you over to the office." + +The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp sent a flood of yellow +light streaming out into the warm, June darkness. + +In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there was a flutter of a white dress +in the hall, and the next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It was Bethany Hallam. The +light seemed to make a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate her +dress and the sweet upturned face with such an ethereal whiteness that +David was reminded of a Psyche in Parian marble. + +"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion rejoined him. "One never sees +a face like that outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any other." + +"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. Marion responded. "He died last +fall, and Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at last persuaded +her to go to Chattanooga with us. She needs to have her thoughts turned +into another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish that +purpose." + +"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met him a number of times after I was +admitted to the bar." + +"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said Mr. Marion. + +"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after vacation," he answered. + +"Well, I am going to begin my practice right now," said Mr. Marion, +laughing, "and plead my case to such purpose that you will be persuaded +to take this Chattanooga trip." He slipped his arm through David's, and +drew him around the corner toward his store. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"ON TO CHATTANOOGA." + + +IT was within three minutes of time for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably in the first vacant seat, Mr. +Marion hurried past him down the aisle with a valise in each hand. He +was followed by two ladies. The first one seemed to know every one in +the car, judging by the smiles and friendly voices that greeted her +appearance. + +"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, Mrs. Marion," cried an +impulsive young girl, just in front of David. "It would have been such a +disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest thing in the world?" she +rattled on to her companion, as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing. + +"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam with her! Of all people to go on +an excursion, it seems to me she would be the very last." + +"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was the question uppermost in +David's mind, he listened with interest for the answer. + +"O, she seems so different from other people. Her father always used to +treat her as if she were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in a private car. When she +went to lectures or concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except one. She went to the +conservatory for her drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at noon." + +As he listened, David's eyes had followed the tall, graceful girl who +was now seating herself by Mrs. Marion. + +Every movement, as well as every detail of her traveling dress, +impressed him with a sense of her refinement and culture. He noticed +that she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over her face partially +concealed its delicate pallor; but her soft, light hair, drawn up under +the little black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever by contrast. + +"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative neighbor. "I used to +wish I could change places with her, especially the year when she went +abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now for anything in the world." + +"Why?" asked her companion again, and David mentally echoed her +interrogation. + +"O, because her father is dead now, and everything is so different. +Something happened to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a dreadful fall just after +the Judge's death. They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple all +his life; but I believe he's better now. He is sort of paralyzed, so he +has to stay in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right after awhile. It's a very +peculiar case, I've heard. There have only been a few like it. She is +studying stenography now, so that she can keep on living in the old home +and take care of little Jack." + +"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested listener. + +"No, not very well. I've always seen her in Church; you know Judge +Hallam was one of our best paying members, and rarely missed a Sabbath +morning service. But they were very exclusive socially. My easel stood +next to hers in the art conservatory one term, and we talked about our +work sometimes. She used to remind me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a +Wayside Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that + + 'Way of saying things + That made one think of courts and kings, + And lords and ladies of high degree, + So that not having been at court + Seemed something very little short + Of treason or lese-majesty, + Such an accomplished knight was he.'" + +Both girls laughed, and then the lively chatter was drowned by the +jarring rumble of the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot. + +"Any one would know this is a Methodist crowd," said Mrs. Marion +laughingly, as a dozen happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car. + +"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching into his coat pocket, "I +have something here that will prevent any mistake if doubt should +arise." + +He drew out a little box of ribbon badges and a paper of pins. "Here," +he said, "put one on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. You, +too, Bethany." + +"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I am not a member of the League." + +"That makes no difference," he answered, in his hearty, persistent way. +"You ought to be one, and you will be by the time you get back from this +conference." + +"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge in my life," she insisted. "I +have always had the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes one so +conspicuous to be branded in that way." + +He held out the little white ribbon, threaded with scarlet, and bearing +the imprint of the Maltese cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. He +was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel uncomfortable. + +"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" Then he paused reverently. +"The purity and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to wear those." + +He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed down the aisle, +distributing the others right and left. + +She looked at it in silence a moment, and then pinned it on the lapel of +her traveling coat. + +"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another such persistent man?" she asked. +"How is it that he can always make people go in exactly the opposite way +from the one they had intended? When he first planned for me to come on +this excursion, I thought it was the most preposterous idea I ever heard +of. But he put aside every objection, and overruled every argument I +could make. I did not want to come at all, but he planned his campaign +like a general, and I had to surrender." + +"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. Marion. "You know I did not get home +from Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have been too busy getting +ready to come on this excursion to ask him anything." + +"When he had urged all the reasons he could think of for my going, but +without success, he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, little Jack. +The child has considered Cousin Frank's word law and gospel ever since +he joined the Junior League. So, when he was told that my health would +be benefited by the trip, and it would arouse me from the despondent, +low-spirited state I had fallen into, he gave me no rest until I +promised to go. Jack showed generalship, too. He waited until the night +of his birthday. I had promised him a little party, but he was so much +worse that day, it had to be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The little rascal knew it, too. +While I was helping him undress, he put his arms around my neck, and +began to beg me to go. He told me that he had been praying that I might +change my mind. Ever since he has been in the League he has seemed to +get so much comfort out of the belief that his prayers are always +answered that I couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised him." + +"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; "you ought to give him +the full benefit of his name, Bethany." + +"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was as much too big for him as +the huge old-fashioned silver watch that Grandfather Bradford left him. +He suggested that both be laid away until he grew up to fit them." + +"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" was the next question. + +"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. They sent for his old nurse. +She came last night with her little nine-year-old grandson. Just Jack's +age, you see; so he will have somebody to make the time pass very +quickly." + +Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation of surprise. "Well, I wish +you'd look at Frank! What will he do next? He is actually pinning an +Epworth League badge on that young Jew!" + +Bethany turned her head a little to look. "What a fine face he has!" she +remarked. "It is almost handsome. He must feel very much out of place +among such an aggressive set of Christians. I wonder what he thinks of +all these songs?" + +Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent of both Sunday-school +and Junior League, he had won the love of every one connected with them. +His passage through the car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps. + +There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when he stopped beside his wife's +seat. She smiled up at him as he towered above her, and motioned him to +take the seat in front of them. + +"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want to bring a young man up here, +and introduce him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome time, I'm +afraid." + +"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. Marion. "I know every one else on +the car. I don't see that we are called on to entertain him, Frank. He +came with us, simply to take advantage of the excursion rates. I should +think he would prefer to be let alone. He must have thought it +presumptuous in you to pin that badge on him. What did he say when you +did it?" + +Mr. Marion bent down to make himself heard above the noise of the train. + +"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' and told him if there was +any people in the world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had climbed Sinai, and whose +tables of stone lifted up the highest standard of morality known to the +race of Adam." + +Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make a fine politician," she exclaimed. +"You always know just the right chord to touch." + +"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does it happen you have taken such +an intense interest in him?" + +He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and leaned forward. + +"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I have had several talks with +him, and have been wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and views +of life. But I am free to confess, had I met him ten years ago, I could +not have seen any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by a +prejudice that I am unable to account for. It must have been hereditary, +for it has existed since my earliest recollection, and entirely without +reason, as far as I can see. I somehow felt that I was justified in +hating the Jews. I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that they were +wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, that they were gross in their +manner of living, and petty and mean in business transactions. I took +Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens of the whole race. It was, really, a +most unaccountable hatred I had for them. My teeth would actually clinch +if I had to sit next to one on a street-car. You may think it strange, +but I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be a fact that there +are hundreds and hundreds of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy." + +Bethany looked up quickly. + +"My father's reading and training," she said, "has caused me to have a +great admiration and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean such as +the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees of a later date. But in the +concrete, I must say I like to have as little intercourse with them as +possible. And as to modern Israelites, all I know of them personally is +the almost cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants with whom +I have dealt, and the dirty swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short cut through those streets +sometimes in driving to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She gave a +little shiver of repugnance at the recollection. + +"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that same feeling the greater part of +my life. But ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, studying the +four Gospels. It opened my eyes, Bethany. I got a clearer view of the +Christ than I ever had before. I saw how I had been misrepresenting him +to the world. The inconsistencies of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs along the coast, that +vessels might be wrecked by their misleading light. Do you suppose a Jew +could have accepted such a Christ as I represented then? No wonder they +fail to recognize their Messiah in the distorted image that is reflected +in the lives of his followers." + +"But they rejected Christ himself when he was among them," ventured +Bethany. + +"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like the old story of the man with a +muck rake. Do you remember that picture that was shown to Christian at +the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's Progress?' As a nation, Israel had +stooped so much to the gathering of dry traditions, had bent so long +over the minute letter of the law, that it could not straighten itself +to take the crown held out to it. It could not even lift its eyes to +discern that there was a crown just over its head." + +"It always made me think of the blind Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In +trying to overthrow something it could not see, spiritually I mean, it +pulled down the pillars of prophecy on its own head." + +Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again. + +"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ; but who was it that wrote +those wonderful chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that went out +ablaze with the power of Pentecost to spread the deathless story of the +resurrection? Who were the apostles that founded our Church? To whom do +we owe our knowledge of God and our hope of redemption, if not to the +Jews? We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself belonged to that +race we so reproach." + +He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten his surroundings, until a +light touch on his shoulder interrupted him. + +"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, Brother Marion?" asked the +minister's genial voice. + +He turned quickly to smile into the frank, smooth-shaven face bending +over him. + +"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing my young friend back +there, David Herschel. Have you met him?" + +"Yes, I was talking with him a little while ago," answered the minister. +"He seems very reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier seems to +arise when we talk to one of that race. I just came in to tell you that +Cragmore is in the next car. He got on at the last station." + +"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, rising quickly. "I +haven't seen him for two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile." + +"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," said Mrs. Marion, as +the door banged behind the two men. + +"Frank will never think of us again when he gets to spinning yarns with +Mr. Cragmore. I want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of the most +original men I ever heard talk. He's a young minister from the 'auld +sod.' They called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first came over, he +was so fiery and impetuous. There is enough of the brogue left yet in +his speech to spice everything he says. He and Frank are a great deal +alike in some things. They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate love of joking. They are +both so terribly in earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they once settle on a point, +they are so tenacious nothing can move them. I often tell Frank he is +worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition says they do let go when it +thunders, but nothing will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched." + +There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. At the sound of a noisy gong +in front of the station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with his friend. +Capacious lunch-baskets were opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting. + +"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. "I intended to ask him to +lunch with us." + +"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied his wife. + +"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, George," said Mr. Marion. +"I've been all up and down this train trying to get people to be +neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the only one who has spoken to him. +They were all having such a good time when I interrupted them, or they +didn't know what to say to a Jew, and a dozen different excuses." + +"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject again!" exclaimed Mrs. +Marion. "Take a sandwich, and forget about it." + +Bethany Hallam laughed more than once during the merry luncheon that +followed. She could not remember that she had laughed before since her +father's death. The young Irishman's ready wit, his droll stories, and +odd expressions were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, too, drawing +constantly from Frank Marion's inexhaustible supply of fun. + +"You have seen only one side of him," remarked Mrs. Marion, when her +husband had taken him away to introduce David. "While he was very +entertaining, I think he has shown us one of the least attractive phases +of his character." + +David had felt very much out of place all morning. It was one thing to +travel among ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and another to be +surrounded by those who were constantly bubbling over with religious +enthusiasm. He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water tank, he +said to himself, but he did object to its boiling over on him. + +His neighbors would have been very much surprised could they have known +he was studying them with keen insight, and finding much to criticise. +Even some of their songs were objectionable to him, their catchy +refrains reminding him of some he had heard at colored minstrel shows. + +With such an exalted idea of worship as the old rabbi had inculcated in +him, it did not seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless through +such sonorous utterances as the psalms. Some of these little tinkling, +catch-penny tunes seemed profanation. + +He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. He had very unexpectedly +found a congenial friend in the young minister. It was not often he met +a man so keenly alert to nature, so versed in his favorite literature, +or of his same sensitive temperament. He felt himself opening his inner +doors as he did to no one else but the rabbi. + +A drizzling rain was falling when they began to wind in and out among +the mountains of Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. It crowned every hilltop +ahead of them. It reached its shining ladder of light into every valley. +It seemed such a prophecy of what awaited them on the mountain beyond, +that some one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises." + +As the full glory of the rainbow flashed on Cragmore's sight, he stopped +abruptly in the middle of a sentence. The expression of his face seemed +to transfigure it. When he turned to David, there were tears in his +eyes. + +"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" he said, in a low tone, that +thrilled David with its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The Mizpahs! +The Ebenezers! See, it is like a pillar of fire leading us to a +veritable land of promise." + +Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, he began to talk of the +promises of the Bible, till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make me +forget that you are a Christian. You enter into Israel's past even more +fully than many of her own sons." + +Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, nervous way, with an +impetuous gesture. + +"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously into the broad brogue of +his childhood, "we hold sacred with you the heritage of your past. We +look up with you to the same God, the Father; we confess a common faith +till we stand at the foot of the cross. There is no great barrier +between us--only a step--one step farther for you to take, and we stand +side by side!" + +He laid his hand on David's, and looked into his eyes with an +expression of tender pleading as he added: + +"O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has revealed +himself to me! I pray you may! I do pray you may!" + +It was the first time in David's life any one had ever said such a thing +to him. He sat back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an answer. It +put an end to their conversation for a while. Cragmore felt that his +sympathy had carried him to the point of giving offense. He was relieved +when Dr. Bascom beckoned him to share his seat. + +After a while, as the train sped on into the darkness, the passengers +subsided in to sleepy indifference. It seemed hours afterward when Mr. +Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying briskly, "Wake up, old +fellow, we are getting into Chattanooga." + +"Let us go in with banners flying," said Dr. Bascom. "I understand that +every car-full that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has come +singing." + +The lights of the city, twinkling through the car-windows, aroused the +sleepy passengers with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when they +steamed slowly into the crowded depot, it was as "pilgrims singing in +the night." + +In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. Marion lost sight of David. + +"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed tone. "I intended to ask +him to drive to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I wanted to +introduce him to you, Bethany." + +"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, Cousin Frank," she said, +as she followed him through the depot gates. "He may be very agreeable, +and all that, but he's a Jew, and I don't care to make his +acquaintance." + +The handle of the umbrella she was carrying came in collision with some +one behind her. + +"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in her gracious, high-bred way. + +The gentleman raised his hat. It was David Herschel. A stylish-looking +little school-girl was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded man, whom +she recognized as Major Herrick, was walking just behind him. They had +come down from the mountain to meet him, and take him to Lookout Inn. As +their eyes met, Bethany was positive that he had overheard her remark. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT." + + +BY some misunderstanding, Bethany and her cousins had been assigned to +different homes. + +"It is too late to make any change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they +left her. "We are only one block further up on this same street. We will +try to make some arrangement to-morrow to have you with us." + +Bethany followed her hostess into the wide reception-hall. One of the +most elegant homes of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, all as tired and +travel-stained as herself. + +During the introductions, Bethany mentally classified them as the most +uninteresting lot of people she had seen in a long time. + +"I believe you are the odd one of this party, Miss Hallam," said the +hostess, glancing over the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is one improvised for the +occasion; but you will probably be more comfortable here alone than in a +larger room with several others." + +It had never occurred to Bethany that she might have been asked to share +an apartment with some stranger, and she hastened to assure her hostess +of her appreciation of the little room, which, though very small indeed +compared with the great dimensions of the others, was quite comfortable +and attractive. + +"I have always been accustomed to being by myself," she said, "and it +makes no difference at all if it is so far away from the other +sleeping-rooms. I am not at all timid." + +Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, she realized that she had +never been so entirely alone before in all her life. Home seemed so very +far away. Her surroundings were so strange. Her extreme weariness +intensified her morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered such a +sensation coming to her one night in mid-ocean, but she had tapped on +her state-room wall, and her father had come to her immediately. Now she +might call a weary lifetime. No earthly voice could ever reach him. + +With a throbbing ache in her throat, and hot tears springing to her +eyes, she opened her valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out at her. She was kneeling +before them, with her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As she +gazed at them intently, a tear splashed down on her black dress. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she sobbed, passionately, "for God +to take everything! It would have been so easy for him to let me keep +them. How could he be so cruel? How could he take away all that made my +life worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?" + +She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm of sobbing. Presently she +looked up again at her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, very +like her own. It brought back all her happy childhood, that seemed +almost glorified now by the remembered halo of its devoted mother-love. + +The years had softened that grief, but it all came back to-night with +its old-time bitterness. + +The next face was little Jack's--a sturdy, wide-awake boy, with +mischievous dimples and laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he +had suffered since his accident, made her feel that she had lost him +also, in a way. The physician had assured her that he would be the same +vigorous, romping child again; but she found that hard to believe when +she thought of his present helpless condition. + +She pressed the next picture to her lips with trembling fingers, and +then looked lovingly into the eyes that seemed to answer her gaze with +one of steadfast, manly devotion. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she sobbed again. How it all came +back to her--the happy June-time of her engagement!--the summer days +when she dreamed of him, the summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the first bunch of violets he +brought her, to the judge's tender smile when she spread out all her +bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering lengths of the white, +trailing satin; such filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the telegram, and afterward +the darkened room, and the darker hour, when she groped her way to a +motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. O, how she had clung to the +cold hands, and kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in an +agony of despair! But as she turned, her father's strong arms were +folded about her, and his broken voice whispered comfort. + +The dear father! It had been doubly desolate since he had gone, too. + +Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her arms, she seemed to face a +future that was utterly hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, she felt +that there was absolutely no reason why she should go on living. + +The ticking of her watch reminded her that it was nearly midnight. In a +mechanical way, she got up and began to arrange her hair for the night. + +After she had extinguished the light, she pulled aside the curtain, and +looked out on the unfamiliar streets. + +The moon had come up. In the dim light the crest of old Lookout towered +grimly above the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms passed through +her mind: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh +my help." + +"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no help. God doesn't care. He +is too far away." + +As she went back to the bed, the words of the novice in Muloch's +"Benedetta Minelli" came to her: + + "O weary world, O heavy life, farewell! + Like a tired child that creeps into the dark + To sob itself asleep where none will mark, + So creep I to my silent convent cell." + +"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock myself away with my +memories, and not be obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not be so hard. How I dread +to-morrow, with its crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever come?" + +Next morning, the guests gathered out on the vine-covered piazza to +discuss their plans for the day. + +There were two theological students from Boston, a young doctor from +Texas, and the son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas farmer's +wife and her sister, a bright little schoolteacher from an Iowa village, +and three pretty Georgia girls, completed the party. + +Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering how they could be so +greatly interested in such things as the most direct car-line to +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to "do" the old +battle-grounds. + +The youngest Georgia girl was about her own age. She had made several +attempts to include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking her +reserve and indifference for haughtiness, turned to the Louisiana boy +with a remark about unsociable Northerners. + +Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, and she wondered, in a dull +way, how anybody could be light-hearted enough even to smile in such a +world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered that she had laughed +herself, the day before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It rather +puzzled her now to know how she could have done so. Her wakeful night +had left her unusually depressed. + +An open, two-seated carriage stopped at the gate. Mrs. Marion and George +Cragmore were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. Bascom sat with the +driver. Bethany had been waiting for them some time with her hat on, so +she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. Cragmore leaped over the wheel to +open the gate, and assist her to a seat between himself and Mrs. +Marion. + +They drove rapidly out towards Missionary Ridge. To Bethany's great +relief, neither of her companions seemed in a talkative mood. Mr. +Marion, who was an ardent Southerner, had been deep in a political +discussion with Dr. Bascom. As they stopped on the winding road, half +way up the ridge, to look down into the beautiful valley below, and +across to the purple summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long breath. +Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, "The work of His fingers! +What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, after a long silence: +"How insignificant our little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject." + +Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on every side, did not notice +Bethany's continued silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The fresh +air and brisk motion had somewhat aroused Bethany from her apathy. +First, she began to be interested in the constantly-changing view, and +then she noticed its effect on the erratic man beside her. + +From the time they commenced to ascend the ridge he had not spoken to +any one directly, but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if he were all alone; some of them +dreamily, some of them with startling force, and all with the slight +brogue he spoke so musically. + +"Every common bush afire with God," he murmured in an undertone, looking +at a dusty wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes. + +Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that if any other man of her +acquaintance had kept up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard him do it again after +that day. It seemed as if the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words that immortal pens had +made deathless. + +The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out to them from grassy orchards, +where the trees were bent over with their wealth of velvety, +sun-reddened fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had taken no notice of Bethany's +depression when she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature was +having on her sore heart. But she knew that he had seen it, when he +turned to her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as well as his +first one had the wayside weed. He half sang it, with a tender, wistful +smile, as he watched her face. + + "O the green things growing, the green things growing-- + The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing! + I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve, + Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing, + For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much, + With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing." + +Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had told him of all she had +suffered, or if he had guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that he +had not been told, but that he had divined it. Yet when they stopped on +the Chickamauga battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across the +rough fields like an overgrown boy, she thought of her cousin Ray's +remark, "They used to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered at the +contradictory phases his character presented. She saw him pause and lay +his hand reverently on the largest cannon, and then come running back +across the furrows with long, awkward jumps. + +"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?" asked Mr. Marion, in his +teasing way. "The idea of keeping us waiting while you were racing +across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun." + +"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, yet there was a flash in his +eyes that belied the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just wanted to lay my hands on +its dumb lips." He waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, but +they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day they spoke freedom to a race." + +He did not take his seat in the carriage for a while, but followed at a +little distance, ranging the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark of an old tree where the shells +had plowed deep scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush away the +leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any one but a true woodsman would +have passed with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare specimen up to +the carriage to ask its name. He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered. + +"It's a pity to tear them up, when they would wither in just a few +hours," he said; "the solitary places are so glad for them." + +"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, as he watched him break a +little sprig of cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree to put in +his card-case. "Sometimes he is the veriest clown; at others, a child +could not be more artless; and I have seen him a few times when he +seemed to be aroused into a spiritual giant. He fairly touched the +stars." + +Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive that she did not go to the +opening services in the big tent that afternoon. + +"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, when he came in after supper, +"and so did David Herschel." + +"Missed what?" inquired Bethany. + +"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. You know he is a Jew. +Such a broad, fraternal speech must have been a revelation to a great +many of his audience. I tell you, it was fine! You're going to-night, +aren't you, Bethany?" + +"No," she answered, "I want to save myself for the sunrise +prayer-meeting on the mountain to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all night to see." + +It was about two o'clock in the morning when they started up the +mountain by rail. The cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train lurched around sudden +curves. Notwithstanding the early hour, and the discomfort of their +position, they sang all the way up the mountain. + +"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me how these people can sing so +constantly. The last thing I heard last night before I went to sleep was +the electric street-car going past the house, with a regular hallelujah +chorus on board. Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? How can +they keep worked up to such a pitch all the time?" + +"You should have been at the tent last night, dear," answered Mrs. +Marion. "Then you would have gotten into the secret of it. There is an +inspiration in great numbers. The audiences we are having there are said +to be the greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our League at home +has been doing very faithful work, but I couldn't help wishing last +night that every member could have been present. To see ten thousand +faces lit up with the same interest and the same hope, to hear the +battle-cry, 'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled out in response +like a volley of ten thousand musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly awakened to the fact +that they were not fighting single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these were only the +advance-guard, for over a million young people are enlisted in the same +cause. Think of that, Bethany--a million leagued together just in +Methodism! Then, when you count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's Daughters and Sons, and +the Young Men's Christian Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought to revolutionize the +universe in the next decade." + +"Then you think it is an inspiration of the crowds that makes them sing +all the time," said Bethany. + +"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. "To be sure, it has something to do +with it; but to most of this vast number of young people, their religion +is not a sentiment to be fanned into spasmodic flame by some excitement. +It is a vital force, that underlies every thought and every act. They +will sing at home over their work, and all by themselves, just as +heartily as they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster Abbey, one +time, the profiles of John and Charles Wesley put side by side on the +same medallion. I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put the spirit of both brothers into its +daily life--that does not wing its sermons with its songs." + +Hundreds of people had already gathered on the brow of the mountain, +waiting the appointed hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a place where +nature had formed a great amphitheater of the rocks. They seated +themselves on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. They were +above the clouds. Such billows of mist rolled up and hid the sleeping +earth below that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless ocean. The +world and its petty turmoils were blotted out. There was only this one +gray peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. It was still and +solemn in the early light. They spoke together almost in whispers. + +"I can not believe that any man ever went up into a mountain to pray +without feeling himself drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said Dr. +Bascom. + +Frank Marion looked around on the assembled crowds, and then said +slowly: + +"Once a little band of five hundred met the risen Lord on a +mountain-side in Galilee, and were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am +with you alway!' Think what they accomplished, and then think of the +thousands here this morning that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! There ought to be a wonderful +work accomplished for the Master this year." + +Cragmore, who had walked away a little distance from the rest, and was +watching the eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight. + +"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a child, and yet with the +appreciation of a poet shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea." + +He pointed to the long bars of light spreading like great flaming +pinions above the horizon. The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven and +a new earth. In the solemn hush of the sunrise, a voice began to sing, +"Nearer, my God, to thee." + +It was as in the days of the old temple. They had left the outer courts +and passed up into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain of cloud +seemed to shut them in, till in that high Holy of Holies they stood face +to face with the Shekinah of God's presence. + +Bethany caught her breath. There had been times before this when, +carried along by the impetuous eloquence of some sermon or prayer, every +fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. In her childlike +reaching out towards spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses of +the Fatherhood of God. She had gone to him with every experience of her +young life, just as naturally and freely as she had to her earthly +father. But when beside the judge's death-bed she pleaded for his life +to be spared to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals met no +response, she turned away in rebellious silence. "She would pray no more +to a dumb heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been vain. + +Now, as she listened to songs and prayers and testimony, she began to +feel the power that emanated from them,--the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known him before: the Father +revealed through the Son. + +Below, the mists began to roll away until the hidden valley was revealed +in all its morning loveliness. But how small it looked from such a +height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver thread. The outlying forests +dwindled to thickets. + +Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll away from her spiritual +vision, and she saw her life in relation to the eternities. Self +dwindled out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no childish +questioning of Divine purposes. The blind Bartimeus by the wayside, +hearing the cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping his way +towards "the Light of the world," was no surer of his dawning vision +than Bethany, as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. She +saw not only the glory of the June sunrise; for her the "Sun of +righteousness had arisen, with healing in his wings." + +People seemed loath to go when the services were over. They gathered in +little groups on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from one point +of view to another, drinking in the rare beauty of the morning. + +Bethany walked on without speaking. She was a little in advance of the +others, and did not notice when the rest of her party were stopped by +some acquaintances. Absorbed in her own thoughts, she turned aside at +Prospect Point, and walked out to the edge. As she looked down over the +railing, the refrain of one of the songs that had been sung so +constantly during the last few days, unconsciously rose to her lips. She +hummed it softly to herself, over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day." + +So oblivious was she of all surroundings that she did not hear Frank +Marion's quick step behind her. He had come to tell her they were going +down the mountain by the incline. + +"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" The words came softly, almost +under her breath; but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred to bring any song to her +lips. + +"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean it, child? Has the light come?" + +The face that she turned towards him was radiant. She could find no +words wherewith to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her hands +in his, and the tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, with a tremor in his strong voice. +"It is what I have been praying for. Now you see why I urged you to +come. I knew what a mountain-top of transfiguration this would be." + +Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, David Herschel had looked around +with great curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was only a little +distance from the inn, and he had come down hoping to discover the real +motive that had brought these people together from such vast distances. +He wondered what power their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour. + +He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity of the sunrise. He felt, +too, the uplifting power of the old hymn, that song drawn from the +experience of Jacob at Bethel, that seemed to lift every heart nearer to +the Eternal. + +He was deeply stirred as the leader began to speak of the mountain +scenes of the Bible, of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount Zion with its thousand +hallowed memories. So far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, of Calvary, or of +Olivet. + +He had never heard such prayers as the ones that followed. Although +there can be found no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions of Jehovah, than are +bound in the rituals of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the heart +were a revelation to him. + +There came again the fulfillment of the deathless words, "And I, if I be +lifted up, will draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly Nazarene was +lifted up that morning in that great gathering of his people! How his +name was exalted! All up and down old Lookout Mountain, and even across +the wide valley of the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer. + +When the testimony service began, David turned from one speaker to +another. What had they come so far to tell? From every State in the +Union, from Canada, and from foreign shores, they brought only one +story--"Behold the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, the young Jew's +heart was strangely drawn to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a converted Jew. I was +brought to Christ by a little girl--a member of the Junior League. I +have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and fortune, but +I have gained so much that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated my life to his +service." + +David changed his position in order to get a better view of the speaker. +He scrutinized him closely. He studied his face, his dress, even his +attitude, to determine, if possible, the character of this new witness. +He saw a man of medium height, broad forehead, and firm mouth over which +drooped a heavy, dark mustache. There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were large, dark, and +magnetic, met David's with a steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment. + +With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to probe this man with +questions. As he went back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his +history, and find what had induced him to turn away from the faith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +AN EPWORTH JEW. + + +NEARLY every northern-bound mail-train, since Bethany's arrival in +Chattanooga, had carried something home to Jack--a paper, a postal, +souvenirs from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. Knowing how +eagerly he watched for the postman's visits, she never let a day pass +without a letter. Saturday morning she even missed part of the services +at the tent in order to write to him. + +"I have just come back from Grant University," she wrote. "Cousin Frank +was so interested in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise meeting yesterday, +because he said a little Junior League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview with him. His name is +Lessing. Cousin Frank asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I haven't time now to give all the +details, but will tell them to you when I come home." + +Bethany had been intensely interested in the man's story. They sat out +on one of the great porches of the university, with the mountains in +sight. They had drawn their chairs aside to a cool, shady corner, where +they would not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly passing +in and out. + +"It is for the children you want my story," he said; "so they must know +of my childhood. It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the strictest +of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully trained in the observances +of the law. He taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence to all +the customs of the synagogue." + +Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as he told many interesting +incidents of his early home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store in St. Elmo, at the foot +of Mount Lookout. He was very fond of children, and made friends with +all who came into the store. There was one little girl, a fair, +curly-haired child, who used to come oftener than the others. She grew +to love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion, often talked to him of +the Junior League, in which she was deeply interested. + +Her distress when she discovered that he did not love Christ was +pitiful. She insisted so on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon worried him all day. +It had been announced that the evening service would be a continuation +of the same subject. He went at night, and was so impressed with the +truth of what he heard, that when the child came for him to go to +prayer-meeting with her the next week, he did not refuse. + +Towards the close of the service the minister asked if any one present +wished to pray for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. Lessing, and +to his great embarrassment began to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother +Lessing!" was all she said, but she repeated it over and over with such +anxious earnestness, that it went straight to his heart. + +He dropped on his knees beside her, and began praying for himself. It +was not long until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing the +Christ he had been taught to despise. In the enthusiasm of this +new-found happiness he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly refused to listen. For +months she berated and ridiculed him. When she found that not only were +tears and arguments of no avail, but that he felt he must consecrate his +life to the ministry, she declared she would leave him. He sold the +store, and gave her all it brought; and she went back to her family in +Florida. + +In order to prepare for the ministry he entered the university, working +outside of study hours at anything he could find to do. In the meantime +he had written to his parents, knowing how greatly they would be +distressed, yet hoping their great love would condone the offense. + +His father's answer was cold and businesslike. He said that no disgrace +could have come to him that could have hurt him so deeply as the +infidelity of his trusted son. If he would renounce this false faith for +the true faith of his fathers, he would give him forty thousand dollars +outright, and also leave him a legacy of the same amount. But should he +refuse the offer, he should be to him as a stranger--the doors of both +his heart and his house should be forever barred against him. + +His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the pictures of all the family, +whom he had not seen for several years. Their faces called up so many +happy memories of the past that they pleaded more eloquently than words. +It was a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding him of all +they had been to each other, and begging him for her sake to come back +to the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: "If you insist on +clinging to this false Christ, whom we have taught you to despise, the +heart of your father and of your mother must be closed against you, and +you must be thrust out from us forever with our curse upon you." + +He knew it was the custom. He had been present once when the awful +anathema was hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing every right +from the outlaw, living or dead. He knew that his grave would be dug in +the Jewish cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would read the rites of +burial over his empty coffin, and that henceforth his only part in the +family life would be the blot of his disgraceful memory. + +He spread the pictures and the letters on the desk before him. A cold +perspiration broke out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by one he took up the photographs of +his brothers and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, and laid them +aside; then his father's, with its strong, proud face. He put that away, +too. + +At last he picked up his mother's picture. She looked straight out at +him, with such a world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, with +such trustful devotion, as if she knew he could not resist the appeal, +that he turned away his head. The trial seemed greater than he could +bear. He was trembling with the force of it. Then he looked again into +the dear, patient face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It was the +same old mother who had nursed him, who had loved him, who had borne +with his waywardness and forgiven him always. He seemed to feel the soft +touch of her lips on his forehead as she bent over to give him a +goodnight kiss. All that she had ever done for him came rushing through +his memory so overwhelmingly that he broke down utterly, and began to +sob like a child. "O, I can't give her up," he groaned. "My dear old +mother! I can't grieve her so!" + +All that morning he clung to her picture, sometimes walking the floor in +his agony, sometimes falling on his knees to pray. "God in heaven have +pity," he cried. "That a man should have to choose between his mother +and his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more long look at the +picture, laid it reverently away with shaking hands. He had surrendered +everything. + +He did not tell all this to his sympathizing listeners. They could read +part of the pathos of that struggle in his face, part in the voice that +trembled occasionally, despite his strong effort to control it. + +Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his own gentle mother in the old +homestead among the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought of the great +pillar of strength her unfaltering faith had been to him, of how from +boyhood it had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, of how much he +had always depended upon her love and her prayers, his sympathies were +stirred to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's hand in his +strong grasp. + +"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently. + +Bethany turned her head aside, and looked away into the hazy distances. +She knew what it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that bound her +best beloved to her. She knew what it was to have only pictured faces to +look into, and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. The +question flashed into her mind, could she have made the voluntary +surrender that he had made? She put it from her with a throb of shame +that she was glad that she had not been so tested. + +Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing down the steps, recognized him, +and called back: + +"What time does your speech come on the program, Frank? I understand you +are to hold forth to-day." + +Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a moment, to speak to his friend. + +Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while she drew unmeaning dots and +dashes over the cover of her note-book. + +Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did you ever speak to a Jew about +your Savior?" he asked, with such startling directness, that Bethany was +confused. + +"No," she said, hesitatingly. + +"Why?" he asked. + +He was looking at her with a penetrating gaze that seemed to read her +thoughts. + +"Really," she answered, "I have never considered the question. I am not +very well acquainted with any, for one reason; besides, I would have +felt that I was treading on forbidden grounds to speak to a Jew about +religion. They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched in their +beliefs, so proof against argument, that it would be both a useless and +thankless undertaking." + +"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," he answered, "but nobody is +proof against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss Hallam, it seems a +terrible thing to me. The Church will make sacrifices, will cross the +seas, will overcome almost any obstacle to send the gospel to China or +to Africa, anywhere but to the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I +know there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here and there through +the large cities, and a few earnest souls are devoting their entire +energy to the work. But suppose every Christian in the country became an +evangel to the little community of Jews within the radius of his +influence. Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual effort were made +to show them Christ, with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the old +story' to the Hottentots. What would be the result? O, if I had waited +for a grown person to speak to me about it, I might have waited until +the day of my death. I was restless. I was dissatisfied. I felt that I +needed something more than my creed could give me. For what is Judaism +now? I read an answer not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been possible; a religion of +the Passover and the Day of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two +millenniums, no lamb has been slain and no atonement offered; a +sacerdotal religion, with only the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of +a temple which has no temple more; its altar is quenched, its ashes +scattered, no longer kindling any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any +hope.'[A] No man ever took me by the hand and told me about the peace I +have now. No man ever shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the blessed guiding influence +of a little child, my hungry heart might still be crying out +unsatisfied." + +He went on to repeat several conversations he had had with men of his +own race, to show her how this indifference of Christians was reckoned +against them as a glaring inconsistency by the Jews. Almost as if some +one had spoken the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, "I +was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in. Inasmuch as ye did it +not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me." + +Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation of that Scripture had +always been in a temporal sense. More than once, when a child, she had +watched her mother feed some poor beggar, with the virtuous feeling that +that condemnation could not apply to the Hallam family. But now +Lessing's impassioned appeal had awakened a different thought. Who so +hungered as those who, reaching out for bread, grasped either the stones +of a formal ritualism or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? Who +such "strangers within the gates" of the nations as this race without a +country? From the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of Babylon, from +the Ghetto of Rome to the fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been driven--exiles and +aliens. The New World had welcomed them. The New World had opened all +its avenues to them. Only from the door of Christian society had they +turned away, saying, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in." + +In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart went out in an earnest +prayer: "O God, in the great day of thy judgment, let not that +condemnation be mine. Only send me some opportunity, show me some way +whereby I may lead even one of the least among them to the world's +Redeemer!" + +Mr. Marion came back from his interview, looking at his watch as he did +so. It was so near time for services to begin at the tent, that he did +not resume his seat. + +"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," said Bethany, holding out her +hand as she bade him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before I go, what +an impression this conversation has made upon me. It has aroused an +earnest desire to be the means of carrying the hope that comforts me, +to some one among your people." + +"You will succeed," he said, looking into her earnest upturned face. +Then he added softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an olden +day--"Peace be unto you." + +All that day, after the sunrise meeting, David Herschel had been with +Major Herrick, going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. A monument was to be erected on +the spot where nearly all the major's men had fallen in one of the most +hotly-contested battles of the war. He had come down to help locate the +place. + +"It's a very different reception they are giving us now," remarked the +major, as they drove through the city. + +Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. Every street +gleamed with the white and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South. + +"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests royally; people of every +denomination, and of no faith at all, are vying with each other to show +the kindliest hospitality. We are missing it by being at the hotel. I +told Mrs. Herrick and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?" + +"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity was satisfied this +morning. I'll go on up to the inn. I have a letter to write." + +The major laughed. + +"It's a letter that has to be written every day, isn't it?" he said, +banteringly. "Well, I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was young +myself once. Conferences aren't to be taken into account at all when a +billet-doux needs answering." + +The next day David kept Marta with him as much as possible. He could see +that she was becoming greatly interested, and catching much of Albert +Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy was a great League worker, and attended +every meeting. + +David took Marta a long walk over the mountain paths. They sat on the +wide, vine-hung veranda of the inn, and read together. Then, as it was +their Sabbath, he took her up to his room, and read some of the ritual +of the day, trying to arouse in her some interest for the old customs of +their childhood. + +To his great dismay, he found that she had drifted away from him. She +was not the yielding child she had been, whom he had been able to +influence with a word. + +She showed a disposition to question and contend, that annoyed him. The +rabbi was right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences. + +It was with a feeling of relief that he woke Sunday morning to hear the +rain beating violently against the windows. He was glad on her account +that the storm would prevent them going down into the city. But toward +evening the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began to insist on going +down to the night service in the tent. + +"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss it +for anything." + +"Neither would I," responded Marta. "There is something so inspiring in +all that great chorus of voices." + +When David found that his sister really intended to go, notwithstanding +his remonstrances, and that the family were waiting for her in the hall +below, he made no further protest, but surprised her by taking his hat, +and tucking her hand in his arm. + +"Then I will go with you, little sister," he said. "I want to have as +much of your company as possible during my short visit." + +Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, +divined David's purpose in keeping his sister so close. He lifted his +eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his mother's wraps, leaving +Frances to follow with the major. + +The tent was crowded when they reached it. They succeeded with great +difficulty in obtaining several chairs in one of the aisles. + +"Herschel and I will go back to the side," said Albert. "The audience +near the entrance is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the first +vacant seat; some will be sure to get tired and go out before long. They +always do." + +It was the first time David had been in the tent, and he was amazed at +the enormous audience. He leaned against one of the side supports, +watching the people, still intent on crowding forward. Suddenly his look +of idle curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He recognized the +face of the Jew who had attracted him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing slowly towards him. + +Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd at the door pushed harder. The +fresh impetus jostled them almost off their feet, and in the crush +Lessing was caught and held directly in front of David. Some magnetic +force in the eyes of each held the gaze of the other for a moment. Then +Lessing, recognizing the common bond of blood, smiled. + +That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," had sounded in David's ears +ever since it first startled him. He felt confident that the man was +laboring under some strong delusion, and he wished that he might have an +opportunity to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him back to the +old faith. + +Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was irresistible, he laid his hand +on the stranger's arm. + +"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, and in a low tone. "Come +this way. I will not detain you long." + +He drew him out of the press into one of the side aisles, and thence +towards the exit. + +"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he asked; "I want to ask you +several questions." + +Lessing complied quietly. + +The sound of a cornet followed them with the pleading notes of an old +hymn. It was like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding a call to +prayer. Then the singing began. Song after song rolled out on the night +air across the common to a street where two men paced back and forth in +the darkness. They were arm in arm. David was listening to the same +story that Bethany and Frank Marion had heard the day before. He could +not help but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so earnest, his faith +was so sure. When he was through, David was utterly silenced. The +questions with which he had intended to probe this man's claims were +already answered. + +"We might as well go back," he said at last. As they walked slowly +towards the tent, he said: "I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that you are under the spell of +some mysterious power that deludes you." + +Just as they passed within the tent, the cornet sounded again, the +great congregation rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one: + + "All hail the power of Jesus' name, + Let angels prostrate fall!" + +The sight was a magnificent one; the sound like an ocean-beat of praise. +Lessing seized David's arm. + +"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not only does it uplift all these +thousands you see here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was known among men. Could he +transform lives to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his power +were a delusion? What has brought them all these miles, if not this same +power? Look at the class of people who have been duped, as you call it." +He pointed to the platform. "Bishops, college presidents, editors, men +of marked ability and with world-wide reputation for worth and +scholarship." + +At the close of the hymn some one moved over, and made room for David on +one of the benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. David listened +to all that was said with a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon +began. The bishop's opening words caught his attention, and echoed in +his memory for months afterward. + +"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, and as he appeared to him when +he did not believe in him--when he despised him. Then he also knew +Christ after his surrender to him; after Christ had entered into his +life, and changed the character of his being; after new meanings of life +and destiny filled his horizon, after the Divine tenderness filled to +completeness his nature; then was he in possession of a knowledge of +Christ, of an experience of his presence and of his love that was a +benediction to him, and has through the centuries since that hour been a +blessing to men wherever the gospel has been preached. + +"It is such a man speaking in this text. A man with a singularly strong +mind, well disciplined, with great will-power; a man with a great +ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as ever tabernacled in flesh and +blood. He proclaimed everywhere that, if need be, he was ready to die +for the principles out of which had come to him a new life, and which +had brought to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming in +happiness, that he was led to do and undertake what he knew would lead +at the last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? Hear him: 'For the love +of Christ constraineth us.'" + +There was a testimony service following the sermon. As David watched the +hundreds rising to declare their faith, he wondered why they should thus +voluntarily come forward as witnesses. Then the text seemed to repeat +itself in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth us!" + +He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. He was glad when the +conference was at an end; when the decorations were taken down from the +streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible enthusiasts went singing +out of the city. + +Albert Herrick went to the seashore that week. David proposed taking +Marta home with him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced by +the whole family that he quietly dropped the subject, and went back to +Rabbi Barthold alone. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Archdeacon Farrar. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"TRUST." + + "Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the thin air + of life's supremer heights. We can not make each meal + a sacrament."--Lowell. + + +IT had seemed to Bethany, in the experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel despondent again; but away from the +uplifting influences of the place, back among the painful memories of +the old home, she fought as hard a fight with her returning doubts as +ever Christian did in his Valley of Humiliation. + +For a week since her return the weather had been intensely warm. It made +Jack irritable, and sapped her own strength. + +There came a day when everything went wrong. She had practiced her +shorthand exercises all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill much larger than she had +expected. While he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse. Then Jack upset a +little cut-glass vase that was standing on the table beside him. It was +broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a +borrowed book that would have to be replaced. + +About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. He had brought a new kind of +brace that he wanted tried. + +"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but it is very expensive." + +Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak +that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. She could +not see where all the money they needed was to come from. + +"It's too small," said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace. +"The size larger will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning." + +He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold. + +"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. "It is so oppressively sultry." + +It was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden +windstorm that came up with terrific force. The trees in the avenue were +lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth. Huge +limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and +hanging. It was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, +that suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off the bushes, their +pink petals scattered over the soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves. + +As night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, +dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house. + +"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" inquired Jack. "Let's have a +fire in the library and eat supper there to-night." + +Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's favorite room in the winter, +on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned tiling. +She rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in +the big arm-chair to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, and presently the +flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship. + +"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection +of the fire in the garden outside. "Don't you remember what you read me +in 'Snowbound?' + + 'Under the tree, + When fire outdoors burns merrily, + There the witches are making tea.' + +This would be a fine night for witch stories. The wind makes such queer +noises in the chimney. Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful ones +we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones." + +As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, when Bethany had tucked +him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the +queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on +such a grewsome subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her +soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted +to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her. + +The judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when +he had been near enough to do it for her. But his love had made him +short-sighted. In shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was +only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come +when he was no longer with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon. + +"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, "that you would try to teach +drawing or watercolors, or something. You have spent so much time on +your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work. Then those +little dinner-cards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful. I am +sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you +orders." + +"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; "I must have something +that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on. +While I have painted some very acceptable things, I never was cut out +for a teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in which I can never be +more than third-rate. I've decided to study stenography. I am sure I can +master that, and command a first-class position. I have heard papa +complain a great many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really good +stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt the work, such a small per +cent are really proficient enough to undertake court reporting." + +"You're just like your father," said Mrs. Marion. "Uncle Richard would +never be anything if he couldn't be uppermost." + +It had been nearly a year since that conversation. Bethany had +persevered in her undertaking until she felt confident that she had +accomplished her purpose. She was ready for any position that offered, +but there seemed to be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in the bank +was dwindling away with frightful rapidity. She was afraid to encroach +on it any further, but the bills had to be met constantly. + +Presently she drew her chair over to the library table, and spread out +her check-book and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look over the +accounts for the month just ended. Then she made a list of the probable +expenses of the next two months. The contrast between their needs and +their means was appalling. + +"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, in a distressed whisper. "When +the first of September comes, there will be nothing left but to sell +the old home and go away somewhere to a strange place." + +The prospect of leaving the dear old place, that had grown to seem +almost like a human friend, was the last drop that made the day's cup of +misery overflow. The old doubt came back. + +"I wonder if God really cares for us in a temporal way?" she asked +herself. + +The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack had been so interested in, +recurred to her. Many of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. God had not interfered in +their behalf, she told herself. Why should he trouble himself about her? + +She went back to her seat by the fender, and, with her chin resting in +her hand, looked drearily into the embers, as if they could answer the +question. She heard some one come up on the porch and ring the bell. It +was Dr. Trent's quick, imperative summons. + +"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, as she ushered him into the +library. "Well, it makes no difference; you know how to adjust the +brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all day with that on." + +He gave an appreciative glance around the cheerful room, and spread his +hands out towards the fire. + +"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, rubbing them together. "I +wish I could stay and enjoy it with you. I have just come in from a long +drive, and must answer another call away out in the country. You'd be +surprised to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night." + +"I venture you never stopped at the boarding-house at all," answered +Bethany, "and that you have not had a mouthful to eat since noon. I am +going to get you something. Yes, I shall," she insisted, in spite of his +protestations. Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung on the crane +to-night, so that he could hear it sing as he used to. "The water is +boiling, and you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time." + +Before he could answer, she was out of the room, and beyond the reach of +his remonstrance. He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray head +back on the cushions, wearily closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when +Bethany came back. + +"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. "I was quite +exhausted by the intense heat of this morning. These sudden changes of +temperature are bad for one." + +"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the heavy tray she carried, "you +have brought me a regular feast. You ought not to have put yourself to +such trouble for an old codger used to boarding-house fare." + +"All the more reason why you should have a change once in a while," said +Bethany, gayly, as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot. + +The sight of the doctor's face as she entered the room had almost +brought the tears. It looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, or how deeply his face was lined. + +He had been such an intimate friend of her father's that she had grown +up with the feeling that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle Doctor" until she was nearly +grown. He had been so thoughtful and kind during all her troubles, and +especially in Jack's illness, that she longed to show her appreciation +by some of the tender little ministrations of which his life was so +sadly bare. + +"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, as he stretched his +feet towards the fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I didn't +realize I was so tired until I sat down, or so hungry until I began to +eat." Then he added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside until I +feel the cheer of others'." + +The doubts that had been making Bethany miserable all evening, and that +she had forgotten in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back with +renewed force. + +"Does God really care?" she asked herself again. Here was this man, one +of the best she had ever known, left to stumble along under the weight +of a living sorrow, the things he cared for most, denied him. + +"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," she had heard her father +say. + +There were two things he held dearer than life--the honor of the old +family name that had come down to him unspotted through generations, and +his little home-loving wife. For fifteen years he had experienced as +much of the happiness of home-life as a physician with a large practice +can know. Then word came to him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then taken his own life, +leaving nothing but the memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He had +borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting old aunt, and left her +almost penniless. + +When Dr. Trent recovered from the first shock of the discovery, he +quietly set to work to wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could eradicate at least that much +of the stain on the family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, for another trial, worse than +the first, had come to weaken his strength and dispel his courage. + +The idolized little wife became affected by some nervous malady that +resulted in hopeless insanity. + +Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's daughter, a little +brown-eyed child of her own age. She could remember playing +hide-and-seek with her one day in an old peony-garden. But she had died +years ago. There was only one other child--Lee. He had grown to be a +big boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel his mother's loss at +the time she was taken away. Bethany knew that she was still living in a +private asylum near town, and that the doctor saw her every day, no +matter how violent she was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he saw very little of the +boy. The child had never known any home but a boarding-house, and was as +lawless and unrestrained as some little wild animal. But the doctor saw +no fault in him. He praised the reports brought home from school of high +per cents in his studies, knowing nothing of his open defiance to +authority. He kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow next his +own when he came in late at night, never dreaming of the forbidden +places it had been during the day. + +Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's a pity that Lee is such a +little terror;" but no one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of all this moved Bethany to +sudden speech. + +"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously--she had unconsciously used +the old name--as she sat down on a low stool near his knee, "I was +piling up my troubles to-night before you came. Not the old ones," she +added, quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy cross his face, +"but the new ones that confront me." + +She gave a mournful little smile. + +"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' you know, and these shadows +look so dark and threatening. I see no possible way but to sell this +home. You have had so much to bear yourself that it seems mean to worry +you with my troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I don't know +what's the matter with me--" + +She stopped abruptly, and choked back a sob. He laid his hand softly on +her shining hair. + +"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a soothing tone. Then he +added, lightly, "I can't make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms." + +When he had heard her little outburst of worry and distrust, he said, +slowly: + +"You have done all in your power to prepare yourself for a position as +stenographer. You have done all you could to secure such a position, and +have been unsuccessful. But you still have a roof over your head, you +still have enough on hands to keep you two months longer without selling +the house or even renting it--an arrangement that has not seemed to +occur to you." He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It strikes me +that a certain little lass I know has been praying, 'Give us this day +our to-morrow's bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn to trust?" + +"But isn't it right for me to be anxious about providing some way to +keep the house?" she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray for the +future? You can't realize how it would hurt me to give up this place." + +"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You forget I have been called on +to make just such a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may not think me much of a +Christian. They rarely see me in Church--my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for me to speak of these sacred +things, unless it is when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know how to trust. No matter how +he has hurt me, I have been able to hang on to his promises, and say, +'All right, Lord. The case is entirely in your hands. Amputate, if it is +necessary; cut to the very heart, if you will. You know what is best.'" + +He pushed the long tray of dishes farther on the table, and, rising +suddenly, walked over to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a well-worn book. + +"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. "I want to read you a passage +that caught my eyes in here once. I remember showing it to your father." + +He turned the pages rapidly till he found the place. Then seating +himself by the lamp again, he began to read: + +"It came to my mind a week or two ago, so full an' sweet an' precious +that I can hardly think of anything else. It was during them cold, +northeast winds; these winds had made my cough very bad, an' I was shook +all to bits, and felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, an' +once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put down her work, an' looked at +me till her eyes filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?' She was making a warm +little petticoat for the little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took +hold of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' She held it up +without a word; her heart was too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' +I says. 'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable it will keep her! +Does she know about it yet?' + +"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said the wife, wondering. 'What +should she know about it for?' + +"I waited another minute, an' then I said: 'What a wonderful mother you +must be, wifie, to think about the little maid like that!' + +"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be more like wonderful if I forgot +that the cold weather was a-coming, and that the little maid would be +a-wanting something warm.' + +"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, and Frankie smiled. 'O +wife,' says I, 'do you think that you be going to take care o' the +little maid like that an' your Father in heaven be a-going to forget you +altogether? Come now (bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as you +are! An' do you think that he'd see the winter coming up sharp and cold, +an' not have something waiting for you, an' just what you want, too? +An' I know, dear wifie, that you wouldn't like to hear the little maid +go a-fretting, and saying: "There the cold winter be a-coming, an' +whatever shall I do if my mother should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt +an' grieved that she should doubt you like that. She knows that you care +for her, an' what more does she need to know? That's enough to keep her +from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that you +have need of all these things." That be put down in his book for you, +wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you grieve an' hurt him when you go +to fretting about the future, an' doubting his love.'" + +Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into his listener's thoughtful +eyes. + +"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson I have learned. Nothing is +withheld that we really need. Sometimes I have thought that I was tried +beyond my power of endurance, but when His hand has fallen the heaviest, +His infinite fatherliness has seemed most near; and often, when I least +expected it, some great blessing has surprised me. I have learned, after +a long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly in His hands, he +is far kinder to us than we would be to ourselves. + + 'Always hath the daylight broken, + Always hath he comfort spoken, + Better hath he been for years + Than my fears.' + +I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, Though he slay me, yet +will I trust him." + +The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes as she listened. Now she +hastily brushed them aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had caught a gleam of sunshine in +the midst of an April shower. + +"You have brushed away my last doubt and foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she +exclaimed. "Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares." + +The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour chime, and he rose to +go. + +"You have beguiled me into staying much longer than I intended," he +answered. "What will my poor patients in the country think of such a +long delay?" + +"Tell them you have been opening blind eyes," she said, gravely. +"Indeed, Uncle Doctor, the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, strengthens my faith more +than you can imagine." + +At the hall door he turned and took both her hands in his: + +"There is another thing to remember," he said. "You are only called on +to live one day at a time. One can endure almost any ache until sundown, +or bear up under almost any load if the goal is in sight. Travel only to +the mile-post you can see, my little maid. Don't worry about the ones +that mark the to-morrows." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE. + + "Sunshine and hope are comrades." + + +THE early morning light streaming into Bethany's room, aroused her to a +vague consciousness of having been in a storm the night before. Then she +remembered the garden roses beaten to earth by the hail, and the flood +of doubt and perplexity that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems confronted her; but they did +not assume such gigantic proportions in the light of this new day, with +its infinite possibilities. + +All the time she was dressing she heard Jack singing lustily in the next +room. He was impatient to try the new brace, and paused between solos to +exhort her to greater haste. She knelt just an instant by the low +window-seat. The prayer she made was one of the shortest she had ever +uttered, and one of the most heartfelt: "Give me this day my daily +bread." That was all; yet it included everything--strength, courage, +temporal help, disappointments or blessings--anything the dear Father +saw she needed in her spiritual growth. When she arose from her knees, +it was with a feeling of perfect security and peace. No matter what the +day might bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be thankful. + +About an hour after breakfast she wheeled Jack to a front window. It was +growing very warm again. + +"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this brace on," he said. "If +you like, I'll help you practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic speed by dictating +rapid sentences. He read too slowly to be of any service that way, but +he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he could repeat with amazing +rapidity. + +"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can make a speech as fast as I +can say the piece about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked when he +first proposed such dictation; "and I can say the 'Peter Piper picked a +peck of pickled peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy." + +Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as the boy's tongue, when they +heard a cheery voice in the hall. + +"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have felt all morning that something +nice was going to happen, and now it has." Then he called out in a +tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way +comes.'" + +"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as she appeared in the doorway. "I +think he is decidedly better, Bethany; you need not worry about him any +longer." + +She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a great yellow pear in his +lap. + +"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when Bethany insisted on taking +her hat. "I am to entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, and +Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually long list of the 'sick and in +prison' kind to look after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that ought to be attended +to." + +She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan. + +"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly. + +"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes +shine." + +"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will +impress Bethany." + +She plunged into the subject abruptly. + +"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live." + +"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? +O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give +up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers." + +"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your +mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I +am sure." + +"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do +such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to +speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house." + +"I did. They married brothers, Joe and Ralph Courtney, who were both +killed in the late war. They have been widows for over thirty years, +you see. They are just the dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember them. I did not know they +were in the city until last night. But just as soon as I heard that they +had come to stay, and wanted to go to housekeeping, I thought of you +immediately. I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went over to see +them in all that rain." + +"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, as Mrs. Marion paused. + +She gave a quick glance around the room. She felt sick and faint, now +that the prospect of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she felt that, +since it had been unsolicited, there must be something providential in +the sending of such an opportunity. + +"O, they will be only too glad to come," resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you +are willing. They remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, and +we planned it all out beautifully. Since Jack's accident you sleep +down-stairs anyhow. You could keep the library and the two smaller rooms +back of it, and may be a couple of rooms up-stairs. They would take the +rest of the house, and board you and Jack for the rent. Your bread and +butter would be assured in that way. They are model housekeepers, and +such a comfortable sort of bodies to have around, that I couldn't +possibly think of a nicer arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than taking care of this big +house." + +"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl could gasp. Her voice faltered +from sheer gladness. "You can't imagine what a load you have lifted from +me. I love every inch of this place, every stone in its old gray walls. +I couldn't bear to think of giving it up. And, just to think! last +night, at the very time I was most despondent, the problem was being +solved. I can never thank you enough." + +"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she rose to go. "No thanks are due +me, child. And Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody still calls +them, are just as anxious for such an arrangement as you can possibly +be. They'll be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite anxious to +get settled. They have roamed about the world so long they begin to feel +that 'there's no place like home.' Jack, they've been in China and +Africa and the South Sea Islands. Think of the charming tales in store +for you!" + +"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when she came back into the room +after walking to the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines as if +there was a light inside of you." + +"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, giving him an ecstatic hug. "I +am so very happy! It seems too good to be true." + +"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems +to me she is always busy doing something for somebody. She never has a +minute for herself. I remember, when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them wanted something. Why do you +suppose they all went to her? Did she tell them they might?" + +"Jack, do you remember the plant you had in your window last winter?" +she replied. "No matter how many times I turned the jar that held it, +the flower always turned around again towards the sun. People are the +same way, dear. They unconsciously spread out their leaves towards those +who have help and comfort to give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking." + +"She makes me think of that verse in 'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar +and spice and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?" + +"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. "Lowell has described her: + + 'So circled lives she with love's holy light, + That from the shade of self she walketh free.'" + +"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, with a puzzled expression. + +She explained it, and he repeated it over and over, until he had it +firmly fixed in his mind. + +Then they went back to the dictation exercises. It was almost dark when +they had another caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door on his way home +to dinner. + +"I have good news for you, Bethany," he said, with his face aglow with +eager sympathy. "Did Ray tell you?" + +"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've been on a mountain-top all day +because of it." + +"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, hastily. "It's better than that. I +mean about Porter & Edmunds." + +"I don't see how anything could be better than the news she brought," +said Bethany. + +"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see their new law-office to-day. +They have just moved into the Clifton Block. They have an elegant place. +As I looked around, making mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. I asked him if he +needed a stenographer. It was a random shot, for I had no idea they did. +The young man they have has been there so long, I considered him a +fixture. To my surprise he told me the fellow is going into business for +himself, and the place will be open next week. I told him I could fill +it for him to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to give you the +refusal of it until to-morrow noon. I leave to-night on a business-trip, +or I would take you over and introduce you." + +"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. "I know Mr. Edmunds very +well. He was a warm friend of papa's." + +Then she added, impulsively: + +"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a dark place that I couldn't see +my hand before my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I was ready +to give up, and now the way has grown so plain and easy, all at once, I +feel that I must be living in a dream." + +"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. "Why +didn't you come to me with your troubles? Remember I am always glad to +smooth the way for you, just as much as lies in my power." + +When he had gone, Bethany crept away into the quiet twilight of the +library, and, kneeling before the big arm-chair, laid her head in its +cushioned seat. + +"O Father," she whispered, "I am so ashamed of myself to think I ever +doubted thee for one single moment. Forgive me, please, and help me +through every hour of every day to trust unfalteringly in thy great love +and goodness." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER. + + +THERE was so much to be done next morning, setting the rooms all in +order for the critical inspection of Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, +that Bethany had little time to think of the dreaded interview with +Porter & Edmunds. + +She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered piazza, and brought +him a pile of things for him to amuse himself with in her absence. + +"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything else," she said. "I will +be back before the sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe in +less than an hour." + +He caught at her dress with a detaining grasp, and a troubled look came +over his face. + +"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do get that place, will I have +to stay here all day by myself?" + +"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel you around the garden, and wait +on you; and I will think of all sorts of things to keep you busy. Then +the old ladies will be here, and I am sure they will be kind to you. +I'll be home at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together." + +"But if those people come, Mena will have so much more to do, she'll +never have any time to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" he +asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of bother. I'd take my books and +study, or look out of the window all the time, and keep just as quiet! +Please ask 'em if I can't come too, sister!" + +It was hard to resist the pleading tone. + +"Maybe they'll not want me," answered Bethany. "I'll have to settle that +matter before making any promises. But never mind, dear, we'll arrange +it in some way." + +It was a warm July morning. As Bethany walked slowly toward the business +portion of the town, several groups of girls passed her, evidently on +their way to work, from the few words she overheard in passing. Most of +them looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine of such a +treadmill existence was slowly draining their vitality. Two or three +had a pert, bold air, that their contact with business life had given +them. One was chewing gum and repeating in a loud voice some +conversation she had had with her "boss." + +Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized that she was about to join +the great working-class of which this ill-bred girl was a member. Not +that she had any of the false pride that pushes a woman who is an +independent wage-winner to a lower social scale than one whom +circumstances have happily hedged about with home walls; but she had +recalled at that moment some of her acquaintances who would do just such +a thing. In their short-sighted, self-assumed superiority, they could +make no discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, who flirted +with her customer, and the girl in the school-room, who taught her +pupils more from her inherent refinement and gentleness than from their +text-books. + +She had remembered that Belle Romney had said to her one day, as they +drove past a great factory where the girls were swarming out at noon: +"Do you know, Bethany dear, I would rather lie down and die than have +to work in such a place. You can't imagine what a horror I have of +being obliged to work for a living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; but I suppose these poor +creatures are so accustomed to it they never mind it." + +Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle Romney's position was due entirely +to the tolerance of a distant relative. She longed to answer vehemently: +"Well, I would starve before I would deliberately sit down to be a +willing dependent on the charity of my friends. It's only a species of +genteel pauperism, and none the less despicable because of the purple +and fine linen it flaunts in." + +She had not made the speech, however. Belle leaned back in the carriage, +and folded her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that amused Bethany then. It nettled her now +to remember it. + +She turned into the street where the Clifton Block stood, an imposing +building, whose first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. The elevator-boy showed her +the room. The door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, for the +walls were lined with books, and the rugs and massive furniture bespoke +taste as well as wealth. + +An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the window-sill and his back to +the door, was vigorously smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods client, +who had an early engagement. His feet came to the floor with sudden +force, and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window when he heard +Bethany's voice saying, timidly, + +"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?" + +He came forward with old-school gallantry. It was not often his office +was brightened by such a visitor. + +"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, in surprise, secretly wondering +what had brought her to his office. + +He had met her often in her father's house, and had seen her the center +of many an admiring group at parties and receptions. She had always +impressed him as having the air of one who had been surrounded by only +the most refined influences of life. He thought her unusually charming +this morning, all in black, with such a timid, almost childish +expression in her big, gray eyes. + +"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," he said, cordially. "I hope +this cigar smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I should have the +honor of entertaining a lady, or I should not have indulged." + +"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming this morning?" asked Bethany, +in some embarrassment. + +"No, not a word. I believe he said something to Mr. Porter about a +typewriter-girl that wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor of calling." + +Bethany smiled faintly. + +"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the place," she answered. + +"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing up in his surprise, and +beginning to stutter as he always did when much excited. "You! +w'y-w'y-w'y, you don't say so!" he finally managed to blurt out. + +"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked Bethany, beginning to be +amused. "Do you think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such a +position? I assure you I have a very fair speed." + +"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not that; but I never any more thought +of your going out in the world to make a living than a-a-a pet canary," +he added, in confusion. + +He seated himself again, and began tapping on the table with a +paper-knife. + +"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or teach French?" he asked, +half impatiently. "A girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially the part of a world one sees +in the court-room." + +Bethany looked at him gravely. + +"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those things after a fashion, but +none of them well enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand stenography, and I am confident I +can do thorough, first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, that it is +a mistaken idea that the girl who has had the most sheltered home-life +is the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa used to say we are +like the planets; we carry our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one may +carry the same personality into a reporter's stand that she would into +a drawing-room. We need not necessarily change with our surroundings." + +As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed her cheeks, and she +unconsciously raised her chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked at +her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow. + +"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any position she might choose to +fill," he said courteously. + +"Then you will let me try," she asked, eagerly. She slipped off her +glove, and took pencil and paper from the table. "If you will only test +my speed, maybe you can make a decision sooner." + +He dictated several pages, which she wrote to his entire satisfaction. + +"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, laughingly; and then she +told him of the practice she had had writing nursery rhymes. + +He seemed so interested that she went on to tell him more about the +child, and his great desire to be in the office with her. + +"I told him I would ask you," she said, finally; "but that it was a very +unusual thing to do, and that I doubted very much if any business firm +would allow it." + +He saw how hard it had been for her to prefer such a request, and smiled +reassuringly. + +"It would be a very small thing for me to do for Richard Hallam's boy," +he said. "Tell the little fellow to come, and welcome. He need not be in +any one's way. We have three rooms in this suite, and you will occupy +the one at the far end." + +It was hard for Bethany to keep back the tears. + +"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," she said. "The legacy papa +thought he had secured to us was swept away, but he has left us one +thing that more than compensates--the heritage of his friendships. I +have been finding out lately what a great thing it is to be rich in +friends." + +Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my twin tenants turn out to be half +as nice," she thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day." + +She tried to picture them, as she walked rapidly on, wondering whether +they would be prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs. Marion had +said they were fine housekeepers. That might mean they were exacting and +hard to please. + +"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" she concluded, finally. "I'll +take Uncle Doctor's advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones." + +She found them sitting on the side piazza, being abundantly entertained +by Jack. + +"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came up the steps to meet them; +"this one is Aunt Harry--that's what she told me to call her--and the +other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've both been around the world +together, and both ridden on elephants." + +There was a general laugh at the unceremonious introduction. + +Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her own little plump ones, and +stood on tiptoe to give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the same, +holding her a moment longer to look at her with fond scrutiny. + +"Such a striking resemblance to your dear mother," she said. "Sister and +I hoped you would look like her." + +"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully old-fashioned," was +Bethany's first impression, as she looked at them in their plain dresses +of Quaker gray. "But their voices are so musical, and they have such +good, motherly faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful kind +of people." + +"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, that it will seem good to +settle down in a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, as they +were going over the house together. + +"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, one appreciates big, roomy +closets and wardrobes like these." + +They went all over the place, from garret to cellar, and sat down to +rest beside an open window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance in +with every passing breeze. + +"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be ready for us before next week," +sighed Miss Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt me so. I wish +we could come this very afternoon." She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks." + +"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I shall be glad to surrender the +reins any time you want to assume the responsibility." + +"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" +and, catching Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she whirled her +around the room, regardless of her protestations, until their spectacles +slid down their noses, and they were out of breath. + +Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. Miss Caroline turned in +time to catch her expression of alarm. + +"Did you think we had lost our senses, dear?" she asked. "We do not +often forget our dignity so; but we have been so long like Noah's dove, +with no rest for the sole of our foot, that the thought of having at +last found an abiding-place is really overwhelming." + +"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" remarked Miss Harriet, with +dignity. "I am very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions of +enthusiasm, and it is fully time that you had too." + +"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss Caroline, soothingly. "You're just +as glad as I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our real selves +from people we are going to live with." + +Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic air. + +"Sister thinks because we have arrived at a certain date on our +calendar, we must conform to that date. But, try as hard as I can, I +fail to feel any older sometimes than I used to at Forest Seminary, when +we made midnight raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. I +suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; but I can't grow old +gracefully, so long as I am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was." + +Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, half-indulgent look that +Miss Harriet bestowed on her sister. + +"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," she thought. "I wonder +how we ever happened to drift together." + +Something of the last thought she expressed in a remark to the sisters +as they went down stairs together. + +"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, decidedly. "You +needed us, and we needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own." + +By nightfall the sisters had taken their places in the old house, as +quietly and naturally as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence in the house gave Bethany +such a care-free, restful feeling, and a sense of security that she had +not had since she had been left at the head of affairs. + +After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a rocking-chair out into the wide +hall, and sat down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept through it. + +Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing Mena about +breakfast. How delightful it was to be freed from all responsibility of +the meals and the marketing! After the next week she would not have even +the rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged a stout maid to do +the housework, that Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so irksome. + +Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly around, unpacking one of +the trunks. Bethany could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. Some of the notes were +muffled as she disappeared from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a refractory bureau drawer. + + "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, + The clouds ye so much dread + Are big with mercy, and shall break + In blessings on your head." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A KINDLING INTEREST. + + +FRANK Marion, on his way to the store one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed just a week. + +"You will find me dropping in here quite often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, +whom he met coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin of mine is +never to be found at home in the day-time any more, I shall have to call +on him here. He is my right-hand man in Junior League work." + +"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. "He's the most original little piece +I ever saw. Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're always welcome, +you know." + +Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so intent on her manuscript that +she did not notice Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by the +window, was working vigorously with slate and pencil at an arithmetic +lesson. As Bethany paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's tall form in the doorway. + +"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want you to see how nice everything +is here. We have the best times." + +Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and smiled at the child's delight. + +"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair up to the window, and +entering into the boy's pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children. + +"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto the elevator, and up we come. And +it's so nice and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy yet. While she +writes I get my lessons, or draw, or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. +Edmunds and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything to do, I recite +to her. But the best fun is grocery tales." + +"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, with flattering interest. + +"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store across the street?" asked Jack, +"and all the things sitting around in front? There's almost everything +you can think of, from a broom to a banana. I choose the first thing I +happen to look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's a +tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese story; or if it's a bottle +of olives, something about the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a lovely visit she had once on +a farm. She says when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind her +of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; and the coffee means a South +American story; and the watermelons a darkey story; and the brooms +something she read once about an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have +lots of fun watching people pass. So many teams stop at the +watering-trough over there. I like to wonder where everybody comes from, +and imagine what their homes are like. It is almost as good as reading +about them in a book." + +"You are a very happy little fellow," said Mr. Marion, patting his +cheek, approvingly. "I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world of ours, and teach +other people how to be happy. I've brought you some more work to do. I +want you to look up all these references, and copy them on separate +slips of paper for our next meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga Jew this morning. He +is as much in earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League interested +in him and his mission." + +"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin Frank," she answered. "Think of +the prejudices to overcome. How little the general membership of the +Church know or care about the Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble work is at first +impossible.'" + +"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul says: 'I can do all things through +Christ who strengthened me.' I can't get away from the feeling that God +wants me to take some forward step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. All the time in my +business I am brought in contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. Ray and I have been +reading Graetz's history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how any +one can read an account of all the race endured at the hands of the +Christianity of the Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward them. +Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of what was dealt out to them in +the name of the gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children were taught to +spit at the mention of such a name." + +"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of Martyrs?'" asked Jack, +eagerly. "We've got that at home, with the awfullest black and yellow +pictures in it of people being burned to death and tortured. I hope, if +it is as interesting, sister will read it out loud." + +Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance that Mr. Marion laughed. + +"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll not care to read all five +volumes, Jack; but Bethany can select the parts that will interest you +most." + +Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject up again that evening at the +table. + +"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing in the act of helping himself +to sugar, "do you like the Jews?" + +"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. "I can't say that I take any +special interest in them, one way or another. To tell the truth, I've +never known any personally." + +"Would you like to know more about them?" he asked, with childish +persistence. "'Cause Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can listen if you like." + +"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be glad to hear," answered Miss +Harriet. "At first sister and I thought we would not intrude on you in +the evenings; but the library does look so inviting, and it is so dull +for us to sit with just our knitting-work, since we have stopped reading +by lamp-light, that we can not resist the temptation to go in whenever +she begins to read aloud." + +"O, you're home-folks," said Jack. + +Bethany had excused herself before this conversation commenced, and was +in the library, opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to give her +at noon. When the others joined her, she held up a little pamphlet she +had just opened. + +"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from Chattanooga. It is an article +on 'What shall become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by one of +them, at least his name would indicate it--Leo N. Levi. It will be +interesting to look at that question from their standpoint." + +"Will I like it?" asked Jack. + +"No, I think not," she answered, after a rapid glance through its pages. +"We'll have some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, and save this +until you are asleep." + +Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch dialect. When she laid down +the book after the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," she saw a big +tear splash down on Miss Harriet's knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was +furtively wiping her spectacles. + +"Leave the door open," called Jack, when he had been tucked away for the +night. "Then I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull." + +"Do you really care to hear this?" asked Bethany, picking up the +pamphlet. + +"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic nods. "I'll own I am +very ignorant on the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no more than right that we should take +something improving." + +"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next room, "you never told +them about Mr. Lessing, did you?" + +"No," answered Bethany. "I never told them any of my Chattanooga +experiences. Maybe it would be better to begin with them, and then you +can understand how I happened to become so interested in the Hebrew +people. The pamphlet can wait until another time." + +She tossed it back on the table, and settled herself comfortably in a +big chair. + +"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, "and tell you how I was +persuaded into going, and how strangely events linked into each other." + +"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss Caroline, as Bethany drew a +graphic picture of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the crowded +tent. When she came to Lessing's story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in +her lap, and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair. + +"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out of a romance!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, when Bethany had finished. "That part about the mother's curse +and being buried in effigy makes me think of the novels that we used to +smuggle into our rooms at school. I wish you could go on and give us +the next chapter. It is intensely interesting." + +"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, sadly. "I thought of that at +the time. What can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace events? +He will simply go on to the end in a routine of study and work. He will +preach to whatever audiences he can gather around him. That is all the +world will see. The other part of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon +him because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, the soul-struggles, +the spiritual victories, the silent heroism, will be unwritten and +unapplauded, because unseen." + +"I don't wonder you are interested," said Miss Harriet. "Would you +believe it, I don't know the difference between an orthodox and a reform +Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow in the encyclopedia." + +She picked up the little pamphlet, and opened at random. + +"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. "'The Jew is everywhere in +evidence. He sells vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence and endures +martyrdom in the Balkan provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in France, England, Austria, +and Germany. He has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere he +is seen; and, what is more to the point, he is felt. He runs through the +entire length of history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched by +the high lights of great events at almost every point.'" + +"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" she asked, turning to Miss +Caroline. "Wasn't it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere in the +neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall have to trace that line back a +considerable distance, I am thinking, if we would know anything on the +subject." + +"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, with her usual alacrity. + +Several evenings after, when Bethany came home from the office, she +found a new book on the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto." + +"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, a little nervously. "It is +one of Zangwill's. The clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting. Of course, I am no +critic, but it looked interesting, and I thought you might not mind +reading it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye that made me think it +might be as entertaining as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'" + +Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I believe it is the very thing +to give us an insight into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses." + +She read the headings of several of the chapters aloud, and a sentence +here and there. + +"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are proud and happy in that the +dread unknown God of the infinite universe has chosen our race as the +medium by which to reveal his will to the world. History testifies that +this has verily been our mission, that we have taught the world religion +as truly as Greece has taught beauty and science. Our miraculous +survival through the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties is a +proof that our mission is not yet over.'" + +"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" exclaimed Jack, in a +disappointed tone. + +"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can understand part, and I will +explain the rest." + +So it came about that, after the Scotch tales were laid aside, the +little group in the library nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in the early days of the +century. + +"I can never feel the same towards them again," said Miss Caroline, the +night they finished the book. "I understand them so much better. It is +just as the proem says: 'People who have been living in a ghetto for a +couple of centuries are not able to step outside merely because the +gates are thrown down, nor to efface the brands on their souls by +putting off the yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its hovering +miasma of persecution.'" + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he has given us such a diversity of +types. You know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: 'No people +can be fairly judged by its superlatives. It would be silly to judge all +the Chinese by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict Arnold. If +the Jews squirm and indignantly protest against Shylock and Fagin and +Svengali, they must be consistent, and not claim as types Scott's +Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' Now, Zangwill has given us a +glimpse of all sorts of people--the 'pots and pans' of material +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual idealists. I +hope you'll go on another investigating tour, Miss Caroline, and bring +home something else as instructive." + +But before Miss Caroline found time to go on another voyage of discovery +among the book-stores, something happened at the office that gave a +deeper interest to their future investigations. + +Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes longer than usual, one +morning after he had finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss Hallam. Mr. Porter has +decided to go abroad for a while. Family matters may keep him there +possibly a year. During his absence it is necessary to have some one in +his place; and, after mature deliberation, we have decided to take in a +young lawyer who has two points decidedly in his favor. He has marked +ability, and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. He is a young +Jew, a protege of Rabbi Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest +respect for him, although Mr. Porter is a little prejudiced against him +on account of his nationality. I wondered if you shared that feeling." + +"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. "I have been greatly interested +in studying their history this summer." + +"Well, I have never given their past much thought," responded Mr. +Edmunds; "but their relation to the business world has recently +attracted my attention. It is wonderful to me the way they are filling +up the positions of honor and trust all over the world. Statistics show +such a large proportion of them have acquired wealth and prominence. +Still, it is only what we ought to expect, when we remember their +characteristics. They have such 'mental agility,' such power of adapting +themselves to circumstances, and such a resistless energy. Maybe I +should put their temperate habits first, for I can not remember ever +seeing a Jew intoxicated; and as to industry, the records of our county +poor-house show that in all the seventy years of its existence, it has +never had a Jewish inmate. People with such qualities are like cream, +bound to rise to the top, no matter what kind of a vessel they are +poured into." + +"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, coming back to the first +subject. + +"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. "You may have met him." + +"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. She caught her breath +in surprise. Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads here, +or had she been caught in some tangle of chance? Maybe this was the +opportunity she had prayed for that morning when she had listened to +Lessing's story, and caught the inspiration of his consecrated life. + +A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human voice could so reach the +ear of the Infinite, and draw down an answer to its petition. She was +almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility such an answer +laid upon her. O, the childishness with which we beat against the +portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, and then shrink +back when the Almighty hands them out to us, afraid to take and use what +we have most cried for! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND. + + +IT was a sultry morning in August when David Herschel took his place in +the law-office of Porter & Edmunds. + +The sun beat against the tall buildings until the radiated heat of the +streets was sickening in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything had a wilted look, and the +watering-carts left a steam rising in their trail, almost as +disagreeable as the clouds of dust had been before. + +Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining at home, and Bethany's +wearing a thin white dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany went slowly towards the +office she was glad that the sensible old lady had carried her point. + +To shorten the distance, she passed through one of the poorer streets of +the town. Disagreeable odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed children cried on the +doorsteps and quarreled in the gutters. + +A great longing came over Bethany for a breath from wide, fresh fields, +or green, shady woodlands. This was the first summer she had ever passed +in the city. August had always been associated in her mind with the wind +in the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some rocky coast. It +recalled the musical drip of the waterfalls trickling down high banks of +thickly-growing ferns. It brought back the breath of clover-fields and +the mint in hillside pastures. + +A strong repugnance to her work seized her. She felt that she could not +possibly bear to go back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer she thought of those old care-free +summers, the more she chafed at the confinement of the present one. + +She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance of the great building. +Every door and window stood open. While she waited for the elevator-boy +to respond to her ring, she turned her eyes toward the street. A blind +man passed by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was beating +mercilessly on the man's gray head, for his cap was held appealingly in +his outstretched hand. + +"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" thought Bethany, with a +swift rush of pity, as the contrast between this blind beggar's life and +hers was forced upon her. + +There was no one in the office when she entered. After the glare of the +street, it seemed so comfortable that she thought again of the blind +beggar and the child who led him, with a feeling of remorse for her +discontent. + +A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass vase on the table, filling +the room with their fragrance. She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, running hand, was the one +word--"Consider!" + +"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought Bethany, quickly interpreting the +message. "She knew this would be an unusually trying day on account of +the heat, so she gives me something to think about instead of my irksome +confinement. 'They toil not, neither do they spin,'" she whispered, +lifting one snowy chalice to her lips; "but what help they bring to +those who do--sweet, white evangels to all those who labor and are +heavy laden!" + +She fastened one in her belt, then turned to her work. She had been +copying a record, and wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was ready +to attend to the morning mail. Her fingers flew over the keys without a +pause, except when she stopped to put in a new sheet of paper. When she +was nearly through, she heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, and +increased her speed. She had forgotten that this was the day David +Herschel was to come into the office. He had taken the desk assigned +him, and was so busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Edmunds that for +a while he did not notice the occupant of the next room. When, at last, +he happened to glance through the open door, he did not recognize +Bethany, for she was seated with her back toward him. + +He noticed what a cool-looking white dress she wore, the graceful poise +of her head, and her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies beside +her, and wished she would turn so that he could see her face. + +"Some fair Elaine--a lily-maid of Astolat," he thought, and then smiled +at himself for having grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before he had +even heard her name or seen her face. + +At last Bethany finished the record, with a sigh of relief. Quickly +fastening the pages, she rose to take it into the next room. Just on the +threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary little start of +surprise. + +As she stood there, all in white, with one hand against the dark +door-casing, she looked just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered. + +Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of quick perceptions, but he noticed +the look of admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they both seemed +a trifle embarrassed as he introduced them. + +They had recalled at the same moment the night in the Chattanooga depot, +when she had distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did not care to +make his acquaintance. + +For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. That gracious +ease of manner which "stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one of her +greatest charms. But just at this moment, when she wished to atone for +that unfortunate remark by an especially friendly greeting, when she +wanted him to know that her point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she could not summon a word +to her aid. + +Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she blushed like a diffident +school-girl, and bowed coldly. + +David courteously remained standing until she had laid the record on Mr. +Edmunds's desk and left the room. + +Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he resumed his seat; but there +was not the slightest change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness of manner in Bethany's +greeting. But he had noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself. + +Nothing more passed between them for several days, except the formal +morning greeting. Then Jack came back to the office. He had gained +rapidly since the new brace had been applied. During his enforced +absence on account of the heat, he found that he could wheel himself +short distances, and proudly insisted on doing so, as they went through +the hall. He was a great favorite in the building. Everybody, from the +janitor to the dignified judge on the same floor, stopped to speak to +him. He was such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, despite the +misfortune that chained him to the chair and had sometimes made him +suffer extremely, that the sight of him oftener provoked pleasure than +pity. He was so glad to get back to the office that he was bubbling over +with happiness. It seemed to him he had been away for an age. The +cordial reception he met on every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks. + +Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David was at his desk, busily +writing. Bethany paused as they passed through the room. + +"Allow me to introduce my little brother, Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack +is very anxious to meet you." + +He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced girl, leaning over Jack's +chair, with the brightness of his roguish face reflected in her own, was +such a transformation from the dignified Miss Hallam he had known +heretofore, that he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was surprised +into such an unusual cordiality of manner, that Jack straightway took +him into his affections, and set about cultivating a very strong +friendship between them. + +One afternoon Bethany was called into another office to take a +deposition. She left Jack busy drawing on his slate. + +David, who had been reading several hours, laid down the book after a +while, with a yawn, and glanced into the next room. The steady scratch +of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack was gazing disconsolately out +of the window. + +As he heard the book drop on the table he turned his head quickly. "May +I come in there?" he asked David eagerly. + +David nodded assent. "You may come in and wake me up. The heat and the +book together, have made me drowsy." + +Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and looked out towards the court +house. It was late in the afternoon, and the massive building threw long +shadows across the green sward surrounding it. + +"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said Jack. "I can't tell from +my window. Don't you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always makes me +think of heroes. I love heroes, and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so creepy, and your hair kind o' +stands up, and you hold your breath while they're a-risking their lives +to save somebody, or doing something else that's awfully brave. And +then, when they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; but you feel +so warm all over somehow, and you want to cheer, and march right off to +'storm the heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face of the +earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. I always do. Don't you?" + +"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish enthusiasm, yet touched by +the recognition of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to lead the boy further on. + +"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. "Papa wanted me to be a +lawyer. He was in the war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used to put 'em on sometimes, +and say I was going to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. But +he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, that's not the highest way +you can serve your country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll have to be +a preacher like my grandfather, John Wesley Bradford, because he left me +all his library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't my real name, you +know." + +"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked David, as the boy paused to +catch a fly that was buzzing exasperatingly around him. + +"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer by a savage slap at the fly. +"Only except when we get to talking about the Jews. You know we are very +much interested in your people at our house." + +"No, I didn't know it," answered David, amused by the boy's +matter-of-fact announcement. "How did you come to be so interested?" + +"Well, it started with the Epworth League Conference at Chattanooga. +There was a converted Jew up there on the mountain that spoke in the +sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to see him afterwards. He took +Bethany with him to write down what they said in shorthand. O, he had +the most interesting history! You just ought to hear sister tell it. You +know the two old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. Well, +may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but they didn't have the least +bit of use for the Jews before that. Now, since we've been reading about +the awful way they were persecuted, and how they've hung together +through thick and thin, they've changed their minds." + +"And you say that it is only when you are talking about the Jews that +you would like to be a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring him back to the subject. + +"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how that man's whole life was +changed by a little Junior League girl; how she started him, and he'll +start others, and they'll start somebody else, and the ball will keep +rolling, and so much good will be done, just on her account, I'd like to +do something in that line myself. I'm first vice-president of our +League, you know," he said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on his +coat. + +"But I wouldn't like to be a regular preacher that just stands up and +tells people what they already believe. That's too much like boxing a +pillow." He doubled up his fist and sparred at an imaginary foe. + +"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, and make every blow count. +We studied the life of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes--there's one for you. My, but he was game! Thrashed and stoned, +and shipwrecked and put in prison, and chained up to another man--but +they couldn't choke him off!" Jack chuckled at the thought. + +"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that when a Jew does turn +Christian he's deader in earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told us +to notice that. There's Matthew. He was making a good salary in the +custom-house, and he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and the rest +of 'em left their boats and all their fishing tackle, and every thing in +the wide world that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give up his +family. Cousin Frank told us about ever so many that had done that way. +So that's why I'd rather preach to them than other people. They amount +to so much when you once get them made over." + +"You might commence on me," said David. + +Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and looked confused. He stole a +sidelong glance at David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back into +the other room. + +"I haven't gone into the business yet," he called back over his +shoulder, recovering his equanimity with young American quickness, "But +when I do I'll give you the first call." + +David was so amused by the conversation that he could not refrain from +recounting part of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed to put +them on a friendlier footing. + +Finding that she was really making a study of the history of his people, +he gave her many valuable suggestions, and several times brought Jewish +periodicals with articles marked for her to read. + +"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," she told him. "They +are very well versed in the ancient history, but this is something so +new to them." + +"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. "He would be an +inspiration in any line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you read Hebrew. One loses so +much in the translation. There are places in the Psalms and Job where +the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. You know there are +some pebbles and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from that element, they lose that +brilliancy. I have noticed the same effect in changing a thought from +the medium of one language to another." + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized that difficulty, too, in +translating from the German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, leaves the verse as +soulless as a flower without its fragrance." + +"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. "That is why I would have +you read the greatest of all literature in its original setting. Are you +fond of language?" + +"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. I took the course in +Latin and German at school, and got a smattering of French the year I +was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek a little at home with papa, to get a +better understanding of the New Testament. But Hebrew always seemed to +me so very difficult that only spectacled theologians attempted it. You +know ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius as a matter of +course. Only daring climbers attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the +heights made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts and mountain +railways." + +He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any +one that can master stenography can easily compass that. There is a +similarity in one respect. In both, dots and dashes take the place of +vowels. I will bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you how easy the +rudiments are." + +Jack was more interested than Bethany. He had never seen a book in +Hebrew type before. The square, even characters charmed him, and he +began to copy them on his slate. + +"I'd like to learn this," he announced. "The letters are nothing but +chairs and tables." + +"It was a picture language in the beginning," said David, leaning over +his chair, much pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter used +to be the head of an ox. See how the horns branch? And this next one, +Beth, was a house. Don't you remember how many names in the Bible begin +with that--Beth-el, Beth-horon, Beth-shan--they all mean house of +something; house of God, house of caves, house of rest." + +Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would teach a fellow lots. What are +you a house of, Beth-any?" + +He looked up, but his sister had been called into the next room. + +"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" asked David. "It will be a +great help to you when you 'go into the business' of preaching to us +Jews." + +Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his tongue out of the +corner of his mouth in an embarrassed way. Then he looked up, and saw +that David was not laughing at him, but soberly awaiting his answer. + +"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly. + +"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in the office." + +Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's dark head and Jack's yellow +one bending over the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters. + +"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school teachers," said Mr. +Marion. "Would you undertake to teach it, Herschel?" + +The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient I might make the +attempt," he said. "But I do not live in the city. My home is out at +Hillhollow." + +Then, after a pause, while some other plan seemed to be revolving in his +mind, he asked: "Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born teacher, and +nothing would delight him more than to imbue some other soul with a zeal +for his beloved mother-tongue." + +"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," responded Mr. +Marion, "if you will get his consent, and find what his terms are. +Bethany, I'll head the list with your name. Then there's Ray and myself. +That makes three, and I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. Do you know, Bethany, it +would not surprise me very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?" + +"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed. + +"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison Avenue, and unmarried besides. +But I heard that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. I hope the +bishop will consider the call." + +"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," she answered. "You know what +is apt to befall 'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE DEACONESS'S STORY. + + +AUGUST slipped into September. The vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, brightened the room with the glow of +the earliest golden-rod. + +"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray through his fingers. "It +makes me think of your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking." + +"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, wishing he dared express +his admiration as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle overlooking +Bethany's, and he often studied her face while she worked, as he would +have studied some rare portrait--not so much for the perfect contour and +delicacy of coloring as for the soul that shone through it. + +She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual things. It was from Jack he +learned how interested she was in all her Church relationships. Still +he felt forcibly an influence that he could not define; that silent +charm of a consecrated life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master. + +One day when he was thus idly occupied, the janitor tiptoed into the +room, ushering a lady past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It was all black, except that +there were deep, white cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was tied under the chin +with broad white bows. She was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands. + +David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine Bentley!" as if much +surprised to see her. Then they stood face to face, holding each other's +hands while they talked in low, rapid tones. + +The stranger staid only a few moments. After she passed out, David +strolled leisurely up to Bethany's desk. + +"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss Hallam," he said. "I am +interested in the costume of the lady who was here just now. I've seen +one like it before. Can you tell me to what order she belongs? Is it +anything like the Sisters of Charity?" + +"Yes, something like it," she answered. "She is a deaconess. There is +this difference. They take no vows of perpetual service to the order, +but their lives are as entirely consecrated to their work as though they +had 'taken the veil,' as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about doing good in the +Master's own way, to rich and poor alike. She came in just now to report +a case of destitution she had discovered. I am chairman of the Mercy and +Help Department in our League." + +"Is that all they do?" asked David. + +"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see the Deaconess Home on Clark +Street. They have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It is the work +of some of these women to gather in all the poor, neglected girls they +can find. They make it so very attractive that the poor children are +taught to be respectable little housekeepers, without suspecting that +the music and games are really lessons. Homes that could be reached in +no other way have some wonderful changes wrought in them." + +"You have so many different organizations in your Church," said David. +"Seems to me I am always hearing of a new one. There is an old saying, +'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Did you never prove the truth of +that?" + +"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," exclaimed Bethany. "The little +wheels all fit into the big one like so many cogs, and all help each +other. For instance, here is the deaconess work. It goes hand in hand +with the League, only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift Up,' +for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars all avenues to them. Of all +hard, self-sacrificing lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to pay for such services, and +whatever there is to do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly." + +"The reason I asked," answered David, "is that one day last week I went +down to that terrible quarter of the city near the lower wharves. I +wanted to find a man who I knew would be a valuable witness in the +Dartmon murder case. I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand on one of the early +boats. I had been directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten old +tenements near the river. I found the room used as an office was down in +a damp basement. It was about half-past five when I reached there. I +went down the rickety old stairs and knocked several times. You can +imagine my surprise when the door was opened by a refined-looking woman, +in just such a costume as your friend wore, except, of course, the +little bonnet. When I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside a +moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled me at first. There was a +narrow counter where a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, and these were left to +await claimants. There was a calico curtain stretched across the room to +form a partition. She drew it aside, and motioned me to look in. There +was a table, two chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying across +the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out with weariness and sorrow, +lay a young girl heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months old, was +lying among the pillows, as white and still as if it were dead. The +woman dropped the curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's husband +you are looking for,' she said. 'He is a rough, drunken fellow, and has +been away for days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. I was called +here at three o'clock this morning. A physician came for me, but he said +it could not live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches swarmed +all over the floor, and the rats were so bad they fairly ran over our +feet. The poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I came, from sheer +exhaustion. There is nothing to eat in the house, and the milk I brought +with me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful thing to say, but I +dare not leave the baby while she is asleep long enough to get +anything--on account of the rats.' Of course I went out and got the +things she needed. Then there was nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's bravery, have been in my +thoughts ever since." + +"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany said, when he had finished. "I +know the nurse, Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took the mother +to the Deaconess Hospital. She has typhoid fever. Belle told me of +another experience she had. Her life is full of them. She was sent to a +family where drunkenness was the cause of the poverty. The man had not +had steady work for a year, because he was never sober more than a few +days at a time. They lived in three rooms in the rear basement of a +large tenement-house. Belle said, when she opened the door of the first +room, it seemed the most forlorn place she had ever seen. There was a +table piled full of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with half-washed clothes. The +floor looked as if it had never known the touch of a broom. The odor of +the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, half-grown girl, one of +the neighbors, stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she knew how. +Four dirty, half-starved children were playing on the bare floor. Their +mother was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to repeat Belle's +description of that bedroom, it was so filthy and infested with vermin. +She said, when she saw all that must be done, that repulsive creature +bathed, the dishes washed, and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly touch a thing in the +room. She wanted to turn and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such repulsive things?'" + +"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel. + +Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness that must have shone in +Belle Carleton's, as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' sake!" + +There was a long pause, which Herschel broke by saying: "And she staid +there, I suppose, forced her shrinking hands into contact with what she +despised, did the most menial services, from a sense of duty to a man +whom she had never seen, who died centuries ago? Miss Hallam, how could +she? I find it very hard to understand." + +"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected Bethany, "so much as love." + +"Well, for love then. What was there in this man of Nazareth to inspire +such devotion after such a lapse of time? I understand how one might +admire his ethical teaching, how one might even try to embody his +precepts in a code to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. He was no greater +lawgiver than Moses, yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul; yet who is ready to lay down +his life cheerfully and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter--or Paul?'" + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up at him wistfully, "don't you +see that it is no mere man who exercises such power; that he must be +what he claimed--one with the Father?" + +Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day on the train came back to +him: "O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!" + +Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as they paced back and forth in +front of the tent, arm in arm in the darkness. + +"Of a truth you can not understand these things, unless you be born +again--be born of the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge you +have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life is latent in the worm, even +while it has no conception of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible for it to conceive of flight +until it has passed through some change that bursts the chrysalis and +provides the wings?" + +The silence was growing oppressive. David shook his head, rose, and +slowly walked out of the room. + + * * * * * + +"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she wheeled him homeward from +the office at noon-time, "Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the time +about something I said once about preaching to the Jews. He brings it up +so often, that if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure enough." + +Whatever answer Bethany might have made was interrupted by Miss +Caroline, who met them as they turned a corner. + +"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were in my mind just this +minute. I wondered if I might not chance to meet you." + +"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked Jack, seeing that she carried +several small parcels. + +"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! Caroline Courtney actually out +shopping in the dry-goods stores." + +"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. "It must be something important. I +can't remember that you have done such a thing before since I have +known you. Have you been invited to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?" + +Miss Caroline beamed on them through her spectacles. "Really, my dears, +that is just what I would like to know myself. That's why I had to make +these purchases. Your cousin Ray came in this morning, just after you +had gone, to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six this +evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort of an occasion she was planning, +only that it was a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of all. He +has been gone a week on a business trip, but will get home to-night at +six. Sister and I have been trying to think what kind of an occasion it +could be. I know it isn't their wedding anniversary, nor her birthday. +Maybe it is his. So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought to +dress--whether to wear our very best dove-colored silks and point lace, +or the black crepon dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she got in Brussels, although I +want very much to take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. My +second best is broken, and of course we wouldn't want to carry a +palm-leaf. There was no other way but to take the second best fan down +and match it. Then she had lost one of the bows of ribbon that was on +her gray dress, and I had to match that, in case we decided to wear the +grays. Here I have spent the whole morning over my fan and her ribbon." + +"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you carry your Brussels fan and wear +your gray dress, and let her wear her black dress and take the kind of +fan she wanted?" + +"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, "Neither of us would have taken +a mite of comfort so. You don't understand how it feels when there are +two of you. When you have spent--well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless you are in pairs." + +It was arranged that Jack should not go back to the office that +afternoon. The sisters volunteered to take him with them. + +Bethany hurried through her work, but it seemed to her she had never had +so many interruptions, or so much to do. + +It was after six when she closed her desk. Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired +look on her flushed face, and said: + +"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down stairs. I have to stay here +some time longer to meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while he is waiting." He went down on +the elevator with her, and handed her into the carriage. + +"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before you start home," he +said, kindly. "It will do you good." + +Bethany sank back gratefully among the cushions. Jerry had been her +father's coachman at one time. He grinned from ear to ear as she took +her seat. + +"We'll take a spin along the river road," she said. "Give me a glimpse +of the fields and the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, on +Phillips Avenue." + +"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. "I know all the roads you +like best!" + +The impatient horses needed no urging. They fairly flew down the beaten +track that led from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy byways. +On they went, past suburban orchards and outlying pastures, to the +sights and sounds of the real country. + +Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of bells in a quiet lane where +the cows stood softly lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves in +the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown stubble-field near by. +Then the wind swept up from the river, now turning red in the sunset. It +put new life into her pulses, and a new light in her eyes. The weariness +was all gone. The wind had blown the light, curly hair about her face, +and she put up her hands to smooth it back, as they came in sight of +Mrs. Marion's house. + +"It doesn't make any difference," she thought. "I can run up into Cousin +Ray's room and put myself in order before any one sees me." + +As the carriage stopped, some one stepped up quickly to assist her +alight. It was David Herschel. + +"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am literally blown to pieces. How +queerly things do happen in this world!" + +To her still greater wonderment, instead of closing the gate after her +and going on down the street, he followed her up the steps. + +"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," she thought. "This must be +part of it." + +Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just smoothed their plumage in the +guest-chamber, and were coming down the stairs hand in hand as David +and Bethany entered the reception-hall. + +This was their first glimpse of David. They had been very curious to see +him. Jack had talked about him so much that they recognized him +instantly from his description. + +Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, and said in a dramatic +whisper, "Sister! the surprise." + +"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. "How unusually bright she +looks, and yet a little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has been +saying anything to her. They came in together." + +"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they both moved forward with their +most beaming "company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. Herschel. + +"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading the way into the drawing-room, +while Bethany made her escape up stairs. + +"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. Dameron." + +"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet in +chorus, as a tall, thin woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling eyes +rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the land's sake! how did you ever +happen to get here?" + +"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained Mrs. Marion to David, +as the twins stood on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss her +repeatedly between their exclamations of joyful surprise. "They haven't +seen her since they were married. I'll present you, and then we'll leave +them to have a good old gossip." + +During the introductions in the drawing-room, Mr. Marion came into the +hall, with his gripsack in his hand. + +"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. "How are you, my boy? I'm so +glad to see you." + +He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap him on the shoulder and +hold the little hands lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden parting of the +portieres behind them, a swift rustle, and two white hands met over his +eyes and blindfolded him. + +"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then clapped his hand over his +mouth as he heard a warning "Sh!" + +"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, laughing and reaching backwards +to seize whoever had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would take such +liberties." + +"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. "What about Ray's younger +sister?" + +He turned around, and catching her by the shoulders, held her out in +front of him. + +"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in amazement. "When did you get here, +little sister? I never imagined you were within two hundred miles of +this place." + +"Neither did Ray until this morning. I just walked in unannounced." + +When he had given her a hearty welcome she said: "O, I'm not the only +one to surprise you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, and see +who all's there, while I talk with this young man I haven't seen for a +year." + +Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin since he was old enough to +fasten his baby fingers in her long, brown hair. In her yearly visits to +her sister she had devoted so much of her time to him, and been such a +willing slave, that he looked forward to her coming even a shade more +eagerly than he watched for Christmas. + +There was one thing that remained longest in the memory of every guest +who had ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Marion home. It was the warm +welcome that made itself continually felt. It met them even in the free +swing of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just walk right in +now, and make yourself at home." + +There was an atmosphere of genial comfort and cheer that cast its spell +on all who strayed over its inviting threshold. It made them long to +linger, and loath to leave. + +David Herschel was quick to appreciate the warm cordiality of his +greeting. He had not been in the house five minutes until he felt +himself on the familiar footing of an old friend. At first he wondered +at the strange assortment of guests, and thought it queer he had been +asked to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, who were so +absorbed in each other. + +Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois Denning--a slim, graceful +girl in a white duck suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl, decided in her +opinions, and original in her remarks. + +"That red carnation just suits her," said David to himself, as they +talked together. "She is so bright and spicy." + +"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. Marion, anxiously. "It's +getting dark, and I'm as hungry as a schoolboy." + +"Yes, and your guests will think you are as impatient as one," she +answered, laughingly. "We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. Cragmore +hasn't come yet." + +"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to his feet. + +"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend to tell you he was +coming. I knew you hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and I +wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to the Clark Street Church. I +met him coming up from the depot this morning, and asked him to dine +with us to-night." + +"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, "so that I +might give vent to my delight as I used to." + +"I remember how loud you could whoop when you were two feet six," +remarked Mrs. Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing you, now that +you are six feet two." + +There was a quick ring at the front door, and the next instant Frank +Marion and George Cragmore were shaking hands as though they could never +stop. + +"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's necks and weep a la +Joseph and his brethren," said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I feel that I am about to be +presented to a whole circus--menagerie and all." + +"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they heard his musical voice say. + +"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois in an undertone. "How's that +for a touch of the rale auld brogue?" + +He was introduced to the old ladies first, then to the saucy Lois and +Jack. Then he caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual pleasure, +and were about cordially to renew their acquaintance, begun that day on +the car, when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw Bethany. + +Both Lois and David noticed the way his face lighted up, and the +eagerness with which he went forward to speak to her. + +That evening was the beginning of several things. The Hebrew class was +organized. Mr. Marion had found only two of his teachers willing to +undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully allowed herself to be +substituted for the third one he had been so sure would join them. + +"I'll not be here more than long enough to get a good start," she said, +"but I'm in for anything that's going--Hebrew or Hopscotch, whichever it +happens to be." + +The twins declined to take any part. "I know it is beyond us," sighed +Miss Harriet. "The Latin conjugations were always such a terror to me, +and sister never did get her bearings in the German genders." + +When it came time for the merry party to break up, Frank Marion would +not listen to any good-nights from Cragmore. + +"You're not going away. That's the end of it," he declared. "I'll walk +down with you to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. You're to stay +here until you get a boarding place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go +then, if I did not know it was essential for you to live nearer your +congregation." + +Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's chair, with Miss Caroline on +one side, and Miss Harriet on the other. + +Bethany followed with George Cragmore. There was a brilliant moonlight, +and they walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare beauty of the +night. + +"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the +steps. "I want to finish spinning this yarn." + +They all went into the hall. + +Bethany opened the door into the library and struck a match. Cragmore +took it from her and lighted the gas. + +But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with his attentive audience of +three. + +"I'll be through in a moment," he called. The sisters dropped down in a +large double rocker. + +"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," said Bethany. "His +minute may prove to be elastic." + +Cragmore looked around the homelike old room, and then down at the +fair-haired woman at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other time. Yes, I think I should like +to come here very often, Miss Hallam." + +The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, made the remark so very +personal that Bethany was slightly annoyed. + +"O, our latch-string is always out to the clergy," she said lightly, and +then led the way back to the hall to join the others. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"YOM KIPPUR." + + +THE morning after the first meeting of the Hebrew class at Rabbi +Barthold's, Frank Marion came into the office. + +"Herschel," he said, "when do you have your Day of Atonement services? +Is it this week or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, but I am +not sure about the date. He is going to preach a series of sermons that +are to set forth the views now held by the Reform school, and Cragmore +and I are anxious to hear them." + +"It is the week after this," said David, consulting the calendar. + +"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip in time for the Friday night +service." + +"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" asked David. "Isn't he a +magnificent old fellow?" + +Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well," he said after some +deliberation, "I hardly know where to place him. He doesn't belong to +this age. If I believed in the transmigration of souls, I should say +that some old Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the Temple lamps +perpetually burning, had strayed back to earth again. + +"That seems to be his mission now. He is trying to rekindle the pride +and zeal and hope of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, Herschel, +but there are few in his congregation who understand him. Their vision +is so obscured by this dense fog of modern indifference that they fail +to appreciate his aims. They are still in the outer courts, among the +tables of the money-changers, and those who sell doves. They have never +entered the inner sanctuary of a spiritual life. Their religion stops +with the altar and the censer--the material things. Understand me," he +said hastily, as David interrupted him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit of Judaism, but they +are few and far between. I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services of the synagogue, and +their religion itself, is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree." + +David drew himself up rather stiffly. + +"And you are the disciple of the man who said, 'Let him that is without +sin among you cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the Jew has to +say about the dead-heads in your Churches? What proportion of your +membership has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? How many +in your pews, who mumble the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet the challenge of his +Shibboleth?" + +Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. "You misunderstand me, my +boy," he said. "I have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent Jew +than for the indifferent Christian. God pity them both! I was simply +drawing a contrast between Rabbi Barthold and his people, as it appears +to me--a shepherd who longs to lead his flock up to the source of all +living water; but they prefer to dispense with climbing the spiritual +heights, jostle each other for the richest herbage of the lowlands, and +are satisfied. You know that is so, David." + +"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He can not even arouse them to the +necessity of teaching their children Hebrew, if they would perpetuate +loyalty to its traditions." + +David was about to repeat what the Rabbi had said the night he consented +to take the Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: "What are we coming +to, my son? Protestantism is having a wonderful awakening in regard to +the study of the Bible. Never has there been such a widespread interest +in it as now. But among our people, how many of the younger generation +make it a text-book of daily study? Such negligence will surely write +its 'Ichabod' upon the future of our beloved Israel." + +"What a discussion we have drifted into!" exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had +only intended dropping in here to ask you a simple question. Come to +think, I believe I have not answered yours. You asked me my opinion of +Rabbi Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble soul, a true seeker +of the truth, and a man whose friendship I would value very highly." + +Herschel looked much pleased. + +"I hope you may be able to hear him on 'Yom Kippur,'" he said. + +"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion answered. + +As his footsteps died away in the hall, David said to himself: "If every +Gentile were like that man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," he added as an +after-thought, "what would become of the lawyers? We would starve." + + * * * * * + +In the waning light of the afternoon, that Day of the Atonement, there +was no more devout worshiper in all the temple than George Cragmore. He +had just finished reading a book of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among +the Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the prayer-book some one +handed him, he was impressed with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him: + +"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow bed between two rocky walls, +whence only the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a well so deep +that the ages have not dried it up, and the nations of the four corners +of the earth have come to slake their thirst at its waters." + +It seemed to him that all that was purest, most heart-searching and +sublime in the Old Covenant; all that time has proven most precious and +comforting of its promises; all therein that best satisfies the human +yearnings toward the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct in +man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite mosaic of this day's +ritual. + +Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly on the sermons, admired +their scholarly style, and indorsed most of their substance, but he came +away with a feeling of sadness. + +It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people with their backs turned +on the sacrifice a divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by their penitent pleadings and +good deeds. + +Herschel's devotions were interfered with by a spirit of criticism +heretofore unknown to him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that had +been having an almost imperceptible growth that he could not enter into +the service with his usual abandon. He was continually contrasting those +around him with that never-to-be-forgotten gathering on Lookout, and the +congregation in the tent. + +What made them to differ? He could not tell, but he felt that something +was lacking here that had made the other such a force. + +Cragmore had not been able to attend the Friday night service, nor the +one on the following morning. He came in just after the noon recess, and +was ushered to a pew near the center of the room, where he immediately +became absorbed in the ritual. He followed devoutly through the +meditations and the silent devotions, and when they came to the +responsive readings, his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there. + +The synagogue, with its modern trappings and fashionably-dressed +congregation, seemed to disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and burnt-offering. Through the +chanting of the choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed to see the clouds of +incense, and the smoke arising from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole soul seemed to go out in +reverent adoration to this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew and +Christian. + +The memorial service to the dead followed the sermon. + +Cragmore's music-loving nature responded like a quivering harp-string as +the choir began a minor chant: + + "Oh what is man, the child of dust? + What is man, O Lord?" + +The low, moaning tones of the great organ rose and fell like the beat of +a far-off tide, as all heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the great beyond. + +Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of thankfulness for the unbroken +family circle across the wide Atlantic. + +As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn hedges, a faint chiming of +the Shandon bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills seemed to +mingle a moment with his prayer. + +The sun had set, when in the concluding service his eyes fell on the +words the Rabbi was reading--The Mission of Israel--"It's a pity," he +thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed Christian, who, between +ignorance and bigotry, can get only a distorted impression of the Jews, +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially that prayer for all +mankind, and this one he is reading now: + +"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the eventide, when, according to +Thy gracious promise, Thy light will arise over all the children of men, +and Israel's spiritual descendants will be as numerous as the stars in +the heaven. Endow us, our Guardian, with strength and patience for our +holy mission. Grant that all the children of Thy people may recognize +the goal of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, by their +zeal and love for mankind, the truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity +on earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. Enlighten all that +call themselves by Thy name with the knowledge that the sanctuary of +wood and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but a gate, through +which Israel should step out into the world, to reconcile all mankind +unto Thee! Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement shall be +completed; when the day shall dawn in which the light of Thy truth, +brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. +But surely that great day of universal reconciliation, so fervently +prayed for, shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return empty, +unless they have done that for which Thou didst send them. Then joy +shall thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth to the other +shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the +Eternal our God, the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make pilgrimage +to Thy house, which shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, +and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for us the +gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, +ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'" + +And the choir chanting, replied: + +"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts--He is the King of glory." + +There was a short prayer, then a benediction that made Cragmore and +Marion look across the congregation at each other and smile. It was the +Epworth benediction, with which the League was always dismissed: + +"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. May the Lord let his +countenance shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up +his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." + +The two men met each other at the door, and walked homeward together +through the twilight. + +Cragmore had found a boarding place. It was not far from the temple. + +"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. "I see you still have +Herschel's prayer-book with you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I +have never known before to-day what special hope they clung to. Come in +and I will find the paragraph." + +He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a chair over towards his guest, +and, seating himself, began rapidly turning the leaves of the book. + +"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows: + +"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all tribal spirit and purified of +all national dross, will become the law of humanity. The world that +jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will witness the fulfillment of +prophecies delayed for twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According to the words of the +prophets, the nations will come to learn of Israel, and the people will +hang to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go up together to +the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the Lord of Israel, that he may +teach us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, for which +the world has been sighing since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted +to it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel needs but to discard +her old practices, as in spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her prophets, which has been +preserved intact beneath her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement to form. Then +only, after having infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of all +men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, be able to merge herself in +the nations." + +"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, as he closed the book. "And +yet do you know, Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that Israel has +some great part to play in the conversion of humanity? Any one must see +that nothing short of Divine power could have kept them intact as a +race, and Divine power is never aimlessly exerted. There must be some +great reason for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries of +the cross these people would make! What torch-bearers they have been! +They have carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien shore they +have touched." + +Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his eyes alight with something +akin to prophetic fire. + +"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet bud and blossom into the +perfect flower of Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O when it +does, the 'chosen people' will become a veritable tree of life, whose +leaves will be 'for the healing of the nations.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DR. TRENT. + + +IT was a cold, bleak night in November. There was a blazing wood-fire on +the library hearth. Bethany sat in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using as a desk for her +long-neglected letter-writing. An appetizing smell of pop-corn and +boiling molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, where the +sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned candy-pulling. The +occasional gusts that rattled the windows made Bethany draw closer to +the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth and comfort. She thoroughly +appreciated her luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had the long, +quiet evening ahead of her. + +For half an hour the steady trail of her pen along the paper, and the +singing of the kettle on the crane, was all that was audible. + +Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with a radiant, sticky face, and a +plate of candy. + +"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. "We're going to make some +chocolate creams now. Do come and help, sister?" + +She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters on the table. "I must get +these out of the way first," she said. "Then I'll join you." + +"I guess you can eat and write at the same time," he answered, holding +out the plate. + +He waited only long enough for her to taste his wares, and hurried back +to the kitchen to report her opinion of their skill as confectioners. + +Just as the dining-room door banged behind him, she thought she heard +some one coming up on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. She +paused in the act of dipping her pen into the ink, and listened. Some +one certainly tried the bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly alarmed, and half way across +the room stopped again to listen. There was a momentary rustling in the +hall. She heard something drop on the hat-rack. Then there was a low +knock at the library door. She opened it a little way, and saw Dr. Trent +standing there. + +"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the door wide open. "I never +once thought of its being you. I took you for a burglar." + +Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard look on his face. He seemed +to have grown ten years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he pushed slowly past her, and +stood shivering before the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in the +hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some unusual weight had been laid +upon his patient shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength. + +Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and stern face that he was in sore +need of comfort. + +"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following him to the fire, and +laying her hand lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that something +dreadful must have happened to unnerve him so. "What can I do for you?" +she asked with a tremble of distress in her voice. + +He dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. When he +raised his head his eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age. + +"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, huskily. + +Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. Trent's given name before, she +knew that he was speaking of his wife. + +There was a long pause, which she finally broke by saying, "Don't you +see her every day? I thought you were in the habit of going out to her +that often." + +"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, "day after day, and day +after day, all these long years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has +only been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized me. She was always +calling for me. The way she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to +her husband, would have touched a heart of flint; yet she never knew me +when I came. She would grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but she +would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused way that was pitiful. I +always hoped that some day she might recognize me. I would sing her old +songs to her, and talk about our old home, although the thought of its +shattered happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way to bring her to +herself. She would listen awhile, and look up at me with a recognition +almost dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would begin to roll down her +cheeks, and she would beg me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back to me for the first time in +eight years,--my own little Isabel! I knew it was only because the frail +body was worn out with its terrible struggle, and I could not keep her +long. O, such a day as this has been! I have held her in my arms every +moment, with her poor, tired head against my heart. She was so glad and +happy to find herself with me at last, but the happiness was over so +soon." + +He buried his face in his hands as before, with a groan. When he spoke +again, it was in a dull, mechanical way. + +"She died at sundown!" + +The tears were running down Bethany's face. She had been standing behind +his chair. Now she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over his gray +hair, with a comforting caress. + +"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with +sympathy. + +"You can," he answered. "That is why I came. None of her relatives are +living. Only my most intimate friends know that she did not die eight +years ago, when she was taken away to a sanitarium. I want--" he stopped +with a choking in his throat. "The attendants have been very kind, but +I want some woman of her own station--some woman who would have been her +friend--to put flowers about her--and--smooth her hair, as she would +have wanted it done--and--and--see that everything is all fine and +beautiful when she is dressed for her last sleep." + +He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; but his face was working +pitifully, and the tears were rolling down his face. + +"She would have wished it so. She knew Richard Hallam. He was my best +friend. I do not know any one I could ask to do this for my little +Isabel, but Richard Hallam's daughter." + +She leaned over and touched his forehead with her lips. + +"Then let her have a daughter's place in helping you bear this," she +said. "Let her serve her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father." + +He reached up and mutely took her hand, resting his face against it a +moment, as if the touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then he rose, +saying, "I shall send for you in the morning." + +"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. "You have hardly been +here long enough to get thoroughly warm." + +"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will be only a few hours longer +that I can sit beside her. I have staid away now longer than I intended, +but I had to come in town to see that Lee was all right." + +"O, does he know?" asked Bethany. + +"No, he was only two years old when they were separated. She has always +been dead to him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow his life with +such a grief?" + +Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, turned up the collar, and +buttoned it securely. Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps in an absent-minded way. + +"I suppose Richard told you about that debt I have been wrestling with +so long," he said, finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the last +wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, I seem to have lost all my +old vigor and ambition. If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to +stop, and not try to take another step. I should like to lie down and go +to sleep, too." + +He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, laden with snow, rushed in. + +Bethany watched him out of sight, then went shivering back to the fire. + +A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next day, so no one questioned, or no +one knew why Bethany was excused from the office during the morning. + +She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. She stood beside him in +the dreary cemetery till the white snow was laid back over the +newly-made mound. Then she rode silently back to town with him. He sat +with his hands over his eyes all the way, never speaking until the +carriage stopped at the office, and the driver opened the door for +Bethany to alight. + +Next day she saw him drive past on his usual round of professional +visits. No one else noticed any difference in him, except that he seemed +a little graver, and, if possible, more tender and thoughtful in his +ministrations, than he had been before. + +To Bethany there was something very pathetic in the sudden aging of +this man, who had borne his burden so silently and bravely that few had +ever suspected he had one. + +He was making a stern effort to keep on in the same old way. His +profession had brought him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the shadow of his burden on +other lives, if he could help it. + +Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast growing white, that he +stooped more, and that he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a quick, elastic step. She +ministered to his comfort in all the little ways in her power, but it +was not much that any one could do. + +It must have been nearly two weeks before he came again to the house. +This time it was to examine Jack. + +"What would you say, my son," he asked, "if I should tell you I do not +want you to go to the office any more after this week?" + +Jack's face was a study. The tears came to his eyes. "Why?" he asked. + +"Because you will be strong enough then to go through a certain exercise +I want you to take many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by Christmas." + +This was so much sooner than either Jack or Bethany had dared hope, that +they hardly knew how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud whoop, and +went wheeling out of the room at the top of his speed to tell Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet. + +Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly tenderness in his face. Then +he sighed and turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble to bring to +you, my dear. Lee has been getting into so much mischief lately. I never +knew till yesterday that he has not been attending school regularly this +term. You see every allowance ought to be made for the child--no home +but a boarding-house; no one to take an oversight--for I am called out +night and day. He is such a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am +satisfied that his teachers do not understand him. They have not been +fair with him. He has been transferred from one ward to another, and +finally expelled. He never told me until last night. He said he knew it +would grieve me, and that he put it off from day to day, because he did +not want to trouble me when I was so worried over several critical +cases. That showed a sweet spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has +always been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted to go and +interview the superintendent; but he insisted it would do no good, +because they are all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a good child. +They ought not to expect a growing boy, full of the animal spirits the +Creator has endowed him with, to always work like a prim little machine. +Maybe I am not acting wisely, but he begged so hard to be allowed to go +to work for awhile, instead of being sent to any other school, that I +gave my consent. It is little a ten-year old boy can do, but he has a +taking way with him, and he got a place himself. He is to be +elevator-boy in the same building where your office is. You will see him +every day, and I am giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look out a little for him, +Bethany." + +"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. "We are already great +friends. He used to often join us on his way to school, and wheel Jack +part of the distance." + +Jack made as much as possible of the remaining time that he was allowed +to go to the office. He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all the different offices +where he had made friends, and spent a great deal of time in the hall, +talking to Lee, who was soon installed in the building as elevator-boy. + +"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," exclaimed Jack to Bethany +after his first interview. "Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about doing. He's tough, I can +tell you. He smokes cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed me +an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven up.' He shoots 'craps,' +too. He has been playing hooky half his time. One of the hostlers at the +livery-stable, where his father keeps his horse, used to write his +excuses for him. Lee paid him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of +the warehouses down by the river. You just ought to see the book he +carries around in his pocket to read when he isn't busy. It's called +'The Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' There is the awfulest +pictures in it of people being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the stuff he read; and asked +him how he would like to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the reason he has gone to work +is to save up money so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or some big +place, and have a 'howling good time.'" + +It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the deception the boy had +practiced on his father. Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and was glad when the time came +for him to stay at home from the office. But in every way she could she +strengthened her friendship with Lee. She brought him great, rosy +apples, and pop-corn balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy could +be proof against the long twists of homemade candy she frequently +slipped into his pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped to put a bunch of violets or a +little red rose in his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful that +she awakened the dormant chivalry within him, and he would not for +worlds have had her suspect that he was not all his father believed him +to be. + +One day she told David enough of his history to enlist his sympathy. +After that the young lawyer began to take considerable notice of him, +and finally won his complete friendship by the gift of a little brown +puppy, that he brought down one morning in his overcoat pocket. + +There was no more time to read "The Pirate's Revenge." The helpless, +sprawling little pup demanded all his attention. He kept it swung up in +a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, but spent every spare moment +trying to develop its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. That +was one occupation of which he never wearied, and in which he never lost +patience. From the moment he took the soft, warm, little thing in his +arms, he loved it dearly. + +"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it up to him, "because he's +so sweet and brown." + +Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee to dine with them on +Thanksgiving day, but the sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and +Mrs. Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend the day with them, +that she reluctantly gave up her plan. + +"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she promised herself, "and a +big tree for Lee and Jack. Lois will help me with it." + +It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with gray skies, and snow, to +intensify the indoor cheer. + +"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning with its decorations of +fruit and vegetables, and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. Dameron's, and was holding her +big mink muff in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it in the +snow. + +"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" chimed in Miss Caroline. +"Sally always did have a real talent for such things." + +"It couldn't have been any better than we had," insisted Jack. "I don't +believe I'll want anything more to eat for a week." + +"That's very fortunate," answered Miss Caroline, "for I gave Mena an +entire holiday. We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make that in +here." + +They sat around the fire in the gloaming, quietly talking over the happy +day. One of Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was that these +two gentle lives had come in contact with her own. Their simple piety +and childlike faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, like the +modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers they loved so dearly. Well for +Bethany that she had the constant companionship of these loving sisters. +Happy for Jack that he found in them the gracious grandmotherly +tenderness, without which no home is complete. They were very proud of +their boy, as they called him. Between the Junior League and their +conscientious instruction, Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and grounded" +in the faith of his fathers. Night stole on so gradually, and the +firelight filled the room with such a cheerful glow, they did not notice +how dark it had grown outside, until a sudden peal of the door-bell +startled them. + +"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the spectacles that had slipped +down when the sudden sound made her start nervously up from her chair. +She waited to light the gas, and hastily arrange the disordered chairs. + +When she opened the door she saw David Herschel patiently awaiting +admittance. It was the first time he had ever called. She was all in a +flutter of surprise as she ushered him into the library. He declined to +take a seat. + +"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," he said. "You know he boards +across the street from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been spending the +day. He was called out to see a patient last night, and came home late, +with a hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate a little while ago, +and came running over to tell me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found his father delirious, and +had telephoned for Dr. Mills. He was very much frightened, and wanted me +to stay with him until the doctor came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined +him, he called me aside and asked me to get into his buggy and drive out +to the Deaconess Home. I have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if ever she was needed in her +life, she is needed now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected too +long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter of only a few hours." + +Bethany started up, looking so white and alarmed that David thought she +was going to faint. He arose, too. + +"I must go over there at once," she said. + +"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am at your service, if you want +me to wait for you." + +"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," she answered. "Jack, I'll be +back in time to help you to bed." + +As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, which were still lying on +the chair, where she had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before. + +David offered his arm as they went down the icy steps. + +"It was so good of you to come at once," she said, as she accepted his +assistance. "Is Miss Carleton there now?" + +"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost instantly. She is the same +nurse that I met early one morning in that laundry office. She told me +on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so much for the Home and for the +poor. She says she owes her own life to his skill and care, and that no +service she could render him would be great enough to express her +gratitude. They all feel that way about him at the Home." + +Belle Carleton met them at the bedroom door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken +about you," she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had several +lucid intervals. Take off your hat before you go to him." + +Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark corner of the room, with +Taffy hugged tight in his arms. An undefinable dread had taken +possession of him. He looked up at Bethany, with a frightened, tearful +expression, as she patted him on the cheek in passing. + +Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down beside him, and took his +hand. He smiled brightly as he recognized her. + +"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse whisper, for he could not +speak audibly. "Dear old Dick." + +Then he grew delirious again. It was only at intervals he had these +gleams of consciousness. + +After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He seemed to sink into a heavy +stupor. Bethany sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn fingers clasped over hers. + +What a world of good that hand had done! How unselfishly it had toiled +on for others, to wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy with the best of +everything! Besides all that, it had filled, as far as lay in its power, +every other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic clasp. + +She sat beside him a long time, but he did not waken from the heavy +sleep into which he had fallen, even when she gently withdrew her +fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills take her place. He had just +come in again. + +"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" asked Bethany. + +The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. He shook his head. "Miss +Carleton can do all that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, if I am needed. He will +probably have no more rational awakenings while this fever keeps at such +a frightful heat. If we can subdue that soon, he has such great vitality +he may pull through all right." + +"You'd better go back, dear," urged the nurse. "You have your work ahead +of you to-morrow, and you look very tired." + +"I have an almost unbearable headache," admitted Bethany, "or I would +not think of leaving. I would not go even for that, if I thought he +would have conscious intervals of any length; but the doctor thinks that +is hardly probable to-night. I'll come back early in the morning. Maybe +he will know me then." + +"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging wistfully to David's hand, as +Bethany put on her hat. + +"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, kindly. + +Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep back the tears. + +"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with his lip trembling. + +David put his arm around him caressingly. His sympathies went out +strongly to the little lad, who might so soon be left fatherless. + +"Then I'll come back and stay with you till you go to sleep, after I +take Miss Hallam home," he promised. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LITTLE PRODIGAL. + + +LEE was waiting disconsolately on the stairs, with Taffy beside him, +when David opened the door and stepped into the hall. The landlady was +up-stairs with the nurse, and all the boarders had gone to a concert, so +the parlor was vacant, and David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward told him such +entertaining stories of his travels that Lee forgot his painful +forebodings. The clock in the hall struck ten before either of them was +aware how swiftly the time had passed. + +"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know where he is to sleep," David +said to the nurse, when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's room. + +"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," she said, kindly. "He'd better +not undress." + +David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is there any change?" he asked, +anxiously. + +She nodded, and then motioned him aside. "Would it be too much to ask +you to stay a couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? Lee clings +to you so, and the end may be much nearer than we thought." + +"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," he replied. + +They moved the sofa to the other side of the room, and the nurse began +folding some blankets the landlady brought her to lay over it. + +"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, dear?" she asked Lee. + +He picked up a larger lump than he could well manage. The tongs slipped, +and it fell with a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces as it +did so, then rattling over the hearth. + +They all turned apprehensively toward the bed. The heavy jarring sound +had thoroughly aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked around the +room as if trying to comprehend the situation. He seemed puzzled to +account for David's presence in the room, and drew his hand wonderingly +across his burning forehead, then pressed it against his aching throat. + +The nurse bent over him to moisten his parched lips with a spoonful of +water. + +Then he understood. A look of awe stole over his face, as he realized +his condition. He held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, turning, +beckoned the child to come. He folded the cold, trembling little fingers +in his hot hands. "Papa's--dear--little son!" he gasped in whispers. + +David turned his head away, his eyes suffused with hot tears. The scene +recalled so vividly the night he had crept to his father's bedside for +the last time. His heart ached for the little fellow. + +"God--keep--you!" came in the same hoarse whisper. + +Then he turned to the nurse, and with great effort spoke aloud, "Belle, +pray!" + +David, standing with bowed head, while she knelt with her arm around the +frightened boy, listened to such a prayer as he had never heard before. +He had wondered one time how this woman could sacrifice everything in +life for the sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. But as he +listened now, to her low, earnest voice, he felt an unseen Presence in +the room, as of the Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly. + +As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms might be underneath as this +soul went down into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried out +exultingly, "There is no valley!" + +David looked up. The doctor's worn face was shining with an unspeakable +happiness. He stretched out his arms. + +"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!" + +His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes closed, and he relapsed into a +stupor, from which he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at midnight he +was still breathing; but the street lights were beginning to fade in the +gray, wintry dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the lifeless hands +across the still heart, and turned to look at Lee. + +The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the sofa, and David had gone. + + * * * * * + +O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease of our appreciation to +wreathe cold coffin-lids, and cover unresponsive clay! + +There was a constant stream of people passing in and out of the +boarding-house parlor all day. + +Bethany was not surprised at the great number who came to do honor to +Baxter Trent, nor at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she arranged the great masses of +flowers they brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't they send these +when he was in such sore need of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference." + +All sorts of people came. A man whose wrists had not yet forgotten the +chafing of a convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that Bethany +had placed on the table at the head of the casket. + +"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his head mournfully. "I reckon +he was ready to go if ever any body was." + +They happened to be alone in the room, and Bethany repeated what the +nurse had told her of the doctor's triumphant passing. + +Late in the afternoon there was a timid knock at the door. Bethany +opened it, and saw two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over her head, and the other wore a +big, flapping sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful face. Their +teeth were chattering with cold and bashfulness. + +"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we couldn't get no wreaves or +crosses, but granny said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'" + +The dirty little hand held out a stemless, yellow chrysanthemum. + +"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening the door wide to the +little ragamuffins. + +They glanced around the mass of blossoms filling the room, with a look +of astonishment that so much beauty could be found in one place. + +"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, "'Pears like our 'n +don't show up for much, beside all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry we was." + +Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. "Did you know him well?" she +asked. + +"I should rather say," answered the child. "He kep' us from starvin', +all the time granny was down sick so long." + +"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with him, away out in the country, +and he let us get out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, Jess?" + +The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped her eyes with the corner of +her sister's shawl, "Granny says we'll never have another friend like +him while the world stands." + +Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless chrysanthemum. "See," she +said, "I'm going to put it in the best place of all, right here by his +hand." + +The door opened again to admit David Herschel. Before it closed the +children had slipped bashfully away, still hand in hand. + +Bethany told him of their errand. "Who could have brought more?" she +said, touching the shining yellow flower; "for with this little drop of +gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, and the frankincense of a loving +remembrance." + +She felt that he could appreciate the pathos of the gift, and the love +that prompted it. They had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours. + +"You've been here nearly all day, haven't you?" he asked, noticing her +tired face. "I wish you would go home and rest, and let me take your +place awhile." + +He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded. Her sympathies had been +sorely wrought upon during the day, and she was nearly exhausted. + +After she had gone, he sat down with his overcoat on, near the front +window. There was only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the grate. + +The last rays of the sunset were streaming in between the slats of the +shutters. He could hear the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells. + +"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He had not seen the child since +morning. + +Two working men came in presently. They looked long and silently at the +doctor's peaceful face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again. + +The minutes dragged slowly by. + +The heavy perfume of the flowers made David drowsy, and he leaned his +head on his hand. + +The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked in. His eyes were swollen +with crying. He did not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only one +long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, and it lay athwart the still +form in the center of the room. + +Lee paused just a moment beside it, then slipped noiselessly over to the +grate. There was a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the dying +embers as quietly as he could, and one by one laid the books on the red +coals. They were the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. Last of +all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. They blazed up, filling the +room with light, and revealing David in his seat by the window. + +"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any one was in here." + +Then leaning against the wall, he put his head on his arm, and began to +sob in deeper distress than he had yet shown. He felt in his pocket for +a handkerchief, but there was none there. + +David took out his own and wiped the boy's wet face, as he drew him +tenderly to his knee. + +"Now tell me all about it," he said. + +Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried harder for awhile. Then he +sobbed brokenly: "O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I came in +here early this morning before anybody was up, to tell him I was +sorry--that I would be a good boy--but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa, papa!" he wailed. "It's so +awful to be left all alone--just a little boy like me!" + +David folded him closer without speaking. No words could touch such a +grief. + +Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of paper. It was only the +scrap of a fly-leaf, its jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book. + +"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his pocket?" he asked in a +trembling voice. "I want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in his pocket, he'd know how +sorry I was." + +David took the bit of paper, all blistered with boyish tears, where a +penitent little hand, out of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,--I will be good." + +A sob shook the man's strong frame as he read it. + +"I think he will be very glad to have you give him that," he answered. +"You'd better put it in his pocket before any one comes in." + +Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed the room. "O, I can't," he +moaned, attempting to lift the lifeless hands. + +David reached down, and unbuttoning the coat, laid the promise of the +little prodigal gently on his father's heart, to await its reading in +the glad light of the resurrection morning. Then he called some one else +to take his place, and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little while +he was driving through the twilight out one of the white country roads, +with Lee beside him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a cool +hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore heart. + +Bethany took him home with her after the funeral, and kept him a week. + +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him with all the ardor of their +motherly old hearts. Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his usual vivacity. + +"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion said to Bethany one day. He had +gone up to the office to talk to her about it. + +Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting that Frank Marion be +appointed guardian. + +"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. "She would have turned the house +into an orphan asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But she has so many +demands on her time and strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should take Lee, I am away from +home so much, that the greater part of the care and responsibility would +fall on her. Just now his father's death has touched him, and he is +making a great effort to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for +him in a big place like this, so full of temptations to a boy of his +age. He would be a constant care. The only thing I can see is to put him +in some private school for a few years." + +"Let me keep him till after Christmas," urged Bethany. "I can't bear to +let the little fellow go away among strangers this near the holiday +season. I keep thinking, What if it were Jack?" + +"How would it do for me to take him out on my next trip?" suggested Mr. +Marion. "I will be gone two weeks, just to little country towns in the +northern part of the State, where he could have a variety of scenes to +amuse him." + +"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. "I'm sure he will like it." + +Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified guardian. He had a secret +fear that he would always be preaching to him, or telling him Bible +stories. He hoped that the customers would keep him very busy during the +day, and he resolved always to go to bed early enough to escape any +curtain lectures that might be in store for him. + +To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the jolliest of traveling +companions. There was no preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a moral on to the end of his +stories, and he only laughed when Taffy crawled out of the +innocent-looking brown paper bundle that Lee would not put out of his +arms until after the train had started. + +Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the open country between +little towns! Such fine skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten chapters, he told one of +the drivers. + +One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, frozen pike, one of the +horses began to limp. + +"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. "Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. +It's jes' round the next bend, over the bridge." + +The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying sparks and noisy anvils, was +nothing new to Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. In fact, +there were few places he had not explored. + +The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in the habit of using rough +language that every sentence was accompanied with an oath. + +Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the fire. + +"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he said. They had heard a harsh, +grating sound, like some discordant grinding, ever since they came in +sight of the shop. + +Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty thumb. + +"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' gear somew'eres. It set me +plumb crazy at first, but I'm gettin' used to it now." + +"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. Marion, anxious to get Lee out +of such polluted atmosphere. + +The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly as broad as he was long, +did not even take the trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just one of the cogs is gone out +of one of the wheels. I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get 'round to it. Does make +an or'nery sound for a fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry." + +"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, after they had passed out of +doors again. "I don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. It is a +nuisance to the whole neighborhood." + +When he reported the conversation at the smithy, Sikes swore at the +miller soundly. + +Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a step forward. + +"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone that made every one in the +shop pause to listen, "you've got a bigger cog missing in you than the +old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger nuisance to the +neighborhood. You have lost your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, leaving out Christ, making a +miserable failure of your life grist, and every time you open your lips, +your blasphemous words tell the story of the missing cog. If that old +mill-wheel makes such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do you +suppose your life is making in the ears of your Heavenly Father?" + +Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. His first impulse was to +knock him over with the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not help respecting the man who +had the courage to utter them. + +"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no idee you was a parson. I +laid out as you was a drummer." + +"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; +but I spent so many years on the road for this same house before I went +into the firm, that I often go out over my old territory." + +Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me you've got sermons and +shoe-leather pretty badly mixed up," he said. + +Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh disappear down the road, he +picked up the bellows and worked them in an absent-minded sort of a way. + +"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. "A drummer! I'll +be--blowed!" + +The incident made a profound impression on Lee. A loop in the road +brought them in sight of the old mill again. + +"We don't want to have any cogs missing, do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, +first pinching the boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him. + +The subject was not referred to again, but the lesson was not forgotten. + +Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. They walked to the Church a +mile away in the morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in the +afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. If it had not been for Taffy, it +would have been insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. Marion +did not take him out to the night service. He left him playing with the +landlady's baby in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not last long, +however. The baby was put to bed, and some of the neighbors came in for +a visit. Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room. + +It was the best the house afforded, but it was far from being an +attractive place. The walls were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The rag carpet was a dull, +faded gray. The lamp smoked when he turned it up, and smelled strongly +of coal-oil when he turned it down. + +He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded to go to bed. It was +very early. He could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening to +somebody's rocking-chair, going squeakety squeak in the parlor below. + +He wished he could be as comfortable and content as Taffy, curled up in +some flannel in a shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached out, +and stroked the puppy's soft back. + +The feeling came over him as he did so, that there wasn't anybody in all +the world for him really to belong to. + +It was the first time since Bethany took him home that he had felt like +crying. Now he lay and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs. + +He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. Mr. Marion lighted the +lamp, putting a high-backed chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that was lying on the table, +and, turning the leaves very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson. + +A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a long time he heard another. +Laying down his book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and his face streaked with traces of +tears. Marion, with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking at +him. + +All the fatherly impulses of his nature were stirred by the pitiful +little face on the pillow. + +He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly over the boy. + +"Lee," he said, "look up here, son." + +Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so near his own. + +"You were lying here in the dark, crying because you felt that there was +nobody left to love you. Now put your arms around my neck, dear, while I +tell you something. I had a little child once. I can never begin to tell +you how I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my heart. But I said, +for her sake I shall love all children, and try to make them happy. +Because her little feet knew the way home to God, I shall try to keep +all other children in the same pure path. For her sake, first, I loved +you; now, since we have been together, for your own. I want you to feel +that I am such a close friend that you can always come to me just as +freely as you did to your father." + +The boy's clasp around his neck tightened. + +"But, Lee, there will be times in your life when you will need greater +help than I can give; and because I know just how you will be tried, and +tempted, and discouraged, I want you to take the best of friends for +your own right now. I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?" + +Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened whisper, "I don't know +how." + +"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you after you had been very +naughty?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." Between his choking sobs he +told of the promise lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars. + +Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an effort, as he pointed out the +way so surely and so simply that Lee could not fail to understand. + +Then, with his arm still around him, he prayed; and the boy, following +him step by step through that earnest prayer, groped his way to his +Savior. + +It was a time never to be forgotten by either Frank Marion or Lee. They +lay awake till long after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +HERZENRUHE. + + +A STORY has come down to us of a cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those winter wilds made the +bravest heart appalled; when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's bonny hedgerows, then +the brave little cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its familiar +chirp, bringing back the cheer of the happy past, comforted the +children, and sang new hopes into the hearts of their elders. + +With every vessel that has touched the New World's shores since that +time have come these fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the ample +chests of the first Virginians, or bound in the bundles of the last +steerage passengers just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom of +a distant Fatherland has always folded its wings, ready to chirp on the +new hearthstone, the familiar even-song of the old. + +That is how the American celebration of Christmas has become so +cosmopolitan in its character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its song of an "auld lang +syne." + +"I should like to have a little of everything this year," remarked Miss +Caroline, as, pencil in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum. + +It was two weeks before Christmas, and she had called a family council +in her room, after Jack had gone to bed. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily embroidering. + +"It is the first time we have had a home of our own for so many years, +or been where there is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, "that +we ought to make quite an occasion of it." + +"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, "is to begin back with the +mistletoe of the Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding of old +England. I'm sorry we can't have the Yule log and the wassail-bowl and +the dear little Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. But we +can have a tree Christmas eve, with all the beautiful German customs +that go with it. Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, whether +he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then we must read up all the +Scandinavian and Dutch and Flemish customs, and observe just as many as +we can." + +"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully. + +"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. "Jack is going to invite ten +poor children that the Junior Mercy and Help Department have reported. +He is so grateful for being able to walk a little, that he wants to give +up his whole Christmas to them." + +"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. "I'm through with my last +present now, and am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to the +slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment." + +As she spoke she snipped the last thread of silk with her little silver +scissors, and tossed the piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap. + +Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You are a true artist, Lois," she +said. "These sweet peas look as if they had just been gathered. They +would almost tempt the bees." + +"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," answered Lois. "You can't +guess whom she's making that table-cover for?" + +Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For that dear old grandmother +where we were entertained at Chattanooga last summer," she said. "Don't +you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? She couldn't hear well enough to +enjoy the meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was a perpetual +welcome. She asked me into her room one day, and showed me a great bunch +of red clover some one had sent her from the country. She seemed so +pleased with it, and told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows at home, with all the +artlessness of a child. That is why I chose this design." + +"There never was another like you, Cousin Ray," said Bethany. "You +remember everything and everybody at Christmas, and I don't see how you +ever manage to get through with so much work." + +"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet, sententiously. "At least +that's what my old copy-book used to say." + +"And it also said, if I remember aright," said Miss Caroline, a little +severely, "'Plan out your work, and work out your plan.' It's high time +we were settling down to business, if we expect to accomplish anything." + +While this Christmas council was in session in Miss Caroline's room, +another was being held in an old farm-house in the northern part of the +State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and daughter. Everything in the room +gave evidence of German thrift and neatness, from the shining brass +andirons on the hearth, to the geraniums blooming on the window-sill. + +"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind +him in the Fatherland, when he came to America a poor emigrant boy; and +that was the name now carved on the arch that spanned the wide +entrance-gate, leading to the home and the well-tilled acres that he had +earned by years of steady, honest toil. + +It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to every wayfarer sheltered +under its ample roof-tree. + +He had accumulated his property by careful economy, but he gave out with +the same conscientious spirit with which he gathered in. No matter when +the summons might come, at nightfall or at cock-crowing, he was ready to +give an account of his faithful stewardship. Not only had he divided his +bread with the hungry, but he had given time and personal care, and a +share in his own home-life, to those who were in need. + +More than one young farmer, jogging past Herzenruhe in a wagon of his +own, looked gratefully up the long lane, and remembered that he owed the +steady habits of his manhood and his present prosperity to Gottlieb +Hartmann. For in all the years since he had had a place of his own, +there had seldom been a time when some homeless boy or another had not +been a member of his household. + +He was an old man now, white-haired and rheumatic, and called +grandfather by all the country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy winter apple. His +children had all married and gone farther West, except his oldest +daughter, Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to lure away from +her comfortable home-nest. She was an energetic, self-willed little +body, and had gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had wheeled her sewing-machine beside +the table, on which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing to dress a +whole family of dolls to be packed in the Christmas boxes that were soon +to be sent West. + +Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, her sweet, wrinkled old +face bright with the loving thoughts that her needles were putting into +a little red mitten, destined for one of the boxes. + +"It will be the first Christmas since I can remember," said Carlotta, +"that there will be no little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children the year before. It's a +pity they are so far away. It will just spoil my Christmas." + +Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate he was reading. + +"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. There will be a little lad +here to-morrow to take dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I met +our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had a boy with him whose father is +just dead, and he is the guardian." + +"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion first came here?" asked +Carlotta. "Seems to me I was only a little girl, and now I have pulled +out lots of gray hairs already." + +"It has been twenty years at least," answered her mother. "It was while +we were building the ice-house, I know." + +"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone into Ridgeville one Saturday to +get some new boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was just a young +fellow making his first trip, and he seemed so strange and homesick that +when I found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, I brought him +out here to stay over Sunday with us." + +"I remember you brought him right into the kitchen where I was dropping +noodles in the soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has seemed to feel +like one of the family ever since." + +"Yes, he has never missed coming out here every time he has been in this +part of the State, from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking up +his paper again. + +Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three miles away, Mr. Marion was +telling Lee of all the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he could hardly wait for the time +to come, and he dreamed all night of the country. + +Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the visit. The delighted child +spent all his time in the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he said. "There's the +dearest little colt in the barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond +in the pasture covered with ice!" + +Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta makes doughnuts every +Saturday, and she says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the garret." + +When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion was going on to the next town +before starting home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return. + +"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into his pulses.' It will be good +for him," she said. + +"Nobody knows better than I," answered Mr. Marion, "the sweet +wholesomeness of country living. I should be glad to leave him in such +an atmosphere always. He would develop into a much purer manhood, and I +am sure would be far happier." + +Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. "We'll see," she said. "Don't say +anything to him about it, but we'll try him while you're gone, and then +I'll talk to father. He seems right handy about the chores, and there is +a good school near here." + +Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, he went out to the barn to +find Lee. The boy had just scrambled out of a haymow with his hat full +of eggs. His face was beaming. + +"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, "and I rode to the post-office +this afternoon, horseback." + +"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. "Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann +is just the grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, and they're all +so good to me." + +It proved to be a very eventful journey for the boy; for after some +discussion about his board, it was arranged that he should come back to +the farm after the holidays. + +"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. "Why couldn't I stay right on, +now I'm here. You could send my clothes to me, and it wouldn't cost near +as much as to go home first." + +"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. "She is planning for a big +tree and lots of fun Christmas." + +"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. "I'd so much rather stay here +than go back to town and find him gone." + +"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, touched by the +expression of his face. "We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself." + +When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode down the lane with him to open the +big gate. After he had driven through he turned for one more look. + +The boy stood under the archway waving good-bye with his cap. The late +afternoon sun shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated the +snow, still clinging to the quaintly carved letters on the arch above, +till it seemed they were all golden letters that spelled the name of +Herzenruhe. + + * * * * * + +This holiday season would have been a sad time for Bethany, had she +allowed herself to listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely away from her +memories, saying: "I will be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it." + +Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness into every life that +touched her own, she found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show windows. She +anticipated the pleasure that would attend the opening of each bundle +carried by every purchaser that jostled against her in the street. It +was impossible for her to breathe the general air of festivity at home, +and not carry something of the Christmas spirit to the office with her. + +"Everybody has caught the contagion," she said gayly, coming into the +office Saturday afternoon, with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, Mr. Crookshaw, whom +everybody thinks so miserly, going along with a little red cart under +his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out of his pocket." + +"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, "by not being down-town +every day." + +"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is nearly wild now with the +excitement of the preparations that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for you to be present at the +lighting of his tree Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will enjoy watching the +children," she added, after she had told him of their various plans, +"and I hope you will be sure to come." + +"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That is the second invitation I have +had this afternoon. Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to attend the +League's devotional meeting to-morrow night. He says it will be +especially interesting on account of the season, and insists that 'turn +about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day services, and he wants +me to be present at his Christmas services." + +"We shall be very glad to have you come," said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is +to lead the meeting instead of any of the young people, who usually take +turns. I can not tell how such a meeting might impress an outsider; to +me they are very inspiring and helpful." + +That night, as she sat in her room indulging in a few minutes of +meditation before putting out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned her for the little use she +had made of her opportunity. + +It had been four months since he had come into the office, and while +they had several times discussed their respective religions, she had +never found an occasion when she could make a personal appeal to him to +accept Christ. Once when she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had interrupted them. + +"I must speak to him frankly," she said. Then she knelt and prayed that +something might be said or sung in the service of the morrow that would +prepare the way for such a conversation. + +David felt decidedly out of place Sunday evening as he took a seat in +the back part of the room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find. + +They were singing when he entered. He recognized the tune. It was the +one he had heard at Chattanooga--"Nearer, my God, to Thee." It seemed to +bring the whole scene before him--the sunrise--the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every soul. + +At the close of the song, another was announced in a voice that he +thought he recognized. He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, he had been +correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's--one of the keenest, most scholarly +lawyers at the bar, and a man he met daily. + +He was leaning back in his seat, beating time with his left hand, as he +led the tune with his strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note. + +David moved over to make room for a newcomer. From his changed position +he could see a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. Marion, Lois +Denning, and the Courtney sisters. Bethany was seated at the piano. + +Presently the door from the pastor's study opened, and Dr. Bascom came +in and took his seat beside the president of the League. + +"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one behind him whisper to her +escort. "What do you suppose could have happened? His face actually +shines." + +David had been watching it ever since he took his seat. It was a benign, +pleasant face at all times, but just now it seemed to have caught the +reflection of a great light. Everybody in the room noticed it. David, +quick to make Old Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming down +the mountain from a talk with God. He felt as positively, as if he had +seen for himself, that the minister had just risen from his knees, and +had come in among them, radiant from the unspeakable joy of that +communion. Every one present began to feel its influence. + +The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for reading, was one they had heard +many times, but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered it: + +"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." + +Something of the gladness that must have rung through the song of the +heralds on that first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read. + +Then he turned to Luke's account of the shepherds abiding in the fields +by night--that beautiful old story, that will always be new until the +stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem shall have ceased to be a +wonder. + +As the service progressed, David began to feel that he was not in a +church, but that he had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told the experiences of the past week, +the blessings and the trials that had come to them since they had last +seen each other. + +Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke from where they sat, just as +they would have talked in some home-circle. + +And through it all they seemed to recognize a Divine presence in the +room, to whom they spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, but +with the deepest love and gratitude. + +As David listened to voice after voice testifying to a personal +knowledge of Christ as a Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an utter stranger. + +When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened with still greater interest. +He knew him to be an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number of +times in rousing political speeches, and once in a masterly oration over +the Nation's dead on Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man had with +a jury, and he knew what respect even his enemies had for his +unimpeachable veracity and honor. + +Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned as when examining a +witness, to give his own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony. + +He said: "There may be some here to-night to whom the prophecy that was +read, and the story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. To +such I do not come with the sayings of the prophets, or to repeat the +tidings of the shepherds, or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times believed. I tell you +that which I myself do know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not the Son of God, he +could not have entered into my life, and transformed it as he has done. +My star of hope is far more real to me than the stars outside that +lighted my way to this room to-night. I have knelt at his feet and +worshiped, and gone on my way rejoicing. I know that through the +sacrifice he offered on Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his only-begotten. The +voice that bears witness to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined to dispute it, they would +be as nothing to that still, small voice within that whispers peace--the +witness of the Spirit." + +On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore had not been half so +surprised at hearing the League benediction intoned by rabbi and choir, +as was David when the familiar blessing of the synagogue was repeated in +unison by those of another faith: + +"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon +thee, and give thee peace." + +David had heard so much of Methodists that he had expected noisy +demonstrations and great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of amen during the prayers; +but while the prevailing spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, it +had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless under-current. + +He slipped out of the room after the benediction, fearful of meeting +curious glances. A member of the reception committee managed to shake +hands with him, but his friends had not discovered his attendance. + +Two things followed him persistently. The expression of Dr. Bascom's +face, and Hewson Raleigh's emphatic "I know." + +He took the last train out to Hillhollow, wishing he had staid away from +the League meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable. + +He walked the floor until long after midnight. Even sleep brought him no +rest, for in his dreams he was still groping blindly in the dark for +something--he knew not what--but something wise men had found long years +ago in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON CHRISTMAS EVE. + + +IT was Christmas eve, and nearing the time for Bethany to leave the +office. She stood, with her wraps on, by one of the windows, waiting for +Mr. Edmunds to come back. She had a message to deliver before she could +leave, and she expected him momentarily. + +In the street below people were hurrying by with their arms full of +bundles. She was impatient to be gone, too. There were a great many +finishing touches for her to give the tall tree in the drawing-room at +home. + +She had worked till the last moment at noon, and locked the door +regretfully on the gayly-decked room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of Christmas festivities. + +While she stood there, she heard steps in the hall. + +"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she exclaimed, as David entered. It +was the first time he had been at the office that day. "I have a message +for him. Have you seen him anywhere?" + +"No," answered David. "I have just come in from Hillhollow. Marta has +telegraphed that she is coming home on the night train, so I shall not +be able to accept Jack's invitation. She had not expected to come at all +during the holidays; but one of the teachers was called home, and she +could not resist the temptation to accompany her, although she can only +stay until the end of the week." + +As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's disappointment, David picked +up a small package that lay on his desk. + +"O, the expressman left that for you a little while ago," she said. +"Your Christmas is beginning early." + +She turned again to the window, peering out through the dusk, while +David lighted the gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package. + +It occurred to her that here was a time, while all the world was turning +towards the Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, that she +might venture to speak of him. Before she could decide just how to +begin, David spoke to her: + +"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would like for you to see it." + +He held a little silver case towards her, on which a handsome monogram +was heavily engraved. + +As she touched the spring it flew open, showing an exquisitely painted +miniature on ivory. + +She gave an involuntary cry of delight. + +"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It is one of the loveliest +faces I ever saw." She scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an +artist's evident pleasure. Then she looked up with a smile. + +"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke to me about," she said. "He +said that she was rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight." + +"How long ago since he told you that?" asked David in surprise. + +"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," she answered. + +"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?" + +"Yes." + +David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively why his old friend had departed +so from his usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. He had +intimated to David, when he had first met Miss Hallam, that she was an +unusually fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing friendship +might gradually lessen the young man's interest in Esther, whom he saw +only at long intervals, as she lived in a distant city. + +"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling you myself," said David. + +"I have often wondered what she is like," answered Bethany, "and I am +glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations. I wish +that she lived here that I might make her acquaintance. I do not know +when I have seen a face that has captivated me so." + +"Thank you," replied David, flushing with pleasure. A tender smile +lighted his eyes as he glanced at the miniature again before closing the +case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the spring," he added proudly. + +They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. Bethany held out her hand. + +"I shall not see you again until next week, I suppose," she said, "so +let me wish you a very happy Christmas." + +He kept her hand in his an instant as he repeated her greeting, then, +looking earnestly down into the upturned face, added gently in Hebrew, +the old benediction--"Peace be upon you." + +It was quite dark when she stepped out into the streets. She thought of +David and Esther all the way home. + +At first she thought of them with a tender smile curving her lips, as +she entered unselfishly into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered. + +Then she thought of them with tears in her eyes and a chill in her +heart, as some little waif might stand shivering on the outside of a +window, looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth and comfort he could +not share. The joy of her own betrothal, and the desolation that ended +it, surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she was in no mood for +merry-making when she reached home. + +She longed to slip quietly away to her own room, and spend the evening +in the dark with her memories. She had to wait a moment on the +threshold before she could summon strength enough to go in cheerfully. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room helping the sisters +decorate the long table, where the children were to be served with +supper immediately on their arrival. + +"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh to gather them up," said Mrs. +Marion. "They'll soon be here, so you'll not have much time to dress." + +"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in a minute. Mr. Herschel can't +come, so you may as well take off one plate." + +"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, pausing on her way to the +kitchen. "I asked him this morning, and forgot to say anything about +it." + +Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully unconscious of the +grimace Bethany made behind her back. + +"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline means all right, but she +is a born matchmaker. She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. Cragmore, and +wants me to do the same. She thinks she is so very deep, and so very +wary in the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; but the +dear old soul is as transparent as a window-pane. I can see every move +she makes." + +"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. "Is he conscious of her efforts +in his behalf?" + +"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly old lady, and is always +paying her some flattering attention. It is well worth his while, for +she makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his pockets full of goodies, +as if he were an overgrown boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. She is always going out +to Clarke Street to hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to him +afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, as two short rings and one +long one were given the front door-bell. + +"So he even has his especial signals," laughed Lois. "He must be on a +very familiar footing, indeed." + +"He got into that habit when he first started to calling by to take me +up to the Hebrew class," she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him in +it." + +Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying through the room to receive him. + +"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited stage whisper, "you'd better run +up the back stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a rose in your +hair, just to please me. Now, won't you?" + +Bethany and Lois looked at each other and laughed. + +"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I am," said Bethany; "but as +it's Christmas-time I suppose I must be good and please everybody." + +It was not long before a great stamping of many snowy little feet +announced the arrival of the Christmas guests. + +They came into the house with such rosy, happy faces, that no one +thought of the patched clothes and ragged shoes. + +"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred instead of ten," sighed +Miss Harriet, as she helped seat them at the table. "They look as though +they never once had enough to eat in all their little lives." + +"They shall have it now," declared Miss Caroline heartily, "if George +Cragmore doesn't keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just hear +the man!" + +She had never seen him in such a gay humor, or heard him tell such +irresistibly funny stories as the ones he brought out for the +entertainment of these poor little guests, who had never known anything +but the depressing poverty of the most wretched homes. + +Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who had found them, and spirited +them away to this enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin who +rubbed his lamp until their eyes were dazzled by the wonderful scenes he +conjured up for them. + +When the dinner was over, and everything had been taken off the table +but the flowers and candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on his knee. + +With his arms around her, he began to tell the story of the first +Christmas. His voice was very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the white sheep huddled +together, and the shepherds keeping watch by night. + +One by one the children slipped down from their chairs, and crowded +closer around him. + +He had never preached before to such a breathless audience, and he had +never put into his sermons such gentleness and pathos and power. + +He was thinking of their poor, neglected lives, and how much they needed +the love of One who could sympathize to the utmost, because he was born +among the lowly, and "was despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the intensity of his feeling, +and the children were very quiet. + +The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. Then she smiled up in his +face, and, putting her arm around his neck, leaned her head against him. + +There was a bugle-call from the library, and Jack led the children away +to listen to an orchestra composed of boys from the League, who had +volunteered their services for the occasion. + +While they were playing some old carols, Miss Caroline called Mr. +Cragmore aside. "I've sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can help her." + +Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, "May the saints bless +you for that now!" She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany. + +"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, "you needn't be putting everything +off onto poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered that she is only +somebody's cat's-paw." + +Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly touched by the winning +tenderness of Cragmore's manner with the children. If there had been no +memory of a past love in her life, she could have found in this man all +the qualities that would inspire the deepest affection; but with that +memory always present, she resented the slightest word that hinted of +his interest in her. + +She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, and that mischief-loving +girl thoroughly enjoyed forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege. + +It was still early in the evening, while the children were romping +around the dismantled tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving. + +"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission to-night," he explained, in +answer to the remonstrances that greeted him on all sides. + +"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended to tell you about that, and I +must stay a moment longer to do it." + +He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall chair, and folded his arms +across it. + +"The other day I made the acquaintance of a Russian Jew, Sigmund +Ragolsky. He has a remarkable history. He married an English Jewess, was +a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, and is now a Baptist preacher, +converted after a fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief in +the truth of Christianity. The story of his life sounds like a romance. +He was so strictly orthodox that he would not strike a match on the +Sabbath. He would have starved before he would have touched food that +had not been prepared according to ritual. He is here for the purpose of +establishing a Hebrew mission. You should see the people who come to +hear him. They are nearly all from that poor class in the tenement +district. One can hardly believe they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky, though, is a scholar, and +I should like to hear the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews are no +Jews at all--that they are the hardest people in the world to convert, +because they look for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that suits +them, and are so well satisfied with themselves that they feel no need +of any mediator between them and eternal holiness. They feel fully equal +to the task of making their own atonement. Rabbi Barthold says that the +orthodox are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of them live two +lives--one towards God, of slavish religious observances; the other +towards man, of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want you to hear +Ragolsky preach some night. I'll tell you his story some other time." + +"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as he picked up his overcoat +again; "did he have to give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?" + +"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children were converted also. He had +two rich brothers-in-law in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over that, I can assure you. +O, he is so full of his purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business as he is, the +millennium would soon be here." + +Afterward, when the children had been taken home, and the feast and the +tree, and the people who gave them, were only blissful memories in their +happy little hearts, Bethany stood by the window in her room, holding +aside the curtain. + +Everything outside was covered with snow. She was thinking of Ragolsky +and Lessing, and wondering which of the two fates would be David +Herschel's, if he should ever become a Christian. + +Would Esther's love for her people be stronger than her love for him? + +She knew how tenaciously the women of Israel cling to their faith, yet +she felt that it was no ordinary bond that held these two together. + +Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, Bethany whispered a very +heartfelt prayer for David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who was to +be his bride; and like an answering omen of good, over the white roofs +of the city came the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION. + + +THE office work for the old year was all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David would soon follow. He had only some +private correspondence to finish. + +Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters in the different +pigeon-holes of her desk. Ninety-five was slipping out into the +eternities. It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; it was carrying +away a far different record from the one she had planned. She felt that +she could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an unaccountable +reticence sealed her lips. + +David had been in the office very little during the past week, only long +enough to get his mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for Bethany to say what was trembling +on her lips. + +She heard him slipping the letter into the envelope. He would be gone +in just another moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. O, she must +say something! Her heart beat violently, and her face grew hot. She shut +her eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing appeal for help. + +David strolled into the room with his hat in his hand, and stood beside +her table. + +"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," he said, gravely. "It +has brought me a great many unexpected experiences, but the most +unexpected of all is the one that led to our acquaintance. In wishing +you a happy new year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your friendship +has been to me in the old." + +Bethany found sudden speech as she took the proffered hand. + +"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that I have not only been +wishing, but praying earnestly, that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds--the peace that comes in accepting Christ +as a Savior." + +He turned from her abruptly, and, with his hands thrust in his overcoat +pockets, began pacing up and down the room with quick, excited strides. + +"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem to be pursued. Every way I +turn, the same thing is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it--O, longer than that--since I first talked to Lessing. Then +there was Dr. Trent's death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. Cragmore has talked to +me so often, too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer such lives +and faith as theirs. Yesterday morning I had a letter from Lee--little +Lee Trent--thanking me for a book I had sent him, and even that child +had something to say. He told me about his conversion. Last night +curiosity led me down town to hear a Russian Jew preach to a lot of +rough people in an old warehouse by the river. His text was Pilate's +question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?' It +wasn't a sermon. There wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and death sentence--but he +made it such a personal matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, 'What shall I do? What shall I +do with this Jesus called Christ!'" + +He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth in silence. Then he broke +out again: + +"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down there last night. He had +been a rough, blasphemous drunkard that I have seen in the police courts +many a time. I saw him fall on his knees at the altar, groaning for +mercy, and I saw him, when he stood up after a while, with a face like a +different creature's, all transformed by a great joy, crying out that he +had been pardoned for Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, and +wondered which of us is nearer the truth. If I am right, what a poor, +deluded fool he is! But if he is right, good God--" + +He stopped abruptly. + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if you were convinced that, by +going on some certain pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that the +finding would shatter your belief in the creed you cling to now, would +you undertake the journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for the +faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for Truth, regardless of +long-cherished opinion?" + +For a moment there was no answer. Then he threw back his shoulders +resolutely. + +"I would take the journey," he said, with decision. "If I am wrong I +want to know it." Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one of the +pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, opened at the place where the answer +to Thomas was heavily underscored: + +"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; no man +cometh unto the Father but by me." + +"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The door has never been opened to +you, because you have never knocked. You have no personal knowledge of +Christ, because you have never sought for it. He has never revealed +himself to you, because you have never asked him to do so." + +He turned to her impatiently. + +"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, +or John the Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me than any other +man who has taught and died. How can I pray to him, then?" + +Bethany fingered the leaves of her little Testament, her heart +fluttering nervously. + +"I wish you would take this and read it," she said. "It would answer you +far better than I can." + +"I have read it," he replied, "a number of years ago. I could see +nothing in it." + +"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she answered. "See!" she cried +eagerly, turning the leaves to find another place she had marked. "Paul +wrote this about the children of Israel: 'Their minds were blinded: for +until this day remaineth the same veil' (the one told about in Exodus, +you know) 'untaken away, in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the +veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, +the veil shall be taken away.'" + +"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. He took the book, and +turning back to the first of the chapter, commenced to read. + +The great bell in the court-house tower began clanging six. + +"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this with me and look through it +another time." + +"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting to-night," she said, +wistfully. "It is from ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the city +meet at Garrison Avenue." + +He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned up his overcoat. A +sudden reserve of manner seemed to envelop him at the same time. + +"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on his gloves. "I have an informal +invitation from some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year out and +the new year in." + +His tone seemed so flippant after the recent depth of feeling he had +betrayed, that it jarred on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door. + +"No matter where you may be," she said as he opened it, "I shall be +praying for you." + +After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her desk, mechanically assorting +the letters. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had quite +forgotten it was time to go home. + +The door opened, and Frank Marion came in. He was followed by Cragmore, +who was going home with him to dinner. + +"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. "Where's David? We dropped in +to invite him around to the watch-meeting to-night." + +"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I asked him, but he declined on +account of a previous engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, "I +do believe he is almost convinced of the truth of Christianity!" + +She repeated the conversation that had just taken place. + +"He has been fighting against that conviction for some time," answered +Mr. Marion. "I had a talk with him last week." + +"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold would say if Mr. Herschel should +become a Christian?" asked Bethany. + +"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very question yesterday," exclaimed +Mr. Cragmore. "It astounded him at first. I could see that the mere +thought of such apostasy in one he loves as dearly as his young David, +wounded him sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But he is a noble +soul, broad-minded and generous. He did not answer for a moment, and +when he finally spoke I could see what an effort the words cost him: + +"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. 'He has a right to +choose for himself. I would rather read the rites of burial over his +dead body than to see him cut loose from the faith in which I have so +carefully trained him; but no matter what course he pursues, I am sure +of one thing, his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he does, will be +from a deep conviction of right. I, who was denounced and misunderstood +in my youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy that bound me +down spiritually, should be the last one to condemn the same +independence of thought in others.'" + +"Herschel would have less opposition to contend with than any Jew I +know," remarked Mr. Marion. + +"That little sister of his would be rather pleased than otherwise, and, +I think, would soon follow his example." + +Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing. + +"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," said Cragmore, who had +been appointed to lead the meeting. + +"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend on the shoulder. Then he +quoted emphatically: "'And this is the confidence that we have in Him, +that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.'" + +"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, in his impetuous way. + +He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling beside David's desk, +began praying for his absent friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering earnestness, and +after his voice ceased, Bethany took up the petition. + +"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are not heard," exclaimed +Marion, triumphantly, as he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk as far as the avenue with +you." + +As they went down-stairs together, he kept singing softly under his +breath, "Blessed be the name, blessed be the name of the Lord!" + +By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison Avenue Church was +crowded. + +George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied address for the +occasion; but during the half hour of the song service preceding it, +while he studied the faces of his audience, his heart began to be +strangely burdened for David and his people. He covered his eyes with +his hand a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, before he +arose to speak. + +"My friends," he said in his deep, musical voice, "I had thought to talk +to you to-night of 'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been +sitting here, God had put another message into my mouth. We are all +children of one Father who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness of the questions I shall +ask, and the seeming harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how many, during the year just +gone, have contributed in any way to the support of Home and Foreign +Missions?" + +Every one in the room arose. + +"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, and direct appeal, to +bring some one to Christ?" + +Again every one arose. + +"How many of you, during the past year, have spoken to a Jew about your +Savior, or in any way evinced to any one of them a personal interest in +the salvation of that race?" + +Looks of surprise were exchanged among the Leaguers, and many smiled at +the question. Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam. + +When they had taken their seats again there was a moment of intense +silence. The earnest solemnity of the minister was felt by every one +present. They waited almost breathlessly for what was coming. + +"There is a young Jew in this city to-night whose heart is turning +lovingly towards your Savior and mine. I have come to ask your prayers +in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks in his way may be removed. But +it is not for him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear Isaiah's +voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your +God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her +warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.' And then I seem +to hear another voice that through the thunderings of Sinai proclaims, +'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It must read a terrible +handwriting on the wall in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had she seen Christ in the +daily life of every follower since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of Sauls turned Pauls! We +are Christ's witnesses to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished no racial prejudices. He +turned away from no man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of +indifference. He drew no line across which his sympathies and love and +helping hands should not reach. When we do these things, are we not +bearing false witness to the character of him whose name we have +assumed, and the emblem of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful of this corner of the +Lord's vineyard. It must be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent to this." + +Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky and David, and called on them +to pray that his friend might find the light he was seeking. A dozen +earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, and every heart went +out in sympathy to this young Jew, whom they longed to see happy in the +consciousness of a personal Savior. + +David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He dined at the restaurant, and +was just starting leisurely down to the depot when he found that his +watch told the same time as when he had looked at it an hour before. It +must have been stopped even some time before that. At any rate it had +made him too late for the train. The next one would not leave till nine +o'clock. He stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, and finally +concluded to go back to the office for a magazine he had borrowed from +Rabbi Barthold, and take it home to him. + +His steps echoed strangely through the deserted hall as he climbed the +stairs to the office. He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But when he had found it, he +still sat there idly, drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair. + +After awhile he took Bethany's Testament out of his pocket, and began to +read. It was marked heavily with many marginal notes and underscored +passages, that he examined with a great deal of curiosity. Beginning +with Matthew's account of the wise men's search, he read steadily on +through the four Gospels, past Acts, and through some of Paul's +epistles. It was after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews. + +He put the book down with a groan, and, folding his arms on the desk, +wearily laid his head on them. + +Just then Bethany's parting words echoed in his ears, "No matter where +you may be, I shall be praying for you." + +It had irritated him at the moment. Now there was comfort in the thought +that she might be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith of his +fathers. He was proud of every drop of Israelitish blood that coursed +through his veins. He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism--nothing! Yet his heart went out lovingly toward the Christ that +had been so wonderfully revealed to him as he read. + +The conviction was slowly forcing itself on his mind that in accepting +him he would not be giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own people--only believing fulfilled +prophecy. + +He wanted him so--this Christ who seemed able to satisfy every longing +of his heart, which just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the world that he had given +himself a willing sacrifice to make propitiation for its sins--for +his--David Herschel's sins. + +The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation came back to +perplex him, and he put them resolutely away, remembering the words that +Bethany had quoted, that when Israel should turn to the Lord, the veil +should be taken from its heart. + +Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his hands clasped above his +head, cried out: "O, Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me Christ! I +will give up anything--everything that stands in the way of my accepting +him, if thou wilt but make him manifest!" + +He threw himself on his knees in an agony of supplication, and then +rising, walked the floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and again +rose in despair to pace back and forth. + +He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's conversion had been attended +by such miraculous manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him. + +Opening the little Testament at random, he saw the words, "If thou shalt +confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart +that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." + +"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will confess it the first +opportunity I have. Yes, I will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra--no +matter what it may cause him to say to me." + +He looked at the clock again. The old year was almost gone. It was +nearly midnight. Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered the +watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them. + +He started rapidly down the street, saying to himself: "How queer this +seems! Here am I, a Jew, on my way to confess before men that I believe +a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. I don't understand the mystery of +it, but I do believe in some way the promised atonement has been made, +and that it avails for me." + +He clung to that hope all the way down to the Church. It was growing +stronger every step. + +Bethany had risen to take her place at the piano at the announcement of +another hymn, when the door opened and David Herschel stood in their +midst. Not even glancing at the startled members of the League, he +walked across the room and held out one hand to Cragmore and the other +to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners with its intensity of +purpose. + +"I have come to confess before you the belief that your Jesus is the +Christ, and that through him I shall be saved." + +Then a look of happy wonderment shone in his face, as the dawning +consciousness of his acceptance became clearer to him. + +"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful surprise. + +Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one exclamation could express +the depth of Frank Marion's gratitude--an old-fashioned shout of "Glory +to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion--for it came in when "the morning +stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." + +"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried David. + +"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to those around him, and laying his +hand on David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned Paul. Who such +missionaries of the cross as these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the world. Who will join the +alliance?" + +In answer they came crowding around David, with warm hand-clasps and +sympathetic words, till the bells all over the city began tolling the +hour of midnight. + +At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the final prayer of consecration. + +There was a deep silence. Then the leader's voice began: + +"The untried paths of the new year stretch out into unknown distances. +But trusting in an Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how many will sing with me: + +[Illustration: Music + + "Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow. + I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."] + +The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as every voice covenanted with his. + +"But some of us may have planned out certain paths for our own feet, +that lead alluringly to ease and approbation. Think! God may call us +into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to no earthly recompense, to +lowly service and unrequited toil. Can we still sing it? Let us wait. +Let us consider and be very sure." + +In the prayerful silence, David thought of his profession and the hopes +of the great success that it was his ambition to attain. Could he give +it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated ministry to his people? He +wavered. But just then he had a vision of the Christ. He seemed to see a +footsore, tired man, holding out his hands in blessing to the motley +crowds that thronged him; and again he saw the same patient form +stumbling wearily along under a heavy beam of wood, scourged, mocked, +spit upon, nailed to the cross, for--him! + +David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: "I'll go with Him, with +Him, all the way." + +"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal plans are concerned, we +are willing to put ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose he +should call for our hearts' best beloved, are we willing to make of this +hour a Mount Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs--our all? Do we +consecrate ourselves entirely? Will we go with him all the way, no +matter through what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead us?" + +Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful face came before him. + +"O God! anything but that!" he cried out passionately. + +Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching out, clasped his hand, and +prayed silently that strength might be given him to make the +consecration complete. + +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!" + +David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When they arose the tears were +streaming down his cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been revealed to him. A new +life and a new year had been born together. + + * * * * * + +No, the story is not done, but the rest of it can not be written until +it has first been lived. + +In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes shall weave these +life-webs to the finish. Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. Who can tell? The new year +has only begun. + +But we know that all things work together for good to those who give +themselves into the eternal keeping, and--"God's in his heaven." + + + + +SILENT KEYS. + + +ONCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to take in the Christmas +choruses. + +It was not long before every voice had caught the sweet old tune of "Joy +to the World," and as their little feet pattered down the solemn aisles, +the song was carried with them to the work and play of the streets +outside. + +As the girl turned to follow, she found the old white-haired organist, a +master-musician, standing beside her. + +"Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister?" he asked. "You +have left silent some of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is what +you should have put into your song." + +As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the key-board, till the great +cathedral seemed to tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it--"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" + +High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of sky-larks, fluttered away +from his touch, and went winging their flight--up and up--beyond all +mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords and majestic octaves rolled +the triumphal gladness. Every key seemed to find a voice, as the hands +of the old musician swept through the variations of "Antioch." + +Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when he had finished she said +sadly: "Ah, only a master-hand could do that--bring out the varied tones +of those silent keys, and yet through it all keep the thread of the song +clear and unbroken. All those divine harmonies were in my soul as I +played, yet had I tried to give expression to them, I might have +wandered away from the simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those fuller chords you strike so +easily, or in reaching always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take in the choruses, and they +would not have gone out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world." + +Maybe some such master may turn the pages of this story, and feel the +same impatience at its incompleteness. Here in this place he would have +added, with strong touches, many a convincing argument. There he would +have spoken with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may turn away, +saying: "Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister? You have +left silent some of the sweetest and deepest." + +The answer is the same. Only a master-hand can sweep the gamut of +history and human weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the discordant +elements of controversy and criticism in all their variations, and at +the same time keep the simple theme constantly throbbing through them, +so strong and full and clear it can never be forgotten. + +The purpose of this story is accomplished if it has only attracted the +attention of the League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not stop with that. + +There is only one song that will ever bring universal joy to this old, +tear-blinded world, and that is that the Lord is come, and that he is +risen indeed in the lives of his followers. + +True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the League should not be +content simply to do that. It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and longings, that it will +know just what chord to touch in every heart it is striving to help. + +Go back to the days of the dispersion, and follow this Ishmael through +his almost limitless desert of persecution--his hand against every man +because every man's hand was against him. + +Put yourself in his place until your vision grows broad and your +sympathy deep. Chafe against his limitations. Stumble over his +obstacles, and in so doing learn where best to place the +stepping-stones. + +Dig down through the strata of tradition, below all the manifold +ceremonies of his formal worship, until you come to the bed-rock of +principle underlying them. + +When you have thus studied Judaism, its prophets, its priesthood, its +patriots--when you have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's tent to +the Temple gates, and then followed its diverging lines on into almost +every hamlet of both hemispheres, you will have learned something more +than the history of Judaism. You will have read the story of the whole +race of Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far better to serve +humanity. + +Christ reached his hearers through his intimate knowledge of them. He +never talked to shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers of +flocks. He gave the same water of life to the woman at Jacob's well that +he bestowed on the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how differently +he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan and the learned Nicodemus. + +To this end, then, study these creeds and systems; for instance, the +unity of God, clung to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating his +Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is God, and Mohammed is his +prophet!" + +Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes deeply channeling its way +through centuries of Semitic thought, until it enters the very +life-blood. You can trace its influence even down into the early +Christian Church, in the hot disputes of Arius and his followers, at the +Council of Nicea. + +Not until you comprehend how idolatrous the worship of the Trinity +seems to a Jew, can you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah. + +You will find this study of Judaism reaching out like a banyan-tree, +striking root and branching again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one of its manifold +ramifications, shadow every great problem and people. + +In the first conception of this story it was purposed to place +considerable emphasis on a number of things that have been left +untouched, especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, and the prophecies concerning the +return of the Jews to Palestine. + +But prophecy, while always a most interesting and profitable subject for +research and study, leads into an unmapped country of speculation. Many +an enthusiast, not recognizing that on God's great calendar a thousand +years are but as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries of +Revelations by the same numerical system with which he calculates his +assets and liabilities. As we examine this subject, we must not forget +the vast difference between our finite yardsticks, and the reed of the +angel who measured the city. + +God grant that, as the tree thrown into the stream of Marah changed its +bitter waters into wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study of +Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may turn all bitterness of +prejudice into the broad, sweet spirit of true brotherhood! + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + +Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. + +Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the +chapter "Dr. Trent". + +Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance) + +Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent +Southerner) + +Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. +Notwithstanding) + +Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them) + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +******* This file should be named 40527-8.txt or 40527-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Johnston</title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + .copyright {text-align: center; font-size: 70%;} + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify;} + + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + .small {font-size: 70%;} + .big {font-size: 140%;} + .adtitle2 {font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;} + .adtitle {font-size: 200%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;} + + .author {font-size: 120%; text-align: center;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .chaptertitle {text-align: center; font-size: 110%; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1.5em;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold; font-size: 90%;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .right {text-align: right;} + .poem {margin-left: 30%; text-align: left;} + .poem2 {margin-left: 15%; text-align: left;} + .sig {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align:baseline; + position: relative; + bottom: 0.33em; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none;} + .hang1 {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 3em;} + .cap:first-letter {float: left; clear: left; margin: -0.2em 0.1em 0; margin-top: 0%; + padding: 0; line-height: .75em; font-size: 300%; text-align: justify;} + .cap {text-align: justify;} + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 85%;} + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, In League with Israel, by Annie F. Johnston</h1> +<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a +href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p> +<p>Title: In League with Israel</p> +<p> A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference</p> +<p>Author: Annie F. Johnston</p> +<p>Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy,<br /> + and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> + from page images generously made available by<br /> + Internet Archive<br /> + (<a href="http://www.archive.org">http://www.archive.org</a>).<br /> + Music was transcribed by Linda Cantoni.</h4> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + <a href="http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala"> + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 399px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="399" height="600" alt="Cover: In League with Israel" /> +</div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + +<h1>IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL</h1> + +<div class='center'><span class='big'><b>A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference</b></span><br /> +<br /> +<span class='small'>BY</span><br /> +<span class='author'>ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON</span><br /> + + +<span class='small'>AUTHOR OF</span><br /> +<span class='small'>"<span class="smcap">Joel: A Boy of Galilee</span>;" "<span class="smcap">The Story of the Resurrection</span>;"</span><br /> +<span class='small'>"<span class="smcap">Big Brother</span>;" "<span class="smcap">The Little Colonel</span>."</span><br /> +<br /><br /><br /><br /></div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 38px;"> +<img src="images/leaves.png" width="38" height="45" alt="leaves" /> +</div> + +<div class='center'><br /><br /><br /> +<i>CINCINNATI: CURTS & JENNINGS</i><br /> +<i>NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS</i><br /> +<i>1896</i><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + + +<div class='copyright'> +COPYRIGHT<br /> +BY CURTS & JENNINGS,<br /> +1896.<br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE.</h2> + + +<p>What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young +Apostle of our Church, become to the Jews. Surely, not as +the priest or the Levite have you so long passed them by "on +the other side."</p> + +<p>Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which +requires haste, you have never noticed their need. But the +world sees, and, re-reading an old parable, cries out: "Who +is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel also, in thy midst?"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> + +<div class='poem'> +Nor knowest thou what argument<br /> +Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent.<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 15em;">—<span class='small'>EMERSON.</span></span><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + + + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="right"><span class='small'><span class="smcap">Page.</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'>CHAPTER I.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Rabbi's Protégé</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER II.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">On to Chattanooga</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER III.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Sunrise Service on</span> "<span class="smcap">Lookout</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">An Epworth Jew</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER V.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"<span class="smcap">Trust</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Two Turnings in Bethany's Lane</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Judge Hallam's Daughter, Stenographer</span>, </td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span><span class="smcap">A Kindling Interest</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_130">130</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER IX.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Junior takes It in Hand</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER X.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Deaconess's Story</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"<span class="smcap">Yom Kippur</span>,"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Dr. Trent</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_199"><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads '189'">199</ins> </a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Little Prodigal</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Herzenruhe</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XV.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">On Christmas Eve</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A "Watch-night" Consecration</span>,</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="center" colspan='2'><br />——————————</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"><br /><span class="smcap">Silent Keys</span>,</td><td align="right"><br /><a href="#Page_297">297</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><span class="smcap">In League With Israel.</span></h2> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE RABBI'S PROTÉGÉ.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was growing dark in the library, +but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight +deepened, he unconsciously bent +nearer the great volume on the table before him, +till his white beard lay on the open page.</div> + +<p>He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his +deep voice filled the room with its musical intonations: +"Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, +and ye waters that be above the heavens."</p> + +<p>He raised his head and glanced out toward +the western sky. A star or two twinkled through +the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, +he walked to the open window and looked up.</p> + +<p>There was a noise of children playing on the +pavement below, and the rumbling of an electric<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of +a newsboy with the evening paper.</p> + +<p>But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses +in the Midian desert, Elijah by the brook +Cherith, were no more apart from the world +than this old rabbi at this moment.</p> + +<p>He saw only the star. He heard only the inward +voice of adoration, as he stood in silent communion +with the God of his fathers.</p> + +<p>His strong, rugged features and white beard +suggested the line of patriarchs so forcibly, that +had a robe and sandals been substituted for the +broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have +been complete.</p> + +<p>He stood there a long time, with his lips +moving silently; then suddenly, as if his unspoken +homage demanded voice, he caught up +his violin. Forty years of companionship had +made it a part of himself.</p> + +<p>The depth of his being that could find no +expression in words, poured itself out in the +passionately reverent tones of his violin.</p> + +<p>In such exalted moods as this it was no +earthly instrument of music. It became to him +a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +the voices of the angels ascending and descending, +and on whose trembling rounds he climbed +to touch the Infinite.</p> + +<p>There was a quick step on the stairs, and a +heavy tread along the upper hall. Then the +portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the +world brought the rhapsody to a close.</p> + +<p>"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too +dark to see, but your fiddle says that you are at +home."</p> + +<p>"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike +a light. I wondered why you were so late."</p> + +<p>"I was out on my wheel," answered the +young man. "Cycling is warm work this time +of year."</p> + +<p>He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily +down among the pile of cushions on the couch.</p> + +<p>"I had a letter from Marta to-day."</p> + +<p>"And what does the little sister have to say?" +answered the rabbi, noticing a frown deepening +on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way +home again."</p> + +<p>"No," answered David, with a still deeper +frown. "She has changed all her plans, and +wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with +them, and they are up on Lookout Mountain. +She wants me to meet her there and spend part +of the summer with her. She grows more infatuated +with Frances Herrick every day. You +know they have been inseparable friends since +they first started to kindergarten."</p> + +<p>"Why did she go down there without consulting +you?" asked the old man impatiently. +"You should be both father and mother to her, +now that neither of your parents is living. I +wish I were really your uncle and hers, +that I might have some authority. You must +be more careful of her, my boy. She should +spend this summer with you at home, instead +of with strangers in a hotel."</p> + +<p>"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick +to excuse the little sister, who was the only one +in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. +Mrs. Herrick is with the girls now, and the major +will join them next week. Marta is just like +one of the family, and I have encouraged the +intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. Herrick gives +her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta +and Frances are so congenial in every way that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> +they find their greatest happiness together. I +tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. +It is a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc."</p> + +<p>"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. +"Do you remember that the rest of that +declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, +and thy God my God?' David, my son, I tell +you there is great danger of the child's being led +away from the faith. Your father and hers +was my dearest friend. I have loved you children +like my own. You must heed my warning, +and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile +family, especially when it includes such an agreeable +member as that young Albert Herrick."</p> + +<p>"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they +are thrown constantly together."</p> + +<p>David looked down at the carpet, and began +absently tracing a pattern with his foot. He +was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages +gave him a fatherly feeling for her. He could +not bear the thought of interfering seriously +with her pleasure, yet he could not ignore the +old man's warning.</p> + +<p>Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +languages and music. Aside from a few years +at college, all that he knew had been learned +under the old man's wise supervision.</p> + +<p>"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, +when he lay dying, "take my child and make +him a man after your own pattern. I know +your noble soul. Give his the same strength +and sweetness. We are so greedy for the fleshpots +of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul +hunger. But you will teach the little fellow +higher things."</p> + +<p>Later, when the end had almost come, his +hand groped out feebly towards the child, who +had been brought to his bedside.</p> + +<p>"Never mind about the shekels, little +David," he said in a hoarse, broken whisper. +"But clean hands and a pure heart—that's all +that counts when you're in your coffin."</p> + +<p>The child's eyes grew wide with wonder +as a paroxysm of pain contracted the beloved +face. He was led quickly away, but those words +were never forgotten.</p> + +<p>The rabbi was thinking of them now as he +studied the handsome features of the young fellow +before him.</p> + +<p>It was a strong face, but refinement and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +gentleness showed in every line. There was +something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's +lips. "Clean hands and a pure heart," he said +fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my +David, if thou couldst but see how thy little +one has grown, not only in stature, but in soul-life, +in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said aloud, as the young man +left his seat and began to walk up and down +the room with his hands in his pockets, "what +are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. +"It would not be wise to send for Marta +to come home, for the reason you suggest, and +I have no other to offer her."</p> + +<p>"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. +"You need not tell her that you have any fear +of her being influenced by Gentile society—but +never for a moment let her forget that she +is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her race. +Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for +all that is Hebrew."</p> + +<p>"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested.</p> + +<p>"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +will give you as good a summer outing as you +need, and you can play guardian angel for +Marta while you take it."</p> + +<p>David laughed, and took another turn +across the room. Then he paused beside the +table, and picked up a newspaper.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what connections the trains make +now," he said. "There used to be a long wait +at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily +over the time-table.</p> + +<p>"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here +is a cheap excursion to Chattanooga this next +week. I could afford to run down and see +Marta, anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her +to come back with me, if I promised to take her +to Hudson Bay with me."</p> + +<p>"What kind of an excursion?" asked the +rabbi.</p> + +<p>"Epworth League, it says here, whatever +that may be. It seems to be some sort of an +international convention, and says to apply to +Frank B. Marion for particulars."</p> + +<p>"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. +"O, then it is a Methodist affair. He is not only +the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +judging by the way he works for it. I wish my +congregation would take a few lessons from +him."</p> + +<p>"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, +and blue eyes, and a habit of shaking hands +with everybody?" asked David. "I believe +I know the man. I met him on the cars last +fall. He's lively company. I've a notion to +hunt him up, and find what's going on."</p> + +<p>"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will +not be at home to-night," said the rabbi, "and +stay in the city with me. If you conclude to +go to Chattanooga next week, I have much to +say to you before taking leave of you for the +summer."</p> + +<p>"Very well," consented David. "I'll go +down town immediately, and see if I can find this +Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you +know?"</p> + +<p>"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He +is in that big new building next to Cohen's +furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll +not find him Wednesday night. They have +Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as +his profession."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I +shall certainly cultivate his acquaintance for +the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It +has never been my lot to know a Christian who +measured up to his creed."</p> + +<p>"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the +old man, gently. "I have made you a dreamer +like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere +of high ideals. I have led you into the companionship +of all that was heroic in the past, and +held you apart as much as possible from the +sordid selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick +at heart sometimes when I stroll through the +great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle +of humanity as they snatch the bread from +other mouths to feed their own.</p> + +<p>"You remember our Hebrew word for teach +comes from tooth, and means to make sharp like +a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea +has become the popular view of education in +this day. Anything that will fit a man to bite +and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack +is what is sought after, no matter how many of his +kind are trampled under foot in the struggle. +I am almost afraid for you to step down from +the place where I have kept you. When you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +are thrown with men who care for nothing but +material things, who would barter not only their +birthrights but their souls for a mess of pottage, +I am afraid you will lose faith in humanity."</p> + +<p>"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra."</p> + +<p>"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. +The world is certainly growing a little less savage, +and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how +we have fallen, we still bear the imprint of the +Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned."</p> + +<p>Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling +himself a dreamer. The ability to live apart +from his surroundings, had been his greatest +comfort. Because of it, the rigor of extreme +poverty that surrounded his early life had not +touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had +gone through the world a happy optimist.</p> + +<p>He had been trained according to the most +strictly orthodox system of Judaism. But even +its severe pressure had failed to confine him to +the limits of such a narrow mold.</p> + +<p>He was still a dreamer. In the new world +he had cast aside the shackles of tradition for +the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + +<p>Now in his serene old age, surrounded by +luxuries, he still lived apart in a world of music +and literature.</p> + +<p>His congregation, broken loose from the old +moorings, drifted dangerously away towards +radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief that +the "chosen people" would finally triumph over +all error, and found much comfort in the +thought.</p> + +<p>David took out his watch. "It is after eight +o'clock," he said. "Probably if I walk down +Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon."</p> + +<p>People were beginning to file out of the side +entrance that led to the prayer-meeting room, +by the time he reached the church.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of +the colored janitor, who was standing in the +doorway.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He +sut'n'y is, sah! He am always the fust to come, +an' the last to depaht."</p> + +<p>"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed +a pleasant voice.</p> + +<p>David turned quickly to lift his hat. An +elderly lady was coming down the steps with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +two young girls. She came up to him with a +smile, and held out her hand.</p> + +<p>"I have not seen you since you came back +from college," she said, cordially; "but I never +lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with +his hat still in his hand.</p> + +<p>As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection +brought back the big attic where he had passed +many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain +jar on their pantry shelf, where the most delicious +ginger-snaps were always to be found.</p> + +<p>But the next moment the smile left his lips, +as an exclamation of one of the girls was carried +back to him. It was made in an undertone, +but the still evening air transmitted it +with startling distinctness.</p> + +<p>"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't +think you would shake hands with a Jew!"</p> + +<p>He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He +drew himself up haughtily. Then the indignant +flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should +he, with the princely blood of Israel in his veins, +care for the callow prejudices of a little school-girl?</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> + +<p>A crowd of people passed out, laughing and +talking. Then he saw Mr. Marion come into +the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights.</p> + +<p>He turned to David with a hearty smile +and a strong hand-clasp, recognizing him instantly.</p> + +<p>"How are you, brother?" he asked. He +spoke with a slight Southern accent. Somehow, +David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a +matter of habit that Frank Marion called him +brother. Such a warm, personal interest seemed +to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking +so honestly into his own, that he was half-way +persuaded to go to Chattanooga with him before +a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, +discussing the excursion. Then Mr. Marion +stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, +built some distance back from the street.</p> + +<p>"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, +a cousin of mine," he said. "If you will wait +a moment, I'll go with you over to the office."</p> + +<p>The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp +sent a flood of yellow light streaming out into +the warm, June darkness.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> + +<p>In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there +was a flutter of a white dress in the hall, and the +next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It +was Bethany Hallam. The light seemed to make +a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate +her dress and the sweet upturned face with such +an ethereal whiteness that David was reminded +of a Psyche in Parian marble.</p> + +<p>"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion +rejoined him. "One never sees a face like that +outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any +other."</p> + +<p>"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. +Marion responded. "He died last fall, and +Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at +last persuaded her to go to Chattanooga with +us. She needs to have her thoughts turned into +another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish +that purpose."</p> + +<p>"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met +him a number of times after I was admitted +to the bar."</p> + +<p>"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said +Mr. Marion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after +vacation," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am going to begin my practice +right now," said Mr. Marion, laughing, "and +plead my case to such purpose that you will be +persuaded to take this Chattanooga trip." He +slipped his arm through David's, and drew him +around the corner toward his store.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"ON TO CHATTANOOGA."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was within three minutes of time +for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself +on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably +in the first vacant seat, Mr. Marion hurried +past him down the aisle with a valise in each +hand. He was followed by two ladies. The +first one seemed to know every one in the car, +judging by the smiles and friendly voices that +greeted her <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apearance'">appearance</ins>.</div> + +<p>"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, +Mrs. Marion," cried an impulsive young girl, +just in front of David. "It would have been +such a disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest +thing in the world?" she rattled on to her companion, +as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing.</p> + +<p>"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam +with her! Of all people to go on an excursion, +it seems to me she would be the very last."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was +the question uppermost in David's mind, he +listened with interest for the answer.</p> + +<p>"O, she seems so different from other people. +Her father always used to treat her as if she +were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in +a private car. When she went to lectures or +concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except +one. She went to the conservatory for her +drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at +noon."</p> + +<p>As he listened, David's eyes had followed +the tall, graceful girl who was now seating herself +by Mrs. Marion.</p> + +<p>Every movement, as well as every detail of +her traveling dress, impressed him with a sense +of her refinement and culture. He noticed that +she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over +her face partially concealed its delicate pallor; +but her soft, light hair, drawn up under the little +black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever +by contrast.</p> + +<p>"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +neighbor. "I used to wish I could change +places with her, especially the year when she +went abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now +for anything in the world."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked her companion again, and +David mentally echoed her interrogation.</p> + +<p>"O, because her father is dead now, and +everything is so different. Something happened +to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a +dreadful fall just after the Judge's death. +They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple +all his life; but I believe he's better now. +He is sort of paralyzed, so he has to stay +in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right +after awhile. It's a very peculiar case, I've +heard. There have only been a few like it. She +is studying stenography now, so that she can +keep on living in the old home and take care +of little Jack."</p> + +<p>"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested +listener.</p> + +<p>"No, not very well. I've always seen her +in Church; you know Judge Hallam was one of +our best paying members, and rarely missed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +Sabbath morning service. But they were very +exclusive socially. My easel stood next to hers +in the art conservatory one term, and we talked +about our work sometimes. She used to remind +me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a Wayside +Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that</p> + +<div class='poem'> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Way of saying things</span><br /> +That made one think of courts and kings,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And lords and ladies of high degree,</span><br /> +So that not having been at court<br /> +Seemed something very little short<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Of treason or lese-majesty,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Such an accomplished knight was he.'"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>Both girls laughed, and then the lively +chatter was drowned by the jarring rumble of +the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot.</p> + +<p>"Any one would know this is a Methodist +crowd," said Mrs. Marion laughingly, as a dozen +happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car.</p> + +<p>"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching +into his coat pocket, "I have something +here that will prevent any mistake if doubt +should arise."</p> + +<p>He drew out a little box of ribbon badges +and a paper of pins. "Here," he said, "put one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. +You, too, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I +am not a member of the League."</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," he answered, +in his hearty, persistent way. "You ought to +be one, and you will be by the time you get +back from this conference."</p> + +<p>"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge +in my life," she insisted. "I have always had +the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes +one so conspicuous to be branded in that way."</p> + +<p>He held out the little white ribbon, threaded +with scarlet, and bearing the imprint of the Maltese +cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. +He was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel +uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" +Then he paused reverently. "The purity +and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to +wear those."</p> + +<p>He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed +down the aisle, distributing the others right and +left.</p> + +<p>She looked at it in silence a moment, and +then pinned it on the lapel of her traveling coat.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another +such persistent man?" she asked. "How is it +that he can always make people go in exactly +the opposite way from the one they had intended? +When he first planned for me to come +on this excursion, I thought it was the most +preposterous idea I ever heard of. But he put +aside every objection, and overruled every argument +I could make. I did not want to come +at all, but he planned his campaign like a general, +and I had to surrender."</p> + +<p>"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. +Marion. "You know I did not get home from +Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have +been too busy getting ready to come on this +excursion to ask him anything."</p> + +<p>"When he had urged all the reasons he +could think of for my going, but without success, +he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, +little Jack. The child has considered Cousin +Frank's word law and gospel ever since he joined +the Junior League. So, when he was told that +my health would be benefited by the trip, and +it would arouse me from the despondent, low-spirited +state I had fallen into, he gave me no +rest until I promised to go. Jack showed generalship,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +too. He waited until the night of +his birthday. I had promised him a little party, +but he was so much worse that day, it had to +be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The +little rascal knew it, too. While I was helping +him undress, he put his arms around my neck, +and began to beg me to go. He told me that he +had been praying that I might change my mind. +Ever since he has been in the League he has +seemed to get so much comfort out of the belief +that his prayers are always answered that I +couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised +him."</p> + +<p>"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; +"you ought to give him the full benefit +of his name, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was +as much too big for him as the huge old-fashioned +silver watch that Grandfather Bradford +left him. He suggested that both be laid +away until he grew up to fit them."</p> + +<p>"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" +was the next question.</p> + +<p>"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. +They sent for his old nurse. She came last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +night with her little nine-year-old grandson. +Just Jack's age, you see; so he will have somebody +to make the time pass very quickly."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation +of surprise. "Well, I wish you'd look at +Frank! What will he do next? He is actually +pinning an Epworth League badge on that +young Jew!"</p> + +<p>Bethany turned her head a little to look. +"What a fine face he has!" she remarked. "It +is almost handsome. He must feel very much +out of place among such an aggressive set of +Christians. I wonder what he thinks of all these +songs?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent +of both Sunday-school and Junior +League, he had won the love of every one connected +with them. His passage through the +car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps.</p> + +<p>There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when +he stopped beside his wife's seat. She smiled up +at him as he towered above her, and motioned +him to take the seat in front of them.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +to bring a young man up here, and introduce +him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome +time, I'm afraid."</p> + +<p>"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. +Marion. "I know every one else on the car. +I don't see that we are called on to entertain +him, Frank. He came with us, simply to take +advantage of the excursion rates. I should think +he would prefer to be let alone. He must have +thought it presumptuous in you to pin that badge +on him. What did he say when you did it?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion bent down to make himself +heard above the noise of the train.</p> + +<p>"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' +and told him if there was any people in the +world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had +climbed Sinai, and whose tables of stone lifted +up the highest standard of morality known to +the race of Adam."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make +a fine politician," she exclaimed. "You always +know just the right chord to touch."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does +it happen you have taken such an intense interest +in him?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + +<p>He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and +leaned forward.</p> + +<p>"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I +have had several talks with him, and have been +wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and +views of life. But I am free to confess, had I +met him ten years ago, I could not have seen +any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by +a prejudice that I am unable to account for. +It must have been hereditary, for it has existed +since my earliest recollection, and entirely +without reason, as far as I can see. I somehow +felt that I was justified in hating the Jews. +I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that +they were wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, +that they were gross in their manner of living, +and petty and mean in business transactions. +I took Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens +of the whole race. It was, really, a most unaccountable +hatred I had for them. My teeth +would actually clinch if I had to sit next to one +on a street-car. You may think it strange, but +I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be +a fact that there are hundreds and hundreds +of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany looked up quickly.</p> + +<p>"My father's reading and training," she +said, "has caused me to have a great admiration +and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean +such as the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees +of a later date. But in the concrete, I +must say I like to have as little intercourse with +them as possible. And as to modern Israelites, +all I know of them personally is the almost +cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants +with whom I have dealt, and the dirty +swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short +cut through those streets sometimes in driving +to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She +gave a little shiver of repugnance at the recollection.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that +same feeling the greater part of my life. But +ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, +studying the four Gospels. It opened my eyes, +Bethany. I got a clearer view of the Christ +than I ever had before. I saw how I had been +misrepresenting him to the world. The inconsistencies +of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +along the coast, that vessels might be wrecked +by their misleading light. Do you suppose a +Jew could have accepted such a Christ as I represented +then? No wonder they fail to recognize +their Messiah in the distorted image that +is reflected in the lives of his followers."</p> + +<p>"But they rejected Christ himself when he +was among them," ventured Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like +the old story of the man with a muck rake. Do +you remember that picture that was shown to +Christian at the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's +Progress?' As a nation, Israel had stooped so +much to the gathering of dry traditions, had +bent so long over the minute letter of the law, +that it could not straighten itself to take the +crown held out to it. It could not even lift its +eyes to discern that there was a crown just over +its head."</p> + +<p>"It always made me think of the blind +Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In trying to overthrow +something it could not see, spiritually +I mean, it pulled down the pillars of prophecy +on its own head."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +but who was it that wrote those wonderful +chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that +went out ablaze with the power of Pentecost +to spread the deathless story of the resurrection? +Who were the apostles that founded our Church? +To whom do we owe our knowledge of God +and our hope of redemption, if not to the Jews? +We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself +belonged to that race we so reproach."</p> + +<p>He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten +his surroundings, until a light touch on +his shoulder interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, +Brother Marion?" asked the minister's genial +voice.</p> + +<p>He turned quickly to smile into the frank, +smooth-shaven face bending over him.</p> + +<p>"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing +my young friend back there, David +Herschel. Have you met him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was talking with him a little while +ago," answered the minister. "He seems very +reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier +seems to arise when we talk to one of that race. +I just came in to tell you that Cragmore is in the +next car. He got on at the last station."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. +Marion, rising quickly. "I haven't seen him for +two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile."</p> + +<p>"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," +said Mrs. Marion, as the door banged +behind the two men.</p> + +<p>"Frank will never think of us again when he +gets to spinning yarns with Mr. Cragmore. I +want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of +the most original men I ever heard talk. He's +a young minister from the 'auld sod.' They +called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first +came over, he was so fiery and impetuous. +There is enough of the brogue left yet in his +speech to spice everything he says. He and +Frank are a great deal alike in some things. +They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate +love of joking. They are both so terribly in +earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they +once settle on a point, they are so tenacious +nothing can move them. I often tell Frank +he is worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition +says they do let go when it thunders, but nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched."</p> + +<p>There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. +At the sound of a noisy gong in front of the +station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with +his friend. Capacious lunch-baskets were +opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting.</p> + +<p>"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. +"I intended to ask him to lunch with us."</p> + +<p>"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied +his wife.</p> + +<p>"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, +George," said Mr. Marion. "I've been +all up and down this train trying to get people +to be neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the +only one who has spoken to him. They were +all having such a good time when I interrupted +them, or they didn't know what to say to a +Jew, and a dozen different excuses."</p> + +<p>"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject +again!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion. "Take a +sandwich, and forget about it."</p> + +<p>Bethany Hallam laughed more than once +during the merry luncheon that followed. She +could not remember that she had laughed before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +since her father's death. The young Irishman's +ready wit, his droll stories, and odd expressions +were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, +too, drawing constantly from Frank Marion's +inexhaustible supply of fun.</p> + +<p>"You have seen only one side of him," remarked +Mrs. Marion, when her husband had +taken him away to introduce David. "While +he was very entertaining, I think he has +shown us one of the least attractive phases of +his character."</p> + +<p>David had felt very much out of place all +morning. It was one thing to travel among +ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and +another to be surrounded by those who were constantly +bubbling over with religious enthusiasm. +He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water +tank, he said to himself, but he did object to +its boiling over on him.</p> + +<p>His neighbors would have been very much +surprised could they have known he was studying +them with keen insight, and finding much +to criticise. Even some of their songs were objectionable +to him, their catchy refrains reminding +him of some he had heard at colored minstrel +shows.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>With such an exalted idea of worship as +the old rabbi had inculcated in him, it did not +seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless +through such sonorous utterances as the psalms. +Some of these little tinkling, catch-penny tunes +seemed profanation.</p> + +<p>He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. +He had very unexpectedly found a congenial +friend in the young minister. It was +not often he met a man so keenly alert to +nature, so versed in his favorite literature, or +of his same sensitive temperament. He felt +himself opening his inner doors as he did to no +one else but the rabbi.</p> + +<p>A drizzling rain was falling when they began +to wind in and out among the mountains of +Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. +It crowned every hilltop ahead of them. It +reached its shining ladder of light into every +valley. It seemed such a prophecy of what +awaited them on the mountain beyond, that some +one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises."</p> + +<p>As the full glory of the rainbow flashed +on Cragmore's sight, he stopped abruptly in the +middle of a sentence. The expression of his face<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +seemed to transfigure it. When he turned to +David, there were tears in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" +he said, in a low tone, that thrilled David with +its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The +Mizpahs! The Ebenezers! See, it is like a +pillar of fire leading us to a veritable land of +promise."</p> + +<p>Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, +he began to talk of the promises of the Bible, +till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make +me forget that you are a Christian. You enter +into Israel's past even more fully than many of +her own sons."</p> + +<p>Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, +nervous way, with an impetuous gesture.</p> + +<p>"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously +into the broad brogue of his childhood, +"we hold sacred with you the heritage of your +past. We look up with you to the same God, +the Father; we confess a common faith till we +stand at the foot of the cross. There is no +great barrier between us—only a step—one step +farther for you to take, and we stand side by +side!"</p> + +<p>He laid his hand on David's, and looked into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +his eyes with an expression of tender pleading +as he added:</p> + +<p>"O, my friend, if you could only see my +Savior as he has revealed himself to me! I +pray you may! I do pray you may!"</p> + +<p>It was the first time in David's life any one +had ever said such a thing to him. He sat +back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an +answer. It put an end to their conversation for +a while. Cragmore felt that his sympathy had +carried him to the point of giving offense. He +was relieved when Dr. Bascom beckoned him +to share his seat.</p> + +<p>After a while, as the train sped on into the +darkness, the passengers subsided in to sleepy +indifference. It seemed hours afterward when +Mr. Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying +briskly, "Wake up, old fellow, we are getting +into Chattanooga."</p> + +<p>"Let us go in with banners flying," said +Dr. Bascom. "I understand that every car-full +that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has +come singing."</p> + +<p>The lights of the city, twinkling through +the car-windows, aroused the sleepy passengers +with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +they steamed slowly into the crowded depot, +it was as "pilgrims singing in the night."</p> + +<p>In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. +Marion lost sight of David.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed +tone. "I intended to ask him to drive +to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I +wanted to introduce him to you, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, +Cousin Frank," she said, as she followed +him through the depot gates. "He may be +very agreeable, and all that, but he's a Jew, +and I don't care to make his acquaintance."</p> + +<p>The handle of the umbrella she was carrying +came in collision with some one behind her.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in +her gracious, high-bred way.</p> + +<p>The gentleman raised his hat. It was +David Herschel. A stylish-looking little school-girl +was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded +man, whom she recognized as Major Herrick, +was walking just behind him. They had come +down from the mountain to meet him, and take +him to Lookout Inn. As their eyes met, Bethany +was positive that he had overheard her remark.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 87px;"> +<img src="images/drop_b.png" width="87" height="100" alt="B" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />Y some misunderstanding, Bethany +and her cousins had been assigned +to different homes.</div> + +<p>"It is too late to make any +change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they left +her. "We are only one block further up on +this same street. We will try to make some arrangement +to-morrow to have you with us."</p> + +<p>Bethany followed her hostess into the wide +reception-hall. One of the most elegant homes +of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, +all as tired and travel-stained as herself.</p> + +<p>During the introductions, Bethany mentally +classified them as the most uninteresting lot of +people she had seen in a long time.</p> + +<p>"I believe you are the odd one of this party, +Miss Hallam," said the hostess, glancing over +the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +one improvised for the occasion; but you will +probably be more comfortable here alone than +in a larger room with several others."</p> + +<p>It had never occurred to Bethany that she +might have been asked to share an apartment +with some stranger, and she hastened to assure +her hostess of her appreciation of the little +room, which, though very small indeed compared +with the great dimensions of the others, +was quite comfortable and attractive.</p> + +<p>"I have always been accustomed to being by +myself," she said, "and it makes no difference +at all if it is so far away from the other sleeping-rooms. +I am not at all timid."</p> + +<p>Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, +she realized that she had never been so entirely +alone before in all her life. Home seemed so +very far away. Her surroundings were so +strange. Her extreme weariness intensified her +morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered +such a sensation coming to her one night in +mid-ocean, but she had tapped on her state-room +wall, and her father had come to her immediately. +Now she might call a weary lifetime. +No earthly voice could ever reach him.</p> + +<p>With a throbbing ache in her throat, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +hot tears springing to her eyes, she opened her +valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out +at her. She was kneeling before them, with +her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As +she gazed at them intently, a tear splashed +down on her black dress.</p> + +<p>"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she +sobbed, passionately, "for God to take everything! +It would have been so easy for him to +let me keep them. How could he be so cruel? +How could he take away all that made my life +worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?"</p> + +<p>She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm +of sobbing. Presently she looked up again at +her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, +very like her own. It brought back all her +happy childhood, that seemed almost glorified +now by the remembered halo of its devoted +mother-love.</p> + +<p>The years had softened that grief, but it +all came back to-night with its old-time bitterness.</p> + +<p>The next face was little Jack's—a sturdy, +wide-awake boy, with mischievous dimples and +laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +had suffered since his accident, made her feel +that she had lost him also, in a way. The +physician had assured her that he would be the +same vigorous, romping child again; but she +found that hard to believe when she thought +of his present helpless condition.</p> + +<p>She pressed the next picture to her lips +with trembling fingers, and then looked lovingly +into the eyes that seemed to answer her +gaze with one of steadfast, manly devotion.</p> + +<p>"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she +sobbed again. How it all came back to her—the +happy June-time of her engagement!—the +summer days when she dreamed of him, the +summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the +first bunch of violets he brought her, to the +judge's tender smile when she spread out all +her bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering +lengths of the white, trailing satin; such +filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the +telegram, and afterward the darkened room, +and the darker hour, when she groped her way +to a motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. +O, how she had clung to the cold hands, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in +an agony of despair! But as she turned, her +father's strong arms were folded about her, and +his broken voice whispered comfort.</p> + +<p>The dear father! It had been doubly desolate +since he had gone, too.</p> + +<p>Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her +arms, she seemed to face a future that was utterly +hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, +she felt that there was absolutely no reason +why she should go on living.</p> + +<p>The ticking of her watch reminded her that +it was nearly midnight. In a mechanical way, +she got up and began to arrange her hair for +the night.</p> + +<p>After she had extinguished the light, she +pulled aside the curtain, and looked out on the +unfamiliar streets.</p> + +<p>The moon had come up. In the dim light +the crest of old Lookout towered grimly above +the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms +passed through her mind: "I will lift up mine +eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."</p> + +<p>"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no +help. God doesn't care. He is too far away."</p> + +<p>As she went back to the bed, the words of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> +the novice in Muloch's "Benedetta Minelli" +came to her:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"O weary world, O heavy life, farewell!<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Like a tired child that creeps into the dark</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">To sob itself asleep where none will mark,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">So creep I to my silent convent cell."</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock +myself away with my memories, and not be +obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not +be so hard. How I dread to-morrow, with its +crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever +come?"</p> + +<p>Next morning, the guests gathered out on +the vine-covered piazza to discuss their plans for +the day.</p> + +<p>There were two theological students from +Boston, a young doctor from Texas, and the +son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas +farmer's wife and her sister, a bright little +schoolteacher from an Iowa village, and three +pretty Georgia girls, completed the party.</p> + +<p>Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering +how they could be so greatly interested +in such things as the most direct car-line to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to +"do" the old battle-grounds.</p> + +<p>The youngest Georgia girl was about her +own age. She had made several attempts to +include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking +her reserve and indifference for haughtiness, +turned to the Louisiana boy with a remark +about unsociable Northerners.</p> + +<p>Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, +and she wondered, in a dull way, how anybody +could be light-hearted enough even to smile in +such a world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered +that she had laughed herself, the day +before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It +rather puzzled her now to know how she could +have done so. Her wakeful night had left her +unusually depressed.</p> + +<p>An open, two-seated carriage stopped at +the gate. Mrs. Marion and George Cragmore +were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. +Bascom sat with the driver. Bethany had been +waiting for them some time with her hat on, +so she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. +Cragmore leaped over the wheel to open the +gate, and assist her to a seat between himself +and Mrs. Marion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> + +<p>They drove rapidly out towards Missionary +Ridge. To Bethany's great relief, neither of +her companions seemed in a talkative mood. +Mr. Marion, who was an ardent <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Southener'">Southerner</ins>, had +been deep in a political discussion with Dr. Bascom. +As they stopped on the winding road, +half way up the ridge, to look down into the +beautiful valley below, and across to the purple +summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long +breath. Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, +"The work of His fingers! What is +man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, +after a long silence: "How insignificant our +little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on +every side, did not notice Bethany's continued +silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The +fresh air and brisk motion had somewhat +aroused Bethany from her apathy. First, she +began to be interested in the constantly-changing +view, and then she noticed its effect on +the erratic man beside her.</p> + +<p>From the time they commenced to ascend +the ridge he had not spoken to any one directly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if +he were all alone; some of them dreamily, some +of them with startling force, and all with the +slight brogue he spoke so musically.</p> + +<p>"Every common bush afire with God," he +murmured in an undertone, looking at a dusty +wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes.</p> + +<p>Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that +if any other man of her acquaintance had kept +up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard +him do it again after that day. It seemed as if +the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words +that immortal pens had made deathless.</p> + +<p>The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out +to them from grassy orchards, where the trees +were bent over with their wealth of velvety, sun-reddened +fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had +taken no notice of Bethany's depression when +she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature +was having on her sore heart. But she +knew that he had seen it, when he turned to +her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as +well as his first one had the wayside weed. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +half sang it, with a tender, wistful smile, as he +watched her face.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"O the green things growing, the green things growing—<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing."</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had +told him of all she had suffered, or if he had +guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that +he had not been told, but that he had divined it. +Yet when they stopped on the Chickamauga +battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across +the rough fields like an overgrown boy, she +thought of her cousin Ray's remark, "They used +to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered +at the contradictory phases his character presented. +She saw him pause and lay his hand +reverently on the largest cannon, and then come +running back across the furrows with long, awkward +jumps.</p> + +<p>"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +asked Mr. Marion, in his teasing way. +"The idea of keeping us waiting while you were +racing across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun."</p> + +<p>"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, +yet there was a flash in his eyes that belied +the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just +wanted to lay my hands on its dumb lips." He +waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, +but they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day +they spoke freedom to a race."</p> + +<p>He did not take his seat in the carriage for +a while, but followed at a little distance, ranging +the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark +of an old tree where the shells had plowed deep +scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush +away the leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any +one but a true woodsman would have passed +with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare +specimen up to the carriage to ask its name. +He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered.</p> + +<p>"It's a pity to tear them up, when they +would wither in just a few hours," he said; "the +solitary places are so glad for them."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, +as he watched him break a little sprig of +cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree +to put in his card-case. "Sometimes he is the +veriest clown; at others, a child could not be +more artless; and I have seen him a few times +when he seemed to be aroused into a spiritual +giant. He fairly touched the stars."</p> + +<p>Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive +that she did not go to the opening services in +the big tent that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, +when he came in after supper, "and so did +David Herschel."</p> + +<p>"Missed what?" inquired Bethany.</p> + +<p>"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. +You know he is a Jew. Such a broad, +fraternal speech must have been a revelation +to a great many of his audience. I tell you, +it was fine! You're going to-night, aren't you, +Bethany?"</p> + +<p>"No," she answered, "I want to save myself +for the sunrise prayer-meeting on the mountain +to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all +night to see."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was about two o'clock in the morning +when they started up the mountain by rail. The +cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train +lurched around sudden curves. <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Nothwithstanding'">Notwithstanding</ins> +the early hour, and the discomfort of +their position, they sang all the way up the +mountain.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me +how these people can sing so constantly. The +last thing I heard last night before I went to +sleep was the electric street-car going past the +house, with a regular hallelujah chorus on board. +Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? +How can they keep worked up to such a pitch +all the time?"</p> + +<p>"You should have been at the tent last night, +dear," answered Mrs. Marion. "Then you +would have gotten into the secret of it. There +is an inspiration in great numbers. The audiences +we are having there are said to be the +greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our +League at home has been doing very faithful +work, but I couldn't help wishing last night +that every member could have been present. +To see ten thousand faces lit up with the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +interest and the same hope, to hear the battle-cry, +'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled +out in response like a volley of ten thousand +musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly +awakened to the fact that they were not fighting +single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these +were only the advance-guard, for over a million +young people are enlisted in the same cause. +Think of that, Bethany—a million leagued together +just in Methodism! Then, when you +count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's +Daughters and Sons, and the Young Men's Christian +Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought +to revolutionize the universe in the next decade."</p> + +<p>"Then you think it is an inspiration of the +crowds that makes them sing all the time," said +Bethany.</p> + +<p>"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. +"To be sure, it has something to do with it; but +to most of this vast number of young people, +their religion is not a sentiment to be fanned +into spasmodic flame by some excitement. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +is a vital force, that underlies every thought +and every act. They will sing at home over their +work, and all by themselves, just as heartily as +they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster +Abbey, one time, the profiles of John and Charles +Wesley put side by side on the same medallion. +I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put +the spirit of both brothers into its daily life—that +does not wing its sermons with its songs."</p> + +<p>Hundreds of people had already gathered +on the brow of the mountain, waiting the appointed +hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a +place where nature had formed a great amphitheater +of the rocks. They seated themselves +on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. +They were above the clouds. Such billows of +mist rolled up and hid the sleeping earth below +that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless +ocean. The world and its petty turmoils +were blotted out. There was only this one gray +peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. +It was still and solemn in the early light. They +spoke together almost in whispers.</p> + +<p>"I can not believe that any man ever went +up into a mountain to pray without feeling himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said +Dr. Bascom.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion looked around on the assembled +crowds, and then said slowly:</p> + +<p>"Once a little band of five hundred met the +risen Lord on a mountain-side in Galilee, and +were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am with +you alway!' Think what they accomplished, +and then think of the thousands here this morning +that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! +There ought to be a wonderful work accomplished +for the Master this year."</p> + +<p>Cragmore, who had walked away a little +distance from the rest, and was watching the +eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight.</p> + +<p>"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a +child, and yet with the appreciation of a poet +shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea."</p> + +<p>He pointed to the long bars of light spreading +like great flaming pinions above the horizon. +The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven +and a new earth. In the solemn hush of the +sunrise, a voice began to sing, "Nearer, my God, +to thee."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was as in the days of the old temple. +They had left the outer courts and passed up +into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain +of cloud seemed to shut them in, till in +that high Holy of Holies they stood face to +face with the Shekinah of God's presence.</p> + +<p>Bethany caught her breath. There had been +times before this when, carried along by the impetuous +eloquence of some sermon or prayer, +every fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. +In her childlike reaching out towards +spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses +of the Fatherhood of God. She had gone +to him with every experience of her young life, +just as naturally and freely as she had to her +earthly father. But when beside the judge's +death-bed she pleaded for his life to be spared +to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals +met no response, she turned away in rebellious +silence. "She would pray no more to a dumb +heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been +vain.</p> + +<p>Now, as she listened to songs and prayers +and testimony, she began to feel the power that +emanated from them,—the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +him before: the Father revealed through the +Son.</p> + +<p>Below, the mists began to roll away until +the hidden valley was revealed in all its morning +loveliness. But how small it looked from +such a height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver +thread. The outlying forests dwindled to +thickets.</p> + +<p>Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll +away from her spiritual vision, and she saw her +life in relation to the eternities. Self dwindled +out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no +childish questioning of Divine purposes. The +blind Bartimeus by the wayside, hearing the +cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping +his way towards "the Light of the world," +was no surer of his dawning vision than Bethany, +as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. +She saw not only the glory of the +June sunrise; for her the "Sun of righteousness +had arisen, with healing in his wings."</p> + +<p>People seemed loath to go when the services +were over. They gathered in little groups +on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from +one point of view to another, drinking in the +rare beauty of the morning.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany walked on without speaking. She +was a little in advance of the others, and did +not notice when the rest of her party were +stopped by some acquaintances. Absorbed in +her own thoughts, she turned aside at Prospect +Point, and walked out to the edge. As she +looked down over the railing, the refrain of one +of the songs that had been sung so constantly +during the last few days, unconsciously rose +to her lips. She hummed it softly to herself, +over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day."</p> + +<p>So oblivious was she of all surroundings +that she did not hear Frank Marion's quick step +behind her. He had come to tell her they were +going down the mountain by the incline.</p> + +<p>"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" +The words came softly, almost under her breath; +but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred +to bring any song to her lips.</p> + +<p>"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean +it, child? Has the light come?"</p> + +<p>The face that she turned towards him was +radiant. She could find no words wherewith +to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +hands in his, and the tears sprang to her +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, +with a tremor in his strong voice. "It is what +I have been praying for. Now you see why I +urged you to come. I knew what a mountain-top +of transfiguration this would be."</p> + +<p>Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, +David Herschel had looked around with great +curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was +only a little distance from the inn, and he had +come down hoping to discover the real motive +that had brought these people together from +such vast distances. He wondered what power +their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour.</p> + +<p>He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity +of the sunrise. He felt, too, the uplifting +power of the old hymn, that song drawn +from the experience of Jacob at Bethel, that +seemed to lift every heart nearer to the Eternal.</p> + +<p>He was deeply stirred as the leader began +to speak of the mountain scenes of the Bible, +of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount +Zion with its thousand hallowed memories. So<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, +of Calvary, or of Olivet.</p> + +<p>He had never heard such prayers as the ones +that followed. Although there can be found +no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions +of Jehovah, than are bound in the rituals +of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the +heart were a revelation to him.</p> + +<p>There came again the fulfillment of the +deathless words, "And I, if I be lifted up, will +draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly +Nazarene was lifted up that morning in that +great gathering of his people! How his name +was exalted! All up and down old Lookout +Mountain, and even across the wide valley of +the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer.</p> + +<p>When the testimony service began, David +turned from one speaker to another. What +had they come so far to tell? From every +State in the Union, from Canada, and from +foreign shores, they brought only one story—"Behold +the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, +the young Jew's heart was strangely drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a +converted Jew. I was brought to Christ by a +little girl—a member of the Junior League. +I have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, +brothers, and fortune, but I have gained so much +that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated +my life to his service."</p> + +<p>David changed his position in order to get +a better view of the speaker. He scrutinized +him closely. He studied his face, his dress, +even his attitude, to determine, if possible, the +character of this new witness. He saw a man +of medium height, broad forehead, and firm +mouth over which drooped a heavy, dark mustache. +There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were +large, dark, and magnetic, met David's with a +steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment.</p> + +<p>With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to +probe this man with questions. As he went +back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his history, +and find what had induced him to turn +away from the faith.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>AN EPWORTH JEW.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 89px;"> +<img src="images/drop_n.png" width="89" height="100" alt="N" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />EARLY every northern-bound mail-train, +since Bethany's arrival in Chattanooga, +had carried something home +to Jack—a paper, a postal, souvenirs +from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. +Knowing how eagerly he watched for the +postman's visits, she never let a day pass without +a letter. Saturday morning she even missed +part of the services at the tent in order to write +to him.</div> + +<p>"I have just come back from Grant University," +she wrote. "Cousin Frank was so interested +in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise +meeting yesterday, because he said a little Junior +League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview +with him. His name is Lessing. Cousin Frank +asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> +haven't time now to give all the details, but +will tell them to you when I come home."</p> + +<p>Bethany had been intensely interested in +the man's story. They sat out on one of the +great porches of the university, with the mountains +in sight. They had drawn their chairs +aside to a cool, shady corner, where they would +not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly +passing in and out.</p> + +<p>"It is for the children you want my story," +he said; "so they must know of my childhood. +It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the +strictest of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully +trained in the observances of the law. He +taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence +to all the customs of the synagogue."</p> + +<p>Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as +he told many interesting incidents of his early +home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store +in St. Elmo, at the foot of Mount Lookout. +He was very fond of children, and made friends +with all who came into the store. There was +one little girl, a fair, curly-haired child, who used +to come oftener than the others. She grew to +love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +often talked to him of the Junior League, in +which she was deeply interested.</p> + +<p>Her distress when she discovered that he +did not love Christ was pitiful. She insisted so +on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon +worried him all day. It had been announced +that the evening service would be a +continuation of the same subject. He went at +night, and was so impressed with the truth of +what he heard, that when the child came for +him to go to prayer-meeting with her the next +week, he did not refuse.</p> + +<p>Towards the close of the service the minister +asked if any one present wished to pray +for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. +Lessing, and to his great embarrassment began +to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother Lessing!" +was all she said, but she repeated it over +and over with such anxious earnestness, that it +went straight to his heart.</p> + +<p>He dropped on his knees beside her, and +began praying for himself. It was not long +until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing +the Christ he had been taught to despise. +In the enthusiasm of this new-found happiness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly +refused to listen. For months she berated and +ridiculed him. When she found that not only +were tears and arguments of no avail, but that +he felt he must consecrate his life to the ministry, +she declared she would leave him. He +sold the store, and gave her all it brought; and +she went back to her family in Florida.</p> + +<p>In order to prepare for the ministry he +entered the university, working outside of study +hours at anything he could find to do. In the +meantime he had written to his parents, knowing +how greatly they would be distressed, yet +hoping their great love would condone the +offense.</p> + +<p>His father's answer was cold and businesslike. +He said that no disgrace could have come +to him that could have hurt him so deeply as +the infidelity of his trusted son. If he would +renounce this false faith for the true faith of +his fathers, he would give him forty thousand +dollars outright, and also leave him a legacy of +the same amount. But should he refuse the +offer, he should be to him as a stranger—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +doors of both his heart and his house should +be forever barred against him.</p> + +<p>His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the +pictures of all the family, whom he had not seen +for several years. Their faces called up so +many happy memories of the past that they +pleaded more eloquently than words. It was +a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding +him of all they had been to each other, +and begging him for her sake to come back to +the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: +"If you insist on clinging to this false Christ, +whom we have taught you to despise, the heart +of your father and of your mother must be +closed against you, and you must be thrust out +from us forever with our curse upon you."</p> + +<p>He knew it was the custom. He had been +present once when the awful anathema was +hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing +every right from the outlaw, living or dead. He +knew that his grave would be dug in the Jewish +cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would +read the rites of burial over his empty coffin, +and that henceforth his only part in the family +life would be the blot of his disgraceful +memory.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + +<p>He spread the pictures and the letters on the +desk before him. A cold perspiration broke +out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by +one he took up the photographs of his brothers +and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, +and laid them aside; then his father's, with its +strong, proud face. He put that away, too.</p> + +<p>At last he picked up his mother's picture. +She looked straight out at him, with such a +world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, +with such trustful devotion, as if she knew he +could not resist the appeal, that he turned away +his head. The trial seemed greater than he +could bear. He was trembling with the force +of it. Then he looked again into the dear, patient +face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It +was the same old mother who had nursed him, +who had loved him, who had borne with his +waywardness and forgiven him always. He +seemed to feel the soft touch of her lips on his +forehead as she bent over to give him a goodnight +kiss. All that she had ever done for him +came rushing through his memory so overwhelmingly +that he broke down utterly, and +began to sob like a child. "O, I can't give her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +up," he groaned. "My dear old mother! I +can't grieve her so!"</p> + +<p>All that morning he clung to her picture, +sometimes walking the floor in his agony, sometimes +falling on his knees to pray. "God in +heaven have pity," he cried. "That a man +should have to choose between his mother and +his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more +long look at the picture, laid it reverently away +with shaking hands. He had surrendered everything.</p> + +<p>He did not tell all this to his sympathizing +listeners. They could read part of the pathos +of that struggle in his face, part in the voice +that trembled occasionally, despite his strong +effort to control it.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his +own gentle mother in the old homestead among +the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought +of the great pillar of strength her unfaltering +faith had been to him, of how from boyhood it +had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, +of how much he had always depended upon her +love and her prayers, his sympathies were stirred +to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's +hand in his strong grasp.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently.</p> + +<p>Bethany turned her head aside, and looked +away into the hazy distances. She knew what +it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that +bound her best beloved to her. She knew what +it was to have only pictured faces to look into, +and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. +The question flashed into her mind, could +she have made the voluntary surrender that he +had made? She put it from her with a throb +of shame that she was glad that she had not +been so tested.</p> + +<p>Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing +down the steps, recognized him, and called back:</p> + +<p>"What time does your speech come on the +program, Frank? I understand you are to hold +forth to-day."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a +moment, to speak to his friend.</p> + +<p>Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while +she drew unmeaning dots and dashes over the +cover of her note-book.</p> + +<p>Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did +you ever speak to a Jew about your Savior?" +he asked, with such startling directness, that +Bethany was confused.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No," she said, hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"Why?" he asked.</p> + +<p>He was looking at her with a penetrating +gaze that seemed to read her thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Really," she answered, "I have never considered +the question. I am not very well acquainted +with any, for one reason; besides, I +would have felt that I was treading on forbidden +grounds to speak to a Jew about religion. +They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched +in their beliefs, so proof against argument, +that it would be both a useless and thankless +undertaking."</p> + +<p>"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," +he answered, "but nobody is proof +against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss +Hallam, it seems a terrible thing to me. The +Church will make sacrifices, will cross the seas, +will overcome almost any obstacle to send the +gospel to China or to Africa, anywhere but to +the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I know +there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here +and there through the large cities, and a few +earnest souls are devoting their entire energy +to the work. But suppose every Christian in +the country became an evangel to the little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +community of Jews within the radius of his influence. +Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual +effort were made to show them Christ, +with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the +old story' to the Hottentots. What would be +the result? O, if I had waited for a grown +person to speak to me about it, I might have +waited until the day of my death. I was restless. +I was dissatisfied. I felt that I needed +something more than my creed could give me. +For what is Judaism now? I read an answer +not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been +possible; a religion of the Passover and the Day +of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two millenniums, +no lamb has been slain and no atonement +offered; a sacerdotal religion, with only +the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of a +temple which has no temple more; its altar is +quenched, its ashes scattered, no longer kindling +any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any hope.'<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> +No man ever took me by the hand and told me +about the peace I have now. No man ever +shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +blessed guiding influence of a little child, my +hungry heart might still be crying out unsatisfied."</p> + +<p>He went on to repeat several conversations +he had had with men of his own race, to show +her how this indifference of Christians was +reckoned against them as a glaring inconsistency +by the Jews. Almost as if some one had spoken +the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, +"I was a hungered, and ye gave me +no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not +in. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the +least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me."</p> + +<p>Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation +of that Scripture had always been in a +temporal sense. More than once, when a child, +she had watched her mother feed some poor +beggar, with the virtuous feeling that that condemnation +could not apply to the Hallam family. +But now Lessing's impassioned appeal had +awakened a different thought. Who so hungered +as those who, reaching out for bread, +grasped either the stones of a formal ritualism +or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? +Who such "strangers within the gates" of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +nations as this race without a country? From +the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of +Babylon, from the Ghetto of Rome to the +fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been +driven—exiles and aliens. The New World had +welcomed them. The New World had opened +all its avenues to them. Only from the door +of Christian society had they turned away, saying, +"I was a stranger, and ye took me not in."</p> + +<p>In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart +went out in an earnest prayer: "O God, in the +great day of thy judgment, let not that condemnation +be mine. Only send me some opportunity, +show me some way whereby I may +lead even one of the least among them to the +world's Redeemer!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came back from his interview, +looking at his watch as he did so. It was so near +time for services to begin at the tent, that he +did not resume his seat.</p> + +<p>"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," +said Bethany, holding out her hand as she bade +him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before +I go, what an impression this conversation has +made upon me. It has aroused an earnest desire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +to be the means of carrying the hope that +comforts me, to some one among your people."</p> + +<p>"You will succeed," he said, looking into +her earnest upturned face. Then he added +softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an +olden day—"Peace be unto you."</p> + +<p>All that day, after the sunrise meeting, +David Herschel had been with Major Herrick, +going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. +A monument was to be erected on the spot +where nearly all the major's men had fallen +in one of the most hotly-contested battles of the +war. He had come down to help locate the +place.</p> + +<p>"It's a very different reception they are +giving us now," remarked the major, as they +drove through the city.</p> + +<p>Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. +Every street gleamed with the white +and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South.</p> + +<p>"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests +royally; people of every denomination, and of +no faith at all, are vying with each other to +show the kindliest hospitality. We are missing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +it by being at the hotel. I told Mrs. Herrick +and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity +was satisfied this morning. I'll go on +up to the inn. I have a letter to write."</p> + +<p>The major laughed.</p> + +<p>"It's a letter that has to be written every +day, isn't it?" he said, banteringly. "Well, +I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was +young myself once. Conferences aren't to be +taken into account at all when a billet-doux +needs answering."</p> + +<p>The next day David kept Marta with him +as much as possible. He could see that she +was becoming greatly interested, and catching +much of Albert Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy +was a great League worker, and attended every +meeting.</p> + +<p>David took Marta a long walk over the +mountain paths. They sat on the wide, vine-hung +veranda of the inn, and read together. +Then, as it was their Sabbath, he took her up +to his room, and read some of the ritual of the +day, trying to arouse in her some interest for +the old customs of their childhood.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + +<p>To his great dismay, he found that she had +drifted away from him. She was not the yielding +child she had been, whom he had been able +to influence with a word.</p> + +<p>She showed a disposition to question and +contend, that annoyed him. The rabbi was +right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences.</p> + +<p>It was with a feeling of relief that he woke +Sunday morning to hear the rain beating violently +against the windows. He was glad on +her account that the storm would prevent them +going down into the city. But toward evening +the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began +to insist on going down to the night service +in the tent.</p> + +<p>"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. +"I wouldn't miss it for anything."</p> + +<p>"Neither would I," responded Marta. +"There is something so inspiring in all that great +chorus of voices."</p> + +<p>When David found that his sister really intended +to go, notwithstanding his remonstrances, +and that the family were waiting for her in +the hall below, he made no further protest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +but surprised her by taking his hat, and tucking +her hand in his arm.</p> + +<p>"Then I will go with you, little sister," he +said. "I want to have as much of your company +as possible during my short visit."</p> + +<p>Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her +at the foot of the stairs, divined David's purpose +in keeping his sister so close. He lifted +his eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his +mother's wraps, leaving Frances to follow with +the major.</p> + +<p>The tent was crowded when they reached +it. They succeeded with great difficulty in obtaining +several chairs in one of the aisles.</p> + +<p>"Herschel and I will go back to the side," +said Albert. "The audience near the entrance +is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the +first vacant seat; some will be sure to get +tired and go out before long. They always do."</p> + +<p>It was the first time David had been in +the tent, and he was amazed at the enormous +audience. He leaned against one of the side +supports, watching the people, still intent on +crowding forward. Suddenly his look of idle +curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He +recognized the face of the Jew who had attracted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing +slowly towards him.</p> + +<p>Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd +at the door pushed harder. The fresh impetus +jostled them almost off their feet, and in the +crush Lessing was caught and held directly in +front of David. Some magnetic force in the +eyes of each held the gaze of the other for +a moment. Then Lessing, recognizing the common +bond of blood, smiled.</p> + +<p>That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," +had sounded in David's ears ever since it first +startled him. He felt confident that the man +was laboring under some strong delusion, and +he wished that he might have an opportunity +to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him +back to the old faith.</p> + +<p>Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was +irresistible, he laid his hand on the stranger's +arm.</p> + +<p>"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, +and in a low tone. "Come this way. +I will not detain you long."</p> + +<p>He drew him out of the press into one of +the side aisles, and thence towards the exit.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he +asked; "I want to ask you several questions."</p> + +<p>Lessing complied quietly.</p> + +<p>The sound of a cornet followed them with +the pleading notes of an old hymn. It was +like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding +a call to prayer. Then the singing began. +Song after song rolled out on the night air +across the common to a street where two men +paced back and forth in the darkness. They +were arm in arm. David was listening to the +same story that Bethany and Frank Marion +had heard the day before. He could not help +but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so +earnest, his faith was so sure. When he was +through, David was utterly silenced. The questions +with which he had intended to probe this +man's claims were already answered.</p> + +<p>"We might as well go back," he said at last. +As they walked slowly towards the tent, he said: +"I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that +you are under the spell of some mysterious power +that deludes you."</p> + +<p>Just as they passed within the tent, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +cornet sounded again, the great congregation +rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"All hail the power of Jesus' name,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Let angels prostrate fall!"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>The sight was a magnificent one; the sound +like an ocean-beat of praise. Lessing seized +David's arm.</p> + +<p>"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not +only does it uplift all these thousands you see +here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was +known among men. Could he transform lives +to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his +power were a delusion? What has brought +them all these miles, if not this same power? +Look at the class of people who have been +duped, as you call it." He pointed to the platform. +"Bishops, college presidents, editors, +men of marked ability and with world-wide reputation +for worth and scholarship."</p> + +<p>At the close of the hymn some one moved +over, and made room for David on one of the +benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. +David listened to all that was said with +a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +began. The bishop's opening words caught his +attention, and echoed in his memory for months +afterward.</p> + +<p>"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, +and as he appeared to him when he did not +believe in him—when he despised him. Then +he also knew Christ after his surrender to him; +after Christ had entered into his life, and +changed the character of his being; after new +meanings of life and destiny filled his horizon, +after the Divine tenderness filled to completeness +his nature; then was he in possession of +a knowledge of Christ, of an experience of his +presence and of his love that was a benediction +to him, and has through the centuries since +that hour been a blessing to men wherever the +gospel has been preached.</p> + +<p>"It is such a man speaking in this text. A +man with a singularly strong mind, well disciplined, +with great will-power; a man with a +great ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as +ever tabernacled in flesh and blood. He proclaimed +everywhere that, if need be, he was +ready to die for the principles out of which had +come to him a new life, and which had brought +to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +in happiness, that he was led to do +and undertake what he knew would lead at the +last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? +Hear him: 'For the love of Christ constraineth +us.'"</p> + +<p>There was a testimony service following the +sermon. As David watched the hundreds rising +to declare their faith, he wondered why they +should thus voluntarily come forward as witnesses. +Then the text seemed to repeat itself +in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth +us!"</p> + +<p>He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. +He was glad when the conference was at an +end; when the decorations were taken down +from the streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible +enthusiasts went singing out of the +city.</p> + +<p>Albert Herrick went to the seashore that +week. David proposed taking Marta home with +him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced +by the whole family that he quietly +dropped the subject, and went back to Rabbi +Barthold alone.</p> +<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> Archdeacon Farrar.</p></div></div> +<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"TRUST."</div> + +<div class='blockquot'><p>"Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the +thin air of life's supremer heights. We can not make +each meal a sacrament."—Lowell.</p></div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T had seemed to Bethany, in the +experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel +despondent again; but away from +the uplifting influences of the place, back +among the painful memories of the old home, +she fought as hard a fight with her returning +doubts as ever Christian did in his Valley of +Humiliation.</div> + +<p>For a week since her return the weather +had been intensely warm. It made Jack irritable, +and sapped her own strength.</p> + +<p>There came a day when everything went +wrong. She had practiced her shorthand exercises +all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill +much larger than she had expected. While he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her +purse. Then Jack upset a little cut-glass vase +that was standing on the table beside him. It +was broken beyond repair, and the water ruined +the handsome binding of a borrowed book that +would have to be replaced.</p> + +<p>About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. +He had brought a new kind of brace that he +wanted tried.</p> + +<p>"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but +it is very expensive."</p> + +<p>Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the +pipes that had sprung a leak that morning, of +the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. +She could not see where all the money they +needed was to come from.</p> + +<p>"It's too small," said the doctor, after a +careful trial of the brace. "The size larger +will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning."</p> + +<p>He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped +on the threshold.</p> + +<p>"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. +"It is so oppressively sultry."</p> + +<p>It was not many hours before his prediction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +was verified by a sudden windstorm that +came up with terrific force. The trees in the +avenue were lashed violently back and forth +until they almost swept the earth. Huge limbs +were twisted completely off, and many were +left broken and hanging. It was followed by +hail and a sudden change of temperature, that +suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off +the bushes, their pink petals scattered over the +soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves.</p> + +<p>As night dropped down, the trees bordering +the avenue waved their green, dripping boughs +shiveringly towards the house.</p> + +<p>"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" +inquired Jack. "Let's have a fire in the library +and eat supper there to-night."</p> + +<p>Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's +favorite room in the winter, on account of its +large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned +tiling. She rarely went in there except to dust +the books or throw herself in the big arm-chair +to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, +and presently the flames went leaping up +the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship.</p> + +<p>"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the +window to the bright reflection of the fire in +the garden outside. "Don't you remember +what you read me in 'Snowbound?'</p> + +<div class='poem'> +<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Under the tree,</span><br /> +When fire outdoors burns merrily,<br /> +There the witches are making tea.'<br /> +</div> + +<div class='unindent'>This would be a fine night for witch stories. +The wind makes such queer noises in the chimney. +Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful +ones we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones."</div> + +<p>As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, +when Bethany had tucked him snugly in +bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening +to the queer noises in the chimney, she wished +they had not dwelt so long on such a grewsome +subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the +brass fender, and her soft hair pressed against +the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking +hands, little fitted to cope with the burdens +and responsibilities laid upon her.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + +<p>The judge had never even permitted her +to open a door for herself when he had been +near enough to do it for her. But his love +had made him short-sighted. In shielding her +so carefully, he did not see that he was only +making her more keenly sensitive to later +troubles that must come when he was no longer +with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon.</p> + +<p>"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, +"that you would try to teach drawing or watercolors, +or something. You have spent so much +time on your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy +that kind of work. Then those little dinner-cards, +and german favors you do, are so beautiful. +I am sure you have any number of +friends who would be glad to give you orders."</p> + +<p>"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; +"I must have something that brings +in a settled income, something that can be depended +on. While I have painted some very +acceptable things, I never was cut out for a +teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in +which I can never be more than third-rate. +I've decided to study stenography. I am sure +I can master that, and command a first-class<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +position. I have heard papa complain a great +many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really +good stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt +the work, such a small per cent are really +proficient enough to undertake court reporting."</p> + +<p>"You're just like your father," said Mrs. +Marion. "Uncle Richard would never be anything +if he couldn't be uppermost."</p> + +<p>It had been nearly a year since that conversation. +Bethany had persevered in her undertaking +until she felt confident that she had accomplished +her purpose. She was ready for +any position that offered, but there seemed to +be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in +the bank was dwindling away with frightful +rapidity. She was afraid to encroach on it any +further, but the bills had to be met constantly.</p> + +<p>Presently she drew her chair over to the +library table, and spread out her check-book +and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look +over the accounts for the month just ended. +Then she made a list of the probable expenses +of the next two months. The contrast between +their needs and their means was appalling.</p> + +<p>"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, +in a distressed whisper. "When the first of September<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +comes, there will be nothing left but to +sell the old home and go away somewhere to a +strange place."</p> + +<p>The prospect of leaving the dear old place, +that had grown to seem almost like a human +friend, was the last drop that made the day's +cup of misery overflow. The old doubt came +back.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if God really cares for us in a +temporal way?" she asked herself.</p> + +<p>The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack +had been so interested in, recurred to her. Many +of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. +God had not interfered in their behalf, +she told herself. Why should he trouble himself +about her?</p> + +<p>She went back to her seat by the fender, +and, with her chin resting in her hand, looked +drearily into the embers, as if they could answer +the question. She heard some one come +up on the porch and ring the bell. It was Dr. +Trent's quick, imperative summons.</p> + +<p>"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, +as she ushered him into the library. "Well, it +makes no difference; you know how to adjust<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +the brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all +day with that on."</p> + +<p>He gave an appreciative glance around the +cheerful room, and spread his hands out towards +the fire.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, +rubbing them together. "I wish I could stay +and enjoy it with you. I have just come in +from a long drive, and must answer another call +away out in the country. You'd be surprised +to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night."</p> + +<p>"I venture you never stopped at the +boarding-house at all," answered Bethany, "and +that you have not had a mouthful to eat since +noon. I am going to get you something. Yes, +I shall," she insisted, in spite of his protestations. +Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung +on the crane to-night, so that he could hear it +sing as he used to. "The water is boiling, and +you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time."</p> + +<p>Before he could answer, she was out of the +room, and beyond the reach of his remonstrance. +He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray +head back on the cushions, wearily closed his +eyes. He was almost asleep when Bethany came +back.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. +"I was quite exhausted by the intense +heat of this morning. These sudden +changes of temperature are bad for one."</p> + +<p>"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the +heavy tray she carried, "you have brought me +a regular feast. You ought not to have put +yourself to such trouble for an old codger +used to boarding-house fare."</p> + +<p>"All the more reason why you should have +a change once in a while," said Bethany, gayly, +as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot.</p> + +<p>The sight of the doctor's face as she entered +the room had almost brought the tears. It +looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, +or how deeply his face was lined.</p> + +<p>He had been such an intimate friend of her +father's that she had grown up with the feeling +that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle +Doctor" until she was nearly grown. He had +been so thoughtful and kind during all her +troubles, and especially in Jack's illness, that +she longed to show her appreciation by some of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +the tender little ministrations of which his life +was so sadly bare.</p> + +<p>"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, +as he stretched his feet towards the +fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I +didn't realize I was so tired until I sat down, +or so hungry until I began to eat." Then he +added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside +until I feel the cheer of others'."</p> + +<p>The doubts that had been making Bethany +miserable all evening, and that she had forgotten +in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back +with renewed force.</p> + +<p>"Does God really care?" she asked herself +again. Here was this man, one of the best she +had ever known, left to stumble along under the +weight of a living sorrow, the things he cared for +most, denied him.</p> + +<p>"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," +she had heard her father say.</p> + +<p>There were two things he held dearer than +life—the honor of the old family name that had +come down to him unspotted through generations, +and his little home-loving wife. For fifteen +years he had experienced as much of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +happiness of home-life as a physician with a +large practice can know. Then word came to +him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then +taken his own life, leaving nothing but the +memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He +had borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting +old aunt, and left her almost penniless.</p> + +<p>When Dr. Trent recovered from the first +shock of the discovery, he quietly set to work to +wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could +eradicate at least that much of the stain on the +family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, +for another trial, worse than the first, had come +to weaken his strength and dispel his courage.</p> + +<p>The idolized little wife became affected by +some nervous malady that resulted in hopeless +insanity.</p> + +<p>Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's +daughter, a little brown-eyed child of her +own age. She could remember playing hide-and-seek +with her one day in an old peony-garden. +But she had died years ago. There was only one +other child—Lee. He had grown to be a big<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel +his mother's loss at the time she was taken away. +Bethany knew that she was still living in a private +asylum near town, and that the doctor +saw her every day, no matter how violent she +was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he +saw very little of the boy. The child had never +known any home but a boarding-house, and was +as lawless and unrestrained as some little wild +animal. But the doctor saw no fault in him. +He praised the reports brought home from school +of high per cents in his studies, knowing +nothing of his open defiance to authority. He +kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow +next his own when he came in late at night, +never dreaming of the forbidden places it had +been during the day.</p> + +<p>Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's +a pity that Lee is such a little terror;" but no +one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of +all this moved Bethany to sudden speech.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously—she +had unconsciously used the old +name—as she sat down on a low stool near his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +knee, "I was piling up my troubles to-night +before you came. Not the old ones," she added, +quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy +cross his face, "but the new ones that confront +me."</p> + +<p>She gave a mournful little smile.</p> + +<p>"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' +you know, and these shadows look so dark and +threatening. I see no possible way but to sell +this home. You have had so much to bear yourself +that it seems mean to worry you with my +troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I +don't know what's the matter with me—"</p> + +<p>She stopped abruptly, and choked back a +sob. He laid his hand softly on her shining +hair.</p> + +<p>"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a +soothing tone. Then he added, lightly, "I can't +make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms."</p> + +<p>When he had heard her little outburst of +worry and distrust, he said, slowly:</p> + +<p>"You have done all in your power to prepare +yourself for a position as stenographer. You +have done all you could to secure such a position, +and have been unsuccessful. But you still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +have a roof over your head, you still have enough +on hands to keep you two months longer without +selling the house or even renting it—an arrangement +that has not seemed to occur to you." +He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It +strikes me that a certain little lass I know has +been praying, 'Give us this day our to-morrow's +bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn +to trust?"</p> + +<p>"But isn't it right for me to be anxious +about providing some way to keep the house?" +she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray +for the future? You can't realize how it would +hurt me to give up this place."</p> + +<p>"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You +forget I have been called on to make just such +a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may +not think me much of a Christian. They rarely +see me in Church—my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for +me to speak of these sacred things, unless it is +when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know +how to trust. No matter how he has hurt me, +I have been able to hang on to his promises,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +and say, 'All right, Lord. The case is entirely +in your hands. Amputate, if it is necessary; +cut to the very heart, if you will. You know +what is best.'"</p> + +<p>He pushed the long tray of dishes farther +on the table, and, rising suddenly, walked over +to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a +well-worn book.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. +"I want to read you a passage that caught my +eyes in here once. I remember showing it to +your father."</p> + +<p>He turned the pages rapidly till he found the +place. Then seating himself by the lamp +again, he began to read:</p> + +<p>"It came to my mind a week or two ago, +so full an' sweet an' precious that I can hardly +think of anything else. It was during them +cold, northeast winds; these winds had made my +cough very bad, an' I was shook all to bits, and +felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, +an' once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put +down her work, an' looked at me till her eyes +filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +She was making a warm little petticoat for the +little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took hold +of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' +She held it up without a word; her heart was +too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' I says. +'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable +it will keep her! Does she know about it yet?'</p> + +<p>"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said +the wife, wondering. 'What should she know +about it for?'</p> + +<p>"I waited another minute, an' then I said: +'What a wonderful mother you must be, wifie, +to think about the little maid like that!'</p> + +<p>"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be +more like wonderful if I forgot that the cold +weather was a-coming, and that the little maid +would be a-wanting something warm.'</p> + +<p>"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, +and Frankie smiled. 'O wife,' says I, 'do you +think that you be going to take care o' the little +maid like that an' your Father in heaven be +a-going to forget you altogether? Come now +(bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as +you are! An' do you think that he'd see the +winter coming up sharp and cold, an' not have +something waiting for you, an' just what you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +want, too? An' I know, dear wifie, that you +wouldn't like to hear the little maid go a-fretting, +and saying: "There the cold winter be +a-coming, an' whatever shall I do if my mother +should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt an' +grieved that she should doubt you like that. +She knows that you care for her, an' what more +does she need to know? That's enough to keep +her from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly +Father knoweth that you have need of all +these things." That be put down in his book +for you, wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you +grieve an' hurt him when you go to fretting +about the future, an' doubting his love.'"</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into +his listener's thoughtful eyes.</p> + +<p>"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson +I have learned. Nothing is withheld that we +really need. Sometimes I have thought that +I was tried beyond my power of endurance, but +when His hand has fallen the heaviest, His infinite +fatherliness has seemed most near; and +often, when I least expected it, some great blessing +has surprised me. I have learned, after a +long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +in His hands, he is far kinder to us +than we would be to ourselves.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +'Always hath the daylight broken,<br /> +Always hath he comfort spoken,<br /> +Better hath he been for years<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than my fears.'</span><br /> +</div> + +<div class='unindent'>I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, +Though he slay me, yet will I trust him."</div> + +<p>The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes +as she listened. Now she hastily brushed them +aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had +caught a gleam of sunshine in the midst of an +April shower.</p> + +<p>"You have brushed away my last doubt and +foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she exclaimed. +"Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares."</p> + +<p>The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour +chime, and he rose to go.</p> + +<p>"You have beguiled me into staying much +longer than I intended," he answered. "What +will my poor patients in the country think of +such a long delay?"</p> + +<p>"Tell them you have been opening blind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +eyes," she said, gravely. "Indeed, Uncle Doctor, +the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, +strengthens my faith more than you can imagine."</p> + +<p>At the hall door he turned and took both her +hands in his:</p> + +<p>"There is another thing to remember," he +said. "You are only called on to live one day at +a time. One can endure almost any ache until +sundown, or bear up under almost any load if +the goal is in sight. Travel only to the mile-post +you can see, my little maid. Don't worry +about the ones that mark the to-morrows."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE.</div> + +<div class='center'> +"Sunshine and hope are comrades."<br /> +</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HE early morning light streaming +into Bethany's room, aroused her to +a vague consciousness of having been +in a storm the night before. Then +she remembered the garden roses beaten to earth +by the hail, and the flood of doubt and perplexity +that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems +confronted her; but they did not assume such +gigantic proportions in the light of this new +day, with its infinite possibilities.</div> + +<p>All the time she was dressing she heard +Jack singing lustily in the next room. He was +impatient to try the new brace, and paused between +solos to exhort her to greater haste. She +knelt just an instant by the low window-seat. +The prayer she made was one of the shortest +she had ever uttered, and one of the most heartfelt:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> +"Give me this day my daily bread." That +was all; yet it included everything—strength, +courage, temporal help, disappointments or blessings—anything +the dear Father saw she needed +in her spiritual growth. When she arose from +her knees, it was with a feeling of perfect security +and peace. No matter what the day might +bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be +thankful.</p> + +<p>About an hour after breakfast she wheeled +Jack to a front window. It was growing very +warm again.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this +brace on," he said. "If you like, I'll help you +practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic +speed by dictating rapid sentences. He +read too slowly to be of any service that way, +but he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he +could repeat with amazing rapidity.</p> + +<p>"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can +make a speech as fast as I can say the piece +about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked +when he first proposed such dictation; "and I +can say the 'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled +peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as +the boy's tongue, when they heard a cheery +voice in the hall.</p> + +<p>"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have +felt all morning that something nice was going +to happen, and now it has." Then he called +out in a tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my +thumbs, something wicked this way comes.'"</p> + +<p>"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as +she appeared in the doorway. "I think he is decidedly +better, Bethany; you need not worry +about him any longer."</p> + +<p>She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a +great yellow pear in his lap.</p> + +<p>"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when +Bethany insisted on taking her hat. "I am to +entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, +and Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually +long list of the 'sick and in prison' kind to look +after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that +ought to be attended to."</p> + +<p>She dropped into a chair near a window, +and picked up a fan.</p> + +<p>"You never could guess my errand," she +began, hesitatingly.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I know it is something nice," said Jack, +"from the way your eyes shine."</p> + +<p>"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I +don't know how it will impress Bethany."</p> + +<p>She plunged into the subject abruptly.</p> + +<p>"The Courtney sisters want to come here +to live."</p> + +<p>"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, +blankly. "To live! In our house? O Cousin +Ray! I have realized for some time that we +might have to give up the dear old place; but I +did hope that it need not be to strangers."</p> + +<p>"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. +They went to school with your mother for years +and years. You have heard of Harry and +Carrie Morse, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. +"They were the twins who used to do such outlandish +things at Forest Seminary. I remember, +mamma used to speak of them very often. +But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house."</p> + +<p>"I did. They married brothers, Joe and +Ralph Courtney, who were both killed in the +late war. They have been widows for over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +thirty years, you see. They are just the +dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember +them. I did not know they were in the city +until last night. But just as soon as I heard +that they had come to stay, and wanted to go +to housekeeping, I thought of you immediately. +I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went +over to see them in all that rain."</p> + +<p>"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, +as Mrs. Marion paused.</p> + +<p>She gave a quick glance around the room. +She felt sick and faint, now that the prospect +of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she +felt that, since it had been unsolicited, +there must be something providential in the +sending of such an opportunity.</p> + +<p>"O, they will be only too glad to come," +resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you are willing. They +remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, +and we planned it all out beautifully. +Since Jack's accident you sleep down-stairs anyhow. +You could keep the library and the two +smaller rooms back of it, and may be a couple +of rooms up-stairs. They would take the rest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +of the house, and board you and Jack for the +rent. Your bread and butter would be assured +in that way. They are model housekeepers, +and such a comfortable sort of bodies to have +around, that I couldn't possibly think of a nicer +arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than +taking care of this big house."</p> + +<p>"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl +could gasp. Her voice faltered from sheer gladness. +"You can't imagine what a load you have +lifted from me. I love every inch of this place, +every stone in its old gray walls. I couldn't +bear to think of giving it up. And, just to +think! last night, at the very time I was most +despondent, the problem was being solved. I +can never thank you enough."</p> + +<p>"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she +rose to go. "No thanks are due me, child. And +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody +still calls them, are just as anxious for such an +arrangement as you can possibly be. They'll +be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite +anxious to get settled. They have roamed about +the world so long they begin to feel that 'there's +no place like home.' Jack, they've been in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +China and Africa and the South Sea Islands. +Think of the charming tales in store for you!"</p> + +<p>"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when +she came back into the room after walking to +the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines +as if there was a light inside of you."</p> + +<p>"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, +giving him an ecstatic hug. "I am so very +happy! It seems too good to be true."</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked +the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems to me she is +always busy doing something for somebody. +She never has a minute for herself. I remember, +when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them +wanted something. Why do you suppose they +all went to her? Did she tell them they might?"</p> + +<p>"Jack, do you remember the plant you had +in your window last winter?" she replied. "No +matter how many times I turned the jar that +held it, the flower always turned around again +towards the sun. People are the same way, dear. +They unconsciously spread out their leaves +towards those who have help and comfort to +give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"She makes me think of that verse in +'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar and spice +and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. +"Lowell has described her:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +'So circled lives she with love's holy light,<br /> +That from the shade of self she walketh free.'"<br /> +</div> + +<p>"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, +with a puzzled expression.</p> + +<p>She explained it, and he repeated it over and +over, until he had it firmly fixed in his mind.</p> + +<p>Then they went back to the dictation exercises. +It was almost dark when they had another +caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door +on his way home to dinner.</p> + +<p>"I have good news for you, Bethany," he +said, with his face aglow with eager sympathy. +"Did Ray tell you?"</p> + +<p>"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've +been on a mountain-top all day because of it."</p> + +<p>"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, +hastily. "It's better than that. I mean about +Porter & Edmunds."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how anything could be better +than the news she brought," said Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +their new law-office to-day. They have just +moved into the Clifton Block. They have an +elegant place. As I looked around, making +mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. +I asked him if he needed a stenographer. +It was a random shot, for I had no idea they +did. The young man they have has been there +so long, I considered him a fixture. To my +surprise he told me the fellow is going into business +for himself, and the place will be open +next week. I told him I could fill it for him +to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to +give you the refusal of it until to-morrow noon. +I leave to-night on a business-trip, or I would +take you over and introduce you."</p> + +<p>"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. +"I know Mr. Edmunds very well. He +was a warm friend of papa's."</p> + +<p>Then she added, impulsively:</p> + +<p>"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a +dark place that I couldn't see my hand before +my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I +was ready to give up, and now the way has +grown so plain and easy, all at once, I feel that +I must be living in a dream."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, +holding out his hand. "Why didn't you come +to me with your troubles? Remember I am always +glad to smooth the way for you, just as +much as lies in my power."</p> + +<p>When he had gone, Bethany crept away into +the quiet twilight of the library, and, kneeling before +the big arm-chair, laid her head in its cushioned +seat.</p> + +<p>"O Father," she whispered, "I am so +ashamed of myself to think I ever doubted thee +for one single moment. Forgive me, please, +and help me through every hour of every day +to trust unfalteringly in thy great love and +goodness."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, +STENOGRAPHER.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HERE was so much to be done next +morning, setting the rooms all in order +for the critical inspection of Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet, that Bethany +had little time to think of the dreaded interview +with Porter & Edmunds.</div> + +<p>She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered +piazza, and brought him a pile of things +for him to amuse himself with in her absence.</p> + +<p>"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything +else," she said. "I will be back before the +sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe +in less than an hour."</p> + +<p>He caught at her dress with a detaining +grasp, and a troubled look came over his face.</p> + +<p>"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do +get that place, will I have to stay here all day +by myself?"</p> + +<p>"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +you around the garden, and wait on you; and +I will think of all sorts of things to keep you +busy. Then the old ladies will be here, and I +am sure they will be kind to you. I'll be home +at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together."</p> + +<p>"But if those people come, Mena will have +so much more to do, she'll never have any time +to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" +he asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of +bother. I'd take my books and study, or look +out of the window all the time, and keep just +as quiet! Please ask 'em if I can't come too, +sister!"</p> + +<p>It was hard to resist the pleading tone.</p> + +<p>"Maybe they'll not want me," answered +Bethany. "I'll have to settle that matter before +making any promises. But never mind, +dear, we'll arrange it in some way."</p> + +<p>It was a warm July morning. As Bethany +walked slowly toward the business portion of +the town, several groups of girls passed her, +evidently on their way to work, from the few +words she overheard in passing. Most of them +looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine +of such a treadmill existence was slowly draining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +their vitality. Two or three had a pert, +bold air, that their contact with business life +had given them. One was chewing gum and repeating +in a loud voice some conversation she +had had with her "boss."</p> + +<p>Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized +that she was about to join the great working-class +of which this ill-bred girl was a member. +Not that she had any of the false pride +that pushes a woman who is an independent +wage-winner to a lower social scale than one +whom circumstances have happily hedged about +with home walls; but she had recalled at that +moment some of her acquaintances who would +do just such a thing. In their short-sighted, +self-assumed superiority, they could make no +discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, +who flirted with her customer, and the +girl in the school-room, who taught her pupils +more from her inherent refinement and gentleness +than from their text-books.</p> + +<p>She had remembered that Belle Romney +had said to her one day, as they drove past a +great factory where the girls were swarming +out at noon: "Do you know, Bethany dear, I +would rather lie down and die than have to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +work in such a place. You can't imagine what +a horror I have of being obliged to work for a +living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; +but I suppose these poor creatures are so accustomed +to it they never mind it."</p> + +<p>Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle +Romney's position was due entirely to the tolerance +of a distant relative. She longed to answer +vehemently: "Well, I would starve before +I would deliberately sit down to be a willing dependent +on the charity of my friends. It's +only a species of genteel pauperism, and none +the less despicable because of the purple and +fine linen it flaunts in."</p> + +<p>She had not made the speech, however. +Belle leaned back in the carriage, and folded +her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that +amused Bethany then. It nettled her now to +remember it.</p> + +<p>She turned into the street where the Clifton +Block stood, an imposing building, whose +first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. +The elevator-boy showed her the room. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, +for the walls were lined with books, and the +rugs and massive furniture bespoke taste as well +as wealth.</p> + +<p>An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the +window-sill and his back to the door, was vigorously +smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods +client, who had an early engagement. +His feet came to the floor with sudden force, +and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window +when he heard Bethany's voice saying, +timidly,</p> + +<p>"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?"</p> + +<p>He came forward with old-school gallantry. +It was not often his office was brightened by +such a visitor.</p> + +<p>"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, +in surprise, secretly wondering what had brought +her to his office.</p> + +<p>He had met her often in her father's house, +and had seen her the center of many an admiring +group at parties and receptions. She had +always impressed him as having the air of one +who had been surrounded by only the most refined +influences of life. He thought her unusually +charming this morning, all in black,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +with such a timid, almost childish expression +in her big, gray eyes.</p> + +<p>"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," +he said, cordially. "I hope this cigar +smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I +should have the honor of entertaining a lady, +or I should not have indulged."</p> + +<p>"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming +this morning?" asked Bethany, in some embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"No, not a word. I believe he said something +to Mr. Porter about a typewriter-girl that +wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor +of calling."</p> + +<p>Bethany smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the +place," she answered.</p> + +<p>"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing +up in his surprise, and beginning to stutter as +he always did when much excited. "You! w'y-w'y-w'y, +you don't say so!" he finally managed +to blurt out.</p> + +<p>"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked +Bethany, beginning to be amused. "Do you +think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +a position? I assure you I have a very fair +speed."</p> + +<p>"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not +that; but I never any more thought of your +going out in the world to make a living than +a-a-a pet canary," he added, in confusion.</p> + +<p>He seated himself again, and began tapping +on the table with a paper-knife.</p> + +<p>"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or +teach French?" he asked, half impatiently. "A +girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially +the part of a world one sees in the court-room."</p> + +<p>Bethany looked at him gravely.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those +things after a fashion, but none of them well +enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand +stenography, and I am confident I can do thorough, +first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, +that it is a mistaken idea that the girl +who has had the most sheltered home-life is +the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa +used to say we are like the planets; we carry +our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one +may carry the same personality into a reporter's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +stand that she would into a drawing-room. We +need not necessarily change with our surroundings."</p> + +<p>As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed +her cheeks, and she unconsciously raised her +chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked +at her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow.</p> + +<p>"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any +position she might choose to fill," he said +courteously.</p> + +<p>"Then you will let me try," she asked, +eagerly. She slipped off her glove, and took +pencil and paper from the table. "If you will +only test my speed, maybe you can make a decision +sooner."</p> + +<p>He dictated several pages, which she wrote +to his entire satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, +laughingly; and then she told him of the practice +she had had writing nursery rhymes.</p> + +<p>He seemed so interested that she went on +to tell him more about the child, and his great +desire to be in the office with her.</p> + +<p>"I told him I would ask you," she said, +finally; "but that it was a very unusual thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +to do, and that I doubted very much if any +business firm would allow it."</p> + +<p>He saw how hard it had been for her to +prefer such a request, and smiled reassuringly.</p> + +<p>"It would be a very small thing for me to +do for Richard Hallam's boy," he said. "Tell +the little fellow to come, and welcome. He +need not be in any one's way. We have three +rooms in this suite, and you will occupy the +one at the far end."</p> + +<p>It was hard for Bethany to keep back the +tears.</p> + +<p>"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," +she said. "The legacy papa thought +he had secured to us was swept away, but he +has left us one thing that more than compensates—the +heritage of his friendships. I have +been finding out lately what a great thing it +is to be rich in friends."</p> + +<p>Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my +twin tenants turn out to be half as nice," she +thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day."</p> + +<p>She tried to picture them, as she walked +rapidly on, wondering whether they would be +prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +Marion had said they were fine housekeepers. +That might mean they were exacting and hard +to please.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" +she concluded, finally. "I'll take Uncle Doctor's +advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones."</p> + +<p>She found them sitting on the side piazza, +being abundantly entertained by Jack.</p> + +<p>"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came +up the steps to meet them; "this one is Aunt +Harry—that's what she told me to call her—and +the other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've +both been around the world together, and both +ridden on elephants."</p> + +<p>There was a general laugh at the unceremonious +introduction.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her +own little plump ones, and stood on tiptoe to +give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the +same, holding her a moment longer to look +at her with fond scrutiny.</p> + +<p>"Such a striking resemblance to your dear +mother," she said. "Sister and I hoped you +would look like her."</p> + +<p>"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +old-fashioned," was Bethany's first impression, +as she looked at them in their plain +dresses of Quaker gray. "But their voices are +so musical, and they have such good, motherly +faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful +kind of people."</p> + +<p>"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, +that it will seem good to settle down in +a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, +as they were going over the house together.</p> + +<p>"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, +one appreciates big, roomy closets and wardrobes +like these."</p> + +<p>They went all over the place, from garret +to cellar, and sat down to rest beside an open +window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance +in with every passing breeze.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be +ready for us before next week," sighed Miss +Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt +me so. I wish we could come this very afternoon." +She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks."</p> + +<p>"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I +shall be glad to surrender the reins any time +you want to assume the responsibility."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, +exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" and, catching +Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she +whirled her around the room, regardless of her +protestations, until their spectacles slid down +their noses, and they were out of breath.</p> + +<p>Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. +Miss Caroline turned in time to catch +her expression of alarm.</p> + +<p>"Did you think we had lost our senses, +dear?" she asked. "We do not often forget +our dignity so; but we have been so long like +Noah's dove, with no rest for the sole of our +foot, that the thought of having at last found +an abiding-place is really overwhelming."</p> + +<p>"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" +remarked Miss Harriet, with dignity. "I am +very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions +of enthusiasm, and it is fully time that +you had too."</p> + +<p>"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss +Caroline, soothingly. "You're just as glad as +I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our +real selves from people we are going to live +with."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic +air.</p> + +<p>"Sister thinks because we have arrived at +a certain date on our calendar, we must conform +to that date. But, try as hard as I can, +I fail to feel any older sometimes than I used +to at Forest Seminary, when we made midnight +raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. +I suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; +but I can't grow old gracefully, so long as I +am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was."</p> + +<p>Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, +half-indulgent look that Miss Harriet bestowed +on her sister.</p> + +<p>"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," +she thought. "I wonder how we ever +happened to drift together."</p> + +<p>Something of the last thought she expressed +in a remark to the sisters as they went down +stairs together.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, decidedly. "You needed us, and we +needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own."</p> + +<p>By nightfall the sisters had taken their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +places in the old house, as quietly and naturally +as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence +in the house gave Bethany such a care-free, +restful feeling, and a sense of security that she +had not had since she had been left at the head +of affairs.</p> + +<p>After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a +rocking-chair out into the wide hall, and sat +down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept +through it.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing +Mena about breakfast. How delightful +it was to be freed from all responsibility +of the meals and the marketing! After +the next week she would not have even the +rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged +a stout maid to do the housework, that +Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so +irksome.</p> + +<p>Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly +around, unpacking one of the trunks. Bethany +could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. +Some of the notes were muffled as she disappeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a +refractory bureau drawer.</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">The clouds ye so much dread</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Are big with mercy, and shall break</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">In blessings on your head."</span><br /> +</div><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A KINDLING INTEREST.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 90px;"> +<img src="images/drop_f.png" width="90" height="100" alt="F" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />RANK Marion, on his way to the store +one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed +just a week.</div> + +<p>"You will find me dropping in here quite +often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, whom he met +coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin +of mine is never to be found at home in the day-time +any more, I shall have to call on him here. +He is my right-hand man in Junior League +work."</p> + +<p>"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. +"He's the most original little piece I ever saw. +Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're +always welcome, you know."</p> + +<p>Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so +intent on her manuscript that she did not notice +Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by +the window, was working vigorously with slate +and pencil at an arithmetic lesson. As Bethany<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's +tall form in the doorway.</p> + +<p>"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want +you to see how nice everything is here. We +have the best times."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and +smiled at the child's delight.</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair +up to the window, and entering into the boy's +pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto +the elevator, and up we come. And it's so nice +and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy +yet. While she writes I get my lessons, or draw, +or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. Edmunds +and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything +to do, I recite to her. But the best fun is +grocery tales."</p> + +<p>"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, +with flattering interest.</p> + +<p>"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store +across the street?" asked Jack, "and all the +things sitting around in front? There's almost +everything you can think of, from a broom to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +a banana. I choose the first thing I happen to +look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's +a tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese +story; or if it's a bottle of olives, something about +the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a +lovely visit she had once on a farm. She says +when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind +her of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; +and the coffee means a South American +story; and the watermelons a darkey story; +and the brooms something she read once about +an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have lots +of fun watching people pass. So many teams +stop at the watering-trough over there. I like +to wonder where everybody comes from, and imagine +what their homes are like. It is almost as +good as reading about them in a book."</p> + +<p>"You are a very happy little fellow," said +Mr. Marion, patting his cheek, approvingly. +"I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world +of ours, and teach other people how to be happy. +I've brought you some more work to do. I want +you to look up all these references, and copy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +them on separate slips of paper for our next +meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga +Jew this morning. He is as much in +earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League +interested in him and his mission."</p> + +<p>"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin +Frank," she answered. "Think of the prejudices +to overcome. How little the general membership +of the Church know or care about the +Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble +work is at first impossible.'"</p> + +<p>"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul +says: 'I can do all things through Christ who +strengthened me.' I can't get away from the +feeling that God wants me to take some forward +step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. +All the time in my business I am brought in +contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. +Ray and I have been reading Graetz's +history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how +any one can read an account of all the race endured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +at the hands of the Christianity of the +Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward +them. Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of +what was dealt out to them in the name of the +gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children +were taught to spit at the mention of such a +name."</p> + +<p>"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of +Martyrs?'" asked Jack, eagerly. "We've got +that at home, with the awfullest black and +yellow pictures in it of people being burned to +death and tortured. I hope, if it is as interesting, +sister will read it out loud."</p> + +<p>Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance +that Mr. Marion laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll +not care to read all five volumes, Jack; but Bethany +can select the parts that will interest you +most."</p> + +<p>Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject +up again that evening at the table.</p> + +<p>"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing +in the act of helping himself to sugar, "do you +like the Jews?"</p> + +<p>"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. +"I can't say that I take any special interest in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +them, one way or another. To tell the truth, +I've never known any personally."</p> + +<p>"Would you like to know more about them?" +he asked, with childish persistence. "'Cause +Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can +listen if you like."</p> + +<p>"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be +glad to hear," answered Miss Harriet. "At +first sister and I thought we would not intrude +on you in the evenings; but the library does +look so inviting, and it is so dull for us to sit +with just our knitting-work, since we have +stopped reading by lamp-light, that we can not +resist the temptation to go in whenever she begins +to read aloud."</p> + +<p>"O, you're home-folks," said Jack.</p> + +<p>Bethany had excused herself before this conversation +commenced, and was in the library, +opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to +give her at noon. When the others joined her, +she held up a little pamphlet she had just +opened.</p> + +<p>"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from +Chattanooga. It is an article on 'What shall +become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +one of them, at least his name would indicate +it—Leo N. Levi. It will be interesting to look +at that question from their standpoint."</p> + +<p>"Will I like it?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not," she answered, after a +rapid glance through its pages. "We'll have +some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, +and save this until you are asleep."</p> + +<p>Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch +dialect. When she laid down the book after +the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," +she saw a big tear splash down on Miss Harriet's +knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was furtively +wiping her spectacles.</p> + +<p>"Leave the door open," called Jack, when +he had been tucked away for the night. "Then +I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull."</p> + +<p>"Do you really care to hear this?" asked +Bethany, picking up the pamphlet.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic +nods. "I'll own I am very ignorant on +the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no +more than right that we should take something +improving."</p> + +<p>"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +room, "you never told them about Mr. Lessing, +did you?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Bethany. "I never told +them any of my Chattanooga experiences. +Maybe it would be better to begin with them, +and then you can understand how I happened +to become so interested in the Hebrew people. +The pamphlet can wait until another time."</p> + +<p>She tossed it back on the table, and settled +herself comfortably in a big chair.</p> + +<p>"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, +"and tell you how I was persuaded into going, +and how strangely events linked into each +other."</p> + +<p>"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss +Caroline, as Bethany drew a graphic picture +of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the +crowded tent. When she came to Lessing's +story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in her lap, +and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair.</p> + +<p>"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out +of a romance!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, when +Bethany had finished. "That part about the +mother's curse and being buried in effigy makes +me think of the novels that we used to smuggle +into our rooms at school. I wish you could go<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +on and give us the next chapter. It is intensely +interesting."</p> + +<p>"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, +sadly. "I thought of that at the time. What +can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace +events? He will simply go on to the end in a +routine of study and work. He will preach to +whatever audiences he can gather around him. +That is all the world will see. The other part +of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon him +because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, +the soul-struggles, the spiritual victories, the +silent heroism, will be unwritten and unapplauded, +because unseen."</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder you are interested," said +Miss Harriet. "Would you believe it, I don't +know the difference between an orthodox and +a reform Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow +in the encyclopedia."</p> + +<p>She picked up the little pamphlet, and +opened at random.</p> + +<p>"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. +"'The Jew is everywhere in evidence. He sells +vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence +and endures martyrdom in the Balkan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in +France, England, Austria, and Germany. He +has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere +he is seen; and, what is more to the point, +he is felt. He runs through the entire length of +history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched +by the high lights of great events at almost every +point.'"</p> + +<p>"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" +she asked, turning to Miss Caroline. "Wasn't +it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere +in the neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall +have to trace that line back a considerable distance, +I am thinking, if we would know anything +on the subject."</p> + +<p>"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, +with her usual alacrity.</p> + +<p>Several evenings after, when Bethany came +home from the office, she found a new book on +the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto."</p> + +<p>"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, +a little nervously. "It is one of Zangwill's. The +clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +Of course, I am no critic, but it looked interesting, +and I thought you might not mind reading +it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye +that made me think it might be as entertaining +as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'"</p> + +<p>Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I +believe it is the very thing to give us an insight +into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses."</p> + +<p>She read the headings of several of the +chapters aloud, and a sentence here and there.</p> + +<p>"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are +proud and happy in that the dread unknown +God of the infinite universe has chosen our race +as the medium by which to reveal his will to +the world. History testifies that this has verily +been our mission, that we have taught the world +religion as truly as Greece has taught beauty +and science. Our miraculous survival through +the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties +is a proof that our mission is not yet over.'"</p> + +<p>"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" +exclaimed Jack, in a disappointed tone.</p> + +<p>"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can +understand part, and I will explain the rest."</p> + +<p>So it came about that, after the Scotch tales<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +were laid aside, the little group in the library +nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in +the early days of the century.</p> + +<p>"I can never feel the same towards them +again," said Miss Caroline, the night they finished +the book. "I understand them so much +better. It is just as the proem says: 'People +who have been living in a ghetto for a couple +of centuries are not able to step outside merely +because the gates are thrown down, nor to efface +the brands on their souls by putting off the +yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its +hovering miasma of persecution.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he +has given us such a diversity of types. You +know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: +'No people can be fairly judged by its superlatives. +It would be silly to judge all the Chinese +by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict +Arnold. If the Jews squirm and indignantly +protest against Shylock and Fagin and Svengali, +they must be consistent, and not claim as types +Scott's Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' +Now, Zangwill has given us a glimpse of all +sorts of people—the 'pots and pans' of material<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual +idealists. I hope you'll go on another investigating +tour, Miss Caroline, and bring home +something else as instructive."</p> + +<p>But before Miss Caroline found time to go +on another voyage of discovery among the book-stores, +something happened at the office that +gave a deeper interest to their future investigations.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes +longer than usual, one morning after he had +finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss +Hallam. Mr. Porter has decided to go abroad +for a while. Family matters may keep him +there possibly a year. During his absence it is +necessary to have some one in his place; and, +after mature deliberation, we have decided to +take in a young lawyer who has two points +decidedly in his favor. He has marked ability, +and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. +He is a young Jew, a protege of Rabbi +Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest respect +for him, although Mr. Porter is a little +prejudiced against him on account of his nationality.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +I wondered if you shared that feeling."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. +"I have been greatly interested in studying their +history this summer."</p> + +<p>"Well, I have never given their past much +thought," responded Mr. Edmunds; "but their +relation to the business world has recently attracted +my attention. It is wonderful to me +the way they are filling up the positions of +honor and trust all over the world. Statistics +show such a large proportion of them have acquired +wealth and prominence. Still, it is only +what we ought to expect, when we remember +their characteristics. They have such 'mental +agility,' such power of adapting themselves to +circumstances, and such a resistless energy. +Maybe I should put their temperate habits first, +for I can not remember ever seeing a Jew intoxicated; +and as to industry, the records of our +county poor-house show that in all the seventy +years of its existence, it has never had a Jewish +inmate. People with such qualities are like +cream, bound to rise to the top, no matter what +kind of a vessel they are poured into."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, +coming back to the first subject.</p> + +<p>"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. +"You may have met him."</p> + +<p>"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. +She caught her breath in surprise. +Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads +here, or had she been caught in some +tangle of chance? Maybe this was the opportunity +she had prayed for that morning when +she had listened to Lessing's story, and caught +the inspiration of his consecrated life.</p> + +<p>A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human +voice could so reach the ear of the Infinite, +and draw down an answer to its petition. She +was almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility +such an answer laid upon her. O, +the childishness with which we beat against +the portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, +and then shrink back when the Almighty +hands them out to us, afraid to take and +use what we have most cried for!</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was a sultry morning in August +when David Herschel took his place +in the law-office of Porter & Edmunds.</div> + +<p>The sun beat against the tall buildings until +the radiated heat of the streets was sickening +in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything +had a wilted look, and the watering-carts left a +steam rising in their trail, almost as disagreeable +as the clouds of dust had been before.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining +at home, and Bethany's wearing a thin white +dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany +went slowly towards the office she was glad that +the sensible old lady had carried her point.</p> + +<p>To shorten the distance, she passed through +one of the poorer streets of the town. Disagreeable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed +children cried on the doorsteps and +quarreled in the gutters.</p> + +<p>A great longing came over Bethany for a +breath from wide, fresh fields, or green, shady +woodlands. This was the first summer she had +ever passed in the city. August had always +been associated in her mind with the wind in +the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some +rocky coast. It recalled the musical drip of the +waterfalls trickling down high banks of thickly-growing +ferns. It brought back the breath of +clover-fields and the mint in hillside pastures.</p> + +<p>A strong repugnance to her work seized her. +She felt that she could not possibly bear to go +back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer +she thought of those old care-free summers, the +more she chafed at the confinement of the present +one.</p> + +<p>She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance +of the great building. Every door and +window stood open. While she waited for the +elevator-boy to respond to her ring, she turned +her eyes toward the street. A blind man passed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was +beating mercilessly on the man's gray head, +for his cap was held appealingly in his outstretched +hand.</p> + +<p>"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" +thought Bethany, with a swift rush of pity, as +the contrast between this blind beggar's life +and hers was forced upon her.</p> + +<p>There was no one in the office when she +entered. After the glare of the street, it seemed +so comfortable that she thought again of the +blind beggar and the child who led him, with a +feeling of remorse for her discontent.</p> + +<p>A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass +vase on the table, filling the room with their fragrance. +She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, +running hand, was the one word—"Consider!"</p> + +<p>"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought +Bethany, quickly interpreting the message. "She +knew this would be an unusually trying day +on account of the heat, so she gives me something +to think about instead of my irksome confinement. +'They toil not, neither do they +spin,'" she whispered, lifting one snowy chalice +to her lips; "but what help they bring to those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +who do—sweet, white evangels to all those who +labor and are heavy laden!"</p> + +<p>She fastened one in her belt, then turned to +her work. She had been copying a record, and +wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was +ready to attend to the morning mail. Her +fingers flew over the keys without a pause, except +when she stopped to put in a new sheet +of paper. When she was nearly through, she +heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, +and increased her speed. She had forgotten +that this was the day David Herschel was to +come into the office. He had taken the desk +assigned him, and was so busily engaged in conversation +with Mr. Edmunds that for a while +he did not notice the occupant of the next room. +When, at last, he happened to glance through +the open door, he did not recognize Bethany, +for she was seated with her back toward him.</p> + +<p>He noticed what a cool-looking white dress +she wore, the graceful poise of her head, and +her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies +beside her, and wished she would turn so that +he could see her face.</p> + +<p>"Some fair Elaine—a lily-maid of Astolat," +he thought, and then smiled at himself for having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before +he had even heard her name or seen her +face.</p> + +<p>At last Bethany finished the record, with a +sigh of relief. Quickly fastening the pages, +she rose to take it into the next room. Just on +the threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary +little start of surprise.</p> + +<p>As she stood there, all in white, with one +hand against the dark door-casing, she looked +just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of +quick perceptions, but he noticed the look of +admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they +both seemed a trifle embarrassed as he introduced +them.</p> + +<p>They had recalled at the same moment the +night in the Chattanooga depot, when she had +distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did +not care to make his acquaintance.</p> + +<p>For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. +That gracious ease of manner which +"stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one +of her greatest charms. But just at this moment, +when she wished to atone for that unfortunate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +remark by an especially friendly +greeting, when she wanted him to know that her +point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she +could not summon a word to her aid.</p> + +<p>Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she +blushed like a diffident school-girl, and bowed +coldly.</p> + +<p>David courteously remained standing until +she had laid the record on Mr. Edmunds's desk +and left the room.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he +resumed his seat; but there was not the slightest +change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness +of manner in Bethany's greeting. But he had +noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself.</p> + +<p>Nothing more passed between them for several +days, except the formal morning greeting. +Then Jack came back to the office. He had +gained rapidly since the new brace had been +applied. During his enforced absence on account +of the heat, he found that he could wheel +himself short distances, and proudly insisted on +doing so, as they went through the hall. He was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +a great favorite in the building. Everybody, +from the janitor to the dignified judge on the +same floor, stopped to speak to him. He was +such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, +despite the misfortune that chained him to the +chair and had sometimes made him suffer extremely, +that the sight of him oftener provoked +pleasure than pity. He was so glad to get back +to the office that he was bubbling over with +happiness. It seemed to him he had been away +for an age. The cordial reception he met on +every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks.</p> + +<p>Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David +was at his desk, busily writing. Bethany +paused as they passed through the room.</p> + +<p>"Allow me to introduce my little brother, +Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack is very anxious +to meet you."</p> + +<p>He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced +girl, leaning over Jack's chair, with the +brightness of his roguish face reflected in her +own, was such a transformation from the dignified +Miss Hallam he had known heretofore, that +he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was +surprised into such an unusual cordiality of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +manner, that Jack straightway took him into +his affections, and set about cultivating a very +strong friendship between them.</p> + +<p>One afternoon Bethany was called into another +office to take a deposition. She left Jack +busy drawing on his slate.</p> + +<p>David, who had been reading several hours, +laid down the book after a while, with a yawn, +and glanced into the next room. The steady +scratch of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack +was gazing disconsolately out of the window.</p> + +<p>As he heard the book drop on the table he +turned his head quickly. "May I come in +there?" he asked David eagerly.</p> + +<p>David nodded assent. "You may come in +and wake me up. The heat and the book together, +have made me drowsy."</p> + +<p>Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and +looked out towards the court house. It was late +in the afternoon, and the massive building threw +long shadows across the green sward surrounding +it.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said +Jack. "I can't tell from my window. Don't +you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always +makes me think of heroes. I love heroes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so +creepy, and your hair kind o' stands up, and you +hold your breath while they're a-risking their +lives to save somebody, or doing something +else that's awfully brave. And then, when +they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; +but you feel so warm all over somehow, and you +want to cheer, and march right off to 'storm the +heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face +of the earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. +I always do. Don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish +enthusiasm, yet touched by the recognition +of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to +lead the boy further on.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. +"Papa wanted me to be a lawyer. He was in the +war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used +to put 'em on sometimes, and say I was going +to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. +But he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, +that's not the highest way you can serve your +country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +have to be a preacher like my grandfather, John +Wesley Bradford, because he left me all his +library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't +my real name, you know."</p> + +<p>"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked +David, as the boy paused to catch a fly that was +buzzing exasperatingly around him.</p> + +<p>"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer +by a savage slap at the fly. "Only except +when we get to talking about the Jews. You +know we are very much interested in your people +at our house."</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't know it," answered David, +amused by the boy's matter-of-fact announcement. +"How did you come to be so interested?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it started with the Epworth League +Conference at Chattanooga. There was a converted +Jew up there on the mountain that spoke +in the sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to +see him afterwards. He took Bethany with him +to write down what they said in shorthand. O, +he had the most interesting history! You just +ought to hear sister tell it. You know the two +old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. +Well, may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +they didn't have the least bit of use for the Jews +before that. Now, since we've been reading +about the awful way they were persecuted, and +how they've hung together through thick and +thin, they've changed their minds."</p> + +<p>"And you say that it is only when you are +talking about the Jews that you would like to be +a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring +him back to the subject.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how +that man's whole life was changed by a little +Junior League girl; how she started him, and +he'll start others, and they'll start somebody +else, and the ball will keep rolling, and so much +good will be done, just on her account, I'd like +to do something in that line myself. I'm first +vice-president of our League, you know," he +said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on +his coat.</p> + +<p>"But I wouldn't like to be a regular +preacher that just stands up and tells people +what they already believe. That's too much like +boxing a pillow." He doubled up his fist and +sparred at an imaginary foe.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, +and make every blow count. We studied the life +of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes—there's one for you. My, but he was +game! Thrashed and stoned, and shipwrecked +and put in prison, and chained up to another +man—but they couldn't choke him off!" Jack +chuckled at the thought.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that +when a Jew does turn Christian he's deader in +earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told +us to notice that. There's Matthew. He was +making a good salary in the custom-house, and +he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and +the rest of 'em left their boats and all their fishing +tackle, and every thing in the wide world +that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give +up his family. Cousin Frank told us about ever +so many that had done that way. So that's why +I'd rather preach to them than other people. +They amount to so much when you once get +them made over."</p> + +<p>"You might commence on me," said David.</p> + +<p>Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and +looked confused. He stole a sidelong glance at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back +into the other room.</p> + +<p>"I haven't gone into the business yet," he +called back over his shoulder, recovering his +equanimity with young American quickness, +"But when I do I'll give you the first call."</p> + +<p>David was so amused by the conversation +that he could not refrain from recounting part +of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed +to put them on a friendlier footing.</p> + +<p>Finding that she was really making a study +of the history of his people, he gave her many +valuable suggestions, and several times brought +Jewish periodicals with articles marked for her +to read.</p> + +<p>"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," +she told him. "They are very well +versed in the ancient history, but this is something +so new to them."</p> + +<p>"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. +"He would be an inspiration in any +line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you +read Hebrew. One loses so much in the translation. +There are places in the Psalms and Job<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> +where the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. +You know there are some pebbles +and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from +that element, they lose that brilliancy. I have +noticed the same effect in changing a thought +from the medium of one language to another."</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized +that difficulty, too, in translating from the +German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, +leaves the verse as soulless as a flower +without its fragrance."</p> + +<p>"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. +"That is why I would have you read +the greatest of all literature in its original setting. +Are you fond of language?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. +I took the course in Latin and German +at school, and got a smattering of French the +year I was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek +a little at home with papa, to get a better understanding +of the New Testament. But Hebrew +always seemed to me so very difficult that only +spectacled theologians attempted it. You know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius +as a matter of course. Only daring climbers +attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the heights +made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts +and mountain railways."</p> + +<p>He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as +you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any one that can +master stenography can easily compass that. +There is a similarity in one respect. In both, +dots and dashes take the place of vowels. I will +bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you +how easy the rudiments are."</p> + +<p>Jack was more interested than Bethany. He +had never seen a book in Hebrew type before. +The square, even characters charmed him, and +he began to copy them on his slate.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to learn this," he announced. +"The letters are nothing but chairs and tables."</p> + +<p>"It was a picture language in the beginning," +said David, leaning over his chair, much +pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter +used to be the head of an ox. See how the horns +branch? And this next one, Beth, was a house. +Don't you remember how many names in the +Bible begin with that—Beth-el, Beth-horon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +Beth-shan—they all mean house of something; +house of God, house of caves, house of rest."</p> + +<p>Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would +teach a fellow lots. What are you a house of, +Beth-any?"</p> + +<p>He looked up, but his sister had been called +into the next room.</p> + +<p>"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" +asked David. "It will be a great help to you +when you 'go into the business' of preaching to +us Jews."</p> + +<p>Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his +tongue out of the corner of his mouth in an embarrassed +way. Then he looked up, and saw that +David was not laughing at him, but soberly +awaiting his answer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in +the office."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's +dark head and Jack's yellow one bending over +the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> +teachers," said Mr. Marion. "Would you +undertake to teach it, Herschel?"</p> + +<p>The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient +I might make the attempt," he said. +"But I do not live in the city. My home is out +at Hillhollow."</p> + +<p>Then, after a pause, while some other plan +seemed to be revolving in his mind, he asked: +"Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born +teacher, and nothing would delight him more +than to imbue some other soul with a zeal for his +beloved mother-tongue."</p> + +<p>"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," +responded Mr. Marion, "if you will get +his consent, and find what his terms are. Bethany, +I'll head the list with your name. Then +there's Ray and myself. That makes three, and +I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. +Do you know, Bethany, it would not surprise me +very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?"</p> + +<p>"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison +Avenue, and unmarried besides. But I heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. +I hope the bishop will consider the call."</p> + +<p>"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," +she answered. "You know what is apt to befall +'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>THE DEACONESS'S STORY.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 86px;"> +<img src="images/drop_a.png" width="86" height="100" alt="A" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />UGUST slipped into September. The +vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, +brightened the room with the glow +of the earliest golden-rod.</div> + +<p>"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray +through his fingers. "It makes me think of +your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking."</p> + +<p>"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, +wishing he dared express his admiration +as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle +overlooking Bethany's, and he often studied her +face while she worked, as he would have studied +some rare portrait—not so much for the perfect +contour and delicacy of coloring as for the soul +that shone through it.</p> + +<p>She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual +things. It was from Jack he learned how interested +she was in all her Church relationships.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +Still he felt forcibly an influence that he could +not define; that silent charm of a consecrated +life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master.</p> + +<p>One day when he was thus idly occupied, +the janitor tiptoed into the room, ushering a lady +past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It +was all black, except that there were deep, white +cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was +tied under the chin with broad white bows. She +was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands.</p> + +<p>David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine +Bentley!" as if much surprised to see +her. Then they stood face to face, holding each +other's hands while they talked in low, rapid +tones.</p> + +<p>The stranger staid only a few moments. +After she passed out, David strolled leisurely up +to Bethany's desk.</p> + +<p>"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss +Hallam," he said. "I am interested in the costume +of the lady who was here just now. I've +seen one like it before. Can you tell me to what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +order she belongs? Is it anything like the Sisters +of Charity?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, something like it," she answered. +"She is a deaconess. There is this difference. +They take no vows of perpetual service to the +order, but their lives are as entirely consecrated +to their work as though they had 'taken the veil,' +as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about +doing good in the Master's own way, to rich and +poor alike. She came in just now to report a +case of destitution she had discovered. I am +chairman of the Mercy and Help Department +in our League."</p> + +<p>"Is that all they do?" asked David.</p> + +<p>"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see +the Deaconess Home on Clark Street. They +have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It +is the work of some of these women to gather in +all the poor, neglected girls they can find. They +make it so very attractive that the poor children +are taught to be respectable little housekeepers, +without suspecting that the music and games +are really lessons. Homes that could be reached +in no other way have some wonderful changes +wrought in them."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have so many different organizations +in your Church," said David. "Seems to me I +am always hearing of a new one. There is an +old saying, 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' +Did you never prove the truth of that?"</p> + +<p>"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," +exclaimed Bethany. "The little wheels all fit +into the big one like so many cogs, and all help +each other. For instance, here is the deaconess +work. It goes hand in hand with the League, +only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift +Up,' for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars +all avenues to them. Of all hard, self-sacrificing +lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to +pay for such services, and whatever there is to +do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly."</p> + +<p>"The reason I asked," answered David, "is +that one day last week I went down to that terrible +quarter of the city near the lower wharves. +I wanted to find a man who I knew would be +a valuable witness in the Dartmon murder case. +I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand +on one of the early boats. I had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten +old tenements near the river. I found the room +used as an office was down in a damp basement. +It was about half-past five when I reached there. +I went down the rickety old stairs and knocked +several times. You can imagine my surprise +when the door was opened by a refined-looking +woman, in just such a costume as your friend +wore, except, of course, the little bonnet. When +I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside +a moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled +me at first. There was a narrow counter where +a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, +and these were left to await claimants. There +was a calico curtain stretched across the room +to form a partition. She drew it aside, and +motioned me to look in. There was a table, two +chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying +across the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out +with weariness and sorrow, lay a young girl +heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months +old, was lying among the pillows, as white and +still as if it were dead. The woman dropped the +curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's +husband you are looking for,' she said. 'He is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +a rough, drunken fellow, and has been away for +days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. +I was called here at three o'clock this morning. +A physician came for me, but he said it could not +live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches +swarmed all over the floor, and the rats +were so bad they fairly ran over our feet. The +poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I +came, from sheer exhaustion. There is nothing +to eat in the house, and the milk I brought with +me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful +thing to say, but I dare not leave the baby while +she is asleep long enough to get anything—on +account of the rats.' Of course I went out and +got the things she needed. Then there was +nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's +bravery, have been in my thoughts ever since."</p> + +<p>"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany +said, when he had finished. "I know the nurse, +Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took +the mother to the Deaconess Hospital. She has +typhoid fever. Belle told me of another experience +she had. Her life is full of them. She was +sent to a family where drunkenness was the cause +of the poverty. The man had not had steady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +work for a year, because he was never sober more +than a few days at a time. They lived in three +rooms in the rear basement of a large tenement-house. +Belle said, when she opened the door of +the first room, it seemed the most forlorn place +she had ever seen. There was a table piled full +of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with +half-washed clothes. The floor looked as if it +had never known the touch of a broom. The +odor of the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, +half-grown girl, one of the neighbors, +stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she +knew how. Four dirty, half-starved children +were playing on the bare floor. Their mother +was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to +repeat Belle's description of that bedroom, it +was so filthy and infested with vermin. She +said, when she saw all that must be done, that +repulsive creature bathed, the dishes washed, +and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly +touch a thing in the room. She wanted to turn +and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such +repulsive things?'"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel.</p> + +<p>Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness +that must have shone in Belle Carleton's, +as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' +sake!"</p> + +<p>There was a long pause, which Herschel +broke by saying: "And she staid there, I suppose, +forced her shrinking hands into contact +with what she despised, did the most menial +services, from a sense of duty to a man whom +she had never seen, who died centuries ago? +Miss Hallam, how could she? I find it very hard +to understand."</p> + +<p>"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected +Bethany, "so much as love."</p> + +<p>"Well, for love then. What was there in +this man of Nazareth to inspire such devotion +after such a lapse of time? I understand how +one might admire his ethical teaching, how one +might even try to embody his precepts in a code +to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. +He was no greater lawgiver than Moses, +yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +yet who is ready to lay down his life cheerfully +and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter—or +Paul?'"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up +at him wistfully, "don't you see that it is no +mere man who exercises such power; that he +must be what he claimed—one with the +Father?"</p> + +<p>Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day +on the train came back to him: "O, my friend, +if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!"</p> + +<p>Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as +they paced back and forth in front of the tent, +arm in arm in the darkness.</p> + +<p>"Of a truth you can not understand these +things, unless you be born again—be born of +the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge +you have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life +is latent in the worm, even while it has no conception +of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible +for it to conceive of flight until it has passed +through some change that bursts the chrysalis +and provides the wings?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>The silence was growing oppressive. David +shook his head, rose, and slowly walked out of +the room.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she +wheeled him homeward from the office at noon-time, +"Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the +time about something I said once about preaching +to the Jews. He brings it up so often, that +if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure +enough."</p> + +<p>Whatever answer Bethany might have made +was interrupted by Miss Caroline, who met them +as they turned a corner.</p> + +<p>"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You +were in my mind just this minute. I wondered +if I might not chance to meet you."</p> + +<p>"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked +Jack, seeing that she carried several small +parcels.</p> + +<p>"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! +Caroline Courtney actually out shopping in the +dry-goods stores."</p> + +<p>"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. +"It must be something important. I can't remember +that you have done such a thing before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +since I have known you. Have you been invited +to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?"</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline beamed on them through her +spectacles. "Really, my dears, that is just what +I would like to know myself. That's why I had +to make these purchases. Your cousin Ray +came in this morning, just after you had gone, +to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six +this evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort +of an occasion she was planning, only that it was +a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of +all. He has been gone a week on a business trip, +but will get home to-night at six. Sister and I +have been trying to think what kind of an occasion +it could be. I know it isn't their wedding +anniversary, nor her birthday. Maybe it is his. +So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought +to dress—whether to wear our very best dove-colored +silks and point lace, or the black crepon +dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she +got in Brussels, although I want very much to +take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. +My second best is broken, and of course we +wouldn't want to carry a palm-leaf. There was +no other way but to take the second best fan<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> +down and match it. Then she had lost one of the +bows of ribbon that was on her gray dress, and +I had to match that, in case we decided to wear +the grays. Here I have spent the whole morning +over my fan and her ribbon."</p> + +<p>"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you +carry your Brussels fan and wear your gray +dress, and let her wear her black dress and take +the kind of fan she wanted?"</p> + +<p>"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, +"Neither of us would have taken a mite of comfort +so. You don't understand how it feels +when there are two of you. When you have +spent—well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless +you are in pairs."</p> + +<p>It was arranged that Jack should not go back +to the office that afternoon. The sisters volunteered +to take him with them.</p> + +<p>Bethany hurried through her work, but it +seemed to her she had never had so many interruptions, +or so much to do.</p> + +<p>It was after six when she closed her desk. +Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired look on her +flushed face, and said:</p> + +<p>"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +stairs. I have to stay here some time longer to +meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while +he is waiting." He went down on the elevator +with her, and handed her into the carriage.</p> + +<p>"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before +you start home," he said, kindly. "It will +do you good."</p> + +<p>Bethany sank back gratefully among the +cushions. Jerry had been her father's coachman +at one time. He grinned from ear to ear +as she took her seat.</p> + +<p>"We'll take a spin along the river road," +she said. "Give me a glimpse of the fields and +the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, +on Phillips Avenue."</p> + +<p>"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. +"I know all the roads you like best!"</p> + +<p>The impatient horses needed no urging. +They fairly flew down the beaten track that led +from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy +byways. On they went, past suburban orchards +and outlying pastures, to the sights and sounds +of the real country.</p> + +<p>Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of +bells in a quiet lane where the cows stood softly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves +in the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown +stubble-field near by. Then the wind swept up +from the river, now turning red in the sunset. +It put new life into her pulses, and a new light +in her eyes. The weariness was all gone. The +wind had blown the light, curly hair about her +face, and she put up her hands to smooth it back, +as they came in sight of Mrs. Marion's house.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't make any difference," she +thought. "I can run up into Cousin Ray's room +and put myself in order before any one sees me."</p> + +<p>As the carriage stopped, some one stepped +up quickly to assist her alight. It was David +Herschel.</p> + +<p>"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am +literally blown to pieces. How queerly things +do happen in this world!"</p> + +<p>To her still greater wonderment, instead of +closing the gate after her and going on down +the street, he followed her up the steps.</p> + +<p>"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," +she thought. "This must be part of it."</p> + +<p>Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just +smoothed their plumage in the guest-chamber,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +and were coming down the stairs hand in hand +as David and Bethany entered the reception-hall.</p> + +<p>This was their first glimpse of David. They +had been very curious to see him. Jack had +talked about him so much that they recognized +him instantly from his description.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, +and said in a dramatic whisper, "Sister! the +surprise."</p> + +<p>"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. +"How unusually bright she looks, and yet a +little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has +been saying anything to her. They came in +together."</p> + +<p>"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they +both moved forward with their most beaming +"company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. +Herschel.</p> + +<p>"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading +the way into the drawing-room, while Bethany +made her escape up stairs.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. +Dameron."</p> + +<p>"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> +and Miss Harriet in chorus, as a tall, thin +woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling +eyes rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the +land's sake! how did you ever happen to get +here?"</p> + +<p>"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained +Mrs. Marion to David, as the twins stood +on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss +her repeatedly between their exclamations of +joyful surprise. "They haven't seen her since +they were married. I'll present you, and then +we'll leave them to have a good old gossip."</p> + +<p>During the introductions in the drawing-room, +Mr. Marion came into the hall, with his +gripsack in his hand.</p> + +<p>"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. +"How are you, my boy? I'm so glad to see +you."</p> + +<p>He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap +him on the shoulder and hold the little hands +lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden +parting of the portieres behind them, a swift +rustle, and two white hands met over his eyes +and blindfolded him.</p> + +<p>"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +clapped his hand over his mouth as he heard a +warning "Sh!"</p> + +<p>"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, +laughing and reaching backwards to seize whoever +had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would +take such liberties."</p> + +<p>"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. +"What about Ray's younger sister?"</p> + +<p>He turned around, and catching her by the +shoulders, held her out in front of him.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in +amazement. "When did you get here, little +sister? I never imagined you were within two +hundred miles of this place."</p> + +<p>"Neither did Ray until this morning. I +just walked in unannounced."</p> + +<p>When he had given her a hearty welcome +she said: "O, I'm not the only one to surprise +you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, +and see who all's there, while I talk with this +young man I haven't seen for a year."</p> + +<p>Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin +since he was old enough to fasten his baby fingers +in her long, brown hair. In her yearly +visits to her sister she had devoted so much of +her time to him, and been such a willing slave,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +that he looked forward to her coming even a +shade more eagerly than he watched for Christmas.</p> + +<p>There was one thing that remained longest +in the memory of every guest who had ever enjoyed +the hospitality of the Marion home. It +was the warm welcome that made itself continually +felt. It met them even in the free swing +of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just +walk right in now, and make yourself at home."</p> + +<p>There was an atmosphere of genial comfort +and cheer that cast its spell on all who strayed +over its inviting threshold. It made them long +to linger, and loath to leave.</p> + +<p>David Herschel was quick to appreciate the +warm cordiality of his greeting. He had not +been in the house five minutes until he felt himself +on the familiar footing of an old friend. At +first he wondered at the strange assortment of +guests, and thought it queer he had been asked +to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, +who were so absorbed in each other.</p> + +<p>Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois +Denning—a slim, graceful girl in a white duck +suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +decided in her opinions, and original in her +remarks.</p> + +<p>"That red carnation just suits her," said +David to himself, as they talked together. "She +is so bright and spicy."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. +Marion, anxiously. "It's getting dark, and I'm +as hungry as a schoolboy."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and your guests will think you are as +impatient as one," she answered, laughingly. +"We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. +Cragmore hasn't come yet."</p> + +<p>"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to +his feet.</p> + +<p>"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend +to tell you he was coming. I knew you +hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and +I wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to +the Clark Street Church. I met him coming +up from the depot this morning, and asked him +to dine with us to-night."</p> + +<p>"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed +Mr. Marion, "so that I might give vent +to my delight as I used to."</p> + +<p>"I remember how loud you could whoop +when you were two feet six," remarked Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing +you, now that you are six feet two."</p> + +<p>There was a quick ring at the front door, +and the next instant Frank Marion and George +Cragmore were shaking hands as though they +could never stop.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's +necks and weep a la Joseph and his brethren," +said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I +feel that I am about to be presented to a whole +circus—menagerie and all."</p> + +<p>"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they +heard his musical voice say.</p> + +<p>"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois +in an undertone. "How's that for a touch of +the rale auld brogue?"</p> + +<p>He was introduced to the old ladies first, +then to the saucy Lois and Jack. Then he +caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual +pleasure, and were about cordially to renew +their acquaintance, begun that day on the car, +when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw +Bethany.</p> + +<p>Both Lois and David noticed the way his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +face lighted up, and the eagerness with which he +went forward to speak to her.</p> + +<p>That evening was the beginning of several +things. The Hebrew class was organized. Mr. +Marion had found only two of his teachers willing +to undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully +allowed herself to be substituted for the third +one he had been so sure would join them.</p> + +<p>"I'll not be here more than long enough to +get a good start," she said, "but I'm in for anything +that's going—Hebrew or Hopscotch, +whichever it happens to be."</p> + +<p>The twins declined to take any part. "I +know it is beyond us," sighed Miss Harriet. +"The Latin conjugations were always such a +terror to me, and sister never did get her bearings +in the German genders."</p> + +<p>When it came time for the merry party to +break up, Frank Marion would not listen to any +good-nights from Cragmore.</p> + +<p>"You're not going away. That's the end +of it," he declared. "I'll walk down with you +to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. +You're to stay here until you get a boarding +place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go then,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +if I did not know it was essential for you to live +nearer your congregation."</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's +chair, with Miss Caroline on one side, and Miss +Harriet on the other.</p> + +<p>Bethany followed with George Cragmore. +There was a brilliant moonlight, and they +walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare +beauty of the night.</p> + +<p>"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. +Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the steps. "I +want to finish spinning this yarn."</p> + +<p>They all went into the hall.</p> + +<p>Bethany opened the door into the library +and struck a match. Cragmore took it from her +and lighted the gas.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with +his attentive audience of three.</p> + +<p>"I'll be through in a moment," he called. +The sisters dropped down in a large double +rocker.</p> + +<p>"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," +said Bethany. "His minute may prove +to be elastic."</p> + +<p>Cragmore looked around the homelike old +room, and then down at the fair-haired woman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other +time. Yes, I think I should like to come here +very often, Miss Hallam."</p> + +<p>The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, +made the remark so very personal that Bethany +was slightly annoyed.</p> + +<p>"O, our latch-string is always out to the +clergy," she said lightly, and then led the way +back to the hall to join the others.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>"YOM KIPPUR."</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />HE morning after the first meeting +of the Hebrew class at Rabbi Barthold's, +Frank Marion came into the +office.</div> + +<p>"Herschel," he said, "when do you have +your Day of Atonement services? Is it this week +or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, +but I am not sure about the date. He is going +to preach a series of sermons that are to set forth +the views now held by the Reform school, and +Cragmore and I are anxious to hear them."</p> + +<p>"It is the week after this," said David, consulting +the calendar.</p> + +<p>"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip +in time for the Friday night service."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" +asked David. "Isn't he a magnificent old +fellow?"</p> + +<p>Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +"Well," he said after some deliberation, "I +hardly know where to place him. He doesn't +belong to this age. If I believed in the transmigration +of souls, I should say that some old +Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the +Temple lamps perpetually burning, had strayed +back to earth again.</p> + +<p>"That seems to be his mission now. He is +trying to rekindle the pride and zeal and hope +of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, +Herschel, but there are few in his congregation +who understand him. Their vision is so obscured +by this dense fog of modern indifference +that they fail to appreciate his aims. They are +still in the outer courts, among the tables of the +money-changers, and those who sell doves. +They have never entered the inner sanctuary +of a spiritual life. Their religion stops with the +altar and the censer—the material things. Understand +me," he said hastily, as David interrupted +him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit +of Judaism, but they are few and far between. +I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +of the synagogue, and their religion itself, +is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree."</p> + +<p>David drew himself up rather stiffly.</p> + +<p>"And you are the disciple of the man who +said, 'Let him that is without sin among you +cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the +Jew has to say about the dead-heads in your +Churches? What proportion of your membership +has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? +How many in your pews, who mumble +the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet +the challenge of his Shibboleth?"</p> + +<p>Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. +"You misunderstand me, my boy," he said. "I +have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent +Jew than for the indifferent Christian. God +pity them both! I was simply drawing a contrast +between Rabbi Barthold and his people, +as it appears to me—a shepherd who longs to +lead his flock up to the source of all living water; +but they prefer to dispense with climbing the +spiritual heights, jostle each other for the richest +herbage of the lowlands, and are satisfied. You +know that is so, David."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He +can not even arouse them to the necessity of +teaching their children Hebrew, if they would +perpetuate loyalty to its traditions."</p> + +<p>David was about to repeat what the Rabbi +had said the night he consented to take the +Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: +"What are we coming to, my son? Protestantism +is having a wonderful awakening in regard +to the study of the Bible. Never has there been +such a widespread interest in it as now. But +among our people, how many of the younger +generation make it a text-book of daily study? +Such negligence will surely write its 'Ichabod' +upon the future of our beloved Israel."</p> + +<p>"What a discussion we have drifted into!" +exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had only intended +dropping in here to ask you a simple question. +Come to think, I believe I have not answered +yours. You asked me my opinion of Rabbi +Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble +soul, a true seeker of the truth, and a man whose +friendship I would value very highly."</p> + +<p>Herschel looked much pleased.</p> + +<p>"I hope you may be able to hear him on +'Yom Kippur,'" he said.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion +answered.</p> + +<p>As his footsteps died away in the hall, David +said to himself: "If every Gentile were like that +man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," +he added as an after-thought, "what would become +of the lawyers? We would starve."</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>In the waning light of the afternoon, that +Day of the Atonement, there was no more devout +worshiper in all the temple than George +Cragmore. He had just finished reading a book +of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among the +Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the +prayer-book some one handed him, he was impressed +with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him:</p> + +<p>"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow +bed between two rocky walls, whence only +the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a +well so deep that the ages have not dried it up, +and the nations of the four corners of the earth +have come to slake their thirst at its waters."</p> + +<p>It seemed to him that all that was purest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +most heart-searching and sublime in the Old +Covenant; all that time has proven most precious +and comforting of its promises; all therein +that best satisfies the human yearnings toward +the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct +in man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite +mosaic of this day's ritual.</p> + +<p>Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly +on the sermons, admired their scholarly style, +and indorsed most of their substance, but he +came away with a feeling of sadness.</p> + +<p>It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people +with their backs turned on the sacrifice a +divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by +their penitent pleadings and good deeds.</p> + +<p>Herschel's devotions were interfered with +by a spirit of criticism heretofore unknown to +him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that +had been having an almost imperceptible +growth that he could not enter into the service +with his usual abandon. He was continually +contrasting those around him with that never-to-be-forgotten +gathering on Lookout, and the congregation +in the tent.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + +<p>What made them to differ? He could not +tell, but he felt that something was lacking here +that had made the other such a force.</p> + +<p>Cragmore had not been able to attend the +Friday night service, nor the one on the following +morning. He came in just after the noon +recess, and was ushered to a pew near the center +of the room, where he immediately became absorbed +in the ritual. He followed devoutly +through the meditations and the silent devotions, +and when they came to the responsive readings, +his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there.</p> + +<p>The synagogue, with its modern trappings +and fashionably-dressed congregation, seemed to +disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and +burnt-offering. Through the chanting of the +choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed +to see the clouds of incense, and the smoke arising +from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole +soul seemed to go out in reverent adoration to +this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew +and Christian.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> + +<p>The memorial service to the dead followed +the sermon.</p> + +<p>Cragmore's music-loving nature responded +like a quivering harp-string as the choir began +a minor chant:</p> + +<div class='poem'> +"Oh what is man, the child of dust?<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">What is man, O Lord?"</span><br /> +</div> + +<p>The low, moaning tones of the great organ +rose and fell like the beat of a far-off tide, as all +heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the +great beyond.</p> + +<p>Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of +thankfulness for the unbroken family circle +across the wide Atlantic.</p> + +<p>As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn +hedges, a faint chiming of the Shandon +bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills +seemed to mingle a moment with his prayer.</p> + +<p>The sun had set, when in the concluding +service his eyes fell on the words the Rabbi was +reading—The Mission of Israel—"It's a pity," +he thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed +Christian, who, between ignorance and bigotry, +can get only a distorted impression of the Jews,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially +that prayer for all mankind, and this one +he is reading now:</p> + +<p>"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the +eventide, when, according to Thy gracious +promise, Thy light will arise over all the children +of men, and Israel's spiritual descendants will +be as numerous as the stars in the heaven. Endow +us, our Guardian, with strength and patience +for our holy mission. Grant that all the +children of Thy people may recognize the goal +of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, +by their zeal and love for mankind, the +truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity on +earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. +Enlighten all that call themselves by Thy name +with the knowledge that the sanctuary of wood +and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but +a gate, through which Israel should step out into +the world, to reconcile all mankind unto Thee! +Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement +shall be completed; when the day shall +dawn in which the light of Thy truth, brighter +than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the +whole earth. But surely that great day of +universal reconciliation, so fervently prayed for,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return +empty, unless they have done that for +which Thou didst send them. Then joy shall +thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth +to the other shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, +O Israel, hear all mankind, the Eternal our God, +the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make +pilgrimage to Thy house, which shall be called +a house of prayer for all nations, and from their +lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for +us the gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, +O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting +doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'"</p> + +<p>And the choir chanting, replied:</p> + +<p>"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of +hosts—He is the King of glory."</p> + +<p>There was a short prayer, then a benediction +that made Cragmore and Marion look across the +congregation at each other and smile. It was +the Epworth benediction, with which the League +was always dismissed:</p> + +<p>"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. +May the Lord let his countenance shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift +up his countenance upon thee, and give thee +peace."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>The two men met each other at the door, +and walked homeward together through the +twilight.</p> + +<p>Cragmore had found a boarding place. It +was not far from the temple.</p> + +<p>"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. +"I see you still have Herschel's prayer-book with +you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day +of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I have never known before +to-day what special hope they clung to. Come +in and I will find the paragraph."</p> + +<p>He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a +chair over towards his guest, and, seating himself, +began rapidly turning the leaves of the +book.</p> + +<p>"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows:</p> + +<p>"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all +tribal spirit and purified of all national dross, +will become the law of humanity. The world +that jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will +witness the fulfillment of prophecies delayed for +twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According +to the words of the prophets, the nations will +come to learn of Israel, and the people will hang<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go +up together to the mountain of Jehovah, to the +house of the Lord of Israel, that he may teach +us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, +for which the world has been sighing +since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted to +it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel +needs but to discard her old practices, as in +spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her +prophets, which has been preserved intact beneath +her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement +to form. Then only, after having +infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of +all men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, +be able to merge herself in the nations."</p> + +<p>"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, +as he closed the book. "And yet do you know, +Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that +Israel has some great part to play in the conversion +of humanity? Any one must see that nothing +short of Divine power could have kept them +intact as a race, and Divine power is never aimlessly +exerted. There must be some great reason +for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +of the cross these people would make! +What torch-bearers they have been! They have +carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien +shore they have touched."</p> + +<p>Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his +eyes alight with something akin to prophetic +fire.</p> + +<p>"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet +bud and blossom into the perfect flower of +Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O +when it does, the 'chosen people' will become +a veritable tree of life, whose leaves will be 'for +the healing of the nations.'"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>DR. TRENT.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was a cold, bleak night in November. +There was a blazing wood-fire +on the library hearth. Bethany sat +in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using +as a desk for her long-neglected letter-writing. +An appetizing smell of pop-corn and boiling +molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, +where the sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned +candy-pulling. The occasional gusts +that rattled the windows made Bethany draw +closer to the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth +and comfort. She thoroughly appreciated her +luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had +the long, quiet evening ahead of her.</div> + +<p>For half an hour the steady trail of her pen +along the paper, and the singing of the kettle +on the crane, was all that was audible.</p> + +<p>Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with +a radiant, sticky face, and a plate of candy.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. +"We're going to make some chocolate creams +now. Do come and help, sister?"</p> + +<p>She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters +on the table. "I must get these out of the way +first," she said. "Then I'll join you."</p> + +<p>"I guess you can eat and write at the same +time," he answered, holding out the plate.</p> + +<p>He waited only long enough for her to taste +his wares, and hurried back to the kitchen to +report her opinion of their skill as confectioners.</p> + +<p>Just as the dining-room door banged behind +him, she thought she heard some one coming up +on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. +She paused in the act of dipping her pen into the +ink, and listened. Some one certainly tried the +bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly +alarmed, and half way across the room stopped +again to listen. There was a momentary rustling +in the hall. She heard something drop on +the hat-rack. Then there was a low knock at +the library door. She opened it a little way, and +saw Dr. Trent standing there.</p> + +<p>"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +door wide open. "I never once thought of its +being you. I took you for a burglar."</p> + +<p>Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard +look on his face. He seemed to have grown ten +years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he +pushed slowly past her, and stood shivering before +the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in +the hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some +unusual weight had been laid upon his patient +shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength.</p> + +<p>Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and +stern face that he was in sore need of comfort.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following +him to the fire, and laying her hand +lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that +something dreadful must have happened to unnerve +him so. "What can I do for you?" she +asked with a tremble of distress in her voice.</p> + +<p>He dropped into a chair and covered his face +with his hands. When he raised his head his +eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age.</p> + +<p>"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, +huskily.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> + +<p>Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. +Trent's given name before, she knew that he +was speaking of his wife.</p> + +<p>There was a long pause, which she finally +broke by saying, "Don't you see her every day? +I thought you were in the habit of going out to +her that often."</p> + +<p>"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, +"day after day, and day after day, all these long +years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has only +been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized +me. She was always calling for me. The way +she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to her +husband, would have touched a heart of flint; +yet she never knew me when I came. She would +grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but +she would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused +way that was pitiful. I always hoped that +some day she might recognize me. I would sing +her old songs to her, and talk about our old +home, although the thought of its shattered +happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way +to bring her to herself. She would listen awhile, +and look up at me with a recognition almost +dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would +begin to roll down her cheeks, and she would beg<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back +to me for the first time in eight years,—my own +little Isabel! I knew it was only because the +frail body was worn out with its terrible struggle, +and I could not keep her long. O, such a +day as this has been! I have held her in my +arms every moment, with her poor, tired head +against my heart. She was so glad and happy +to find herself with me at last, but the happiness +was over so soon."</p> + +<p>He buried his face in his hands as before, +with a groan. When he spoke again, it was in +a dull, mechanical way.</p> + +<p>"She died at sundown!"</p> + +<p>The tears were running down Bethany's face. +She had been standing behind his chair. Now +she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over +his gray hair, with a comforting caress.</p> + +<p>"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, +in a voice tremulous with sympathy.</p> + +<p>"You can," he answered. "That is why I +came. None of her relatives are living. Only +my most intimate friends know that she did not +die eight years ago, when she was taken away +to a sanitarium. I want—" he stopped with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +choking in his throat. "The attendants have +been very kind, but I want some woman of her +own station—some woman who would have been +her friend—to put flowers about her—and—smooth +her hair, as she would have wanted it +done—and—and—see that everything is all +fine and beautiful when she is dressed for her last +sleep."</p> + +<p>He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; +but his face was working pitifully, and the tears +were rolling down his face.</p> + +<p>"She would have wished it so. She knew +Richard Hallam. He was my best friend. I +do not know any one I could ask to do this +for my little Isabel, but Richard Hallam's +daughter."</p> + +<p>She leaned over and touched his forehead +with her lips.</p> + +<p>"Then let her have a daughter's place in +helping you bear this," she said. "Let her serve +her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father."</p> + +<p>He reached up and mutely took her hand, +resting his face against it a moment, as if the +touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +he rose, saying, "I shall send for you in the +morning."</p> + +<p>"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. +"You have hardly been here long +enough to get thoroughly warm."</p> + +<p>"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will +be only a few hours longer that I can sit beside +her. I have staid away now longer than I +intended, but I had to come in town to see that +Lee was all right."</p> + +<p>"O, does he know?" asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>"No, he was only two years old when they +were separated. She has always been dead to +him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow +his life with such a grief?"</p> + +<p>Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, +turned up the collar, and buttoned it securely. +Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps +in an absent-minded way.</p> + +<p>"I suppose Richard told you about that debt +I have been wrestling with so long," he said, +finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the +last wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, +I seem to have lost all my old vigor and ambition.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to stop, +and not try to take another step. I should like +to lie down and go to sleep, too."</p> + +<p>He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, +laden with snow, rushed in.</p> + +<p>Bethany watched him out of sight, then went +shivering back to the fire.</p> + +<p>A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next +day, so no one questioned, or no one knew why +Bethany was excused from the office during the +morning.</p> + +<p>She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. +She stood beside him in the dreary cemetery +till the white snow was laid back over the newly-made +mound. Then she rode silently back to +town with him. He sat with his hands over his +eyes all the way, never speaking until the carriage +stopped at the office, and the driver opened +the door for Bethany to alight.</p> + +<p>Next day she saw him drive past on his usual +round of professional visits. No one else noticed +any difference in him, except that he seemed a +little graver, and, if possible, more tender and +thoughtful in his ministrations, than he had been +before.</p> + +<p>To Bethany there was something very pathetic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +in the sudden aging of this man, who had +borne his burden so silently and bravely that +few had ever suspected he had one.</p> + +<p>He was making a stern effort to keep on in +the same old way. His profession had brought +him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the +shadow of his burden on other lives, if he could +help it.</p> + +<p>Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast +growing white, that he stooped more, and that +he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a +quick, elastic step. She ministered to his comfort +in all the little ways in her power, but it was +not much that any one could do.</p> + +<p>It must have been nearly two weeks before +he came again to the house. This time it was +to examine Jack.</p> + +<p>"What would you say, my son," he asked, +"if I should tell you I do not want you to go to +the office any more after this week?"</p> + +<p>Jack's face was a study. The tears came to +his eyes. "Why?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Because you will be strong enough then to +go through a certain exercise I want you to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by +Christmas."</p> + +<p>This was so much sooner than either Jack or +Bethany had dared hope, that they hardly knew +how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud +whoop, and went wheeling out of the room at +the top of his speed to tell Miss Caroline and +Miss Harriet.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly +tenderness in his face. Then he sighed and +turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble +to bring to you, my dear. Lee has been getting +into so much mischief lately. I never knew till +yesterday that he has not been attending school +regularly this term. You see every allowance +ought to be made for the child—no home but a +boarding-house; no one to take an oversight—for +I am called out night and day. He is such +a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am satisfied +that his teachers do not understand him. +They have not been fair with him. He has been +transferred from one ward to another, and finally +expelled. He never told me until last night. +He said he knew it would grieve me, and that he +put it off from day to day, because he did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> +want to trouble me when I was so worried over +several critical cases. That showed a sweet +spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has always +been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted +to go and interview the superintendent; but he +insisted it would do no good, because they are +all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a +good child. They ought not to expect a growing +boy, full of the animal spirits the Creator has +endowed him with, to always work like a prim +little machine. Maybe I am not acting wisely, +but he begged so hard to be allowed to go to work +for awhile, instead of being sent to any other +school, that I gave my consent. It is little a ten-year +old boy can do, but he has a taking way +with him, and he got a place himself. He is to +be elevator-boy in the same building where your +office is. You will see him every day, and I am +giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look +out a little for him, Bethany."</p> + +<p>"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. +"We are already great friends. He used +to often join us on his way to school, and wheel +Jack part of the distance."</p> + +<p>Jack made as much as possible of the remaining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +time that he was allowed to go to the office. +He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all +the different offices where he had made friends, +and spent a great deal of time in the hall, talking +to Lee, who was soon installed in the building +as elevator-boy.</p> + +<p>"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," +exclaimed Jack to Bethany after his first interview. +"Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about +doing. He's tough, I can tell you. He smokes +cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed +me an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven +up.' He shoots 'craps,' too. He has been playing +hooky half his time. One of the hostlers +at the livery-stable, where his father keeps his +horse, used to write his excuses for him. Lee paid +him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of the +warehouses down by the river. You just ought +to see the book he carries around in his pocket +to read when he isn't busy. It's called 'The +Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' +There is the awfulest pictures in it of people +being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +stuff he read; and asked him how he would like +to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the +reason he has gone to work is to save up money +so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or +some big place, and have a 'howling good time.'"</p> + +<p>It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the +deception the boy had practiced on his father. +Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and +was glad when the time came for him to stay +at home from the office. But in every way she +could she strengthened her friendship with Lee. +She brought him great, rosy apples, and pop-corn +balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy +could be proof against the long twists of homemade +candy she frequently slipped into his +pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped +to put a bunch of violets or a little red rose in +his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful +that she awakened the dormant chivalry within +him, and he would not for worlds have had her +suspect that he was not all his father believed +him to be.</p> + +<p>One day she told David enough of his history<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +to enlist his sympathy. After that the +young lawyer began to take considerable notice +of him, and finally won his complete friendship +by the gift of a little brown puppy, that he +brought down one morning in his overcoat +pocket.</p> + +<p>There was no more time to read "The Pirate's +Revenge." The helpless, sprawling little pup +demanded all his attention. He kept it swung +up in a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, +but spent every spare moment trying to develop +its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. +That was one occupation of which he never +wearied, and in which he never lost patience. +From the moment he took the soft, warm, little +thing in his arms, he loved it dearly.</p> + +<p>"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it +up to him, "because he's so sweet and brown."</p> + +<p>Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee +to dine with them on Thanksgiving day, but the +sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and Mrs. +Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend +the day with them, that she reluctantly gave up +her plan.</p> + +<p>"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +promised herself, "and a big tree for Lee and +Jack. Lois will help me with it."</p> + +<p>It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with +gray skies, and snow, to intensify the indoor +cheer.</p> + +<p>"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning +with its decorations of fruit and vegetables, +and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. +Dameron's, and was holding her big mink muff +in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it +in the snow.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" +chimed in Miss Caroline. "Sally always did +have a real talent for such things."</p> + +<p>"It couldn't have been any better than we +had," insisted Jack. "I don't believe I'll want +anything more to eat for a week."</p> + +<p>"That's very fortunate," answered Miss +Caroline, "for I gave Mena an entire holiday. +We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make +that in here."</p> + +<p>They sat around the fire in the gloaming, +quietly talking over the happy day. One of +Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +that these two gentle lives had come in contact +with her own. Their simple piety and childlike +faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, +like the modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers +they loved so dearly. Well for Bethany that she +had the constant companionship of these loving +sisters. Happy for Jack that he found in them +the gracious grandmotherly tenderness, without +which no home is complete. They were very +proud of their boy, as they called him. Between +the Junior League and their conscientious instruction, +Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and +grounded" in the faith of his fathers. Night +stole on so gradually, and the firelight filled the +room with such a cheerful glow, they did not +notice how dark it had grown outside, until a +sudden peal of the door-bell startled them.</p> + +<p>"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the +spectacles that had slipped down when the sudden +sound made her start nervously up from her +chair. She waited to light the gas, and hastily +arrange the disordered chairs.</p> + +<p>When she opened the door she saw David +Herschel patiently awaiting admittance. It +was the first time he had ever called. She was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> +all in a flutter of surprise as she ushered him +into the library. He declined to take a seat.</p> + +<p>"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," +he said. "You know he boards across the street +from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been +spending the day. He was called out to see a +patient last night, and came home late, with a +hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate +a little while ago, and came running over to tell +me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found +his father delirious, and had telephoned for Dr. +Mills. He was very much frightened, and +wanted me to stay with him until the doctor +came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined him, he +called me aside and asked me to get into his +buggy and drive out to the Deaconess Home. I +have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if +ever she was needed in her life, she is needed +now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected +too long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter +of only a few hours."</p> + +<p>Bethany started up, looking so white and +alarmed that David thought she was going to +faint. He arose, too.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I must go over there at once," she said.</p> + +<p>"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am +at your service, if you want me to wait for you."</p> + +<p>"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," +she answered. "Jack, I'll be back in time to +help you to bed."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, +which were still lying on the chair, where she +had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before.</p> + +<p>David offered his arm as they went down the +icy steps.</p> + +<p>"It was so good of you to come at once," she +said, as she accepted his assistance. "Is Miss +Carleton there now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost +instantly. She is the same nurse that I met early +one morning in that laundry office. She told +me on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so +much for the Home and for the poor. She says +she owes her own life to his skill and care, and +that no service she could render him would be +great enough to express her gratitude. They +all feel that way about him at the Home."</p> + +<p>Belle <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'Cartleton'">Carleton</ins> met them at the bedroom +door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken about you,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had +several lucid intervals. Take off your hat before +you go to him."</p> + +<p>Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark +corner of the room, with Taffy hugged tight in +his arms. An undefinable dread had taken possession +of him. He looked up at Bethany, with +a frightened, tearful expression, as she patted +him on the cheek in passing.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down +beside him, and took his hand. He smiled +brightly as he recognized her.</p> + +<p>"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse +whisper, for he could not speak audibly. "Dear +old Dick."</p> + +<p>Then he grew delirious again. It was only +at intervals he had these gleams of consciousness.</p> + +<p>After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He +seemed to sink into a heavy stupor. Bethany +sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn +fingers clasped over hers.</p> + +<p>What a world of good that hand had done! +How unselfishly it had toiled on for others, to +wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +with the best of everything! Besides all that, +it had filled, as far as lay in its power, every +other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic +clasp.</p> + +<p>She sat beside him a long time, but he did +not waken from the heavy sleep into which he +had fallen, even when she gently withdrew +her fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills +take her place. He had just come in again.</p> + +<p>"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" +asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. +He shook his head. "Miss Carleton can do all +that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, +if I am needed. He will probably have no more +rational awakenings while this fever keeps at +such a frightful heat. If we can subdue that +soon, he has such great vitality he may pull +through all right."</p> + +<p>"You'd better go back, dear," urged the +nurse. "You have your work ahead of you +to-morrow, and you look very tired."</p> + +<p>"I have an almost unbearable headache," +admitted Bethany, "or I would not think of +leaving. I would not go even for that, if I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +thought he would have conscious intervals of +any length; but the doctor thinks that is hardly +probable to-night. I'll come back early in the +morning. Maybe he will know me then."</p> + +<p>"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging +wistfully to David's hand, as Bethany put on her +hat.</p> + +<p>"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, +kindly.</p> + +<p>Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep +back the tears.</p> + +<p>"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with +his lip trembling.</p> + +<p>David put his arm around him caressingly. +His sympathies went out strongly to the little +lad, who might so soon be left fatherless.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll come back and stay with you till +you go to sleep, after I take Miss Hallam home," +he promised.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A LITTLE PRODIGAL.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 92px;"> +<img src="images/drop_l.png" width="92" height="100" alt="L" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />EE was waiting disconsolately on the +stairs, with Taffy beside him, when +David opened the door and stepped +into the hall. The landlady was up-stairs +with the nurse, and all the boarders had +gone to a concert, so the parlor was vacant, and +David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward +told him such entertaining stories of his +travels that Lee forgot his painful forebodings. +The clock in the hall struck ten before either of +them was aware how swiftly the time had passed.</div> + +<p>"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know +where he is to sleep," David said to the nurse, +when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's +room.</p> + +<p>"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," +she said, kindly. "He'd better not undress."</p> + +<p>David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is +there any change?" he asked, anxiously.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + +<p>She nodded, and then motioned him aside. +"Would it be too much to ask you to stay a +couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? +Lee clings to you so, and the end may be much +nearer than we thought."</p> + +<p>"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," +he replied.</p> + +<p>They moved the sofa to the other side of the +room, and the nurse began folding some blankets +the landlady brought her to lay over it.</p> + +<p>"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, +dear?" she asked Lee.</p> + +<p>He picked up a larger lump than he could +well manage. The tongs slipped, and it fell with +a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces +as it did so, then rattling over the hearth.</p> + +<p>They all turned apprehensively toward the +bed. The heavy jarring sound had thoroughly +aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked +around the room as if trying to comprehend the +situation. He seemed puzzled to account for +David's presence in the room, and drew his hand +wonderingly across his burning forehead, then +pressed it against his aching throat.</p> + +<p>The nurse bent over him to moisten his +parched lips with a spoonful of water.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then he understood. A look of awe stole +over his face, as he realized his condition. He +held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, +turning, beckoned the child to come. He folded +the cold, trembling little fingers in his hot hands. +"Papa's—dear—little son!" he gasped in whispers.</p> + +<p>David turned his head away, his eyes suffused +with hot tears. The scene recalled so +vividly the night he had crept to his father's +bedside for the last time. His heart ached for +the little fellow.</p> + +<p>"God—keep—you!" came in the same +hoarse whisper.</p> + +<p>Then he turned to the nurse, and with great +effort spoke aloud, "Belle, pray!"</p> + +<p>David, standing with bowed head, while she +knelt with her arm around the frightened boy, +listened to such a prayer as he had never heard +before. He had wondered one time how this +woman could sacrifice everything in life for the +sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. +But as he listened now, to her low, earnest voice, +he felt an unseen Presence in the room, as of the +Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly.</p> + +<p>As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +might be underneath as this soul went down +into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried +out exultingly, "There is no valley!"</p> + +<p>David looked up. The doctor's worn face +was shining with an unspeakable happiness. He +stretched out his arms.</p> + +<p>"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!"</p> + +<p>His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes +closed, and he relapsed into a stupor, from which +he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at +midnight he was still breathing; but the street +lights were beginning to fade in the gray, wintry +dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the +lifeless hands across the still heart, and turned +to look at Lee.</p> + +<p>The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the +sofa, and David had gone.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease +of our appreciation to wreathe cold coffin-lids, +and cover unresponsive clay!</p> + +<p>There was a constant stream of people passing +in and out of the boarding-house parlor all +day.</p> + +<p>Bethany was not surprised at the great number +who came to do honor to Baxter Trent, nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she +arranged the great masses of flowers they +brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't +they send these when he was in such sore need +of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference."</p> + +<p>All sorts of people came. A man whose +wrists had not yet forgotten the chafing of a +convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that +Bethany had placed on the table at the head of +the casket.</p> + +<p>"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his +head mournfully. "I reckon he was ready to +go if ever any body was."</p> + +<p>They happened to be alone in the room, +and Bethany repeated what the nurse had told +her of the doctor's triumphant passing.</p> + +<p>Late in the afternoon there was a timid +knock at the door. Bethany opened it, and saw +two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over +her head, and the other wore a big, flapping +sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful +face. Their teeth were chattering with cold +and bashfulness.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we +couldn't get no wreaves or crosses, but granny +said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'"</p> + +<p>The dirty little hand held out a stemless, +yellow chrysanthemum.</p> + +<p>"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening +the door wide to the little ragamuffins.</p> + +<p>They glanced around the mass of blossoms +filling the room, with a look of astonishment that +so much beauty could be found in one place.</p> + +<p>"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, +"'Pears like our 'n don't show up for much, beside +all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry +we was."</p> + +<p>Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. +"Did you know him well?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I should rather say," answered the child. +"He kep' us from starvin', all the time granny +was down sick so long."</p> + +<p>"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with +him, away out in the country, and he let us get +out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, +Jess?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> + +<p>The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped +her eyes with the corner of her sister's shawl, +"Granny says we'll never have another friend +like him while the world stands."</p> + +<p>Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless +chrysanthemum. "See," she said, "I'm +going to put it in the best place of all, right here +by his hand."</p> + +<p>The door opened again to admit David Herschel. +Before it closed the children had slipped +bashfully away, still hand in hand.</p> + +<p>Bethany told him of their errand. "Who +could have brought more?" she said, touching +the shining yellow flower; "for with this little +drop of gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, +and the frankincense of a loving remembrance."</p> + +<p>She felt that he could appreciate the pathos +of the gift, and the love that prompted it. They +had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>"You've been here nearly all day, haven't +you?" he asked, noticing her tired face. "I wish +you would go home and rest, and let me take +your place awhile."</p> + +<p>He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +Her sympathies had been sorely wrought upon +during the day, and she was nearly exhausted.</p> + +<p>After she had gone, he sat down with his +overcoat on, near the front window. There was +only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the +grate.</p> + +<p>The last rays of the sunset were streaming in +between the slats of the shutters. He could hear +the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He +had not seen the child since morning.</p> + +<p>Two working men came in presently. They +looked long and silently at the doctor's peaceful +face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again.</p> + +<p>The minutes dragged slowly by.</p> + +<p>The heavy perfume of the flowers made +David drowsy, and he leaned his head on his +hand.</p> + +<p>The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked +in. His eyes were swollen with crying. He did +not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only +one long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, +and it lay athwart the still form in the center of +the room.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + +<p>Lee paused just a moment beside it, then +slipped noiselessly over to the grate. There was +a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the +dying embers as quietly as he could, and one by +one laid the books on the red coals. They were +the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. +Last of all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. +They blazed up, filling the room with light, and +revealing David in his seat by the window.</p> + +<p>"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any +one was in here."</p> + +<p>Then leaning against the wall, he put his +head on his arm, and began to sob in deeper distress +than he had yet shown. He felt in his +pocket for a handkerchief, but there was none +there.</p> + +<p>David took out his own and wiped the boy's +wet face, as he drew him tenderly to his knee.</p> + +<p>"Now tell me all about it," he said.</p> + +<p>Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried +harder for awhile. Then he sobbed brokenly: +"O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I +came in here early this morning before anybody +was up, to tell him I was sorry—that I would be +a good boy—but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +papa!" he wailed. "It's so awful to be left all +alone—just a little boy like me!"</p> + +<p>David folded him closer without speaking. +No words could touch such a grief.</p> + +<p>Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of +paper. It was only the scrap of a fly-leaf, its +jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his +pocket?" he asked in a trembling voice. "I +want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in +his pocket, he'd know how sorry I was."</p> + +<p>David took the bit of paper, all blistered with +boyish tears, where a penitent little hand, out +of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,—I will be +good."</p> + +<p>A sob shook the man's strong frame as he +read it.</p> + +<p>"I think he will be very glad to have you give +him that," he answered. "You'd better put it +in his pocket before any one comes in."</p> + +<p>Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed +the room. "O, I can't," he moaned, attempting +to lift the lifeless hands.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p> + +<p>David reached down, and unbuttoning the +coat, laid the promise of the little prodigal +gently on his father's heart, to await its reading +in the glad light of the resurrection morning. +Then he called some one else to take his place, +and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little +while he was driving through the twilight out +one of the white country roads, with Lee beside +him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a +cool hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore +heart.</p> + +<p>Bethany took him home with her after the +funeral, and kept him a week.</p> + +<p>Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him +with all the ardor of their motherly old hearts. +Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his +usual vivacity.</p> + +<p>"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion +said to Bethany one day. He had gone up to the +office to talk to her about it.</p> + +<p>Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting +that Frank Marion be appointed guardian.</p> + +<p>"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. +"She would have turned the house into an orphan +asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +she has so many demands on her time and +strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should +take Lee, I am away from home so much, that +the greater part of the care and responsibility +would fall on her. Just now his father's death +has touched him, and he is making a great effort +to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for him +in a big place like this, so full of temptations to +a boy of his age. He would be a constant care. +The only thing I can see is to put him in some +private school for a few years."</p> + +<p>"Let me keep him till after Christmas," +urged Bethany. "I can't bear to let the little +fellow go away among strangers this near the +holiday season. I keep thinking, What if it +were Jack?"</p> + +<p>"How would it do for me to take him out on +my next trip?" suggested Mr. Marion. "I will +be gone two weeks, just to little country towns +in the northern part of the State, where he could +have a variety of scenes to amuse him."</p> + +<p>"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. +"I'm sure he will like it."</p> + +<p>Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified +guardian. He had a secret fear that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +would always be preaching to him, or telling him +Bible stories. He hoped that the customers +would keep him very busy during the day, and +he resolved always to go to bed early enough to +escape any curtain lectures that might be in +store for him.</p> + +<p>To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the +jolliest of traveling companions. There was no +preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a +moral on to the end of his stories, and he only +laughed when Taffy crawled out of the innocent-looking +brown paper bundle that Lee would not +put out of his arms until after the train had +started.</p> + +<p>Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the +open country between little towns! Such fine +skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten +chapters, he told one of the drivers.</p> + +<p>One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, +frozen pike, one of the horses began to limp.</p> + +<p>"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. +"Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. It's jes' +round the next bend, over the bridge."</p> + +<p>The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +sparks and noisy anvils, was nothing new to +Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. +In fact, there were few places he had not explored.</p> + +<p>The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in +the habit of using rough language that every +sentence was accompanied with an oath.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the +fire.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he +said. They had heard a harsh, grating sound, +like some discordant grinding, ever since they +came in sight of the shop.</p> + +<p>Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty +thumb.</p> + +<p>"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' +gear somew'eres. It set me plumb crazy at first, +but I'm gettin' used to it now."</p> + +<p>"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. +Marion, anxious to get Lee out of such polluted +atmosphere.</p> + +<p>The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly +as broad as he was long, did not even take the +trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just +one of the cogs is gone out of one of the wheels.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get +'round to it. Does make an or'nery sound for a +fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry."</p> + +<p>"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, +after they had passed out of doors again. "I +don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. +It is a nuisance to the whole neighborhood."</p> + +<p>When he reported the conversation at the +smithy, Sikes swore at the miller soundly.</p> + +<p>Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a +step forward.</p> + +<p>"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone +that made every one in the shop pause to listen, +"you've got a bigger cog missing in you than +the old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger +nuisance to the neighborhood. You have lost +your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, +leaving out Christ, making a miserable failure +of your life grist, and every time you open your +lips, your blasphemous words tell the story of +the missing cog. If that old mill-wheel makes +such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +you suppose your life is making in the ears of +your Heavenly Father?"</p> + +<p>Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. +His first impulse was to knock him over with +the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not +help respecting the man who had the courage +to utter them.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no +idee you was a parson. I laid out as you was a +drummer."</p> + +<p>"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I +am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; but I spent +so many years on the road for this same house +before I went into the firm, that I often go out +over my old territory."</p> + +<p>Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me +you've got sermons and shoe-leather pretty +badly mixed up," he said.</p> + +<p>Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh +disappear down the road, he picked up the bellows +and worked them in an absent-minded sort +of a way.</p> + +<p>"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. +"A drummer! I'll be—blowed!"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<p>The incident made a profound impression on +Lee. A loop in the road brought them in sight +of the old mill again.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to have any cogs missing, +do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, first pinching the +boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him.</p> + +<p>The subject was not referred to again, but +the lesson was not forgotten.</p> + +<p>Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. +They walked to the Church a mile away in the +morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in +the afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. +If it had not been for Taffy, it would have been +insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. +Marion did not take him out to the night service. +He left him playing with the landlady's baby +in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not +last long, however. The baby was put to bed, +and some of the neighbors came in for a visit. +Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room.</p> + +<p>It was the best the house afforded, but it was +far from being an attractive place. The walls +were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +rag carpet was a dull, faded gray. The lamp +smoked when he turned it up, and smelled +strongly of coal-oil when he turned it down.</p> + +<p>He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded +to go to bed. It was very early. He +could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening +to somebody's rocking-chair, going +squeakety squeak in the parlor below.</p> + +<p>He wished he could be as comfortable and +content as Taffy, curled up in some flannel in a +shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached +out, and stroked the puppy's soft back.</p> + +<p>The feeling came over him as he did so, that +there wasn't anybody in all the world for him +really to belong to.</p> + +<p>It was the first time since Bethany took him +home that he had felt like crying. Now he lay +and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs.</p> + +<p>He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. +Mr. Marion lighted the lamp, putting a high-backed +chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that +was lying on the table, and, turning the leaves +very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> + +<p>A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a +long time he heard another. Laying down his +book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and +his face streaked with traces of tears. Marion, +with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking +at him.</p> + +<p>All the fatherly impulses of his nature were +stirred by the pitiful little face on the pillow.</p> + +<p>He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly +over the boy.</p> + +<p>"Lee," he said, "look up here, son."</p> + +<p>Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so +near his own.</p> + +<p>"You were lying here in the dark, crying +because you felt that there was nobody left to +love you. Now put your arms around my neck, +dear, while I tell you something. I had a little +child once. I can never begin to tell you how +I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my +heart. But I said, for her sake I shall love all +children, and try to make them happy. Because +her little feet knew the way home to God, I +shall try to keep all other children in the same +pure path. For her sake, first, I loved you;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +now, since we have been together, for your own. +I want you to feel that I am such a close friend +that you can always come to me just as freely +as you did to your father."</p> + +<p>The boy's clasp around his neck tightened.</p> + +<p>"But, Lee, there will be times in your life +when you will need greater help than I can give; +and because I know just how you will be tried, +and tempted, and discouraged, I want you to +take the best of friends for your own right now. +I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?"</p> + +<p>Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened +whisper, "I don't know how."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you +after you had been very naughty?" asked Mr. +Marion.</p> + +<p>"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." +Between his choking sobs he told of the promise +lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an +effort, as he pointed out the way so surely and +so simply that Lee could not fail to understand.</p> + +<p>Then, with his arm still around him, he +prayed; and the boy, following him step by step<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> +through that earnest prayer, groped his way to +his Savior.</p> + +<p>It was a time never to be forgotten by either +Frank Marion or Lee. They lay awake till long +after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>HERZENRUHE.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 86px;"> +<img src="images/drop_a.png" width="86" height="100" alt="A" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br /> STORY has come down to us of a +cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World +in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those +winter wilds made the bravest heart appalled; +when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's +bonny hedgerows, then the brave little +cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its +familiar chirp, bringing back the cheer of the +happy past, comforted the children, and sang +new hopes into the hearts of their elders.</div> + +<p>With every vessel that has touched the New +World's shores since that time have come these +fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the +ample chests of the first Virginians, or bound +in the bundles of the last steerage passengers +just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom +of a distant Fatherland has always folded its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> +wings, ready to chirp on the new hearthstone, +the familiar even-song of the old.</p> + +<p>That is how the American celebration of +Christmas has become so cosmopolitan in its +character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its +song of an "auld lang syne."</p> + +<p>"I should like to have a little of everything +this year," remarked Miss Caroline, as, pencil +in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum.</p> + +<p>It was two weeks before Christmas, and she +had called a family council in her room, after +Jack had gone to bed.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily +embroidering.</p> + +<p>"It is the first time we have had a home of +our own for so many years, or been where there +is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, +"that we ought to make quite an occasion of it."</p> + +<p>"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, +"is to begin back with the mistletoe of the +Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding +of old England. I'm sorry we can't have the +Yule log and the wassail-bowl and the dear little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. +But we can have a tree Christmas eve, with all +the beautiful German customs that go with it. +Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, +whether he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then +we must read up all the Scandinavian and Dutch +and Flemish customs, and observe just as many +as we can."</p> + +<p>"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said +Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. +"Jack is going to invite ten poor children that +the Junior Mercy and Help Department have +reported. He is so grateful for being able to +walk a little, that he wants to give up his whole +Christmas to them."</p> + +<p>"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. +"I'm through with my last present now, and +am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to +the slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment."</p> + +<p>As she spoke she snipped the last thread of +silk with her little silver scissors, and tossed the +piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap.</p> + +<p>Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +are a true artist, Lois," she said. "These sweet +peas look as if they had just been gathered. +They would almost tempt the bees."</p> + +<p>"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," +answered Lois. "You can't guess whom +she's making that table-cover for?"</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For +that dear old grandmother where we were entertained +at Chattanooga last summer," she said. +"Don't you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? +She couldn't hear well enough to enjoy the +meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was +a perpetual welcome. She asked me into her +room one day, and showed me a great bunch of +red clover some one had sent her from the +country. She seemed so pleased with it, and +told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows +at home, with all the artlessness of a child. +That is why I chose this design."</p> + +<p>"There never was another like you, Cousin +Ray," said Bethany. "You remember everything +and everybody at Christmas, and I don't +see how you ever manage to get through with so +much work."</p> + +<p>"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +sententiously. "At least that's what my old +copy-book used to say."</p> + +<p>"And it also said, if I remember aright," +said Miss Caroline, a little severely, "'Plan out +your work, and work out your plan.' It's high +time we were settling down to business, if we +expect to accomplish anything."</p> + +<p>While this Christmas council was in session +in Miss Caroline's room, another was being held +in an old farm-house in the northern part of +the State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and +daughter. Everything in the room gave evidence +of German thrift and neatness, from the +shining brass andirons on the hearth, to the +geraniums blooming on the window-sill.</p> + +<p>"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home +Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind him in the +Fatherland, when he came to America a poor +emigrant boy; and that was the name now carved +on the arch that spanned the wide entrance-gate, +leading to the home and the well-tilled acres +that he had earned by years of steady, honest +toil.</p> + +<p>It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to +every wayfarer sheltered under its ample roof-tree.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> + +<p>He had accumulated his property by careful +economy, but he gave out with the same conscientious +spirit with which he gathered in. No +matter when the summons might come, at nightfall +or at cock-crowing, he was ready to give an +account of his faithful stewardship. Not only +had he divided his bread with the hungry, but +he had given time and personal care, and a share +in his own home-life, to those who were in need.</p> + +<p>More than one young farmer, jogging past +Herzenruhe in a wagon of his own, looked gratefully +up the long lane, and remembered that he +owed the steady habits of his manhood and his +present prosperity to Gottlieb Hartmann. For +in all the years since he had had a place of his +own, there had seldom been a time when some +homeless boy or another had not been a member +of his household.</p> + +<p>He was an old man now, white-haired and +rheumatic, and called grandfather by all the +country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy +winter apple. His children had all married and +gone farther West, except his oldest daughter, +Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +lure away from her comfortable home-nest. She +was an energetic, self-willed little body, and had +gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had +wheeled her sewing-machine beside the table, on +which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing +to dress a whole family of dolls to be packed +in the Christmas boxes that were soon to be sent +West.</p> + +<p>Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, +her sweet, wrinkled old face bright with the +loving thoughts that her needles were putting +into a little red mitten, destined for one of the +boxes.</p> + +<p>"It will be the first Christmas since I can +remember," said Carlotta, "that there will be no +little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children +the year before. It's a pity they are so far away. +It will just spoil my Christmas."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate +he was reading.</p> + +<p>"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. +There will be a little lad here to-morrow to take +dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +met our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had +a boy with him whose father is just dead, and +he is the guardian."</p> + +<p>"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion +first came here?" asked Carlotta. "Seems +to me I was only a little girl, and now I have +pulled out lots of gray hairs already."</p> + +<p>"It has been twenty years at least," answered +her mother. "It was while we were building +the ice-house, I know."</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone +into Ridgeville one Saturday to get some new +boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was +just a young fellow making his first trip, and +he seemed so strange and homesick that when I +found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, +I brought him out here to stay over Sunday +with us."</p> + +<p>"I remember you brought him right into the +kitchen where I was dropping noodles in the +soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has +seemed to feel like one of the family ever since."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has never missed coming out here +every time he has been in this part of the State, +from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking +up his paper again.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> + +<p>Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three +miles away, Mr. Marion was telling Lee of all +the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he +could hardly wait for the time to come, and he +dreamed all night of the country.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the +visit. The delighted child spent all his time in +the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he +said. "There's the dearest little colt in the +barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond in +the pasture covered with ice!"</p> + +<p>Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta +makes doughnuts every Saturday, and she +says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the +garret."</p> + +<p>When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion +was going on to the next town before starting +home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return.</p> + +<p>"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into +his pulses.' It will be good for him," she said.</p> + +<p>"Nobody knows better than I," answered +Mr. Marion, "the sweet wholesomeness of +country living. I should be glad to leave him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +in such an atmosphere always. He would develop +into a much purer manhood, and I am +sure would be far happier."</p> + +<p>Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. +"We'll see," she said. "Don't say anything to +him about it, but we'll try him while you're +gone, and then I'll talk to father. He seems +right handy about the chores, and there is a good +school near here."</p> + +<p>Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, +he went out to the barn to find Lee. The boy +had just scrambled out of a haymow with his +hat full of eggs. His face was beaming.</p> + +<p>"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, +"and I rode to the post-office this afternoon, +horseback."</p> + +<p>"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. +Marion.</p> + +<p>"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. +"Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann is just the +grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, +and they're all so good to me."</p> + +<p>It proved to be a very eventful journey for +the boy; for after some discussion about his +board, it was arranged that he should come back +to the farm after the holidays.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. +"Why couldn't I stay right on, now I'm here. +You could send my clothes to me, and it +wouldn't cost near as much as to go home first."</p> + +<p>"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. +"She is planning for a big tree and lots +of fun Christmas."</p> + +<p>"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. +"I'd so much rather stay here than go back to +town and find him gone."</p> + +<p>"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, +touched by the expression of his face. +"We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself."</p> + +<p>When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode +down the lane with him to open the big gate. +After he had driven through he turned for one +more look.</p> + +<p>The boy stood under the archway waving +good-bye with his cap. The late afternoon sun +shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated +the snow, still clinging to the quaintly +carved letters on the arch above, till it seemed +they were all golden letters that spelled the name +of Herzenruhe.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p><hr class="tb" /> + +<p>This holiday season would have been a sad +time for Bethany, had she allowed herself to +listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely +away from her memories, saying: "I will +be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it."</p> + +<p>Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness +into every life that touched her own, she +found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show +windows. She anticipated the pleasure that +would attend the opening of each bundle carried +by every purchaser that jostled against her in +the street. It was impossible for her to breathe +the general air of festivity at home, and not carry +something of the Christmas spirit to the office +with her.</p> + +<p>"Everybody has caught the contagion," she +said gayly, coming into the office Saturday afternoon, +with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, +Mr. Crookshaw, whom everybody thinks +so miserly, going along with a little red cart +under his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out +of his pocket."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, +"by not being down-town every day."</p> + +<p>"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is +nearly wild now with the excitement of the preparations +that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for +you to be present at the lighting of his tree +Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will +enjoy watching the children," she added, after +she had told him of their various plans, "and I +hope you will be sure to come."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That +is the second invitation I have had this afternoon. +Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to +attend the League's devotional meeting to-morrow +night. He says it will be especially interesting +on account of the season, and insists that +'turn about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day +services, and he wants me to be present +at his Christmas services."</p> + +<p>"We shall be very glad to have you come," +said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is to lead the meeting +instead of any of the young people, who +usually take turns. I can not tell how such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +meeting might impress an outsider; to me they +are very inspiring and helpful."</p> + +<p>That night, as she sat in her room indulging +in a few minutes of meditation before putting +out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned +her for the little use she had made of +her opportunity.</p> + +<p>It had been four months since he had come +into the office, and while they had several times +discussed their respective religions, she had never +found an occasion when she could make a personal +appeal to him to accept Christ. Once when +she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had +interrupted them.</p> + +<p>"I must speak to him frankly," she said. +Then she knelt and prayed that something might +be said or sung in the service of the morrow that +would prepare the way for such a conversation.</p> + +<p>David felt decidedly out of place Sunday +evening as he took a seat in the back part of the +room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find.</p> + +<p>They were singing when he entered. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +recognized the tune. It was the one he had +heard at Chattanooga—"Nearer, my God, to +Thee." It seemed to bring the whole scene +before him—the sunrise—the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every +soul.</p> + +<p>At the close of the song, another was announced +in a voice that he thought he recognized. +He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, +he had been correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's—one +of the keenest, most scholarly lawyers at +the bar, and a man he met daily.</p> + +<p>He was leaning back in his seat, beating time +with his left hand, as he led the tune with his +strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note.</p> + +<p>David moved over to make room for a newcomer. +From his changed position he could see +a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. +Marion, Lois Denning, and the Courtney sisters. +Bethany was seated at the piano.</p> + +<p>Presently the door from the pastor's study +opened, and Dr. Bascom came in and took his +seat beside the president of the League.</p> + +<p>"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +behind him whisper to her escort. "What do +you suppose could have happened? His face +actually shines."</p> + +<p>David had been watching it ever since he +took his seat. It was a benign, pleasant face at +all times, but just now it seemed to have caught +the reflection of a great light. Everybody in the +room noticed it. David, quick to make Old +Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming +down the mountain from a talk with God. +He felt as positively, as if he had seen for himself, +that the minister had just risen from his +knees, and had come in among them, radiant +from the unspeakable joy of that communion. +Every one present began to feel its influence.</p> + +<p>The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for +reading, was one they had heard many times, +but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered +it:</p> + +<p>"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is +given."</p> + +<p>Something of the gladness that must have +rung through the song of the heralds on that +first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read.</p> + +<p>Then he turned to Luke's account of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> +shepherds abiding in the fields by night—that +beautiful old story, that will always be new until +the stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem +shall have ceased to be a wonder.</p> + +<p>As the service progressed, David began to +feel that he was not in a church, but that he +had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told +the experiences of the past week, the blessings +and the trials that had come to them since they +had last seen each other.</p> + +<p>Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke +from where they sat, just as they would have +talked in some home-circle.</p> + +<p>And through it all they seemed to recognize +a Divine presence in the room, to whom they +spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, +but with the deepest love and gratitude.</p> + +<p>As David listened to voice after voice testifying +to a personal knowledge of Christ as a +Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an +utter stranger.</p> + +<p>When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened +with still greater interest. He knew him to be +an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +of times in rousing political speeches, and once +in a masterly oration over the Nation's dead on +Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man +had with a jury, and he knew what respect even +his enemies had for his unimpeachable veracity +and honor.</p> + +<p>Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned +as when examining a witness, to give his +own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony.</p> + +<p>He said: "There may be some here to-night +to whom the prophecy that was read, and the +story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. +To such I do not come with the sayings of the +prophets, or to repeat the tidings of the shepherds, +or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times +believed. I tell you that which I myself do +know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not +the Son of God, he could not have entered into +my life, and transformed it as he has done. My +star of hope is far more real to me than the +stars outside that lighted my way to this room +to-night. I have knelt at his feet and worshiped, +and gone on my way rejoicing. I +know that through the sacrifice he offered on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his +only-begotten. The voice that bears witness +to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined +to dispute it, they would be as nothing to that +still, small voice within that whispers peace—the +witness of the Spirit."</p> + +<p>On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore +had not been half so surprised at hearing +the League benediction intoned by rabbi and +choir, as was David when the familiar blessing +of the synagogue was repeated in unison by +those of another faith:</p> + +<p>"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The +Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be +gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance +upon thee, and give thee peace."</p> + +<p>David had heard so much of Methodists that +he had expected noisy demonstrations and +great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of +amen during the prayers; but while the prevailing +spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, +it had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless +under-current.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p> + +<p>He slipped out of the room after the benediction, +fearful of meeting curious glances. A +member of the reception committee managed +to shake hands with him, but his friends had not +discovered his attendance.</p> + +<p>Two things followed him persistently. The +expression of Dr. Bascom's face, and Hewson +Raleigh's emphatic "I know."</p> + +<p>He took the last train out to Hillhollow, +wishing he had staid away from the League +meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>He walked the floor until long after midnight. +Even sleep brought him no rest, for in +his dreams he was still groping blindly in the +dark for something—he knew not what—but +something wise men had found long years ago +in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>ON CHRISTMAS EVE.</div> + + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_i.png" width="91" height="100" alt="I" /> +</div><div class='unindent'><br /><br />T was Christmas eve, and nearing the +time for Bethany to leave the office. +She stood, with her wraps on, by one +of the windows, waiting for Mr. Edmunds +to come back. She had a message to +deliver before she could leave, and she expected +him momentarily.</div> + +<p>In the street below people were hurrying +by with their arms full of bundles. She was +impatient to be gone, too. There were a great +many finishing touches for her to give the tall +tree in the drawing-room at home.</p> + +<p>She had worked till the last moment at noon, +and locked the door regretfully on the gayly-decked +room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of +Christmas festivities.</p> + +<p>While she stood there, she heard steps in +the hall.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> + +<p>"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she +exclaimed, as David entered. It was the first +time he had been at the office that day. "I have +a message for him. Have you seen him anywhere?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered David. "I have just come +in from Hillhollow. Marta has telegraphed +that she is coming home on the night train, so I +shall not be able to accept Jack's invitation. +She had not expected to come at all during the +holidays; but one of the teachers was called +home, and she could not resist the temptation +to accompany her, although she can only stay +until the end of the week."</p> + +<p>As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's +disappointment, David picked up a small package +that lay on his desk.</p> + +<p>"O, the expressman left that for you a little +while ago," she said. "Your Christmas is beginning +early."</p> + +<p>She turned again to the window, peering +out through the dusk, while David lighted the +gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package.</p> + +<p>It occurred to her that here was a time, +while all the world was turning towards the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, +that she might venture to speak of him. Before +she could decide just how to begin, David spoke +to her:</p> + +<p>"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would +like for you to see it."</p> + +<p>He held a little silver case towards her, on +which a handsome monogram was heavily engraved.</p> + +<p>As she touched the spring it flew open, showing +an exquisitely painted miniature on ivory.</p> + +<p>She gave an involuntary cry of delight.</p> + +<p>"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It +is one of the loveliest faces I ever saw." She +scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an artist's +evident pleasure. Then she looked up with +a smile.</p> + +<p>"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke +to me about," she said. "He said that she was +rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight."</p> + +<p>"How long ago since he told you that?" asked +David in surprise.</p> + +<p>"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," +she answered.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively +why his old friend had departed so from his +usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. +He had intimated to David, when he had first +met Miss Hallam, that she was an unusually +fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing +friendship might gradually lessen the young +man's interest in Esther, whom he saw only at +long intervals, as she lived in a distant city.</p> + +<p>"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling +you myself," said David.</p> + +<p>"I have often wondered what she is like," +answered Bethany, "and I am glad to have this +opportunity of offering my congratulations. I +wish that she lived here that I might make her +acquaintance. I do not know when I have seen +a face that has captivated me so."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," replied David, flushing with +pleasure. A tender smile lighted his eyes as he +glanced at the miniature again before closing +the case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the +spring," he added proudly.</p> + +<p>They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. +Bethany held out her hand.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall not see you again until next week, +I suppose," she said, "so let me wish you a very +happy Christmas."</p> + +<p>He kept her hand in his an instant as he +repeated her greeting, then, looking earnestly +down into the upturned face, added gently in +Hebrew, the old benediction—"Peace be upon +you."</p> + +<p>It was quite dark when she stepped out into +the streets. She thought of David and Esther +all the way home.</p> + +<p>At first she thought of them with a tender +smile curving her lips, as she entered unselfishly +into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered.</p> + +<p>Then she thought of them with tears in her +eyes and a chill in her heart, as some little waif +might stand shivering on the outside of a window, +looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth +and comfort he could not share. The joy of her +own betrothal, and the desolation that ended it, +surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she +was in no mood for merry-making when she +reached home.</p> + +<p>She longed to slip quietly away to her own +room, and spend the evening in the dark with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> +her memories. She had to wait a moment on +the threshold before she could summon strength +enough to go in cheerfully.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room +helping the sisters decorate the long table, +where the children were to be served with supper +immediately on their arrival.</p> + +<p>"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh +to gather them up," said Mrs. Marion. "They'll +soon be here, so you'll not have much time to +dress."</p> + +<p>"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in +a minute. Mr. Herschel can't come, so you may +as well take off one plate."</p> + +<p>"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, +pausing on her way to the kitchen. "I asked +him this morning, and forgot to say anything +about it."</p> + +<p>Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully +unconscious of the grimace Bethany made +behind her back.</p> + +<p>"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline +means all right, but she is a born matchmaker. +She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. +Cragmore, and wants me to do the same. She +thinks she is so very deep, and so very wary in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> +the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; +but the dear old soul is as transparent as +a window-pane. I can see every move she +makes."</p> + +<p>"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. +"Is he conscious of her efforts in his behalf?"</p> + +<p>"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly +old lady, and is always paying her some flattering +attention. It is well worth his while, for she +makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his +pockets full of goodies, as if he were an overgrown +boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. +She is always going out to Clarke Street to +hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to +him afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, +as two short rings and one long one +were given the front door-bell.</p> + +<p>"So he even has his especial signals," +laughed Lois. "He must be on a very familiar +footing, indeed."</p> + +<p>"He got into that habit when he first started +to calling by to take me up to the Hebrew class," +she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him +in it."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p> + +<p>Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying +through the room to receive him.</p> + +<p>"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited +stage whisper, "you'd better run up the back +stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a +rose in your hair, just to please me. Now, won't +you?"</p> + +<p>Bethany and Lois looked at each other and +laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I +am," said Bethany; "but as it's Christmas-time +I suppose I must be good and please everybody."</p> + +<p>It was not long before a great stamping of +many snowy little feet announced the arrival +of the Christmas guests.</p> + +<p>They came into the house with such rosy, +happy faces, that no one thought of the patched +clothes and ragged shoes.</p> + +<p>"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred +instead of ten," sighed Miss Harriet, as +she helped seat them at the table. "They look as +though they never once had enough to eat in all +their little lives."</p> + +<p>"They shall have it now," declared Miss +Caroline heartily, "if George Cragmore doesn't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just +hear the man!"</p> + +<p>She had never seen him in such a gay humor, +or heard him tell such irresistibly funny stories +as the ones he brought out for the entertainment +of these poor little guests, who had never known +anything but the depressing poverty of the most +wretched homes.</p> + +<p>Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who +had found them, and spirited them away to this +enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin +who rubbed his lamp until their eyes were +dazzled by the wonderful scenes he conjured up +for them.</p> + +<p>When the dinner was over, and everything +had been taken off the table but the flowers and +candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on +his knee.</p> + +<p>With his arms around her, he began to tell +the story of the first Christmas. His voice was +very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the +white sheep huddled together, and the shepherds +keeping watch by night.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> + +<p>One by one the children slipped down from +their chairs, and crowded closer around him.</p> + +<p>He had never preached before to such a +breathless audience, and he had never put into +his sermons such gentleness and pathos and +power.</p> + +<p>He was thinking of their poor, neglected +lives, and how much they needed the love of +One who could sympathize to the utmost, because +he was born among the lowly, and "was +despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the +intensity of his feeling, and the children were +very quiet.</p> + +<p>The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. +Then she smiled up in his face, and, putting her +arm around his neck, leaned her head against +him.</p> + +<p>There was a bugle-call from the library, and +Jack led the children away to listen to an +orchestra composed of boys from the League, +who had volunteered their services for the occasion.</p> + +<p>While they were playing some old carols, +Miss Caroline called Mr. Cragmore aside. "I've +sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can +help her."</p> + +<p>Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, +"May the saints bless you for that now!" +She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, +"you needn't be putting everything off onto +poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered +that she is only somebody's cat's-paw."</p> + +<p>Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly +touched by the winning tenderness of Cragmore's +manner with the children. If there had +been no memory of a past love in her life, she +could have found in this man all the qualities +that would inspire the deepest affection; but +with that memory always present, she resented +the slightest word that hinted of his interest in +her.</p> + +<p>She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, +and that mischief-loving girl thoroughly enjoyed +forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege.</p> + +<p>It was still early in the evening, while the +children were romping around the dismantled +tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission +to-night," he explained, in answer to the remonstrances +that greeted him on all sides.</p> + +<p>"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended +to tell you about that, and I must stay a moment +longer to do it."</p> + +<p>He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall +chair, and folded his arms across it.</p> + +<p>"The other day I made the acquaintance of +a Russian Jew, Sigmund Ragolsky. He has a +remarkable history. He married an English +Jewess, was a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, +and is now a Baptist preacher, converted after a +fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief +in the truth of Christianity. The story of +his life sounds like a romance. He was so strictly +orthodox that he would not strike a match on +the Sabbath. He would have starved before +he would have touched food that had not been +prepared according to ritual. He is here for +the purpose of establishing a Hebrew mission. +You should see the people who come to hear +him. They are nearly all from that poor class +in the tenement district. One can hardly believe +they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +though, is a scholar, and I should like to hear +the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews +are no Jews at all—that they are the hardest +people in the world to convert, because they look +for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that +suits them, and are so well satisfied with themselves +that they feel no need of any mediator +between them and eternal holiness. They feel +fully equal to the task of making their own atonement. +Rabbi Barthold says that the orthodox +are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of +them live two lives—one towards God, of slavish +religious observances; the other towards man, +of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want +you to hear Ragolsky preach some night. I'll +tell you his story some other time."</p> + +<p>"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as +he picked up his overcoat again; "did he have to +give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children +were converted also. He had two rich brothers-in-law +in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over +that, I can assure you. O, he is so full of his +purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +as he is, the millennium would soon be +here."</p> + +<p>Afterward, when the children had been +taken home, and the feast and the tree, and the +people who gave them, were only blissful memories +in their happy little hearts, Bethany stood +by the window in her room, holding aside the +curtain.</p> + +<p>Everything outside was covered with snow. +She was thinking of Ragolsky and Lessing, and +wondering which of the two fates would be +David Herschel's, if he should ever become a +Christian.</p> + +<p>Would Esther's love for her people be +stronger than her love for him?</p> + +<p>She knew how tenaciously the women of +Israel cling to their faith, yet she felt that it +was no ordinary bond that held these two together.</p> + +<p>Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, +Bethany whispered a very heartfelt prayer for +David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who +was to be his bride; and like an answering omen +of good, over the white roofs of the city came +the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<div class='chaptertitle'>A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION.</div> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 91px;"> +<img src="images/drop_t.png" width="91" height="100" alt="T" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />THE office work for the old year was +all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David +would soon follow. He had only +some private correspondence to finish.</div> + +<p>Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters +in the different pigeon-holes of her desk. +Ninety-five was slipping out into the eternities. +It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; +it was carrying away a far different record from +the one she had planned. She felt that she +could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an +unaccountable reticence sealed her lips.</p> + +<p>David had been in the office very little during +the past week, only long enough to get his +mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for +Bethany to say what was trembling on her lips.</p> + +<p>She heard him slipping the letter into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +envelope. He would be gone in just another +moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. +O, she must say something! Her heart beat +violently, and her face grew hot. She shut her +eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing +appeal for help.</p> + +<p>David strolled into the room with his hat in +his hand, and stood beside her table.</p> + +<p>"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," +he said, gravely. "It has brought me a +great many unexpected experiences, but the +most unexpected of all is the one that led to our +acquaintance. In wishing you a happy new +year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your +friendship has been to me in the old."</p> + +<p>Bethany found sudden speech as she took +the proffered hand.</p> + +<p>"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that +I have not only been wishing, but praying earnestly, +that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds—the peace that +comes in accepting Christ as a Savior."</p> + +<p>He turned from her abruptly, and, with his +hands thrust in his overcoat pockets, began pacing +up and down the room with quick, excited +strides.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem +to be pursued. Every way I turn, the same thing +is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it—O, longer than that—since I first +talked to Lessing. Then there was Dr. Trent's +death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. +Cragmore has talked to me so often, +too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer +such lives and faith as theirs. Yesterday +morning I had a letter from Lee—little Lee +Trent—thanking me for a book I had sent him, +and even that child had something to say. He +told me about his conversion. Last night curiosity +led me down town to hear a Russian Jew +preach to a lot of rough people in an old warehouse +by the river. His text was Pilate's question, +'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is +called Christ?' It wasn't a sermon. There +wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and +death sentence—but he made it such a personal +matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, +'What shall I do? What shall I do with this +Jesus called Christ!'"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> + +<p>He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth +in silence. Then he broke out again:</p> + +<p>"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down +there last night. He had been a rough, blasphemous +drunkard that I have seen in the police +courts many a time. I saw him fall on his knees +at the altar, groaning for mercy, and I saw him, +when he stood up after a while, with a face like +a different creature's, all transformed by a great +joy, crying out that he had been pardoned for +Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, +and wondered which of us is nearer the truth. +If I am right, what a poor, deluded fool he is! +But if he is right, good God—"</p> + +<p>He stopped abruptly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if +you were convinced that, by going on some certain +pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that +the finding would shatter your belief in the creed +you cling to now, would you undertake the +journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for +the faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for +Truth, regardless of long-cherished opinion?"</p> + +<p>For a moment there was no answer. Then +he threw back his shoulders resolutely.</p> + +<p>"I would take the journey," he said, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> +decision. "If I am wrong I want to know it." +Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one +of the pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, +opened at the place where the answer to Thomas +was heavily underscored:</p> + +<p>"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and +the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the +Father but by me."</p> + +<p>"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The +door has never been opened to you, because you +have never knocked. You have no personal +knowledge of Christ, because you have never +sought for it. He has never revealed himself +to you, because you have never asked him to +do so."</p> + +<p>He turned to her impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" +he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, or John the +Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me +than any other man who has taught and died. +How can I pray to him, then?"</p> + +<p>Bethany fingered the leaves of her little +Testament, her heart fluttering nervously.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would take this and read it," +she said. "It would answer you far better than +I can."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have read it," he replied, "a number of +years ago. I could see nothing in it."</p> + +<p>"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she +answered. "See!" she cried eagerly, turning +the leaves to find another place she had marked. +"Paul wrote this about the children of Israel: +'Their minds were blinded: for until this day +remaineth the same veil' (the one told about +in Exodus, you know) 'untaken away, in +the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, +when Moses is read, the veil is upon their +heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the +Lord, the veil shall be taken away.'"</p> + +<p>"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. +He took the book, and turning back to +the first of the chapter, commenced to read.</p> + +<p>The great bell in the court-house tower began +clanging six.</p> + +<p>"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this +with me and look through it another time."</p> + +<p>"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting +to-night," she said, wistfully. "It is from +ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the +city meet at Garrison Avenue."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span></p> + +<p>He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned +up his overcoat. A sudden reserve of +manner seemed to envelop him at the same time.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on +his gloves. "I have an informal invitation from +some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year +out and the new year in."</p> + +<p>His tone seemed so flippant after the recent +depth of feeling he had betrayed, that it jarred +on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door.</p> + +<p>"No matter where you may be," she said as +he opened it, "I shall be praying for you."</p> + +<p>After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her +desk, mechanically assorting the letters. She +was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had +quite forgotten it was time to go home.</p> + +<p>The door opened, and Frank Marion came +in. He was followed by Cragmore, who was +going home with him to dinner.</p> + +<p>"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. +"Where's David? We dropped in to invite +him around to the watch-meeting to-night."</p> + +<p>"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I +asked him, but he declined on account of a previous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> +engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, +"I do believe he is almost convinced +of the truth of Christianity!"</p> + +<p>She repeated the conversation that had just +taken place.</p> + +<p>"He has been fighting against that conviction +for some time," answered Mr. Marion. "I +had a talk with him last week."</p> + +<p>"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold +would say if Mr. Herschel should become a +Christian?" asked Bethany.</p> + +<p>"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very +question yesterday," exclaimed Mr. Cragmore. +"It astounded him at first. I could see that the +mere thought of such apostasy in one he loves +as dearly as his young David, wounded him +sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But +he is a noble soul, broad-minded and generous. +He did not answer for a moment, and when he +finally spoke I could see what an effort the words +cost him:</p> + +<p>"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. +'He has a right to choose for himself. I would +rather read the rites of burial over his dead body +than to see him cut loose from the faith in which +I have so carefully trained him; but no matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +what course he pursues, I am sure of one thing, +his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he +does, will be from a deep conviction of right. I, +who was denounced and misunderstood in my +youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy +that bound me down spiritually, should be +the last one to condemn the same independence +of thought in others.'"</p> + +<p>"Herschel would have less opposition to +contend with than any Jew I know," remarked +Mr. Marion.</p> + +<p>"That little sister of his would be rather +pleased than otherwise, and, I think, would soon +follow his example."</p> + +<p>Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing.</p> + +<p>"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," +said Cragmore, who had been appointed +to lead the meeting.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend +on the shoulder. Then he quoted emphatically: +"'And this is the confidence that we have +in Him, that if we ask anything according to +his will, he heareth us.'"</p> + +<p>"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, +in his impetuous way.</p> + +<p>He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +beside David's desk, began praying for his absent +friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering +earnestness, and after his voice ceased, +Bethany took up the petition.</p> + +<p>"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are +not heard," exclaimed Marion, triumphantly, as +he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk +as far as the avenue with you."</p> + +<p>As they went down-stairs together, he kept +singing softly under his breath, "Blessed be the +name, blessed be the name of the Lord!"</p> + +<p>By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison +Avenue Church was crowded.</p> + +<p>George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied +address for the occasion; but during the +half hour of the song service preceding it, while +he studied the faces of his audience, his heart +began to be strangely burdened for David and +his people. He covered his eyes with his hand +a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, +before he arose to speak.</p> + +<p>"My friends," he said in his deep, musical +voice, "I had thought to talk to you to-night of +'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> +sitting here, God had put another message into +my mouth. We are all children of one Father +who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness +of the questions I shall ask, and the seeming +harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how +many, during the year just gone, have contributed +in any way to the support of Home and +Foreign Missions?"</p> + +<p>Every one in the room arose.</p> + +<p>"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, +and direct appeal, to bring some one to +Christ?"</p> + +<p>Again every one arose.</p> + +<p>"How many of you, during the past year, +have spoken to a Jew about your Savior, or in +any way evinced to any one of them a personal +interest in the salvation of that race?"</p> + +<p>Looks of surprise were exchanged among +the Leaguers, and many smiled at the question. +Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam.</p> + +<p>When they had taken their seats again there +was a moment of intense silence. The earnest +solemnity of the minister was felt by every one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +present. They waited almost breathlessly for +what was coming.</p> + +<p>"There is a young Jew in this city to-night +whose heart is turning lovingly towards your +Savior and mine. I have come to ask your +prayers in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks +in his way may be removed. But it is not for +him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear +Isaiah's voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, +comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak +ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her +that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity +is pardoned.' And then I seem to hear +another voice that through the thunderings of +Sinai proclaims, 'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' +Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It +must read a terrible handwriting on the wall +in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had +she seen Christ in the daily life of every follower +since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of +Sauls turned Pauls! We are Christ's witnesses +to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished +no racial prejudices. He turned away from no +man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of indifference. +He drew no line across which his +sympathies and love and helping hands should +not reach. When we do these things, are we +not bearing false witness to the character of him +whose name we have assumed, and the emblem +of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful +of this corner of the Lord's vineyard. It must +be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent +to this."</p> + +<p>Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky +and David, and called on them to pray that his +friend might find the light he was seeking. A +dozen earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, +and every heart went out in sympathy +to this young Jew, whom they longed to see +happy in the consciousness of a personal Savior.</p> + +<p>David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He +dined at the restaurant, and was just starting +leisurely down to the depot when he found that +his watch told the same time as when he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> +looked at it an hour before. It must have been +stopped even some time before that. At any +rate it had made him too late for the train. The +next one would not leave till nine o'clock. He +stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, +and finally concluded to go back to the office for +a magazine he had borrowed from Rabbi Barthold, +and take it home to him.</p> + +<p>His steps echoed strangely through the deserted +hall as he climbed the stairs to the office. +He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But +when he had found it, he still sat there idly, +drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair.</p> + +<p>After awhile he took Bethany's Testament +out of his pocket, and began to read. It was +marked heavily with many marginal notes and +underscored passages, that he examined with a +great deal of curiosity. Beginning with Matthew's +account of the wise men's search, he read +steadily on through the four Gospels, past Acts, +and through some of Paul's epistles. It was +after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews.</p> + +<p>He put the book down with a groan, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +folding his arms on the desk, wearily laid his +head on them.</p> + +<p>Just then Bethany's parting words echoed +in his ears, "No matter where you may be, I +shall be praying for you."</p> + +<p>It had irritated him at the moment. Now +there was comfort in the thought that she might +be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith +of his fathers. He was proud of every drop of +Israelitish blood that coursed through his veins. +He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism—nothing! Yet his heart went +out lovingly toward the Christ that had been +so wonderfully revealed to him as he read.</p> + +<p>The conviction was slowly forcing itself on +his mind that in accepting him he would not be +giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own +people—only believing fulfilled prophecy.</p> + +<p>He wanted him so—this Christ who seemed +able to satisfy every longing of his heart, which +just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the +world that he had given himself a willing sacrifice +to make propitiation for its sins—for his—David +Herschel's sins.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> + +<p>The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation +came back to perplex him, and he put +them resolutely away, remembering the words +that Bethany had quoted, that when Israel +should turn to the Lord, the veil should be taken +from its heart.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his +hands clasped above his head, cried out: "O, +Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me +Christ! I will give up anything—everything +that stands in the way of my accepting him, if +thou wilt but make him manifest!"</p> + +<p>He threw himself on his knees in an agony +of supplication, and then rising, walked the +floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and +again rose in despair to pace back and forth.</p> + +<p>He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's +conversion had been attended by such miraculous +manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him.</p> + +<p>Opening the little Testament at random, he +saw the words, "If thou shalt confess with thy +mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine +heart that God hath raised him from the dead, +thou shalt be saved."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will +confess it the first opportunity I have. Yes, I +will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra—no matter +what it may cause him to say to me."</p> + +<p>He looked at the clock again. The old year +was almost gone. It was nearly midnight. +Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered +the watch-night service Bethany +had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them.</p> + +<p>He started rapidly down the street, saying +to himself: "How queer this seems! Here am I, +a Jew, on my way to confess before men that +I believe a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. +I don't understand the mystery of it, but I do +believe in some way the promised atonement +has been made, and that it avails for me."</p> + +<p>He clung to that hope all the way down to +the Church. It was growing stronger every +step.</p> + +<p>Bethany had risen to take her place at the +piano at the announcement of another hymn, +when the door opened and David Herschel stood +in their midst. Not even glancing at the startled +members of the League, he walked across the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> +room and held out one hand to Cragmore and +the other to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners +with its intensity of purpose.</p> + +<p>"I have come to confess before you the belief +that your Jesus is the Christ, and that +through him I shall be saved."</p> + +<p>Then a look of happy wonderment shone in +his face, as the dawning consciousness of his acceptance +became clearer to him.</p> + +<p>"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful +surprise.</p> + +<p>Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one +exclamation could express the depth of Frank +Marion's gratitude—an old-fashioned shout of +"Glory to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion—for +it came in when "the morning stars sang together, +and all the sons of God shouted for joy."</p> + +<p>"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried +David.</p> + +<p>"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to +those around him, and laying his hand on +David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned +Paul. Who such missionaries of the cross as +these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the +world. Who will join the alliance?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> + +<p>In answer they came crowding around +David, with warm hand-clasps and sympathetic +words, till the bells all over the city began tolling +the hour of midnight.</p> + +<p>At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the +final prayer of consecration.</p> + +<p>There was a deep silence. Then the leader's +voice began:</p> + +<p>"The untried paths of the new year stretch +out into unknown distances. But trusting in an +Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how +many will sing with me:</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/music.png" width="500" height="391" alt="Music: Where He Leads me I will Follow" /> +</div><div class="center"><small>[<i>Transcriber's Note: You can play this music (MIDI file) by clicking</i> <a href="music/whereheleads.mid">here</a>.]</small></div> + +<div class='poem'> +"Where He leads me I will follow,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where He leads me I will follow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Where He leads me I will follow.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."</span><br /> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span></p> + +<p>The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as +every voice covenanted with his.</p> + +<p>"But some of us may have planned out certain +paths for our own feet, that lead alluringly +to ease and approbation. Think! God may call +us into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to +no earthly recompense, to lowly service and unrequited +toil. Can we still sing it? Let us +wait. Let us consider and be very sure."</p> + +<p>In the prayerful silence, David thought of +his profession and the hopes of the great success +that it was his ambition to attain. Could +he give it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated +ministry to his people? He wavered. But +just then he had a vision of the Christ. He +seemed to see a footsore, tired man, holding out +his hands in blessing to the motley crowds that +thronged him; and again he saw the same patient +form stumbling wearily along under a heavy +beam of wood, scourged, mocked, spit upon, +nailed to the cross, for—him!</p> + +<p>David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the +way."</p> + +<p>"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal +plans are concerned, we are willing to put<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> +ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose +he should call for our hearts' best beloved, are +we willing to make of this hour a Mount +Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs—our +all? Do we consecrate ourselves entirely? Will +we go with him all the way, no matter through +what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead +us?"</p> + +<p>Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful +face came before him.</p> + +<p>"O God! anything but that!" he cried out +passionately.</p> + +<p>Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching +out, clasped his hand, and prayed silently that +strength might be given him to make the consecration +complete.</p> + +<p>"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!"</p> + +<p>David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When +they arose the tears were streaming down his +cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been +revealed to him. A new life and a new year +had been born together.</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>No, the story is not done, but the rest of it +can not be written until it has first been lived.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span></p> + +<p>In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes +shall weave these life-webs to the finish. +Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. +Who can tell? The new year has only begun.</p> + +<p>But we know that all things work together +for good to those who give themselves into the +eternal keeping, and—"God's in his heaven."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>SILENT KEYS.</h2> + +<div class="figleft" style="width: 92px;"> +<img src="images/drop_o.png" width="92" height="100" alt="O" /> +</div> +<div class='unindent'><br /><br />NCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a +young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody +for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to +take in the Christmas choruses.</div> + +<p>It was not long before every voice had +caught the sweet old tune of "Joy to the World," +and as their little feet pattered down the solemn +aisles, the song was carried with them to the +work and play of the streets outside.</p> + +<p>As the girl turned to follow, she found the +old white-haired organist, a master-musician, +standing beside her.</p> + +<p>"Why did you not strike all the keys, little +sister?" he asked. "You have left silent some +of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is +what you should have put into your song."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the +key-board, till the great cathedral seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> +tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it—"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"</p> + +<p>High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of +sky-larks, fluttered away from his touch, and +went winging their flight—up and up—beyond +all mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords +and majestic octaves rolled the triumphal gladness. +Every key seemed to find a voice, as the +hands of the old musician swept through the +variations of "Antioch."</p> + +<p>Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when +he had finished she said sadly: "Ah, only a +master-hand could do that—bring out the varied +tones of those silent keys, and yet through it all +keep the thread of the song clear and unbroken. +All those divine harmonies were in my soul as +I played, yet had I tried to give expression to +them, I might have wandered away from the +simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those +fuller chords you strike so easily, or in reaching +always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take +in the choruses, and they would not have gone +out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p> + +<p>Maybe some such master may turn the pages +of this story, and feel the same impatience at +its incompleteness. Here in this place he would +have added, with strong touches, many a convincing +argument. There he would have spoken +with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may +turn away, saying: "Why did you not strike all +the keys, little sister? You have left silent some +of the sweetest and deepest."</p> + +<p>The answer is the same. Only a master-hand +can sweep the gamut of history and human +weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the +discordant elements of controversy and criticism +in all their variations, and at the same time keep +the simple theme constantly throbbing through +them, so strong and full and clear it can never +be forgotten.</p> + +<p>The purpose of this story is accomplished +if it has only attracted the attention of the +League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not +stop with that.</p> + +<p>There is only one song that will ever bring +universal joy to this old, tear-blinded world, and +that is that the Lord is come, and that he is risen +indeed in the lives of his followers.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span></p> + +<p>True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the +League should not be content simply to do that. +It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and +longings, that it will know just what chord to +touch in every heart it is striving to help.</p> + +<p>Go back to the days of the dispersion, and +follow this Ishmael through his almost limitless +desert of persecution—his hand against every +man because every man's hand was against him.</p> + +<p>Put yourself in his place until your vision +grows broad and your sympathy deep. Chafe +against his limitations. Stumble over his obstacles, +and in so doing learn where best to place +the stepping-stones.</p> + +<p>Dig down through the strata of tradition, +below all the manifold ceremonies of his formal +worship, until you come to the bed-rock of principle +underlying them.</p> + +<p>When you have thus studied Judaism, its +prophets, its priesthood, its patriots—when you +have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's +tent to the Temple gates, and then followed its +diverging lines on into almost every hamlet of +both hemispheres, you will have learned something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> +more than the history of Judaism. You +will have read the story of the whole race of +Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far +better to serve humanity.</p> + +<p>Christ reached his hearers through his intimate +knowledge of them. He never talked to +shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers +of flocks. He gave the same water of life to +the woman at Jacob's well that he bestowed on +the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how +differently he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan +and the learned Nicodemus.</p> + +<p>To this end, then, study these creeds and +systems; for instance, the unity of God, clung +to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating +his Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is +God, and Mohammed is his prophet!"</p> + +<p>Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes +deeply channeling its way through centuries of +Semitic thought, until it enters the very life-blood. +You can trace its influence even down +into the early Christian Church, in the hot disputes +of Arius and his followers, at the Council +of Nicea.</p> + +<p>Not until you comprehend how idolatrous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> +the worship of the Trinity seems to a Jew, can +you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah.</p> + +<p>You will find this study of Judaism reaching +out like a banyan-tree, striking root and branching +again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one +of its manifold ramifications, shadow every +great problem and people.</p> + +<p>In the first conception of this story it was +purposed to place considerable emphasis on a +number of things that have been left untouched, +especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, +and the prophecies concerning the return of the +Jews to Palestine.</p> + +<p>But prophecy, while always a most interesting +and profitable subject for research and study, +leads into an unmapped country of speculation. +Many an enthusiast, not recognizing that on +God's great calendar a thousand years are but +as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries +of Revelations by the same numerical system +with which he calculates his assets and liabilities. +As we examine this subject, we must not +forget the vast difference between our finite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> +yardsticks, and the reed of the angel who measured +the city.</p> + +<p>God grant that, as the tree thrown into the +stream of Marah changed its bitter waters into +wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study +of Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may +turn all bitterness of prejudice into the broad, +sweet spirit of true brotherhood!</p> + +<p> </p> +<hr class="chap" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> +<p>The cover for this HTML edition was created by the transcriber and is placed in the +public domain. The gray background was the original cover and the words and print were +taken from the original title page.</p> +<p>Obvious punctuation errors were corrected.</p> +<p>The remaining corrections made are listed below and also indicated by dotted lines under the corrected text. Scroll the cursor over the marked text and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p> + +<p>Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the chapter "Dr. Trent".</p> + +<p>Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance)</p> + +<p>Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent Southerner)</p> + +<p>Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. Notwithstanding)</p> + +<p>Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them)</p></div> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 40527-h.txt or 40527-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/5/2/40527</a></p> +<p> +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p> +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Johnston + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: In League with Israel + A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + + +Author: Annie F. Johnston + + + +Release Date: August 20, 2012 [eBook #40527] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +E-text prepared by David Edwards, Emmy, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made +available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org). Music was +transcribed by Linda Cantoni. + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file + which includes the original sheet music illustration + and an accompanying audio file of the music. + See 40527-h.htm or 40527-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h/40527-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40527/40527-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + http://archive.org/details/inleaguewithisra00johniala + + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL + +A Tale of the Chattanooga Conference + +by + +ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON + +Author of +"Joel: A Boy of Galilee;" "The Story of the Resurrection;" +"Big Brother;" "The Little Colonel." + + + + + + + +[Illustration] + +Cincinnati: Curts & Jennings +New York: Eaton & Mains +1896 + +Copyright +By Curts & Jennings, +1896. + + + + +TO THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. + + +What Paul was to the Gentiles, may you, the Young Apostle of our Church, +become to the Jews. Surely, not as the priest or the Levite have you so +long passed them by "on the other side." + +Haply, being a messenger on the King's business, which requires haste, +you have never noticed their need. But the world sees, and, re-reading +an old parable, cries out: "Who is thy neighbor? Is it not even Israel +also, in thy midst?" + + Nor knowest thou what argument + Thy life to thy neighbor's creed has lent. + --EMERSON. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I. + THE RABBI'S PROTEGE, 7 + + + CHAPTER II. + ON TO CHATTANOOGA, 23 + + + CHAPTER III. + THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT," 43 + + + CHAPTER IV. + AN EPWORTH JEW, 65 + + + CHAPTER V. + "TRUST," 86 + + + CHAPTER VI. + TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE, 105 + + + CHAPTER VII. + JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER, 115 + + + CHAPTER VIII. + A KINDLING INTEREST, 130 + + + CHAPTER IX. + A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND, 145 + + + CHAPTER X. + THE DEACONESS'S STORY, 163 + + + CHAPTER XI. + "YOM KIPPUR," 186 + + + CHAPTER XII. + DR. TRENT, 189 + + + CHAPTER XIII. + A LITTLE PRODIGAL, 220 + + + CHAPTER XIV. + HERZENRUHE, 241 + + + CHAPTER XV. + ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 261 + + + CHAPTER XVI. + A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION, 275 + + * * * * * + + SILENT KEYS, 297 + + + + +IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE RABBI'S PROTEGE. + + +IT was growing dark in the library, but the old rabbi took no notice of +the fact. As the June twilight deepened, he unconsciously bent nearer +the great volume on the table before him, till his white beard lay on +the open page. + +He was reading aloud in Hebrew, and his deep voice filled the room with +its musical intonations: "Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye +waters that be above the heavens." + +He raised his head and glanced out toward the western sky. A star or two +twinkled through the fading afterglow. Pushing the book aside, he walked +to the open window and looked up. + +There was a noise of children playing on the pavement below, and the +rumbling of an electric car in the next street. A whiff from a passing +cigar floated up to him, and the shrill whistle of a newsboy with the +evening paper. + +But Abraham at the door of his tent, Moses in the Midian desert, Elijah +by the brook Cherith, were no more apart from the world than this old +rabbi at this moment. + +He saw only the star. He heard only the inward voice of adoration, as he +stood in silent communion with the God of his fathers. + +His strong, rugged features and white beard suggested the line of +patriarchs so forcibly, that had a robe and sandals been substituted for +the broadcloth suit he wore, the likeness would have been complete. + +He stood there a long time, with his lips moving silently; then +suddenly, as if his unspoken homage demanded voice, he caught up his +violin. Forty years of companionship had made it a part of himself. + +The depth of his being that could find no expression in words, poured +itself out in the passionately reverent tones of his violin. + +In such exalted moods as this it was no earthly instrument of music. It +became to him a veritable Jacob's ladder, on which he heard the voices +of the angels ascending and descending, and on whose trembling rounds he +climbed to touch the Infinite. + +There was a quick step on the stairs, and a heavy tread along the upper +hall. Then the portiere was pushed aside and a voice of the world +brought the rhapsody to a close. + +"Where are you, Uncle Ezra? It is too dark to see, but your fiddle says +that you are at home." + +"Ah, David, my boy, come in and strike a light. I wondered why you were +so late." + +"I was out on my wheel," answered the young man. "Cycling is warm work +this time of year." + +He lighted the gas and threw himself lazily down among the pile of +cushions on the couch. + +"I had a letter from Marta to-day." + +"And what does the little sister have to say?" answered the rabbi, +noticing a frown deepening on David's forehead. "I suppose her vacation +has commenced, and she will soon be on her way home again." + +"No," answered David, with a still deeper frown. "She has changed all +her plans, and wants me to change mine, just to suit the Herrick +family. She has gone to Chattanooga with them, and they are up on +Lookout Mountain. She wants me to meet her there and spend part of the +summer with her. She grows more infatuated with Frances Herrick every +day. You know they have been inseparable friends since they first +started to kindergarten." + +"Why did she go down there without consulting you?" asked the old man +impatiently. "You should be both father and mother to her, now that +neither of your parents is living. I wish I were really your uncle and +hers, that I might have some authority. You must be more careful of her, +my boy. She should spend this summer with you at home, instead of with +strangers in a hotel." + +"But, Uncle Ezra," protested David, quick to excuse the little sister, +who was the only one in the world related to him by family ties, "at +home there is nobody but the housekeeper. Mrs. Herrick is with the girls +now, and the major will join them next week. Marta is just like one of +the family, and I have encouraged the intimacy, because I felt that Mrs. +Herrick gives her the motherly care she needs. Besides, Marta and +Frances are so congenial in every way that they find their greatest +happiness together. I tell them they are as bad as Ruth and Naomi. It is +a case of 'where thou goest I will go,' etc." + +"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the rabbi, fervently. "Do you remember that +the rest of that declaration is, 'Thy people shall be my people, and thy +God my God?' David, my son, I tell you there is great danger of the +child's being led away from the faith. Your father and hers was my +dearest friend. I have loved you children like my own. You must heed my +warning, and discourage such intimacy with a Gentile family, especially +when it includes such an agreeable member as that young Albert Herrick." + +"Why, he is only a boy, Uncle Ezra." + +"Yes, but he is older than Marta, and they are thrown constantly +together." + +David looked down at the carpet, and began absently tracing a pattern +with his foot. He was thinking of the little sixteen-year-old sister. +The seven years' difference in their ages gave him a fatherly feeling +for her. He could not bear the thought of interfering seriously with her +pleasure, yet he could not ignore the old man's warning. + +Rabbi Barthold had been his tutor in both languages and music. Aside +from a few years at college, all that he knew had been learned under the +old man's wise supervision. + +"Ezra, my friend," said the elder David, when he lay dying, "take my +child and make him a man after your own pattern. I know your noble soul. +Give his the same strength and sweetness. We are so greedy for the +fleshpots of Egypt, that we forget to satisfy the soul hunger. But you +will teach the little fellow higher things." + +Later, when the end had almost come, his hand groped out feebly towards +the child, who had been brought to his bedside. + +"Never mind about the shekels, little David," he said in a hoarse, +broken whisper. "But clean hands and a pure heart--that's all that +counts when you're in your coffin." + +The child's eyes grew wide with wonder as a paroxysm of pain contracted +the beloved face. He was led quickly away, but those words were never +forgotten. + +The rabbi was thinking of them now as he studied the handsome features +of the young fellow before him. + +It was a strong face, but refinement and gentleness showed in every +line. There was something so boyish and frank, also, in its expression, +that a tender smile moved the rabbi's lips. "Clean hands and a pure +heart," he said fondly to himself. "He has them. Ah, my David, if thou +couldst but see how thy little one has grown, not only in stature, but +in soul-life, in ideals, thou would'st be satisfied." + +"Well," he said aloud, as the young man left his seat and began to walk +up and down the room with his hands in his pockets, "what are you going +to do?" + +"I scarcely know," was the hesitating answer. "It would not be wise to +send for Marta to come home, for the reason you suggest, and I have no +other to offer her." + +"Then go to her!" the rabbi exclaimed. "You need not tell her that you +have any fear of her being influenced by Gentile society--but never for +a moment let her forget that she is a Jewess. Kindle her pride in her +race. Teach her loyalty to her people, and love for all that is Hebrew." + +"But my Hudson Bay trip?" David suggested. + +"That can wait. The Tennessee mountains will give you as good a summer +outing as you need, and you can play guardian angel for Marta while you +take it." + +David laughed, and took another turn across the room. Then he paused +beside the table, and picked up a newspaper. + +"I wonder what connections the trains make now," he said. "There used to +be a long wait at a dismal old junction." He glanced hastily over the +time-table. + +"Why, look here!" he exclaimed. "Here is a cheap excursion to +Chattanooga this next week. I could afford to run down and see Marta, +anyhow. Maybe I could persuade her to come back with me, if I promised +to take her to Hudson Bay with me." + +"What kind of an excursion?" asked the rabbi. + +"Epworth League, it says here, whatever that may be. It seems to be some +sort of an international convention, and says to apply to Frank B. +Marion for particulars." + +"Marion," repeated the rabbi, thoughtfully. "O, then it is a Methodist +affair. He is not only the head and shoulders of that big Church on +Garrison Avenue, but hands and feet as well, judging by the way he +works for it. I wish my congregation would take a few lessons from him." + +"Is he very tall, with a short, brown beard, and blue eyes, and a habit +of shaking hands with everybody?" asked David. "I believe I know the +man. I met him on the cars last fall. He's lively company. I've a notion +to hunt him up, and find what's going on." + +"Telephone out to Hillhollow that you will not be at home to-night," +said the rabbi, "and stay in the city with me. If you conclude to go to +Chattanooga next week, I have much to say to you before taking leave of +you for the summer." + +"Very well," consented David. "I'll go down town immediately, and see if +I can find this Mr. Marion. What is his business, do you know?" + +"A wholesale shoe merchant, I believe. He is in that big new building +next to Cohen's furniture-store, on Duke Street. But you'll not find him +Wednesday night. They have Church in the middle of the week, and he is +one of the few Christians whose life is as loud as his profession." + +David smiled a little bitterly. "Then I shall certainly cultivate his +acquaintance for the purpose of studying such a rara avis. It has never +been my lot to know a Christian who measured up to his creed." + +"Do not grow cynical, my lad," answered the old man, gently. "I have +made you a dreamer like myself. I have kept you in an atmosphere of high +ideals. I have led you into the companionship of all that was heroic in +the past, and held you apart as much as possible from the sordid +selfishness of the age. O, I grow sick at heart sometimes when I stroll +through the great centers of trade, watching the fierce struggle of +humanity as they snatch the bread from other mouths to feed their own. + +"You remember our Hebrew word for teach comes from tooth, and means to +make sharp like a tooth. Sometimes I think that primitive idea has +become the popular view of education in this day. Anything that will fit +a man to bite and cut his way through this hungry wolf-pack is what is +sought after, no matter how many of his kind are trampled under foot in +the struggle. I am almost afraid for you to step down from the place +where I have kept you. When you are thrown with men who care for +nothing but material things, who would barter not only their birthrights +but their souls for a mess of pottage, I am afraid you will lose faith +in humanity." + +"That is quite likely, Uncle Ezra." + +"Aye, but I would not have it so, David. The world is certainly growing +a little less savage, and in every nature smolders some spark, however +small, of the eternal good. No matter how we have fallen, we still bear +the imprint of the Creator, in whose likeness we were first fashioned." + +Rabbi Barthold had been right in calling himself a dreamer. The ability +to live apart from his surroundings, had been his greatest comfort. +Because of it, the rigor of extreme poverty that surrounded his early +life had not touched his heart with its baneful chill. He had gone +through the world a happy optimist. + +He had been trained according to the most strictly orthodox system of +Judaism. But even its severe pressure had failed to confine him to the +limits of such a narrow mold. + +He was still a dreamer. In the new world he had cast aside the shackles +of tradition for the larger liberty of the Reformed Jew. + +Now in his serene old age, surrounded by luxuries, he still lived apart +in a world of music and literature. + +His congregation, broken loose from the old moorings, drifted +dangerously away towards radicalism, but he stood firm in the belief +that the "chosen people" would finally triumph over all error, and found +much comfort in the thought. + +David took out his watch. "It is after eight o'clock," he said. +"Probably if I walk down Garrison Avenue, I may meet Mr. Marion coming +from Church. I'll be back soon." + +People were beginning to file out of the side entrance that led to the +prayer-meeting room, by the time he reached the church. + +"Is Mr. Frank Marion in here?" he asked of the colored janitor, who was +standing in the doorway. + +"Yes, sah!" was the emphatic response. "He sut'n'y is, sah! He am always +the fust to come, an' the last to depaht." + +"Why, good evening, Mr. Herschel," exclaimed a pleasant voice. + +David turned quickly to lift his hat. An elderly lady was coming down +the steps with two young girls. She came up to him with a smile, and +held out her hand. + +"I have not seen you since you came back from college," she said, +cordially; "but I never lose my interest in any of Rob's playmates." + +"Thank you, Mrs. Bond," he replied, with his hat still in his hand. + +As she passed on, a swift rush of recollection brought back the big +attic where he had passed many a rainy day with Rob Bond. He recalled +with something of the old boyish pleasure a certain jar on their pantry +shelf, where the most delicious ginger-snaps were always to be found. + +But the next moment the smile left his lips, as an exclamation of one of +the girls was carried back to him. It was made in an undertone, but the +still evening air transmitted it with startling distinctness. + +"Why, Auntie, he's a Jew! I didn't think you would shake hands with a +Jew!" + +He could not hear Mrs. Bond's reply. He drew himself up haughtily. Then +the indignant flash died out of his eyes. After all, why should he, with +the princely blood of Israel in his veins, care for the callow +prejudices of a little school-girl? + +A crowd of people passed out, laughing and talking. Then he saw Mr. +Marion come into the vestibule with several boys, just as the janitor +began to extinguish the lights. + +He turned to David with a hearty smile and a strong hand-clasp, +recognizing him instantly. + +"How are you, brother?" he asked. He spoke with a slight Southern +accent. Somehow, David felt forcibly that it was not merely as a matter +of habit that Frank Marion called him brother. Such a warm, personal +interest seemed to speak through the friendly blue eyes looking so +honestly into his own, that he was half-way persuaded to go to +Chattanooga with him before a word had been said on the subject. They +walked several blocks together up the avenue, discussing the excursion. +Then Mr. Marion stopped at the gate of an old-fashioned residence, built +some distance back from the street. + +"I have a message to deliver to Miss Hallam, a cousin of mine," he said. +"If you will wait a moment, I'll go with you over to the office." + +The front door stood open, and the hall-lamp sent a flood of yellow +light streaming out into the warm, June darkness. + +In response to Mr. Marion's knock, there was a flutter of a white dress +in the hall, and the next instant the massive old doorway framed a +picture that the young Jew never forgot. It was Bethany Hallam. The +light seemed to make a halo of her golden hair, and to illuminate her +dress and the sweet upturned face with such an ethereal whiteness that +David was reminded of a Psyche in Parian marble. + +"Who is she?" he exclaimed, as Mr. Marion rejoined him. "One never sees +a face like that outside of some artist's conception. It is too +spirituelle for this planet, but too sad for any other." + +"She is Judge Hallam's daughter," Mr. Marion responded. "He died last +fall, and Bethany is grieving herself to death. I have at last persuaded +her to go to Chattanooga with us. She needs to have her thoughts turned +into another channel, and I hope this trip will accomplish that +purpose." + +"I knew the Judge," said David. "I met him a number of times after I was +admitted to the bar." + +"O, I didn't know you were a lawyer," said Mr. Marion. + +"Yes, I expect to begin practicing here after vacation," he answered. + +"Well, I am going to begin my practice right now," said Mr. Marion, +laughing, "and plead my case to such purpose that you will be persuaded +to take this Chattanooga trip." He slipped his arm through David's, and +drew him around the corner toward his store. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"ON TO CHATTANOOGA." + + +IT was within three minutes of time for the south-bound train to start +when David Herschel swung himself on the platform of the Chattanooga +special. As he settled himself comfortably in the first vacant seat, Mr. +Marion hurried past him down the aisle with a valise in each hand. He +was followed by two ladies. The first one seemed to know every one in +the car, judging by the smiles and friendly voices that greeted her +appearance. + +"O, we were so afraid you were not coming, Mrs. Marion," cried an +impulsive young girl, just in front of David. "It would have been such a +disappointment. Isn't she just the dearest thing in the world?" she +rattled on to her companion, as Mrs. Marion passed out of hearing. + +"Well, if she hasn't got Bethany Hallam with her! Of all people to go on +an excursion, it seems to me she would be the very last." + +"Why?" asked the other girl. As that was the question uppermost in +David's mind, he listened with interest for the answer. + +"O, she seems so different from other people. Her father always used to +treat her as if she were made of a little finer clay than ordinary +mortals. When she traveled, it was always in a private car. When she +went to lectures or concerts, they always had the best seats in the +house. All her teachers taught her at home except one. She went to the +conservatory for her drawing lessons, but a maid came with her in the +morning, and her father drove by for her at noon." + +As he listened, David's eyes had followed the tall, graceful girl who +was now seating herself by Mrs. Marion. + +Every movement, as well as every detail of her traveling dress, +impressed him with a sense of her refinement and culture. He noticed +that she was all in black. A thin veil drawn over her face partially +concealed its delicate pallor; but her soft, light hair, drawn up under +the little black hat she wore, seemed sunnier than ever by contrast. + +"Isn't she beautiful?" sighed David's talkative neighbor. "I used to +wish I could change places with her, especially the year when she went +abroad to study art; but I wouldn't now for anything in the world." + +"Why?" asked her companion again, and David mentally echoed her +interrogation. + +"O, because her father is dead now, and everything is so different. +Something happened to their property, so there's nothing left but the +old home. Then her little brother had such a dreadful fall just after +the Judge's death. They thought he would die, too, or be a cripple all +his life; but I believe he's better now. He is sort of paralyzed, so he +has to stay in a wheel-chair; but the doctor says he is gradually +getting over that, and will be all right after awhile. It's a very +peculiar case, I've heard. There have only been a few like it. She is +studying stenography now, so that she can keep on living in the old home +and take care of little Jack." + +"Do you know her?" interrupted the interested listener. + +"No, not very well. I've always seen her in Church; you know Judge +Hallam was one of our best paying members, and rarely missed a Sabbath +morning service. But they were very exclusive socially. My easel stood +next to hers in the art conservatory one term, and we talked about our +work sometimes. She used to remind me of Sir Christopher in 'Tales of a +Wayside Inn.' Don't you remember? She had that + + 'Way of saying things + That made one think of courts and kings, + And lords and ladies of high degree, + So that not having been at court + Seemed something very little short + Of treason or lese-majesty, + Such an accomplished knight was he.'" + +Both girls laughed, and then the lively chatter was drowned by the +jarring rumble of the train as it puffed slowly out of the depot. + +"Any one would know this is a Methodist crowd," said Mrs. Marion +laughingly, as a dozen happy young voices began to sing an old revival +hymn, and it was caught up all over the car. + +"That reminds me," said her husband, reaching into his coat pocket, "I +have something here that will prevent any mistake if doubt should +arise." + +He drew out a little box of ribbon badges and a paper of pins. "Here," +he said, "put one on, Ray; we must all show our colors this week. You, +too, Bethany." + +"O no, Cousin Frank," she protested. "I am not a member of the League." + +"That makes no difference," he answered, in his hearty, persistent way. +"You ought to be one, and you will be by the time you get back from this +conference." + +"But, Cousin Frank, I never wore a badge in my life," she insisted. "I +have always had the greatest antipathy to such things. It makes one so +conspicuous to be branded in that way." + +He held out the little white ribbon, threaded with scarlet, and bearing +the imprint of the Maltese cross. The light, jesting tone was gone. He +was so deeply in earnest that it made her feel uncomfortable. + +"Do you know what the colors mean, Bethany?" Then he paused reverently. +"The purity and the blood! Surely, you can not refuse to wear those." + +He laid the little badge in her lap, and passed down the aisle, +distributing the others right and left. + +She looked at it in silence a moment, and then pinned it on the lapel of +her traveling coat. + +"Cousin Ray, did you ever know another such persistent man?" she asked. +"How is it that he can always make people go in exactly the opposite way +from the one they had intended? When he first planned for me to come on +this excursion, I thought it was the most preposterous idea I ever heard +of. But he put aside every objection, and overruled every argument I +could make. I did not want to come at all, but he planned his campaign +like a general, and I had to surrender." + +"Tell me how he managed," said Mrs. Marion. "You know I did not get home +from Chicago until yesterday morning, and I have been too busy getting +ready to come on this excursion to ask him anything." + +"When he had urged all the reasons he could think of for my going, but +without success, he attacked me in my only vulnerable spot, little Jack. +The child has considered Cousin Frank's word law and gospel ever since +he joined the Junior League. So, when he was told that my health would +be benefited by the trip, and it would arouse me from the despondent, +low-spirited state I had fallen into, he gave me no rest until I +promised to go. Jack showed generalship, too. He waited until the night +of his birthday. I had promised him a little party, but he was so much +worse that day, it had to be postponed. I was so sorry for him that I +could have promised him almost anything. The little rascal knew it, too. +While I was helping him undress, he put his arms around my neck, and +began to beg me to go. He told me that he had been praying that I might +change my mind. Ever since he has been in the League he has seemed to +get so much comfort out of the belief that his prayers are always +answered that I couldn't bear to shake his faith. So I promised him." + +"The dear little John Wesley," said Mrs. Marion; "you ought to give him +the full benefit of his name, Bethany." + +"Mamma did intend to, but papa said it was as much too big for him as +the huge old-fashioned silver watch that Grandfather Bradford left him. +He suggested that both be laid away until he grew up to fit them." + +"Who is taking care of him in your absence?" was the next question. + +"O, he and Cousin Frank arranged that, too. They sent for his old nurse. +She came last night with her little nine-year-old grandson. Just Jack's +age, you see; so he will have somebody to make the time pass very +quickly." + +Mrs. Marion stopped her with an exclamation of surprise. "Well, I wish +you'd look at Frank! What will he do next? He is actually pinning an +Epworth League badge on that young Jew!" + +Bethany turned her head a little to look. "What a fine face he has!" she +remarked. "It is almost handsome. He must feel very much out of place +among such an aggressive set of Christians. I wonder what he thinks of +all these songs?" + +Mr. Marion came back smiling. As superintendent of both Sunday-school +and Junior League, he had won the love of every one connected with them. +His passage through the car, as he distributed the badges, was attended +by many laughing remarks and warm handclasps. + +There was a happy twinkle in his eyes when he stopped beside his wife's +seat. She smiled up at him as he towered above her, and motioned him to +take the seat in front of them. + +"I'm not going to stay," he said. "I want to bring a young man up here, +and introduce him to you. He's having a pretty lonesome time, I'm +afraid." + +"It must be that Jew," remarked Mrs. Marion. "I know every one else on +the car. I don't see that we are called on to entertain him, Frank. He +came with us, simply to take advantage of the excursion rates. I should +think he would prefer to be let alone. He must have thought it +presumptuous in you to pin that badge on him. What did he say when you +did it?" + +Mr. Marion bent down to make himself heard above the noise of the train. + +"I showed him our motto, 'Look up, lift up,' and told him if there was +any people in the world who ought to be able to wear such a motto +worthily, it was the nation whose Moses had climbed Sinai, and whose +tables of stone lifted up the highest standard of morality known to the +race of Adam." + +Mrs. Marion laughed. "You would make a fine politician," she exclaimed. +"You always know just the right chord to touch." + +"Cousin Frank," asked Bethany, "how does it happen you have taken such +an intense interest in him?" + +He dropped into the seat facing theirs, and leaned forward. + +"Well, to begin with, he's a fine fellow. I have had several talks with +him, and have been wonderfully impressed with his high ideals and views +of life. But I am free to confess, had I met him ten years ago, I could +not have seen any good traits in him at all. I was blinded by a +prejudice that I am unable to account for. It must have been hereditary, +for it has existed since my earliest recollection, and entirely without +reason, as far as I can see. I somehow felt that I was justified in +hating the Jews. I had unconsciously acquired the opinion that they were +wholly devoid of the finer sensibilities, that they were gross in their +manner of living, and petty and mean in business transactions. I took +Fagin and Shylock as fair specimens of the whole race. It was, really, a +most unaccountable hatred I had for them. My teeth would actually clinch +if I had to sit next to one on a street-car. You may think it strange, +but I was not alone in the feeling. I know it to be a fact that there +are hundreds and hundreds of Church members to-day that have the same +inexplicable antipathy." + +Bethany looked up quickly. + +"My father's reading and training," she said, "has caused me to have a +great admiration and respect for Jews in the abstract. I mean such as +the Old Testament heroes and the Maccabees of a later date. But in the +concrete, I must say I like to have as little intercourse with them as +possible. And as to modern Israelites, all I know of them personally is +the almost cringing obsequiousness of a few wealthy merchants with whom +I have dealt, and the dirty swarm of repulsive creatures that infest the +tenement districts. We used to take a short cut through those streets +sometimes in driving to the market. Ugh! It was dreadful!" She gave a +little shiver of repugnance at the recollection. + +"Yes, I know," he answered. "I had that same feeling the greater part of +my life. But ten years ago I spent a summer at Chautauqua, studying the +four Gospels. It opened my eyes, Bethany. I got a clearer view of the +Christ than I ever had before. I saw how I had been misrepresenting him +to the world. The inconsistencies of my life seemed like the lanterns +the pirates used to hang on the dangerous cliffs along the coast, that +vessels might be wrecked by their misleading light. Do you suppose a Jew +could have accepted such a Christ as I represented then? No wonder they +fail to recognize their Messiah in the distorted image that is reflected +in the lives of his followers." + +"But they rejected Christ himself when he was among them," ventured +Bethany. + +"Yes," answered Mr. Marion, "it was like the old story of the man with a +muck rake. Do you remember that picture that was shown to Christian at +the interpreter's house in 'Pilgrim's Progress?' As a nation, Israel had +stooped so much to the gathering of dry traditions, had bent so long +over the minute letter of the law, that it could not straighten itself +to take the crown held out to it. It could not even lift its eyes to +discern that there was a crown just over its head." + +"It always made me think of the blind Samson," said Mrs. Marion. "In +trying to overthrow something it could not see, spiritually I mean, it +pulled down the pillars of prophecy on its own head." + +Mr. Marion turned to Bethany again. + +"Yes, Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ; but who was it that wrote +those wonderful chronicles of the Nazarene? Who was it that went out +ablaze with the power of Pentecost to spread the deathless story of the +resurrection? Who were the apostles that founded our Church? To whom do +we owe our knowledge of God and our hope of redemption, if not to the +Jews? We forget, sometimes, that the Savior himself belonged to that +race we so reproach." + +He was talking so earnestly, he had forgotten his surroundings, until a +light touch on his shoulder interrupted him. + +"What's the occasion of all this eloquence, Brother Marion?" asked the +minister's genial voice. + +He turned quickly to smile into the frank, smooth-shaven face bending +over him. + +"Come, sit down, Dr. Bascom. We're discussing my young friend back +there, David Herschel. Have you met him?" + +"Yes, I was talking with him a little while ago," answered the minister. +"He seems very reserved. Queer, what an intangible barrier seems to +arise when we talk to one of that race. I just came in to tell you that +Cragmore is in the next car. He got on at the last station." + +"What, George Cragmore!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, rising quickly. "I +haven't seen him for two years. I'll bring him in here, Ray, after +awhile." + +"That's the last we'll see of him till lunch-time," said Mrs. Marion, as +the door banged behind the two men. + +"Frank will never think of us again when he gets to spinning yarns with +Mr. Cragmore. I want you to meet him, Bethany. He is one of the most +original men I ever heard talk. He's a young minister from the 'auld +sod.' They called him the 'wild Irishman' when he first came over, he +was so fiery and impetuous. There is enough of the brogue left yet in +his speech to spice everything he says. He and Frank are a great deal +alike in some things. They are both tall and light-haired. They both +have a deep vein of humor and an inordinate love of joking. They are +both so terribly in earnest with their Christianity that everybody +around them feels the force of it; and when they once settle on a point, +they are so tenacious nothing can move them. I often tell Frank he is +worse than a snapping-turtle. Tradition says they do let go when it +thunders, but nothing will make him let go when his mind is once +clinched." + +There was a stop of twenty minutes at noon. At the sound of a noisy gong +in front of the station restaurant, Mr. Marion came in with his friend. +Capacious lunch-baskets were opened out on every side, with the generous +abundance of an old-time camp-meeting. + +"Where is Herschel?" inquired Mr. Marion. "I intended to ask him to +lunch with us." + +"I saw him going into the restaurant," replied his wife. + +"You must have a talk with him this afternoon, George," said Mr. Marion. +"I've been all up and down this train trying to get people to be +neighborly. I believe Dr. Bascom is the only one who has spoken to him. +They were all having such a good time when I interrupted them, or they +didn't know what to say to a Jew, and a dozen different excuses." + +"O, Frank, don't get started on that subject again!" exclaimed Mrs. +Marion. "Take a sandwich, and forget about it." + +Bethany Hallam laughed more than once during the merry luncheon that +followed. She could not remember that she had laughed before since her +father's death. The young Irishman's ready wit, his droll stories, and +odd expressions were irresistible. He seemed a magnet, too, drawing +constantly from Frank Marion's inexhaustible supply of fun. + +"You have seen only one side of him," remarked Mrs. Marion, when her +husband had taken him away to introduce David. "While he was very +entertaining, I think he has shown us one of the least attractive phases +of his character." + +David had felt very much out of place all morning. It was one thing to +travel among ordinary Gentiles, as he had always done, and another to be +surrounded by those who were constantly bubbling over with religious +enthusiasm. He did not object to sitting beside a hot-water tank, he +said to himself, but he did object to its boiling over on him. + +His neighbors would have been very much surprised could they have known +he was studying them with keen insight, and finding much to criticise. +Even some of their songs were objectionable to him, their catchy +refrains reminding him of some he had heard at colored minstrel shows. + +With such an exalted idea of worship as the old rabbi had inculcated in +him, it did not seem fitting to approach Deity in song unless through +such sonorous utterances as the psalms. Some of these little tinkling, +catch-penny tunes seemed profanation. + +He ventured to say as much to George Cragmore. He had very unexpectedly +found a congenial friend in the young minister. It was not often he met +a man so keenly alert to nature, so versed in his favorite literature, +or of his same sensitive temperament. He felt himself opening his inner +doors as he did to no one else but the rabbi. + +A drizzling rain was falling when they began to wind in and out among +the mountains of Tennessee, and for miles in their journey a rainbow +confronted them at every turn in the road. It crowned every hilltop +ahead of them. It reached its shining ladder of light into every valley. +It seemed such a prophecy of what awaited them on the mountain beyond, +that some one began to sing, "Standing on the Promises." + +As the full glory of the rainbow flashed on Cragmore's sight, he stopped +abruptly in the middle of a sentence. The expression of his face seemed +to transfigure it. When he turned to David, there were tears in his +eyes. + +"O, the covenants of the Old Testament!" he said, in a low tone, that +thrilled David with its intensity of feeling. "The Bethels! The Mizpahs! +The Ebenezers! See, it is like a pillar of fire leading us to a +veritable land of promise." + +Then, with his hand resting on David's knee, he began to talk of the +promises of the Bible, till David exclaimed, impulsively: "You make me +forget that you are a Christian. You enter into Israel's past even more +fully than many of her own sons." + +Cragmore thrust out his hand, in his quick, nervous way, with an +impetuous gesture. + +"Why, man!" he cried, relapsing unconsciously into the broad brogue of +his childhood, "we hold sacred with you the heritage of your past. We +look up with you to the same God, the Father; we confess a common faith +till we stand at the foot of the cross. There is no great barrier +between us--only a step--one step farther for you to take, and we stand +side by side!" + +He laid his hand on David's, and looked into his eyes with an +expression of tender pleading as he added: + +"O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has revealed +himself to me! I pray you may! I do pray you may!" + +It was the first time in David's life any one had ever said such a thing +to him. He sat back in his corner of the seat, at loss for an answer. It +put an end to their conversation for a while. Cragmore felt that his +sympathy had carried him to the point of giving offense. He was relieved +when Dr. Bascom beckoned him to share his seat. + +After a while, as the train sped on into the darkness, the passengers +subsided in to sleepy indifference. It seemed hours afterward when Mr. +Marion clapped him on the shoulder, saying briskly, "Wake up, old +fellow, we are getting into Chattanooga." + +"Let us go in with banners flying," said Dr. Bascom. "I understand that +every car-full that has come in, from Maine to Mexico, has come +singing." + +The lights of the city, twinkling through the car-windows, aroused the +sleepy passengers with a sense of pleasant anticipations, and when they +steamed slowly into the crowded depot, it was as "pilgrims singing in +the night." + +In the general confusion of the arrival, Mr. Marion lost sight of David. + +"It's too bad!" he exclaimed, in a disappointed tone. "I intended to ask +him to drive to Missionary Ridge with us to-morrow, and I wanted to +introduce him to you, Bethany." + +"I'm very glad you didn't have the opportunity, Cousin Frank," she said, +as she followed him through the depot gates. "He may be very agreeable, +and all that, but he's a Jew, and I don't care to make his +acquaintance." + +The handle of the umbrella she was carrying came in collision with some +one behind her. + +"I beg your pardon," she said, turning in her gracious, high-bred way. + +The gentleman raised his hat. It was David Herschel. A stylish-looking +little school-girl was clinging to his arm, and a gray-bearded man, whom +she recognized as Major Herrick, was walking just behind him. They had +come down from the mountain to meet him, and take him to Lookout Inn. As +their eyes met, Bethany was positive that he had overheard her remark. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +THE SUNRISE SERVICE ON "LOOKOUT." + + +BY some misunderstanding, Bethany and her cousins had been assigned to +different homes. + +"It is too late to make any change to-night," said Mrs. Marion, as they +left her. "We are only one block further up on this same street. We will +try to make some arrangement to-morrow to have you with us." + +Bethany followed her hostess into the wide reception-hall. One of the +most elegant homes of the South had opened its hospitable doors to +receive them. Ten delegates had preceded her, all as tired and +travel-stained as herself. + +During the introductions, Bethany mentally classified them as the most +uninteresting lot of people she had seen in a long time. + +"I believe you are the odd one of this party, Miss Hallam," said the +hostess, glancing over the assignment cards she held; "so I shall have +to ask you to take a very small room. It is one improvised for the +occasion; but you will probably be more comfortable here alone than in a +larger room with several others." + +It had never occurred to Bethany that she might have been asked to share +an apartment with some stranger, and she hastened to assure her hostess +of her appreciation of the little room, which, though very small indeed +compared with the great dimensions of the others, was quite comfortable +and attractive. + +"I have always been accustomed to being by myself," she said, "and it +makes no difference at all if it is so far away from the other +sleeping-rooms. I am not at all timid." + +Yet, when she had wearily locked her door, she realized that she had +never been so entirely alone before in all her life. Home seemed so very +far away. Her surroundings were so strange. Her extreme weariness +intensified her morbid feeling of loneliness. She remembered such a +sensation coming to her one night in mid-ocean, but she had tapped on +her state-room wall, and her father had come to her immediately. Now she +might call a weary lifetime. No earthly voice could ever reach him. + +With a throbbing ache in her throat, and hot tears springing to her +eyes, she opened her valise and took out a little photograph case of +Russia leather. Four pictured faces looked out at her. She was kneeling +before them, with her arms resting on the low dressing-table. As she +gazed at them intently, a tear splashed down on her black dress. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right," she sobbed, passionately, "for God +to take everything! It would have been so easy for him to let me keep +them. How could he be so cruel? How could he take away all that made my +life worth living, and then let little Jack suffer so?" + +She laid her head on her arms in a paroxysm of sobbing. Presently she +looked up again at her mother's picture. It was a beautiful face, very +like her own. It brought back all her happy childhood, that seemed +almost glorified now by the remembered halo of its devoted mother-love. + +The years had softened that grief, but it all came back to-night with +its old-time bitterness. + +The next face was little Jack's--a sturdy, wide-awake boy, with +mischievous dimples and laughing eyes. But the recollection of all he +had suffered since his accident, made her feel that she had lost him +also, in a way. The physician had assured her that he would be the same +vigorous, romping child again; but she found that hard to believe when +she thought of his present helpless condition. + +She pressed the next picture to her lips with trembling fingers, and +then looked lovingly into the eyes that seemed to answer her gaze with +one of steadfast, manly devotion. + +"O, it isn't right! It isn't right!" she sobbed again. How it all came +back to her--the happy June-time of her engagement!--the summer days +when she dreamed of him, the summer twilights when he came. Every detail +was burned into her aching memory, from the first bunch of violets he +brought her, to the judge's tender smile when she spread out all her +bridal array for him to see. Such shimmering lengths of the white, +trailing satin; such filmy clouds of the soft, white veil, destined +never to touch her fair hair! For there was the telegram, and afterward +the darkened room, and the darker hour, when she groped her way to a +motionless form, and knelt beside it alone. O, how she had clung to the +cold hands, and kissed the unresponsive lips, and turned away in an +agony of despair! But as she turned, her father's strong arms were +folded about her, and his broken voice whispered comfort. + +The dear father! It had been doubly desolate since he had gone, too. + +Kneeling there, with her head bowed on her arms, she seemed to face a +future that was utterly hopeless. Except that Jack needed her, she felt +that there was absolutely no reason why she should go on living. + +The ticking of her watch reminded her that it was nearly midnight. In a +mechanical way, she got up and began to arrange her hair for the night. + +After she had extinguished the light, she pulled aside the curtain, and +looked out on the unfamiliar streets. + +The moon had come up. In the dim light the crest of old Lookout towered +grimly above the horizon. A verse of one of the Psalms passed through +her mind: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh +my help." + +"No," she whispered, bitterly, "there is no help. God doesn't care. He +is too far away." + +As she went back to the bed, the words of the novice in Muloch's +"Benedetta Minelli" came to her: + + "O weary world, O heavy life, farewell! + Like a tired child that creeps into the dark + To sob itself asleep where none will mark, + So creep I to my silent convent cell." + +"I wish I could do that," she thought; "lock myself away with my +memories, and not be obliged to keep up this empty pretense of living, +just as if nothing were changed. It might not be so hard. How I dread +to-morrow, with its crowds of strange faces! O, why did I ever come?" + +Next morning, the guests gathered out on the vine-covered piazza to +discuss their plans for the day. + +There were two theological students from Boston, a young doctor from +Texas, and the son of a wealthy Louisiana planter. A Kansas farmer's +wife and her sister, a bright little schoolteacher from an Iowa village, +and three pretty Georgia girls, completed the party. + +Bethany sat a little apart from them, wondering how they could be so +greatly interested in such things as the most direct car-line to +Missionary Ridge, or the time it would take to "do" the old +battle-grounds. + +The youngest Georgia girl was about her own age. She had made several +attempts to include Bethany in the conversation, but mistaking her +reserve and indifference for haughtiness, turned to the Louisiana boy +with a remark about unsociable Northerners. + +Their frequent laughter reached Bethany, and she wondered, in a dull +way, how anybody could be light-hearted enough even to smile in such a +world full of heart-aches. Then she remembered that she had laughed +herself, the day before, when Mr. Cragmore was with them. It rather +puzzled her now to know how she could have done so. Her wakeful night +had left her unusually depressed. + +An open, two-seated carriage stopped at the gate. Mrs. Marion and George +Cragmore were on the back seat. Mr. Marion and Dr. Bascom sat with the +driver. Bethany had been waiting for them some time with her hat on, so +she went quickly out to meet them. Mr. Cragmore leaped over the wheel to +open the gate, and assist her to a seat between himself and Mrs. +Marion. + +They drove rapidly out towards Missionary Ridge. To Bethany's great +relief, neither of her companions seemed in a talkative mood. Mr. +Marion, who was an ardent Southerner, had been deep in a political +discussion with Dr. Bascom. As they stopped on the winding road, half +way up the ridge, to look down into the beautiful valley below, and +across to the purple summit of Lookout, Mr. Marion drew a long breath. +Then he took off his hat, saying, reverently, "The work of His fingers! +What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?" Then, after a long silence: +"How insignificant our little differences seem, Bascom, in the sight of +these everlasting hills! Let's change the subject." + +Mrs. Marion, absorbed in the beauty on every side, did not notice +Bethany's continued silence or Cragmore's spasmodic remarks. The fresh +air and brisk motion had somewhat aroused Bethany from her apathy. +First, she began to be interested in the constantly-changing view, and +then she noticed its effect on the erratic man beside her. + +From the time they commenced to ascend the ridge he had not spoken to +any one directly, but everything he saw seemed to suggest a quotation. +He repeated them unconsciously, as if he were all alone; some of them +dreamily, some of them with startling force, and all with the slight +brogue he spoke so musically. + +"Every common bush afire with God," he murmured in an undertone, looking +at a dusty wayside weed, with his soul in his eyes. + +Bethany thought to herself, afterwards, that if any other man of her +acquaintance had kept up such a steady string of disjointed quotations, +it would have been ridiculous. She never heard him do it again after +that day. It seemed as if the old battle-fields suggested thoughts that +could find no adequate expression save in words that immortal pens had +made deathless. + +The warm odor of ripe peaches floated out to them from grassy orchards, +where the trees were bent over with their wealth of velvety, +sun-reddened fruit. Seemingly, Cragmore had taken no notice of Bethany's +depression when she joined them, or of the soothing effect nature was +having on her sore heart. But she knew that he had seen it, when he +turned to her abruptly with a quotation that fitted her as well as his +first one had the wayside weed. He half sang it, with a tender, wistful +smile, as he watched her face. + + "O the green things growing, the green things growing-- + The faint, sweet smell of the green things growing! + I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve, + Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing, + For by many a tender touch, they comfort me so much, + With the soft, mute comfort of green things growing." + +Bethany wondered if her cousin Frank had told him of all she had +suffered, or if he had guessed it intuitively. Somehow she felt that he +had not been told, but that he had divined it. Yet when they stopped on +the Chickamauga battle-field, and she saw him go leaping across the +rough fields like an overgrown boy, she thought of her cousin Ray's +remark, "They used to call him the wild Irishman," and wondered at the +contradictory phases his character presented. She saw him pause and lay +his hand reverently on the largest cannon, and then come running back +across the furrows with long, awkward jumps. + +"What on earth did you do that for, Cragmore?" asked Mr. Marion, in his +teasing way. "The idea of keeping us waiting while you were racing +across a ten-acre lot to pat an old gun." + +"Old gun, is it?" was the laughing answer, yet there was a flash in his +eyes that belied the laugh. "Odds, man! it is one of the greatest +orators that ever roused a continent. I just wanted to lay my hands on +its dumb lips." He waved his arm with an exulting gesture. "Aye, but +they spoke in thunder-tones once, the day they spoke freedom to a race." + +He did not take his seat in the carriage for a while, but followed at a +little distance, ranging the woods on both sides; sometimes plunging +into a leafy hollow to examine the bark of an old tree where the shells +had plowed deep scars; sometimes dropping on his knees to brush away the +leaves from a tiny wild-flower, that any one but a true woodsman would +have passed with unseeing eyes. Once he brought a rare specimen up to +the carriage to ask its name. He had never seen one like it before. That +was the only one he gathered. + +"It's a pity to tear them up, when they would wither in just a few +hours," he said; "the solitary places are so glad for them." + +"He's a queer combination," said Dr. Bascom, as he watched him break a +little sprig of cedar from the stump of a battle-broken tree to put in +his card-case. "Sometimes he is the veriest clown; at others, a child +could not be more artless; and I have seen him a few times when he +seemed to be aroused into a spiritual giant. He fairly touched the +stars." + +Bethany was so tired by the morning's drive that she did not go to the +opening services in the big tent that afternoon. + +"Well, you missed it!" said Mr. Marion, when he came in after supper, +"and so did David Herschel." + +"Missed what?" inquired Bethany. + +"The mayor's address of welcome, this afternoon. You know he is a Jew. +Such a broad, fraternal speech must have been a revelation to a great +many of his audience. I tell you, it was fine! You're going to-night, +aren't you, Bethany?" + +"No," she answered, "I want to save myself for the sunrise +prayer-meeting on the mountain to-morrow. I saw the sun come up over the +Rigi once. It is a sight worth staying up all night to see." + +It was about two o'clock in the morning when they started up the +mountain by rail. The cars were crowded. People hung on the straps, +swaying back and forth in the aisles, as the train lurched around sudden +curves. Notwithstanding the early hour, and the discomfort of their +position, they sang all the way up the mountain. + +"Cousin Ray," said Bethany, "do tell me how these people can sing so +constantly. The last thing I heard last night before I went to sleep was +the electric street-car going past the house, with a regular hallelujah +chorus on board. Do you suppose they really feel all they sing? How can +they keep worked up to such a pitch all the time?" + +"You should have been at the tent last night, dear," answered Mrs. +Marion. "Then you would have gotten into the secret of it. There is an +inspiration in great numbers. The audiences we are having there are said +to be the greatest ever gathered south of the Ohio. Our League at home +has been doing very faithful work, but I couldn't help wishing last +night that every member could have been present. To see ten thousand +faces lit up with the same interest and the same hope, to hear the +battle-cry, 'All for Christ,' and the Amen that rolled out in response +like a volley of ten thousand musketry, would have made them feel like a +little, straggling company of soldiers suddenly awakened to the fact +that they were not fighting single-handed, but that all that great army +were re-enforcing them. More than that, these were only the +advance-guard, for over a million young people are enlisted in the same +cause. Think of that, Bethany--a million leagued together just in +Methodism! Then, when you count with them all the Christian Endeavor +forces, and the Baptist Unions, and the King's Daughters and Sons, and +the Young Men's Christian Associations, and the Brotherhood of St. +Andrew, it looks like the combined power ought to revolutionize the +universe in the next decade." + +"Then you think it is an inspiration of the crowds that makes them sing +all the time," said Bethany. + +"By no means!" answered Mrs. Marion. "To be sure, it has something to do +with it; but to most of this vast number of young people, their religion +is not a sentiment to be fanned into spasmodic flame by some excitement. +It is a vital force, that underlies every thought and every act. They +will sing at home over their work, and all by themselves, just as +heartily as they do here. I remember seeing in Westminster Abbey, one +time, the profiles of John and Charles Wesley put side by side on the +same medallion. I have thought, since then, it is only a half-hearted +sort of Methodism that does not put the spirit of both brothers into its +daily life--that does not wing its sermons with its songs." + +Hundreds of people had already gathered on the brow of the mountain, +waiting the appointed hour. Mr. Marion led the way to a place where +nature had formed a great amphitheater of the rocks. They seated +themselves on a long, narrow ledge, overlooking the valley. They were +above the clouds. Such billows of mist rolled up and hid the sleeping +earth below that they seemed to be looking out on a boundless ocean. The +world and its petty turmoils were blotted out. There was only this one +gray peak raising its solitary head in infinite space. It was still and +solemn in the early light. They spoke together almost in whispers. + +"I can not believe that any man ever went up into a mountain to pray +without feeling himself drawn to a higher spiritual altitude," said Dr. +Bascom. + +Frank Marion looked around on the assembled crowds, and then said +slowly: + +"Once a little band of five hundred met the risen Lord on a +mountain-side in Galilee, and were sent away with the promise, 'Lo, I am +with you alway!' Think what they accomplished, and then think of the +thousands here this morning that may go back to the work of the valley +with the same promise and the same power! There ought to be a wonderful +work accomplished for the Master this year." + +Cragmore, who had walked away a little distance from the rest, and was +watching the eastern sky, turned to them with his face alight. + +"See!" he cried, with the eagerness of a child, and yet with the +appreciation of a poet shining in his eyes; "the wings of the morning +rising out of the uttermost parts of the sea." + +He pointed to the long bars of light spreading like great flaming +pinions above the horizon. The dawn had come, bringing a new heaven and +a new earth. In the solemn hush of the sunrise, a voice began to sing, +"Nearer, my God, to thee." + +It was as in the days of the old temple. They had left the outer courts +and passed up into an inner sanctuary, where a rolling curtain of cloud +seemed to shut them in, till in that high Holy of Holies they stood face +to face with the Shekinah of God's presence. + +Bethany caught her breath. There had been times before this when, +carried along by the impetuous eloquence of some sermon or prayer, every +fiber of her being seemed to thrill in response. In her childlike +reaching out towards spiritual things, she had had wonderful glimpses of +the Fatherhood of God. She had gone to him with every experience of her +young life, just as naturally and freely as she had to her earthly +father. But when beside the judge's death-bed she pleaded for his life +to be spared to her a little longer, and her frenzied appeals met no +response, she turned away in rebellious silence. "She would pray no more +to a dumb heaven," she said bitterly. Her hope had been vain. + +Now, as she listened to songs and prayers and testimony, she began to +feel the power that emanated from them,--the power of the Spirit, +showing her the Father as she had never known him before: the Father +revealed through the Son. + +Below, the mists began to roll away until the hidden valley was revealed +in all its morning loveliness. But how small it looked from such a +height! Moccasin Bend was only a silver thread. The outlying forests +dwindled to thickets. + +Bethany looked up. The mists began to roll away from her spiritual +vision, and she saw her life in relation to the eternities. Self +dwindled out of sight. There was no bitterness now, no childish +questioning of Divine purposes. The blind Bartimeus by the wayside, +hearing the cry, "Jesus of Nazareth passeth by," and, groping his way +towards "the Light of the world," was no surer of his dawning vision +than Bethany, as she joined silently in the prayer of consecration. She +saw not only the glory of the June sunrise; for her the "Sun of +righteousness had arisen, with healing in his wings." + +People seemed loath to go when the services were over. They gathered in +little groups on the mountain-side, or walked leisurely from one point +of view to another, drinking in the rare beauty of the morning. + +Bethany walked on without speaking. She was a little in advance of the +others, and did not notice when the rest of her party were stopped by +some acquaintances. Absorbed in her own thoughts, she turned aside at +Prospect Point, and walked out to the edge. As she looked down over the +railing, the refrain of one of the songs that had been sung so +constantly during the last few days, unconsciously rose to her lips. She +hummed it softly to herself, over and over, "O, there's sunshine in my +soul to-day." + +So oblivious was she of all surroundings that she did not hear Frank +Marion's quick step behind her. He had come to tell her they were going +down the mountain by the incline. + +"O, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine!" The words came softly, almost +under her breath; but he heard them, and felt with a quick heart-throb +that some thing unusual must have occurred to bring any song to her +lips. + +"O Bethany!" he exclaimed, "do you mean it, child? Has the light come?" + +The face that she turned towards him was radiant. She could find no +words wherewith to tell him her great happiness, but she laid her hands +in his, and the tears sprang to her eyes. + +"Thank God! Thank God!" he exclaimed, with a tremor in his strong voice. +"It is what I have been praying for. Now you see why I urged you to +come. I knew what a mountain-top of transfiguration this would be." + +Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, David Herschel had looked around +with great curiosity on the gathering thousands. It was only a little +distance from the inn, and he had come down hoping to discover the real +motive that had brought these people together from such vast distances. +He wondered what power their creed contained that could draw them to +this meeting at such an early hour. + +He had felt as keenly as Cragmore the sublimity of the sunrise. He felt, +too, the uplifting power of the old hymn, that song drawn from the +experience of Jacob at Bethel, that seemed to lift every heart nearer to +the Eternal. + +He was deeply stirred as the leader began to speak of the mountain +scenes of the Bible, of Abraham's struggles at Moriah, of Horeb's +burning bush, of Sinai and Nebo, of Mount Zion with its thousand +hallowed memories. So far the young Jew could follow him, but not to +the greater heights of the Mountain of Beatitudes, of Calvary, or of +Olivet. + +He had never heard such prayers as the ones that followed. Although +there can be found no sublimer utterances of worship, no humbler +confessions of penitence or more lofty conceptions of Jehovah, than are +bound in the rituals of Judaism, these simple outpourings of the heart +were a revelation to him. + +There came again the fulfillment of the deathless words, "And I, if I be +lifted up, will draw all men unto me!" O, how the lowly Nazarene was +lifted up that morning in that great gathering of his people! How his +name was exalted! All up and down old Lookout Mountain, and even across +the wide valley of the Tennessee, it was echoed in every song and +prayer. + +When the testimony service began, David turned from one speaker to +another. What had they come so far to tell? From every State in the +Union, from Canada, and from foreign shores, they brought only one +story--"Behold the Lamb of God!" In spite of himself, the young Jew's +heart was strangely drawn to this uplifted Christ. Suddenly he was +startled by a ringing voice that cried: "I am a converted Jew. I was +brought to Christ by a little girl--a member of the Junior League. I +have given up wife, mother, father, sisters, brothers, and fortune, but +I have gained so much that I can say from the depths of my soul, 'Take +all the world, but give me Jesus.' I have consecrated my life to his +service." + +David changed his position in order to get a better view of the speaker. +He scrutinized him closely. He studied his face, his dress, even his +attitude, to determine, if possible, the character of this new witness. +He saw a man of medium height, broad forehead, and firm mouth over which +drooped a heavy, dark mustache. There was nothing fanatical in the calm +face or dignified bearing. His eyes, which were large, dark, and +magnetic, met David's with a steady gaze, and seemed to hold them for a +moment. + +With a lawyer-like instinct, David longed to probe this man with +questions. As he went back to the inn, he resolved to hunt up his +history, and find what had induced him to turn away from the faith. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +AN EPWORTH JEW. + + +NEARLY every northern-bound mail-train, since Bethany's arrival in +Chattanooga, had carried something home to Jack--a paper, a postal, +souvenirs from the battle-fields, or views of the mountain. Knowing how +eagerly he watched for the postman's visits, she never let a day pass +without a letter. Saturday morning she even missed part of the services +at the tent in order to write to him. + +"I have just come back from Grant University," she wrote. "Cousin Frank +was so interested in the Jew who spoke at the sunrise meeting yesterday, +because he said a little Junior League girl had been the means of his +conversion, that he arranged for an interview with him. His name is +Lessing. Cousin Frank asked me to go with him to take the conversation +down in shorthand for the League. I haven't time now to give all the +details, but will tell them to you when I come home." + +Bethany had been intensely interested in the man's story. They sat out +on one of the great porches of the university, with the mountains in +sight. They had drawn their chairs aside to a cool, shady corner, where +they would not be interrupted by the stream of people constantly passing +in and out. + +"It is for the children you want my story," he said; "so they must know +of my childhood. It was passed in Baltimore. My father was the strictest +of orthodox Jews, and I was very faithfully trained in the observances +of the law. He taught me Hebrew, and required a rigid adherence to all +the customs of the synagogue." + +Bethany rapidly transcribed his words, as he told many interesting +incidents of his early home life. He had come to Chattanooga for +business reasons, married, and opened a store in St. Elmo, at the foot +of Mount Lookout. He was very fond of children, and made friends with +all who came into the store. There was one little girl, a fair, +curly-haired child, who used to come oftener than the others. She grew +to love him dearly, and, in her baby fashion, often talked to him of +the Junior League, in which she was deeply interested. + +Her distress when she discovered that he did not love Christ was +pitiful. She insisted so on his going to Church, that one morning he +finally consented, just to please her. The sermon worried him all day. +It had been announced that the evening service would be a continuation +of the same subject. He went at night, and was so impressed with the +truth of what he heard, that when the child came for him to go to +prayer-meeting with her the next week, he did not refuse. + +Towards the close of the service the minister asked if any one present +wished to pray for friends. The child knelt down beside Mr. Lessing, and +to his great embarrassment began to pray for him. "O Lord, save Brother +Lessing!" was all she said, but she repeated it over and over with such +anxious earnestness, that it went straight to his heart. + +He dropped on his knees beside her, and began praying for himself. It +was not long until he was on his feet again, joyfully confessing the +Christ he had been taught to despise. In the enthusiasm of this +new-found happiness he went home and tried to tell his wife of the +Messiah he had accepted, but she indignantly refused to listen. For +months she berated and ridiculed him. When she found that not only were +tears and arguments of no avail, but that he felt he must consecrate his +life to the ministry, she declared she would leave him. He sold the +store, and gave her all it brought; and she went back to her family in +Florida. + +In order to prepare for the ministry he entered the university, working +outside of study hours at anything he could find to do. In the meantime +he had written to his parents, knowing how greatly they would be +distressed, yet hoping their great love would condone the offense. + +His father's answer was cold and businesslike. He said that no disgrace +could have come to him that could have hurt him so deeply as the +infidelity of his trusted son. If he would renounce this false faith for +the true faith of his fathers, he would give him forty thousand dollars +outright, and also leave him a legacy of the same amount. But should he +refuse the offer, he should be to him as a stranger--the doors of both +his heart and his house should be forever barred against him. + +His mother, with a woman's tact, sent the pictures of all the family, +whom he had not seen for several years. Their faces called up so many +happy memories of the past that they pleaded more eloquently than words. +It was a sweet, loving letter she wrote to her boy, reminding him of all +they had been to each other, and begging him for her sake to come back +to the old faith. But right at the last she wrote: "If you insist on +clinging to this false Christ, whom we have taught you to despise, the +heart of your father and of your mother must be closed against you, and +you must be thrust out from us forever with our curse upon you." + +He knew it was the custom. He had been present once when the awful +anathema was hurled at a traitor to the faith, withdrawing every right +from the outlaw, living or dead. He knew that his grave would be dug in +the Jewish cemetery in Baltimore; that the rabbi would read the rites of +burial over his empty coffin, and that henceforth his only part in the +family life would be the blot of his disgraceful memory. + +He spread the pictures and the letters on the desk before him. A cold +perspiration broke out on his forehead, as he realized the hopelessness +of the alternative offered him. One by one he took up the photographs of +his brothers and sisters, looked at them long and fondly, and laid them +aside; then his father's, with its strong, proud face. He put that away, +too. + +At last he picked up his mother's picture. She looked straight out at +him, with such a world of loving tenderness in the smiling eyes, with +such trustful devotion, as if she knew he could not resist the appeal, +that he turned away his head. The trial seemed greater than he could +bear. He was trembling with the force of it. Then he looked again into +the dear, patient face, till his eyes grew too dim to see. It was the +same old mother who had nursed him, who had loved him, who had borne +with his waywardness and forgiven him always. He seemed to feel the soft +touch of her lips on his forehead as she bent over to give him a +goodnight kiss. All that she had ever done for him came rushing through +his memory so overwhelmingly that he broke down utterly, and began to +sob like a child. "O, I can't give her up," he groaned. "My dear old +mother! I can't grieve her so!" + +All that morning he clung to her picture, sometimes walking the floor in +his agony, sometimes falling on his knees to pray. "God in heaven have +pity," he cried. "That a man should have to choose between his mother +and his Christ!" At last he rose, and, with one more long look at the +picture, laid it reverently away with shaking hands. He had surrendered +everything. + +He did not tell all this to his sympathizing listeners. They could read +part of the pathos of that struggle in his face, part in the voice that +trembled occasionally, despite his strong effort to control it. + +Frank Marion's thoughts went back to his own gentle mother in the old +homestead among the green hills of Kentucky. As he thought of the great +pillar of strength her unfaltering faith had been to him, of how from +boyhood it had upheld and comforted and encouraged him, of how much he +had always depended upon her love and her prayers, his sympathies were +stirred to their depths. He reached out and took Lessing's hand in his +strong grasp. + +"God help you, brother!" he said, fervently. + +Bethany turned her head aside, and looked away into the hazy distances. +She knew what it meant to feel the breaking of every tie that bound her +best beloved to her. She knew what it was to have only pictured faces to +look into, and lay away with the pain of passionate longing. The +question flashed into her mind, could she have made the voluntary +surrender that he had made? She put it from her with a throb of shame +that she was glad that she had not been so tested. + +Some acquaintance of Mr. Marion, passing down the steps, recognized him, +and called back: + +"What time does your speech come on the program, Frank? I understand you +are to hold forth to-day." + +Mr. Marion hastily excused himself for a moment, to speak to his friend. + +Bethany sat silent, thinking intently, while she drew unmeaning dots and +dashes over the cover of her note-book. + +Mr. Lessing turned to her abruptly. "Did you ever speak to a Jew about +your Savior?" he asked, with such startling directness, that Bethany was +confused. + +"No," she said, hesitatingly. + +"Why?" he asked. + +He was looking at her with a penetrating gaze that seemed to read her +thoughts. + +"Really," she answered, "I have never considered the question. I am not +very well acquainted with any, for one reason; besides, I would have +felt that I was treading on forbidden grounds to speak to a Jew about +religion. They have always seemed to me to be so intrenched in their +beliefs, so proof against argument, that it would be both a useless and +thankless undertaking." + +"They may seem invulnerable to arguments," he answered, "but nobody is +proof against a warm, personal interest. Ah, Miss Hallam, it seems a +terrible thing to me. The Church will make sacrifices, will cross the +seas, will overcome almost any obstacle to send the gospel to China or +to Africa, anywhere but to the Jews at their elbows. O, of course, I +know there are a few Hebrew missions, scattered here and there through +the large cities, and a few earnest souls are devoting their entire +energy to the work. But suppose every Christian in the country became an +evangel to the little community of Jews within the radius of his +influence. Suppose a practical, prayerful, individual effort were made +to show them Christ, with the same zeal you expend in sending 'the old +story' to the Hottentots. What would be the result? O, if I had waited +for a grown person to speak to me about it, I might have waited until +the day of my death. I was restless. I was dissatisfied. I felt that I +needed something more than my creed could give me. For what is Judaism +now? I read an answer not long ago: 'A religion of sacrifice, to which, +for eighteen centuries, no sacrifice has been possible; a religion of +the Passover and the Day of Atonement, on which, for well-nigh two +millenniums, no lamb has been slain and no atonement offered; a +sacerdotal religion, with only the shadow of a priesthood; a religion of +a temple which has no temple more; its altar is quenched, its ashes +scattered, no longer kindling any enthusiasm, nor kindled by any +hope.'[A] No man ever took me by the hand and told me about the peace I +have now. No man ever shared with me his hope, or pointed out the way +for me to find it. If it had not been for the blessed guiding influence +of a little child, my hungry heart might still be crying out +unsatisfied." + +He went on to repeat several conversations he had had with men of his +own race, to show her how this indifference of Christians was reckoned +against them as a glaring inconsistency by the Jews. Almost as if some +one had spoken the words to her, she seemed to hear the condemnation, "I +was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me no +drink. I was a stranger, and ye took me not in. Inasmuch as ye did it +not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not to me." + +Strange as it may seem, Bethany's interpretation of that Scripture had +always been in a temporal sense. More than once, when a child, she had +watched her mother feed some poor beggar, with the virtuous feeling that +that condemnation could not apply to the Hallam family. But now +Lessing's impassioned appeal had awakened a different thought. Who so +hungered as those who, reaching out for bread, grasped either the stones +of a formal ritualism or the abandoned hope of prophecy unfulfilled? Who +such "strangers within the gates" of the nations as this race without a +country? From the brick-kilns of Pharaoh to the willows of Babylon, from +the Ghetto of Rome to the fagot-fires along the Rhine, from Spanish +cruelties to English extortions, they had been driven--exiles and +aliens. The New World had welcomed them. The New World had opened all +its avenues to them. Only from the door of Christian society had they +turned away, saying, "I was a stranger, and ye took me not in." + +In the pause that followed, Bethany's heart went out in an earnest +prayer: "O God, in the great day of thy judgment, let not that +condemnation be mine. Only send me some opportunity, show me some way +whereby I may lead even one of the least among them to the world's +Redeemer!" + +Mr. Marion came back from his interview, looking at his watch as he did +so. It was so near time for services to begin at the tent, that he did +not resume his seat. + +"We may never meet again, Mr. Lessing," said Bethany, holding out her +hand as she bade him good-bye. "So I want to tell you before I go, what +an impression this conversation has made upon me. It has aroused an +earnest desire to be the means of carrying the hope that comforts me, +to some one among your people." + +"You will succeed," he said, looking into her earnest upturned face. +Then he added softly, in Hebrew, the old benediction of an olden +day--"Peace be unto you." + +All that day, after the sunrise meeting, David Herschel had been with +Major Herrick, going over the battle-fields, and listening to personal +reminiscences of desperate engagements. A monument was to be erected on +the spot where nearly all the major's men had fallen in one of the most +hotly-contested battles of the war. He had come down to help locate the +place. + +"It's a very different reception they are giving us now," remarked the +major, as they drove through the city. + +Epworth League colors were flying in all directions. Every street +gleamed with the white and red banners of the North, crossed with the +white and gold of the South. + +"Chattanooga is entertaining her guests royally; people of every +denomination, and of no faith at all, are vying with each other to show +the kindliest hospitality. We are missing it by being at the hotel. I +told Mrs. Herrick and the girls I would meet them at the tent this +evening. Will you come, too?" + +"No, thank you," replied David, "my curiosity was satisfied this +morning. I'll go on up to the inn. I have a letter to write." + +The major laughed. + +"It's a letter that has to be written every day, isn't it?" he said, +banteringly. "Well, I can sympathize with you, my boy. I was young +myself once. Conferences aren't to be taken into account at all when a +billet-doux needs answering." + +The next day David kept Marta with him as much as possible. He could see +that she was becoming greatly interested, and catching much of Albert +Herrick's enthusiasm. The boy was a great League worker, and attended +every meeting. + +David took Marta a long walk over the mountain paths. They sat on the +wide, vine-hung veranda of the inn, and read together. Then, as it was +their Sabbath, he took her up to his room, and read some of the ritual +of the day, trying to arouse in her some interest for the old customs of +their childhood. + +To his great dismay, he found that she had drifted away from him. She +was not the yielding child she had been, whom he had been able to +influence with a word. + +She showed a disposition to question and contend, that annoyed him. The +rabbi was right. She had been left too long among contaminating +influences. + +It was with a feeling of relief that he woke Sunday morning to hear the +rain beating violently against the windows. He was glad on her account +that the storm would prevent them going down into the city. But toward +evening the sun came out, and Frances Herrick began to insist on going +down to the night service in the tent. + +"It is the last one there will be!" she exclaimed. "I wouldn't miss it +for anything." + +"Neither would I," responded Marta. "There is something so inspiring in +all that great chorus of voices." + +When David found that his sister really intended to go, notwithstanding +his remonstrances, and that the family were waiting for her in the hall +below, he made no further protest, but surprised her by taking his hat, +and tucking her hand in his arm. + +"Then I will go with you, little sister," he said. "I want to have as +much of your company as possible during my short visit." + +Albert Herrick, who was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, +divined David's purpose in keeping his sister so close. He lifted his +eyebrows slightly as he turned to take his mother's wraps, leaving +Frances to follow with the major. + +The tent was crowded when they reached it. They succeeded with great +difficulty in obtaining several chairs in one of the aisles. + +"Herschel and I will go back to the side," said Albert. "The audience +near the entrance is constantly shifting, and we can slip into the first +vacant seat; some will be sure to get tired and go out before long. They +always do." + +It was the first time David had been in the tent, and he was amazed at +the enormous audience. He leaned against one of the side supports, +watching the people, still intent on crowding forward. Suddenly his look +of idle curiosity changed to one of lively interest. He recognized the +face of the Jew who had attracted him in the mountain meeting. Isaac +Lessing was in the stream of people pressing slowly towards him. + +Nearer and nearer he came. The crowd at the door pushed harder. The +fresh impetus jostled them almost off their feet, and in the crush +Lessing was caught and held directly in front of David. Some magnetic +force in the eyes of each held the gaze of the other for a moment. Then +Lessing, recognizing the common bond of blood, smiled. + +That ringing cry, "I am a converted Jew," had sounded in David's ears +ever since it first startled him. He felt confident that the man was +laboring under some strong delusion, and he wished that he might have an +opportunity to dispel it by skillful arguments, and win him back to the +old faith. + +Seized by an impulse as sudden as it was irresistible, he laid his hand +on the stranger's arm. + +"I want to speak with you," he said, hurriedly, and in a low tone. "Come +this way. I will not detain you long." + +He drew him out of the press into one of the side aisles, and thence +towards the exit. + +"Will you walk a few steps with me?" he asked; "I want to ask you +several questions." + +Lessing complied quietly. + +The sound of a cornet followed them with the pleading notes of an old +hymn. It was like the mighty voice of some archangel sounding a call to +prayer. Then the singing began. Song after song rolled out on the night +air across the common to a street where two men paced back and forth in +the darkness. They were arm in arm. David was listening to the same +story that Bethany and Frank Marion had heard the day before. He could +not help but be stirred by it. Lessing's voice was so earnest, his faith +was so sure. When he was through, David was utterly silenced. The +questions with which he had intended to probe this man's claims were +already answered. + +"We might as well go back," he said at last. As they walked slowly +towards the tent, he said: "I can't understand you. I feel all the time +that you have been duped in some way; that you are under the spell of +some mysterious power that deludes you." + +Just as they passed within the tent, the cornet sounded again, the +great congregation rose, and ten thousand voices went up as one: + + "All hail the power of Jesus' name, + Let angels prostrate fall!" + +The sight was a magnificent one; the sound like an ocean-beat of praise. +Lessing seized David's arm. + +"That is the power!" he exclaimed. "Not only does it uplift all these +thousands you see here, but millions more, all over this globe. It is +nearly two thousand years since this Jesus was known among men. Could he +transform lives to-night, as mine has been transformed, if his power +were a delusion? What has brought them all these miles, if not this same +power? Look at the class of people who have been duped, as you call it." +He pointed to the platform. "Bishops, college presidents, editors, men +of marked ability and with world-wide reputation for worth and +scholarship." + +At the close of the hymn some one moved over, and made room for David on +one of the benches. Lessing pushed farther to the front. David listened +to all that was said with a sort of pitying tolerance, until the sermon +began. The bishop's opening words caught his attention, and echoed in +his memory for months afterward. + +"Paul knew Christ as he had studied him, and as he appeared to him when +he did not believe in him--when he despised him. Then he also knew +Christ after his surrender to him; after Christ had entered into his +life, and changed the character of his being; after new meanings of life +and destiny filled his horizon, after the Divine tenderness filled to +completeness his nature; then was he in possession of a knowledge of +Christ, of an experience of his presence and of his love that was a +benediction to him, and has through the centuries since that hour been a +blessing to men wherever the gospel has been preached. + +"It is such a man speaking in this text. A man with a singularly strong +mind, well disciplined, with great will-power; a man with a great +ancestry; a man with as mighty a soul as ever tabernacled in flesh and +blood. He proclaimed everywhere that, if need be, he was ready to die +for the principles out of which had come to him a new life, and which +had brought to his heart experiences so rich and so overwhelming in +happiness, that he was led to do and undertake what he knew would lead +at the last to a martyr's death and crown. Why? Hear him: 'For the love +of Christ constraineth us.'" + +There was a testimony service following the sermon. As David watched the +hundreds rising to declare their faith, he wondered why they should thus +voluntarily come forward as witnesses. Then the text seemed to repeat +itself in answer, "For the love of Christ constraineth us!" + +He dreamed of Lessing and Paul all night. He was glad when the +conference was at an end; when the decorations were taken down from the +streets, and the last car-load of irrepressible enthusiasts went singing +out of the city. + +Albert Herrick went to the seashore that week. David proposed taking +Marta home with him; but her objections were so heartily re-enforced by +the whole family that he quietly dropped the subject, and went back to +Rabbi Barthold alone. + +FOOTNOTE: + +[A] Archdeacon Farrar. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"TRUST." + + "Alas! we can not draw habitual breath in the thin air + of life's supremer heights. We can not make each meal + a sacrament."--Lowell. + + +IT had seemed to Bethany, in the experience of that sunrise on Lookout +Mountain, she could never feel despondent again; but away from the +uplifting influences of the place, back among the painful memories of +the old home, she fought as hard a fight with her returning doubts as +ever Christian did in his Valley of Humiliation. + +For a week since her return the weather had been intensely warm. It made +Jack irritable, and sapped her own strength. + +There came a day when everything went wrong. She had practiced her +shorthand exercises all morning, until her head ached almost beyond +endurance. The grocer presented a bill much larger than she had +expected. While he was receipting it, a boy came to collect for the +gas, and there were only two dimes left in her purse. Then Jack upset a +little cut-glass vase that was standing on the table beside him. It was +broken beyond repair, and the water ruined the handsome binding of a +borrowed book that would have to be replaced. + +About noon Dr. Trent called to see Jack. He had brought a new kind of +brace that he wanted tried. + +"It will help him amazingly," he said, "but it is very expensive." + +Bethany's heart sank. She thought of the pipes that had sprung a leak +that morning, of the broken pump, and the empty flour-barrel. She could +not see where all the money they needed was to come from. + +"It's too small," said the doctor, after a careful trial of the brace. +"The size larger will be just the thing. I will bring it in the +morning." + +He wiped his forehead wearily as he stopped on the threshold. + +"A storm must be brewing," he remarked. "It is so oppressively sultry." + +It was not many hours before his prediction was verified by a sudden +windstorm that came up with terrific force. The trees in the avenue were +lashed violently back and forth until they almost swept the earth. Huge +limbs were twisted completely off, and many were left broken and +hanging. It was followed by hail and a sudden change of temperature, +that suggested winter. The roses were all beaten off the bushes, their +pink petals scattered over the soaked grass. The porch was covered with +broken twigs and wet leaves. + +As night dropped down, the trees bordering the avenue waved their green, +dripping boughs shiveringly towards the house. + +"How can it be so cold and dreary in July?" inquired Jack. "Let's have a +fire in the library and eat supper there to-night." + +Bethany shivered. It had been the judge's favorite room in the winter, +on account of its large fireplace, with its queer, old-fashioned tiling. +She rarely went in there except to dust the books or throw herself in +the big arm-chair to cry over the perplexities that he had always +shielded her from so carefully. But Jack insisted, and presently the +flames went leaping up the throat of the wide chimney, filling the room +with comfort and the cheer of genial companionship. + +"Look!" cried Jack, pointing through the window to the bright reflection +of the fire in the garden outside. "Don't you remember what you read me +in 'Snowbound?' + + 'Under the tree, + When fire outdoors burns merrily, + There the witches are making tea.' + +This would be a fine night for witch stories. The wind makes such queer +noises in the chimney. Let's tell 'em after supper, all the awful ones +we can think of, 'specially the Salem ones." + +As usual, Jack's wishes prevailed. Afterward, when Bethany had tucked +him snugly in bed, and was sitting alone by the fire, listening to the +queer noises in the chimney, she wished they had not dwelt so long on +such a grewsome subject. She leaned back in her father's great +arm-chair, with her little slippered feet on the brass fender, and her +soft hair pressed against the velvet cushions. Her white hands were +clasped loosely in her lap; small, helpless looking hands, little fitted +to cope with the burdens and responsibilities laid upon her. + +The judge had never even permitted her to open a door for herself when +he had been near enough to do it for her. But his love had made him +short-sighted. In shielding her so carefully, he did not see that he was +only making her more keenly sensitive to later troubles that must come +when he was no longer with her. Every one was surprised at the course +she determined upon. + +"I supposed, of course," said Mrs. Marion, "that you would try to teach +drawing or watercolors, or something. You have spent so much time on +your art studies, and so thoroughly enjoy that kind of work. Then those +little dinner-cards, and german favors you do, are so beautiful. I am +sure you have any number of friends who would be glad to give you +orders." + +"No, Cousin Ray," answered Bethany decidedly; "I must have something +that brings in a settled income, something that can be depended on. +While I have painted some very acceptable things, I never was cut out +for a teacher. I'd rather not attempt anything in which I can never be +more than third-rate. I've decided to study stenography. I am sure I can +master that, and command a first-class position. I have heard papa +complain a great many times of the difficulty in obtaining a really good +stenographer. Of the hundreds who attempt the work, such a small per +cent are really proficient enough to undertake court reporting." + +"You're just like your father," said Mrs. Marion. "Uncle Richard would +never be anything if he couldn't be uppermost." + +It had been nearly a year since that conversation. Bethany had +persevered in her undertaking until she felt confident that she had +accomplished her purpose. She was ready for any position that offered, +but there seemed to be no vacancies anywhere. The little sum in the bank +was dwindling away with frightful rapidity. She was afraid to encroach +on it any further, but the bills had to be met constantly. + +Presently she drew her chair over to the library table, and spread out +her check-book and memoranda under the student-lamp, to look over the +accounts for the month just ended. Then she made a list of the probable +expenses of the next two months. The contrast between their needs and +their means was appalling. + +"It will take every cent!" she exclaimed, in a distressed whisper. "When +the first of September comes, there will be nothing left but to sell +the old home and go away somewhere to a strange place." + +The prospect of leaving the dear old place, that had grown to seem +almost like a human friend, was the last drop that made the day's cup of +misery overflow. The old doubt came back. + +"I wonder if God really cares for us in a temporal way?" she asked +herself. + +The frightful tales of witchcraft that Jack had been so interested in, +recurred to her. Many of the people who had been so fearfully tortured +and persecuted as witches were Christians. God had not interfered in +their behalf, she told herself. Why should he trouble himself about her? + +She went back to her seat by the fender, and, with her chin resting in +her hand, looked drearily into the embers, as if they could answer the +question. She heard some one come up on the porch and ring the bell. It +was Dr. Trent's quick, imperative summons. + +"Jack in bed?" he asked, in his brisk way, as she ushered him into the +library. "Well, it makes no difference; you know how to adjust the +brace anyway. He will be able to sit up all day with that on." + +He gave an appreciative glance around the cheerful room, and spread his +hands out towards the fire. + +"Ah, that looks comfortable!" he exclaimed, rubbing them together. "I +wish I could stay and enjoy it with you. I have just come in from a long +drive, and must answer another call away out in the country. You'd be +surprised to find how damp and chilly it is out to-night." + +"I venture you never stopped at the boarding-house at all," answered +Bethany, "and that you have not had a mouthful to eat since noon. I am +going to get you something. Yes, I shall," she insisted, in spite of his +protestations. Luckily, Jack wanted the kettle hung on the crane +to-night, so that he could hear it sing as he used to. "The water is +boiling, and you shall have a cup of chocolate in no time." + +Before he could answer, she was out of the room, and beyond the reach of +his remonstrance. He sank into a big chair, and laying his gray head +back on the cushions, wearily closed his eyes. He was almost asleep when +Bethany came back. + +"The fire made me drowsy," he said, apologetically. "I was quite +exhausted by the intense heat of this morning. These sudden changes of +temperature are bad for one." + +"Why, my child!" he exclaimed, seeing the heavy tray she carried, "you +have brought me a regular feast. You ought not to have put yourself to +such trouble for an old codger used to boarding-house fare." + +"All the more reason why you should have a change once in a while," said +Bethany, gayly, as she filled the dainty chocolate-pot. + +The sight of the doctor's face as she entered the room had almost +brought the tears. It looked so worn and haggard. She had not noticed +before how white his hair was growing, or how deeply his face was lined. + +He had been such an intimate friend of her father's that she had grown +up with the feeling that some strong link of kinship certainly existed +between them. She had called him "Uncle Doctor" until she was nearly +grown. He had been so thoughtful and kind during all her troubles, and +especially in Jack's illness, that she longed to show her appreciation +by some of the tender little ministrations of which his life was so +sadly bare. + +"This is what I call solid comfort," he remarked, as he stretched his +feet towards the fire and leisurely sipped his chocolate. "I didn't +realize I was so tired until I sat down, or so hungry until I began to +eat." Then he added, wistfully, "Or how I miss my own fireside until I +feel the cheer of others'." + +The doubts that had been making Bethany miserable all evening, and that +she had forgotten in her efforts to serve her old friend, came back with +renewed force. + +"Does God really care?" she asked herself again. Here was this man, one +of the best she had ever known, left to stumble along under the weight +of a living sorrow, the things he cared for most, denied him. + +"Baxter Trent is one of the world's heroes," she had heard her father +say. + +There were two things he held dearer than life--the honor of the old +family name that had come down to him unspotted through generations, and +his little home-loving wife. For fifteen years he had experienced as +much of the happiness of home-life as a physician with a large practice +can know. Then word came to him from another city that his only brother +had killed a man in a drunken brawl, and then taken his own life, +leaving nothing but the memory of a wild career and a heavy debt. He had +borrowed a large amount from an unsuspecting old aunt, and left her +almost penniless. + +When Dr. Trent recovered from the first shock of the discovery, he +quietly set to work to wipe out the disgraceful record as far as lay in +his power, by assuming the debt. He could eradicate at least that much +of the stain on the family name. It had taken years to do it. Bethany +was not sure that it was yet accomplished, for another trial, worse than +the first, had come to weaken his strength and dispel his courage. + +The idolized little wife became affected by some nervous malady that +resulted in hopeless insanity. + +Bethany had a dim recollection of the doctor's daughter, a little +brown-eyed child of her own age. She could remember playing +hide-and-seek with her one day in an old peony-garden. But she had died +years ago. There was only one other child--Lee. He had grown to be a +big boy of ten now, but he was too young to feel his mother's loss at +the time she was taken away. Bethany knew that she was still living in a +private asylum near town, and that the doctor saw her every day, no +matter how violent she was. Lee was the one bright spot left in his +life. Busy night and day with his patients, he saw very little of the +boy. The child had never known any home but a boarding-house, and was as +lawless and unrestrained as some little wild animal. But the doctor saw +no fault in him. He praised the reports brought home from school of high +per cents in his studies, knowing nothing of his open defiance to +authority. He kissed the innocent-looking face on the pillow next his +own when he came in late at night, never dreaming of the forbidden +places it had been during the day. + +Everybody said, "Poor Baxter Trent! It's a pity that Lee is such a +little terror;" but no one warned him. Perhaps he would not have +believed them if they had. The thought of all this moved Bethany to +sudden speech. + +"Uncle Doctor," she broke out impetuously--she had unconsciously used +the old name--as she sat down on a low stool near his knee, "I was +piling up my troubles to-night before you came. Not the old ones," she +added, quickly, as she saw an expression of sympathy cross his face, +"but the new ones that confront me." + +She gave a mournful little smile. + +"'Coming events cast their shadow before,' you know, and these shadows +look so dark and threatening. I see no possible way but to sell this +home. You have had so much to bear yourself that it seems mean to worry +you with my troubles; but I don't know what to do, and I don't know +what's the matter with me--" + +She stopped abruptly, and choked back a sob. He laid his hand softly on +her shining hair. + +"Tell me all about it, child," he said, in a soothing tone. Then he +added, lightly, "I can't make a diagnosis of the case until I know all +the symptoms." + +When he had heard her little outburst of worry and distrust, he said, +slowly: + +"You have done all in your power to prepare yourself for a position as +stenographer. You have done all you could to secure such a position, and +have been unsuccessful. But you still have a roof over your head, you +still have enough on hands to keep you two months longer without selling +the house or even renting it--an arrangement that has not seemed to +occur to you." He smiled down into her disconsolate face. "It strikes me +that a certain little lass I know has been praying, 'Give us this day +our to-morrow's bread.' O Bethany, child, can you never learn to trust?" + +"But isn't it right for me to be anxious about providing some way to +keep the house?" she cried. "Isn't it right to plan and pray for the +future? You can't realize how it would hurt me to give up this place." + +"I think I can," he answered, gently. "You forget I have been called on +to make just such a sacrifice. You can do it, too, if it is what the +All-wise Father sees is best for you. Folks may not think me much of a +Christian. They rarely see me in Church--my profession does not allow +it. I am not demonstrative. It is hard for me to speak of these sacred +things, unless it is when I see some poor soul about to slip into +eternity; but I thank the good Father I know how to trust. No matter how +he has hurt me, I have been able to hang on to his promises, and say, +'All right, Lord. The case is entirely in your hands. Amputate, if it is +necessary; cut to the very heart, if you will. You know what is best.'" + +He pushed the long tray of dishes farther on the table, and, rising +suddenly, walked over to the book-shelves nearest the chimney. After +several moments' close scrutiny, he took out a well-worn book. + +"Ah, I thought it was here," he remarked. "I want to read you a passage +that caught my eyes in here once. I remember showing it to your father." + +He turned the pages rapidly till he found the place. Then seating +himself by the lamp again, he began to read: + +"It came to my mind a week or two ago, so full an' sweet an' precious +that I can hardly think of anything else. It was during them cold, +northeast winds; these winds had made my cough very bad, an' I was shook +all to bits, and felt very ill. My wife was sitting by my side, an' +once, when I had a sharp fit of it, she put down her work, an' looked at +me till her eyes filled with tears, an' she says, 'Frankie, Frankie, +whatever will become of us when you be gone?' She was making a warm +little petticoat for the little maid; so, after a minute or two, I took +hold of it, an' says, 'What are 'ee making, my dear?' She held it up +without a word; her heart was too full to speak. 'For the little maid?' +I says. 'An' a nice, warm thing, too. How comfortable it will keep her! +Does she know about it yet?' + +"'Know about it? Why, of course not,' said the wife, wondering. 'What +should she know about it for?' + +"I waited another minute, an' then I said: 'What a wonderful mother you +must be, wifie, to think about the little maid like that!' + +"'Wonderful, Frankie? Why, it would be more like wonderful if I forgot +that the cold weather was a-coming, and that the little maid would be +a-wanting something warm.' + +"So, then, you see, I had got her, my friends, and Frankie smiled. 'O +wife,' says I, 'do you think that you be going to take care o' the +little maid like that an' your Father in heaven be a-going to forget you +altogether? Come now (bless him!), isn't he as much to be trusted as you +are! An' do you think that he'd see the winter coming up sharp and cold, +an' not have something waiting for you, an' just what you want, too? +An' I know, dear wifie, that you wouldn't like to hear the little maid +go a-fretting, and saying: "There the cold winter be a-coming, an' +whatever shall I do if my mother should forget me?" Why, you'd be hurt +an' grieved that she should doubt you like that. She knows that you care +for her, an' what more does she need to know? That's enough to keep her +from fretting about anything. "Your heavenly Father knoweth that you +have need of all these things." That be put down in his book for you, +wifie, and on purpose for you; an' you grieve an' hurt him when you go +to fretting about the future, an' doubting his love.'" + +Dr. Trent closed the book, and looked into his listener's thoughtful +eyes. + +"There, Bethany," he said, "is the lesson I have learned. Nothing is +withheld that we really need. Sometimes I have thought that I was tried +beyond my power of endurance, but when His hand has fallen the heaviest, +His infinite fatherliness has seemed most near; and often, when I least +expected it, some great blessing has surprised me. I have learned, after +a long time, that when we put ourselves unreservedly in His hands, he +is far kinder to us than we would be to ourselves. + + 'Always hath the daylight broken, + Always hath he comfort spoken, + Better hath he been for years + Than my fears.' + +I can say from the bottom of my heart, Bethany, Though he slay me, yet +will I trust him." + +The tears had gathered in Bethany's eyes as she listened. Now she +hastily brushed them aside. The face that she turned toward her old +friend reminded him of a snowdrop that had caught a gleam of sunshine in +the midst of an April shower. + +"You have brushed away my last doubt and foreboding, Uncle Doctor!" she +exclaimed. "Really, I have been entertaining an angel unawares." + +The old clock in the hall sounded the half-hour chime, and he rose to +go. + +"You have beguiled me into staying much longer than I intended," he +answered. "What will my poor patients in the country think of such a +long delay?" + +"Tell them you have been opening blind eyes," she said, gravely. +"Indeed, Uncle Doctor, the knowledge that, despite all you have +suffered, you can still trust so implicitly, strengthens my faith more +than you can imagine." + +At the hall door he turned and took both her hands in his: + +"There is another thing to remember," he said. "You are only called on +to live one day at a time. One can endure almost any ache until sundown, +or bear up under almost any load if the goal is in sight. Travel only to +the mile-post you can see, my little maid. Don't worry about the ones +that mark the to-morrows." + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +TWO TURNINGS IN BETHANY'S LANE. + + "Sunshine and hope are comrades." + + +THE early morning light streaming into Bethany's room, aroused her to a +vague consciousness of having been in a storm the night before. Then she +remembered the garden roses beaten to earth by the hail, and the flood +of doubt and perplexity that had swept through her heart with such +overwhelming force. The same old problems confronted her; but they did +not assume such gigantic proportions in the light of this new day, with +its infinite possibilities. + +All the time she was dressing she heard Jack singing lustily in the next +room. He was impatient to try the new brace, and paused between solos to +exhort her to greater haste. She knelt just an instant by the low +window-seat. The prayer she made was one of the shortest she had ever +uttered, and one of the most heartfelt: "Give me this day my daily +bread." That was all; yet it included everything--strength, courage, +temporal help, disappointments or blessings--anything the dear Father +saw she needed in her spiritual growth. When she arose from her knees, +it was with a feeling of perfect security and peace. No matter what the +day might bring forth, she would take it trustingly, and be thankful. + +About an hour after breakfast she wheeled Jack to a front window. It was +growing very warm again. + +"It doesn't hurt me at all to sit up with this brace on," he said. "If +you like, I'll help you practice, while I watch people go by on the +street." He had often helped her gain stenographic speed by dictating +rapid sentences. He read too slowly to be of any service that way, but +he knew yards of nursery rhymes that he could repeat with amazing +rapidity. + +"I know there isn't a lawyer living that can make a speech as fast as I +can say the piece about 'Who killed Cock Robin,'" he remarked when he +first proposed such dictation; "and I can say the 'Peter Piper picked a +peck of pickled peppers' verse fast enough to make you dizzy." + +Bethany's pencil was flying as rapidly as the boy's tongue, when they +heard a cheery voice in the hall. + +"It's Cousin Ray!" cried Jack. "I have felt all morning that something +nice was going to happen, and now it has." Then he called out in a +tragic tone, "'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way +comes.'" + +"You saucy boy!" laughed Mrs. Marion, as she appeared in the doorway. "I +think he is decidedly better, Bethany; you need not worry about him any +longer." + +She stooped to kiss his forehead, and drop a great yellow pear in his +lap. + +"No; I haven't time to stay," she said, when Bethany insisted on taking +her hat. "I am to entertain the Missionary Society this afternoon, and +Dr. Bascom has given me an unusually long list of the 'sick and in +prison' kind to look after this month. It gives me an 'all out of +breath' sensation every time I think of all that ought to be attended +to." + +She dropped into a chair near a window, and picked up a fan. + +"You never could guess my errand," she began, hesitatingly. + +"I know it is something nice," said Jack, "from the way your eyes +shine." + +"I think it is fine," she answered; "but I don't know how it will +impress Bethany." + +She plunged into the subject abruptly. + +"The Courtney sisters want to come here to live." + +"The Courtney sisters!" echoed Bethany, blankly. "To live! In our house? +O Cousin Ray! I have realized for some time that we might have to give +up the dear old place; but I did hope that it need not be to strangers." + +"Why, they are not strangers, Bethany. They went to school with your +mother for years and years. You have heard of Harry and Carrie Morse, I +am sure." + +"O yes," answered Bethany, quickly. "They were the twins who used to do +such outlandish things at Forest Seminary. I remember, mamma used to +speak of them very often. But I thought you said it was the Courtney +sisters who wanted the house." + +"I did. They married brothers, Joe and Ralph Courtney, who were both +killed in the late war. They have been widows for over thirty years, +you see. They are just the dearest old souls! They have been away so +many, many years, of course you can't remember them. I did not know they +were in the city until last night. But just as soon as I heard that they +had come to stay, and wanted to go to housekeeping, I thought of you +immediately. I couldn't wait for the storm to stop. I went over to see +them in all that rain." + +"Well," prompted Bethany, breathlessly, as Mrs. Marion paused. + +She gave a quick glance around the room. She felt sick and faint, now +that the prospect of leaving stared her in the face. Yet she felt that, +since it had been unsolicited, there must be something providential in +the sending of such an opportunity. + +"O, they will be only too glad to come," resumed Mrs. Marion, "if you +are willing. They remembered the arrangement of the house perfectly, and +we planned it all out beautifully. Since Jack's accident you sleep +down-stairs anyhow. You could keep the library and the two smaller rooms +back of it, and may be a couple of rooms up-stairs. They would take the +rest of the house, and board you and Jack for the rent. Your bread and +butter would be assured in that way. They are model housekeepers, and +such a comfortable sort of bodies to have around, that I couldn't +possibly think of a nicer arrangement. Then you could devote your time +and strength to something more profitable than taking care of this big +house." + +"O, Cousin Ray!" was all the happy girl could gasp. Her voice faltered +from sheer gladness. "You can't imagine what a load you have lifted from +me. I love every inch of this place, every stone in its old gray walls. +I couldn't bear to think of giving it up. And, just to think! last +night, at the very time I was most despondent, the problem was being +solved. I can never thank you enough." + +"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Marion, as she rose to go. "No thanks are due +me, child. And Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, as everybody still calls +them, are just as anxious for such an arrangement as you can possibly +be. They'll be over to see you to-morrow, for they are quite anxious to +get settled. They have roamed about the world so long they begin to feel +that 'there's no place like home.' Jack, they've been in China and +Africa and the South Sea Islands. Think of the charming tales in store +for you!" + +"Goodness, Bethany!" exclaimed Jack, when she came back into the room +after walking to the gate with Mrs. Marion. "Your face shines as if +there was a light inside of you." + +"O, there is, Jackie boy," she answered, giving him an ecstatic hug. "I +am so very happy! It seems too good to be true." + +"Cousin Ray is awful good to us," remarked the boy, thoughtfully. "Seems +to me she is always busy doing something for somebody. She never has a +minute for herself. I remember, when I used to go up there, people kept +coming all day long, and every one of them wanted something. Why do you +suppose they all went to her? Did she tell them they might?" + +"Jack, do you remember the plant you had in your window last winter?" +she replied. "No matter how many times I turned the jar that held it, +the flower always turned around again towards the sun. People are the +same way, dear. They unconsciously spread out their leaves towards those +who have help and comfort to give. They feel they are welcome, without +asking." + +"She makes me think of that verse in 'Mother Goose,'" said Jack. "'Sugar +and spice and everything nice.' Doesn't she you, sister?" + +"No," said Bethany, with an amused smile. "Lowell has described her: + + 'So circled lives she with love's holy light, + That from the shade of self she walketh free.'" + +"I don't 'zactly understand," said Jack, with a puzzled expression. + +She explained it, and he repeated it over and over, until he had it +firmly fixed in his mind. + +Then they went back to the dictation exercises. It was almost dark when +they had another caller. Mr. Marion stopped at the door on his way home +to dinner. + +"I have good news for you, Bethany," he said, with his face aglow with +eager sympathy. "Did Ray tell you?" + +"About the house?" she said. "Yes. I've been on a mountain-top all day +because of it." + +"O, I don't mean that!" he exclaimed, hastily. "It's better than that. I +mean about Porter & Edmunds." + +"I don't see how anything could be better than the news she brought," +said Bethany. + +"Well, it is. Mr. Porter asked me to see their new law-office to-day. +They have just moved into the Clifton Block. They have an elegant place. +As I looked around, making mental notes of all the fine furnishings, I +thought of you, and wished you had such a position. I asked him if he +needed a stenographer. It was a random shot, for I had no idea they did. +The young man they have has been there so long, I considered him a +fixture. To my surprise he told me the fellow is going into business for +himself, and the place will be open next week. I told him I could fill +it for him to his supreme satisfaction. He promised to give you the +refusal of it until to-morrow noon. I leave to-night on a business-trip, +or I would take you over and introduce you." + +"O, thank you, Cousin Frank!" she exclaimed. "I know Mr. Edmunds very +well. He was a warm friend of papa's." + +Then she added, impulsively: + +"Yesterday I thought I had come to such a dark place that I couldn't see +my hand before my face. I was just so blue and discouraged I was ready +to give up, and now the way has grown so plain and easy, all at once, I +feel that I must be living in a dream." + +"Bless your brave little soul!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand. "Why +didn't you come to me with your troubles? Remember I am always glad to +smooth the way for you, just as much as lies in my power." + +When he had gone, Bethany crept away into the quiet twilight of the +library, and, kneeling before the big arm-chair, laid her head in its +cushioned seat. + +"O Father," she whispered, "I am so ashamed of myself to think I ever +doubted thee for one single moment. Forgive me, please, and help me +through every hour of every day to trust unfalteringly in thy great love +and goodness." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +JUDGE HALLAM'S DAUGHTER, STENOGRAPHER. + + +THERE was so much to be done next morning, setting the rooms all in +order for the critical inspection of Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet, +that Bethany had little time to think of the dreaded interview with +Porter & Edmunds. + +She wheeled Jack out into the shady, vine-covered piazza, and brought +him a pile of things for him to amuse himself with in her absence. + +"Ring your bell for Mena if you need anything else," she said. "I will +be back before the sun gets around to this side of the house, maybe in +less than an hour." + +He caught at her dress with a detaining grasp, and a troubled look came +over his face. + +"O sister! I just thought of it. If you do get that place, will I have +to stay here all day by myself?" + +"O no," she answered. "Mena can wheel you around the garden, and wait +on you; and I will think of all sorts of things to keep you busy. Then +the old ladies will be here, and I am sure they will be kind to you. +I'll be home at noon, and we'll have lovely long evenings together." + +"But if those people come, Mena will have so much more to do, she'll +never have any time to wheel me. Couldn't you take me with you?" he +asked, wistfully. "I wouldn't be a bit of bother. I'd take my books and +study, or look out of the window all the time, and keep just as quiet! +Please ask 'em if I can't come too, sister!" + +It was hard to resist the pleading tone. + +"Maybe they'll not want me," answered Bethany. "I'll have to settle that +matter before making any promises. But never mind, dear, we'll arrange +it in some way." + +It was a warm July morning. As Bethany walked slowly toward the business +portion of the town, several groups of girls passed her, evidently on +their way to work, from the few words she overheard in passing. Most of +them looked tired and languid, as if the daily routine of such a +treadmill existence was slowly draining their vitality. Two or three +had a pert, bold air, that their contact with business life had given +them. One was chewing gum and repeating in a loud voice some +conversation she had had with her "boss." + +Bethany's heart sank as she suddenly realized that she was about to join +the great working-class of which this ill-bred girl was a member. Not +that she had any of the false pride that pushes a woman who is an +independent wage-winner to a lower social scale than one whom +circumstances have happily hedged about with home walls; but she had +recalled at that moment some of her acquaintances who would do just such +a thing. In their short-sighted, self-assumed superiority, they could +make no discrimination between the girl at the cigar-stand, who flirted +with her customer, and the girl in the school-room, who taught her +pupils more from her inherent refinement and gentleness than from their +text-books. + +She had remembered that Belle Romney had said to her one day, as they +drove past a great factory where the girls were swarming out at noon: +"Do you know, Bethany dear, I would rather lie down and die than have +to work in such a place. You can't imagine what a horror I have of +being obliged to work for a living, no matter in what way. I would feel +utterly disgraced to come down to such a thing; but I suppose these poor +creatures are so accustomed to it they never mind it." + +Bethany's eyes blazed. She knew Belle Romney's position was due entirely +to the tolerance of a distant relative. She longed to answer vehemently: +"Well, I would starve before I would deliberately sit down to be a +willing dependent on the charity of my friends. It's only a species of +genteel pauperism, and none the less despicable because of the purple +and fine linen it flaunts in." + +She had not made the speech, however. Belle leaned back in the carriage, +and folded her daintily-gloved hands, as they passed the factory-girls, +with an air of complacency that amused Bethany then. It nettled her now +to remember it. + +She turned into the street where the Clifton Block stood, an imposing +building, whose first two floors were occupied by lawyers' offices. +Porter & Edmunds were on the second floor. The elevator-boy showed her +the room. The door stood open, exposing an inviting interior, for the +walls were lined with books, and the rugs and massive furniture bespoke +taste as well as wealth. + +An elderly gentleman, with his heels on the window-sill and his back to +the door, was vigorously smoking. He was waiting for a backwoods client, +who had an early engagement. His feet came to the floor with sudden +force, and his cigar was tossed hastily out of the window when he heard +Bethany's voice saying, timidly, + +"May I come in, Mr. Edmunds?" + +He came forward with old-school gallantry. It was not often his office +was brightened by such a visitor. + +"Why, it is Miss Hallam!" he exclaimed, in surprise, secretly wondering +what had brought her to his office. + +He had met her often in her father's house, and had seen her the center +of many an admiring group at parties and receptions. She had always +impressed him as having the air of one who had been surrounded by only +the most refined influences of life. He thought her unusually charming +this morning, all in black, with such a timid, almost childish +expression in her big, gray eyes. + +"Take this seat by the window, Miss Hallam," he said, cordially. "I hope +this cigar smoke does not annoy you. I had no idea I should have the +honor of entertaining a lady, or I should not have indulged." + +"Didn't Mr. Marion tell you I was coming this morning?" asked Bethany, +in some embarrassment. + +"No, not a word. I believe he said something to Mr. Porter about a +typewriter-girl that wants a place, but I am sure he never mentioned +that you intended doing us the honor of calling." + +Bethany smiled faintly. + +"I am the typewriter-girl that wants the place," she answered. + +"You!" ejaculated Mr. Edmunds, standing up in his surprise, and +beginning to stutter as he always did when much excited. "You! +w'y-w'y-w'y, you don't say so!" he finally managed to blurt out. + +"What is it that is so astonishing?" asked Bethany, beginning to be +amused. "Do you think it is presumptuous in me to aspire to such a +position? I assure you I have a very fair speed." + +"No," answered Mr. Edmunds, "it's not that; but I never any more thought +of your going out in the world to make a living than a-a-a pet canary," +he added, in confusion. + +He seated himself again, and began tapping on the table with a +paper-knife. + +"Can't you paint, or give music lessons, or teach French?" he asked, +half impatiently. "A girl brought up as you have been has no business +jostling up against the world, especially the part of a world one sees +in the court-room." + +Bethany looked at him gravely. + +"Yes," she answered, "I can do all those things after a fashion, but +none of them well enough to measure up to my standard of proficiency, +which is a high one. I do understand stenography, and I am confident I +can do thorough, first-class work. I think, too, Mr. Edmunds, that it is +a mistaken idea that the girl who has had the most sheltered home-life +is the one least fitted to go into such places. Papa used to say we are +like the planets; we carry our own atmosphere with us. I am sure one may +carry the same personality into a reporter's stand that she would into +a drawing-room. We need not necessarily change with our surroundings." + +As she spoke, a slight tinge of pink flushed her cheeks, and she +unconsciously raised her chin a trifle haughtily. Mr. Edmunds looked at +her admiringly, and then made a gallant bow. + +"I am sure, Miss Hallam would grace any position she might choose to +fill," he said courteously. + +"Then you will let me try," she asked, eagerly. She slipped off her +glove, and took pencil and paper from the table. "If you will only test +my speed, maybe you can make a decision sooner." + +He dictated several pages, which she wrote to his entire satisfaction. + +"You are not half as rapid as Jack," she said, laughingly; and then she +told him of the practice she had had writing nursery rhymes. + +He seemed so interested that she went on to tell him more about the +child, and his great desire to be in the office with her. + +"I told him I would ask you," she said, finally; "but that it was a very +unusual thing to do, and that I doubted very much if any business firm +would allow it." + +He saw how hard it had been for her to prefer such a request, and smiled +reassuringly. + +"It would be a very small thing for me to do for Richard Hallam's boy," +he said. "Tell the little fellow to come, and welcome. He need not be in +any one's way. We have three rooms in this suite, and you will occupy +the one at the far end." + +It was hard for Bethany to keep back the tears. + +"I can never thank you enough, Mr. Edmunds," she said. "The legacy papa +thought he had secured to us was swept away, but he has left us one +thing that more than compensates--the heritage of his friendships. I +have been finding out lately what a great thing it is to be rich in +friends." + +Bethany went home jubilant. "Now if my twin tenants turn out to be half +as nice," she thought, "this will be a very satisfactory day." + +She tried to picture them, as she walked rapidly on, wondering whether +they would be prim and dignified, or nervous and fussy. Mrs. Marion had +said they were fine housekeepers. That might mean they were exacting and +hard to please. + +"What's the use of borrowing trouble?" she concluded, finally. "I'll +take Uncle Doctor's advice, and not try to count to-morrow's +milestones." + +She found them sitting on the side piazza, being abundantly entertained +by Jack. + +"Sister!" he called, excitedly, as she came up the steps to meet them; +"this one is Aunt Harry--that's what she told me to call her--and the +other one is Aunt Carrie; and they've both been around the world +together, and both ridden on elephants." + +There was a general laugh at the unceremonious introduction. + +Miss Caroline took Bethany's hands in her own little plump ones, and +stood on tiptoe to give her a hearty kiss. Miss Harriet did the same, +holding her a moment longer to look at her with fond scrutiny. + +"Such a striking resemblance to your dear mother," she said. "Sister and +I hoped you would look like her." + +"They are homely little bodies, and dreadfully old-fashioned," was +Bethany's first impression, as she looked at them in their plain dresses +of Quaker gray. "But their voices are so musical, and they have such +good, motherly faces, I believe they will prove to be real restful kind +of people." + +"Sister and I have been such birds of passage, that it will seem good to +settle down in a real home-nest for a while," said Miss Harriet, as they +were going over the house together. + +"When one has lived in a trunk for a decade, one appreciates big, roomy +closets and wardrobes like these." + +They went all over the place, from garret to cellar, and sat down to +rest beside an open window, where a climbing rose shook its fragrance in +with every passing breeze. + +"Mrs. Marion thought you might not be ready for us before next week," +sighed Miss Caroline; "but these cool, airy rooms do tempt me so. I wish +we could come this very afternoon." She smiled insinuatingly at Bethany. +"We have nothing to move but our trunks." + +"Well, why not?" answered Bethany. "I shall be glad to surrender the +reins any time you want to assume the responsibility." + +"Then it's settled!" cried Miss Caroline, exultingly. "O, I'm so glad!" +and, catching Miss Harriet around her capacious waist, she whirled her +around the room, regardless of her protestations, until their spectacles +slid down their noses, and they were out of breath. + +Bethany watched them in speechless amazement. Miss Caroline turned in +time to catch her expression of alarm. + +"Did you think we had lost our senses, dear?" she asked. "We do not +often forget our dignity so; but we have been so long like Noah's dove, +with no rest for the sole of our foot, that the thought of having at +last found an abiding-place is really overwhelming." + +"I wish you wouldn't always say 'we,'" remarked Miss Harriet, with +dignity. "I am very sure I have outgrown such ridiculous exhibitions of +enthusiasm, and it is fully time that you had too." + +"O, come now, Harry," responded Miss Caroline, soothingly. "You're just +as glad as I am, and there's no use in trying to hide our real selves +from people we are going to live with." + +Then she turned to Bethany with an apologetic air. + +"Sister thinks because we have arrived at a certain date on our +calendar, we must conform to that date. But, try as hard as I can, I +fail to feel any older sometimes than I used to at Forest Seminary, when +we made midnight raids on the pantry, and had all sorts of larks. I +suppose it does look ridiculous, and I'm sorry; but I can't grow old +gracefully, so long as I am just as ready to effervesce as I ever was." + +Bethany was amused at the half-reproachful, half-indulgent look that +Miss Harriet bestowed on her sister. + +"They'll be a constant source of entertainment," she thought. "I wonder +how we ever happened to drift together." + +Something of the last thought she expressed in a remark to the sisters +as they went down stairs together. + +"Indeed, we did not drift!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, decidedly. "You +needed us, and we needed you, and the great Weaver crossed our +life-threads for some purpose of his own." + +By nightfall the sisters had taken their places in the old house, as +quietly and naturally as twin turtle-doves tuck their heads under their +wings in the shelter of a nest. Their presence in the house gave Bethany +such a care-free, restful feeling, and a sense of security that she had +not had since she had been left at the head of affairs. + +After Jack had gone to bed, she drew a rocking-chair out into the wide +hall, and sat down to enjoy the cool breeze that swept through it. + +Miss Caroline was down in the kitchen, interviewing Mena about +breakfast. How delightful it was to be freed from all responsibility of +the meals and the marketing! After the next week she would not have even +the rooms to attend to, for Miss Caroline had engaged a stout maid to do +the housework, that Bethany's inexperienced hands had found so irksome. + +Up-stairs, Miss Harriet was stepping briskly around, unpacking one of +the trunks. Bethany could hear her singing to herself in a thin, sweet +voice, full of old-fashioned quavers and turns. Some of the notes were +muffled as she disappeared from time to time in the big closet, and +some came with jerky force as she tugged at a refractory bureau drawer. + + "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, + The clouds ye so much dread + Are big with mercy, and shall break + In blessings on your head." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +A KINDLING INTEREST. + + +FRANK Marion, on his way to the store one morning, stopped at the office +where Bethany had been installed just a week. + +"You will find me dropping in here quite often," he said to Mr. Edmunds, +whom he met coming out of the door. "Since that little cousin of mine is +never to be found at home in the day-time any more, I shall have to call +on him here. He is my right-hand man in Junior League work." + +"Who? Jack?" inquired Mr. Edmunds. "He's the most original little piece +I ever saw. Sorry I'm called out just now, Frank. You're always welcome, +you know." + +Bethany was seated at her typewriter, so intent on her manuscript that +she did not notice Mr. Marion's entrance. Jack, in his chair by the +window, was working vigorously with slate and pencil at an arithmetic +lesson. As Bethany paused to take the finished page from the machine, +Jack looked up and saw Mr. Marion's tall form in the doorway. + +"O, come in!" he cried, joyfully. "I want you to see how nice everything +is here. We have the best times." + +Mr. Marion looked across at Bethany, and smiled at the child's delight. + +"Tell me about it," he said, drawing a chair up to the window, and +entering into the boy's pleasure with that ready sympathy that was the +secret of his success with all children. + +"Well, you see, Bethany wheels me onto the elevator, and up we come. And +it's so nice and cool up here. She hasn't been very busy yet. While she +writes I get my lessons, or draw, or work puzzles. Then, when Mr. +Edmunds and Mr. Porter go off, and she hasn't anything to do, I recite +to her. But the best fun is grocery tales." + +"What's 'grocery tales?'" asked Mr. Marion, with flattering interest. + +"Do you see that wholesale grocery-store across the street?" asked Jack, +"and all the things sitting around in front? There's almost everything +you can think of, from a broom to a banana. I choose the first thing I +happen to look at, and she tells me a story about it. If it's a +tea-chest, that makes her think of a Chinese story; or if it's a bottle +of olives, something about the knights and ladies of Spain. Yesterday it +was a chicken-coop, and she told me about a lovely visit she had once on +a farm. She says when we come to that coil of rope, it will remind her +of a storm she was in on the Mediterranean; and the coffee means a South +American story; and the watermelons a darkey story; and the brooms +something she read once about an old, blind broom-maker. Then I have +lots of fun watching people pass. So many teams stop at the +watering-trough over there. I like to wonder where everybody comes from, +and imagine what their homes are like. It is almost as good as reading +about them in a book." + +"You are a very happy little fellow," said Mr. Marion, patting his +cheek, approvingly. "I am glad you are getting strong so fast, so that +you can go out into this big, discontented world of ours, and teach +other people how to be happy. I've brought you some more work to do. I +want you to look up all these references, and copy them on separate +slips of paper for our next meeting. By the way, Bethany," he said, as +he rose to go, "I had a letter from our Chattanooga Jew this morning. He +is as much in earnest as ever. I wish we could get our League interested +in him and his mission." + +"It is a very unpopular movement, Cousin Frank," she answered. "Think of +the prejudices to overcome. How little the general membership of the +Church know or care about the Jews! It seems almost impossible to combat +such indifference. Carlyle says, 'Every noble work is at first +impossible.'" + +"Ah, Bethany," he answered, "and Paul says: 'I can do all things through +Christ who strengthened me.' I can't get away from the feeling that God +wants me to take some forward step in the matter. Every paper I pick up +seems to call my attention to it in some way. All the time in my +business I am brought in contact with Jews who want to talk to me about +my religion. They introduce the subject themselves. Ray and I have been +reading Graetz's history lately. I declare it's a puzzle to me how any +one can read an account of all the race endured at the hands of the +Christianity of the Middle Ages, and not be more lenient toward them. +Pharaoh's cruelties were not a tithe of what was dealt out to them in +the name of the gentle Nazarene. No wonder their children were taught to +spit at the mention of such a name." + +"O, is that history as bad as 'Fox's Book of Martyrs?'" asked Jack, +eagerly. "We've got that at home, with the awfullest black and yellow +pictures in it of people being burned to death and tortured. I hope, if +it is as interesting, sister will read it out loud." + +Bethany made such a grimace of remonstrance that Mr. Marion laughed. + +"I'll send the books over to-morrow. You'll not care to read all five +volumes, Jack; but Bethany can select the parts that will interest you +most." + +Jack's tenacious memory brought the subject up again that evening at the +table. + +"Aunt Harry," he asked, abruptly, pausing in the act of helping himself +to sugar, "do you like the Jews?" + +"Why, no, child," she said, hesitatingly. "I can't say that I take any +special interest in them, one way or another. To tell the truth, I've +never known any personally." + +"Would you like to know more about them?" he asked, with childish +persistence. "'Cause Bethany's going to read to me about them when +Cousin Frank sends the books over, and you can listen if you like." + +"Anything that Bethany reads we shall be glad to hear," answered Miss +Harriet. "At first sister and I thought we would not intrude on you in +the evenings; but the library does look so inviting, and it is so dull +for us to sit with just our knitting-work, since we have stopped reading +by lamp-light, that we can not resist the temptation to go in whenever +she begins to read aloud." + +"O, you're home-folks," said Jack. + +Bethany had excused herself before this conversation commenced, and was +in the library, opening the mail Miss Caroline had forgotten to give her +at noon. When the others joined her, she held up a little pamphlet she +had just opened. + +"Look, Jack! It is from Mr. Lessing, from Chattanooga. It is an article +on 'What shall become of the Jew?' I suppose it is written by one of +them, at least his name would indicate it--Leo N. Levi. It will be +interesting to look at that question from their standpoint." + +"Will I like it?" asked Jack. + +"No, I think not," she answered, after a rapid glance through its pages. +"We'll have some more of the 'Bonnie Brier-Bush' to-night, and save this +until you are asleep." + +Bethany read well, and excelled in Scotch dialect. When she laid down +the book after the story of "A Doctor of the Old School," she saw a big +tear splash down on Miss Harriet's knitting-work, and Miss Caroline was +furtively wiping her spectacles. + +"Leave the door open," called Jack, when he had been tucked away for the +night. "Then I can listen if it's nice, or go to sleep if it's dull." + +"Do you really care to hear this?" asked Bethany, picking up the +pamphlet. + +"Yes," said Miss Caroline, with several emphatic nods. "I'll own I am +very ignorant on the subject; and after something so highly entertaining +as these sweet Scotch tales, it's no more than right that we should take +something improving." + +"O sister," called Jack's voice from the next room, "you never told +them about Mr. Lessing, did you?" + +"No," answered Bethany. "I never told them any of my Chattanooga +experiences. Maybe it would be better to begin with them, and then you +can understand how I happened to become so interested in the Hebrew +people. The pamphlet can wait until another time." + +She tossed it back on the table, and settled herself comfortably in a +big chair. + +"I'll begin at the beginning," she said, "and tell you how I was +persuaded into going, and how strangely events linked into each other." + +"Can't you just see it all?" murmured Miss Caroline, as Bethany drew a +graphic picture of the mountain outlook, the sunrise, and the crowded +tent. When she came to Lessing's story, Miss Harriet dropped her work in +her lap, and Miss Caroline leaned forward in her chair. + +"Dear! dear! It sounds like a chapter out of a romance!" exclaimed Miss +Caroline, when Bethany had finished. "That part about the mother's curse +and being buried in effigy makes me think of the novels that we used to +smuggle into our rooms at school. I wish you could go on and give us +the next chapter. It is intensely interesting." + +"Ah, the next chapter," replied Bethany, sadly. "I thought of that at +the time. What can it be but the daily repetition of commonplace events? +He will simply go on to the end in a routine of study and work. He will +preach to whatever audiences he can gather around him. That is all the +world will see. The other part of it, the burden of loneliness laid upon +him because of Jewish scorn and Christian distrust, the soul-struggles, +the spiritual victories, the silent heroism, will be unwritten and +unapplauded, because unseen." + +"I don't wonder you are interested," said Miss Harriet. "Would you +believe it, I don't know the difference between an orthodox and a reform +Jew? I think I shall look it up to-morrow in the encyclopedia." + +She picked up the little pamphlet, and opened at random. + +"Here is a marked paragraph," she said. "'The Jew is everywhere in +evidence. He sells vodki in Russia; he matches his cunning against +Moslem and Greek in Turkey; he fights for existence and endures +martyrdom in the Balkan provinces; he crowds the professions, the arts, +the market-place, the bourse, and the army, in France, England, Austria, +and Germany. He has invaded every calling in America, and everywhere he +is seen; and, what is more to the point, he is felt. He runs through the +entire length of history, as a thin but well-defined line, touched by +the high lights of great events at almost every point.'" + +"Where did we leave off with him, sister?" she asked, turning to Miss +Caroline. "Wasn't it at the destruction of the temple, somewhere in the +neighborhood of 70 A. D.? We shall have to trace that line back a +considerable distance, I am thinking, if we would know anything on the +subject." + +"Let's trace it then," said Miss Caroline, with her usual alacrity. + +Several evenings after, when Bethany came home from the office, she +found a new book on the table, with Miss Caroline's name on the +fly-leaf. It was "The Children of the Ghetto." + +"I bought it this afternoon," she explained, a little nervously. "It is +one of Zangwill's. The clerk at the bookstore told me he is called the +Jewish Dickens, and that it is very interesting. Of course, I am no +critic, but it looked interesting, and I thought you might not mind +reading it aloud. Several sentences caught my eye that made me think it +might be as entertaining as 'Old Curiosity Shop,' or 'Oliver Twist.'" + +Bethany rapidly scanned several pages. "I believe it is the very thing +to give us an insight into the later day customs and beliefs of the +masses." + +She read the headings of several of the chapters aloud, and a sentence +here and there. + +"Listen to this!" she exclaimed. "'We are proud and happy in that the +dread unknown God of the infinite universe has chosen our race as the +medium by which to reveal his will to the world. History testifies that +this has verily been our mission, that we have taught the world religion +as truly as Greece has taught beauty and science. Our miraculous +survival through the cataclysms of ancient and modern dynasties is a +proof that our mission is not yet over.'" + +"O, I thought it was going to be a story!" exclaimed Jack, in a +disappointed tone. + +"It is, dear," answered Bethany. "You can understand part, and I will +explain the rest." + +So it came about that, after the Scotch tales were laid aside, the +little group in the library nightly turned their sympathies toward the +children of the London Ghetto, as it existed in the early days of the +century. + +"I can never feel the same towards them again," said Miss Caroline, the +night they finished the book. "I understand them so much better. It is +just as the proem says: 'People who have been living in a ghetto for a +couple of centuries are not able to step outside merely because the +gates are thrown down, nor to efface the brands on their souls by +putting off the yellow badges. Their faults are bred of its hovering +miasma of persecution.'" + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I am glad he has given us such a diversity of +types. You know that article that Mr. Lessing sent me says: 'No people +can be fairly judged by its superlatives. It would be silly to judge all +the Chinese by Confucius, or all the Americans by Benedict Arnold. If +the Jews squirm and indignantly protest against Shylock and Fagin and +Svengali, they must be consistent, and not claim as types Scott's +Rebecca and Lessing's Nathan the Wise.' Now, Zangwill has given us a +glimpse of all sorts of people--the 'pots and pans' of material +Judaism, as well as the altar-fires of its most spiritual idealists. I +hope you'll go on another investigating tour, Miss Caroline, and bring +home something else as instructive." + +But before Miss Caroline found time to go on another voyage of discovery +among the book-stores, something happened at the office that gave a +deeper interest to their future investigations. + +Mr. Edmunds sat at the table a few minutes longer than usual, one +morning after he had finished dictating his letters, to say: "We are +about to make some changes in the office, Miss Hallam. Mr. Porter has +decided to go abroad for a while. Family matters may keep him there +possibly a year. During his absence it is necessary to have some one in +his place; and, after mature deliberation, we have decided to take in a +young lawyer who has two points decidedly in his favor. He has marked +ability, and he will attract a wealthy class of clients. He is a young +Jew, a protege of Rabbi Barthold's. Personally, I have the highest +respect for him, although Mr. Porter is a little prejudiced against him +on account of his nationality. I wondered if you shared that feeling." + +"No, indeed!" answered Bethany, quickly. "I have been greatly interested +in studying their history this summer." + +"Well, I have never given their past much thought," responded Mr. +Edmunds; "but their relation to the business world has recently +attracted my attention. It is wonderful to me the way they are filling +up the positions of honor and trust all over the world. Statistics show +such a large proportion of them have acquired wealth and prominence. +Still, it is only what we ought to expect, when we remember their +characteristics. They have such 'mental agility,' such power of adapting +themselves to circumstances, and such a resistless energy. Maybe I +should put their temperate habits first, for I can not remember ever +seeing a Jew intoxicated; and as to industry, the records of our county +poor-house show that in all the seventy years of its existence, it has +never had a Jewish inmate. People with such qualities are like cream, +bound to rise to the top, no matter what kind of a vessel they are +poured into." + +"Who is this young man?" asked Bethany, coming back to the first +subject. + +"David Herschel," responded Mr. Edmunds. "You may have met him." + +"David Herschel!" repeated Bethany, incredulously. She caught her breath +in surprise. Was there to be a deliberate crossing of life-threads here, +or had she been caught in some tangle of chance? Maybe this was the +opportunity she had prayed for that morning when she had listened to +Lessing's story, and caught the inspiration of his consecrated life. + +A feeling of awe crept over her, that a human voice could so reach the +ear of the Infinite, and draw down an answer to its petition. She was +almost frightened at the thought of the responsibility such an answer +laid upon her. O, the childishness with which we beat against the +portals as we importune high Heaven for opportunities, and then shrink +back when the Almighty hands them out to us, afraid to take and use what +we have most cried for! + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +A JUNIOR TAKES IT IN HAND. + + +IT was a sultry morning in August when David Herschel took his place in +the law-office of Porter & Edmunds. + +The sun beat against the tall buildings until the radiated heat of the +streets was sickening in its intensity. Clerks went to their work with +pale faces and languid movements. Everything had a wilted look, and the +watering-carts left a steam rising in their trail, almost as +disagreeable as the clouds of dust had been before. + +Miss Caroline had insisted on Jack's remaining at home, and Bethany's +wearing a thin white dress in place of her customary suit of heavy +black. They had both protested, but as Bethany went slowly towards the +office she was glad that the sensible old lady had carried her point. + +To shorten the distance, she passed through one of the poorer streets of +the town. Disagreeable odors, suggestive of late breakfasts, floated +out from steamy kitchens. Neglected, half-dressed children cried on the +doorsteps and quarreled in the gutters. + +A great longing came over Bethany for a breath from wide, fresh fields, +or green, shady woodlands. This was the first summer she had ever passed +in the city. August had always been associated in her mind with the wind +in the pine woods, or the sound of the sea on some rocky coast. It +recalled the musical drip of the waterfalls trickling down high banks of +thickly-growing ferns. It brought back the breath of clover-fields and +the mint in hillside pastures. + +A strong repugnance to her work seized her. She felt that she could not +possibly bear to go back to the routine of the office and the monotonous +click of her typewriter. The longer she thought of those old care-free +summers, the more she chafed at the confinement of the present one. + +She sighed wearily as she reached the entrance of the great building. +Every door and window stood open. While she waited for the elevator-boy +to respond to her ring, she turned her eyes toward the street. A blind +man passed by, led by a wan, sad-eyed child. The sun was beating +mercilessly on the man's gray head, for his cap was held appealingly in +his outstretched hand. + +"How dared I feel dissatisfied with my lot?" thought Bethany, with a +swift rush of pity, as the contrast between this blind beggar's life and +hers was forced upon her. + +There was no one in the office when she entered. After the glare of the +street, it seemed so comfortable that she thought again of the blind +beggar and the child who led him, with a feeling of remorse for her +discontent. + +A great bunch of lilies stood in a tall glass vase on the table, filling +the room with their fragrance. She took out a card that was half hidden +among them. Lightly penciled, in a small, running hand, was the one +word--"Consider!" + +"That's just like Cousin Ray," thought Bethany, quickly interpreting the +message. "She knew this would be an unusually trying day on account of +the heat, so she gives me something to think about instead of my irksome +confinement. 'They toil not, neither do they spin,'" she whispered, +lifting one snowy chalice to her lips; "but what help they bring to +those who do--sweet, white evangels to all those who labor and are +heavy laden!" + +She fastened one in her belt, then turned to her work. She had been +copying a record, and wanted to finish it before Mr. Edmunds was ready +to attend to the morning mail. Her fingers flew over the keys without a +pause, except when she stopped to put in a new sheet of paper. When she +was nearly through, she heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the next room, and +increased her speed. She had forgotten that this was the day David +Herschel was to come into the office. He had taken the desk assigned +him, and was so busily engaged in conversation with Mr. Edmunds that for +a while he did not notice the occupant of the next room. When, at last, +he happened to glance through the open door, he did not recognize +Bethany, for she was seated with her back toward him. + +He noticed what a cool-looking white dress she wore, the graceful poise +of her head, and her beautiful sunny hair. Then he saw the lilies beside +her, and wished she would turn so that he could see her face. + +"Some fair Elaine--a lily-maid of Astolat," he thought, and then smiled +at himself for having grown Tennysonian over a typewriter before he had +even heard her name or seen her face. + +At last Bethany finished the record, with a sigh of relief. Quickly +fastening the pages, she rose to take it into the next room. Just on the +threshold she saw Herschel, and gave an involuntary little start of +surprise. + +As she stood there, all in white, with one hand against the dark +door-casing, she looked just as she had the night David first saw her. +He arose as she entered. + +Mr. Edmunds was not usually a man of quick perceptions, but he noticed +the look of admiration in David's eyes, and he thought they both seemed +a trifle embarrassed as he introduced them. + +They had recalled at the same moment the night in the Chattanooga depot, +when she had distinctly declared to Mr. Marion that she did not care to +make his acquaintance. + +For once in her life she lost her usual self-possession. That gracious +ease of manner which "stamps the caste of Vere de Vere" was one of her +greatest charms. But just at this moment, when she wished to atone for +that unfortunate remark by an especially friendly greeting, when she +wanted him to know that her point of view had changed entirely, and that +not a vestige of the old prejudice remained, she could not summon a word +to her aid. + +Conscious of appearing ill at ease, she blushed like a diffident +school-girl, and bowed coldly. + +David courteously remained standing until she had laid the record on Mr. +Edmunds's desk and left the room. + +Mr. Edmunds glanced at him quickly, as he resumed his seat; but there +was not the slightest change of expression to show that he had noticed +what appeared to be an intentional haughtiness of manner in Bethany's +greeting. But he had noticed it, and it stung his sensitive nature more +than he cared to acknowledge, even to himself. + +Nothing more passed between them for several days, except the formal +morning greeting. Then Jack came back to the office. He had gained +rapidly since the new brace had been applied. During his enforced +absence on account of the heat, he found that he could wheel himself +short distances, and proudly insisted on doing so, as they went through +the hall. He was a great favorite in the building. Everybody, from the +janitor to the dignified judge on the same floor, stopped to speak to +him. He was such a thorough boy, so full of fun and spirits, despite the +misfortune that chained him to the chair and had sometimes made him +suffer extremely, that the sight of him oftener provoked pleasure than +pity. He was so glad to get back to the office that he was bubbling over +with happiness. It seemed to him he had been away for an age. The +cordial reception he met on every hand made his eyes twinkle and the +dimples show in his cheeks. + +Mr. Edmunds had not come down, but David was at his desk, busily +writing. Bethany paused as they passed through the room. + +"Allow me to introduce my little brother, Mr. Herschel," she said. "Jack +is very anxious to meet you." + +He glanced up quickly. This friendly-voiced girl, leaning over Jack's +chair, with the brightness of his roguish face reflected in her own, was +such a transformation from the dignified Miss Hallam he had known +heretofore, that he could hardly credit his eyesight. He was surprised +into such an unusual cordiality of manner, that Jack straightway took +him into his affections, and set about cultivating a very strong +friendship between them. + +One afternoon Bethany was called into another office to take a +deposition. She left Jack busy drawing on his slate. + +David, who had been reading several hours, laid down the book after a +while, with a yawn, and glanced into the next room. The steady scratch +of the slate pencil had ceased, and Jack was gazing disconsolately out +of the window. + +As he heard the book drop on the table he turned his head quickly. "May +I come in there?" he asked David eagerly. + +David nodded assent. "You may come in and wake me up. The heat and the +book together, have made me drowsy." + +Jack pushed his chair over by a window, and looked out towards the court +house. It was late in the afternoon, and the massive building threw long +shadows across the green sward surrounding it. + +"I wanted to see if the flag is flying," said Jack. "I can't tell from +my window. Don't you love to watch it flap? I do, for it always makes me +think of heroes. I love heroes, and I love to listen to stories about +'em. Don't you? It makes you feel so creepy, and your hair kind o' +stands up, and you hold your breath while they're a-risking their lives +to save somebody, or doing something else that's awfully brave. And +then, when they've done it, there's a lump in your throat; but you feel +so warm all over somehow, and you want to cheer, and march right off to +'storm the heights,' and wipe every thing mean off the face of the +earth, and do all sorts of big, brave things. I always do. Don't you?" + +"Yes," answered David, amused by his boyish enthusiasm, yet touched by +the recognition of a kindred spirit. "May be you will be a hero +yourself, some day," he suggested in order to lead the boy further on. + +"No, I'm afraid not," answered Jack, sadly. "Papa wanted me to be a +lawyer. He was in the war till he got wounded so bad he had to come +home. We've got his sword and cap yet. I used to put 'em on sometimes, +and say I was going to go to West Point and learn to be a soldier. But +he always shook his head and said, 'No, son, that's not the highest way +you can serve your country now.' Then sometimes I think I'll have to be +a preacher like my grandfather, John Wesley Bradford, because he left me +all his library, and I am named for him. Jack isn't my real name, you +know." + +"Would you like to be a preacher?" asked David, as the boy paused to +catch a fly that was buzzing exasperatingly around him. + +"No!" answered Jack, emphasizing his answer by a savage slap at the fly. +"Only except when we get to talking about the Jews. You know we are very +much interested in your people at our house." + +"No, I didn't know it," answered David, amused by the boy's +matter-of-fact announcement. "How did you come to be so interested?" + +"Well, it started with the Epworth League Conference at Chattanooga. +There was a converted Jew up there on the mountain that spoke in the +sunrise meeting. Cousin Frank went to see him afterwards. He took +Bethany with him to write down what they said in shorthand. O, he had +the most interesting history! You just ought to hear sister tell it. You +know the two old ladies I told you about, that live at our house. Well, +may be it isn't polite to tell you so, but they didn't have the least +bit of use for the Jews before that. Now, since we've been reading about +the awful way they were persecuted, and how they've hung together +through thick and thin, they've changed their minds." + +"And you say that it is only when you are talking about the Jews that +you would like to be a preacher," said David, as the boy stopped, and +began whistling softly. He wanted to bring him back to the subject. + +"Yes," answered Jack. "When I think how that man's whole life was +changed by a little Junior League girl; how she started him, and he'll +start others, and they'll start somebody else, and the ball will keep +rolling, and so much good will be done, just on her account, I'd like to +do something in that line myself. I'm first vice-president of our +League, you know," he said, proudly displaying the badge pinned on his +coat. + +"But I wouldn't like to be a regular preacher that just stands up and +tells people what they already believe. That's too much like boxing a +pillow." He doubled up his fist and sparred at an imaginary foe. + +"I'd like to go off somewhere, like Paul did, and make every blow count. +We studied the life of Paul last year in the League. Talk about +heroes--there's one for you. My, but he was game! Thrashed and stoned, +and shipwrecked and put in prison, and chained up to another man--but +they couldn't choke him off!" Jack chuckled at the thought. + +"Did you ever notice," he continued, "that when a Jew does turn +Christian he's deader in earnest than anybody else? Cousin Frank told us +to notice that. There's Matthew. He was making a good salary in the +custom-house, and he quit right off. And Peter and Andrew and the rest +of 'em left their boats and all their fishing tackle, and every thing in +the wide world that they owned. Mr. Lessing had even to give up his +family. Cousin Frank told us about ever so many that had done that way. +So that's why I'd rather preach to them than other people. They amount +to so much when you once get them made over." + +"You might commence on me," said David. + +Jack colored to the roots of his hair, and looked confused. He stole a +sidelong glance at David, and began to wheel his chair slowly back into +the other room. + +"I haven't gone into the business yet," he called back over his +shoulder, recovering his equanimity with young American quickness, "But +when I do I'll give you the first call." + +David was so amused by the conversation that he could not refrain from +recounting part of it to Bethany when she returned. It seemed to put +them on a friendlier footing. + +Finding that she was really making a study of the history of his people, +he gave her many valuable suggestions, and several times brought Jewish +periodicals with articles marked for her to read. + +"My Sunday-school class have become so interested," she told him. "They +are very well versed in the ancient history, but this is something so +new to them." + +"I wish you knew Rabbi Barthold," he exclaimed. "He would be an +inspiration in any line of study, but especially in this, for he has +thrown his whole soul into it. Ah, I wish you read Hebrew. One loses so +much in the translation. There are places in the Psalms and Job where +the majesty of the thought is simply untranslatable. You know there are +some pebbles and shells that, seen in water, have the most exquisite +delicacy of coloring; yet taken from that element, they lose that +brilliancy. I have noticed the same effect in changing a thought from +the medium of one language to another." + +"Yes," answered Bethany, "I have recognized that difficulty, too, in +translating from the German. There is a subtle something that escapes, +that while it does not change the substance, leaves the verse as +soulless as a flower without its fragrance." + +"Ah! I see you understand me," he responded. "That is why I would have +you read the greatest of all literature in its original setting. Are you +fond of language?" + +"Yes," she answered, "though not an enthusiast. I took the course in +Latin and German at school, and got a smattering of French the year I +was abroad. Afterwards I read Greek a little at home with papa, to get a +better understanding of the New Testament. But Hebrew always seemed to +me so very difficult that only spectacled theologians attempted it. You +know ordinary tourists ascend the Rigi and Vesuvius as a matter of +course. Only daring climbers attempt the Jungfrau. I scaled only the +heights made easy of ascent by a system of meister-schafts and mountain +railways." + +He laughed. "Hebrew is not so difficult as you imagine, Miss Hallam. Any +one that can master stenography can easily compass that. There is a +similarity in one respect. In both, dots and dashes take the place of +vowels. I will bring you a grammar to-morrow, and show you how easy the +rudiments are." + +Jack was more interested than Bethany. He had never seen a book in +Hebrew type before. The square, even characters charmed him, and he +began to copy them on his slate. + +"I'd like to learn this," he announced. "The letters are nothing but +chairs and tables." + +"It was a picture language in the beginning," said David, leaning over +his chair, much pleased with his interest. "Now, that first letter used +to be the head of an ox. See how the horns branch? And this next one, +Beth, was a house. Don't you remember how many names in the Bible begin +with that--Beth-el, Beth-horon, Beth-shan--they all mean house of +something; house of God, house of caves, house of rest." + +Jack gave a whistled "whe-ew!" "It would teach a fellow lots. What are +you a house of, Beth-any?" + +He looked up, but his sister had been called into the next room. + +"Would you really like to study it, Jack?" asked David. "It will be a +great help to you when you 'go into the business' of preaching to us +Jews." + +Jack tilted his head to one side, and thrust his tongue out of the +corner of his mouth in an embarrassed way. Then he looked up, and saw +that David was not laughing at him, but soberly awaiting his answer. + +"Yes, I really would," he answered, decidedly. + +"Then I'll teach you as long as you are in the office." + +Mr. Marion came in one day and saw David's dark head and Jack's yellow +one bending over the same page, and listened to the boy's enthusiastic +explanation of the letters. + +"I wish we could form a class of our Sabbath-school teachers," said Mr. +Marion. "Would you undertake to teach it, Herschel?" + +The young man hesitated. "If it were convenient I might make the +attempt," he said. "But I do not live in the city. My home is out at +Hillhollow." + +Then, after a pause, while some other plan seemed to be revolving in his +mind, he asked: "Why not get Rabbi Barthold? He is a born teacher, and +nothing would delight him more than to imbue some other soul with a zeal +for his beloved mother-tongue." + +"I'll certainly take the matter into consideration," responded Mr. +Marion, "if you will get his consent, and find what his terms are. +Bethany, I'll head the list with your name. Then there's Ray and myself. +That makes three, and I know at least three of my teachers that I am +sure of. I wish George Cragmore were here. Do you know, Bethany, it +would not surprise me very much if the Conference sends him here this +fall?" + +"Not in Dr. Bascom's place," she exclaimed. + +"O no, he is too young a man for Garrison Avenue, and unmarried besides. +But I heard that the Clark Street Church had asked for him. I hope the +bishop will consider the call." + +"Don't set your heart on it, Cousin Frank," she answered. "You know what +is apt to befall 'the best laid schemes of mice and men.'" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE DEACONESS'S STORY. + + +AUGUST slipped into September. The vase on Bethany's desk, that Mrs. +Marion had kept filled with lilies, brightened the room with the glow of +the earliest golden-rod. + +"Isn't it pretty?" said Jack, drawing a spray through his fingers. "It +makes me think of your hair, sister. They are both so soft and +fuzzy-looking." + +"And like the sunshine," added David mentally, wishing he dared express +his admiration as openly as Jack. His desk was at an angle overlooking +Bethany's, and he often studied her face while she worked, as he would +have studied some rare portrait--not so much for the perfect contour and +delicacy of coloring as for the soul that shone through it. + +She had seldom spoken to him of spiritual things. It was from Jack he +learned how interested she was in all her Church relationships. Still +he felt forcibly an influence that he could not define; that silent +charm of a consecrated life, linked close with the perfect life of the +Master. + +One day when he was thus idly occupied, the janitor tiptoed into the +room, ushering a lady past to Bethany's desk. David looked up as she +passed, attracted by her unusual costume. It was all black, except that +there were deep, white cuffs rolled back over the sleeves, and a large, +white collar. The close-fitting black bonnet was tied under the chin +with broad white bows. She was a sweet-faced woman, with strong, capable +looking hands. + +David heard Bethany exclaim, "Why, Josephine Bentley!" as if much +surprised to see her. Then they stood face to face, holding each other's +hands while they talked in low, rapid tones. + +The stranger staid only a few moments. After she passed out, David +strolled leisurely up to Bethany's desk. + +"I hope you'll excuse my curiosity, Miss Hallam," he said. "I am +interested in the costume of the lady who was here just now. I've seen +one like it before. Can you tell me to what order she belongs? Is it +anything like the Sisters of Charity?" + +"Yes, something like it," she answered. "She is a deaconess. There is +this difference. They take no vows of perpetual service to the order, +but their lives are as entirely consecrated to their work as though they +had 'taken the veil,' as the nuns call it. This friend of mine who was +just here, is a visiting deaconess. She goes about doing good in the +Master's own way, to rich and poor alike. She came in just now to report +a case of destitution she had discovered. I am chairman of the Mercy and +Help Department in our League." + +"Is that all they do?" asked David. + +"All!" repeated Bethany. "You should see the Deaconess Home on Clark +Street. They have a hospital there, and a Kitchen-garten. It is the work +of some of these women to gather in all the poor, neglected girls they +can find. They make it so very attractive that the poor children are +taught to be respectable little housekeepers, without suspecting that +the music and games are really lessons. Homes that could be reached in +no other way have some wonderful changes wrought in them." + +"You have so many different organizations in your Church," said David. +"Seems to me I am always hearing of a new one. There is an old saying, +'Too many cooks spoil the broth.' Did you never prove the truth of +that?" + +"Now, that's one beauty of Methodism," exclaimed Bethany. "The little +wheels all fit into the big one like so many cogs, and all help each +other. For instance, here is the deaconess work. It goes hand in hand +with the League, only reaching out farther, with our motto of 'Lift Up,' +for they have an 'open sesame' that unbars all avenues to them. Of all +hard, self-sacrificing lives, it seems to me a nurse deaconess has the +hardest. She goes only into homes unable to pay for such services, and +whatever there is to do in the way of nursing, or of cleansing these +poverty-stricken homes, she does unflinchingly." + +"The reason I asked," answered David, "is that one day last week I went +down to that terrible quarter of the city near the lower wharves. I +wanted to find a man who I knew would be a valuable witness in the +Dartmon murder case. I had been told that the only time to find him +would be before six o'clock, as he was a deckhand on one of the early +boats. I had been directed to a laundry-office in a row of rotten old +tenements near the river. I found the room used as an office was down in +a damp basement. It was about half-past five when I reached there. I +went down the rickety old stairs and knocked several times. You can +imagine my surprise when the door was opened by a refined-looking woman, +in just such a costume as your friend wore, except, of course, the +little bonnet. When I told her my errand, she asked me to step inside a +moment. The smell of sewer-gas almost stifled me at first. There was a +narrow counter where a few bundles were lying, still uncalled for. I +learned afterward, that the laundry had failed, and these were left to +await claimants. There was a calico curtain stretched across the room to +form a partition. She drew it aside, and motioned me to look in. There +was a table, two chairs, a gasoline stove, and an old bed. Lying across +the foot of the bed, as if utterly worn-out with weariness and sorrow, +lay a young girl heavily sleeping. A baby, only a few months old, was +lying among the pillows, as white and still as if it were dead. The +woman dropped the curtain with a shudder. 'It is the poor girl's husband +you are looking for,' she said. 'He is a rough, drunken fellow, and has +been away for days, nobody knows where. The baby is dying. I was called +here at three o'clock this morning. A physician came for me, but he said +it could not live many hours. O, it was awful! The cockroaches swarmed +all over the floor, and the rats were so bad they fairly ran over our +feet. The poor girl sank in a heavy stupor soon after I came, from sheer +exhaustion. There is nothing to eat in the house, and the milk I brought +with me for the baby has soured. It seems a dreadful thing to say, but I +dare not leave the baby while she is asleep long enough to get +anything--on account of the rats.' Of course I went out and got the +things she needed. Then there was nothing more I could do, she said. The +wretched poverty of the scene, and the woman's bravery, have been in my +thoughts ever since." + +"I heard of that case yesterday," Bethany said, when he had finished. "I +know the nurse, Belle Carleton. The baby died, and they took the mother +to the Deaconess Hospital. She has typhoid fever. Belle told me of +another experience she had. Her life is full of them. She was sent to a +family where drunkenness was the cause of the poverty. The man had not +had steady work for a year, because he was never sober more than a few +days at a time. They lived in three rooms in the rear basement of a +large tenement-house. Belle said, when she opened the door of the first +room, it seemed the most forlorn place she had ever seen. There was a +table piled full of dirty dishes, and a cooking-stove covered with +ashes, on which stood a wash-boiler filled with half-washed clothes. The +floor looked as if it had never known the touch of a broom. The odor of +the boiling suds was sickening. A slatternly, half-grown girl, one of +the neighbors, stood beside a leaky tub, washing as best she knew how. +Four dirty, half-starved children were playing on the bare floor. Their +mother was sick in the next room. I couldn't begin to repeat Belle's +description of that bedroom, it was so filthy and infested with vermin. +She said, when she saw all that must be done, that repulsive creature +bathed, the dishes washed, and the floor scrubbed, a great loathing came +over her. She felt that she could not possibly touch a thing in the +room. She wanted to turn and run away from it all. I said to her, 'O, +Belle, how could you force yourself to do such repulsive things?'" + +"What did she say?" exclaimed Herschel. + +Bethany's face reflected some of the tenderness that must have shone in +Belle Carleton's, as she repeated her answer softly, "For Jesus' sake!" + +There was a long pause, which Herschel broke by saying: "And she staid +there, I suppose, forced her shrinking hands into contact with what she +despised, did the most menial services, from a sense of duty to a man +whom she had never seen, who died centuries ago? Miss Hallam, how could +she? I find it very hard to understand." + +"No, not from a sense of duty," corrected Bethany, "so much as love." + +"Well, for love then. What was there in this man of Nazareth to inspire +such devotion after such a lapse of time? I understand how one might +admire his ethical teaching, how one might even try to embody his +precepts in a code to live by; but how he can inspire such sublime +annihilation of self, surpasses my comprehension. He was no greater +lawgiver than Moses, yet who makes such sacrifices for the love of +Moses? Peter suffered martyrdom, and Paul; yet who is ready to lay down +his life cheerfully and say, 'I do it for the sake of Peter--or Paul?'" + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, looking up at him wistfully, "don't you +see that it is no mere man who exercises such power; that he must be +what he claimed--one with the Father?" + +Cragmore's passionate exclamation that day on the train came back to +him: "O, my friend, if you could only see my Savior as he has been +revealed to me!" + +Then he seemed to hear Lessing's voice as they paced back and forth in +front of the tent, arm in arm in the darkness. + +"Of a truth you can not understand these things, unless you be born +again--be born of the Spirit, into a realm of spiritual knowledge you +have never yet even dreamed of. Winged life is latent in the worm, even +while it has no conception of any existence higher than the cabbage-leaf +it crawls upon. But how is it possible for it to conceive of flight +until it has passed through some change that bursts the chrysalis and +provides the wings?" + +The silence was growing oppressive. David shook his head, rose, and +slowly walked out of the room. + + * * * * * + +"Sister," said Jack, a few days after, as she wheeled him homeward from +the office at noon-time, "Mr. Herschel keeps teasing me all the time +about something I said once about preaching to the Jews. He brings it up +so often, that if he doesn't look out I'll begin on him sure enough." + +Whatever answer Bethany might have made was interrupted by Miss +Caroline, who met them as they turned a corner. + +"Do tell!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You were in my mind just this +minute. I wondered if I might not chance to meet you." + +"Where have you been, Aunt Carrie?" asked Jack, seeing that she carried +several small parcels. + +"Shopping," she said. "Just think of it! Caroline Courtney actually out +shopping in the dry-goods stores." + +"What's the occasion?" asked Bethany. "It must be something important. I +can't remember that you have done such a thing before since I have +known you. Have you been invited to a ball, a wedding, or a wake?" + +Miss Caroline beamed on them through her spectacles. "Really, my dears, +that is just what I would like to know myself. That's why I had to make +these purchases. Your cousin Ray came in this morning, just after you +had gone, to invite us all to go to her house at half-past six this +evening. She wouldn't tell us what sort of an occasion she was planning, +only that it was a surprise for everybody, Mr. Marion most of all. He +has been gone a week on a business trip, but will get home to-night at +six. Sister and I have been trying to think what kind of an occasion it +could be. I know it isn't their wedding anniversary, nor her birthday. +Maybe it is his. So you see we couldn't decide just how we ought to +dress--whether to wear our very best dove-colored silks and point lace, +or the black crepon dresses we have had two seasons. Sister absolutely +refuses to carry her elegant fan that she got in Brussels, although I +want very much to take mine, especially if we wear the gray dresses. My +second best is broken, and of course we wouldn't want to carry a +palm-leaf. There was no other way but to take the second best fan down +and match it. Then she had lost one of the bows of ribbon that was on +her gray dress, and I had to match that, in case we decided to wear the +grays. Here I have spent the whole morning over my fan and her ribbon." + +"Dear me!" said Jack. "Why don't you carry your Brussels fan and wear +your gray dress, and let her wear her black dress and take the kind of +fan she wanted?" + +"O, my child!" exclaimed Miss Caroline, "Neither of us would have taken +a mite of comfort so. You don't understand how it feels when there are +two of you. When you have spent--well, a great many years, in having +things alike, you don't feel comfortable unless you are in pairs." + +It was arranged that Jack should not go back to the office that +afternoon. The sisters volunteered to take him with them. + +Bethany hurried through her work, but it seemed to her she had never had +so many interruptions, or so much to do. + +It was after six when she closed her desk. Mr. Edmunds noticed the tired +look on her flushed face, and said: + +"Miss Hallam, my carriage is waiting down stairs. I have to stay here +some time longer to meet a man who is late in keeping his engagement. +Jerry may as well take you home while he is waiting." He went down on +the elevator with her, and handed her into the carriage. + +"Better stay out in the fresh air a little before you start home," he +said, kindly. "It will do you good." + +Bethany sank back gratefully among the cushions. Jerry had been her +father's coachman at one time. He grinned from ear to ear as she took +her seat. + +"We'll take a spin along the river road," she said. "Give me a glimpse +of the fields and the golden-rod, and then take me to Mrs. Marion's, on +Phillips Avenue." + +"Yes, miss," said Jerry, touching his hat. "I know all the roads you +like best!" + +The impatient horses needed no urging. They fairly flew down the beaten +track that led from the noisy, bouldered streets into the grassy byways. +On they went, past suburban orchards and outlying pastures, to the +sights and sounds of the real country. + +Bethany heard the slow, restful tinkle of bells in a quiet lane where +the cows stood softly lowing at the bars. She heard the coo of doves in +the distance, and the call of a quail in a brown stubble-field near by. +Then the wind swept up from the river, now turning red in the sunset. It +put new life into her pulses, and a new light in her eyes. The weariness +was all gone. The wind had blown the light, curly hair about her face, +and she put up her hands to smooth it back, as they came in sight of +Mrs. Marion's house. + +"It doesn't make any difference," she thought. "I can run up into Cousin +Ray's room and put myself in order before any one sees me." + +As the carriage stopped, some one stepped up quickly to assist her +alight. It was David Herschel. + +"Of all times!" she thought; "when I am literally blown to pieces. How +queerly things do happen in this world!" + +To her still greater wonderment, instead of closing the gate after her +and going on down the street, he followed her up the steps. + +"Cousin Ray said this was to be a surprise," she thought. "This must be +part of it." + +Miss Harriet and Miss Caroline had just smoothed their plumage in the +guest-chamber, and were coming down the stairs hand in hand as David +and Bethany entered the reception-hall. + +This was their first glimpse of David. They had been very curious to see +him. Jack had talked about him so much that they recognized him +instantly from his description. + +Miss Caroline squeezed Miss Harriet's hand, and said in a dramatic +whisper, "Sister! the surprise." + +"Look at Bethany," remarked Miss Harriet. "How unusually bright she +looks, and yet a little flushed and confused. I wonder if he has been +saying anything to her. They came in together." + +"Pooh!" puffed Miss Caroline. Then they both moved forward with their +most beaming "company smile," as Jack called it, to meet Mr. Herschel. + +"Come in here," said Mrs. Marion, leading the way into the drawing-room, +while Bethany made her escape up stairs. + +"Mrs. Courtney, allow me to introduce Mrs. Dameron." + +"Sally Atwater!" fairly shrieked Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet in +chorus, as a tall, thin woman, with gray hair and sharp, twinkling eyes +rose to meet them; "Sally Atwater, for the land's sake! how did you ever +happen to get here?" + +"It's an old school friend of theirs," explained Mrs. Marion to David, +as the twins stood on tiptoe to grasp her around the neck and kiss her +repeatedly between their exclamations of joyful surprise. "They haven't +seen her since they were married. I'll present you, and then we'll leave +them to have a good old gossip." + +During the introductions in the drawing-room, Mr. Marion came into the +hall, with his gripsack in his hand. + +"Why, hello, Jack!" he called cheerily. "How are you, my boy? I'm so +glad to see you." + +He hung up his hat, and went forward to clap him on the shoulder and +hold the little hands lovingly in his big, strong ones. While he still +sat on the arm of Jack's chair, there was a sudden parting of the +portieres behind them, a swift rustle, and two white hands met over his +eyes and blindfolded him. + +"O! O!" cried Jack ecstatically, and then clapped his hand over his +mouth as he heard a warning "Sh!" + +"It's Ray, of course," said Mr. Marion, laughing and reaching backwards +to seize whoever had blindfolded him. "Nobody else would take such +liberties." + +"O, wouldn't they?" cried a mocking voice. "What about Ray's younger +sister?" + +He turned around, and catching her by the shoulders, held her out in +front of him. + +"Well, Lois Denning!" he exclaimed in amazement. "When did you get here, +little sister? I never imagined you were within two hundred miles of +this place." + +"Neither did Ray until this morning. I just walked in unannounced." + +When he had given her a hearty welcome she said: "O, I'm not the only +one to surprise you. Just go in the other room, Brother Frank, and see +who all's there, while I talk with this young man I haven't seen for a +year." + +Lois Denning had been Jack's favorite cousin since he was old enough to +fasten his baby fingers in her long, brown hair. In her yearly visits to +her sister she had devoted so much of her time to him, and been such a +willing slave, that he looked forward to her coming even a shade more +eagerly than he watched for Christmas. + +There was one thing that remained longest in the memory of every guest +who had ever enjoyed the hospitality of the Marion home. It was the warm +welcome that made itself continually felt. It met them even in the free +swing of the wide front door that seemed to say, "Just walk right in +now, and make yourself at home." + +There was an atmosphere of genial comfort and cheer that cast its spell +on all who strayed over its inviting threshold. It made them long to +linger, and loath to leave. + +David Herschel was quick to appreciate the warm cordiality of his +greeting. He had not been in the house five minutes until he felt +himself on the familiar footing of an old friend. At first he wondered +at the strange assortment of guests, and thought it queer he had been +asked to meet the elderly twins and their old friend, who were so +absorbed in each other. + +Then Mrs. Marion brought in her sister, Lois Denning--a slim, graceful +girl in a white duck suit, with a red carnation in the lapel of the +jaunty jacket. She was a lively, outspoken girl, decided in her +opinions, and original in her remarks. + +"That red carnation just suits her," said David to himself, as they +talked together. "She is so bright and spicy." + +"Isn't it time for dinner, Ray?" asked Mr. Marion, anxiously. "It's +getting dark, and I'm as hungry as a schoolboy." + +"Yes, and your guests will think you are as impatient as one," she +answered, laughingly. "We must wait a few minutes longer. Mr. Cragmore +hasn't come yet." + +"Cragmore!" cried Mr. Marion, starting to his feet. + +"O dear," exclaimed his wife, "I didn't intend to tell you he was +coming. I knew you hadn't seen the report from Conference yet, and I +wanted to surprise you. He has been sent to the Clark Street Church. I +met him coming up from the depot this morning, and asked him to dine +with us to-night." + +"Now I do wish I were a school-boy!" exclaimed Mr. Marion, "so that I +might give vent to my delight as I used to." + +"I remember how loud you could whoop when you were two feet six," +remarked Mrs. Dameron. "I should not care to risk hearing you, now that +you are six feet two." + +There was a quick ring at the front door, and the next instant Frank +Marion and George Cragmore were shaking hands as though they could never +stop. + +"I'm going to see if they fall on each other's necks and weep a la +Joseph and his brethren," said Lois, tiptoeing towards the hall. "I've +heard so much about George Cragmore, that I feel that I am about to be +presented to a whole circus--menagerie and all." + +"And how are ye, Mistress Marion?" they heard his musical voice say. + +"Will ye moind that now," commented Lois in an undertone. "How's that +for a touch of the rale auld brogue?" + +He was introduced to the old ladies first, then to the saucy Lois and +Jack. Then he caught sight of Herschel. They met with mutual pleasure, +and were about cordially to renew their acquaintance, begun that day on +the car, when Cragmore glanced across the room and saw Bethany. + +Both Lois and David noticed the way his face lighted up, and the +eagerness with which he went forward to speak to her. + +That evening was the beginning of several things. The Hebrew class was +organized. Mr. Marion had found only two of his teachers willing to +undertake the work, but Lois cheerfully allowed herself to be +substituted for the third one he had been so sure would join them. + +"I'll not be here more than long enough to get a good start," she said, +"but I'm in for anything that's going--Hebrew or Hopscotch, whichever it +happens to be." + +The twins declined to take any part. "I know it is beyond us," sighed +Miss Harriet. "The Latin conjugations were always such a terror to me, +and sister never did get her bearings in the German genders." + +When it came time for the merry party to break up, Frank Marion would +not listen to any good-nights from Cragmore. + +"You're not going away. That's the end of it," he declared. "I'll walk +down with you to the hotel, and have your trunk sent up. You're to stay +here until you get a boarding place to suit you. I wouldn't let you go +then, if I did not know it was essential for you to live nearer your +congregation." + +Mr. Marion walked on ahead, pushing Jack's chair, with Miss Caroline on +one side, and Miss Harriet on the other. + +Bethany followed with George Cragmore. There was a brilliant moonlight, +and they walked slowly, enjoying to the utmost the rare beauty of the +night. + +"Come in a moment, George," called Mr. Marion, as he wheeled Jack up the +steps. "I want to finish spinning this yarn." + +They all went into the hall. + +Bethany opened the door into the library and struck a match. Cragmore +took it from her and lighted the gas. + +But Mr. Marion still stood in the hall with his attentive audience of +three. + +"I'll be through in a moment," he called. The sisters dropped down in a +large double rocker. + +"You might as well sit down, too, Mr. Cragmore," said Bethany. "His +minute may prove to be elastic." + +Cragmore looked around the homelike old room, and then down at the +fair-haired woman at his side. "Not to-night, thank you," he responded; +"but I should like to come some other time. Yes, I think I should like +to come here very often, Miss Hallam." + +The admiration in his eyes, and the tone, made the remark so very +personal that Bethany was slightly annoyed. + +"O, our latch-string is always out to the clergy," she said lightly, and +then led the way back to the hall to join the others. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"YOM KIPPUR." + + +THE morning after the first meeting of the Hebrew class at Rabbi +Barthold's, Frank Marion came into the office. + +"Herschel," he said, "when do you have your Day of Atonement services? +Is it this week or next? Rabbi Barthold invited us to attend, but I am +not sure about the date. He is going to preach a series of sermons that +are to set forth the views now held by the Reform school, and Cragmore +and I are anxious to hear them." + +"It is the week after this," said David, consulting the calendar. + +"Then I can arrange to get in from my trip in time for the Friday night +service." + +"What do you think of Rabbi Barthold?" asked David. "Isn't he a +magnificent old fellow?" + +Marion stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well," he said after some +deliberation, "I hardly know where to place him. He doesn't belong to +this age. If I believed in the transmigration of souls, I should say +that some old Levite, whose life-work had been to keep the Temple lamps +perpetually burning, had strayed back to earth again. + +"That seems to be his mission now. He is trying to rekindle the pride +and zeal and hope of an ancient day. Excuse me for saying it, Herschel, +but there are few in his congregation who understand him. Their vision +is so obscured by this dense fog of modern indifference that they fail +to appreciate his aims. They are still in the outer courts, among the +tables of the money-changers, and those who sell doves. They have never +entered the inner sanctuary of a spiritual life. Their religion stops +with the altar and the censer--the material things. Understand me," he +said hastily, as David interrupted him, "I know there are a number you +have in mind, who are loyally true to the spirit of Judaism, but they +are few and far between. I am not speaking of them, but of the great +mass of the congregation. I believe the services of the synagogue, and +their religion itself, is only a form observed from a cold sense of +duty, merely to avert the evil decree." + +David drew himself up rather stiffly. + +"And you are the disciple of the man who said, 'Let him that is without +sin among you cast the first stone!' What do you suppose the Jew has to +say about the dead-heads in your Churches? What proportion of your +membership has passed beyond the tables of the money-changers? How many +in your pews, who mumble the creed and wear the label 'Christian,' will +be able at the passages of God's Jordan to meet the challenge of his +Shibboleth?" + +Marion laid his hand on David's shoulder. "You misunderstand me, my +boy," he said. "I have no harsher denunciation for the indifferent Jew +than for the indifferent Christian. God pity them both! I was simply +drawing a contrast between Rabbi Barthold and his people, as it appears +to me--a shepherd who longs to lead his flock up to the source of all +living water; but they prefer to dispense with climbing the spiritual +heights, jostle each other for the richest herbage of the lowlands, and +are satisfied. You know that is so, David." + +"Yes," admitted David, with a sigh. "He can not even arouse them to the +necessity of teaching their children Hebrew, if they would perpetuate +loyalty to its traditions." + +David was about to repeat what the Rabbi had said the night he consented +to take the Hebrew class, but his pride checked him: "What are we coming +to, my son? Protestantism is having a wonderful awakening in regard to +the study of the Bible. Never has there been such a widespread interest +in it as now. But among our people, how many of the younger generation +make it a text-book of daily study? Such negligence will surely write +its 'Ichabod' upon the future of our beloved Israel." + +"What a discussion we have drifted into!" exclaimed Mr. Marion. "I had +only intended dropping in here to ask you a simple question. Come to +think, I believe I have not answered yours. You asked me my opinion of +Rabbi Barthold. Well, I think he is a sincere, noble soul, a true seeker +of the truth, and a man whose friendship I would value very highly." + +Herschel looked much pleased. + +"I hope you may be able to hear him on 'Yom Kippur,'" he said. + +"I shall certainly try to be there," Marion answered. + +As his footsteps died away in the hall, David said to himself: "If every +Gentile were like that man, and every Jew like Uncle Ezra, what an +ideal state of society there would be! But then," he added as an +after-thought, "what would become of the lawyers? We would starve." + + * * * * * + +In the waning light of the afternoon, that Day of the Atonement, there +was no more devout worshiper in all the temple than George Cragmore. He +had just finished reading a book of M. Leroy Beaulieu's, "Israel Among +the Nations," and as he turned the leaves of the prayer-book some one +handed him, he was impressed with the truth of this sentence which +recurred to him: + +"The Hebrew genius was confined to a narrow bed between two rocky walls, +whence only the sky could be seen; but it channeled there a well so deep +that the ages have not dried it up, and the nations of the four corners +of the earth have come to slake their thirst at its waters." + +It seemed to him that all that was purest, most heart-searching and +sublime in the Old Covenant; all that time has proven most precious and +comforting of its promises; all therein that best satisfies the human +yearnings toward the Infinite, and gives wings to the God-instinct in +man, might be found somewhere in the exquisite mosaic of this day's +ritual. + +Marion, concentrating his attention chiefly on the sermons, admired +their scholarly style, and indorsed most of their substance, but he came +away with a feeling of sadness. + +It seemed so pitiful to him to see these people with their backs turned +on the sacrifice a divine love had already provided, trying to make +their own empty-handed atonement, simply by their penitent pleadings and +good deeds. + +Herschel's devotions were interfered with by a spirit of criticism +heretofore unknown to him. His thoughts were so full of doubts that had +been having an almost imperceptible growth that he could not enter into +the service with his usual abandon. He was continually contrasting those +around him with that never-to-be-forgotten gathering on Lookout, and the +congregation in the tent. + +What made them to differ? He could not tell, but he felt that something +was lacking here that had made the other such a force. + +Cragmore had not been able to attend the Friday night service, nor the +one on the following morning. He came in just after the noon recess, and +was ushered to a pew near the center of the room, where he immediately +became absorbed in the ritual. He followed devoutly through the +meditations and the silent devotions, and when they came to the +responsive readings, his voice joined in as earnestly as any son of +Abraham there. + +The synagogue, with its modern trappings and fashionably-dressed +congregation, seemed to disappear. He saw the old Temple take its place, +with its solemn ceremonials of scapegoat and burnt-offering. Through the +chanting of the choir in the gallery back of him he heard the +thousand-voiced song of the Levites. He seemed to see the clouds of +incense, and the smoke arising from the high brazen altar. He bowed his +head on the seat in front of him. His whole soul seemed to go out in +reverent adoration to this great Jehovah, worshiped by both Hebrew and +Christian. + +The memorial service to the dead followed the sermon. + +Cragmore's music-loving nature responded like a quivering harp-string as +the choir began a minor chant: + + "Oh what is man, the child of dust? + What is man, O Lord?" + +The low, moaning tones of the great organ rose and fell like the beat of +a far-off tide, as all heads bowed in silent devotion, recalling in that +moment the lives that had passed out into the great beyond. + +Cragmore whispered a fervent prayer of thankfulness for the unbroken +family circle across the wide Atlantic. + +As he did so, a breath of blossoming hawthorn hedges, a faint chiming of +the Shandon bells, and the blue mists of the Kerry hills seemed to +mingle a moment with his prayer. + +The sun had set, when in the concluding service his eyes fell on the +words the Rabbi was reading--The Mission of Israel--"It's a pity," he +thought, "that every mentally cross-eyed Christian, who, between +ignorance and bigotry, can get only a distorted impression of the Jews, +couldn't have heard this service to-day, especially that prayer for all +mankind, and this one he is reading now: + +"'This twilight hour reminds us also of the eventide, when, according to +Thy gracious promise, Thy light will arise over all the children of men, +and Israel's spiritual descendants will be as numerous as the stars in +the heaven. Endow us, our Guardian, with strength and patience for our +holy mission. Grant that all the children of Thy people may recognize +the goal of our changeful career, so that they may exemplify, by their +zeal and love for mankind, the truth of Israel's watchword: One humanity +on earth, even as there is but one God in heaven. Enlighten all that +call themselves by Thy name with the knowledge that the sanctuary of +wood and stone, that erst crowned Zion's hill, was but a gate, through +which Israel should step out into the world, to reconcile all mankind +unto Thee! Thou alone knowest when this work of atonement shall be +completed; when the day shall dawn in which the light of Thy truth, +brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. +But surely that great day of universal reconciliation, so fervently +prayed for, shall come, as surely as none of Thy words return empty, +unless they have done that for which Thou didst send them. Then joy +shall thrill all hearts, and from one end of the earth to the other +shall echo the gladsome cry: Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the +Eternal our God, the Eternal is One. Then myriads will make pilgrimage +to Thy house, which shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, +and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: Lord, open for us the +gates of thy truth. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, +ye everlasting doors, for the King of glory shall come in.'" + +And the choir chanting, replied: + +"Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts--He is the King of glory." + +There was a short prayer, then a benediction that made Cragmore and +Marion look across the congregation at each other and smile. It was the +Epworth benediction, with which the League was always dismissed: + +"May the Lord bless thee, and keep thee. May the Lord let his +countenance shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee! The Lord lift up +his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." + +The two men met each other at the door, and walked homeward together +through the twilight. + +Cragmore had found a boarding place. It was not far from the temple. + +"Come up to my room," he said to Marion. "I see you still have +Herschel's prayer-book with you. I want to compare the mission of Israel +as given there with the one I was reading to-day of Leroy-Beaulieu's. I +have never known before to-day what special hope they clung to. Come in +and I will find the paragraph." + +He lighted the gas in his room, pushed a chair over towards his guest, +and, seating himself, began rapidly turning the leaves of the book. + +"Here it is," he said, and he read as follows: + +"Then at last Jewish faith, freed from all tribal spirit and purified of +all national dross, will become the law of humanity. The world that +jeered at the long suffering of Israel, will witness the fulfillment of +prophecies delayed for twenty centuries by the blindness of the scribes, +and the stubbornness of the rabbis. According to the words of the +prophets, the nations will come to learn of Israel, and the people will +hang to the skirts of her garments, crying, 'Let us go up together to +the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the Lord of Israel, that he may +teach us to walk in his ways.' The true spiritual religion, for which +the world has been sighing since Luther and Voltaire, will be imparted +to it through Israel. To accomplish this, Israel needs but to discard +her old practices, as in spring the oak shakes off the dead leaves of +winter. The divine trust, the legacy of her prophets, which has been +preserved intact beneath her heavy ritual, will be transmitted to the +Gentiles by an Israel emancipated from all enslavement to form. Then +only, after having infused the spirit of the Thora into the souls of all +men, will Israel, her mission accomplished, be able to merge herself in +the nations." + +"See what a hopeless hope," said Cragmore, as he closed the book. "And +yet do you know, Frank, I am becoming more and more sure that Israel has +some great part to play in the conversion of humanity? Any one must see +that nothing short of Divine power could have kept them intact as a +race, and Divine power is never aimlessly exerted. There must be some +great reason for such a miraculous preservation. What missionaries of +the cross these people would make! What torch-bearers they have been! +They have carried the altar-fires of Jehovah to every alien shore they +have touched." + +Cragmore stood up in his earnestness, his eyes alight with something +akin to prophetic fire. + +"The old thorny stem of Judaism shall yet bud and blossom into the +perfect flower of Christianity!" he cried. "And when it does, O when it +does, the 'chosen people' will become a veritable tree of life, whose +leaves will be 'for the healing of the nations.'" + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +DR. TRENT. + + +IT was a cold, bleak night in November. There was a blazing wood-fire on +the library hearth. Bethany sat in a low chair in front of it, with a +large, flat book in her lap, which she was using as a desk for her +long-neglected letter-writing. An appetizing smell of pop-corn and +boiling molasses found its way in from the cozy kitchen, where the +sisters were treating Jack to an old-fashioned candy-pulling. The +occasional gusts that rattled the windows made Bethany draw closer to +the fire, with a grateful sense of warmth and comfort. She thoroughly +appreciated her luxurious surroundings, and was glad she had the long, +quiet evening ahead of her. + +For half an hour the steady trail of her pen along the paper, and the +singing of the kettle on the crane, was all that was audible. + +Then Jack came wheeling himself in, with a radiant, sticky face, and a +plate of candy. + +"O, we're having such lots of fun!" he cried. "We're going to make some +chocolate creams now. Do come and help, sister?" + +She pointed to the pile of unanswered letters on the table. "I must get +these out of the way first," she said. "Then I'll join you." + +"I guess you can eat and write at the same time," he answered, holding +out the plate. + +He waited only long enough for her to taste his wares, and hurried back +to the kitchen to report her opinion of their skill as confectioners. + +Just as the dining-room door banged behind him, she thought she heard +some one coming up on the front porch with slow, uncertain steps. She +paused in the act of dipping her pen into the ink, and listened. Some +one certainly tried the bell, but it did not ring. Then the outside door +opened and shut. She started up slightly alarmed, and half way across +the room stopped again to listen. There was a momentary rustling in the +hall. She heard something drop on the hat-rack. Then there was a low +knock at the library door. She opened it a little way, and saw Dr. Trent +standing there. + +"O, Uncle Doctor!" she cried, throwing the door wide open. "I never +once thought of its being you. I took you for a burglar." + +Then she stopped, seeing the worn, haggard look on his face. He seemed +to have grown ten years older since the last time she had seen him. +Without noticing her proffered hand, he pushed slowly past her, and +stood shivering before the fire. He had taken off his overcoat in the +hall. He was bent and careworn, as if some unusual weight had been laid +upon his patient shoulders, already bowed to the limit of their +strength. + +Bethany knew from his firmly set lips and stern face that he was in sore +need of comfort. + +"What is it, Uncle Doctor?" she asked, following him to the fire, and +laying her hand lightly on his trembling arm. She felt that something +dreadful must have happened to unnerve him so. "What can I do for you?" +she asked with a tremble of distress in her voice. + +He dropped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. When he +raised his head his eyes were blurred, and he had that helpless, +childish look that comes with premature age. + +"I have been with Isabel all day," he said, huskily. + +Although Bethany had never heard Mrs. Trent's given name before, she +knew that he was speaking of his wife. + +There was a long pause, which she finally broke by saying, "Don't you +see her every day? I thought you were in the habit of going out to her +that often." + +"O, I have gone there," he answered wearily, "day after day, and day +after day, all these long years; but I have never seen Isabel. It has +only been a poor, mad creature, who never recognized me. She was always +calling for me. The way she used to rave, and pray to be sent back to +her husband, would have touched a heart of flint; yet she never knew me +when I came. She would grow quiet when I put my arm around her, but she +would sit and stare at me in a dumb, confused way that was pitiful. I +always hoped that some day she might recognize me. I would sing her old +songs to her, and talk about our old home, although the thought of its +shattered happiness broke my heart. I tried in every way to bring her to +herself. She would listen awhile, and look up at me with a recognition +almost dawning in her eyes. Then the tears would begin to roll down her +cheeks, and she would beg me to go and find her husband. Yesterday she +knew me!" His voice broke. "She came back to me for the first time in +eight years,--my own little Isabel! I knew it was only because the frail +body was worn out with its terrible struggle, and I could not keep her +long. O, such a day as this has been! I have held her in my arms every +moment, with her poor, tired head against my heart. She was so glad and +happy to find herself with me at last, but the happiness was over so +soon." + +He buried his face in his hands as before, with a groan. When he spoke +again, it was in a dull, mechanical way. + +"She died at sundown!" + +The tears were running down Bethany's face. She had been standing behind +his chair. Now she bent over him, lightly passing her hand over his gray +hair, with a comforting caress. + +"If I could only do something," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with +sympathy. + +"You can," he answered. "That is why I came. None of her relatives are +living. Only my most intimate friends know that she did not die eight +years ago, when she was taken away to a sanitarium. I want--" he stopped +with a choking in his throat. "The attendants have been very kind, but +I want some woman of her own station--some woman who would have been her +friend--to put flowers about her--and--smooth her hair, as she would +have wanted it done--and--and--see that everything is all fine and +beautiful when she is dressed for her last sleep." + +He tried to keep his voice steady as he talked; but his face was working +pitifully, and the tears were rolling down his face. + +"She would have wished it so. She knew Richard Hallam. He was my best +friend. I do not know any one I could ask to do this for my little +Isabel, but Richard Hallam's daughter." + +She leaned over and touched his forehead with her lips. + +"Then let her have a daughter's place in helping you bear this," she +said. "Let her serve her father's dear, old friend as she would have +served that father." + +He reached up and mutely took her hand, resting his face against it a +moment, as if the touch of its sympathy strengthened him. Then he rose, +saying, "I shall send for you in the morning." + +"O, are you going home so soon?" she exclaimed. "You have hardly been +here long enough to get thoroughly warm." + +"No, not home, but back to Isabel. It will be only a few hours longer +that I can sit beside her. I have staid away now longer than I intended, +but I had to come in town to see that Lee was all right." + +"O, does he know?" asked Bethany. + +"No, he was only two years old when they were separated. She has always +been dead to him. Poor, little fellow! Why should I shadow his life with +such a grief?" + +Bethany helped him on with his overcoat, turned up the collar, and +buttoned it securely. Then she gave him his gloves; but instead of +putting them on, he stood snapping the clasps in an absent-minded way. + +"I suppose Richard told you about that debt I have been wrestling with +so long," he said, finally. "I got that all paid off last week, the last +wretched cent. And now that Isabel is gone, I seem to have lost all my +old vigor and ambition. If it were not for Lee, it would be so good to +stop, and not try to take another step. I should like to lie down and go +to sleep, too." + +He opened the door. A raw, cold wind, laden with snow, rushed in. + +Bethany watched him out of sight, then went shivering back to the fire. + +A deep snowstorm kept Jack at home next day, so no one questioned, or no +one knew why Bethany was excused from the office during the morning. + +She carried out Dr. Trent's wishes faithfully. She stood beside him in +the dreary cemetery till the white snow was laid back over the +newly-made mound. Then she rode silently back to town with him. He sat +with his hands over his eyes all the way, never speaking until the +carriage stopped at the office, and the driver opened the door for +Bethany to alight. + +Next day she saw him drive past on his usual round of professional +visits. No one else noticed any difference in him, except that he seemed +a little graver, and, if possible, more tender and thoughtful in his +ministrations, than he had been before. + +To Bethany there was something very pathetic in the sudden aging of +this man, who had borne his burden so silently and bravely that few had +ever suspected he had one. + +He was making a stern effort to keep on in the same old way. His +profession had brought him in contact with so much of the world's sorrow +and suffering that he would not lay even the shadow of his burden on +other lives, if he could help it. + +Only Bethany noticed that his hair was fast growing white, that he +stooped more, and that he climbed slowly and heavily into the buggy, +instead of springing in as he used to, with a quick, elastic step. She +ministered to his comfort in all the little ways in her power, but it +was not much that any one could do. + +It must have been nearly two weeks before he came again to the house. +This time it was to examine Jack. + +"What would you say, my son," he asked, "if I should tell you I do not +want you to go to the office any more after this week?" + +Jack's face was a study. The tears came to his eyes. "Why?" he asked. + +"Because you will be strong enough then to go through a certain exercise +I want you to take many times during the day. If you keep it up +faithfully, I believe you will be walking by Christmas." + +This was so much sooner than either Jack or Bethany had dared hope, that +they hardly knew how to express their joy. Jack gave a loud whoop, and +went wheeling out of the room at the top of his speed to tell Miss +Caroline and Miss Harriet. + +Dr. Trent looked after him with a fatherly tenderness in his face. Then +he sighed and turned to Bethany. "I have another trouble to bring to +you, my dear. Lee has been getting into so much mischief lately. I never +knew till yesterday that he has not been attending school regularly this +term. You see every allowance ought to be made for the child--no home +but a boarding-house; no one to take an oversight--for I am called out +night and day. He is such a bright boy, so full of life and spirit. I am +satisfied that his teachers do not understand him. They have not been +fair with him. He has been transferred from one ward to another, and +finally expelled. He never told me until last night. He said he knew it +would grieve me, and that he put it off from day to day, because he did +not want to trouble me when I was so worried over several critical +cases. That showed a sweet spirit, Bethany. I appreciated it. He has +always been such an affectionate little chap. I wanted to go and +interview the superintendent; but he insisted it would do no good, +because they are all prejudiced against him. I know Lee is a good child. +They ought not to expect a growing boy, full of the animal spirits the +Creator has endowed him with, to always work like a prim little machine. +Maybe I am not acting wisely, but he begged so hard to be allowed to go +to work for awhile, instead of being sent to any other school, that I +gave my consent. It is little a ten-year old boy can do, but he has a +taking way with him, and he got a place himself. He is to be +elevator-boy in the same building where your office is. You will see him +every day, and I am giving you the true state of affairs, so you will +not misjudge the child. I hope you will look out a little for him, +Bethany." + +"You may be sure I shall do that," she promised. "We are already great +friends. He used to often join us on his way to school, and wheel Jack +part of the distance." + +Jack made as much as possible of the remaining time that he was allowed +to go to the office. He studied no lessons but the short Hebrew +exercises David still gave him. He called at all the different offices +where he had made friends, and spent a great deal of time in the hall, +talking to Lee, who was soon installed in the building as elevator-boy. + +"My! but Lee has been fooling his father," exclaimed Jack to Bethany +after his first interview. "Dr. Trent thinks he is such a little angel, +but you ought to hear the things he brags about doing. He's tough, I can +tell you. He smokes cigarettes, and swears like a trooper. He showed me +an old horse-pistol he won at a game of 'seven up.' He shoots 'craps,' +too. He has been playing hooky half his time. One of the hostlers at the +livery-stable, where his father keeps his horse, used to write his +excuses for him. Lee paid him for it with tobacco he stole out of one of +the warehouses down by the river. You just ought to see the book he +carries around in his pocket to read when he isn't busy. It's called +'The Pirate's Revenge; or, A Murderer's Romance.' There is the awfulest +pictures in it of people being stabbed, and women cutting their throats. +I told him he showed mighty poor taste in the stuff he read; and asked +him how he would like to be found dead with such a thing in his pocket. +He told me to shut up preaching, and said the reason he has gone to work +is to save up money so's he could go to Chicago or New York, or some big +place, and have a 'howling good time.'" + +It made Bethany sick at heart to think of the deception the boy had +practiced on his father. Much as she trusted Jack, she could not bear to +encourage any intimacy between the boys, and was glad when the time came +for him to stay at home from the office. But in every way she could she +strengthened her friendship with Lee. She brought him great, rosy +apples, and pop-corn balls that Jack had made. No ten-year-old boy could +be proof against the long twists of homemade candy she frequently +slipped into his pocket. Sometimes when the weather was especially +stormy and bleak outside, she stopped to put a bunch of violets or a +little red rose in his button-hole. She was so pretty and graceful that +she awakened the dormant chivalry within him, and he would not for +worlds have had her suspect that he was not all his father believed him +to be. + +One day she told David enough of his history to enlist his sympathy. +After that the young lawyer began to take considerable notice of him, +and finally won his complete friendship by the gift of a little brown +puppy, that he brought down one morning in his overcoat pocket. + +There was no more time to read "The Pirate's Revenge." The helpless, +sprawling little pup demanded all his attention. He kept it swung up in +a basket in the elevator, when he was busy, but spent every spare moment +trying to develop its limited intelligence by teaching it tricks. That +was one occupation of which he never wearied, and in which he never lost +patience. From the moment he took the soft, warm, little thing in his +arms, he loved it dearly. + +"I shall call him Taffy," he said, hugging it up to him, "because he's +so sweet and brown." + +Bethany had intended for Dr. Trent and Lee to dine with them on +Thanksgiving day, but the sisters were invited to Mrs. Dameron's, and +Mrs. Marion was so urgent for her and Jack to spend the day with them, +that she reluctantly gave up her plan. + +"I shall certainly have them Christmas," she promised herself, "and a +big tree for Lee and Jack. Lois will help me with it." + +It was a genuine Thanksgiving-day, with gray skies, and snow, to +intensify the indoor cheer. + +"Didn't the altar look beautiful this morning with its decorations of +fruit and vegetables, and those sheaves of wheat?" remarked Miss +Harriet. She had just come home from Mrs. Dameron's, and was holding her +big mink muff in front of the fire to dry. She had dropped it in the +snow. + +"Yes, and wasn't that salad-dressing fine?" chimed in Miss Caroline. +"Sally always did have a real talent for such things." + +"It couldn't have been any better than we had," insisted Jack. "I don't +believe I'll want anything more to eat for a week." + +"That's very fortunate," answered Miss Caroline, "for I gave Mena an +entire holiday. We'll only have a cup of tea, and I can make that in +here." + +They sat around the fire in the gloaming, quietly talking over the happy +day. One of Bethany's greatest causes for thanksgiving was that these +two gentle lives had come in contact with her own. Their simple piety +and childlike faith sweetened the atmosphere around them, like the +modest, old-fashioned garden-flowers they loved so dearly. Well for +Bethany that she had the constant companionship of these loving sisters. +Happy for Jack that he found in them the gracious grandmotherly +tenderness, without which no home is complete. They were very proud of +their boy, as they called him. Between the Junior League and their +conscientious instruction, Jack was pretty firmly "rooted and grounded" +in the faith of his fathers. Night stole on so gradually, and the +firelight filled the room with such a cheerful glow, they did not notice +how dark it had grown outside, until a sudden peal of the door-bell +startled them. + +"I'll go," said Miss Caroline, adjusting the spectacles that had slipped +down when the sudden sound made her start nervously up from her chair. +She waited to light the gas, and hastily arrange the disordered chairs. + +When she opened the door she saw David Herschel patiently awaiting +admittance. It was the first time he had ever called. She was all in a +flutter of surprise as she ushered him into the library. He declined to +take a seat. + +"I have just come home from Dr. Trent's," he said. "You know he boards +across the street from Rabbi Barthold's, where I have been spending the +day. He was called out to see a patient last night, and came home late, +with a hard chill. Lee saw me coming out of the gate a little while ago, +and came running over to tell me. He had been out skating all morning. +After dinner, when he went up-stairs, he found his father delirious, and +had telephoned for Dr. Mills. He was very much frightened, and wanted me +to stay with him until the doctor came. As soon as Dr. Mills examined +him, he called me aside and asked me to get into his buggy and drive out +to the Deaconess Home. I have just come from there," he said, "and Miss +Carleton has no case on hands. Tell her if ever she was needed in her +life, she is needed now. He has pneumonia, and it has been neglected too +long, I'm afraid. It may be a matter of only a few hours." + +Bethany started up, looking so white and alarmed that David thought she +was going to faint. He arose, too. + +"I must go over there at once," she said. + +"It is quite dark," answered David. "I am at your service, if you want +me to wait for you." + +"O, I shall not keep you waiting a moment," she answered. "Jack, I'll be +back in time to help you to bed." + +As she spoke she began putting on her wraps, which were still lying on +the chair, where she had thrown them off on coming in, a little while +before. + +David offered his arm as they went down the icy steps. + +"It was so good of you to come at once," she said, as she accepted his +assistance. "Is Miss Carleton there now?" + +"Yes," he answered, "she was ready almost instantly. She is the same +nurse that I met early one morning in that laundry office. She told me +on the way back that Dr. Trent has done so much for the Home and for the +poor. She says she owes her own life to his skill and care, and that no +service she could render him would be great enough to express her +gratitude. They all feel that way about him at the Home." + +Belle Carleton met them at the bedroom door. "Dr. Trent has just spoken +about you," she said in a low tone to Bethany. "He has had several +lucid intervals. Take off your hat before you go to him." + +Lee sat curled up in a big chair in a dark corner of the room, with +Taffy hugged tight in his arms. An undefinable dread had taken +possession of him. He looked up at Bethany, with a frightened, tearful +expression, as she patted him on the cheek in passing. + +Dr. Trent opened his eyes when she sat down beside him, and took his +hand. He smiled brightly as he recognized her. + +"Richard's little girl!" he said in a hoarse whisper, for he could not +speak audibly. "Dear old Dick." + +Then he grew delirious again. It was only at intervals he had these +gleams of consciousness. + +After awhile his eyes closed wearily. He seemed to sink into a heavy +stupor. Bethany sat holding his hand, with the tears silently dropping +down into her lap as she looked at the worn fingers clasped over hers. + +What a world of good that hand had done! How unselfishly it had toiled +on for others, to wipe out the brother's disgrace, to surround the +little wife with comforts, to provide the boy with the best of +everything! Besides all that, it had filled, as far as lay in its power, +every other needy hand, stretched out toward its sympathetic clasp. + +She sat beside him a long time, but he did not waken from the heavy +sleep into which he had fallen, even when she gently withdrew her +fingers, and moved away to let Dr. Mills take her place. He had just +come in again. + +"Will you need me here to-night, Belle?" asked Bethany. + +The nurse turned to Dr. Mills inquiringly. He shook his head. "Miss +Carleton can do all that is necessary," he said. "I shall come again +about midnight, and stay the rest of the night, if I am needed. He will +probably have no more rational awakenings while this fever keeps at such +a frightful heat. If we can subdue that soon, he has such great vitality +he may pull through all right." + +"You'd better go back, dear," urged the nurse. "You have your work ahead +of you to-morrow, and you look very tired." + +"I have an almost unbearable headache," admitted Bethany, "or I would +not think of leaving. I would not go even for that, if I thought he +would have conscious intervals of any length; but the doctor thinks that +is hardly probable to-night. I'll come back early in the morning. Maybe +he will know me then." + +"Are you going, too?" asked Lee, clinging wistfully to David's hand, as +Bethany put on her hat. + +"Would you like me to stay?" he asked, kindly. + +Lee swallowed hard, and winked fast to keep back the tears. + +"Everybody else is strangers," he said, with his lip trembling. + +David put his arm around him caressingly. His sympathies went out +strongly to the little lad, who might so soon be left fatherless. + +"Then I'll come back and stay with you till you go to sleep, after I +take Miss Hallam home," he promised. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A LITTLE PRODIGAL. + + +LEE was waiting disconsolately on the stairs, with Taffy beside him, +when David opened the door and stepped into the hall. The landlady was +up-stairs with the nurse, and all the boarders had gone to a concert, so +the parlor was vacant, and David took the boy in there. He gave him an +intricate chain-puzzle to work first, and afterward told him such +entertaining stories of his travels that Lee forgot his painful +forebodings. The clock in the hall struck ten before either of them was +aware how swiftly the time had passed. + +"Here's a little fellow who doesn't know where he is to sleep," David +said to the nurse, when they had noiselessly entered Dr. Trent's room. + +"We'll cover him up warm on the sofa," she said, kindly. "He'd better +not undress." + +David looked quickly across to the bed. "Is there any change?" he asked, +anxiously. + +She nodded, and then motioned him aside. "Would it be too much to ask +you to stay a couple of hours longer, until Dr. Mills comes? Lee clings +to you so, and the end may be much nearer than we thought." + +"If I can be of any use, I'll stay very willingly," he replied. + +They moved the sofa to the other side of the room, and the nurse began +folding some blankets the landlady brought her to lay over it. + +"Can't you put some more coal on the fire, dear?" she asked Lee. + +He picked up a larger lump than he could well manage. The tongs slipped, +and it fell with a great noise on the fender, breaking in pieces as it +did so, then rattling over the hearth. + +They all turned apprehensively toward the bed. The heavy jarring sound +had thoroughly aroused Dr. Trent from his stupor. He looked around the +room as if trying to comprehend the situation. He seemed puzzled to +account for David's presence in the room, and drew his hand wonderingly +across his burning forehead, then pressed it against his aching throat. + +The nurse bent over him to moisten his parched lips with a spoonful of +water. + +Then he understood. A look of awe stole over his face, as he realized +his condition. He held his hand out towards Lee, and the nurse, turning, +beckoned the child to come. He folded the cold, trembling little fingers +in his hot hands. "Papa's--dear--little son!" he gasped in whispers. + +David turned his head away, his eyes suffused with hot tears. The scene +recalled so vividly the night he had crept to his father's bedside for +the last time. His heart ached for the little fellow. + +"God--keep--you!" came in the same hoarse whisper. + +Then he turned to the nurse, and with great effort spoke aloud, "Belle, +pray!" + +David, standing with bowed head, while she knelt with her arm around the +frightened boy, listened to such a prayer as he had never heard before. +He had wondered one time how this woman could sacrifice everything in +life for the sake of a man who died so many centuries ago. But as he +listened now, to her low, earnest voice, he felt an unseen Presence in +the room, as of the Christ to whom she spoke so confidingly. + +As she prayed that the Everlasting Arms might be underneath as this +soul went down into the "valley of the shadow," the doctor cried out +exultingly, "There is no valley!" + +David looked up. The doctor's worn face was shining with an unspeakable +happiness. He stretched out his arms. + +"Jesus saves me! O, the wonder of it!" + +His hands dropped. Gradually his eyes closed, and he relapsed into a +stupor, from which he never aroused. When Dr. Mills came at midnight he +was still breathing; but the street lights were beginning to fade in the +gray, wintry dawn when Belle Carleton reverently laid the lifeless hands +across the still heart, and turned to look at Lee. + +The child had sobbed himself to sleep on the sofa, and David had gone. + + * * * * * + +O, the pity of it, that we keep the heart's-ease of our appreciation to +wreathe cold coffin-lids, and cover unresponsive clay! + +There was a constant stream of people passing in and out of the +boarding-house parlor all day. + +Bethany was not surprised at the great number who came to do honor to +Baxter Trent, nor at the tearful accounts of his helpful ministrations +from those he had befriended. But as she arranged the great masses of +flowers they brought, she thought sadly, "O, why didn't they send these +when he was in such sore need of love and sympathy? Now it's too late to +make any difference." + +All sorts of people came. A man whose wrists had not yet forgotten the +chafing of a convict's shackles, touched one of the lilies that Bethany +had placed on the table at the head of the casket. + +"He lived white!" the man said, shaking his head mournfully. "I reckon +he was ready to go if ever any body was." + +They happened to be alone in the room, and Bethany repeated what the +nurse had told her of the doctor's triumphant passing. + +Late in the afternoon there was a timid knock at the door. Bethany +opened it, and saw two little waifs holding each other's cold, red +hands. One had a ragged shawl pinned over her head, and the other wore a +big, flapping sunbonnet, turned back from her thin, pitiful face. Their +teeth were chattering with cold and bashfulness. + +"Missus," faltered the larger one, "we couldn't get no wreaves or +crosses, but granny said he would like this ''cause it's so bright and +gold-lookin'.'" + +The dirty little hand held out a stemless, yellow chrysanthemum. + +"Come in, dears," said Bethany softly, opening the door wide to the +little ragamuffins. + +They glanced around the mass of blossoms filling the room, with a look +of astonishment that so much beauty could be found in one place. + +"Jess," whispered the oldest one to her sister, "'Pears like our 'n +don't show up for much, beside all these. I wisht he knowed we walked a +mile through the snow to fetch it, and how sorry we was." + +Bethany heard the disappointed whisper. "Did you know him well?" she +asked. + +"I should rather say," answered the child. "He kep' us from starvin', +all the time granny was down sick so long." + +"An' once he took me and Jess ridin' with him, away out in the country, +and he let us get out in a field and pick lots of yellow flowers, +something like this, only littler. Didn't he, Jess?" + +The other child nodded, saying, as she wiped her eyes with the corner of +her sister's shawl, "Granny says we'll never have another friend like +him while the world stands." + +Deeply touched, Bethany held up the stemless chrysanthemum. "See," she +said, "I'm going to put it in the best place of all, right here by his +hand." + +The door opened again to admit David Herschel. Before it closed the +children had slipped bashfully away, still hand in hand. + +Bethany told him of their errand. "Who could have brought more?" she +said, touching the shining yellow flower; "for with this little drop of +gold is the myrrh of a childish grief, and the frankincense of a loving +remembrance." + +She felt that he could appreciate the pathos of the gift, and the love +that prompted it. They had grown so much closer together in the last +twenty-four hours. + +"You've been here nearly all day, haven't you?" he asked, noticing her +tired face. "I wish you would go home and rest, and let me take your +place awhile." + +He insisted so kindly that at last she yielded. Her sympathies had been +sorely wrought upon during the day, and she was nearly exhausted. + +After she had gone, he sat down with his overcoat on, near the front +window. There was only a smoldering remnant of a fire in the grate. + +The last rays of the sunset were streaming in between the slats of the +shutters. He could hear the boys playing in the snowy streets, and the +occasional tinkle of passing sleighbells. + +"I wonder where Lee is," he thought. He had not seen the child since +morning. + +Two working men came in presently. They looked long and silently at the +doctor's peaceful face, and tiptoed awkwardly out again. + +The minutes dragged slowly by. + +The heavy perfume of the flowers made David drowsy, and he leaned his +head on his hand. + +The door opened cautiously, and Lee looked in. His eyes were swollen +with crying. He did not see David sitting back in the shadow. Only one +long ray of yellow sunlight shone in now, and it lay athwart the still +form in the center of the room. + +Lee paused just a moment beside it, then slipped noiselessly over to the +grate. There was a pile of books under his arm. He stirred the dying +embers as quietly as he could, and one by one laid the books on the red +coals. They were the ones Jack had so unreservedly condemned. Last of +all he threw on a dogeared deck of cards. They blazed up, filling the +room with light, and revealing David in his seat by the window. + +"O," cried Lee in alarm, "I didn't know any one was in here." + +Then leaning against the wall, he put his head on his arm, and began to +sob in deeper distress than he had yet shown. He felt in his pocket for +a handkerchief, but there was none there. + +David took out his own and wiped the boy's wet face, as he drew him +tenderly to his knee. + +"Now tell me all about it," he said. + +Lee nestled against his shoulder, and cried harder for awhile. Then he +sobbed brokenly: "O, I've been so bad, and he never knew it! I came in +here early this morning before anybody was up, to tell him I was +sorry--that I would be a good boy--but he was so cold when I touched +him, and he couldn't answer me! O, papa, papa!" he wailed. "It's so +awful to be left all alone--just a little boy like me!" + +David folded him closer without speaking. No words could touch such a +grief. + +Presently Lee sat up and unfolded a piece of paper. It was only the +scrap of a fly-leaf, its jagged edges showing it had been torn from some +school-book. + +"Do you think it will hurt if I put this in his pocket?" he asked in a +trembling voice. "I want him to take it with him. I felt like if I +burned up those books in here, and put this in his pocket, he'd know how +sorry I was." + +David took the bit of paper, all blistered with boyish tears, where a +penitent little hand, out of the depths of a desolate little heart, had +scrawled the promise: "Dear Papa,--I will be good." + +A sob shook the man's strong frame as he read it. + +"I think he will be very glad to have you give him that," he answered. +"You'd better put it in his pocket before any one comes in." + +Lee slipped down from his lap, and crossed the room. "O, I can't," he +moaned, attempting to lift the lifeless hands. + +David reached down, and unbuttoning the coat, laid the promise of the +little prodigal gently on his father's heart, to await its reading in +the glad light of the resurrection morning. Then he called some one else +to take his place, and went to telephone for a sleigh. In a little while +he was driving through the twilight out one of the white country roads, +with Lee beside him, that nature's wintry solitudes might lay a cool +hand of healing sympathy on the boy's sore heart. + +Bethany took him home with her after the funeral, and kept him a week. + +Miss Caroline and Miss Harriet petted him with all the ardor of their +motherly old hearts. Jack did his best to amuse him, and with the +elasticity of childhood, he began to recover his usual vivacity. + +"This can not go on always," Mr. Marion said to Bethany one day. He had +gone up to the office to talk to her about it. + +Dr. Trent had left a small insurance, requesting that Frank Marion be +appointed guardian. + +"Ray wants him," continued Mr. Marion. "She would have turned the house +into an orphan asylum long ago if I had allowed it. But she has so many +demands on her time and strength that I am unwilling to have her taxed +any more. You see, for instance, if we should take Lee, I am away from +home so much, that the greater part of the care and responsibility would +fall on her. Just now his father's death has touched him, and he is +making a great effort to do all right; but it will be a hard fight for +him in a big place like this, so full of temptations to a boy of his +age. He would be a constant care. The only thing I can see is to put him +in some private school for a few years." + +"Let me keep him till after Christmas," urged Bethany. "I can't bear to +let the little fellow go away among strangers this near the holiday +season. I keep thinking, What if it were Jack?" + +"How would it do for me to take him out on my next trip?" suggested Mr. +Marion. "I will be gone two weeks, just to little country towns in the +northern part of the State, where he could have a variety of scenes to +amuse him." + +"That will be fine!" answered Bethany. "I'm sure he will like it." + +Lee was somewhat afraid of his tall, dignified guardian. He had a secret +fear that he would always be preaching to him, or telling him Bible +stories. He hoped that the customers would keep him very busy during the +day, and he resolved always to go to bed early enough to escape any +curtain lectures that might be in store for him. + +To his great relief, Mr. Marion proved the jolliest of traveling +companions. There was no preaching. He did not even try to make sly +hints at the boy's past behavior by tacking a moral on to the end of his +stories, and he only laughed when Taffy crawled out of the +innocent-looking brown paper bundle that Lee would not put out of his +arms until after the train had started. + +Such long sleigh-rides as they had across the open country between +little towns! Such fine skating places he found while Mr. Marion was +busy with his customers! It was a picnic in ten chapters, he told one of +the drivers. + +One afternoon, as they drove over the hard, frozen pike, one of the +horses began to limp. + +"Shoe's comin' off," said the driver. "Lucky we're near Sikes's smithy. +It's jes' round the next bend, over the bridge." + +The smoky blacksmith-shop, with its flying sparks and noisy anvils, was +nothing new to Lee. He had often hung around one in the city. In fact, +there were few places he had not explored. + +The smith was a loud, blatant fellow, so in the habit of using rough +language that every sentence was accompanied with an oath. + +Mr. Marion had taken Lee in to warm by the fire. + +"I wonder what that horrible noise is!" he said. They had heard a harsh, +grating sound, like some discordant grinding, ever since they came in +sight of the shop. + +Sikes pointed over his shoulder with his sooty thumb. + +"It's an ole mill back yender. It's out o' gear somew'eres. It set me +plumb crazy at first, but I'm gettin' used to it now." + +"Let's go over and investigate," said Mr. Marion, anxious to get Lee out +of such polluted atmosphere. + +The miller, an easy-going old fellow, nearly as broad as he was long, +did not even take the trouble to remove the pipe from his mouth, as he +answered: "O, that! That's nothing but just one of the cogs is gone out +of one of the wheels. I keep thinking I'll get it fixed; but there's +always a grist a-waiting, so somehow I never get 'round to it. Does make +an or'nery sound for a fact, stranger; but if I don't mind it, reckon +nobody else need worry." + +"Lazy old scoundrel," laughed Mr. Marion, after they had passed out of +doors again. "I don't see how he stands such a horrible noise. It is a +nuisance to the whole neighborhood." + +When he reported the conversation at the smithy, Sikes swore at the +miller soundly. + +Frank Marion's eyes flashed, and he took a step forward. + +"Look here, Sikes," he exclaimed, in a tone that made every one in the +shop pause to listen, "you've got a bigger cog missing in you than the +old mill has, and it makes you a sight bigger nuisance to the +neighborhood. You have lost your reverence for all that is holy. You go +grinding away by yourself, leaving out God, leaving out Christ, making a +miserable failure of your life grist, and every time you open your lips, +your blasphemous words tell the story of the missing cog. If that old +mill-wheel makes such a hateful sound, what kind of a discord do you +suppose your life is making in the ears of your Heavenly Father?" + +Sikes looked at him an instant irresolutely. His first impulse was to +knock him over with the heavy hammer he held; but the truth of the +fearless words struck home, and he could not help respecting the man who +had the courage to utter them. + +"Beg pardon, sir," he said at last. "I had no idee you was a parson. I +laid out as you was a drummer." + +"I am a drummer," answered Marion. "I am a wholesale shoe-merchant now; +but I spent so many years on the road for this same house before I went +into the firm, that I often go out over my old territory." + +Sikes regarded him curiously. "Strikes me you've got sermons and +shoe-leather pretty badly mixed up," he said. + +Afterward, when he had watched the sleigh disappear down the road, he +picked up the bellows and worked them in an absent-minded sort of a way. + +"A drummer!" he repeated under his breath. "A drummer! I'll +be--blowed!" + +The incident made a profound impression on Lee. A loop in the road +brought them in sight of the old mill again. + +"We don't want to have any cogs missing, do we, son!" said Mr. Marion, +first pinching the boy's rosy cheek, and then stooping to tuck the +buffalo robes more snugly around him. + +The subject was not referred to again, but the lesson was not forgotten. + +Sunday was passed at a little country hotel. They walked to the Church a +mile away in the morning. Time hung heavy on Lee's hands in the +afternoon while Mr. Marion was reading. If it had not been for Taffy, it +would have been insufferably dull. He had a slight cold, so Mr. Marion +did not take him out to the night service. He left him playing with the +landlady's baby in the hotel parlor. That amusement did not last long, +however. The baby was put to bed, and some of the neighbors came in for +a visit. Lee felt out of place, and went up to their room. + +It was the best the house afforded, but it was far from being an +attractive place. The walls were strikingly white and bare. A hideous +green and purple quilt covered the bed. The rag carpet was a dull, +faded gray. The lamp smoked when he turned it up, and smelled strongly +of coal-oil when he turned it down. + +He felt so lonely and homesick that he concluded to go to bed. It was +very early. He could not sleep, but lay there in the dark, listening to +somebody's rocking-chair, going squeakety squeak in the parlor below. + +He wished he could be as comfortable and content as Taffy, curled up in +some flannel in a shoe-box, on a chair beside the bed. He reached out, +and stroked the puppy's soft back. + +The feeling came over him as he did so, that there wasn't anybody in all +the world for him really to belong to. + +It was the first time since Bethany took him home that he had felt like +crying. Now he lay and sobbed softly to himself till he heard Mr. +Marion's step on the stairs. + +He grew quiet then, and kept his eyes closed. Mr. Marion lighted the +lamp, putting a high-backed chair in front of it, so that it could not +shine on the bed. He picked up his Bible that was lying on the table, +and, turning the leaves very quietly that he might not disturb Lee, +found the night's lesson. + +A stifled sniffle made him pause. After a long time he heard another. +Laying down his book, he stepped up to the bed. Lee was perfectly +motionless, but the pillow was wet, and his face streaked with traces of +tears. Marion, with his hands thrust in his pockets, stood looking at +him. + +All the fatherly impulses of his nature were stirred by the pitiful +little face on the pillow. + +He knelt down and put his strong arm tenderly over the boy. + +"Lee," he said, "look up here, son." + +Lee glanced timidly at the bearded face so near his own. + +"You were lying here in the dark, crying because you felt that there was +nobody left to love you. Now put your arms around my neck, dear, while I +tell you something. I had a little child once. I can never begin to tell +you how I loved her. When she died it nearly broke my heart. But I said, +for her sake I shall love all children, and try to make them happy. +Because her little feet knew the way home to God, I shall try to keep +all other children in the same pure path. For her sake, first, I loved +you; now, since we have been together, for your own. I want you to feel +that I am such a close friend that you can always come to me just as +freely as you did to your father." + +The boy's clasp around his neck tightened. + +"But, Lee, there will be times in your life when you will need greater +help than I can give; and because I know just how you will be tried, and +tempted, and discouraged, I want you to take the best of friends for +your own right now. I want you to take Jesus. Will you do this?" + +Lee hesitated, and then said in a half-frightened whisper, "I don't know +how." + +"Did you ever ask your papa to forgive you after you had been very +naughty?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"O yes," cried Lee, "but it was too late." Between his choking sobs he +told of the promise lying on his father's heart, in the far-off grave +under the cemetery cedars. + +Mr. Marion controlled his voice with an effort, as he pointed out the +way so surely and so simply that Lee could not fail to understand. + +Then, with his arm still around him, he prayed; and the boy, following +him step by step through that earnest prayer, groped his way to his +Savior. + +It was a time never to be forgotten by either Frank Marion or Lee. They +lay awake till long after midnight, too happy even to think of sleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +HERZENRUHE. + + +A STORY has come down to us of a cricket that, hidden away in an old oak +chest, found its way to the New World in the hold of the Mayflower. When +night came, and the strange loneliness of those winter wilds made the +bravest heart appalled; when little children held with homesick longing +to their mother's hands, and talked of England's bonny hedgerows, then +the brave little cricket came out on the hearthstone; and its familiar +chirp, bringing back the cheer of the happy past, comforted the +children, and sang new hopes into the hearts of their elders. + +With every vessel that has touched the New World's shores since that +time have come these fireside voices. Whether stowed away in the ample +chests of the first Virginians, or bound in the bundles of the last +steerage passengers just landed at Castle Garden, some quaint custom of +a distant Fatherland has always folded its wings, ready to chirp on the +new hearthstone, the familiar even-song of the old. + +That is how the American celebration of Christmas has become so +cosmopolitan in its character. It is a chorus of all the customs that, +cricket-like, have journeyed to us, each with its song of an "auld lang +syne." + +"I should like to have a little of everything this year," remarked Miss +Caroline, as, pencil in hand, she prepared to make a long memorandum. + +It was two weeks before Christmas, and she had called a family council +in her room, after Jack had gone to bed. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were there, busily embroidering. + +"It is the first time we have had a home of our own for so many years, +or been where there is a child in the family," added Miss Harriet, "that +we ought to make quite an occasion of it." + +"Now, my idea," remarked Miss Caroline, "is to begin back with the +mistletoe of the Druids, and then the holly and plum-pudding of old +England. I'm sorry we can't have the Yule log and the wassail-bowl and +the dear little Christmas waits. It must have been so lovely. But we +can have a tree Christmas eve, with all the beautiful German customs +that go with it. Jack must hang up his stocking by the chimney, whether +he believes in Santa Claus or not. Then we must read up all the +Scandinavian and Dutch and Flemish customs, and observe just as many as +we can." + +"And all this just for Jack and Lee," said Mrs. Marion, thoughtfully. + +"Bless you, no," exclaimed Miss Caroline. "Jack is going to invite ten +poor children that the Junior Mercy and Help Department have reported. +He is so grateful for being able to walk a little, that he wants to give +up his whole Christmas to them." + +"What do you want me to do?" asked Lois. "I'm through with my last +present now, and am ready for anything, from serving a dinner to the +slums to playing a bagpipe for its entertainment." + +As she spoke she snipped the last thread of silk with her little silver +scissors, and tossed the piece of embroidery into Bethany's lap. + +Bethany spread it out admiringly. "You are a true artist, Lois," she +said. "These sweet peas look as if they had just been gathered. They +would almost tempt the bees." + +"They're not as natural as Ray's buttercups," answered Lois. "You can't +guess whom she's making that table-cover for?" + +Mrs. Marion held it up for them to see. "For that dear old grandmother +where we were entertained at Chattanooga last summer," she said. "Don't +you remember Mrs. Warford, Bethany? She couldn't hear well enough to +enjoy the meetings, or to talk to us much, but her face was a perpetual +welcome. She asked me into her room one day, and showed me a great bunch +of red clover some one had sent her from the country. She seemed so +pleased with it, and told me about the clover chains she used to make, +and the buttercups she used to pick in the meadows at home, with all the +artlessness of a child. That is why I chose this design." + +"There never was another like you, Cousin Ray," said Bethany. "You +remember everything and everybody at Christmas, and I don't see how you +ever manage to get through with so much work." + +"Love lightens labor," quoted Miss Harriet, sententiously. "At least +that's what my old copy-book used to say." + +"And it also said, if I remember aright," said Miss Caroline, a little +severely, "'Plan out your work, and work out your plan.' It's high time +we were settling down to business, if we expect to accomplish anything." + +While this Christmas council was in session in Miss Caroline's room, +another was being held in an old farm-house in the northern part of the +State, by Gottlieb Hartmann's wife and daughter. Everything in the room +gave evidence of German thrift and neatness, from the shining brass +andirons on the hearth, to the geraniums blooming on the window-sill. + +"Herzenruhe" was the name of the home Gottlieb Hartmann had left behind +him in the Fatherland, when he came to America a poor emigrant boy; and +that was the name now carved on the arch that spanned the wide +entrance-gate, leading to the home and the well-tilled acres that he had +earned by years of steady, honest toil. + +It was indeed "heart's-ease," or heart-rest, to every wayfarer sheltered +under its ample roof-tree. + +He had accumulated his property by careful economy, but he gave out with +the same conscientious spirit with which he gathered in. No matter when +the summons might come, at nightfall or at cock-crowing, he was ready to +give an account of his faithful stewardship. Not only had he divided his +bread with the hungry, but he had given time and personal care, and a +share in his own home-life, to those who were in need. + +More than one young farmer, jogging past Herzenruhe in a wagon of his +own, looked gratefully up the long lane, and remembered that he owed the +steady habits of his manhood and his present prosperity to Gottlieb +Hartmann. For in all the years since he had had a place of his own, +there had seldom been a time when some homeless boy or another had not +been a member of his household. + +He was an old man now, white-haired and rheumatic, and called +grandfather by all the country side; but he was still young at heart, +sweet and sound to the very core, like a hardy winter apple. His +children had all married and gone farther West, except his oldest +daughter, Carlotta, whom no one had ever been able to lure away from +her comfortable home-nest. She was an energetic, self-willed little +body, and had gradually assumed control until the entire household +revolved around her. Just now she had wheeled her sewing-machine beside +the table, on which the evening lamp stood, and was preparing to dress a +whole family of dolls to be packed in the Christmas boxes that were soon +to be sent West. + +Her mother sat on one side of the fireplace, her sweet, wrinkled old +face bright with the loving thoughts that her needles were putting into +a little red mitten, destined for one of the boxes. + +"It will be the first Christmas since I can remember," said Carlotta, +"that there will be no little ones here, and no tree to light. Ben's boy +was here last year, and all of Mary's children the year before. It's a +pity they are so far away. It will just spoil my Christmas." + +Mr. Hartmann laid down the German Advocate he was reading. + +"Ach, Lotta," he said, "I forgot to tell you. There will be a little lad +here to-morrow to take dinner with us. When I was in town to-day I met +our good friend, Frank Marion, and he had a boy with him whose father is +just dead, and he is the guardian." + +"How many years has it been since Mr. Marion first came here?" asked +Carlotta. "Seems to me I was only a little girl, and now I have pulled +out lots of gray hairs already." + +"It has been twenty years at least," answered her mother. "It was while +we were building the ice-house, I know." + +"Yes," assented her husband, "I had gone into Ridgeville one Saturday to +get some new boots, and I met him in the shoestore. He was just a young +fellow making his first trip, and he seemed so strange and homesick that +when I found he was a country boy and a strong Methodist, I brought him +out here to stay over Sunday with us." + +"I remember you brought him right into the kitchen where I was dropping +noodles in the soup," answered Mrs. Hartmann, "and he has seemed to feel +like one of the family ever since." + +"Yes, he has never missed coming out here every time he has been in this +part of the State, from that day to this," said Mr. Hartmann, taking up +his paper again. + +Meanwhile, in the Ridgeville Hotel, three miles away, Mr. Marion was +telling Lee of all the pleasant things that awaited him at Herzenruhe. +The boy was so impatient to start that he could hardly wait for the time +to come, and he dreamed all night of the country. + +Mr. Marion saw very little of him during the visit. The delighted child +spent all his time in the barn, or in the dairy, helping Miss Carlotta. +"O, I wish we didn't ever have to go away," he said. "There's the +dearest little colt in the barn, and six Holstein calves, and a big pond +in the pasture covered with ice!" + +Later he confided to Mr. Marion, "Miss Carlotta makes doughnuts every +Saturday, and she says there's bushels of hickory-nuts in the garret." + +When Miss Carlotta found that Mr. Marion was going on to the next town +before starting home, she insisted on keeping Lee until his return. + +"Let him get some of 'the sun and wind into his pulses.' It will be good +for him," she said. + +"Nobody knows better than I," answered Mr. Marion, "the sweet +wholesomeness of country living. I should be glad to leave him in such +an atmosphere always. He would develop into a much purer manhood, and I +am sure would be far happier." + +Miss Carlotta shook her head sagely. "We'll see," she said. "Don't say +anything to him about it, but we'll try him while you're gone, and then +I'll talk to father. He seems right handy about the chores, and there is +a good school near here." + +Two days later, when Mr. Marion came back, he went out to the barn to +find Lee. The boy had just scrambled out of a haymow with his hat full +of eggs. His face was beaming. + +"I've learned to milk," he said proudly, "and I rode to the post-office +this afternoon, horseback." + +"Do you like it here, my boy?" asked Mr. Marion. + +"Like it!" repeated Lee, emphatically. "Well I should say! Mr. Hartmann +is just the grandfatheriest old grandfather I ever knew, and they're all +so good to me." + +It proved to be a very eventful journey for the boy; for after some +discussion about his board, it was arranged that he should come back to +the farm after the holidays. + +"Do I have to wait till then?" he asked. "Why couldn't I stay right on, +now I'm here. You could send my clothes to me, and it wouldn't cost near +as much as to go home first." + +"What will Bethany say?" asked Mr. Marion. "She is planning for a big +tree and lots of fun Christmas." + +"But papa won't be there," pleaded Lee. "I'd so much rather stay here +than go back to town and find him gone." + +"Then you shall stay," exclaimed Miss Carlotta, touched by the +expression of his face. "We'll have a tree here. You can dig one up in +the woods yourself." + +When Mr. Marion drove away, Lee rode down the lane with him to open the +big gate. After he had driven through he turned for one more look. + +The boy stood under the archway waving good-bye with his cap. The late +afternoon sun shone brightly on the happy face, and illuminated the +snow, still clinging to the quaintly carved letters on the arch above, +till it seemed they were all golden letters that spelled the name of +Herzenruhe. + + * * * * * + +This holiday season would have been a sad time for Bethany, had she +allowed herself to listen to the voices of Christmas past, but Baxter +Trent's example helped her. She turned resolutely away from her +memories, saying: "I will be like him. No heart shall ever have the +shadow of my sorrow thrown across it." + +Full of one thought only, to bring some happiness into every life that +touched her own, she found herself sharing the delight of every child +she saw crowding its face against the great show windows. She +anticipated the pleasure that would attend the opening of each bundle +carried by every purchaser that jostled against her in the street. It +was impossible for her to breathe the general air of festivity at home, +and not carry something of the Christmas spirit to the office with her. + +"Everybody has caught the contagion," she said gayly, coming into the +office Saturday afternoon, with sparkling eyes, and snowflakes still +clinging to her dark furs. "I saw that old bachelor, Mr. Crookshaw, whom +everybody thinks so miserly, going along with a little red cart under +his arm, and a tin locomotive bulging out of his pocket." + +"Jack is missing a great deal," said David, "by not being down-town +every day." + +"O no, indeed!" she exclaimed. "He is nearly wild now with the +excitement of the preparations that are going on at home. That reminds +me, he has written a special invitation for you to be present at the +lighting of his tree Christmas eve. He put it in my muff, so that I +could not possibly forget. I am sure you will enjoy watching the +children," she added, after she had told him of their various plans, +"and I hope you will be sure to come." + +"Thank you," he responded, warmly. "That is the second invitation I have +had this afternoon. Mr. Marion has just been in to ask me to attend the +League's devotional meeting to-morrow night. He says it will be +especially interesting on account of the season, and insists that 'turn +about is fair play.' He went to our Atonement-day services, and he wants +me to be present at his Christmas services." + +"We shall be very glad to have you come," said Bethany. "Dr. Bascom is +to lead the meeting instead of any of the young people, who usually take +turns. I can not tell how such a meeting might impress an outsider; to +me they are very inspiring and helpful." + +That night, as she sat in her room indulging in a few minutes of +meditation before putting out the light, she reviewed her acquaintance +with David Herschel. Her conscience condemned her for the little use she +had made of her opportunity. + +It had been four months since he had come into the office, and while +they had several times discussed their respective religions, she had +never found an occasion when she could make a personal appeal to him to +accept Christ. Once when she had been about to do so, he had abruptly +walked away, and another time, a client had interrupted them. + +"I must speak to him frankly," she said. Then she knelt and prayed that +something might be said or sung in the service of the morrow that would +prepare the way for such a conversation. + +David felt decidedly out of place Sunday evening as he took a seat in +the back part of the room, in the least conspicuous corner he could +find. + +They were singing when he entered. He recognized the tune. It was the +one he had heard at Chattanooga--"Nearer, my God, to Thee." It seemed to +bring the whole scene before him--the sunrise--the vast concourse of +people, and the earnestness that thrilled every soul. + +At the close of the song, another was announced in a voice that he +thought he recognized. He leaned forward to make sure. Yes, he had been +correct. It was Hewson Raleigh's--one of the keenest, most scholarly +lawyers at the bar, and a man he met daily. + +He was leaning back in his seat, beating time with his left hand, as he +led the tune with his strong tenor voice. He sang as if he heartily +enjoyed it, and meant every word and note. + +David moved over to make room for a newcomer. From his changed position +he could see a number of people he recognized: Mr. and Mrs. Marion, Lois +Denning, and the Courtney sisters. Bethany was seated at the piano. + +Presently the door from the pastor's study opened, and Dr. Bascom came +in and took his seat beside the president of the League. + +"Look at Dr. Bascom," he heard some one behind him whisper to her +escort. "What do you suppose could have happened? His face actually +shines." + +David had been watching it ever since he took his seat. It was a benign, +pleasant face at all times, but just now it seemed to have caught the +reflection of a great light. Everybody in the room noticed it. David, +quick to make Old Testament comparisons, thought of Moses coming down +the mountain from a talk with God. He felt as positively, as if he had +seen for himself, that the minister had just risen from his knees, and +had come in among them, radiant from the unspeakable joy of that +communion. Every one present began to feel its influence. + +The prophecy Dr. Bascom had chosen for reading, was one they had heard +many times, but it seemed a new proclamation as he delivered it: + +"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." + +Something of the gladness that must have rung through the song of the +heralds on that first Christmas night, seemed to thrill the minister's +voice as he read. + +Then he turned to Luke's account of the shepherds abiding in the fields +by night--that beautiful old story, that will always be new until the +stars that still shine nightly over Bethlehem shall have ceased to be a +wonder. + +As the service progressed, David began to feel that he was not in a +church, but that he had stumbled by mistake on some family reunion. +Everything was so informal. They told the experiences of the past week, +the blessings and the trials that had come to them since they had last +seen each other. + +Sometimes they stood; oftener they spoke from where they sat, just as +they would have talked in some home-circle. + +And through it all they seemed to recognize a Divine presence in the +room, to whom they spoke at intervals with reverence, with humility, but +with the deepest love and gratitude. + +As David listened to voice after voice testifying to a personal +knowledge of Christ as a Savior, he was forced to admit to himself that +they possessed something to which he was an utter stranger. + +When Hewson Raleigh arose, David listened with still greater interest. +He knew him to be an eloquent lawyer, and had heard him a number of +times in rousing political speeches, and once in a masterly oration over +the Nation's dead on Memorial-day. He knew what a power the man had with +a jury, and he knew what respect even his enemies had for his +unimpeachable veracity and honor. + +Raleigh stood up now, quiet and unimpassioned as when examining a +witness, to give his own clear, direct, lawyer-like testimony. + +He said: "There may be some here to-night to whom the prophecy that was +read, and the story of the Advent, are only of historic interest. To +such I do not come with the sayings of the prophets, or to repeat the +tidings of the shepherds, or to ask any one's credence because the +apostles and martyrs and Christians of all times believed. I tell you +that which I myself do know. The Holy Spirit has led me to the Christ. +If he were only an ethical teacher, if he were not the Son of God, he +could not have entered into my life, and transformed it as he has done. +My star of hope is far more real to me than the stars outside that +lighted my way to this room to-night. I have knelt at his feet and +worshiped, and gone on my way rejoicing. I know that through the +sacrifice he offered on Calvary my atonement is made, and I stand +before the Father justified, through faith in his only-begotten. The +voice that bears witness to this may not be audible to you; but though +all the voices in the universe were combined to dispute it, they would +be as nothing to that still, small voice within that whispers peace--the +witness of the Spirit." + +On the Day of Atonement Marion and Cragmore had not been half so +surprised at hearing the League benediction intoned by rabbi and choir, +as was David when the familiar blessing of the synagogue was repeated in +unison by those of another faith: + +"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon +thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon +thee, and give thee peace." + +David had heard so much of Methodists that he had expected noisy +demonstrations and great exhibitions of emotion. He had found +enthusiastic singing and hearty responses of amen during the prayers; +but while the prevailing spirit seemed one of intense earnestness, it +had the depth and quiet of some great, resistless under-current. + +He slipped out of the room after the benediction, fearful of meeting +curious glances. A member of the reception committee managed to shake +hands with him, but his friends had not discovered his attendance. + +Two things followed him persistently. The expression of Dr. Bascom's +face, and Hewson Raleigh's emphatic "I know." + +He took the last train out to Hillhollow, wishing he had staid away from +the League meeting. It haunted him, and made him uncomfortable. + +He walked the floor until long after midnight. Even sleep brought him no +rest, for in his dreams he was still groping blindly in the dark for +something--he knew not what--but something wise men had found long years +ago in a starlit manger, earth's "Herzenruhe." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +ON CHRISTMAS EVE. + + +IT was Christmas eve, and nearing the time for Bethany to leave the +office. She stood, with her wraps on, by one of the windows, waiting for +Mr. Edmunds to come back. She had a message to deliver before she could +leave, and she expected him momentarily. + +In the street below people were hurrying by with their arms full of +bundles. She was impatient to be gone, too. There were a great many +finishing touches for her to give the tall tree in the drawing-room at +home. + +She had worked till the last moment at noon, and locked the door +regretfully on the gayly-decked room, with its mingled odors of pine +boughs and oranges, always so suggestive of Christmas festivities. + +While she stood there, she heard steps in the hall. + +"O, I thought you were Mr. Edmunds," she exclaimed, as David entered. It +was the first time he had been at the office that day. "I have a message +for him. Have you seen him anywhere?" + +"No," answered David. "I have just come in from Hillhollow. Marta has +telegraphed that she is coming home on the night train, so I shall not +be able to accept Jack's invitation. She had not expected to come at all +during the holidays; but one of the teachers was called home, and she +could not resist the temptation to accompany her, although she can only +stay until the end of the week." + +As Bethany expressed her regrets at Jack's disappointment, David picked +up a small package that lay on his desk. + +"O, the expressman left that for you a little while ago," she said. +"Your Christmas is beginning early." + +She turned again to the window, peering out through the dusk, while +David lighted the gas-jet over his desk, and proceeded to open the +package. + +It occurred to her that here was a time, while all the world was turning +towards the Messiah on this anniversary eve of his coming, that she +might venture to speak of him. Before she could decide just how to +begin, David spoke to her: + +"Do you care to look, Miss Hallam? I would like for you to see it." + +He held a little silver case towards her, on which a handsome monogram +was heavily engraved. + +As she touched the spring it flew open, showing an exquisitely painted +miniature on ivory. + +She gave an involuntary cry of delight. + +"What a beautiful girl," she exclaimed. "It is one of the loveliest +faces I ever saw." She scrutinized it carefully, studying it with an +artist's evident pleasure. Then she looked up with a smile. + +"This must be the one Rabbi Barthold spoke to me about," she said. "He +said that she was rightly named Esther, for it means star, and her +great, dark eyes always made him think of starlight." + +"How long ago since he told you that?" asked David in surprise. + +"When we first began taking Hebrew lessons," she answered. + +"And did he tell you we are bethrothed?" + +"Yes." + +David felt annoyed. He knew intuitively why his old friend had departed +so from his usual scrupulousness regarding a confidence. He had +intimated to David, when he had first met Miss Hallam, that she was an +unusually fascinating girl, and he feared that their growing friendship +might gradually lessen the young man's interest in Esther, whom he saw +only at long intervals, as she lived in a distant city. + +"I had hoped to have the pleasure of telling you myself," said David. + +"I have often wondered what she is like," answered Bethany, "and I am +glad to have this opportunity of offering my congratulations. I wish +that she lived here that I might make her acquaintance. I do not know +when I have seen a face that has captivated me so." + +"Thank you," replied David, flushing with pleasure. A tender smile +lighted his eyes as he glanced at the miniature again before closing the +case. "She will come to Hillhollow in the spring," he added proudly. + +They heard Mr. Edmunds's voice in the hall. Bethany held out her hand. + +"I shall not see you again until next week, I suppose," she said, "so +let me wish you a very happy Christmas." + +He kept her hand in his an instant as he repeated her greeting, then, +looking earnestly down into the upturned face, added gently in Hebrew, +the old benediction--"Peace be upon you." + +It was quite dark when she stepped out into the streets. She thought of +David and Esther all the way home. + +At first she thought of them with a tender smile curving her lips, as +she entered unselfishly into the happiness of the little romance she had +discovered. + +Then she thought of them with tears in her eyes and a chill in her +heart, as some little waif might stand shivering on the outside of a +window, looking in on a happy scene, whose warmth and comfort he could +not share. The joy of her own betrothal, and the desolation that ended +it, surged back over her so overwhelmingly that she was in no mood for +merry-making when she reached home. + +She longed to slip quietly away to her own room, and spend the evening +in the dark with her memories. She had to wait a moment on the +threshold before she could summon strength enough to go in cheerfully. + +Mrs. Marion and Lois were in the dining-room helping the sisters +decorate the long table, where the children were to be served with +supper immediately on their arrival. + +"Frank and Jack have gone out in a sleigh to gather them up," said Mrs. +Marion. "They'll soon be here, so you'll not have much time to dress." + +"All right," responded Bethany, "I'll go in a minute. Mr. Herschel can't +come, so you may as well take off one plate." + +"But George Cragmore can," said Miss Caroline, pausing on her way to the +kitchen. "I asked him this morning, and forgot to say anything about +it." + +Then she trotted out for a cake-knife, blissfully unconscious of the +grimace Bethany made behind her back. + +"O dear!" she exclaimed to Lois, "Miss Caroline means all right, but she +is a born matchmaker. She has taken a violent fancy to Mr. Cragmore, and +wants me to do the same. She thinks she is so very deep, and so very +wary in the way she lays her plans, that I'll never suspect; but the +dear old soul is as transparent as a window-pane. I can see every move +she makes." + +"What about Mr. Cragmore?" asked Lois. "Is he conscious of her efforts +in his behalf?" + +"O no. He thinks that she is a dear, motherly old lady, and is always +paying her some flattering attention. It is well worth his while, for +she makes him perfectly at home here, keeps his pockets full of goodies, +as if he were an overgrown boy (which he is in some respects), and +treats him with the consideration due a bishop. She is always going out +to Clarke Street to hear him preach, and quoting his sermons to him +afterwards. There he is now!" she exclaimed, as two short rings and one +long one were given the front door-bell. + +"So he even has his especial signals," laughed Lois. "He must be on a +very familiar footing, indeed." + +"He got into that habit when he first started to calling by to take me +up to the Hebrew class," she explained. "Miss Caroline encouraged him in +it." + +Just then Miss Caroline came hurrying through the room to receive him. + +"Bethany, dear," she said in an excited stage whisper, "you'd better run +up the back stairs. And do put on your best dress, and a rose in your +hair, just to please me. Now, won't you?" + +Bethany and Lois looked at each other and laughed. + +"I'd like to shock her by going in just as I am," said Bethany; "but as +it's Christmas-time I suppose I must be good and please everybody." + +It was not long before a great stamping of many snowy little feet +announced the arrival of the Christmas guests. + +They came into the house with such rosy, happy faces, that no one +thought of the patched clothes and ragged shoes. + +"Dear hearts, I wish we could have a hundred instead of ten," sighed +Miss Harriet, as she helped seat them at the table. "They look as though +they never once had enough to eat in all their little lives." + +"They shall have it now," declared Miss Caroline heartily, "if George +Cragmore doesn't keep them laughing so hard they can't eat. Just hear +the man!" + +She had never seen him in such a gay humor, or heard him tell such +irresistibly funny stories as the ones he brought out for the +entertainment of these poor little guests, who had never known anything +but the depressing poverty of the most wretched homes. + +Mr. Marion was the good St. Nicholas who had found them, and spirited +them away to this enchanted land; but Cragmore was the Aladdin who +rubbed his lamp until their eyes were dazzled by the wonderful scenes he +conjured up for them. + +When the dinner was over, and everything had been taken off the table +but the flowers and candles and bonbon dishes, he lifted the smallest +child of all from her high chair, and took her on his knee. + +With his arms around her, he began to tell the story of the first +Christmas. His voice was very deep and sweet, and he told it so well one +could almost see the dark, silent plains and the white sheep huddled +together, and the shepherds keeping watch by night. + +One by one the children slipped down from their chairs, and crowded +closer around him. + +He had never preached before to such a breathless audience, and he had +never put into his sermons such gentleness and pathos and power. + +He was thinking of their poor, neglected lives, and how much they needed +the love of One who could sympathize to the utmost, because he was born +among the lowly, and "was despised and rejected of men." When he had +finished, the tears stood in his eyes with the intensity of his feeling, +and the children were very quiet. + +The little girl on his lap drew a long breath. Then she smiled up in his +face, and, putting her arm around his neck, leaned her head against him. + +There was a bugle-call from the library, and Jack led the children away +to listen to an orchestra composed of boys from the League, who had +volunteered their services for the occasion. + +While they were playing some old carols, Miss Caroline called Mr. +Cragmore aside. "I've sent Bethany to light the candles on the tree in +the drawing-room," she said. "May be you can help her." + +Lois heard the whisper, and his hearty response, "May the saints bless +you for that now!" She hurried into the hall to intercept Bethany. + +"Ah ha, my lady," she said teasingly, "you needn't be putting everything +off onto poor Aunt Caroline. I've just now discovered that she is only +somebody's cat's-paw." + +Bethany was irritated. She had been greatly touched by the winning +tenderness of Cragmore's manner with the children. If there had been no +memory of a past love in her life, she could have found in this man all +the qualities that would inspire the deepest affection; but with that +memory always present, she resented the slightest word that hinted of +his interest in her. + +She made Lois go with her to light the tapers, and that mischief-loving +girl thoroughly enjoyed forestalling the little private interview Miss +Caroline had planned for her protege. + +It was still early in the evening, while the children were romping +around the dismantled tree, that Cragmore announced his intention of +leaving. + +"I promised to talk at a Hebrew mission to-night," he explained, in +answer to the remonstrances that greeted him on all sides. + +"By the way," he exclaimed, "I intended to tell you about that, and I +must stay a moment longer to do it." + +He hung his overcoat on the back of a tall chair, and folded his arms +across it. + +"The other day I made the acquaintance of a Russian Jew, Sigmund +Ragolsky. He has a remarkable history. He married an English Jewess, was +a rabbi in Glasgow for a long time, and is now a Baptist preacher, +converted after a fourteen years' struggle against a growing belief in +the truth of Christianity. The story of his life sounds like a romance. +He was so strictly orthodox that he would not strike a match on the +Sabbath. He would have starved before he would have touched food that +had not been prepared according to ritual. He is here for the purpose of +establishing a Hebrew mission. You should see the people who come to +hear him. They are nearly all from that poor class in the tenement +district. One can hardly believe they belong to the same race with Rabbi +Barthold and his cultured friends. Ragolsky, though, is a scholar, and +I should like to hear the two men debate. He says the Reform Jews are no +Jews at all--that they are the hardest people in the world to convert, +because they look for no Messiah, accept only the Scripture that suits +them, and are so well satisfied with themselves that they feel no need +of any mediator between them and eternal holiness. They feel fully equal +to the task of making their own atonement. Rabbi Barthold says that the +orthodox are narrow fanatics, and that the majority of them live two +lives--one towards God, of slavish religious observances; the other +towards man, of sharp practices and double-dealing. I want you to hear +Ragolsky preach some night. I'll tell you his story some other time." + +"Tell me this much now," said Bethany, as he picked up his overcoat +again; "did he have to give up his family as Mr. Lessing did?" + +"No, indeed. Happily his wife and children were converted also. He had +two rich brothers-in-law in Cape Colony, Africa, who cut them off +without a shilling, but he is not grieving over that, I can assure you. +O, he is so full of his purpose, and is such a happy Christian! If we +were all as constantly about the Master's business as he is, the +millennium would soon be here." + +Afterward, when the children had been taken home, and the feast and the +tree, and the people who gave them, were only blissful memories in their +happy little hearts, Bethany stood by the window in her room, holding +aside the curtain. + +Everything outside was covered with snow. She was thinking of Ragolsky +and Lessing, and wondering which of the two fates would be David +Herschel's, if he should ever become a Christian. + +Would Esther's love for her people be stronger than her love for him? + +She knew how tenaciously the women of Israel cling to their faith, yet +she felt that it was no ordinary bond that held these two together. + +Looking up beyond the starlighted heavens, Bethany whispered a very +heartfelt prayer for David and the beautiful, dark-eyed girl who was to +be his bride; and like an answering omen of good, over the white roofs +of the city came the joyful clangor of the Christmas chimes. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A "WATCH-NIGHT" CONSECRATION. + + +THE office work for the old year was all done. Mr. Edmunds had locked +his desk and gone home. David would soon follow. He had only some +private correspondence to finish. + +Bethany sat nervously assorting the letters in the different +pigeon-holes of her desk. Ninety-five was slipping out into the +eternities. It had brought her a prayed-for opportunity; it was carrying +away a far different record from the one she had planned. She felt that +she could not bear to have it go in that way, yet an unaccountable +reticence sealed her lips. + +David had been in the office very little during the past week, only long +enough to get his mail. This afternoon he had a worried, preoccupied +look that made it all the harder for Bethany to say what was trembling +on her lips. + +She heard him slipping the letter into the envelope. He would be gone +in just another moment. Now he was putting on his overcoat. O, she must +say something! Her heart beat violently, and her face grew hot. She shut +her eyes an instant, and sent up a swift, despairing appeal for help. + +David strolled into the room with his hat in his hand, and stood beside +her table. + +"Well, the old year is about over, Miss Hallam," he said, gravely. "It +has brought me a great many unexpected experiences, but the most +unexpected of all is the one that led to our acquaintance. In wishing +you a happy new year, I want to tell you what a pleasure your friendship +has been to me in the old." + +Bethany found sudden speech as she took the proffered hand. + +"And I want to tell you, Mr. Herschel, that I have not only been +wishing, but praying earnestly, that in this new year you may find the +greatest happiness earth holds--the peace that comes in accepting Christ +as a Savior." + +He turned from her abruptly, and, with his hands thrust in his overcoat +pockets, began pacing up and down the room with quick, excited strides. + +"You, too!" he cried desperately. "I seem to be pursued. Every way I +turn, the same thing is thrust at me. For weeks I have been fighting +against it--O, longer than that--since I first talked to Lessing. Then +there was Dr. Trent's death, and that nurse's prayer, and the League +meeting Frank Marion persuaded me into attending. Cragmore has talked to +me so often, too. I can answer arguments, but I can't answer such lives +and faith as theirs. Yesterday morning I had a letter from Lee--little +Lee Trent--thanking me for a book I had sent him, and even that child +had something to say. He told me about his conversion. Last night +curiosity led me down town to hear a Russian Jew preach to a lot of +rough people in an old warehouse by the river. His text was Pilate's +question, 'What shall I do then with Jesus, which is called Christ?' It +wasn't a sermon. There wasn't a single argument in it. It was just a +tragically-told story of the Nazarene's trial and death sentence--but he +made it such a personal matter. All last night, and all day to-day those +words have tormented me beyond endurance, 'What shall I do? What shall I +do with this Jesus called Christ!'" + +He kept on restlessly pacing back and forth in silence. Then he broke +out again: + +"I saw a man converted, as you call it, down there last night. He had +been a rough, blasphemous drunkard that I have seen in the police courts +many a time. I saw him fall on his knees at the altar, groaning for +mercy, and I saw him, when he stood up after a while, with a face like a +different creature's, all transformed by a great joy, crying out that he +had been pardoned for Christ's sake. I just stood and looked at him, and +wondered which of us is nearer the truth. If I am right, what a poor, +deluded fool he is! But if he is right, good God--" + +He stopped abruptly. + +"Mr. Herschel," said Bethany, slowly, "if you were convinced that, by +going on some certain pilgrimage, you could find Truth, but that the +finding would shatter your belief in the creed you cling to now, would +you undertake the journey? Which is stronger in you, the love for the +faith of your fathers, or an honest desire for Truth, regardless of +long-cherished opinion?" + +For a moment there was no answer. Then he threw back his shoulders +resolutely. + +"I would take the journey," he said, with decision. "If I am wrong I +want to know it." Bethany slipped a little Testament out of one of the +pigeon-holes, and handed it to him, opened at the place where the answer +to Thomas was heavily underscored: + +"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life; no man +cometh unto the Father but by me." + +"Follow that path," she said, simply. "The door has never been opened to +you, because you have never knocked. You have no personal knowledge of +Christ, because you have never sought for it. He has never revealed +himself to you, because you have never asked him to do so." + +He turned to her impatiently. + +"Could you honestly pray to Confucius?" he asked; "or Isaiah, or Elijah, +or John the Baptist? This Jewish teacher is no more to me than any other +man who has taught and died. How can I pray to him, then?" + +Bethany fingered the leaves of her little Testament, her heart +fluttering nervously. + +"I wish you would take this and read it," she said. "It would answer you +far better than I can." + +"I have read it," he replied, "a number of years ago. I could see +nothing in it." + +"O, but you read it simply as a critic," she answered. "See!" she cried +eagerly, turning the leaves to find another place she had marked. "Paul +wrote this about the children of Israel: 'Their minds were blinded: for +until this day remaineth the same veil' (the one told about in Exodus, +you know) 'untaken away, in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil +is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the +veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, +the veil shall be taken away.'" + +"Where does it say that?" he asked, incredulously. He took the book, and +turning back to the first of the chapter, commenced to read. + +The great bell in the court-house tower began clanging six. + +"I must go," he said; "but I'll take this with me and look through it +another time." + +"I wish you would come to the watch-meeting to-night," she said, +wistfully. "It is from ten until midnight. All the Leagues in the city +meet at Garrison Avenue." + +He slipped the book in his pocket, and buttoned up his overcoat. A +sudden reserve of manner seemed to envelop him at the same time. + +"No, thank you," he answered, drawing on his gloves. "I have an informal +invitation from some friends in Hillhollow to dance the old year out and +the new year in." + +His tone seemed so flippant after the recent depth of feeling he had +betrayed, that it jarred on Bethany's earnest mood like a discord. He +moved toward the door. + +"No matter where you may be," she said as he opened it, "I shall be +praying for you." + +After he had gone, Bethany still sat at her desk, mechanically assorting +the letters. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she had quite +forgotten it was time to go home. + +The door opened, and Frank Marion came in. He was followed by Cragmore, +who was going home with him to dinner. + +"All alone?" asked Mr. Marion in surprise. "Where's David? We dropped in +to invite him around to the watch-meeting to-night." + +"He has just gone," answered Bethany. "I asked him, but he declined on +account of a previous engagement. O, Cousin Frank," she exclaimed, "I +do believe he is almost convinced of the truth of Christianity!" + +She repeated the conversation that had just taken place. + +"He has been fighting against that conviction for some time," answered +Mr. Marion. "I had a talk with him last week." + +"What do you suppose Rabbi Barthold would say if Mr. Herschel should +become a Christian?" asked Bethany. + +"Ah, I asked the old gentleman that very question yesterday," exclaimed +Mr. Cragmore. "It astounded him at first. I could see that the mere +thought of such apostasy in one he loves as dearly as his young David, +wounded him sorely. O, it grieved him to the heart! But he is a noble +soul, broad-minded and generous. He did not answer for a moment, and +when he finally spoke I could see what an effort the words cost him: + +"'David is a child no longer,' he said, slowly. 'He has a right to +choose for himself. I would rather read the rites of burial over his +dead body than to see him cut loose from the faith in which I have so +carefully trained him; but no matter what course he pursues, I am sure +of one thing, his absolute honesty of purpose. Whatever he does, will be +from a deep conviction of right. I, who was denounced and misunderstood +in my youth because I cast aside the weight of orthodoxy that bound me +down spiritually, should be the last one to condemn the same +independence of thought in others.'" + +"Herschel would have less opposition to contend with than any Jew I +know," remarked Mr. Marion. + +"That little sister of his would be rather pleased than otherwise, and, +I think, would soon follow his example." + +Bethany thought of Esther, but said nothing. + +"We'll make it a subject of prayer to-night," said Cragmore, who had +been appointed to lead the meeting. + +"Yes," answered Marion, clapping his friend on the shoulder. Then he +quoted emphatically: "'And this is the confidence that we have in Him, +that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.'" + +"Let's ask him right now!" cried Cragmore, in his impetuous way. + +He slipped the bolt in the door, and kneeling beside David's desk, +began praying for his absent friend as he would have pleaded for his +life. Then Marion followed with the same unfaltering earnestness, and +after his voice ceased, Bethany took up the petition. + +"Nobody need tell me that those prayers are not heard," exclaimed +Marion, triumphantly, as he arose from his knees. "I know better. Come, +Bethany; if you are ready to go, we will walk as far as the avenue with +you." + +As they went down-stairs together, he kept singing softly under his +breath, "Blessed be the name, blessed be the name of the Lord!" + +By ten o'clock the League-room of the Garrison Avenue Church was +crowded. + +George Cragmore had prepared a carefully-studied address for the +occasion; but during the half hour of the song service preceding it, +while he studied the faces of his audience, his heart began to be +strangely burdened for David and his people. He covered his eyes with +his hand a moment, and sent up a swift prayer for guidance, before he +arose to speak. + +"My friends," he said in his deep, musical voice, "I had thought to talk +to you to-night of 'spiritual growth,' but just now, as I have been +sitting here, God had put another message into my mouth. We are all +children of one Father who have met in this room, and for that reason +you will bear with me now for the strangeness of the questions I shall +ask, and the seeming harshness of my words. This is a time for honest +self-examination. I should like to know how many, during the year just +gone, have contributed in any way to the support of Home and Foreign +Missions?" + +Every one in the room arose. + +"How many have tried, by prayer, daily influence, and direct appeal, to +bring some one to Christ?" + +Again every one arose. + +"How many of you, during the past year, have spoken to a Jew about your +Savior, or in any way evinced to any one of them a personal interest in +the salvation of that race?" + +Looks of surprise were exchanged among the Leaguers, and many smiled at +the question. Only two arose, Mr. Marion and Bethany Hallam. + +When they had taken their seats again there was a moment of intense +silence. The earnest solemnity of the minister was felt by every one +present. They waited almost breathlessly for what was coming. + +"There is a young Jew in this city to-night whose heart is turning +lovingly towards your Savior and mine. I have come to ask your prayers +in his behalf, that the stumbling-blocks in his way may be removed. But +it is not for him alone my soul is burdened. I seem to hear Isaiah's +voice crying out to me, 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your +God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her +warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.' And then I seem +to hear another voice that through the thunderings of Sinai proclaims, +'Thou shalt not bear false witness.' Ah! the Christian Church has been +weighed in the balance and found wanting. It must read a terrible +handwriting on the wall in the fact that Israel's eyes have not been +opened to the fulfillment of prophecy. For had she seen Christ in the +daily life of every follower since he was first preached in that little +Church at Antioch, we would have had a race of Sauls turned Pauls! We +are Christ's witnesses to all men. Do all men see Christ in us, or only +a false, misleading image of him? He cherished no racial prejudices. He +turned away from no man with a look of scorn, or a cold shrug of +indifference. He drew no line across which his sympathies and love and +helping hands should not reach. When we do these things, are we not +bearing false witness to the character of him whose name we have +assumed, and the emblem of whose cross we wear? I can not believe that +any of us here have been willfully neglectful of this corner of the +Lord's vineyard. It must be because your hearts and hands were full of +other interests that you have been indifferent to this." + +Then he told them of Lessing and Ragolsky and David, and called on them +to pray that his friend might find the light he was seeking. A dozen +earnest prayers were offered in quick succession, and every heart went +out in sympathy to this young Jew, whom they longed to see happy in the +consciousness of a personal Savior. + +David had not gone out to Hillhollow. He dined at the restaurant, and +was just starting leisurely down to the depot when he found that his +watch told the same time as when he had looked at it an hour before. It +must have been stopped even some time before that. At any rate it had +made him too late for the train. The next one would not leave till nine +o'clock. He stood on a corner debating how to pass the time, and finally +concluded to go back to the office for a magazine he had borrowed from +Rabbi Barthold, and take it home to him. + +His steps echoed strangely through the deserted hall as he climbed the +stairs to the office. He lighted the gas, and sat down to look through +the papers on his desk for the magazine. But when he had found it, he +still sat there idly, drumming with his fingers on the rounds of his +chair. + +After awhile he took Bethany's Testament out of his pocket, and began to +read. It was marked heavily with many marginal notes and underscored +passages, that he examined with a great deal of curiosity. Beginning +with Matthew's account of the wise men's search, he read steadily on +through the four Gospels, past Acts, and through some of Paul's +epistles. It was after ten by the office clock when he finished the +letter to the Hebrews. + +He put the book down with a groan, and, folding his arms on the desk, +wearily laid his head on them. + +Just then Bethany's parting words echoed in his ears, "No matter where +you may be, I shall be praying for you." + +It had irritated him at the moment. Now there was comfort in the thought +that she might be interceding in his behalf. He loved the faith of his +fathers. He was proud of every drop of Israelitish blood that coursed +through his veins. He felt that nothing could induce him to renounce +Judaism--nothing! Yet his heart went out lovingly toward the Christ that +had been so wonderfully revealed to him as he read. + +The conviction was slowly forcing itself on his mind that in accepting +him he would not be giving up Judaism, that he would only be accepting +the Messiah long promised to his own people--only believing fulfilled +prophecy. + +He wanted him so--this Christ who seemed able to satisfy every longing +of his heart, which just now was 'hungering and thirsting after +righteousness;' this Christ who had so loved the world that he had given +himself a willing sacrifice to make propitiation for its sins--for +his--David Herschel's sins. + +The old questions of the Trinity and the Incarnation came back to +perplex him, and he put them resolutely away, remembering the words that +Bethany had quoted, that when Israel should turn to the Lord, the veil +should be taken from its heart. + +Suddenly he started to his feet, and with his hands clasped above his +head, cried out: "O, Thou Eternal, take away the veil! Show me Christ! I +will give up anything--everything that stands in the way of my accepting +him, if thou wilt but make him manifest!" + +He threw himself on his knees in an agony of supplication, and then +rising, walked the floor. Time and again he knelt to pray, and again +rose in despair to pace back and forth. + +He hardly knew what to expect, but Paul's conversion had been attended +by such miraculous manifestations that he felt that some great +revelation must certainly be made to him. + +Opening the little Testament at random, he saw the words, "If thou shalt +confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart +that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." + +"I do believe it," he said aloud. "And I will confess it the first +opportunity I have. Yes, I will go right now and tell Uncle Ezra--no +matter what it may cause him to say to me." + +He looked at the clock again. The old year was almost gone. It was +nearly midnight. Rabbi Barthold would be asleep. Then he remembered the +watch-night service Bethany had asked him to attend. Cragmore and Marion +would be there. He would go and tell them. + +He started rapidly down the street, saying to himself: "How queer this +seems! Here am I, a Jew, on my way to confess before men that I believe +a Galilean peasant is the Son of God. I don't understand the mystery of +it, but I do believe in some way the promised atonement has been made, +and that it avails for me." + +He clung to that hope all the way down to the Church. It was growing +stronger every step. + +Bethany had risen to take her place at the piano at the announcement of +another hymn, when the door opened and David Herschel stood in their +midst. Not even glancing at the startled members of the League, he +walked across the room and held out one hand to Cragmore and the other +to Marion. His voice thrilled his listeners with its intensity of +purpose. + +"I have come to confess before you the belief that your Jesus is the +Christ, and that through him I shall be saved." + +Then a look of happy wonderment shone in his face, as the dawning +consciousness of his acceptance became clearer to him. + +"Why, I am saved! Now!" he cried in joyful surprise. + +Glad tears sprang to many eyes, and only one exclamation could express +the depth of Frank Marion's gratitude--an old-fashioned shout of "Glory +to God!" Yes, an old, old fashion--for it came in when "the morning +stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." + +"O, I must tell the whole world!" cried David. + +"Come!" exclaimed Cragmore, turning to those around him, and laying his +hand on David's shoulder; "here is another Saul turned Paul. Who such +missionaries of the cross as these redeemed sons of Abraham? Leagued +with such an Israel, we could soon tell all the world. Who will join the +alliance?" + +In answer they came crowding around David, with warm hand-clasps and +sympathetic words, till the bells all over the city began tolling the +hour of midnight. + +At a word from Cragmore they knelt in the final prayer of consecration. + +There was a deep silence. Then the leader's voice began: + +"The untried paths of the new year stretch out into unknown distances. +But trusting in an Allwise Father, in a grace-giving Christ, and the +sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit, how many will sing with me: + +[Illustration: Music + + "Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow, + Where He leads me I will follow. + I'll go with Him, with Him all the way."] + +The melody arose, sweet and subdued, as every voice covenanted with his. + +"But some of us may have planned out certain paths for our own feet, +that lead alluringly to ease and approbation. Think! God may call us +into obscure bypaths, into ways that lead to no earthly recompense, to +lowly service and unrequited toil. Can we still sing it? Let us wait. +Let us consider and be very sure." + +In the prayerful silence, David thought of his profession and the hopes +of the great success that it was his ambition to attain. Could he give +it up, and spend his life in an unappreciated ministry to his people? He +wavered. But just then he had a vision of the Christ. He seemed to see a +footsore, tired man, holding out his hands in blessing to the motley +crowds that thronged him; and again he saw the same patient form +stumbling wearily along under a heavy beam of wood, scourged, mocked, +spit upon, nailed to the cross, for--him! + +David shuddered, and he took up the refrain: "I'll go with Him, with +Him, all the way." + +"It may be that, so far as ambition and personal plans are concerned, we +are willing to put ourselves entirely in God's hands; but suppose he +should call for our hearts' best beloved, are we willing to make of this +hour a Mount Moriah, on which we sacrifice our Isaacs--our all? Do we +consecrate ourselves entirely? Will we go with him all the way, no +matter through what dark Gethsemane he may see best to lead us?" + +Again David wavered as Esther's beautiful face came before him. + +"O God! anything but that!" he cried out passionately. + +Cragmore felt him trembling, and, reaching out, clasped his hand, and +prayed silently that strength might be given him to make the +consecration complete. + +"I'll go with Him, with Him, all the way!" + +David's voice sung it unfalteringly. When they arose the tears were +streaming down his cheeks, but a great light was in his face, and a +great peace in his heart. The Christ had been revealed to him. A new +life and a new year had been born together. + + * * * * * + +No, the story is not done, but the rest of it can not be written until +it has first been lived. + +In God's good time the shuttles of his purposes shall weave these +life-webs to the finish. Some threads may cross and twine, some be +widely parted, and some be snapped asunder. Who can tell? The new year +has only begun. + +But we know that all things work together for good to those who give +themselves into the eternal keeping, and--"God's in his heaven." + + + + +SILENT KEYS. + + +ONCE, in a shadowy old cathedral, a young girl sat at the great organ, +playing over and over a simple melody for a group of children to sing. +They were rehearsing the parts they were to take in the Christmas +choruses. + +It was not long before every voice had caught the sweet old tune of "Joy +to the World," and as their little feet pattered down the solemn aisles, +the song was carried with them to the work and play of the streets +outside. + +As the girl turned to follow, she found the old white-haired organist, a +master-musician, standing beside her. + +"Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister?" he asked. "You +have left silent some of the sweetest and deepest. Listen! This is what +you should have put into your song." + +As he spoke, his powerful hands touched the key-board, till the great +cathedral seemed to tremble with the mighty symphony that filled +it--"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" + +High, sweet notes, like the matin-songs of sky-larks, fluttered away +from his touch, and went winging their flight--up and up--beyond all +mortal hearing. Down the deep, full chords and majestic octaves rolled +the triumphal gladness. Every key seemed to find a voice, as the hands +of the old musician swept through the variations of "Antioch." + +Tears filled the young girl's eyes, and when he had finished she said +sadly: "Ah, only a master-hand could do that--bring out the varied tones +of those silent keys, and yet through it all keep the thread of the song +clear and unbroken. All those divine harmonies were in my soul as I +played, yet had I tried to give expression to them, I might have +wandered away from the simple motif that I would have the children +remember always. In trying to span those fuller chords you strike so +easily, or in reaching always for the highest notes, I would have failed +to impress them with the part they are to take in the choruses, and they +would not have gone out as they did just now, singing their joy to the +world." + +Maybe some such master may turn the pages of this story, and feel the +same impatience at its incompleteness. Here in this place he would have +added, with strong touches, many a convincing argument. There he would +have spoken with the voice of a sage or prophet, and he may turn away, +saying: "Why did you not strike all the keys, little sister? You have +left silent some of the sweetest and deepest." + +The answer is the same. Only a master-hand can sweep the gamut of +history and human weaknesses and dogmas and creeds, touch the discordant +elements of controversy and criticism in all their variations, and at +the same time keep the simple theme constantly throbbing through them, +so strong and full and clear it can never be forgotten. + +The purpose of this story is accomplished if it has only attracted the +attention of the League to a neglected duty, and struck a higher +key-note of endeavor. But the League must not stop with that. + +There is only one song that will ever bring universal joy to this old, +tear-blinded world, and that is that the Lord is come, and that he is +risen indeed in the lives of his followers. + +True, the veriest child may lisp it; but the League should not be +content simply to do that. It should be the master-musician, so familiar +with the great complexity of human doubts and longings, that it will +know just what chord to touch in every heart it is striving to help. + +Go back to the days of the dispersion, and follow this Ishmael through +his almost limitless desert of persecution--his hand against every man +because every man's hand was against him. + +Put yourself in his place until your vision grows broad and your +sympathy deep. Chafe against his limitations. Stumble over his +obstacles, and in so doing learn where best to place the +stepping-stones. + +Dig down through the strata of tradition, below all the manifold +ceremonies of his formal worship, until you come to the bed-rock of +principle underlying them. + +When you have thus studied Judaism, its prophets, its priesthood, its +patriots--when you have traced its sinuous path from Abraham's tent to +the Temple gates, and then followed its diverging lines on into almost +every hamlet of both hemispheres, you will have learned something more +than the history of Judaism. You will have read the story of the whole +race of Adam, and you will have fitted yourself far better to serve +humanity. + +Christ reached his hearers through his intimate knowledge of them. He +never talked to shepherds of fishing-nets, nor to vine-dressers of +flocks. He gave the same water of life to the woman at Jacob's well that +he bestowed on the ruler who came to him by night. Yet how differently +he presented it to the ignorant Samaritan and the learned Nicodemus. + +To this end, then, study these creeds and systems; for instance, the +unity of God, clung to alike by the Hebrew persistently reiterating his +Shemang, and the Moslem crying "God is God, and Mohammed is his +prophet!" + +Follow this belief in the Unity, as it goes deeply channeling its way +through centuries of Semitic thought, until it enters the very +life-blood. You can trace its influence even down into the early +Christian Church, in the hot disputes of Arius and his followers, at the +Council of Nicea. + +Not until you comprehend how idolatrous the worship of the Trinity +seems to a Jew, can you understand what a stumbling-block lies between +him and the acceptance of his Messiah. + +You will find this study of Judaism reaching out like a banyan-tree, +striking root and branching again and again in so many different places +that it seems that it must certainly, by some one of its manifold +ramifications, shadow every great problem and people. + +In the first conception of this story it was purposed to place +considerable emphasis on a number of things that have been left +untouched, especially the colonization schemes of the philanthropic +Barons Hirsch and De Rothschild, and the prophecies concerning the +return of the Jews to Palestine. + +But prophecy, while always a most interesting and profitable subject for +research and study, leads into an unmapped country of speculation. Many +an enthusiast, not recognizing that on God's great calendar a thousand +years are but as a day, has attempted to solve the mysteries of +Revelations by the same numerical system with which he calculates his +assets and liabilities. As we examine this subject, we must not forget +the vast difference between our finite yardsticks, and the reed of the +angel who measured the city. + +God grant that, as the tree thrown into the stream of Marah changed its +bitter waters into wholesome, life-giving sweetness, so this study of +Israel, earnestly and honestly pursued, may turn all bitterness of +prejudice into the broad, sweet spirit of true brotherhood! + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + +Obvious punctuation errors were corrected. + +Page 6, "189" changed to "199" to show the actual location of the +chapter "Dr. Trent". + +Page 23, "apearance" changed to "appearance" (greeted her appearance) + +Page 50, "Southener" changed to "Southerner" (who was an ardent +Southerner) + +Page 55, "Nothwithstanding" changed to "Notwithstanding" (sudden curves. +Notwithstanding) + +Page 216, "Cartleton" changed to "Carleton" (Belle Carleton met them) + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN LEAGUE WITH ISRAEL*** + + +******* This file should be named 40527.txt or 40527.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/0/5/2/40527 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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