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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/9091-0.txt b/9091-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..46d7ff3 --- /dev/null +++ b/9091-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9275 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +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: Ester Ried Yet Speaking + +Author: Isabella Alden + + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9091] +This file was first posted on September 4, 2003 +Last Updated: March 14, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + + + + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + + + +ESTER RIED + +YET SPEAKING. + +By Pansy + + +Author Of “Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On,” “Hall In The Grove,” “A New +Gift On The Family Tree,” “Five Friends,” “Mary Burton,” “The Pocket +Measure,” “Ester Ried,” Etc., Etc. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL + +CHAPTER II. WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW? + +CHAPTER III. ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME? + +CHAPTER IV. I DON'T BLAME THEM + +CHAPTER V. A CHRISTIAN HOME + +CHAPTER VI. SATAN HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK + +CHAPTER VII. WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS + +CHAPTER VIII. WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR? + +CHAPTER IX. “TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID + +CHAPTER X. AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED + +CHAPTER XI. I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN + +CHAPTER XII. I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS + +CHAPTER XIII. LET US BE FASHIONABLE + +CHAPTER XIV. “SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” + +CHAPTER XV. WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT? + +CHAPTER XVI. HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY + +CHAPTER XVII. I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER + +CHAPTER XVIII. YOURN'S THE WAY + +CHAPTER XIX. WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS + +CHAPTER XX. OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT! + +CHAPTER XXI. HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE? + +CHAPTER XXII. SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN + +CHAPTER XXIII. PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD + +CHAPTER XXIV. FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME + +CHAPTER XXV. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH? + +CHAPTER XXVI. “O LORD, TAKE DIRK TOO!” + +CHAPTER XXVII. AN AWFUL PROBLEM + +CHAPTER XXVIII. MAY SHE GO WITH ME? + +CHAPTER XXIX. WHAT IF I BELONGED? + +CHAPTER XXX. IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR + +CHAPTER XXXI. THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +“IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL.” + + +It was raining drearily, and but few people were abroad--that is, few, +comparatively speaking, though the streets seemed full of hurrying, +dripping mortals. In the large dry-goods store business was by no means +so brisk as on sunny days, and one of the younger clerks, whose station +was near a window looking out upon the thoroughfare, had time to +stand gazing at the passers-by. They did not seem to interest him +particularly, or else they puzzled him. His young, handsome face wore +a thoughtful look, almost a troubled expression about the eyes, which +seemed to be gazing beyond the passers-by. Just across the aisle from +him, a lady, seated in one of the easy chairs set for the accommodation +of shoppers, waited and watched him,--a young and pretty woman, +tastefully, even elegantly dressed, yet her costume was quite in +keeping with the stormy day. The young man's face seemed to have special +interest for her, though he apparently was unaware of her existence. +A close observer would have discovered that she was watching him with +deeply interested eyes. Whatever served to hold the thoughts of +the young man apparently grew in perplexity, for the troubled look +continually deepened. At last, forgetting the possible listener, he +addressed the dripping clouds, perhaps,--at least, he was looking at +them:-- + +“I don't know how to do it; but something ought to be done. It is worse +than folly to expect good from the way that things are now managed. +Ester would have known just what, and how; and how interested she would +have been! I try to do her work, and to 'redeem the time;' but the +simple truth is, I don't know how, and nobody else seems to.” + +These sentences were not given all at once, but murmured from time to +time at his unsympathetic audience outside. + +Patter, patter, patter, drip, drip, drip! steady, uncompromising +business. It was all the answer the clouds vouchsafed him. + +With the listener inside it was different. The interested look changed +to an eager one. She left her seat and moved toward the absorbed young +man, breaking in on his reverie with the clearest of voices:-- + +“I beg your pardon,--but are you thinking of your sister? You are +Mr. Ried, I believe? I have heard of your sister's life, and of her +beautiful death, through a dear friend of my husband, who loved Ester. +I have always wanted to know more about her. I wanted to get acquainted +with you, so I might ask you things about her. I am waiting now for my +husband to come and introduce us. But perhaps it isn't necessary. Do you +know who I am?” + +“It is Mrs. Roberts, I believe?” the young man said, struggling with his +astonishment and embarrassment. + +“Yes, and you are Mr. Alfred Ried. Well, now we know each other without +any further ceremony. Will you tell me a little about your sister, Mr. +Ried? You were thinking of her just now.” + +“I was missing her just now,” said he, trying to smile, “as I very often +am. I was a little fellow when she died; but the older I grow the more +difficult I find it to see how the world can spare her. She was so full +of plans for work, and there are so few like her.” + +“It may be that she is working still, in the person of her brother.” + +He shook his head energetically, though his face flushed. + +“No, I can only blunder vaguely over work that I know she, with her +energetic ways and quick wits, could have done, and done well. It +happens that she was especially interested in a class of people of whom +I know something. They need help, and I don't know how to help them. It +seems to me that she could have done it.” + +“Will you tell me who the people are?” + +“It is a set of boys for whom nobody cares,” he said, speaking sadly; +“it hardly seems possible that there could ever have been a time when +anybody cared for them, though I suppose their mothers did when they +were little fellows.” + +Thus spoke the ignorant young man,--ignorant of the depths to which sin +will sink human nature, but rich in the memory of mother-love. + +“I think of my sister Ester in connection with them,” he said, speaking +apologetically, “because she was peculiarly interested in wild young +fellows like them; she thought they might be reached,--that there might +be ways invented for reaching them, such as had not been yet. She had +plans, and they were good ones. I thought so then, little fellow that I +was, and I think so now, only nobody is at work carrying them out; and I +wonder sometimes if Ester could have been needed in heaven half as much +as she is needed on earth. She used to talk to me a great deal about +what might be done. I think now that she wanted to put me in the way of +taking up some of the work that she would have done; but she mistook her +material. I can't do it.” + +“Are you sure? You are young yet, and besides, you may be doing more +than you think. Couldn't I help? What is there that needs doing for +these particular young men?” + +“Everything!” he said, excitedly. “If you should see them you would get +a faint idea of it. They come occasionally down to the Sabbath-school +at the South End; in fact, they come quite frequently, though I'm sure +I can't see why. It certainly isn't for any good that they get. Their +actions, Mrs. Roberts, surpass anything that I ever imagined.” + +“Who is their teacher?” + +“That would be a difficult question to answer. They have a different +teacher every Sabbath. No one is willing to undertake the class twice. +They have tried all the teachers who attend regularly, and several who +have volunteered for once, and never would attempt it a second time. +Just now, there is no one who will make a venture.” + +“Have you tried?” + +He shook his head emphatically. + +“I know at least so much. Why, Mrs. Roberts, some of them are as old as +I, and, indeed, I think one or two are older. No; we have secured the +best teachers that we could for them, but each one has been a failure. I +suppose they must go.” + +“Go where?” + +He shrugged his shoulders. + +“What an awful question! Where _will_ they go, Mrs. Roberts, if we let +them slip now?” + +He was tremendously in earnest. One could not help feeling that he had +studied the possibilities, and felt the danger. + +“Suppose I try to help! Shall I come and take that class next Sabbath?” + +This simple, directly-put question brought the young man suddenly from +the heights of his excitement into visible embarrassment. He looked down +on the small, fair lady, reaching hardly to his shoulder, attired in +that unmistakable way which bespeaks the lady of wealth and culture, and +could imagine nothing more incongruous than to have her seated before +that class of swearing, spitting, fighting boys. Not that her wealth or +her culture was an objection, but she looked so utterly unlike what he +had imagined their teacher must be,--she was so small, so frail, so +fair and sweet, and ignorant of the ways of the great wicked world, and +especially of those great wicked boys! What could he say to her? + +He was so manifestly embarrassed that the small lady laughed. + +“You think I cannot do it,” she said, almost gayly. + +He hastened to answer her. + +“Indeed, you have no idea of the sort of class it is. I have given you +no conception of it; I cannot. You would think yourself before a set of +uncaged animals.” + +“Yes, and in case of failure I should only be where the others are, who +have tried and failed. If you will introduce me, and your superintendent +will let me, I mean to try; and that will relieve you of the dilemma of +being entirely without a teacher for them.” + +Young Ried had nothing to say. He thought the attempt a piece of +folly,--a worse than useless experiment; but how was he to say so to the +wife of his employer? + +That gentleman appeared just then, making haste. + +“I was unavoidably detained,” he explained; “I feared you would grow +weary of waiting. Ah, Ried, my wife has introduced herself, I see. Is he +the young man you were speaking of, Mrs. Roberts?” + +“The very young man,--Ester Ried's brother. He doesn't know how glad +I am to have met him. Some day when we are better acquainted, and you +trust me more fully, I am going to tell you how I became so deeply +interested in your dear sister. Meantime this little matter should be +definitely settled. Mr. Roberts, I have invited myself to take a class +to-morrow down at the South End Mission.” + +“Have you, indeed?” + +Mr. Roberts spoke heartily, and seemed by no means dismayed,--only a +trifle perplexed as to details. + +“How can we manage it, Flossy? My prison class takes me in an opposite +direction at the same hour, you know.” + +“Yes, I thought of that; I propose to ask Mr. Ried to call for me, and +show me the way, and vouch for my good intentions after I reach there. +Do you suppose he will do it?” She looked smilingly from her husband to +young Ried, and both waited for his answer. + +“I obey directions,” he said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Roberts. “Am I +to have the honor of being detailed for that service to-morrow?” + +“So Mrs. Roberts says,” was the good-humored reply, and then the +merchant took his wife away to their waiting carriage that had drawn up +before the door, leaving Alfred Ried, if the truth must be told, in a +fume. + +“Much she knows what she is talking about!” he said, jerking certain +boxes out of their places on the shelves, and then banging them back +again, seeming to suppose that he was by this process putting his +department in order for closing. “Little bit of a dressed-up doll! They +will tear her into ribbons, metaphorically, if not literally, before +this time to-morrow! She thinks, because she is the wife of Evan +Roberts, the great merchant, she can go anywhere and do anything, and +that people will respect her. She has never had anything to do with +a set of fellows who care less than nothing about money and position, +except to be ten times more insolent and outrageous in their conduct +than they would if she had less of it! I shall feel like a born idiot in +presenting this pretty little doll to teach that class! Mr. Durant will +think I have lost what few wits I had! What can possess the woman to +want to try? It is just because she has no conception of what she is +about! But Mr. Roberts must know--I wonder what he means by permitting +it?” + +In very much the same state of mind did our young man pilot his new and +unsought-for recruit into the crowded mission rooms of the South End on +the following Sabbath afternoon. She looked not one whit less able to +compete with the terrors which awaited the teacher of the formidable +class. + +Her dress was simplicity itself, according to Mrs. Roberts' ideas of +simplicity; yet, from the row of ostrich tips that bobbed and nodded at +each other, all around the front of her velvet hat, to the buttons of +her neat-fitting boots, she seemed to bring a new atmosphere into the +room. + +Yesterday's rain was over, and the pleasant south windows were aglow +with sunshine. As Mrs. Roberts sat down the sunbeams came and played +about her face, and she seemed in keeping with them, and with nothing +else around her. + +The superintendent bestowed curious glances on her during the opening +exercises. He had seen the shadow on young Ried's face when he seated +her, and had found time to question. + +“Whom have we here?” + +“Mrs. Evan Roberts. She wants to try the vacant class! _I_ did not ask +her, Mr. Durant; she invited herself.” + +Mr. Durant looked over at her, and tried to keep his eyes from smiling. + +“She looks very diminutive in every way for such an undertaking. They +will frighten her out before she commences, will they not?” + +“I presume so; but I didn't know what to do. She wanted to come, and I +could not tell her she must not.” + +“No, of course,--the occasion is too rare to lose. Very few people ask +the privilege of trying that class. There is no teacher for them to-day; +and your Mrs. Roberts must learn by experience that some things are more +difficult than others. I will let her try it.” + +Meantime, “the boys” of the dreaded class were studying the new face. +She was the only person not already seated before a class, and they +naturally judged that she was to be their next victim. They looked at +her and then at one another, and winked and coughed and sneezed and +nudged elbows and giggled outright, every one of them,--meantime chewing +tobacco with all their might, and expectorating freely wherever he +judged it would be most offensive. + +Alfred Ried watched them, inwardly groaning. Being used to their faces, +he could plainly read that they anticipated a richer time than usual, +and rejoiced greatly over the youth and beauty of their victim. + +But young Ried was not the only one who watched. Mrs. Roberts, without +seeming to be aware of their presence, lost not a wriggle or a nudge. +She was studying her material; and it must be confessed that they +startled her not a little. They represented a different type of +humanity from her Chautauqua boys, or her boys in the old church at +home,--rather, an advanced stage of both those types. + +When Mr. Durant came toward her, the look on his face was not +reassuring, it so plainly said that he expected failure, and was sorry +for her as well as for himself. However, with as good grace as he could +assume, he led her to the seat prepared for the teacher, and gave her a +formal introduction. + +“Boys, this is Mrs. Roberts, who is willing to try to teach you to-day. +I _wish_ you would show her that you know how to behave yourselves.” + +Mrs. Roberts wished that he had left her to introduce herself, or that +he had said almost anything rather than what he did; the mischievous +gleam in several pairs of eyes said that they meant to show her +something that they considered far more interesting than that. + +Many were the sympathetic glances that were bestowed on the young and +pretty lady as she went to her task. As for Alfred Ried, there was more +than sympathy in his face. He was vexed with the young volunteer and +vexed with himself. + +He told himself savagely that this was what came of his silly habit of +thinking aloud. If only he had kept his anxieties about that class to +himself, Mrs. Roberts would never have heard of it, and been tempted to +put herself in such a ridiculous position; and if this episode did not +break him of the habit, he did not know what would. + +He was presently, however, given a class of small boys, with enough +of original and acquired depravity about them to keep him intensely +employed, and the entire school settled to work. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +“WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW?” + + +Settled, that is, so far as the class of boys in the corner would permit +the use of that term. _They_ had not settled in the least. Two of them +indulged in a louder burst of laughter than before, just as Mrs. Roberts +took her seat. Yet her face was in no wise ruffled. + +“Good afternoon,” she said, with as much courtesy as she would have used +in addressing gentlemen. “I wonder if you know that I am a stranger in +this great city? You are almost the first acquaintances that I am making +among the young people, and I have a fancy that I would like to have you +all for my friends. Suppose we enter into a compact to be excellent and +faithful friends to one another? What do you say?” + +What were they to say? They were slightly taken back, surprised into +listening quietly to the close of the strange sentence, and then giving +no answer beyond violent nudges and aside-looks. What did she mean? +Was she “chaffing” them? This was unlike the opening of any lesson! It +certainly could not be the first question on the lesson-paper; nor did +it sound like certain well-meant admonitions to “try to improve the +opportunity” and “learn all that they could.” With each of these +commencements they were entirely familiar; but this was something new. + +“Do you agree to the compact?” she asked, while they waited, her face +bright with smiles. + +“Dunno about that,” said one whom she very soon discovered occupied the +position of a ringleader; “as a general thing, we like to be kind of +careful about our friendships; we might strike something that wasn't +quite the thing with people in our position. You can't be too careful in +a big city, you know.” + +It is impossible to give you an idea of the impishness with which this +impudent answer was jerked out, to the great amusement of the others, +who laughed immoderately. + +It suited Mrs. Roberts to treat the reply with perfect seriousness and +composure. + +“That is very true,” she said, courteously; “but at the same time I +venture to hope that since you know nothing ill of me as yet, you will +receive me into a sort of conditional friendship, with the understanding +that I remain your friend until I am guilty of some conduct that ought +to justify you in deserting me. I am sure you cannot object to that; and +now, if we are to be friends, we should know each other's names. I am +Mrs. Evan Roberts, and I live at No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street. I shall +be glad to see you at my house whenever you would like to call on me. +Now, will one of you be kind enough to introduce himself and the class? +Perhaps you will introduce me to your friends?” + +She looked directly at the ringleader. + +“Certainly! certainly, mum!” he replied, briskly. “This is Mr. Carrot +Pumpkins, at your service, mum--this fellow on my left, I mean; rather +a queer name, I dare say you think. It all came of his being fond of +sitting astride of a pumpkin when he was a little shaver, and of his +hair being exactly the color of carrots as you can see for yourself. And +this fellow on my right is Mr. Champion Chawer, so called because he can +make the biggest run on tobacco of any of the set, taking him day in and +day out. That fellow at your elbow is 'Slippery Jim.' We don't call him +'Mister,' because he doesn't stay long enough in one place to have it +tacked on to him. He is such a slippery scamp that an eel is nowhere, +compared to him.” + +During this rapid flow of words the listeners, who evidently admired +their leader, became so convulsed with laughter as to lose all vestige +of respectability, and Mr. Durant's disturbed face appeared in view. + +“Boys, this is perfectly disgraceful!” he said, speaking in sharp and +highly-excited tones,--“perfectly disgraceful! I don't know why you wish +to come here to disturb us in this way Sabbath after Sabbath! But we +have really endured enough. There is a policeman at the foot of the +stairs, and he can easily call others to his help; so now if you wish to +remain here you must behave yourselves.” + +During the deliverance of this sentence some of the boys gave mimic +groans, one of them whistled, and others kept up a running comment:-- + +“A policeman! oh good! that's little Duffer, I know! We've seen him +before! Wouldn't mind giving him a chase to-day, just for exercise, you +know, mum.” + +“I say, boys, let's cut and run, the whole caboodle of us. We can +jump these seats at one bound, and take the little woman along on our +shoulders for a ride! Shall we do it?” This from the leader, who in time +came to be known as “Nimble Dick.” + +“Bah! no!” replied a third; “let's stick it out and see what she's got +to say; she's a new party. Besides, we can't give her the slip in that +way; we're friends of hers, you know.” + +“Mrs. Roberts,” said the distressed Mr. Durant, in a not very good +undertone, “I think you will have to give it up. They are worse than +usual this morning. We have endured much from them, and I must say that +my patience is exhausted. Will you not take the seat at the other end of +the room?” + +“Not unless they wish me to.” + +The people who had known Flossy Shipley well would have detected a +curious little quiver in her voice, which meant that she was making a +strong effort at self-control; but a stranger would hardly have observed +it. + +“Do you wish me to go away, young gentlemen?” + +The scamps thus appealed to, looked at one another again, as if in doubt +what to say. This again was new ground to them. Policemen they were +accustomed to. At last Nimble Dick made answer:-- + +“No, I'm bound if we do; it comes the nearest to looking like a lark of +anything that we have had in a long time. I say, Parson, go off about +your business and let us alone. We was having a good time getting +acquainted till you come and spoiled it. We'll be as sober as nine +deacons at a prayer-meetin'. And look out how you insult this young +woman; she's a friend of ours, and we're bound to protect her. No asking +of her to change her seat; she's going to sit right here to the end of +the chapter.” + +Mr. Durant looked his willingness to summon the police at once, but Mrs. +Roberts' voice, evenly poised now, took up the story:-- + +“Thank you; then I will stay. And since it is getting late, suppose we +lose no more time. There was something about which I wanted to tell +you. But a few evenings ago I attended a gathering where I saw some very +singular things. A gentleman in the party was tied with a strong rope, +hands and feet, as firmly as two men could tie him,--people who knew how +to tie knots, and they did their best; yet while we stood looking at him +he shook his hand free and held it out to them. How do you think it was +done?” + +“Sham knots!” said one. + +“No, for my husband was one of the gentlemen who tied him, and he +assured me that he tied the rope as firmly as he could. Besides, more +wonderful things than that were done. I tied my own handkerchief into at +least a dozen very hard knots, and gave it to him, and I saw him put it +in a glass of water, then seize it and shake it out, and the knots were +gone. I saw him take two clean glasses, and pour water from a pitcher +into one, and it seemed to turn instantly to wine; then he poured that +glass of wine into the other empty glass, and immediately it turned back +to water, or seemed to. Dozens of other strange things he did. I should +really like to tell you about them all. I will, at some other time; but +just now I think you would like to know _how_ he did them.” + +“_How_ he did them!” “As if you could tell!” “_Can_ you tell?” “Pitch +in, mum; I'd like to hear that part myself!” These were some of the +eager answers. + +Had the little teacher, under the embarrassments of the occasion, taken +leave of her senses? Actually she was bending forward, opened Bible +turned face downward on her knee, engaged in describing in somewhat +minute detail the explanations of certain slight-of-hand performances +which she had recently seen! What idea of the sacredness of the office +of teacher, and the solemnity of the truths to be taught, had she? + +The boys were listening, their heads bent forward all around her. What +of that? They would have listened equally well to a graphically-told +story of a Fourth Avenue riot, and been equally benefited, you think? +They did not know just when the speaker slipped from the events of last +week to the events of more than three thousand years ago. Indeed, so +ignorant were they of all past history, that they were not even aware +that she went back into the past; for aught they knew, she might have +gone, on Wednesday of last week to see the man who could untie knots by +magic, and on Thursday to see the men who could drop canes on the ground +that would appear to turn into wriggling serpents. But there was one +statement that proved too much for their credulity. + +“You could not imagine what occurred next,” said the bright-faced +teacher. “The cane or rod that the first man had dropped, actually +opened its mouth and swallowed the other rods that seemed to be +serpents, and was left there alone in its triumph!” + +“Oh, bosh!” said Nimble Dick, contempt expressed in the very curve of +his nose, “that's too steep; I don't believe a word of it! These fellows +can do lots of queer things; I've seen 'em perform, myself; but they +never made a live thing yet; I've heard folks that know, say so.” + +“Precisely what I wanted to reach,” said Mrs. Roberts, with animation. +“You are right, they never did; and you have discovered just the +difference between them and the one man of whom I have been telling you. +_He_ worked by the power of God; he distinctly stated that he did; and +that God really turned his rod into a serpent, and allowed it to swallow +the imitations of life, and then turned it back again into a rod, to +show that nothing was beyond his power.” + +“Did you see the thing done?” questioned a young skeptic, running his +tongue into his cheek in a skillful way, and distorting his whole face +with a disagreeable leer. He began to suspect that he was being cheated +into listening to a Bible story. + +Mrs. Roberts was prompt with her answer:-- + +“Oh, no, I did not, neither did I see the great fire that you had in +this city about a year ago. At that time I was a thousand miles away; +and it so happens that I have never talked with any person who did see +it, yet I know there was a great fire, and many buildings were burned, +and lives lost. It has been proved to me.” + +“Oh, well,” said skeptic number two, while number one retired into +silence to speculate over this answer, “fires are common enough things; +anybody can know that they happen; but it ain't such a common affair to +see a stick turn into a serpent and swallow up other serpents. I've seen +them fellows make things that looked like snakes, myself; I could +most swear to it that I'd seen them wriggle; but they never did no +_swallowing_.” + +“That is, they did not give unmistakable signs that they were alive. But +do you think it too strange a thing for God to do? Surely he can make +life! How is it that you are here, breathing, talking, thinking, if +there is no power anywhere to make life?” + +“Oh, I came from a tadpole,” said the boastful young scientist, putting +his thumbs under his arms, and affecting an air of great wisdom. “I know +all about that; I was there, and see the things wriggle.” + +Evolution staring her in the face in a corner class in a mission +school;--a class that had been gathered from the slums! Mrs. Roberts did +not know that these are the very places in which to find it in all its +coarseness. Yet she made haste to meet the boy on his own ground. + +“Very well, if you choose to take that view of it. Was not the tadpole +alive? Where did the _life_ come from? You insist that the story I +have been telling you is untrue because you know that none of these +sleight-of-hand performers have ever, or _can_ ever make actual life! +That it is an impossible thing for human beings to do. Yet when I tell +you that _God_ did it you refuse the statement. How are you going to +account for life? If, in its very lowest forms, it cannot be made by men +who have given all their time to the study of the marvellous, how is +it that it is everywhere about us, unless I am correct, and there is a +Power that can produce life?” + +Not a boy among them had heard the term “evolution;” knew anything +about “the survival of the fittest.” They were entirely ignorant of +“protoplasm” or “bioplasm;” yet not one of them but had caught the +meaning of some of these terms as they had been translated for them into +the vernacular of the city slums; not one in the class but perceived +that their champion arguer had been met on his own ground and +vanquished. Not with an outburst of horror; he had not even been +informed that he was irreverent. Nimble Dick delighted in making each +teacher tell him this; he had merely been replied to in the calmest of +argumentative tones, and called upon to account for the facts in his +own statements, and had been unable to do so. The crowd broke into a +derisive laugh, and were noisy, it is true, and brought troubled frowns +to the face of their superintendent, and made the flush on Alfred Ried's +face deepen; yet if both these anxious watchers had known it, it was +worthy of note that the laugh had been at the expense of one of their +number, and not at their teacher. + +“Well, go on,” interposed the youngest and quietest of the group. “Tell +us some more about your old fellow with his serpents. Did they stay +swallowed, and what did it all amount to, anyhow?” + +Thus challenged, Mrs. Roberts gave her whole heart to the business of +giving, in as dramatic a manner as she could, the closing scenes in the +act performed in Egypt so long ago, carefully avoiding any reference +to time, and mentioning no names, using only modern terms, and an +exceedingly simple conversational form of language. She was, however, +presently interrupted with a question:-- + +“When did all this happen? And why don't somebody do something like it +nowadays?” + +Ignoring the first question, Mrs. Roberts adroitly gave herself to the +second. + +“Why don't you find your pleasure in tumbling around on the floor, +playing with a bright-colored marble or two as you did when a child? The +world was in its childhood when God taught the people in this way. He +has given them just as wonderful lessons since, but lessons more suited +to men and women who have learned to think and reason. We don't like to +be always treated as children.” + +Whether they really dimly understood the meaning or not is possibly +doubtful, yet it appealed to their sense of dignity in so indirect a +way, that they did not themselves realize what inclined them to quiet +for a moment, while she finished her sentence earnestly. In the midst +of the quiet the closing-bell rang, and the seven young scamps seemed +at once to take into their hearts seven other spirits worse than +themselves, and behaved abominably during the closing exercises, and +tumbled out of the door over each other, in the wildest fashion, the +moment the signal was given, halting only to say, in the person of their +leader:-- + +“You be on hand next Sunday; we like your yarns first rate.” + +Mrs. Roberts, with glowing cheeks, and eyes behind which there were +unshed tears, made her way to the desk where Mr. Durant was standing, +and spoke quickly: + +“There is a difference between others who have tried it and myself, Mr. +Durant. The sentence in Mr. Ried's account that gave me courage was, +'Every one has failed, so far; people are unwilling to take the class a +second time.' I have failed, but I want to try again.” + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +“ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME?” + + +Though they rushed out with even more noise than usual, every boy +of them knew that the noise was to cover a certain sense of +shame-facedness, because they had actually been beguiled into listening +quietly for a few minutes to earnest words. + +Directly they had reached the privacy of the street they became quieter. + +“I say, boys,” said Nimble Dick, “is that an awful green one, or a new +kind?” + +“New, I should say,” replied one of the younger boys; “she ain't like +anything that's been in that room since we got acquainted with it. I +don't know her style, myself.” + +“What do you take it she meant by that stuff about being friends, and +telling us where she lived, and all that?” + +“Dunno what she meant; but she ain't _green_, you may bet your head on +that. I'll tell you what I think, boys: I b'lieve she knows what she is +about, every time.” + +What this sage conclusion amounted to, one not acquainted with the +dialect of the street might have been at a loss to understand, but the +rest of the party received it in grave silence and nods of the head, as +though it were a thought that needed careful investigation. In common +parlance, Jerry Tompkins had expressed the opinion that Mrs. Roberts had +some point to gain in being so uncommonly polite and attentive to them, +and they were curious to know what the motive could possibly be. + +They considered the important question in silence until they reached +the next corner; then Nimble Dick, tossing back his head as one who had +thrown off an abstruse problem, and would have none of it, said:-- + +“Well, what next? We've got through with that fun for to-day. What are +you going to do, boys? Say we go around to Poke's, and see what is going +on there?” + +To this proposition there was eager agreement from all the party save +one; he maintained a somewhat moody silence. + +“What say, Dirk?” the leader asked, addressing him; “are you ready for +Poke's?” + +“No; I don't think I'll go around, just now.” + +“What, then? If you've got something better on hand, why don't you let a +fellow know? We're not dying for Poke's place.” + +“I haven't got a thing on hand; only I don't care about going there.” + +“Where, then?” + +“Nowhere.” + +“Nowhere! Mean place. Too cold weather to stop in the streets. There'll +be a good fire at Poke's. You come along; don't go to getting the sulks; +it ain't becoming, just after you've been to Sunday-school.” + +But the young fellow persisted in gloomily refusing to join them, and +presently they began to tease, in what they meant to be a good-natured +way. + +“Dirk's struck,” said one. “That yellow-haired party has got him by +the throat; I saw her looking at him most uncommon sharp, when she was +telling that biggest story of hers, about the serpent that swallowed. +Dirk he thinks he's been swallowed by one of 'em; he feels it choking in +his throat.” + +“No,” said another, “that ain't it; Dirk's a-going to get pious. That's +his last dodge; I've seen the spell coming on, for some time. Didn't +you see him pick up that there Bible and lay it on the seat the other +Sunday, after Jerry's elbow knocked it off by mistake? I've been scared +about Dirk ever since; and now he won't go to Poke's! It's a bad sign. I +say, Dirk, maybe there's going to be a prayer-meeting down your way, and +you wouldn't mind letting us come?” + +They expected him to laugh, but his face grew blacker than before, and +at last he said, in very significant tones:-- + +“You better hold up there, Scrawly, if you don't want to try the depth +of that gutter.” + +“Leave him be,” said Nimble Dick, quickly; “he's going into one of +his tantrums. When he begins like that, there's no end to the fighting +that's in him; and I don't want a row now,--it's too early in the day; +besides, I know something that's better fun. You fellows come along with +me, and let him go.” + +As this was said in a sort of undertone as Dirk strode on ahead; and +when, at another corner, he dashed down it, leaving them all, there was +no call after him. He was free to go where he would, and for reasons +that he himself could not have explained he chose that it should be +home,--that is, the place which he called home. It might not meet your +ideas of what a spot so named should be. The road to it led through one +of the meanest portions of the city. Each foot of the way the houses +seemed to grow more squalid looking, and the streets filthier. The +particular alley down which he dived at last was narrower and blacker +than any yet passed, and the cellar door which he pushed open let him +into the meanest-looking house in the row,--a long, low, dark room. In +one corner there was the remnant of a stove, braced up by bricks and +stones, but no fire was burning therein, though the day was cold. +Furniture there was none, unless the usual rickety table and two broken +chairs could be called by that name. A door was ajar that led into an +inner cellar, and a glimpse of piles of offensive looking rags, that +were called “bed-clothes” by the family, might have given you an idea of +what their home life was, as hardly any other phase of it can. The rags +were not all in the further cellar, however; a gay patch-work quilt, or +at least one that had once been gay, but from which bits of black cotton +now oozed in every direction, seemed to have curled itself in a heap +against the one window. However, it moved soon after Dirk opened the +door, and showed itself to be more than a quilt. Inside was a young +girl, the quilt wrapped around her closely, drawn up about her face and +head, as if she would hide all but her eyes within, and try to get rid +of shivering. + +“You home?” she said, her tones expressing surprise, but at the same +time indifference. “What is it for?” + +“Because I wanted to come. Hasn't a fellow a right to come home if he +wants to?” + +“Of course; and it's such a lovely home, and you are so fond of it, no +one need wonder at your coming in the middle of the day.” + +The sentence was sarcastic enough, but the tones were hardly so; they +expressed too much indifference even for sarcasm. + +Dirk surveyed her thoughtfully; he seemed to have no answer ready. In +fact, his face wore almost a startled air, and really the thought which +presented itself for consideration was startling. Something about the +face of the girl, done up so grotesquely in her ragged quilt, suggested +the lady who had been his teacher at the Mission! Could one find a +sharper contrast than existed between these two? Yet Dirk, as he looked, +could not get away from it. + +“What are you staring at?” the girl asked, presently, growing uneasy +over the fixedness of his gaze. “Do you see anything uncommon about me?” + +“Where's mother?” he asked, dropping his eyes, and turning from her. + +“In there, asleep. You needn't talk quite so loud; it won't hurt her to +get a bit of rest. She sat up till morning, poking at your old coat.” + +Dirk looked down at it thoughtfully. There had been an attempt to make +it decent, although the setting of the patches showed an unpractised +hand, and they were of a strikingly different color from the coat +itself. + +“You might have done it for her, then, in the daytime,” he said, +briefly, and added, “Where's father?” + +The girl shrugged her shoulders. + +“How should I know? Where he is most of the time; you know more about it +than I do, or ought to; you live on the street.” + +He gave her an answer which seemed to surprise her:-- + +“I say, Mart, what is the use in being so horrid cross all the time?” + +“You are so good-natured,” she said, “and everything is so nice and +pleasant around me, it is a wonder that I should ever be cross!” + +“That's all lost, Mart, for I never said I was good-natured, nor thought +I was; and if I don't know just how hateful things are, I should like +to know who does! But, after all, what good does it do to snarl? Why +couldn't you and me say a good-natured word once in a while, just for a +change?” + +“Try it,” she said; “I wish you would! I'm so tired of things as they +now are, that most any change would be fine. But I'll risk your doing +much in that line; it isn't in you.” + +What was there in this cross girl to remind any one in his senses of +Mrs. Evan Roberts? Yet even as she spoke that last ungracious sentence, +she turned a little, so that a slant beam of sunshine--one of the few +that ever found its way into this dreary room--laid a streak of light +just across her hair, yellowing it until it was almost the shade that he +had noted in the lady at the Mission; and he thought of her again, and +wondered curiously whether, if Mart were dressed in the shining black +dress, and fur wraps and feather-decked bonnet that the lady had worn, +she would really resemble her. How would Mart look dressed up, he +wondered; even decently dressed, as the girls were whom he met on the +streets. He had never seen her in anything much more becoming than the +ragged quilt. He was studying her in a way that Mart did not in the +least understand. She broke the spell suddenly again:-- + +“Have you had any dinner?” + +“Dinner? Why, no! of course not! Where would I find that sort of thing? +I looked all up and down the streets, and smelled plenty of it, but not +a bite did I get.” + +“Where have you been?” + +“Oh, around in several places; not much of anywhere.” + +“I know where you've been,”--a severe light coming into her eyes; +“you've been down to the South End, and if I was you I'd be ashamed of +myself! I know how you fellows go on down there. Sallie Calkins goes, +and she told me all about it. She said that she was ashamed to live +on the same street with any of you, and that none of the folks in the +Mission knew what to do with you, and the next thing you knew you would +all be marched off to the lockup.” + +“Let them try it,” muttered Dirk, his face growing darker; “we'd make +that street too hot to hold them in short order if they played at any +such game as that, and I guess they know it.” + +“Well, anyhow, I wouldn't be meaner and lower down than I had to be, +Dirk Colson! It is bad enough as it is,--a drunkard for a father, and we +nothing more than beggars! But I'd behave myself half-way decent when I +went among folks that wanted to be good to me, or else I'd stay away.” + +“Look here, you keep your preaching for them that wants to hear it; I +don't. A fellow can't come home without having a row; if it isn't of one +kind, it's another. I wonder I ever come home at all.” + +Dirk was angry now, and his dark, thin face looked fierce with passion. +His sister kept the curiously composed tone and manner with which she +had said all her exasperating things. + +“I wonder you do,” she said. “I suppose you get starved, and can't help +it, now and then. There's some dinner I saved for you. If you want it, +eat it, and then take yourself to some place that suits you better.” + +As she spoke, she jerked open the door of a little cupboard near which +she stood, and brought therefrom a much-cracked plate, on which lay +a baked potato, with one end broken or bitten off, then carefully +replaced, as if the owner might have had a second thought as to its +disposal; there was also a bit of corn-bread, somewhat burned, and half +of a roasted apple. + +Meagre as the fare was for a hungry boy, there was more variety than he +had expected, and something in the simple preparation touched him, and +quieted his anger. + +“Where did this come from?” he asked, taking in the unaccustomed morsel +of apple with two eager bites. “I tell you, that is good!” + +“Sally Calkins gave it to me last night. She got one give to her +somewhere.” + +Just as the last bite was gone, it occurred to Dirk, first to wonder, +and then to be almost certain, that his sister, having shared the apple, +had saved her entire share for him. It was not the first time he had +known of such an effort on her part to supply him with food. Had he +thought of it sooner he would certainly have left a bit of the dainty +for her; but no thought of telling her so, for an instant crossed his +mind. Neither had she, on her part, the slightest idea of describing to +him with what care and patience she and Sallie had roasted the choice +morsel before Sallie's fire, only last night,--Sallie's father being +fortunately late in coming, and so giving them a chance; then she had +borne hers home in a bit of paper, and carefully guarded it all day, +just for this hour. Also, she might have told him that she bit the end +from the potato before she remembered that there would be none left for +him, and then fitted it on again as best she could, and went without. +She would not have told him for worlds. Why? She could not have +explained why. Something within her shrank from letting him know, not +that she sacrificed for him, but that she _cared_ enough for him to want +to do it! + +Potato and corn-bread were gone, to the last crumb; it seemed to Dirk +that there had been only enough of them to show him how hungry he was. + +“I suppose there isn't anything more?” he said, wistfully, with the +rising inflection, indeed, but not as one who had any idea of receiving +an affirmative answer. + +“I should think there wasn't!”--defiance in the tone--“there's a piece +of bread that I kept for mother's supper, and I mean she shall have it.” + +“Well, don't bite me! I'm perfectly willing that she shall. Isn't there +anything for a fire?” + +“Only some chips that I'm saving till mother has her nap out.” + +“You better go to bed yourself, then; it's awful cold here.” + +“I ain't going to stir from this corner so long as this streak of light +lasts. It isn't so very often I see it that I can afford to lose it.” + +Her brother turned and looked at her. She had gathered the folds of the +ragged quilt about her again, and was crouching at the low window, and +the very last gleam that the sunshine would vouchsafe them came and +glimmered in her hair. + +There it was again,--that mysterious, haunting resemblance! What would +Mart think if he told her of it? Probably that he was trying to poke +fun at her. At least, he should not experiment. Yet he could not help +wondering again, how Mart would look if she were dressed like other +people. + +“I say, Mart,” he began, suddenly, breaking the stillness, “let's you +and I get out of this, where it is warmer. Come and take a walk down on +the avenue; the sun will shine yet for half an hour, and it is real warm +and bright.” + +“In this quilt?” she asked, significantly, looking down at it. + +The boy's face darkened. + +“Hasn't your shawl got out of pawn yet?” + +“How should it?” + +He flung himself angrily out of the broken chair, picked up his ragged +cap, and strode angrily and noisily across the room, out at the door, +stumbling up the steps, like one half-blind with disgust or rage, and +went on swift feet down the street out of sight. And Mart, poor Mart, +left thus to solitude, let the last beam of the sun go without watching, +and buried her face in the ragged quilt and cried. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +“I DON'T BLAME THEM.” + + +It was not a “pet” name. Poor Mart Colson would not have known what to +do with a pet name. Her life had not taught her how to use such phrases; +how she came to be named Martha, she did not know; but a hollow-eyed, +sad-voiced woman could have told her of a country home, long ago, where +there were daffodils blowing in the early spring, almost under the snow; +where, later, the earth was turned into sky, or the stars came down and +gleamed all over her father's fields, so plentiful were the dandelions; +and the breath of the clover came in at all the open windows, and the +cows--her father's cows--coming home from pasture, and the tinkle of +their bells were sights and sounds familiar to her ear. She sat there +one summer evening, in the back-door, watching the glory and the peace, +and studying, between times, her Sabbath lesson. Often and often the +words came back to her in future years. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her +sister and Lazarus.” That was one of the verses. Was it a dim memory of +the words, and a sort of blind reaching out after their fulfilment, that +led her to name her poor little two-days-old baby, Martha? The old home +had vanished, the sweet-scented meadows, the tinkling bells, the peace +and the plenty, were as utterly things of the past as though they had +not been. Mother, and father, and one brother, were gone, lying in +grass-grown, neglected graves; and she--why the two-days-old +baby's father was _drunk_; and had been for three weeks! A hard, +hateful-sounding word,--coarse, almost. Why don't I say intoxicated? Oh, +because I can't! I've no desire to find smooth-sounding words with which +to cover the sin of that baby's father. But the mother named her Martha. +She never told her why, if, indeed, she herself fully knew; it was not +a family name. Gradually, after the fashion of the times, she sought to +shorten the name; and because they had not sweet, short words, as “Pet,” + and “Dear” and “Sweet,”--all such belong to happy homes,--they grew to +calling her Mart. And now even she herself hardly realized that she had +ever owned to any other call. Poor Mart! I find myself wanting to use +the adjective over and over again when I speak of her. Such a desolate, +loveless life! Always a drunken father,--she had never known any other; +always a sharp-toned, weary-eyed, disheartened mother, who shut her +tenderness for the child within herself, as one who could not afford to +show it. Then Dirk, the one brother, going astray almost as soon as +he was born. What wonder, from such a home? Yet Mart wondered and felt +bitter over it. Why could not Dirk be like some others of whom she knew? +Like Sallie Calkin's brother, for instance, who worked day and night, +and brought home, often and often, an apple, or a herring, or sometimes +even a picture paper for Sallie! Mart was sharp-tongued; all her life +had taught her to be so. She spoke sharp words out of the bitterness of +her heart at Dirk, and of late rarely anything but sharp words, yet--and +this was Mart's secret, hidden away as if it were something of which to +be ashamed--she _loved_ Dirk, loved him fiercely, with all the pent-up +wealth of her young heart; and often, _because_ she loved him, she was +harsh and bitter towards him, though she did not herself understand why +this should be. + +As for Dirk, he walked rapidly but for a few blocks; his dinner had been +too insufficient to give him strength, after the first aimless anger had +subsided. Then came the question what to do with himself. Why hadn't he +gone with the fellows? More than likely some of them had contrived a way +to get a dinner. Why had he persisted in sullenly leaving them all and +going home? + +He had not the least idea why he had been impelled to go home. Now +that he was fairly away from home again, he had no idea what to do with +himself. A place where he could warm his feet and his hands, where +he could get a bite to eat, possibly,--this last would be an immense +attraction, but was not a necessity, and he did not expect it,--but +warmth, at least, he felt that he must have. Where would he find it? +What place had been provided for such as he? He ought by this time to +have been earning his own living, to have had a corner which he could +call home, earned by himself, where some of the decencies of life were +gathered. Of course he ought; but the painful fact to meet just now, was +that he had not done his duty. He had gone astray; not so far but that +there were plenty of chances to go farther, greater deeps to which he +might yet reach, but far enough to all but break any watchful mother's +heart; only that _his_ mother's heart was broken before he was born. The +simple question waiting to be solved was this: Having done as poorly for +himself as under the circumstances he well could, what was Dirk Colson +to do next? He had no idea; neither, apparently, had multitudes of +Christian people engaged in praying that the Father's will might be done +on earth, even as it was in heaven. The young man walked six blocks down +the respectable avenue, lined with pleasant homes, where the people went +to church, and read their Bibles, and had family prayers, and kept holy +the Sabbath day. Not a door among them all opened and held out a winning +signal to arrest his heedless feet. Not so Satan! Is he ever caught +idling at his post? + +Just around the corner from the respectable avenue (and around the +corner Dirk presently turned, still uncertain what to do, where to find +the warmth he craved) then the winning invitations for such as he began +to present themselves. Saloons, and saloons, and saloons! How many of +them were there? Far outnumbering the churches! Pleasant they looked, +too; opening doors, ever and anon, revealing brightness and warmth +within. They would like to see him inside. Of this Dirk was sure; not +that he had money, but he had something that in such places often served +him well,--a decided and dangerous talent for imitating any and every +peculiarity of voice or manner that had chanced to come under his +notice. He could make the fellows in these saloons roar with laughter. +If he did particularly well, they were willing to order for him a glass +of beer, or a fairly good cigar; in any case he had a chance to get +warm. This was actually Dirk's only present source of income! Yet he +shrank from it; he could not have told you why, but on this particular +Sabbath he was averse to earning his coveted warmth in this way. He +walked resolutely by two or three places where he had reason to think he +might be welcomed, wondering vaguely whether there wasn't something +else a fellow could do to keep himself from freezing. Oddly enough there +seemed to be something about the glimmer of sunshine as he saw it in +Mart's hair that kept him from halting before any of the places open to +him. What if she had come out with him to take a walk; he could not +have taken her into one of them! Then, poor fellow, he set himself to +wondering where the place was, open and warmed, to which he could take +Mart. There were places, several of them, in the large city; but Dirk +knew nothing about them, and he was acquainted with the saloons. He +thought of another thing; he had been invited to call at a house on East +Fifty-fifth Street. Suppose he should walk up there this very afternoon +and ring the bell, and say that he had come to call! What would happen +then? Whereupon he laughed aloud. The fancy seemed to him so utterly +preposterous. The idea of _his_ making a call! The utter improbability +of his ever seeing the inside of one of the East Fifty-fifth Street +mansions! + +Still remained that hopeless question: What should he do with himself? +The sun was quite gone now, and a cold wind was blowing up freshly +from the north. It blew directly through Dirk's threadbare garments. He +turned suddenly and slipped inside one of the worst of the many saloons +which literally lined this end of the street. He had refused to go with +the boys to Poke's, an hour or two before, and this was several grades +below Poke's in decency! But it was growing dark, and he was cold. + +There was one young man who saw him dash down those cellar stairs, +who stood still and looked at him, his face darkening the while with +discouragement. This, then, was all the afternoon's Sabbath-school had +accomplished for him. To be sure he was not disappointed at the result; +it was no more than he had expected; but it was so discouraging to be an +eye-witness to the degradation to which these young wretches had fallen! +Of course the young man was Alfred Ried, and he went home, and +was dreary, over all sorts of failures in Christian work, mission +Sabbath-schools especially; and their own, more especially than any +other. + +Among the early shoppers on Monday morning came Mrs. Evan Roberts. +Shopping, however, seemed to be a small part of her business. She came +directly to young Ried's counter, and addressed him very much as though +she had ceased talking with him but a moment before:-- + +“Mr. Ried, what can you and I do for those boys during the week?” + +But Alfred was at his gloomiest. + +“I don't see that we can do anything for them at any time,” he said, +dismally. “What is an hour on Sunday, set against all the rest of the +time? They go from the school-room to the rum saloons, and dawdle away +the rest of the day. Yesterday I met that young Colson going into one +of the worst saloons on Dey Street. They are not to blame, either.” This +last in a fiercer tone, after a slight pause. “I don't blame them; +they have nowhere else to go, and nothing to do; and it is cold on the +streets, and warm in the saloons.” + +If he expected the small lady, who was regarding him so steadily, to +take the other side of this question, he was disappointed. She spoke +quietly enough, but with the earnestness of conviction. + +“Those are startling facts. I do not see how one could be surprised that +the results are they are; and the practical question forces itself upon +us, What are we to do under the circumstances? Mr. Ried, you have had +your eyes open in regard to this subject for some time; what have you +thought out?” + +Now was Mr. Alfred Ried embarrassed. It was true that his eyes had been +long open to the subject; it was true that he had given it a great deal +of what he had called thought. But with those alert eyes fixed on his +face, her whole manner indicating intense earnestness, he suddenly +realized that all his thought had been to no purpose, had accomplished +nothing, unless it had served to give him a feeling almost of irritation +against the boys, and their teachers who made failures, and the people +who folded their hands and let things go to ruin. Here confronted him +one, whose hands were not folded, though they rested quietly enough +on the counter before him. He began to feel that there might be latent +power in them. + +“I have nothing to say,” and he said it at last with flushed face and +embarrassed voice; “I have thought out nothing. The whole thing seemed +hopeless to me with my utter lack of resources. My sister had schemes, +many of them, and they seemed to me good ones, even then; they seem +better now, only I cannot carry them out.” + +She caught at the name. + +“Your sister? Ester Ried? Good! Let us carry them out, you and I, and as +many more as we can get to help us. She is at work yet,--don't you see? +What is that prophecy about her?--that voice which the prophet heard, +you know, 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.'” + +How strangely the words sounded, repeated in her low, clear voice, amid +the hum of business on every side! Alfred Ried felt singularly moved. +He had been a highly strung, imaginative child. He had been his sister +Ester's almost constant companion during those last months in which +she was slowly fading out of sight. While Julia held steadily to her +mother's side, and learned to do many helpful things, he had been +stationed chief nurse in Ester's room, to see that she lacked for no +tender care during the hours when others must be away from her. And +those hours she had tenderly improved. He remembered to this day just +how she looked, with a pink flush all over her cheeks, and a bright +light in her eyes, as she talked to him of the things that she and Dr. +Douglass had meant to do for boys,--neglected, homeless, friendless +boys. Oh, the plans they had carefully thought out, to reach after these +forsaken ones! He remembered that his own cheeks had grown hot while he +listened, and the blood had seemed to race like fire through his veins +when she said, “God wants _me_ for something else, Alfred; but you will +do my work when you get to be a man; you will find helpers, and carry +it on as I wanted to do.” He had made no audible answer, but he had told +himself sturdily again and again that he certainly would. Yet here +he was, barely of age, and almost soured by disappointments. Certain +well-meant attempts having proved failures, and having not found +the helpers whom he had eagerly expected, the magnitude of the work +impressed itself upon him more remorselessly each hour. Yet now he +seemed to feel again the thrill in his veins, and he felt almost under +the power of his sister's eye while those words were in his ears: +“They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Might +it possibly be that this was one of the “helpers” of whom Ester used to +talk, sent by God himself to take up her planned work and follow it out? +Yet she was so utterly unlike his memory of Ester! She had seemed to +him a self-reliant, strong-toned woman; Mrs. Roberts was so small and +frail-looking, and so fashionably dressed, and how those boys had acted +with her only yesterday! What could she possibly do? + +Customers came just then, to change the current of his thoughts. They +wanted round collars, and deep collars, and fichus, and edges, and a +hundred little irritating things. Young Ried, usually so gracious +and patient, had much ado to keep from showing his annoyance over the +smallness of all their wishes. + +Meantime Mrs. Roberts, who had taken a seat, entered apparently with +absorption into the relative merits of round or pointed collars with a +young lady acquaintance. She patiently measured to discover whether the +turned-down corner of one was a quarter of an inch deeper than the other +or not; she gave, with due deliberation, her opinion as to whether the +points were more becoming to the young lady's style of beauty than the +rolling fronts, and even went to the trouble of unfastening her furs to +show still another style that she liked better than either; sending +the disgusted Alfred to an entirely different box in search of a like +pattern. As he went, his lip curled visibly. What a fool he had been +to allow himself to get momentarily excited over this doll! How +preposterous in him to mention his dead sister's name to her! She had +already forgotten the entire matter, and was deep in the merits of +collars! His first estimate of her had been the correct one. Her +mind was just about as deep, he believed, as the tiny collar she was +measuring. What a farce it was to talk to her about helping those poor +fellows! She probably thought a few soup tickets, and a chance for a +good Christmas dinner at some of the public charity halls, was the way +to reach and reform them. _He_ shouldn't help her; she mustn't expect +it. Doubtless she did not. Probably she had by this time forgotten that +she had suggested it. Why need she putter here about a few collars for a +young lady in her own circle to wear with her morning dresses? That was +just it, he told himself. It was because she _was_ in her circle, and +because the collars were to be honored by being worn by such as she, +that they became important, and the boys and their desperate needs sunk +into insignificance. Well, he wished they would both go, and leave him +to himself; give him a chance to rally from his momentary excitement, of +which he was now ashamed. + +At last the collars were bought,--but not until the counter was strewn +with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little nothings +for last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. Roberts +whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and said: + +“What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?” + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +“A CHRISTIAN HOME.” + + +“I don't suppose you can go into detail just now,” she added, noting +young Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; “but I was wondering if you +could give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought +could be done.” + +“There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe she +thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world very +well,” said this aged cynic. “She judged everybody from the standpoint +of her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy with +soup-houses, and dinner-tickets, and great public charities of that +sort. Or, I don't know that I should say she was not in sympathy +with them. I mean, rather, that those would not have been her ways of +working. She was thinking of young people, and to give them a dinner +now and then, she would not have considered a very great step toward +elevating them morally and spiritually. Mrs. Roberts, it was just +that which she wanted to do,--lift them up. She thought there could be +invented ways of reaching them, so that they would want helping, want +teaching,--_crave_ it, I mean; and she thought that Christian homes of +wealth and culture could be opened to them, and they gradually toled +in,--made to feel on a level with others, in the social scale; in +short, she believed that instead of people going down to them in a +condescending spirit, they could be drawn up to the level of others, +so that they would realize their manhood, and be led to make earnest +efforts to take their rightful places in the world. I know I am bungling +dreadfully; I don't know how to tell you her plans, only that they were +splendid. But I am afraid the world will have to be made over, before +they can be carried out.” + +“Perhaps so. Christ is at work making the world over, you know.” The +lady before him, whose eyes never for an instant moved from his face, +spoke with exceeding sweetness and gravity. Neither by word nor glance +did she give him to understand that she thought his schemes wild. “But I +find that, after all, I want details. I catch a glimpse of the grandness +of your sister's meaning. What were some of the steps,--the little +steps, such as you and I could take, toward accomplishing? Yet, even +while I ask the question, I see something of what the answer must be. +'Christian homes opening to receive them!' That is a new thought to me, +and in the plural number I do not see how just now, it could be done, +but _one_ Christian home,--I ought to be able to manage that. Mr. Ried, +that is the way to begin it, you may depend. Indeed, I suppose you have +tried it? The city is full of boys, and many of them are away down. +Since we cannot reach all of them this week, we must try to reach seven; +and failing in that, suppose we say one? For which one have you been +working? Just who, at this moment, specially interests you? I hope it +is one of my boys, because, you see, they appeal to me, just now, as +no others can. Which is it, Mr. Ried? and what have you tried to do for +him? and to what extent have you succeeded?” + +There were never any hotter cheeks than young Ried's just at that +moment. This was the most extraordinary person with whom he had ever +talked. It was impossible to generalize with her. Not that he wanted to +generalize; on the contrary, he at once saw the possibilities growing +out of individual effort, and caught at the idea of undertaking +something. But the question was, Why had he not thought of it before? +One person to reach after, and try for!--surely, he might have attempted +it, instead of trying to carry the hundreds that he stumbled against, +and so accomplish nothing for any of them. It was humiliating, the +confession that he had to make:-- + +“Indeed, Mrs. Roberts, I have not one in mind. If you asked me what one +hundred I was most anxious about, I might possibly be able to answer; +but I see that there has been no individuality about it, unless, +perhaps, the half-dozen or more boys who compose that class are taking +a little stronger hold on me than any of the others; but even for them +I have tried to do nothing, unless two or three attempts to secure a +permanent teacher for them--which have ended in failure--may count for +effort. I don't blame myself as much as I might, because, now that you +suggest personal work to me, I realize that there is nothing for one +situated as I am to do. I have no Christian home at my command.” + +“Ah, but we are to come down to very small numbers, you know,--to +fractions, if need be. You have a piece of Christian home at command, I +trust?” + +But he looked at her inquiringly, and she explained:-- + +“Why, you have the privacy of your own room, which is, of course, your +corner of home just now, and it is a Christian corner. Is there not room +in it sometimes for two?” + +He smiled faintly over that. + +“Mrs. Roberts, there is one thing with which you evidently are not +familiar, and that is the corner which a poor clerk in the city has +to call home. Mine is the fourth story back of a fourth-rate +boarding-house, where the thermometer drops often below the +freezing-point, and this place I share with as uncongenial a fellow as +ever breathed. What would you think of labelling such accommodations +'home?' and what can I do in it for others?” + +“Not much, perhaps,” smiling, “unless for the uncongenial fellow. I +should think there might be a chance in this direction.” + +“Ah, but,” he said, eagerly, “he is a Christian. My sympathies do not +need to be drawn out in that direction.” + +The smile was a peculiar one now, but the tone was very quiet in which +the little lady said that some time, when they had leisure to talk, she +should like to ask him whether his experience with Christians had been +so exceptionally bright that he thought there was no work to do in that +direction. + +“But just now,” she added, earnestly, “I want to know, since you are +shut away from home effort, for which of these boys you are praying +especially, and which of them do you carry about on your heart, with the +hope of a chance meeting, an unexpected, opportunity to speak a word, +or do a kindness, or look a kindness that shall give you possible +future influence? Don't you have to work in those ways? Two people +never equally interest me at the same moment. I find I must be intensely +individual, not to the exclusion of others, but in praying. For +instance, yesterday I prayed, and this morning I prayed, for my entire +class, but there was one all the time who was uppermost. I find myself +questioning, What can I do for them all, but especially for him? Do you +know, I fancy that most Christians feel the same; individual effort +is so necessary that I have thought perhaps the Holy Spirit turns our +thoughts most directly toward one person at a time, so that we may +concentrate our efforts. Do you think this is so?” + +Young Ried did not answer promptly; he had no answer ready that suited +him. His strongest feeling just then was one of self-reproach, mingled +with humiliation. How had he looked down on this fair and beautiful +little woman,--her very beauty being, he had fancied, an element against +her when it came to actual effort. How had he allowed himself to sneer +over her attempts at teaching that class of boys! How actually irritable +he had been over it! How almost angrily he had questioned why it was +that a teacher was not found for them fitted to their needs; when he had +prayed about it so much; determined not to believe that the prayer had +been answered, and the teacher found; yet here she was, the one whose +efforts he had despised, talking already about individual prayer for +them, while he, who had done a great amount of fretting for them, had +not once presented them as individuals to Christ, and asked a definite +blessing for each! His answer, when it came, was low and full of +feeling:-- + +“I have concentrated my desires in praying for the coming of such a +teacher as might get hold of them; and I begin to think that I have an +answer to my prayers.” + +But she was absolutely proof against compliments. She wasted not a +moment's thought on that, but said:-- + +“Mr. Ried, who are they? I tried to get their names yesterday, but soon +saw that they were not in the mood to help me. I don't think I have one +correct name. Can you give me a list?” + +No, he could not--which admission did not lessen the glow on his cheek. +Possibly he could mention the names of two, and guess at a third, but of +the others he knew nothing. + +“To whom, then, can I go? Mr. Durant would know, of course. Where shall +I find him?” + +So much Alfred knew. Mr. Durant was to be found at the Fourth National +Bank; but, as for giving information in regard to that class, he was +sure it was beyond him. He (Alfred) had asked only last Sabbath who the +boy was who behaved so wretchedly, and also who was the fellow next him, +but Mr. Durant had not known. + +Well, then, Mrs. Roberts said, nothing daunted, not even a shadow +appearing on her quiet face, she must just study it out with his help. + +“There is immediate work for you,” she said, “for of course I want +to know their names. Who are the two? This Dirk Colson, whom you +mentioned,--which was he?” + +Alfred described him as well as his bewilderment would allow, and was +interrupted-- + +“Oh, the small dark one. I know,--he interested me. Where does he live?” + +But to this question no clear answer could be given. Down in one of the +alleys towards the South End; but just which alley, or how far down it, +Alfred did not know. He knew it was a disreputable alley, and that there +wasn't a decent home anywhere about it, and that was all. + +“What does Dirk do for a living?” + +This question was quite as difficult to answer as the other. Nothing, +young Ried believed; at least nothing regular; odd jobs he doubtless +picked up occasionally, but as for regular employment, Alfred was sure +he had none. + +“Is that his fault? I mean, doesn't he desire work, and make an effort +to secure it?” + +But this young Ried could not even pretend to answer. Work, for such as +he, was scarce; boys with better habits, brought up to be industrious, +were at this present time out of work. Possibly the fellow was not to +blame for being an idler. + +Many other questions were asked, and many attempts were made at answers; +but when the shoppers began to press in, to such a degree that their +conversation was broken, and the energetic seeker after information felt +herself obliged to retire, one thing had been accomplished: Alfred Ried +had been made to realize that he knew much less than he had supposed he +did about the seven boys who had seemed to be filling his thoughts for +several weeks; and also, in his eager, passionate desire that everything +should be done for all of them, he had overlooked the chances for doing +here and there some little thing for one of them. + +“Good morning,” Mrs. Roberts had said, turning cordially to a +fashionably-dressed lady. “Collars? Oh, yes, this is the counter for +them to be found in endless variety. They have a new pattern that I have +been admiring. Mr. Ried, please show Mrs. Emory the curtain collars, +with embroidered points.” + +Which thing Mr. Ried proceeded to do with alacrity and respect, no trace +of the earlier contemptuous feeling shadowing his face. Here was a woman +who knew stylish collars when she saw them, and who also knew several +other things, and had taught him a lesson this very morning that he +would not be likely to forget. + +But Mrs. Roberts, as she made her way out from the fast-filling store, +felt that she had not made great progress toward getting acquainted with +her class. + +Still it must be admitted that if young Ried had gotten some new ideas, +so also had she. “A Christian home!” She found herself repeating the +phrase, lingering over it, wondering if her new home, in every sense of +the word, merited that title. “It cannot simply mean a home where Christ +is honored,” she said to herself. “I surely have that. It rather means +a home where everything pertaining to it serves His cause. The very +furniture and the light and the brightness are made to do duty for Him, +else they have no place there; and I, labelled Christian, have no right +to them. Can they bear the test, I wonder? What is there that I can do +with all the beauties of my parlors? There are things that I have not +done. I can see some to do; but how can my Christian home serve these +boys? When I get them into it, of course it will work for me; but how to +get them in! Who are they? I wonder what spring I can touch to give me +even this meagre bit of information?” + +As if in answer to her mental query, she came just then full upon +Policeman Duffer. She recognized him instantly: a man who, though by +no means small, was so far from having the majestic presence of most +policemen that, in the estimation of the boys, he merited the name +“Little Duffer.” Mrs. Roberts carried to her new work one talent +not always to be found among even efficient workers,--the ability to +remember both names and faces. Especially did a name seem, without any +effort on her part, to fasten itself upon her memory; and not only that, +but it brought with it a train of memories enabling her to locate +when and where, and under what circumstances, she heard the name; and, +therefore, generally whom the name fitted. Recognizing the features of +the policeman whom she had seen at the door of the South End Mission, +she connected him at once with the term “Little Duffer,” heard in her +class, and addressed him:-- + +“Mr. Duffer, I believe.” + +It is safe to say that Policeman Duffer, entirely accustomed as he was +to hearing himself addressed officially a hundred or a thousand times a +day, was yet utterly unaccustomed to the prefix of “Mr.”, and started in +surprise. + +“Are you not the gentleman whom I saw at the South End last Sabbath?” + +The policeman admitted that he probably was. He was detailed for duty +there. Then she plunged at once into business. Did he know the boys who +attended that school? Some of them he did, better than he wanted to; and +a precious set they were, in Policeman Duffer's opinion. + +“Might as well go out to the Zoo,” he declared, “and get a set of +animals and try to tame 'em.” + +Mrs. Roberts was not in the mood to argue; she was bent on information. +Did he know, she wondered, the boys who composed her class? She had just +taken the class, and was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted +with their names. One was Dirk Colson, and another she had heard was +Haskell--Timothy Haskell, perhaps, though of that she was not certain. +Did that give Mr. Duffer any clue? + +“Plenty of clue,” he said, shaking his head. “So you've taken that +class, ma'am?”--a curious mixture of amazement and credulity in his +voice. “What possessed you, if I may be so bold? They're a hard lot, +ma'am. I know them, as I said, altogether too well. I've had enough to +do with some of them; and I expect more work from them. They gain in +wickedness in a most surprising way. Their names, yes; there's Scrawley +and Sneaking Billy, and Black Dirk,--him you know.” + +Mrs. Roberts interrupted him. She begged his pardon, but could those +really be the boys names? Were they not rather some unfortunate street +names that had been fastened upon them? + +Thus brought back to his senses, Policeman Duffer laughed, and admitted +that he supposed Sneaking Billy was properly named Sneyder; but he was +once caught in a mean trick, from which he tried in so many ways to +squirm out, that the boys had themselves named him Sneaking Billy, and +the name had stuck. + +As for “Scrawley,” his real name was Stephen Crowley. How it became +contracted into “Scrawley” the boys could tell better than anybody else. +They always called him that, and so did other people; and Policeman +Duffer was inclined to doubt whether the fellow remembered that he had +any other name. + +“You can see yourself, ma'am,” he added, “how Black Dirk came by his +name. He is the blackest white fellow as ever I saw, and I've seen +crowds of 'em.” + +The streets were full, and Policeman Duffer was being interviewed by +a great many people in regard to all the questions that policemen are +expected to answer. But by dint of patient waiting, one foot poised on +a curbstone to keep it out of the mud, making hurried little memoranda +while Policeman Duffer was engaged, and earnestly plying her questions +when he was at leisure, Mrs. Roberts learned the names of her seven +boys, and where several of them lived. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +“SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.” + + +“That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away +from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where +a certain street was. “He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe. +Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at +mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he +does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all +for evil. The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that +they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, +nor when he may burst out on you. He's dangerous. I am always looking +out for something awful that he will do.” + +Poor Dirk! Yet he was the boy to whom Mrs. Roberts' desires had gone +out the most anxiously. It was over his image that she had lingered +that morning in her closet. Policeman Duffer would have been greatly +astonished had he known there was that in his words which gave her +courage. “Perhaps,” she said to herself, with quickening breath, “oh, +perhaps the poor boy is the most in danger of them all, and the Saviour, +knowing it, sees ways in which I may reach him, and so presses his poor, +sullen face on my memory.” + +“What does he do for a living?” she hastened to ask. + +“Well, to the best of my knowledge, he loafs for a living. That's all +I've ever known him guilty of doing. He's got a drunken father,--one +of the meanest kind of drunkards. If he would go and stay drunk all +the time and leave them alone they might manage; but he has spells +of getting half over it, and coming home and tearing around like all +possessed. Then they have times! I've been in there when it took all my +strength to manage him. If he would get killed in one of his rows I'd +have some hope of the rest of 'em; but he won't. That kind of folks +never do get killed; it's the decent ones. A fellow was carried by here +just with a broken leg,--a nice, decent boy; works hard to help his +sister. He's the sort now that gets his leg broken and gets laid up for +the rest of the winter. How do you account for that? He lives pretty +near Black Dirk's. Of course, he's got a drunken father; they all have +in that row; but if I was going in for benevolence I'd twice as soon do +something for young Calkins as for any of your set; they're a bad lot. +They aren't worth lifting a finger for. Now, that's a fact.” + +“And yet,” said Mrs. Roberts, her voice tremulous with a feeling that +just then surged over her, “how can I help remembering that if the Lord +Jesus had said that of us, and stayed up there in his glory, we should +have been utterly without help or hope to-day?” + +Very much astonished was Policeman Duffer. Ladies on all sorts of +errands had consulted him. He had been presented with many tracts in +his day; but rarely had a clear-voiced, earnest-eyed woman quietly +confronted him with that name, as if it contained an unanswerable +argument. However, he was not embarrassed; it took a great deal to +embarrass him. + +“I don't take much stock in him,” he said, with a lofty toss of his +head, and a careless tone, as though the question were one easy to +dispose of. “I don't believe in him myself.” + +“Do you know him?” + +Earnest eyes, raised to his face, fixed steadily on his face, while the +questioner waited quietly for an answer. + +Policeman Duffer was embarrassed now; he was not used to being +confronted with such matter-of-fact questions. + +“Do I know him?” with a confused little laugh. “Why, I reckon not, +ma'am; according to the popular notion he is too far away for folks to +be well acquainted.” + +“Then popular notion is mistaken, for I know him very well indeed; and +he is by no means far away. But what I meant was, Have you studied +his life and character, and do you fully understand the arguments for +believing in him?” + +“I study the folks who profess to belong to him, ma'am, and I find that +about as much as I can stand.” + +This was said with a saucy little laugh, and with the air of a man who +believed he had produced an unanswerable argument. The steady eyes did +not move from his face, and the voice which answered him had lost none +of its quietness:-- + +“But do you think it is wise to spend your time in studying the +imperfect copies, without looking at the perfect pattern? You would not +take the child's careless imitation as a proof that his teacher could +not write. I thank you for helping me to-day. I wish you would help my +boys when you can; and I wish you would study my Master instead of me. +Good morning.” + +“That's a queer party!” did Policeman Duffer exclaim, as he watched her +far down the street. “I'm blessed if I wouldn't like to know who she is; +she ain't like the rest, somehow. _Her_ boys! Much she knows about 'em! +Her _bears_ she might as well call 'em! What does she think she can do +with that set in her little hour, Sunday afternoon? Satan, he has 'em +all the week, and looks after 'em sharp; and then these Christians come +in of a Sunday, and mince a little, and think they can upset his doings +by it. Shows their sense! But she's a curious little party; sharp, +without knowing it. I'm blessed if I don't keep an eye on her, and save +her from scrapes, if I can.” + +Meantime, all unconscious of his good intentions, Mrs. Roberts pursued +her way down the thronged avenue, and presently turned from it entirely, +and moved down one of the side-streets with resolute steps. A daring +thought had come into her mind; she would try to find the alley where +one at least of her boys lived. It couldn't be worse than some of +the alleys at home which she had penetrated. She felt certain that +by following the policeman's directions she could find the place, and +possibly be able to minister to the boy with a broken limb. At all +events, it was necessary for her to know how her boys lived, and +where they lived, if she were to reach them. But there are alleys, and +_alleys_, as the venturesome lady found to her cost. This one into +which she was plunging excelled anything in that line which she had ever +imagined,--swarming with life in its most repulsive forms, and growing +every moment more terrifying to a well-dressed woman braving its horrors +alone. + +She stopped in dismay at last, admitting, reluctantly, that the +wisest thing she could do was to turn around and go home. Possibly the +_wisest_, but not, it appeared, practicable. Where _was_ home? Down +which of the cross-streets had she come? Did this one where she stood +lead to it, or did it lead, as it appeared to her, in an entirely +opposite direction? She looked up and down and across for some familiar +landmark, and looked in vain, growing momentarily more frightened at +the attention she was attracting by standing irresolutely there. Flossy +Shipley, in her girlhood days, had been almost a hopeless coward; and +Flossy Roberts felt, by the throbbing of her heart, that she had not yet +outgrown her girlish character. Suddenly she gave a little exclamation +of delight, and with a spring forward laid her hand on the arm of one +whom she recognized, none other than “Nimble Dick” himself. + +“I am so glad,” she said to the amazed young scamp, a little quiver of +satisfaction in her voice, “so glad to have met you. Do you know you are +a friend in need? I have lost my way. I cannot decide which way to turn +to reach Fifth Avenue again. Will you help me, please?” + +When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of +another? Here was a chance for a jolly lark! A woman scared to death +because she was on Green alley. What would she think of Burk Street! +Suppose he should send her there? Only three blocks away, through a +lovelier part of the city than she had seen yet, he would venture! +If the crowds here showed her too much attention, it would be worth +something to see how she got through Burk Street. + +“Oh, yes,” he said, briskly, “I can show you the way in a twinkling. You +just go down this alley till you come to the big house on the corner, +that has the windows all knocked out of it; then you turn and go down +that street till you get to the third crossing; then turn again to the +right, and you'll be on Fifth Avenue before you know it.” + +Had Mrs. Roberts been looking at his face, she would have seen the +wicked light dancing in his eyes over the thought that he had thus +mapped out for her a walk through the very worst portion of the city, +every step, of course, leading her further and further away from Fifth +Avenue. The sights that she might see, and the mishaps which might occur +to her,--a handsomely-dressed woman alone,--before she made her way +through the horrors of these streets were too much even for Nimble +Dick's imagination, who knew the locality well. He did not try to +calculate them, but gave himself up to the enjoyment of imagining +how long it would be before she would reach home if she followed his +directions. “She won't see no swallowing serpents that I knows of,” he +reflected, gleefully; “but I'll miss my reckoning if she don't see what +will scare her worse than they would.” + +But Mrs. Roberts was already “scared.” She felt her heart beating hard, +and knew that her cheeks were aglow with excitement and vague terror. +She was not used to walking such streets alone. She looked ahead at the +way pointed out, and could see that the swarming life grew more turbid +as far as her eye could reach. She felt that she could not brave its +terrors unprotected. Suddenly she turned from looking down the alley, +and her hand, a small, delicately-gloved hand, was again laid on Nimble +Dick's arm; he could feel it trembling. + +“I suppose I shall seem very foolish to you,” she said, gently; “but I +am afraid to walk down there alone. Would you mind going along with +me to protect me? I am only a woman, you know, and we are apt to be +cowards.” + +A very curious sensation came over Nimble Dick. He looked up the alley, +and down the alley, and was glad that not one of the “fellows” was in +sight. What was to become of his lark? But there was that hand still +resting on his arm, with a persuasive touch in it; and he had never been +appealed to for protection before,--never in his life! Was it possible +that with _him_ she would not be afraid? He turned and looked at her, +searchingly, a scowl on his face,--no, she was not “shamming;” her eyes +were full of anxious fear, and also of petition. Nimble Dick was amazed +at himself and ashamed of himself; he did not know how to account for +his sudden change of intention. But he suddenly turned in an opposite +direction from the one which he had pointed out, and said, “Come on, +then; I'll show you a shorter way,” and strode forward. + +“Oh, thank you!” she said, relief and gratitude in her voice. “I shall +be so much obliged to you for coming with me; I am quite bewildered; +cannot decide which way I came, or anything about it. I was trying to +find the house of a young man who has been hurt. A policeman told +me that he lived on this street, and that his name is Calkins. I was +thinking about him, and walked on without noticing, until I did not know +where I was. Do you know anything of the young man?” + +“You are too far down for him,” said Nimble Dick. “He's quality, and +lives at the upper end of the alley. That's his house, away up there. +He's hurt bad, they say; but I s'pose he'll get well. He's got a quality +doctor,--a regular swell, who never come into these alleys before. He +was going along when they brought Mark home, and he followed them in, +and he come there again last night and this morning. I dunno what for, +I'm sure. Mark Calkins can't pay no doctor's bills, if he does work +regular, and pay more rent than the rest of folks.” + +There was a curious mixture of complaint and satisfaction in Dick's +tone. Mrs. Roberts gathered from it that the young man, Mark Calkins, in +whom the policeman had tried to interest her, was superior to the rest +of the miserable people in the alley, and that they resented it as an +insult to themselves; but that, at the same time, the reflected honor +of having a “swell” doctor come into their midst, attendant upon one who +really belonged to their class, was very great. Could she possibly get +a little influence over them by following up the injured young man, +and giving what help was needful? She had hardly meant to call, though +trying to find the house. Her method of reasoning had been something +like this: “The policeman said he lived about two blocks from my poor +Dirk's home. Since there has so recently been an accident, there may +be something to mark the house,--a doctor passing in, possibly, or +something that shall give me a landmark, and I can have a glimpse of the +outside of one of the homes.” In her ignorance of life at that end of +the social scale she did not know that a doctor passing in and out, even +after an accident, was a sufficiently rare occurrence to make much more +of a mark than she was looking for. So absorbed had she been over the +boys belonging to her class that she had rather ignored the policeman's +manifest hint to add this one to her list. Yet, was it possibly an +answer to her prayer, an entering-wedge of some sort, that might open +the way to influence? + +“Who is the doctor?” she asked her guide, as the possibility of making +an entrance through him occurred to her. “Do you know his name?” + +Oh yes, Dick knew his name and where he lived, and even the names of +some of his “swell” patients;--trust him for gaining information about +anything that came into the alley. + +“It's Dr. Everett,” he said promptly, that curious touch of +pride appearing again in his voice. “He lives away up among the +Twenty-thirders, and he goes to Cady's house to doctor, and lots of them +places where the big ones lives. I dunno how he happens to come here.” + +Mrs. Roberts had never heard the name, but she reflected that she was a +new-comer, and wisely desisted from taking from the glory of Dr. Everett +by admitting that he was not known to all the world. He might be a good +doctor and a philanthropic one; his visits to this region looked like +it. + +“Do you know where any of the boys in our class live?” + +This was her next carefully-worded question. She did not know whether to +hint that she had heard of one who lived in that alley, or whether this +would be considered an insult. + +“Well,” said Nimble Dick, the sly twinkle coming back to his eyes +that the strangeness of the situation had driven away for a moment, “I +calculate that I know where I live _myself_; sometimes I do, anyhow.” + +“To be sure!” she said, laughing at his humor. “I should have said, +where any of the others live. Of course you will give me your address, +after being so kind as to see me to--some point where I am acquainted.” + +She had nearly said a place of safety, but checked herself in time. I +am not sure, though, that Dick would have noticed it; he was lost in +astonishment over the idea of giving anybody his address! + +“This is Dirk Colson's house,” he said, suddenly, “and he is one of our +fellows.” + +Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation. The house was one of the most +forlorn in the row, seeming, if the miserable state of the buildings +would admit of comparison, to be more out of repair than the others. It +came home to her just then, with a sudden, desolating force, that human +beings, such as she was trying to reach, and such as she hoped would +live in heaven forever, called such earthly habitations as these homes. +What possible idea could they ever get of heaven by calling it “home”? + +“Do they have the whole of the house?” + +She asked the question timidly, for the building looked very large, but +she was utterly unused to city tenement life. + +“The _whole_ of that house?” Dick fairly shouted the sentence, and bent +himself double with laughter. “Well, I should say not, mum! As near as I +can calculate, about thirty-five different families have that pleasure. +The whole of the house! Oh, my! What a greeny!” And he laughed again. + +Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was +horror-stricken. Thirty-five families in one house! How could they be +other than awful in their ways of living? + +“I know almost nothing about great cities,” she said; “my home was in a +much smaller one.” + +This was the truth, but not the whole truth. Instinct kept this +veritable lady, in the truest sense of the word, from explaining that +she knew nothing about the abject poor, when she was speaking to one of +their number. Just at this moment occurred a diversion; they had been +making swift progress through the alley, Dick's long strides requiring +effort on his companion's part to keep by his side, but just ahead the +way was obstructed. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +“WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS.” + + +A riot! Not among men, which is sufficiently terrifying; nor yet among +women, which is worse; but that most awful of all sights and sounds +of sin,--a riot among the children. Swearing, spitting at one another, +tearing one another's hair, scratching like tigers, growling like wild +beasts, throwing garbage at one another! This was the sort of crowd upon +which Mrs. Roberts, in her black silk walking-suit, with her velvet hat +and seal furs, presently came. She grasped at Dick's arm in horror, but +a feeling that was more than terror was taking her strength away. + +“Oh!” she said, and the agony in her voice really suggested more than +terror to the young fellow beside her. “And they are little children! +They cannot be more than seven or eight! Oh, what can I do?” + +“You needn't be scared, mum!” There was a little hint of something like +pity in Dick's voice. She clung to him so that he could not help feeling +himself her protector. “It ain't an uncommon row at all; they mostly act +like this; most likely one of 'em's found a bone and t' other one wants +it, and then they're gone in for a row, and all the young ones crowd +around and fight, on one side or t' other.” + +Did this fearful explanation make the situation less terrible? + +There was a lull, however, in the quarrel. The elegantly-dressed lady +was seen approaching,--an unusual sight in that alley,--and both parties +paused to get a view. Paused in their attentions to each other, that is; +but at Mrs. Roberts they hooted and jeered, and one threw a handful of +mud. + +Then did Nimble Dick rise to his position as protector. + +“Shut up, there! Stand aside, Pluck, and let us pass! Look out there, +you Smirchy! Don't you throw that over here unless you want your head +broke for you when I get back!” + +This threat was thrown at a wretched little girl, who had dived her hand +deeply into a box or cask of garbage, and brought it forth reeking with +rotten apples, pork fat, and any liquid horror which the name suggests +to you. She had her hand uplifted ready to throw, and was evidently +intending to give the strange lady the benefit of what she had prepared +for one of the rioters. + +The assured tone in which Nimble Dick spoke had its effect; the +combatants were all small, and he was large, and was evidently +recognized as a power. There were some defiant glances thrown at him, +but the motley crowd gave way, and allowed him to pass uninjured. Still +he kept an alert watch of them until quite out of reach, and was not +sparing of his admonitions. + +“Hold on there, Bill,--I see that! Look out, Sally! You'll be sorry if +you throw anything,--mind you that!” + +And at last they were through the crowd. Not out of danger, it seemed; +for there, directly in their narrow path, was a drunken man, swaying +from side to side in the way which is so terrible to one unused to such +sights. Dick felt the hold on his arm tighten, and was astonished at the +sound of his own voice as he said, soothingly:-- + +“You needn't be scared at him, mum; that's only old Jock; he's as ugly +as old Nick himself, but he knows better than to be very ugly to me. I +can throw him in the gutter as easy as I could them young ones, and he +knows it. That's Dirk's father, that is! Ain't he a beauty?” + +And again Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation of dismay, and part of her +terror went out in sorrow over the wrongs of a boy who had such a home +and such a father. What ought to be expected of him? + +That interminable alley was conquered at last, and they emerged into +respectability on the broad avenue. Mrs. Roberts released her hold of +her protector's arm, and his new character vanished on the instant. + +“You're here, mum,” he said, with a saucy twinkle in his eye and a saucy +leer on his face. “Can you get yourself home from this spot, or shall I +borrow a wheelbarrow and tote you there?” + +Much shaken with various emotions though she was, Mrs. Roberts forced +herself to laugh. She would not frown on his fun when it was not +positively sinful; he might not be aware that it was disrespectful; he +might never have heard the word. + +“I know the way now, thank you; at least I think I do. Can you tell me +whether I take a green car or a yellow one to get to East Fifty-fifth +Street?” + +“You take a green one,” he said, quietly, his character of protector +having returned to him with the question, which still showed her +dependence on him. + +“Thank you,” she said again, with great heartiness. “I shall never +forget your care of me.” Her hand was in her pocket, and a bright coin +was between her fingers. She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had +saved her from so much this morning. And he was so miserably clad, +surely he needed help. A moment's reflection, and she resolutely +withdrew her hand. He should be paid by a simple hearty, “Thank you!” + this morning, for kindness rendered. He might not consider it a current +coin, but possibly it would be his first lesson in the courtesies of +life. + +Later in the day, when Mrs. Roberts was somewhat rested from her +morning's campaign, young Ried received a little note:-- + +Dear Mr. Ried,--I know the names of all the boys, and inclose you a +list. It is possible that you may fall in with some one during the day +who can impart knowledge concerning them. Anyway, I thought you would +like to know their names. Keep me posted, please, as to your success in +making their acquaintance. We are allies, remember. + +Yours for the Master, + +Mrs. E.L. Roberts. + +Alfred Ried twisted the delicate note-paper thoughtfully in his hand, +a look of perplexity on his face. He felt committed for labor; glad was +he, very, yet perplexed. He did not in the least know where to commence. +Well, neither had this little lady; yet she had accomplished more in her +one day's acquaintance than he after a lapse of weeks. Either she had +found opportunities, or had made them. There must be chances; he would +be sure to keep his eyes open after this. + +In the handsome house on East Fifty-fifth Street, where Mr. Roberts had +settled his bride, after a somewhat extended business tour, involving +months of absence, matters were in train for a cosy evening in the +library. That was the name of the beautiful room where the husband +and wife sat down together; but it was quite unlike the conventional +library. Books there were in lavish abundance, but there were also +pictures and flowers and a singing-bird or two, and an utter absence of +that severe attention to business details which characterizes most rooms +so named. Little prettinesses, which Mr. Roberts smilingly admitted +did not belong to a library, were yet established there, with an air of +having come to stay. “We will call it the library for convenience,” + the master of the house said, “and then we will put into it whatever +we please. It shall be a conservatory, and a sewing-room and a +lounging-room and anything else that you and I choose to make it.” + And Mrs. Roberts gleefully assented, and gave free rein to her pretty +tastes. Flossy Shipley had been wont to be much trammelled with the ways +in which “they” did everything; but Mrs. Evan Roberts was learning +that, in unimportant matters at least, they had a right to be a law unto +themselves. Perhaps it helped her, to be aware that a large class of +people were all ready to quote “Mrs. Evan Roberts” as authority on +almost any point of taste. + +On the evening in question Mr. Roberts, in dressing-gown and slippers, +had drawn his lounging-chair to the drop-light, preparatory to a +half-hour of reading aloud. But it transpired that there was something +preparatory to that, or at least that must take the precedence. Certain +business telegrams followed him home, which required the writing of two +or three business letters. + +“It will not take me long,” he explained to his wife, “and they are +not complicated affairs, so I give you leave to talk right on while I +dispatch them.” She laughed at this hint about her fondness for talk, +but presently made use of the privilege. + +“Evan, what sort of a young man do you consider Mr. Ried?” + +“Ried? Who? Oh, my clerk? The very best sort; a most estimable +fellow,--one of a thousand. By the way, did you tell him how you became +interested in that sister of his?” + +“Not yet; I want to get better acquainted. But, Evan, do you know where +he boards?” + +“Hardly; on Third Avenue somewhere, I believe; or possibly Second. The +store register would show. Do you want his address!” + +“Oh, I know _where_ it is; but I mean what sort of a place is it?” + +Mr. Roberts slightly elevated his shapely shoulders. + +“It is a boarding-house, where many clerks board; that tells a doleful +story to the initiated, I suspect. Poor fare and dismal surroundings; +still, it is eminently respectable.” + +“Where does he spend his Sabbaths?” + +The rapidly-moving pen executed nearly two lines of handsome writing +before Mr. Roberts was ready to respond to this question. + +“Why, at church, principally, I fancy. He is very regular in his +attendance at morning service, and the South End Mission absorbs his +afternoons. I suppose he goes to church in the evening; but since we +have been giving our attention to that evening mission I have not seen +him.” + +“Ah, but, Evan, I mean the rest of the time; those little bits of +Sabbath time that are sacred to home. The twilight, for instance, or +for an hour in the morning. Do you know what sort of a place he has for +those times?” + +Nearly three more lines added to the paper; then Mr. Roberts raised his +head:-- + +“No, my dear, I don't. Now that you bring me face to face with the +question, it seems a surprising thing to say that I should not know +where a young man who has been for more than a year in our employ spends +his choice bits of time, but I don't.” + +“Then I want to tell you something about it. He has a dingy, +fourth-story back room; small, I fancy, from the way in which he spoke +of it, and not a speck of fire over! In such weather as this, how can a +young man read his Bible, or even pray, under such circumstances?” + +Mr. Roberts laid down his pen and sat erect, regarding his wife with a +thoughtful, far-away air. + +“Flossy,” he said at last, “it is an immense question! You open a +perfect mine of anxiety and doubt. I have hovered around the edges for +some time, but have generally contrived to shut my eyes and refuse to +look into it, because I was afraid of what I might see; and because I +did not know--what to do with my knowledge. I have not been the working +member of the firm very long, you know, and my special field, until +lately, has been the other side of the ocean; but I have been at home +long enough to know that there are several hundred young men in our +employ who are away from their homes; and knowing, as I do, the price of +board in respectable houses, and knowing the salaries which the younger +ones receive, it does not require a great deal of penetration to +discover that they must have rather dreary homes here, to put it mildly. +The fact is, Flossy, I haven't wanted to look into this thing very +closely, because I do not see the remedy. Look at our house, for +instance, with its three hundred clerks, we'll say, who are away +from their friends; suppose one-half, or even one-third, of them are +miserably situated, what can I do?” + +“Are they not sufficiently well paid to have the ordinary comforts of +life?” + +“Doubtful. The truth is, what you and I call the ordinary comforts of +life takes a good deal of money; and in the city, rents are high, +and the boarding-house keepers have hard struggles to make their +expenditures meet their income, and they carry economy to the very verge +of meanness,--some of them fairly over the verge, I presume; and the +result is cheap food, badly cooked,--because well-cooked food means +high-priced help,--and cold rooms and dreariness and discomfort +everywhere. Now what can be done about it? Then our house is only one of +hundreds, and in many of these hundreds they employ more help and give +less wages than we; in fact, I know that some of our clerks are looked +upon with envy by a great many young men. We never have any trouble +in supplying vacancies. People swarm around us, because we have the +reputation of being liberal. We are not liberal, however; sometimes I am +inclined to think we are hardly fair, yet there is nothing I can do. +I am a junior partner, with a great deal of the responsibility, and a +third of the voting power, and I can't get salaries raised. I've been +working at that problem at intervals for a year, and have accomplished +very little. Do you wonder that I keep my eyes as closely shut as I +can?” + +His wife's face wore a thoughtful, not to say perplexed look; she seemed +to have no answer ready; and, after waiting a moment for it, Mr. Roberts +bent himself again to the task of getting his business letters +answered. Before he had written one more line, her face had cleared. She +interrupted him:-- + +“Evan, when you talk about four hundred clerks, and multiply that by +hundreds of houses and more hundreds of clerks, I cannot follow you +at all. It is not that I am not impressed with the number,--I am,--it +appalls me; but I don't want to be appalled; I want to be helpful. +Perhaps just now there is nothing that I can do for the hundreds, so I +want to narrow my thoughts down to what, possibly, I can do. What, for +instance, can be done towards getting a good young man, like Alfred +Ried, into a place that will be just a little bit like a home; that will +give him a spot where he can study his Bible in comfort, and invite a +friend with whom he wants to pray, or whom he wants to reach and help in +any way? That isn't a huge problem. Can't it be solved?” + +Her husband smiled. + +“He is only one of thousands,” he said. + +“Yes, I know; but he is _one_ of thousands. Since we cannot reach +thousands, shall we fail to reach one? Evan, I am only one of thousands, +but, but how would you argue about me?” + +Mr. Roberts laughed again. + +“You are one out of thousands and thousands!” he said, emphatically. + +A line more, and he signed the firm name with an unusually fine +flourish. + +“There! I've accomplished one letter. What do you want to do, Flossy?” + +“I want Mr. Ried to have a room where he can invite one of my boys +occasionally, and make him comfortable, and do for him what we cannot +with our rooms; do for him what only a young man can do for a young man. +I don't clearly know what I want further than that, but I see that one +thing as a stepping-stone. Remember, I want all your thousands to have +just as pleasant rooms, and I would like to help to bring it about, but +I don't just now see the way.” + +“Do you see the way to this?” + +“No, but doesn't it seem as though we ought to be able to accomplish so +much?” + +“It does, certainly. What is your desire, Flossy? Do you want him to +have a room in our house?” + +She shook her head. + +“No, that would not further my plan for those boys. I would like to have +him here, and it would be a good thing for him,--at least I think it +would; but I can see things which he could accomplish for these young +men, set by himself, in a different part of the city. Besides, Evan, +I have other plans for our rooms, entirely different ones, and some of +them I am afraid you will think are very strange.” + +He answered the doubt with a smile that said he had no fears of her or +her plans. + +“What a little schemer it is!” he said, looking down on her with fond, +proud eyes. “Who would have imagined that she could plot, and plot so +mysteriously? I used to think she was a very open-hearted woman.” + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +“WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?” + + +She joined in his laugh albeit, there was a tender look in her eyes. +After a moment, she said, gently:-- + +“It is not scheming, Evan; I am only trying to set about the work for +which I have been chosen. I'll tell you how it all came to me. I was +reading--my morning reading, you know--after you had gone; taking little +dips here and there in the fashion that you think is so unsystematic, +and I came upon this verse: 'He is a chosen vessel unto me,' you know, +about Paul? Well, it came to me with a sudden sense of awe and beauty, +the being chosen of God to do a great work. I stopped reading to think +it out; what a grand moment it must have been to Paul when he realized +it. And I began to feel almost sorry that we lived in such different +times, with no such opportunities! I stopped right in the midst of my +folly to remember that I was as certainly chosen of God as ever Paul +was; for assuredly I did not come to him of myself, nor begin to love +him of myself, and therefore he must indeed have chosen me; and I +wondered whether probably each Christian had not a work to do as +definite as Paul's--a work that would be given to no other, unless +indeed the chosen one failed. I did not want to fail, and I asked God +not to let me. Then, of course, I set to wondering what my work, or my +part of some other person's work, could be. It was the morning after you +had told me that about Ester Ried. You cannot think how that impressed +me. I could not get away from the wonderment as to how her work was +prospering, and whether there were chosen ones enough, or if there +might possibly be a little place for me. I couldn't settle anything, and +finally I decided to look at Paul's work a little while. Of course, it +was not reasonable to suppose that the duties of the great apostle had +anything in common with my bits of effort; still, I said, the directions +given him may help me a little. And Evan, what do you think was the +first thing I found? Why, this: 'The God of our fathers hath chosen +thee, that thou _shouldst know his will_.' Surely, so far, the things +for which both he and I were chosen were parallel. I looked further: +'And see that Just One.' That was the very next. Was not I, too, chosen +for that? 'Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.' I said over the +beautiful promise to assure myself that it was true, and went on: +'And shouldst hear the voice of his mouth.' Was it not strange, Evan? +Certainly I shall hear my King speak, often and often, when I get home. +Only think of it; so far Paul was not ahead of me. I hurried to find +another reference to Paul's work, and I found this; let me read it to +you.” Her bit of dainty sewing was suddenly pushed one side, and up from +the depths of the rose-lined work-basket came a small, plainly-bound +Bible, much marked; a rapid turning of the leaves, and the eager +disciple read: “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee +a minister and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and +of those things in the which I will appear unto thee. Now, Evan, you +know the veriest child can be a witness if he knows anything about the +facts; and I do certainly know some wonderful things about Jesus to +which I could witness; and besides, isn't it reasonable to suppose that +he will appear to me every day with things for me to witness to? And +then I read this; Paul sent to the Gentiles, you know, but for what: 'To +open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the +power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and +inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith that is in me.' +Evan, was there ever a more wonderful work to do in the world than that? +And yet I cannot tell you how it made me feel to discover, or at least +to realize, that a great deal of it was my work! Of course, I naturally +began to ask myself, what Gentile was there for me to reach? Whose eyes +must I try to open? Do you know, that very afternoon I met Mr. Ried, and +heard of those boys? They interested me from the first, and what he told +me about his sister increased the interest. Then when I saw them!--Evan, +if ever boys were in the power of Satan they are; and to think that they +may have an inheritance among them which are sanctified! This morning +when I saw where some some of them lived, and imagined how they lived, I +fell stunned for a moment. It seemed to me impossible. What means +could possibly be found of sufficient power to fit them for such an +inheritance? And then directly came the closing words of the commission: +'Through faith that is in me.' Evan, God will save them; and I think he +will let me help.” + +“Amen!” said Mr. Roberts, and his voice was husky. When his wife was in +one of her exalted moods he always admired her with a sort of reverence. +He had been for years an earnest worker. He carried business plans and +business principles into the work; he studied cause and effect, and +calculated and expected certain results to follow certain causes, like +a mathematical problem; not that he by any means forgot the power +of faith, or in any sense attempted to do his work alone. He was a +Christian who spent much time on his knees; but little Flossy brought +so much of the childlike, unquestioning spirit into her work, that +sometimes he stood in awe, not knowing whether he could follow her. It +was not so much a mathematical problem to be worked out, as it was the +faith that can remove mountains. + + “As a little child relies + On a strength beyond his own: + Knows he is neither strong nor wise, + Fears to stir a step alone--” + +Mr. Roberts often found himself quoting these lines when his wife gave +him glimpses of her heart; and at such times he had no hesitancy in +deciding that the steps she took were not alone, but the Lord was with +her. + +The postman's ring broke in on their quiet. + +“I hope there are letters from home to-night,” Mrs. Roberts said, “real +long ones. It is a week since we have heard.” + +“And I ought to hope that they would require a first reading in +private,” her husband answered, as he seized his neglected pen. “It is +the only way in which these business letters will get answered. I find +the temptation to talk to you irresistible.” + +One letter! but that was of comfortable dimensions and weight. + +“It is from Marion,” Mrs. Roberts said, delight in her voice, after the +first glance at the familiar writing. She was presently lost in its many +pages, and the business of letter-writing went on uninterruptedly for +some time. + +Mrs. Marion Dennis had not forgotten her fondness for her pretty little +Flossy: nor forgotten that,--softly-innocent little creature though she +was, she possessed a wisdom far above those who are credited with having +keen insight; even a wisdom so subtle, and withal so tender, that its +source could only be Infinite Wisdom. So she, in company with many +others, was learning to turn to the friend so much younger than herself, +as one in whom she could safely confide. + +“Dear little Flossy,” so the letter ran, “I suppose, though you should +live to be a white-haired old lady, sitting with placid face and fluted +cap and spectacles, in your high-backed arm-chair, in the most treasured +corner mayhap of some granddaughter's choicest room, I, writing to you, +would still commence 'Dear little Flossy.' That I have to cover it from +prying eyes by the dignified and respectable 'Mrs. Evan Roberts,' is +almost a matter of amusement to me. I fancy I can see you making +a journey through some of the Chautauqua avenues, picking your way +daintily towards Palestine, bending lovingly over the small white stones +that mark the village of Bethany,--a pink on your cheek, born, as I +thought, of the excitement of being among those tiny photographs of the +wonderful past, but born in part, I now believe, of the fact that Mr. +Evan Roberts joined us in our walk. Oh, little mousie, how quiet you +were! + +“Well, many things have since transpired. We are old married women, you, +and Ruth, and Eurie and I. I suppose the contrast in our lives,--the +outward portion of them, I mean,--is still as strongly marked, perhaps +more so, than it was when we were in Chautauqua together. We were girls +then; we are matrons now, and with the taking on of that title, Ruth and +I took special and great responsibilities. To-night it rains. Mr. Dennis +has been called to the upper part of the city,--away out to Springdale, +in fact,--to see a sick and dying man, and I am alone and almost lonely. +If I could summon any one of the three to my aid and comfort I would. +I am almost as lonely as I was on some of those evenings in the old +boarding-house. Still there are differences; the smoky old stove is not; +a summer warmth floats through the house, born of steam; no ill-smelling +kerosene lamp offends your aesthetic friend to-night, but the softest +of shaded drop-lights sheds a halo around me. Isn't that almost poetic? +Moreover, oh blessed thought! I have no examination papers to prepare, +no reports to make up; nothing to do but visit with you. Also, I will +admit just to you, that this is another and most blessed difference +between this and my lonely past. At almost any moment now I may hope +for Dr. Dennis' ring, and when he comes all sense of loneliness will +instantly depart. Ah! Flossy, dear Flossy, this is such a difference as +even you cannot appreciate! You had your mother and father, and all your +dear home friends, and I had no one; and besides,--here I hesitate, lest +you may be too obtuse to understand the reasoning,--you have only added +Mr. Roberts to your circle of treasures. He is grand and good, I know, +and I like him without even a mental reservation; but, my dear, I have +added Dr. Dennis! Can human language say more? + +“Nonsense aside, sweet little woman, God has been very good to you and +me. Yet, Flossy, do you remember how, during those last months in which +we were together, I fell into the habit of telling you a great deal +about the thorns, and admitted to you once that they pricked less when +they had felt your smoothing touch? I want to tell you something. Our +Gracie--I am so sorry for her, yet I don't know what to do. She is +living a most unhappy life, and of course she shadows our lives also. I +told you, dear, about Prof. Ellis. He is still trying to convince +poor Gracie, that I, being her step-mother, must be her natural enemy; +reminding her that before I came into the family her father was entirely +willing to receive his calls, and allowed her to accept his attentions. +Don't you see, it isn't strange at all that the poor little girl should +believe him, and turn from me? She has many judicious helpers in her +father's congregation. There are those who sigh over her almost in my +hearing. 'Poor Gracie' they say, 'how changed she is! She used to be so +bright and happy. There is something unnatural in these second-mother +relations; all high-spirited children rebel.' Imagine such talk helping +Gracie! Meantime, what do you suppose can be Prof. Ellis' motive? I +cannot think that he cares for her; I almost do not believe that there +is enough purity left in him even to admire a pure-hearted young girl; +certainly not one with such high ideals and earnest ambitions as Gracie +had. 'Why does she admire him?' I fancy I hear you asking. My dear, she +doesn't; she thinks she does, and at seventeen such thoughts sometimes +work irreparable mischief; but left alone, one of these days she would +make the discovery that she was flattered by his attentions, because +he is nearly fifteen years older than she, and is brilliant in +conversation, and quoted as the finest musician in the city. I wish I +knew more things about him; what I do know shows me plainly enough the +sort of man he is; but with these guileless young things it seems as +though one had to unmask wickedness very thoroughly before they will +believe that it is anything but gossip or misrepresentation. He has gone +away for a six weeks' vacation; I don't know where, nor does Dr. Dennis. +Gracie knows, but does not enlighten me. Flossy, dear, could you give me +a little wholesome advice, do you think? I wonder, sometimes, whether I +was not too complacent over my proposed duties. Such schemed as I had! +I was going to be the blessedest step-mother that girl ever had. That +would not be saying much, possibly. Don't we all incline to think that +the second mothers must be wrong, and the sons and daughters poor abused +darlings? But I loved Gracie, you know, and she seemed to love me, and +to be so happy over the thought of our near relationship. There is very +little happiness from any such source during these days. Gracie has +retired into dignity. She can be the most dignified young woman on +occasion that I ever beheld. She is not rude to me, on the contrary +she is ceremoniously polite; calls me Mrs. Dennis, and all that sort of +thing, when necessity compels her to call me anything; but she speaks +as little as possible; sits at table with us three times a day, when she +cannot secure an excuse for absence that her father will accept; says +'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir,' obediently to him, and 'No, ma'am, thank +you,' to me, and that is the extent of our conversation. Generally her +face is pale and her eyes red, and at the first possible moment she begs +to be excused, and retires to the privacy of her own room and locks her +door. Her father has stopped her music lessons; at least she preferred +to have them stopped rather than take lessons of any other person, so +she practices no more. She continues her German and French, and secures +good reports from the professors, but there is an air of weariness and +dreariness about everything she does that makes one alternate between a +feeling of deep pity for her, and a desire to box her ears or shut her +up in a corner until she can behave herself. As a rule, however, I am +sorry for her. I was young once myself. I was undisciplined, I had no +mother, and I had a thousand wild fancies, any one of which might have +ruined me. What do you think you would do, dear, if Mr. Roberts had a +daughter, and you were her mother? You are all in a flush, now, and have +lain down this sheet and said aloud: 'What an idea! Marion does say the +most absurd things!' Well, then, if you were Marion Dennis, and stood +before God in the place of mother to Grace Dennis, what do you imagine +you would do? I'll tell you my policy; I am uniformly cheerful in her +presence--gay, if I can make gayety out of anything; not toward her +father, you understand, because I can fancy that might irritate her. +I really try to be gay toward Gracie herself; but can you imagine an +attempt to be cheery with a tombstone? I study as much as I can, her +tastes, in the ordering of dinner and desserts, and arrange the flowers +that I know she likes best, and in short try to do all those little bits +of nice things that I feel certain you would do in my place; and just +here I may as well own that I learned these small prettinesses, studying +you; never should have thought them out for myself. Flossy, Dr. Dennis +is one of the most patient and long-suffering of men, but it is very +hard for him to be patient with poor Gracie; harder than it is for me; +first, because I know by personal experience just what a turbulent young +creature a miss of seventeen or eighteen can be, and secondly, because +it is upon me her displeasure falls most heavily, and that naturally he +resents. + +“Why am I writing all this to you? I don't, know, childie, really, save +that I remember what a curious way you have of telling Jesus all about +your friends and their trials, and I remember with great comfort that +you are my friend. Don't imagine me as miserable; I can never be that +so long as Christ is the present Helper that he is to me now; and you do +not need to be told that I daily thank him for giving me my husband. +But I think you will understand better than many would how earnestly +I desire to fill the place of mother, to my bright young motherless +Gracie, with her dangerous beauty and her dangerous talents and her +capacity for being miserable. Oh, I want to do more than my duty; I want +to love her with all my heart, and to have her love me. If it were not +for that man, who always hated me, and who, I believe in my heart, has +sought her out and is pressing his attentions upon her because he sees +a possibility of stinging me through her, I might hope to fill the place +in her heart that I thought I could.” + +The letter closed abruptly at this point, and was finished a few days +afterwards in a different strain, giving plenty of home news, and being +full of the brightness which always sparkled in Marion's letters; but it +was the first two or three pages to which Mrs. Roberts turned back, and +which she thoughtfully re-read. Then she interrupted the busy pen:-- + +“Evan, are not the business letters nearly done? I want to read this to +you, and then I want to talk to you.” + +“Delightful prospects, both of them,” he said with energy, as he added +the last hurried line, signed and delivered to his wife to enclose in +its envelope, then pushed aside writing materials and sat back to enjoy. + +“It isn't all delightful,” his wife said, shaking her head. “I did hope +that poor Marion was going to have a few years of rest. Her life has +been such a hard one.” + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +“TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID. + + +It is well that Mrs. Marion Dennis felt entirely safe in her friend +Flossy's hands, for her affairs were very thoroughly talked over that +evening, and sundry conclusions arrived at. + +One question Mrs. Roberts asked her husband, at the close of the +conference, which apparently had nothing to do with Marion Dennis' +affairs:-- + +“Evan, do you know Dr. Everett?” + +“Everett? Let me think--yes, I know of him; a young physician, +comparatively, who had not been here long, and has made his mark.” + +“In what direction?” + +“Several, perhaps; but I have heard of him chiefly in the line of his +profession. He was accidentally called to attend a young lady belonging +to a very wealthy family out in Brookline. I say accidentally--that is +a reverent way we have of speaking, you know; of course, I mean +providentially. The nursery governess in the family was sick, and this +Dr. Everett, who had fallen in with her somewhere, volunteered to cure +her. He was calling on her one morning when the sick daughter, who, +by the way, had been given up by her physician, was taken suddenly and +alarmingly worse; in the emergency Dr. Everett was summoned, and while +they waited for the regular physician he succeeded in doing such good +service that he inspired the mother with confidence; she became anxious +to put the case entirely into his hands, which was done, and the young +lady recovered, and Dr. Everett's position, professionally, was assured. +Isn't that an interesting little item for you? He is said to have marked +success; and, of course, since the Brookline occurrence his practice is +largely among the wealthy. How has your attention been called to him?” + +“My protector this morning said he was a 'swell' doctor, who was +attending that Calkins boy. I wondered if he did it because he loved +Christ. He might be a helper. I want to call on that sick boy to-morrow +if I can arrange it. I think I must take some one with me.” + +“You may take me with you,” her husband said, emphatically. + +However much trips through alleys with Nimble Dick might be conducive to +that young man's moral development, Mr. Roberts felt that his wife had +experimented sufficiently. + +Thus it transpired that, dressed in the plainest, quietest garb which +her wardrobe would furnish, Mrs. Roberts went to the alley the next +morning accompanied by her husband. + +In one sense it was a mistake that the first call in the alley should +have been made on the Calkins family. It was calculated to give Mrs. +Roberts mistaken ideas as to the manner in which poor people lived. A +bare enough room, certainly, not even a bit of carpet laid before the +bed, but it was a clean room. Floor and window and cupboard-door were as +clean as water could make them; and the bed, while it looked hopelessly +hard and dreadful to Mrs. Roberts, was really a pattern of neatness and +purity to every dweller in that attic. There was a straw tick, covered +with a dark calico spread, which did duty as a sheet, and the boy who +lay on it was covered by a patched quilt that had been mended, and was +clean. Wonderful things these to say of such a locality! Mr. Roberts +suspected it, and Dr. Everett knew it. That gentleman was bending over +his patient when the two guests arrived, and vouchsafed them not even a +glance, while the dark-haired, dark-eyed, homely, decently-dressed girl +gave Mrs. Roberts a seat on the one chair which the room contained, and +set a stool for her husband that had been made of four old chair legs +and a square board. + +Sallie Calkins was somewhat flurried by this unexpected call. She had no +idea who the people were, nor for what they had come. A vague fear that +they might be in some way connected with her brother's “place” at the +printing-office, which he was in such fear of losing that his night had +been a restless one, made her hasten to say, in a tremulous voice:-- + +“The doctor thinks he will be well in a little while. It isn't a bad +break, he says, and Mark wants to keep his place. He thinks, maybe, some +of the alley boys would keep it for him, if you would be so kind.” + +She was evidently addressing Mr. Roberts, but she looked at Flossy. The +fair, sweet face, that gave her such sympathetic glances, seemed the one +to appeal to. Mr. Roberts, however, discerned that he was mistaken for +the employer, and immediately dispelled the idea by asking where the boy +worked, and how the accident had happened. + +“It was the elevator, sir,” she said, eagerly. “The chain broke, and it +went down with a bang, and Mark was on it, and he rolled off somehow, he +doesn't know how; and he has been that bad that he couldn't tell me +if he had. He was kind of wild, sir, all night, and talking about his +place.” + +“Was there no one but you to be with him during the night?” Mrs. Roberts +asked. “Where is the mother?” + +“We've got no mother, ma'am; there is only Mark and me--and father,” she +added, after a doubtful pause. “But father was not at home last night. +Oh, I didn't need no one to take care of Mark. I wouldn't have left +him.” + +“And he likes to have you take care of him, I am sure. What do you give +him to eat? He will need nourishing food, I think; beef teas and broths, +and nice little tempting dishes, made with milk, perhaps. Are you his +cook, too? I wonder if you wouldn't like to have me show you how to make +good things for him? I've learned how to make some nice dishes that sick +people like.” + +Before the bewildered girl could answer, the doctor turned abruptly +from his long examination of his patient, and gave the guests the first +attention he had vouchsafed them. The truth was this man had had some +unfortunate experiences with district visitors, and had perhaps an +unreasonable prejudice against them as a class. “I can't help it, +ma'am,” he said to Mrs. Saunders, when she was taking him to task one +day. “There are exceptions, of course, at least we will hope there are; +but if you had seen some of my specimens, you would be the first to wish +an infusion of common sense could be introduced among them. As a rule, +they offer a tract where they should give a loaf of bread or a bowl +of broth; and wedge their advice and reproofs in with every helpful +movement. It is like so many doses of medicine to the patient; to be +endured because he is at their mercy, and can't help himself. They mean +well, the most of them; but the trouble is, we have a way of making +district visitors out of people who have nothing to do, and who have +never learned that 'all the nations of the earth were made of one +blood.'” + +Something in Mrs. Roberts' tones or words seemed to interest him, and he +turned toward her. + +“Does this alley belong to you?” he asked, abruptly, his mind still full +of the district visitor. + +She regarded him with a puzzled air for a moment, then answered +naïvely:-- + +“I don't think it does; if it did I would have some things ever so +different.” + +Dr. Everett laughed; and Mr. Roberts came forward and introduced +himself. + +“My wife has hardly answered you fully,” he said. “I am under the +impression that she desires to adopt a certain portion of this alley; at +least I have heard of little else since last Sabbath afternoon. She is +in search of some stray sheep who have been put under her care.” + +“Ah,” the doctor said, turning quickly to her, “a Sabbath-school +teacher? Is this young man one of your scholars?” + +“No,” she explained; “but she had heard of him while inquiring where one +of her boys lived, and she had called to see if she could help in any +way. Dirk Colson was the boy who, they told her, lived near this place.” + +The eyes of the trim sister brightened. + +“He lives on the next square,” she said. “Oh, ma'am, are you his +teacher, and do you care for him? I'm so glad.” + +“He is a favorite of yours, is he?” the doctor asked, looking from +one speaking face to another, and seeming immensely interested in the +matter. + +“No, indeed!” the girl said, quickly. “He's horrid! But I'm sorry for +his sister; and she wants Dirk to get on, and he never does get on; but +I thought maybe such a kind of a teacher could help him.” + +There was such intense and genuine admiration in the girl's voice for +the vision of loveliness before her that Dr. Everett could not help +smiling. + +“It doesn't seem unlikely,” said he, with significance; and added: “Who +is this Dirk Colson, who seems to be an object of interest?” + +“He is one of the worst boys in the alley, sir; sometimes I think he +is the very worst, because he is cross as well as hateful; but Mark is +always kind of sorry for him, and says he has such a bad father he can't +help it. And Mart--that's his sister--she is a friend of mine, and she +feels bad about Dirk, but she can't do nothing; he ain't a bit like Mark +there.” + +The last words were spoken tenderly, and the sisterly eyes turned toward +the boy on the bed, and obeying a sign from his eyes she went over to +him. The doctor plied his questions:-- + +“Have you recently taken a class, madam? and is their general reputation +as encouraging as this special scamp of whom we are hearing?” + +His words almost jarred on Mrs. Roberts; she had already prayed enough +for her boys to have a sort of tender feeling for them--a half desire +to cover their faults from the gaze of the indifferent world. Did Dr. +Everett represent the indifferent world, or did he love her Master? She +wished she knew. + +“There is nothing encouraging about them,” she said, with grave +earnestness, “save the facts that they are made in the image of God, and +that he wants them to 'turn from the power of Satan unto God, that they +may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are +sanctified.'” + +A rare flash of intelligence and appreciation greeted her now from those +fine eyes bent so scrutinizingly on her. + +“Tremendous facts!” he said. “Glorious possibilities! 'Himself hath said +it.' I claim kinship with you; I am an heir of the same inheritance.” + +He held a hand to each, and they were cordially grasped. Then Dr. +Everett proceeded to business. + +“There is enough to do,” he said; “everything is lacking here; there is +severe poverty, united to the most scrupulous tenderness and the most +tender love on the part of this brother and sister. I stumbled on the +case, and will do professionally all that is needed. And I have a friend +who would undoubtedly come to the rescue, but she is crowded just now. +I shall be rejoiced to report to her a helper. Do you know Joy Saunders? +Well, I wish you did; she is one whom you could appreciate. She is +young, though, and without a husband to guard her, and there are some +places to which she cannot come.” + +“Has she learned that important fact?” asked Mr. Roberts, with a +significant smile. Then some explanation seemed necessary. “This lady,” + he said, “tried the alley alone yesterday, and lost her way, and went +lower down,--quite near to Burk Street, I imagine.” + +“And what happened?” The quick question and the doctor's tone suggested +possibilities not pleasant. + +“Oh, she met one of her new recruits,--as hard a boy, so one of the +policemen on this beat tells me, as there is in the row,--and pressed +him into service to escort her back to civilization; and strange to say, +the fellow did it without placing any tricks.” + +The doctor turned on the small lady a curious glance. + +“I think you may be able to do something, even for Dirk Colson,” he +said. + +“Do you know him?” + +He laughed over the eagerness of the question. + +“Never heard of him before. I was only thinking of our friend's +description of his awfulness. Ah, whom have we here?” + +For the door had opened abruptly, and a pair of great blue eyes, set +in a frame of tawny hair, all in a frizzle, had peered in on them. The +vision was clothed in garments so torn the wonder was that they stayed +on at all, and there was a general look of abject poverty about her to +which Sallie Calkins, with all the bareness of her lot, was a stranger. +She stood for just a moment, as if transfixed by astonishment at the +unwonted sight in the room, then turned and sped away as swiftly and +silently as she had come. + +“That is Dirk's sister,” Sallie Calkins said, coming forward, her homely +face aglow with shame. “She isn't a bad girl, ma'am, she doesn't mean to +be, but she has a dreadful time. Her mother is sickly, and has to go out +washing, times when she isn't able to sit up; and there'll be days when +she can't hold up her head; and the father is bad, ma'am, and drinks, +and swears, and sells things for drink till there ain't nothing left to +sell; and Mart hasn't anything to mend her clothes with, and she doesn't +know how, anyway; and she hasn't even got a comb to comb her hair with, +her father he took it to sell; and everything there is horrid, and Dirk, +he's awful.” + +It was strange, she could not herself account for it; but with every +added word of misery that set poor Dirk Colson lower and lower in the +scale of humanity, there seemed to come into this woman's heart, and +shine in her face, an assurance that he was to be a “chosen vessel unto +God.” + +The doctor was watching her again, curious, apparently, to see how this +pitiful appeal for forbearance in judging of poor Mart affected her, and +something in his face made her say, speaking low, “an inheritance among +them which are sanctified.” + +“Amen!” he said. And there came to Mrs. Roberts a feeling that this +earnest prayer, for the second time repeated by two men who prayed, was +a sort of seal from the Master. + +She turned away from both gentlemen then; the tears were very near the +surface. She must do something to tone down the beating of her heart. +Sallie was at hand, and she went with her to another corner of the room, +and a low-toned conversation was carried on, scraps of which floated +back to the gentlemen in the form of “sheets,” “grape jelly,” “mutton +broth,” “a soft pillow,” and the like. + +“I feel my patient growing better,” the doctor said, with satisfaction. + +“Is there no father here?” Mr. Roberts asked. + +The doctor shook his head, but answered:-- + +“There is the most pitiful apology for a father that I ever saw,--a mere +wreck of a man! Spends his time in a sort of weak drinking, if I may +coin a phrase to describe him; he actually uses no energy even in that +business. Just staggers around and bemoans his lot; a most unfortunate +man, in his own estimation, with whom the world, through no fault of +his, has gone wrong. He is never downright intoxicated, and never free +from the effects of liquor. He is much like a wilted leaf in the hands +of this boy and girl. They could pitch him out of the window without +much difficulty, and if the fall did not kill him he would shed tears +and say it was a hard world. But now, what do we see, when the name of +father is so dishonored,--made a wreck, as it were? Why, the order of +nature is reversed, and these children take on the protective. They are +father and mother, and he is the weak, sinning child. The way that that +boy and girl have worked to keep their miserable father from starving or +freezing is something to astonish the very angels. They shield him, +too; nobody who wants to reach their hearts must blame him. They are a +study!--as different from the other inhabitants of the alley as the +sky is different from that mud-hole down there. It isn't a good simile, +either. There is no religion in their efforts. They are the veriest +heathen.” + +“How do you account for the development?” + +The doctor shook his head:-- + +“I don't account for it; it is abnormal. There must have been a mother +who left her impress. I can't learn anything about the mother--she died +when the girl was an infant; but I would like to know her history. I +venture to assert that she belonged to Christ, and that a gleam of the +divine pity that she saw in him, and loved, left its impress on her +children. That is somewhat mystical,” he added, smiling. “I rarely talk +in this way; it must have been your wife who set me off.” + +“But she is the most practical and energetic of beings!” + +“Ay, so are the angels, I fancy; and make us think of heaven directly we +hear the rustle of their wings. Has your wife been a Christian long?” + +“Barely two years since she began to think of these things.” + +“I thought as much. She impresses me as one who is being led; who +does not choose to go alone; has not learned how, indeed. A very few +Christians never learn how, and with them the Lord does his special +work. Well, sir; I must go. I'm glad to have met you, and glad to leave +you here. Good morning!” + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +“AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED.” + + +Other business was transacted that morning which brought results. A +curious habit of Mrs. Roberts',--one which, perhaps, most strongly +marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other +people,--was that of appealing to the person at hand for information +on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the +time. + +Where other and more systematic persons would have said, “He is not the +one to ask about this matter! there is no reason for supposing that he +has any knowledge in this direction!” Mrs. Roberts would say: “I cannot +be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I +need. In any case, what harm will it do to try?” And she always tried. + +It was on this principle that she arrested Dr. Everett's speedy +departure with a question:-- + +“Dr. Everett, are you familiar with boarding-houses for young men?” + +Something like a vision swept instantly before the doctor, in which he +saw the long line of young men, and the long line of boarding-houses, +in the world, and he laughed with eyes and lips, the question seemed so +queerly put. + +“With how many of them, madam?” There was amusement in his voice, but +there was also curiosity,--he wanted to know what this original little +lady was in search of. + +“One would do, if it were of just the right stamp. I'll tell you what +I want,--a nice, quiet, comfortable _home_ sort of place, with a small +room, capable of being warmed, a single bedstead, with a passably +good bed, and a moderate rate of board. Are not those modest enough +requirements?” + +“Not at all! They are preposterous! A boarding-house to which one could +conveniently apply the word '_home!_' _Fire_ in a young man's room! +He is expected to enjoy freezing in a city; and if he come from the +country, he should be grateful for the privilege! But the idea of +calling for a good bed! That is the wildest suggestion of all! Has she +ever boarded, Mr. Roberts?” + +“Not at a boarding-house, at least,” said that gentleman, enjoying the +fun. + +But Mrs. Roberts looked grave. + +“Are you serious?” she asked, gently. “Is there no chance in this great +city for a Christian young man to have the ordinary comforts of common +life; just a little quiet room where he can pray, and where he can +invite some tempted soul, and try to help him? Doesn't it seem all +wrong?” + +The laugh was gone from the doctor's face. There was a look of keen +interest and genuine respect. + +“How many young men are you thinking about? There are many Christians, I +believe, among that class,--poor young men, away from home,--and I have +reason to fear that their chances for comfortable retirement are very +scarce. I have thought about the problem somewhat how to help them. In +the concrete, I don't see the way. Of how many are you thinking?” + +“I am willing to think about them all,” Mrs. Roberts said,--and now it +was her turn to laugh,--“but I am panning for just one. I cannot work in +great ways, but I thought I might help one.” + +“Exactly! Mr. Roberts, if every Christian in our city would undertake +to help _one_, the problem would be solved. Well, there is one +boarding-house to which the word 'home' may properly be applied; and +there is one small room on the third floor vacated yesterday. I wonder +if the Master wants it for your young man? It seems to me if there is +any one thing more than another that we need in that house just now it +is a Christian young man. Of what type is your friend? Will he help or +hinder a gay young scamp much sought after by Satan?” + +“He will try hard to help,” said both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. And before +they parted the doctor had taken Mr. Ried's address, and promised to +call on him and negotiate the matter. + +“That plan will work in two ways,” said Mrs. Roberts, gleefully. “Mr. +Ried will be in the same home with, and somewhat under the influence of +that grand doctor. Isn't it splendid that we asked just him?” + +And her husband smilingly assented, and added that he should not have +thought of such a thing as asking him. + +On her way down town, Mrs. Roberts had dropped a letter in the mail, +which also brought results. It read thus:-- + +“DEAR MARION,--I have time for but a line, for I want to catch the +morning mail. I have such a nice plan. Suppose you let your Gracie come +and stay with me for a few weeks. You know she always liked me a little, +and Evan and I think we can make it pleasant for her. I will try to get +her so much interested in seven boys whom I know that she will forget +all about Professor Ellis. Mr. Barnwell a confidential clerk in the +store (old and gray-headed), will go to-morrow to transact some business +with papa. Evan will give him a letter of introduction to Dr. Dennis. He +expects to return on Saturday, and if you will trust Gracie to us, and +she is willing to come, she might travel in Mr. Barnwell's care, and +we would meet her at the depot. Dear Marion, we should like it ever +so much: and I have prayed about it all the morning, and cannot help +thinking that Jesus likes it too.” + +Thus it came to pass that when Mrs. Roberts took her seat on the next +Sabbath afternoon before her seven boys at the South End Mission, a +vision of loveliness, such as the mission had not often seen, came in +with her, and looked with wide-open eyes on all the new and strange +sights and sounds about her. A very pretty creature was Gracie Dennis. +Her eyes had lost none of their brightness, although they had shed some +tears during her recent experiences. They were fairly sparkling to-day, +for the great city into which she had come for the first time was like +fairyland to her; albeit, she had passed through scenes that afternoon +which bore no resemblance to her idea of fairyland. What the boys +thought of her could only be determined from their stares. Let us hope +that her presence had nothing to do with their conduct, for never, +in all the annals of the South End Mission, had seven boys comported +themselves as did those before whom Mrs. Roberts sat that winter +afternoon. + +Nimble Dick, as if to be revenged for his unintentional courtesy of the +Monday before, placed his ill-kept feet on the seat in front of him, in +alarming proximity to Mrs. Roberts' shoulders, and chewed his tobacco, +and defiled the floor with its juice, and talked aloud, and was in +every sense disgusting. Neither was Dirk Colson one whit behind him. The +spirit of entertainment was upon him. He mimicked Mr. Durant's somewhat +hoarse tones, exaggerating the imitation, of course, until it was +ludicrous. He imitated the somewhat shrill tenor, and the nasal tones +of Deacon Carter, who was doing good work with a class of meek-looking +women. He even imitated Mrs. Roberts' soft, low voice, as she essayed to +interest them in Moses and some of the wonders which he performed. + +Vain hope! Struggle as she might to be intensely dramatic in her +narrative, she did not for a moment gain the ascendency. + +“Moses?” interrupted Nimble Dick in the very midst of one of her most +earnest sentences. “Let's see! that was the old fellow who swallowed the +serpents, wasn't it? I should have thought he would have been used up.” + +“You don't know nothin',” interrupted Stephen Crowley, with a nudge at +Dirk that the latter pretended tipped him entirely off the seat, and +left him a limp heap at Mrs. Robert' feet. + +“He don't know nothin'!” repeated Stephen, addressing Mrs. Roberts in +a confidential tone. “'T was the serpents swallowed Moses, wasn't it? +Question is, How did he get around again?” + +“Quit that!” came at this point from Dirk Colson, in his fiercest tone. +“Look here, you Bill Snyder, if you try pinching on me again I'll pitch +you over the head of old Durant in less than a second!” + +What was the poor, pale little woman to do? With one boy crawling about +the floor and two others in a hand-to-hand fight, with the rest in a +giggle, of what use to try to talk to them about Moses? You should have +seen Gracie Dennis eyes by that time! Horror and disgust were about +equally expressed, and rising above them both, a look of actual fear. +Mr. Durant came over to attempt a rescue, his face distressed beyond +measure. + +“Mrs. Roberts, this is too much. I am sure that patience has ceased to +be a virtue. They have never gone so far before. I suspected mischief +to-day. I have heard from several of them during the week, and never +anything but evil. I am prepared for it; there is a full police force +on guard in the next room; what I propose is to have every one of these +fellows taken to the lock-up. It will be a lesson that they richly +deserve, and may do them good.” + +Whispering was not one of Mr. Durant's strong points. He meant to convey +secret intelligence of carefully-laid plans to Mrs. Roberts alone. In +reality not a boy in the class but heard every word. They were startled +into silence. “A full police force!” They were not fonder of the lock-up +than are most boys who deserve that punishment. They were skilful in +escaping the hands of policemen. They had not believed that the South +End Mission would resort to any such means. They recognized in the +Mission an attempt to do them good; and, without any effort at reasoning +it out, they had by tacit consent decided that policemen and lock-ups +and Christian effort did not match. They had chuckled much over the +stationing of “little Duffer” at the door on guard. Any two of the +strong young fellows were a match for him, and in the event of a riot, +which they would like no better fun than to help get up, how many choice +spirits all about the room would join them if given the word, and in the +delightful confusion which would result how easy to escape from sight +and hearing while Policeman Duffer was summoning aid! They had felt +comparatively safe. But “a full police force” detailed for duty was +quite another thing. They felt caught in a trap. Nimble Dick got up in +haste from the floor and took his seat, and the boys looked from one to +another with ominous frowns. There were reasons why none of them cared +to come before the police court just now. What was to be done? + +While they waited and considered, Mrs. Roberts did it. Her hand was on +Mr. Durant's arm, and directly the loud whispering ceased, she spoke in +low, but distinctly emphatic tones:-- + +“I beg of you, Mr. Durant, do no such thing. I would dismiss every +policeman at once, with thanks, if I were you. We shall not need their +help. I give you my word of honor that the boys will be quiet during +the rest of the session, not because they are afraid of policemen, +but because they respect me, and do not want to see me frightened or +annoyed. Please don't let a policeman come near us.” + +I am not sure which was the more astonished, the superintendent or +the boys. He returned to his desk with the bewildered air of one whose +deep-laid schemes had come to naught in an unexpected manner without +giving him time to rally; and the boys looked at one another in +perplexity, and were silent. + +Mrs. Roberts turned to them with quiet voice:-- + +“Boys,” she said, “you have spoiled the story that I was going to tell +you. I have lost my place, and there isn't time to go back and find it. +I am sorry, for I think you would have liked the story. I spent a good +deal of time this week trying to make it interesting. But never mind +now, there is something else I want to say. Will you spend the hours +from eight to ten with me to-morrow evening at my house? I brought cards +with me for each of you, containing my address, that you might have no +trouble in finding the place.” + +Whereupon she produced the delicate bits of pasteboard, with her name +and address handsomely engraved thereon. + +Nimble Dick took his between his soiled thumb and finger, turned it over +in a pretence of great interest, and finally endeavored to “sight” it +with his eye, as a workman does his board. + +“What'll you do with us if we come?” Stephen Crowley asked, fixing what +was intended as a wise look upon her, the leer in his eye hinting that +he was smart enough to see another trap, and meant not to fall into it. + +Mrs. Roberts laughed pleasantly. + +“It is an unusual question, when one invites company,” she said; “but I +don't mind answering it. For one thing I thought we would have an oyster +stew and some good coffee together. Then, if any of you like music, I +have a friend with me who is a good singer; and I have a few pictures I +should like you to see, if you cared to; and--I don't know whether you +are fond of flowers, but some of you may have a mother, or sister at +home who is, and the greenhouse is all aglow just now. Oh, how can I +tell what I should do to entertain guests? Just what seemed to me to be +pleasant at the time. That is the way I generally do. May I expect you?” + +The boys stared. This was a new departure, indeed! How much of it +did she mean? What was she trying to do? Was it a trap? Still she had +rescued them from the police force, and they had not expected that, +for every boy of them knew that he had treated her shamefully. Timothy +Haskell was generally the quietest one of the group, and perhaps the +most straightforward. He went directly to the point of the question that +he saw in the eyes of the others. + +“What do you do it for?” + +“Yes, that's the talk,” said Nimble Dick. “What do you want of us?” + +“Why, I want you to spend the evening with me. Didn't I tell you? If +you really mean to be friends with me of course I must invite you to my +home. What _could_ I want except to have a nice time? I'm trying to make +you like me. Of course I want you to like me. How can we have pleasant +times together unless you do?” + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +“I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN” + + +“Pleasant times like we've been having to-day?” said Nimble Dick, with a +wicked leer. + +If he meant to disconcert her, he missed his point. + +“No!” she said, promptly, “we haven't had a bit nice times to-day, and +as for liking you, I haven't done so to-day at all. If I had the least +idea that you meant often to treat me as you have this afternoon I +should know it was of no use. But I cannot think that you will continue +to treat a lady in such a manner, particularly when I am really trying +to make a pleasant time for you. There is no object, you see, in +spoiling it.” + +This plain bit of truth, for the time being so commended itself to the +judgment of the boys that they regarded the speaker gravely, without +attempting a reply. She was not moralizing; at least it was unlike any +moralizing that they had ever heard. It seemed to be simply a bit of +practical common sense. Not a boy would have owned it, but each felt, +just at that moment, a faint hope that she would _not_ decide it was +of no use, and give them up. Straightforward Tim Haskell had one more +question to ask:-- + +“Why didn't you let them bring in their police and settle us?” + +Their teacher hesitated just a moment. Would the “whole truth” do to +speak in this case? Could she hope to make them understand that she saw +in it a step lower down, and that thus degraded before her eyes, she +feared her possible hold on them would be gone forever? No; it wouldn't +do! A little, a _very_ little piece of the truth was all that she could +treat them to. A faint sparkle in her bright eyes, which every one of +them saw, and she said:-- + +“I was afraid you might not be excused in time to keep your engagement +with me to-morrow evening.” + +They all laughed, not boisterously, actually an appreciative laugh. They +were bright; there is hardly a street boy living by his wits who isn't. +They recognized the humor hidden in the answer, and enjoyed it. + +Then the superintendent's bell rang. That bell always did seem to have +an evil influence on those boys. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was known to +remark, a few Sundays afterwards, that if there _were_ no opening and +closing exercises in the Sabbath-school, her work would be easier; that +street boys did not seem to have one element of devotion in them, and +needed to be kept at high pressure, in order to be able to control +themselves. + +The thought is worthy of study, perhaps. It is just possible that our +opening and closing exercises are too long drawn out even for those who +are not street boys. + +Be that as it may, the little spell which Mrs. Roberts had been able for +a few minutes to weave around her boys on this particular Sabbath, was +broken by the sound of the bell. The boys returned to their memories of +insult, as they regarded the police force. They muttered sullenly among +themselves about “traps” and “sells,” and “guessed they wouldn't get +caught here again;” and Mrs. Roberts, seeming not to hear, heard with a +heavy heart. + +How angry they looked! Even Nimble Dick's usually merry face was clouded +over. What a curious thing it was that even they had their ideas +of propriety, and felt themselves insulted! Was it an instinct, she +wondered--a reminder that there was in them material for manhood? + +Would they ever, any of them, be men--Christian gentlemen? It seemed +almost too great a stretch for even her imagination. As she moved in +her seat her delicately-embroidered, perfumed handkerchief fell to +the floor. Mrs. Roberts was used to young men--mere boys, even--whose +instinctive movement would be to instantly restore it to her. Not a boy +before her thought of such a thing. She had not expected it, of course. +Yet she wondered if the instinct were not dormant, needing but the +suggestion. It was a queer little notion, worthy of Flossy Shipley +herself, who, from being continually busy about little things, had come +to the conclusion that nothing anywhere was little; that the so-called +trifles, which make up many lives, had much to do with the happiness of +other lives. Was it worth her while to try to teach these street Arabs +to pick up fallen handkerchiefs? She differed from many Christian +workers, in that, in her simplicity, she really thought it was. + +There was a lull just at that moment. A hymn had been announced, but the +organist's note-book had been mislaid, and was being sought after. It +could disturb no one if Mrs. Roberts tried her little experiment. She +looked longingly at Dirk Colson, but his brows were black and his eyes +fierce; this was no time to reach him. Nimble Dick looked much more +approachable. She determined to venture him:-- + +“Mr. Bolton,” spoken in her sweetest voice, “I have dropped my +handkerchief.” + +“Anybody with half an eye could see that, mum; and a mighty dirty spot +you picked out for such a nice little rag to lie in.” + +This was her only response. Then the discomfited experimenter told +herself that she was a blunderer. How could the poor fellow be expected +to know what she meant? Why had she not _asked_ the service from him? +She would try again. + +Would he be kind enough to pick it up for her? It was long afterwards +before Mrs. Roberts could think of his answer without a sinking heart. +Fixing bold, saucy eyes on her, he spoke in deliberate tones, loud +enough to be heard half-way across the room:-- + +“Why, pick it up yourself, mum! It is as near to you as it is to me, and +you don't look weakly.” + +She picked it up, her poor cheeks burning, but she did not forget it. + +Various after-school conferences told their different stories. + +“Well!” Mr. Durant said, stopping in the act of mopping his hot forehead +to shake hands with her, “Mrs. Roberts, I honor your courage. Those boys +were simply fearful to-day; I really feared some outbreak that would be +hard to quell. I'm afraid we shall have to give them up. Yes, I know how +you feel: but you haven't been here to see what we have borne from +them. All sorts of teachers have been tried. We have given them the best +material we had, both men and women, and every one has failed. Then you +actually want to try it for another Sabbath! Well, I'm glad of it. Oh, +_I_ don't want to give them up; it makes my heart ache to think of it; +but if we can't keep them in sufficient order to get any benefit, nor +find a teacher who is willing to hold on to them, what else is there for +us to do? But that last complaint I needn't make so long as you 'hold +on,' need I?” This last with a genial smile. “Well, God bless you; I +couldn't begin to tell you how much I hope you will succeed.” + +But his face said: “However, I know you won't.” + +He turned from her and said as much to young Ried:-- + +“She is in earnest, Ried, and she has resources; but she won't catch +them, simply because they don't mean to be caught; they come here +to make trouble and for nothing else. Just look at the way they have +performed to-day--worse than ever, and they never had a better teacher. +I've watched her, and I believe she knows how. I'll tell you what it is, +Ried, we must hold on to her, and when she gives up those boys we must +secure her for that class of girls down by the door. I really think we +have a prize.” + +Now, if he had but known it, Mrs. Evan Roberts meant to teach no other +class at the South End Mission save those boys. + +“Flossy Shipley!” This was Gracie Dennis' exclamation; when she was very +much excited, she went back to the old name. “What _are_ you trying to +do with those horrid boys? and how can you endure their impudence? I +never saw anything like their actions in my life, and I thought I had +seen bad boys. You look completely worn out, and no wonder. I shouldn't +think Mr. Roberts would let you do this. What good can you do such +creatures, Flossy?” + +“My dear Gracie, don't you think that Jesus Christ died to save them?” + +“Well!” said Gracie, hesitatingly. It was a favorite phrase with her, as +it is with many people when they don't know what to say next. + +“And don't you think he wants them saved? And will he not be pleased +with even my little bits of efforts if he knows that my sincere desire +is to save these souls for his glory?” + +“But what I mean is, what good can you do them so long as they act as +they do now? They didn't listen to a word you said, so as to get any +good out of it.” + +“I don't know that, dear, nor do you. Don't you think the Holy Spirit +sometimes presses words on people that they do not seem to be heeding? +In any event, that is a part with which I have nothing to do. I tried; +and if I failed utterly I have but to try again. It isn't as though +there were some good teacher ready to take them. Nobody will make a +second effort. Now there is one thing I can certainly do. I can keep on +making efforts; who knows but some of them may bear fruit? By the way, +Gracie, I want ever so much of your help.” + +“Mine?”' said Gracie, with wide-open eyes. “I don't know how to +help people; I'm not good.” And her face darkened in a frown,--some +unpleasant memories that went far toward proving the truth of that +statement coming to mind just then. After a moment she spoke in a +somewhat more gentle tone: “Don't count on me, Flossy, for help about +those boys. They frighten me; I never saw such fellows. I couldn't help +wondering what--papa would have said to them.” + +Between the “wondering” and the noun there had been an observable pause. +Mrs. Roberts suspected that the thought in Gracie's mind was rather what +Mrs. Dennis, who was supposed to have much knowledge of boys, would have +thought of them. But since her arrival Gracie had studiously avoided any +reference to her stepmother, and Mrs. Roberts had humored her folly. + +“Never mind, you can help them; and when you begin to realize that, you +will forget your fears.” + +“Do you expect to see one of the creatures to-morrow evening? What in +the world would you do with them if they did come?” + +“I'm not sure that I _expect_ them. I only hope for them. As to what +to do with them, I trust to you to help answer that question. I want to +give them an idea of what a nice time is.” + +“I cannot help,” said Gracie again, but she was _interested_, and +referred again and again to the subject, cross-questioning Mrs. Roberts +as to her plans and hopes, until that lady gave a satisfied smile to the +thought that her seven boys had begun their work. + +The first part of this conversation was held while they waited in one of +the class-rooms for Mr. Ried to give in his report before joining them. +The waiting suggested to Gracie another question. + +“Who is this Mr. Ried, who seems to have us in charge?” + +“He is one of the clerks from the store, which accounts, in part, for +his attendance on us. But I am interested in him for other reasons. He +had a wonderful sister; that is, she was a wonderful Christian; she died +when quite young, but one might be ready to go to heaven early if +one had accomplished as much as she did. By one of those strange +arrangements, which I should think would go far toward making observing +people believe in a special Providence, her life, or I might almost say +her death, was the means of changing the current of my husband's life. +He says he was a gay young fellow; a member of the church, but giving +just as little attention to religion as many do whom you and I know. +An accident to one of his family held him for several weeks in the town +where this Ester Ried lived; and her physician, with whom he became +acquainted, introduced him to her. It seems she was very much interested +in young men, in their Christian development. He went to see her several +times; and, to use his own expression, she first made him realize that +there was such a thing as zeal, and then she set it on fire. What she +had begun in life she finished in her death. Evan attended her funeral +services, and the walls were hung with Bible texts of her selection. +The most wonderful texts! All about Christian work, and about being in +earnest, because the time was short. Evan says he began to understand, +then, that the service of Christ was first, best, and always. + +“Wasn't it a singular Providence that led him under the influence of +that young girl during the closing weeks of her life? Only think, he has +been doing her work ever since,--doing it, possibly, in ways that she +could not compass. That is one reason why I am so much interested in +those boys. It seems to me as though they were her boys. Did I tell you +that her heart went out especially after the neglected? I learned about +the boys through Mr. Ried. He was but a child when his sister died, and +yet she succeeded in so enthusing him with her ideas that he is all the +time trying to carry out her plans. She had some wonderful ones. This +idea of inviting the boys, socially, I had from her. Do you see how +plainly she is working yet, though she has been in heaven so long?” + +“Do you think,” asked Gracie Dennis, a timid, gentle sound to her voice, +“that all Christians ought to put religion 'first, best, and always,' +as your husband said? I fancied that some were set apart to do a special +work.” + +“We are all set apart, dear, don't you think? Given to Him to use as He +will. The trouble is that so many of us take back the gifts, and use our +time and our tongues as though they were our own.” + +“Our _tongues_!” repeated Gracie, amazement in her voice. + +“Why, yes; didn't you give Him your tongue when you gave Him yourself? +And yet you are fortunate if you have not dishonored Him with it many a +time.” + +Said Gracie, “What a queer way you have of putting things.” + +Then came Alfred Ried in haste, and apologizing for the long delay. +Gracie Dennis, watched him curiously; listened critically to his words. +Was it to be supposed that this young man put religion “first, best, and +always”; and considered his tongue as given to the Lord? Alfred bore the +scrutiny well. He took very little notice of Miss Gracie, being entirely +absorbed with another matter. He had settled opinions about Mrs. Roberts +now, from which he would not be likely to waver. He had seen much of her +during the week, and he knew she had not been idle. She had given +him much valuable information concerning the boys in whom he had been +interested all winter; and whom she had known for a week. Also he was +aware that Sally and Mark Calkins had seen much of her, to their great +benefit. She had made him her messenger on one occasion, and he had seen +Sally Calkins take from the basket the clean, sweet-smelling sheets that +were to freshen her brother's bed, and bestow on them rapturous kisses, +while she murmured, “I'd walk on my knees in broad daylight through the +gutter to serve her,--that I would.” + +“Sheets aren't much, I suppose,” moralized the young man, as he walked +thoughtfully homeward. “People with much less money than she has +must have furnished them. It is thinking about things that makes the +difference between her and others.” + +But he had not quite found the secret. The main difference between her +and many other people lay in the fact that she set steadily about doing +the things she thought of that would be nice to do. + +On the whole, young Ried was fully prepared to sympathize with Mr. +Durant's opinion, that the South End Mission had secured a prize. Not +that he was very hopeful over those boys. He felt that their conduct, +under the circumstances, showed a depth of depravity which was beyond +the reach of Mission schools; but it was a comfort to think that good +things were arranged for them if they had but chosen to receive. He +began at once to talk about them. + +“Mrs. Roberts, they are worse than I had supposed. I am afraid that your +patience is exhausted.” + +Her answer was peculiar. + +“Mr. Ried, I want you to spend to-morrow evening with me. I have invited +my boys, and I depend on you and Gracie here to help entertain them.” + +“Are you equal to such formidable work as that?” asked Gracie, with a +mischievous smile. + +He did not respond to the smile; he was looking at Mrs. Roberts, +studying her face as one bewildered with the rapidity of her moves. + +“I want to be,” he said, with feeling; “I want to know how to work, +and I'm learning. Mrs. Roberts, I moved to my new boarding-house last +evening, and my room is a perfect little gem. There is an illuminated +text in it, and all around it is twined an ivy, growing,--don't you +think! Hidden, you know, behind the frame in a bottle; and the text is +one of my sister's treasures. Isn't that a singular coincidence?” + +“It is very nice,” said Mrs. Roberts, with satisfied eyes. She still +made much use of that little word. + +“And, Mrs. Roberts, I asked one of your boys to come in this evening and +see my room.” + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +“I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS.” + + +“Those two people can think and talk of nothing but those dreadful +boys,” said Gracie to herself, half annoyed and wholly interested. +She found herself that very evening turning over the music, with the +wonderment in her mind as to what she could sing that they would be +likely to care for, provided one of them appeared, which thing she did +not expect. + +But I have not told you of all the discussions had that day. The boys +went their various ways, their minds also busy with the events of the +afternoon. Dirk Colson and Stephen Crowley went off together; not that +they were special friends, but their homes lay near together. For the +distance of half a block they walked in silence; then Stephen Crowley +spoke his mind:-- + +“Nimble Dick wasn't near as smart to-day as he thinks he was, accordin' +to my way of thinkin'.” + +“He was meaner than dirt!” burst forth Dirk, fiercely. “To go back on +her like that, after she had saved us from a row with the police, ain't +what I believe in. Why couldn't he have picked up the rag, seeing she +wanted him to? That's what _I_ say. I'd a done it myself if she had give +me the chance.” + +“That there Dick Bolton can be too mean for anything when he sets +out,” said Stephen, with a grave air of superiority. “I don't go in for +anything of that kind myself. We wasn't none of us much to boast of; +but Dick, he went too fur. I say, Dirk, what do you s'pose all that yarn +means about to-morrow night? And what be we goin' to do about it? Dick, +he said it was all a game to get hold of us somehow, and he wasn't goin' +to have nothin' to do with it.” + +Had Stephen Crowley desired exceedingly to secure Dirk's vote in favor +to the proposed entertainment he could not, at that moment, have chosen +a better way. Dirk tossed his thick mat of black hair in a defiant +fashion and answered:-- + +“He needn't have a thing to do with it, so far as I care. I don't know +who'll miss him; but if he thinks he's got all the fellows under his +thumb, and they're goin' to do as he says, I'll show him a thing or two. +_I'm_ a goin' to-morrow night. I don't care what it is, nor what it is +for. She was nice and friendly to us to-day, and I'm willin' to trust +her to-morrow. I shall go up there and see what she does want. It can't +kill a fellow to do that much.” + +“Then I'm a goin', too,” declared Stephen, with decision. “Dick, he +thinks there won't none of us go if he don't; and I'd just like to show +him that he must get up early in the mornin' if he wants to keep track +of us.” + +If Dirk Colson needed anything to strengthen his resolution, there was +material in that last sentence which supplied it. He had long +chafed under the control of Dick Bolton; here was a chance to assert +superiority. He even, just at that moment, conceived the brilliant idea +of supplanting Dick--running an opposition party, as it were. + +What if he should get every fellow in the class to promise to go, and +Dick, the acknowledged leader, should find himself left out alone in the +cold. The thought actually made his grim face break into a smile. Thus +it came to pass that the most efficient worker for the success of the +Monday evening entertainment, so far at least as securing the presence +of the guests, was Dirk Colson. + +In Mr. Roberts' mansion preparations for receiving and entertaining the +hoped-for guests went briskly forward. Preparations which astonished the +young guest already arrived. + +“Are you really going to let them come in here?” she asked, as she +followed Mrs. Roberts through the elegant parlors, and watched her +putting delicate touches here and there. + +“Certainly; why not? Don't you open your parlors when you receive your +friends?” + +“I don't think we have such peculiar friends on our list,” Gracie said, +with a little laugh; and then, “Flossy, they will spoil your furniture.” + +“If one evening in the Master's service will spoil anything it surely +ought to be spoiled,” Mrs. Roberts answered, serenely. + +“But, Flossy,”--with a touch of impatience in her voice,--“what is the +use? Wouldn't the dining-room answer every purpose; be to them the most +elegant room they ever beheld, and be less likely to suffer from their +contact?” + +The busy little mistress of all the beauty around her turned to her +guest with a peculiar smile on her face, half mischievous and wholly +sweet, as she said:-- + +“I want them to get used to parlors, my dear; they may have much to do +with them, as well as with dining-rooms.” + +“They are more likely to have to do with penitentiaries and prisons,” + Gracie said; but she abandoned discussion, and gave herself to the +pleasure of arranging lonely flowers in their lovely vases. + +There was a divided house as to the probability of the guests +appearing,--Mr. Roberts inclining to the belief that some of them would +come, while Gracie was entirely skeptical. Mrs. Roberts kept her own +counsel, neither expressing wish nor fear, but steadily pushing her +preparations. + +As a matter of fact, the entire seven appeared together, promptly, as +the clock struck eight. + +At the last moment Dick Bolton, the usual leader, finding himself in +a minority of one, not to be outwitted, protested that he had not the +least notion of staying away; of course he was going, and good-naturedly +joined the group. + +I wonder if you have the least conception of how those boys looked? The +ideas of some people cannot get below nicely-patched clothes, carefully +brushed boots, clean collars, and neatly arranged hair. + +Clean collars! Not a boy of them owned a collar. No thought of brushing +their worn-out, unmended boots ever entered their minds. Their clothes +were much patched, but in many places needed it still. + +Stephen Crowley had made a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to put his mass +of hair in order. Most of the others had not thought even of that. Why +should they? Poor Dirk, you will remember, if he had thought of it, had +no comb with which to experiment. It is doubtful if many of the others +were any better off in this respect. + +Imagine the seven standing, a confused, grinning, heap, in the centre of +Mrs. Roberts' large and brilliantly-lighted hall! + +She came forward to welcome them, shaking hands, though they made no +attempt to offer a hand in greeting. She had to grasp after each. She +essayed to introduce Gracie; not one of them attempted a bow. + +“Come this way,” Mrs. Roberts said, “and take seats.” Then she led the +way into the long, bright, elegantly-furnished, flower-decked room. + +They followed her in a row. Midway in the room they made a halt. They +caught a view of themselves--full length at that--revealed by the great +mirrors. They had never seen themselves set in contrast before. They +could not sit in a row, for the easy chairs and sofas, though plentiful, +had the air of having been just vacated by people who had left them +carelessly just where they had chanced to sit. + +It required diplomacy to seat those boys. When at last Stephen Crowley +dropped into one of the great pillowy chairs, he instantly sprang up +again, and looked at it doubtfully. + +Was the thing a trap? How far down would it sink with him? This was +too much for Nimble Dick, even under the present overpowering +circumstances--he laughed. His hostess blessed him for that laugh. The +horrible stiffness was somewhat broken, and all were seated. + +Just at that moment came Alfred Ried, hurriedly, like one who had +intended promptness and missed it. + +“All here ahead of me!” he exclaimed, “Mrs. Roberts, I beg your pardon. +At the last moment I went in search of Dr. Everett; there was serious +illness in a house next door, and I happened to know just where he was.” + +During this address he was shaking hands with his hostess, his manner +easy and graceful, as one used to it all. Then he crossed the room, that +wonderful room, treading down those flowers on the carpet as though he +had no fears of breaking their stems. + +“Good evening, Miss Dennis,” he said, and he was bowing in a manner that +Dirk Colson was confident he could imitate. Then he turned to the boys, +shaking hands:-- + +“How are you, Haskell? By the way, Crowley, I called on you to-day at +the office; sorry not to find you in.” + +“Mrs. Roberts, allow me?” And he wheeled one of the easy chairs to the +spot where that lady was standing. + +“How well he enters into the thing,” said Gracie Dennis to herself, +looking on in admiration at this young man, who, still so young, was +adapting himself to circumstances that might well have embarrassed older +heads than his. He plunged into talk with the boys, making them answer +questions. He had come but a few moments before from Mark Calkins', +stopped there with a message from Dr. Everett; and these boys knew Mark +and Sallie and the worthless father, and all the more or less worthless +neighbors who ran in and out, and young Ried had a dozen questions to +ask. His quick-wittedness, and the ease with which he made talk to these +young men who lived in such an utterly different world from himself, +surprised his hostess very much. + +Even she did not know to what an exalted pitch his enthusiasm and +excitement reached; though he had flashed a pair of most appreciative +eyes on her when she gave him her invitation for the evening. Here was +actually his sister Ester's darling scheme being worked out before his +eyes! Not only that, but he was being called upon to help. Ester had +wanted him to grow up to undertake just such efforts as these; and only +last week they had seemed to him so altogether good and noble and so +impossible to try. Yet here he was helping try them! No wonder Alfred +Ried could talk. + +It had been determined in family council that Mr. Roberts must absent +himself. He was in the house, indeed--no further away than the library, +ready for call in event of an emergency; but it was judged that another +stranger, and such a formidable one as the head of the house, must be +avoided for this one evening. As for Mr. Ried, _would_ they remember +that he was not much older than some of them, and that he was not a +rich young man living on his income, but was earning his living by daily +work? and would they note the contrast between themselves and him? This +was what their hostess wondered. A few moments and then came a summons +to the dining-room. Seated at last, though one of the poor fellows +stumbled over a chair, and barely saved himself from falling. + +If you could have seen that dining-table, the picture of it would have +lingered long in your memory. The whitest and finest of damask table +linen; napkins so large that they almost justified Dick Bolton's +whisper, “What be you goin' to do with your sheet?” china so delicate +that Gracie Dennis could not restrain an inward shiver when any of the +clumsy fingers touched a bit of it, and such a glitter of silver as even +Gracie had never seen before. + +One thing was different from the conventional tea-party. Every servant +was banished; none but tender eyes, interested in her experiment, and +ready to help it on, should witness the blunders of the boys. So +the hostess had decreed, and so instructed Alfred and Gracie. The +consequence was that Alfred himself served the steaming oysters with +liberal hand, and Gracie presided over jellies and sauces, while Mrs. +Roberts sugared and creamed and poured cups of such coffee as those +fellows had never even _smelled_ before. If you think they were +embarrassed to the degree that they could not eat, you are mistaken. + +They were street boys; their lives had been spent in a hardening +atmosphere. Directly the first sense of novelty passed away, and their +poorly-fed stomachs craved the unusual fare served up for them, the +fellows grinned at one another, seized their silver spoons, and dived +into the stews in a fashion that would have horrified every servant in +the house. + +How they ate! Oysters and coffee and pickles and cakes and jellies! +There seemed no limit to their capacities; neither did they make the +slightest attempt to correct their table manners. None of them paid any +outward attention to their “sheets,” although Alfred and Gracie spread +theirs with elaborate care; they leaned their elbows on the table, they +made loud, swooping sounds with their lips, and, in short, transgressed +every law known to civilized life. Why not? + +What did they know about civilized life? + +Nevertheless, not one movement of young Ried escaped the notice of some +of them. + +He tried still to carry on a conversation; though the business of +eating was being too closely attended to on all sides to let him be very +successful. + +Gracie studied _him_, and was not only interested in his efforts, but +roused to make some attempts herself. What could she talk about with +such people? School? The Literary Club? The last concert? The course +of lectures? The last new book that everybody was reading? No, not +everybody; assuredly not these seven. + +On what ground _was_ she to meet them? + +Yet talk she must and would. Mr. Ried should see that she at least +_wanted_ to help. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +“LET US BE FASHIONABLE.” + + +One feature of the hour was not only entirely new to the boys, but gave +them a curious feeling, the name of which they did not understand. +When the last one sat back in his chair, thereby admitting himself +vanquished, Mrs. Roberts, looking at the young man who sat at the foot +of the table, said:-- + +“Will you return thanks?” + +What did that mean? To be sure they had heard of thanking people, but +even _they_ were aware that it was an unusual thing for persons to +demand thanks for themselves. They watched; behold, the young man bowed +his head, and these were the words he spoke:-- + +“Dear Saviour, we thank thee for the joys of this evening. We pray thee +to teach us so to live that we may all meet some day in our Father's +house. Amen.” + +The boys looked at one another, then looked down at their plates. Their +sole experience of prayer was connected with the South End Mission. To +meet it at a supper-table was a revelation. Did the people who lived in +grand houses, and had such wonderful things to eat, always pray at their +supper-tables? This was the problem which they were turning over in +their minds. + +Returning to the parlor, Gracie went at once to the piano. She had spent +a good deal of Monday, settling the question of what to play, and had +chosen the most sparkling music she could find. I am anxious to have it +recorded, that, all uncultured as they were, these boys neither talked +nor laughed during the music, but appeared at least to listen. It was +Dirk Colton who sat nearest to the piano, and who listened in that +indescribable way which always flatters a musician. + +“Do you like it?” Gracie asked, running off the final notes in a tinkle +of melody. + +His dark face flushed a deep red. + +“I dunno,” he said, with an awkward laugh; “it's queer sounding. I don't +see how you make so many tinkles. Do you make all your fingers go at +once on those black and white things?” + +“Not quite; but sometimes they have to dance about in a very lively +fashion. I have to keep my wits at work, I assure you.” + +“Is it hard to do?” + +“Not very, nowadays. When I first commenced, the practising was horrid; +I hated it.” + +“What made you do it, then?” + +“Oh, the same reason which makes people do a great many things that +they don't like,” she said, lightly; “I wanted the results. I knew if I +worked at it steadily the time would come when I should not only enjoy +it myself, but be able to give pleasure to other people. Why? Don't you +ever do things that you don't particularly like?” + +He shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very wise look. + +“Often enough,” he said fiercely, and he thought of his drunken father. +“But then I wouldn't if I could help it.” + +“That would depend on whether you thought the thing would pay in the +end, would it not?” + +Then, without waiting for an answer, she asked “What is your business?” + +“My business?” with a curiously puzzled air. + +“Yes; how do you spend your time?” + +“Hunting up something to eat,” he said, with a grim smile; visions of +his aimless loafing appearing before him as the only occupation he could +be said to have. It had not occurred to him to try to mislead her, but +she evidently did not understand. + +“Oh, yes,” she said, seriously, “so I suppose. Isn't it queer how +busy men and women have to be day after day, and year after year, just +getting themselves and others something to eat? Do you have other +people to help get it for? Mother, for instance, and little brothers and +sisters?” + +“I've got a mother,” he said, “and a sister.” + +“And that makes work easier, does it not? I always thought it would be +stupid to work all the time just for one's self. But I meant, What do +you work at in order to get the something to eat,--there are so many +different ways?” + +“How do you know I work at all?” + +Dirk's voice was growing sullen; a consciousness that he would appear at +a disadvantage in admitting himself an idler in a busy world was dawning +upon him as an entirely new idea. At his question, Gracie turned on her +music-stool and regarded him with surprise. + +“Why, of course you work,” she said; “people all do.” + +She was not acting a part. Her experience among poor people was limited +to that outwardly respectable class who, however disreputable their +conduct might be on Sabbath, had, nevertheless a Monday occupation with +which they pretended to earn a living. + +Dirk shrugged his shoulders again. + +“Do they?” he said. + +Her evident ignorance of the world made him good-natured. She was not +trying to preach to him, he decided. A thing which Dirk hated, in common +with all persons of his class. + +But the lull in the music had started conversation in other parts of the +room. + +Dirk heard young Ried's question:-- + +“Mrs. Roberts, do you know of any young man looking for work? I heard of +a good situation this afternoon. Oh, there are plenty of applicants, but +the gentleman is an old friend of my brother-in-law, and I could speak a +helpful word for somebody.” + +“I have no one in mind,” Mrs. Roberts said, and she glanced eagerly at +the boys lounging in various attitudes in her easy chairs. Only three of +them she knew made any pretence of earning their living. Did Alfred +mean one of them? “Here is a chance for you, young gentlemen,” she said, +lightly, “who bids for a situation?” + +“What is the place?” + +It was Dirk Colson who asked the question. Ever since he could remember +he was supposed to have been hunting for work, but I am not sure that he +ever felt quite such a desire to find it as at that moment. + +“It is at Gray's, on Ninth Street, a good chance; but the one who +secures it must have a fair knowledge of figures.” + +“Oh, land!” said Dirk, sinking lower in his easy-chair. “No use in _me_ +asking about it.” + +“Are figures your weak point?” Mrs. Roberts asked, smiling on him. “I +can sympathize with you; I had to work harder over arithmetic than at +any other study; but I learned to like it. Do you know I think it +should be a favorite study with you? It is so nice to conquer an +obstinate-looking row of figures, and fairly oblige the right result to +appear. What did you find hardest about the study, Mr. Colson?” + +The others chuckled, but Dirk glowered at them fiercely. + +“There's nothin' to laugh about as I see,” he said. “I didn't find +nothin' hard, because I never had no chance to try. I never went to no +school, nor had books, nor nothin'; now that's the truth, and I'm blamed +if I ain't going to own it.” + +“What a good thing it is that you are young.” This was her animated +answer. “There is a chance to make up for lost time. Mr. Ried, I have +such a nice idea. I heard you and Dr. Everett speaking of the Literary +Club the other night. Why cannot we have a literary club of our own? A +reading circle, or something of that sort? Suppose we should meet once +a week and read aloud something interesting, and have talks about it +afterwards. Do you ever read aloud?” + +If Mrs. Roberts in all sincerity had not been one of the most +simple-hearted, and in some respects ignorant little creatures on the +face of the globe, she could never, with serious face, have addressed +such a question to Nimble Dick. + +Young Ried could not have done it, for he realized the folly of +supposing that Nimble Dick ever read anything. By just so much was Mrs. +Roberts ahead of him. She supposed that these boys had their literature, +and read it, and perhaps met somewhere on occasion and read together. +This made it possible for her to ask surprising questions with honest +face. + +“Bless me!” said Nimble Dick, startled into an upright posture; “oh, no, +mum, never.” + +And even Dirk Colson laughed at the expression on his face. + +“Still I think you would enjoy it, after a little practice, and I can't +help fancying you would make a good reader.” + +The boys were all laughing now, Nimble Dick with the rest. + +“You're in for an awful blunder there,” he said, good-naturedly. “I'm +like Black Dirk, never had no chances, and didn't do nothin' worth +speakin' of with them that I had. Why, bless your body, mum! I can't +even read to myself! I make the awfulest work you ever heard of spellin' +out the show-bills. I have to get Black Dirk to help me; and him and me +is a team.” + +By this time Dirk's face had lost its smile, and his fierce eyes were +flashing; but the hostess was serene. + +“That doesn't prove anything against my statement. I was speaking of +what _could_ be, not necessarily of what was. Let us have a club. The +more I think of the plan the more it pleases me. I'll tell you! The word +'club' doesn't quite suit me. Let us be fashionable. Gracie, don't you +know how fashionable it is becoming to have 'evenings' set apart for +special occasions? Mr. Ried, you know Mrs. Judson's 'Tuesday evenings,' +and Mrs. Symond's 'Friday evenings?' Very well, let us have our 'Monday +evenings,' in which we will do all sorts of nice things; sometimes +literary, sometimes musical, and sometimes--well, anything that we +please. What do you say, gentlemen; shall we organize? Mr. Ried, will +you give Monday evenings to us? Gracie, you are my guest, and cannot, of +course, refuse.” + +It was a novel idea, certainly. Even Alfred, while trying to heartily +second her, was in doubt as to what she could hope to accomplish by it. +As for the boys, not one of them promised to attend; but neither +did they refuse. Mrs. Roberts presently left the subject, seeming to +consider her point carried, and proposed a visit to the conservatory. + +I think it very doubtful whether the boy lives who does not like +flowers. There are those who seem to consider it a mark of manliness to +affect indifference to them; but these, as they grow older--become real +men--generally lay this bit of folly aside. Then there are those, plenty +of them, who really do not know that they care for flowers. The boys, +ushered for the first time in their lives into the full bloom of a +conservatory, were, most of them, of this latter stamp. + +What a scene of beauty it was! Great white callas, bending their +graceful cups; great red and yellow roses, making the air rich with +their breath; vines and mosses and ferns and small flowers in almost +endless variety. Alfred and Gracie moved among the glories; the latter +exhausting all her superlatives in honest delight, although she had +visited the spot a dozen times that day; and Alfred, who had been less +favored, was hardly less eager and responsive than she. But Mrs. Roberts +watched the boys. + +It was all very well for those two to enjoy her flowers; of course they +would. But what language would the silent, lovely things speak to her +untutored boys? They said not a word; not one of them. They made no +exclamations; they had no superlatives at command. But Stephen Crowley +stooped before a lovely carnation, and smelled, and _smelled_, drawing +in long breaths, as though he meant to take its fragrance all away with +him; and Nimble Dick picked up the straying end of an ivy, and restored +it to its support again, in a way that was not to be lost sight of by +one who was looking for hearts; and Dirk Colson brushed back his matted +hair and stood long before a great, pure lily, and looked down into its +heart with an expression on his face that his teacher never forgot. + +She came over to him presently, standing beside him, saying nothing. +Then at last she reached forth her hand and broke the lily from its +stalk. He started, almost as if something had struck him. + +“What did you do that for?” And his voice was fierce. + +“I want you to take this for me to your sister--the girl with beautiful +golden hair; I saw her one day, and I shall remember her hair and eyes. +She will like this flower, and she will like you to bring it to her. + +“Gracie”--raising her voice--“gather some flowers will you, and make +into bouquets? These young gentlemen will like to carry them to some +one. There must be mothers at home who will enjoy bouquets brought by +their sons.” + +Over this gently-spoken sentence Nimble Dick laughed a hard, derisive +laugh. It made the dark blood flow into black Dirk's indignant face. +Even Alfred Ried lost self-control for a moment, and flashed a glance at +him out of angry eyes. How could there be any hope of a boy who sneered +at his mother? Yet you need not judge him too harshly. + +He thought of his mother, indeed, when he laughed; but alas! he thought +of her as drunk. And he knew her scarcely at all, save as that word +described her. How _could_ “mother” mean to him what it meant to Alfred +Ried? what it meant even to Dirk Colson, whose mother, weak indeed in +body and spirit, full of complaining words, oftentimes weakly bitter +words to him, yet patched his clothes so long as she could get patches +and thread, and would have washed them if she could have got soap, and +been able to bring the water, and if her only tub hadn't been in pawn. +Oh, yes, there are degrees in mothers. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, broke off blossoms with lavish hand, and made +bouquets for Nimble Dick and for Dirk. He took the bright-hued ones with +a smile, but the lily he held by itself, and still looked at it. + +They went away at last noisily; growing almost, if not quite, rough +towards one another, at least, and directly they were out of the door, +Nimble Dick gave a whoop that would have chilled the blood of nervous +women. But matron and maiden looked at each other and laughed. + +“We have kept them pent up all the evening, and that is the escape-valve +being raised to avoid a general explosion.” This was Mrs. Roberts' +explanation. + +They were quite alone. Alfred, on being invited in low tones to tarry +and talk things over, had shaken his head, and replied, significantly:-- + +“Thank you! no; I am one of them, and must stand on the same level.” + +“You are right,” Mrs. Roberts said, smilingly; “you must have been an +apt pupil, my friend. That dear sister taught you a great deal.” + +He held up the bouquet which she had made for him. + +“I am going to put it before Ester's picture,” he said; “her work is +going on.” + +“Well,” said Gracie, “it is over, and we lived through it. And they +_did_ all come! I am amazed over that! And how they _did eat_! I suppose +the next thing is to open all the windows and air out. Flossy Roberts, +I'm afraid you are going insane. The idea of your inviting that horde +here every Monday. What a parlor you would have! And they would breed +a pestilence! They won't come, to be sure; but just imagine it if +they should! I really think Mr. Roberts ought to send you home for Dr. +Mitchell to look after. Well, Flossy, what next?” + +“Next, dear, you must pray. Pray as you never have done before, for +the souls of these boys, and for the success of my 'Monday evenings.' +Gracie, we are at work for immortal _souls_. Think of it! they _must_ +live forever. Shall they, through all eternity, keep dropping lower and +lower, or shall they wear crowns?” + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +“SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” + + +Sallie Calkins sat in a common little rocking-chair and rocked; and +while she rocked she sewed, setting neat stitches in a brown coat which +was already patched and darned and was threadbare in many places. There +was a look of deep content on Sallie's face. There were many reasons for +it. + +Dr. Everett had that morning pronounced Mark's broken limb to be healing +rapidly. He had also reported that Mark's place was to be held open for +him by his employers. At this present moment, Mark, arrayed in a clean +shirt, was resting on a very white sheet, his head reposing on a real +feather pillow dressed in white and frilled. Over him was carefully +spread another of those wonderful sheets, and to make the crowning +glory, a white quilt, warm and soft, tucked him in on every side. How +could Sallie but rejoice? All about the room there had been changes. A +neat little table stood at the bed's side. It was covered with a white +cloth, and a china bowl set thereon with a silver spoon beside it; a +delicate goblet and china pitcher also, both carefully covered with a +napkin. Did Mrs. Roberts know how homely Sallie gloried in the thinness +of that china and the fineness of that napkin? How does it happen that +some of the very poor seem born with such aesthetic tastes? Mrs. Roberts +had intuitions, and was given to certain acts, concerning which she +could not give to others satisfactory explanations. Therefore, she +sometimes left china where others would have judged the plainest +stoneware more prudent and sensible. + +A bit of bright carpet was spread at the side of the bed. A fire glowed +in the neatly-brushed stove. A white muslin curtain hung at the window; +and the chair in which Sallie rocked and sewed was new and gayly +painted. + +There were other traces of Mrs. Roberts. You might not have noticed +them, but it seemed to Sallie that her fingers had touched everywhere. +Yet the lady herself thought that she had done very little. She had held +her inclinations in check with severe judgment. + +The door opened softly, and a mass of golden hair, from out of which +peered great eyes, peeped cautiously in. + +“Alone?” it said, nodding first toward the figure on the bed, and +intimating that she was aware of Mark's presence, and did not mean him. + +“Yes,” said Sallie, “come in; Mark's asleep, but you won't disturb +him; he don't disturb easy; he sleeps just like a baby since the doctor +stopped that pain in his knee. There's my new chair; just try it and see +how nice it is.” + +Saying which, she got herself out of the little rocker in haste, and +pushed it toward her guest, meantime taking a plain wooden chair, also +new, and adding:-- + +“Did you ever hear of anybody like her before?” + +“Something's happened!” said Mart Colson, ignoring the reference to the +mysterious pronoun,--her voice so full of a new and strange meaning +that had Sallie been acquainted with the word she might have said it was +filled with awe. + +As it was, she only exclaimed, “What?” in an intensely interested tone. + +“Why, look here! I brought it along to show you.” + +Whereupon she produced from under her piece of torn shawl a large +broken-nosed pitcher, a piece of brown paper carefully tied over the +top. She untied the bit of calico string with fingers that shook from +excitement. + +“Look in there!” she exclaimed at last, triumph in her tone, reaching +forward the pitcher. + +Sallie looked, and drew in her breath with a long, expressive “O-h!” + +There, reposing in stately beauty, lay the great white lily with its +golden bell. + +“Yes, I should think so!” Mart said, satisfied with the expression. +“Did you ever see anything like that before? It ain't made of wax nor +anything else that _folks_ ever made. It's alive! I felt of it. It looks +like velvet and satin and all them lovely store things; but it doesn't +feel so; it feels _alive_, and it _grew_. But, Sallie Calkins, if you +should live a hundred years, and guess all the time, you never could +guess where I got it. Sallie Calkins, if you'll believe it, Dirk gave it +to me!” + +“Dirk?” + +“Yes, he did!” + +Who would have supposed Mart Colson's voice capable of such a triumphant +ring? + +“You see the way of it was: Last night he didn't come for his supper +at all, and that always scares me dreadful. I'm expecting something to +happen, you know. Father, he didn't come either; for the matter of that, +he hasn't come yet; and mother, she was awful tired, and hadn't had no +dinner to speak of, and she just broke down and took on awful. Mother +don't often cry, and it's good she don't, for she just goes into it with +all her might when the time comes. It wasn't about father--she's used to +him, you know, and don't expect nothing else; but Dirk drives her wild +with what may happen to him. I was worried about him, too, but I was mad +at him; it seemed too awful mean in him to stay away and scare mother. +At last I got her to go to bed, and she was all tuckered out, and went +to sleep. + +“Then I wrapped myself in the quilt and sat down to wait; but I got +asleep, and I dreamed I saw _her_; she had wings to each side of her, +and she flew over the tops of all those houses and made them turn white +like the snow looks when it is coming down before it drops into the +gutters. Wasn't that queer? Well, some noise woke me up. I was sitting +flat on the floor by mother, and I sat up straight all of a tremble. +And there was the old stool, and the brown pitcher on it, half-full of +water, and this wonderful thing stood in it looking at me. And Dirk, he +stood off the other side looking at it. + +“'It's for you, and she sent it.' That's what he said to me; and I +wasn't real wide awake, you know. I suppose that's what made his voice +sound so queer; and what do you think I said? I was thinking of my +dream, and says I: 'Did she have her wings on?' Then Dirk made a queer +noise; it was a laugh, but it sounded most like a cry. 'I guess so,' +says he, and then he turned and went off to bed. And I can't get any +more out of him; he is as snarly when I ask any questions as though he +was mad about it all. If it hadn't been for this great white thing I +might have thought this morning that it all belonged to the dream. But +Dirk brought this home from somewhere, and put it in the pitcher, and +give it to me his own self; that's sure.” + +The story closed in triumph. + +“It is beautiful!” said Sallie, the brown jacket slipping to the floor, +while she bent over the lily. “It is beautiful, all of it, and it looks +just like her, and sounds like her, wings and all; of course she sent +it.” + +“And Dirk brought it.” That part of the story Mart Colson did not +forget. + +Sometimes it seems to me a pity that hearts are not laid bare to the +gaze of others. What, for instance, might not this little incident have +done for Dirk Colson had he known how the starved heart of his sister +fed on the thought that he brought her the flower? + +Still, on the other hand, I don't know what the effect would have been +on Mart had she known what a tremendous amount of courage it had taken +to present the flower to her. A dozen times on the way home had Dirk +been on the point of consigning it to the gutter. _He_ carry home a +flower! If it had been a loaf of bread he thought it would be more +consistent. Someway he recognized a fine sarcasm in the thought that +he, who had never in his life contributed towards the necessities of the +family, should carry to that dreary home a flower! Yet the fair lily did +its work well during that long walk from East Fifty-fifth Street to the +shadow of the alley. It made Dirk Colson tell it fiercely that he hated +himself; that he was a brute and a loafer,--a blot on the earth, and +ought not to live. Why didn't he go to work? Why didn't he have things +to bring home to Mart every little while, as Mark Calkins did to Sallie? +Hadn't he seen Mark, only a few evenings before he was hurt, with a pair +of girl's shoes strung over his shoulder, and heard him whistle as he +ran, two steps at a time, up the rickety stairs? What would Mart think +if he should bring her home a pair of shoes? What would she think of +his bringing her a flower? She would sneer, of course: and, in the mood +which then possessed him, Dirk said angrily that she had a right to +sneer, and would be a fool not to; and yet he hated the thought of it. +There was nothing in life that Dirk hated more than sneers; and he had +been fed on them ever since he could remember. + +He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received. +That suggestion about wings, which seemed so apt, had brought the +“queer” sound to his voice that Mart had noticed. If only she had +understood, and not spoiled, next morning, the effect of her words. + +In the prosaic daylight, the illusion of “wings” being banished, she was +bent on knowing how Dirk came into possession of the lily. + +“Who sent it, Dirk? I don't believe anybody told you to give it to me. +Who would care about _my_ having a flower? Where did you get it?” + +“Where do you s'pose?” Dirk's voice was ominously gruff. It is a painful +truth that by daylight he was ashamed of his part of the transaction. +“I told you she sent it. It's noways likely that I'd take the trouble to +make up a lie about that weed. How do I know what she wanted you to have +it for? Maybe she thought it matched your looks.” + +There was a bitter sneer in Dirk's voice, yet all the time he heard the +sweet, low voice saying, “That girl with the beautiful golden hair.” + Suppose he should tell Mart that? Why not? Let me tell you that Dirk +Colson would not have repeated that sentence for the world! And yet he +did not know why. + +Mart's face burned red under his sneer. + +“How am I to know who 'she' is?” she said, in bitter scorn. “Some of +your bar-room beauties, for whom you dance and whistle, I suppose. You +can tell her I would rather have my shawl out of pawn, or some shoes for +my feet, enough sight. What do I care for a great flower mocking at me?” + +“Pitch it into the fire, then; and it will be many a long day before I +bring you anything else,” said Dirk, pushing himself angrily back from +the table, where he had been eating bread dipped in a choice bit of pork +fat. + +“There isn't a bit of danger of my doing that,” she called after him, +mockingly. “There isn't a spark of fire, nor likely to be to-day, unless +some of your admirers send me a shovel of coal. Mercy knows, I wish they +would.” + +He mercifully lost part of this sentence, for the reason that before it +was concluded he was moving with long, angry strides up the alley. + +And then Mart took the broken-nosed pitcher away into the furthermost +corner, although she was alone in the room, and laid her face against +the cool, pure lily, and wept into it great burning tears. Poor, +ignorant soul! She wanted, oh, how she _wanted_ Dirk to be brave and +good like Mark Calkins--her one type of manhood. Yet she did not know +that she was crushing out the germ which might have grown in his +heart. True, she knew herself to be very different from Sallie, but the +thought, poor soul, that that was because Mark was so different from +Dirk. + +Isn't it a pity that the sweet-faced lily could not have told its tender +story to both these ignorant ones? + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +“WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?” + + +“I have heard a good deal about your sister that has interested me. Do +you like to talk of her?” + +This was the question which Gracie Dennis asked of young Ried as he +stood beside her at the piano. She had been playing, and had come to +the music alcove for the purpose of turning her music; but now she was +touching sweet chords here and there aimlessly, and waiting for his +answer. + +At the further end of the parlor Mrs. Roberts was entertaining a caller; +but the distance between them was so great that, in effect, the young +people were alone. + +“I like nothing better than to talk of her.” Mr. Ried said, with +animation; “but I don't know so much about her as I wish I did. She went +away when I was quite young. I used to say 'she died,' but since I have +awakened to see her cherished plans being carried on all around me I +cannot think of her as dead.” + +“That is what I want to talk about,--her work, or her plans for work. +What made her so different from other people, Mr. Ried. _Wasn't_ she +different?” + +The young man regarded the question thoughtfully before answering. + +“Not from all the people,” he said at last; “but certainly very +different from some. I used to think that all Christians were like her, +of course; then, when I saw my mistake, I went to the other extreme, and +thought there were none like her on earth. I have discovered that the +medium position is the correct one.” + +“But what I want to know is, what _made_ her different? It wasn't her +age. Mrs. Roberts thinks she was young?” + +“She was hardly nineteen when she died. Oh, no, it wasn't age; she +told me that she used to be very different. She was a Christian from +childhood, but she said that she was ashamed to claim the name. There +was nothing Christlike about her; still she was a member of the Church. +As I remember her, and as I look at other people, my judgment is that, +in her early Christian life, she was much like most of the Christians +with whom you and I are familiar.” + +“And what made her different? Was it--that is--do you think it was +because she was to die so soon that she had a special experience?” + +“Not at all,” he said, promptly; “it was before she realized anything +about her condition that the great change took place in her. My +brother-in-law says that she supposed herself to be in perfect health at +the time when she was most marked in her Christian life.” + +“Ah! but you don't understand; I mean more than that. It is difficult to +tell what I mean; I mean--but you know, of course, _God_ knew that she +was soon to go to heaven. I thought, perhaps, he gave her a special +experience on that account.” + +“No; oh, no,” he said, speaking with great earnestness. “Ester +was particularly anxious that no one should suppose her experience +exceptional. Little fellow though I was, it seemed to be her desire that +I should fully understand this. Don't let anybody make you think that +because you are a little boy you must be a sort of half-way Christian,' +she used to say, and her eyes would glow with feeling. 'I tried that way +for years,' she said, 'and I want you to understand that it is not only +sinful, but there is not a particle of happiness to be gotten out of +it--not a particle; and I would give almost nothing for what such a +Christian can accomplish. The harm one does, more than overbalances all +effort for Christ.' I think, perhaps, she felt more deeply on that than +on almost any subject; and it was because she thought she had wasted so +many years.” + +“Then do you think that there is, or rather that there should be, no +difference in Christians? Have all the same work to do?” + +“Not that, quite, of course,--or, I don't know, either. Isn't it all +different forms of the Master's work. The children of the home may +have each a different task, but each is needed to make the home what +it should be, and each worker needs the same spirit of love and +unselfishness to enable him to do his part. It isn't a perfect +illustration, Miss Dennis. I'm not skillful in that direction; but _I_ +know what I mean, and that is a comfort.” + +“And I know what you mean,” Gracie said, not joining in his laugh; “but +I am not sure that I believe it. Why, Mr. Ried, that would make a very +solemn thing of living.” + +“Well, did you suppose it was other than solemn? I'm sure it makes a +triumphant thing of it, too; and without it we are only a lot of wax +figures, dancing to pass the time away.” + +“But don't you really think that people have a right to have _any_ nice +times?” + +“Miss Dennis, did you ever see any person who had nicer times than your +friend, Mrs. Roberts?” + +“Well, Flossy is peculiar; her tastes all seem to lie in this direction; +though once they did not, I admit. Papa used to think that she had +no talent for anything but dancing. Something changed Flossy's entire +character. No one who knew her two years ago could possibly deny that.” + +“She will serve as an illustration, then, to explain my meaning. I +believe, Miss Dennis, that religion should have sufficient power over +us to change all our tastes and plans in life, fitting them to the +Saviour's use.” + +“But what would such a rule as that do with most of the Christians of +your acquaintance?” + +“Ah! I am old and experienced enough to warn you not to make shipwreck +of your happiness on that shoal. I hovered around it, and vexed my soul +over the whole bewildering question until I suddenly discovered that I +was held absolutely responsible only for my own soul, and that the Lord +would look after his own.” + +For a time there was no answer to this. + +Gracie let her fingers wander with apparent aimlessness over the keys, +drawing out soft, sweet strains. Suddenly she said:-- + +“What do you expect Flossy will accomplish with that last scheme of +hers? I ought to beg her pardon for the familiar name, but I have known +her ever since I was a child. Don't you think her attempts for those +boys rather hopeless?” + +Instantly the young man's eyes filled with tears, and when he spoke his +voice indicated deep emotion. + +“I can hardly tell you how I feel about those boys. I have been anxious +for them so long and felt so hopeless. Do you remember how Elijah sat +under a juniper tree, discouraged, and said that he was the only one who +had not bowed the knee to Baal, and the Lord told him he was +mistaken, that there were five thousand others? It sounds ridiculously +egotistical, but I have felt at times something like that; as though I +was the only one who cared whether the poor fellows went to destruction +or not. But since I have met Mrs. Roberts, and seen how intense she is +and single-hearted, and since through her I have met Dr. Everett, and +seen how they are trying to work at the same problem, and since I have +come to know how Mr. Roberts is at work all the time for young men; and, +above all, since that wonderful evening here last Monday, when I saw how +two gifted ladies understood the art of turning their accomplishments +to account, in order to take those poor fellows captive for Christ, I +discovered that there were ways of solving this problem about which +I had known nothing, and people to carry it through. It was simply +glorious in you to give those fellows such music as you did, and to +accomplish by it what you did. My life has been narrow, Miss Dennis; I +never saw the piano used for Christ before.” + +Gracie looked down at the keys, her face aglow. It was a new experience, +this being classed among the Christian workers of the world; making her +music for other purposes than to amuse the gay friends who chanced to +gather around her. She made the keys speak loudly for a few minutes, +then softening them, said:-- + +“You must not class me with Flossy, Mr. Ried. I only did what she wanted +done. I am not in the least like her, unselfish and gentle and all +that.” + +But his reply, spoken low, was pleasant to her ears:-- + +“'By their fruits ye shall know them.'” + +He evidently looked upon her as a worker. She could not help feeling +that it was pleasant to be so classed. What an intense young man he +was! Not in the least like those with whom she had hitherto been most +familiar. + +There was another voice in the front parlor--a strong, vigorous voice +that carried a sense of power with it. + +“Ah!” said Ried, his eyes bright, his face eager; “that is Dr. Everett. +Just study him if you want another type of the sort of Christian about +whom we have been talking; the grandest man!” + +Gracie, shielded by the distance, turned on her stool and studied him. +Certainly he did not look much as though he were appointed for early +death. What a splendid physique it was! + +And how thoroughly wide awake and interested he was in the subject under +discussion. Bits of the talk floated back to the two at the piano. + +“Oh, he is young,” Dr. Everett was saying; “I hope for returned vigor in +time; but there must be long weeks of patience before he will be ready +for his old employment.” + +“Do you know of whom he is speaking?” Gracie asked. + +“I fancy it is that Calkins boy, the one with the broken limb. He is +deeply interested in the poor fellow, and is trying to plan employment +of some less wearing sort for him, I believe. Dr. Everett is always +intensely interested in somebody.” + +“Is it always the very poor?” + +Alfred laughed. + +“Not always. I know several quite well-to-do fellows in whom he keeps +a careful oversight; but he is grandly interested in the poor. He is +taking rank as one of the most successful physicians in the city, and, +of course, he is pressed for time; yet he is so continually at the call +of the poor that people begin to speak of him as the poor man's doctor. +He told me he was proud of that title.” + +At this point the musicians were appealed to to come to the front +parlor, and Gracie had opportunity for a nearer study of the man whom +she could not help but admire. He was not likely to suffer from a nearer +view; at least, not while Gracie was in the mood that then possessed +her. He greeted her cordially, and at once brought her into the +conversation by appealing to her for a decision, seeming to take it for +granted that she was of the same spirit with himself. + +This young lady was taking lessons of life that were designed to be +helpful to her if she would but let them. A thoroughly well-educated and +cultured gentleman, well fitted to take high rank in society, not in the +ministry, and yet thoroughly absorbed in what she had hitherto almost +unconsciously set down as ministers' work was a mystery to her. +Moreover, for the second time that evening, she felt a curious sense of +satisfaction in being classed among the energetic workers of the +world. The pretty school-girl, who had lived all her young life in a +neighborhood where she was “Gracie Dennis,” looked up to, indeed, by +her set, and having a decided influence of her own, yet felt it to be a +novel experience to hear herself addressed in a clear, firm voice after +this manner:-- + +“Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of +young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them? +Of course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any +account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter.” + +“It is something about which I have not thought at all,” said Gracie, +her pretty face all in a flush. “But I should suppose the way would be +to take one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely +to interest and help _her_, and also to get such an influence over her +that she would read what I wanted her to.” + +“First catch your hare, eh? Good!” said the doctor, with an approving +glance towards Mrs. Roberts. “The longer I live the more convinced am +I that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this +world.” + +There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found +herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she +had supposed she knew nothing. + +Then occurred an interruption,--a ringing of the door-bell. + +“For Miss Dennis,” said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs. +Roberts. + +There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently +studied the name, then she said, composedly:-- + +“This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this +evening?” + +Since I have known Mrs. Roberts well, I have studied her innocently +sincere manner, with not a little curiosity as to the probable effect on +the world, suppose it were possible for others to adopt her method. The +actual practical effect with her is that she succeeds often in wisely +deceiving, while intending to be perfectly sincere. For instance, her +question to Gracie after a moment of hesitation, during which she asked +herself, “What ought I to do?” and immediately answered herself, “There +is nothing for me to do, but to be perfectly straight-forward.” + +Her question was intended to say to Gracie: “I trust you. What your +father has directed you to do, I feel sure you will obey.” But it said +different things from that to Gracie. Ever since she had been told that +she might make her old acquaintance, Flossy, a visit, this highly-strung +young lady had been suspicious that this was a device of her stepmother +to get pleasantly rid of her for a few weeks. She surmised that a very +carefully elaborate account of her sins had been written out by this +same stepmother for the benefit of her young hostess, and that special +directions had been given for guarding her from the wolf, Professor +Ellis. She would have spoiled the entire scheme by haughtily refusing to +leave home had not the innocent delight of a young girl over the thought +of visiting a beautiful strange city gotten the better of her pride. The +gently-put question of her hostess disarmed a whole nest of suspicions. +It was hardly possible that it had been hinted to Flossy that her guest +might attempt to elope with this man, else she would not with serene +face be asking whether it was her wish to receive him. + +“If you please,” she made haste to answer, her cheeks glowing the while, +and Mrs. Roberts gave instant direction that the gentleman be shown to +the parlor. + +There were several new lessons set for Miss Gracie Dennis to learn that +evening. One was that Professor Ellis, with his faultless dress and +excessive politeness, his finished bows and smiles, that would have done +credit to any ball-room in the land, his accurate knowledge of all the +printed rules of etiquette, yet in Mrs. Roberts' parlor, contrasted with +Dr. Everett, and even with young Ried, the dry-goods clerk, appeared at +a disadvantage. + +She was slow in learning the lesson: on that first evening she simply +stared at it in bewilderment. What did it mean? There was an attempt to +draw the professor into the circle, to continue the conversation that +had been so animated and interesting before his entrance. The effect +was much like that produced in striking a discordant note in a hitherto +faultless piece of music. Young men out of business needing help, +needing an encouraging word, an out-stretched hand! Professor Ellis had +words, and hands, but he might have been without either for all the help +they gave him in responding to efforts like these. Books to help uplift +the young, to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with +desires to live for a purpose! Truly he could only stare blankly at the +suggestion. What did he know of books written for such purposes? Yet +Gracie had supposed him to be literary in his tastes and pursuits. +Certainly he read French? Yes, French novels! He was quite familiar with +some of such a character that, had Gracie been a good French scholar and +ever likely to come in contact with a copy of them, he would not have +dared to mention their names in her presence. More than once of late had +the stepmother wished that her young daughter understood the language +well enough to be aware that the man whom she admired used frequently +smooth-sounding French oaths. But alas for Gracie, when he had so +poisoned her mother's influence over this dangerously pretty girl, that +she would have believed his word at any time rather than that mother's. +Well, he read other than French novels; Charles Reade, for instance, and +some of the more recent authors fashionable in certain circles. It is +true that Gracie was not acquainted with them, that her father would not +allow a copy of their books to come freely into his home, and Gracie +was much too honorable to read them in private. But it is also true that +while professing to admire this trait in her, as charming in a young +daughter, the professor had also, pityingly and gently, told this young +daughter that these things were her father's concessions to the narrow +age and trammelled profession to which he belonged; that the fact was, +free thought was discouraged, because there was that in every church +which would not bear its light; that her wise father was one of a +hundred in recognizing this, and trying to shield her while she was +young. + +You are also to remember that she _was_ young, and therefore forgive her +that she did not detect the contradictory sophistry in the professor's +words. He really understood how to sugar-coat poison as well as any man +of his stamp could. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +“HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY.” + + +But the question which would keep forcing itself on Gracie Dennis was +this: “If he really knows of nice books, full of 'the beautiful' and +'the ennobling,' that would enlighten the race, as he has often told +me, why doesn't he mention some of them now? There is no minister here +'trammelled by long years of narrowing education.' How does he know but +that these people are as 'advanced' in their ideas as he is himself?” + +I do not mean that she was conscious of thinking these thoughts, but +that they hovered on the edge, as it were, of her mind, making her +feel ill at ease. Dr. Everett, on his part, seemed courteously bent on +securing an expression of the professor's opinion about matters of which +he either could not, or would not, talk. When at last the disturbed +gentleman resolved to violate what Gracie was sure was a law of good +breeding, and address her in French, what with her embarrassment lest +others should understand, and her own marked ignorance of the language, +she found great difficulty in making a free translation. “Upon my word, +I wish you understood French, or some other tongue, so that we could +escape from this boredom. Does the poor little prisoner have much of +this to endure? Cannot we escape to the music-room, and talk things +over?” + +Gracie cast a frightened glance about her to see if there were others +who understood better than herself this sentence, which, for aught she +knew, might contain something startling. But Alfred was busily engaged +in looking up the name of a book which he had vainly tried to recall, +and Dr. Everett was apparently serenely oblivious to any language but +his mother-tongue. Very soon after this Gracie managed to escape +with her caller to the music alcove; thus much of the French she had +understood, and at least Professor Ellis could play; which fact she +resolved that the people in the front parlor should speedily understand. +Ah, but he could play! and herein lay one of his strong fascinations +for the music-loving girl. For a time the most ravishing strains rolled +through the parlor hushing into rapt attention the group gathered there, +who had just been reinforced by the coming of Mr. Roberts. By degrees +the strains grew fainter and fainter, and at last ceased altogether, as +the professor, still on the music-stool, bent over Gracie, seated in a +low chair, and apparently found fluent speech at last. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, was ill at ease. What would Dr. Dennis and +Marion say, could they have a peep at this moment into her back parlor? +Was she being faithful to her trust? Yet what was there she could do? +She tried to sustain her part in the conversation, but her troubled +gaze, constantly wandering elsewhere, betrayed her. Dr. Everett's keen +eyes were upon her. + +“Are you particularly interested in that man?” he asked, abruptly. + +Mrs. Roberts smiled faintly. + +“I am particularly interested in that girl,” she said. + +“How do you like her present companionship?” + +“Not at all,” she answered, quickly. + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts began to question. + +“May I know, doctor, whether you have any other reason than that of +intuition for asking the question?” + +“Possibly not,” said the doctor, guardedly. “It maybe a case of mistaken +identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something +that may be to his disadvantage?” + +Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:-- + +“There are reasons why it is specially important that such an +investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?” + +The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately +dropped. + +During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs. Roberts +well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a long, +bright, and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a sort +of second conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department should +outgrow their present bounds, but meantime other plants had taken root +and blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week the unused room +had been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive packages of various +shapes and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two young men from the +carpet store; and there followed soon after the sound of hammering. +Furniture-wagons halted before the door, leaving their burdens. Men and +women flitted to and fro, busy and important. + +It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were +invited in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least, +was prepared to appreciate its transformation. + +The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy +green, and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made +delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with +pictures and charts and maps. A study-table occupied the centre of +the room--one of those charming tables, full of mysterious drawers +and unexpected corners; paper and pens and inks in various colors were +disposed about this table in delightful profusion. + +Other tables, plenty of them, small and neat, each of a different shape +or design, were stationed at intervals, in convenient proximity to +comfortable chairs. Nothing could be further removed from one's idea of +a school-room than was that long, beautiful parlor; yet when you thought +of it, and took a second, deliberate survey, nothing that could have +contributed to the enjoyment of pupils was missing. A small cabinet +organ occupied an alcove, and music-books of various grades were strewn +over it. Toward this spot Mrs. Roberts smiled significantly as her eye +caught Alfred Ried's, and she said:-- + +“I have visions of sacred Sabbath evening half-hours, connected with +this corner, one of these days; meantime, is this a pleasant room for +our Monday evenings?” + +But Alfred could not answer her; his head was turned away, and there +was a suspicious lump in his throat, that made him know better than +to attempt speech. He was standing at that moment under one of the +wall-texts that the gaslight illumined until it glowed, and the words +stood out with startling clearness:-- + +“Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” + +His sister's text; one that, perhaps more than any other, was on her +lips when she talked with him; one that hung at her coffin's head when +he, a little boy, stood beside the coffin and looked down at her face, +and looked up at that text, and took a mental photograph of both to live +in his heart forever. + +“This is your special chair,” Mrs. Roberts said, smiling up at him; and +he understood her,--here was his opportunity to live out that text for +his sister. Wouldn't he try! + +“Well,” said Gracie, drawing a long breath, “as a study it is certainly +a success. One can easily see, Flossy, why you were born with the +ability to tell at a glance what colors harmonized, and just where +things fitted in. I can't imagine anything prettier than this, and I +cannot imagine what you are going to do with it.” + +Whereupon they sat down to talk that important question over: what they +were going to try to do. Sometimes I have wondered whether Ester, from +her beautiful home, could look down on it all, and whether she smiled +over the fact that her work was doing so much more than she had planned? +She had roused in her little brother an ambition that had grown with his +years, and that had helped to hold him away from many temptations: so +much, doubtless, she had foreseen; but what a blessed thing it was that +she had touched, in those long ago years, influences which had drawn her +brother, in his young and perilous manhood, into intimate relations with +such people as Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, so that they sat down familiarly to +talk over mutual interests! But for Ester's words, spoken long ago, but +for her strong desires transmitted to him, he might have sat with a very +different circle, and talked over widely different schemes. On the edge +of this circle Gracie Dennis hovered. She could not but be interested in +their talk, for she was a Christian, and her father was a Christian, and +she had, all her life breathed in the atmosphere of a Christian home. + +At the same time she could but imagine some of their ideas wild ones, +for she had never been associated with people who widely overstepped the +conventional ways of doing things; and she had, of late, been much with +Professor Ellis who had a sort of gentlemanly sneer for every phase of +Christian work, and, so far as could be discovered, believed in nothing. +He had not been outspoken, it is true, and herein lay one of the +dangers. He was too skillful to be outspoken; but the subtle poison had +been working, and although Gracie could not help being interested in +those queer boys, she could not help thinking Flossy's whole scheme +exceedingly visionary, and expected it to come to grief. The puzzling +question was, why did Mr. Roberts, being a keen-sighted man, permit it +all! Or was he so much in love with Flossy that he could not bear to +thwart even her wildest flights? It was strange, too, to see a young man +like Alfred Ried so absorbed; his sister must have had wonderful power +over him, Gracie thought. She went back to his sister's influence, +always, in trying to explain the matter, and never gave a thought to +Christ's influence. Meantime she listened to the various plans proposed +for the first Monday evening, and was sufficiently interested to gather +her pretty face in a frown when the distant peal from the door-bell +sounded through the house. + +“What a pity to be interrupted by a caller!” she exclaimed. “This room +is so much nicer than the parlor. Flossy, don't you hope it is some one +to see Mr. Roberts on business?” + +“No,” said Mrs. Roberts, shaking her head, with a smile, “I feel in +special need of Mr. Roberts just now. Evan, I really think we must be +excused to callers for this one evening; there are so many things to +arrange.” + +“Let us wait and see,” answered Mr. Roberts “perhaps the Lord sent the +caller here to help us, or to be helped.” + +At that moment came the card. + +“Oh, it is Dr. Everett!” was Mrs. Roberts' exclamation. “Let us have him +come directly here. Evan, please go and escort him. You were right,--the +Lord has sent him to help us. I don't know how, I'm sure; but he is just +the man to help everywhere.” + +And the circle instantly widened itself to receive Dr. Everett. + +It took almost no time to speak the commonplace of the occasion, and +get back at once to the business of the hour. It was evident that Dr. +Everett needed no lengthy explanations, and there was apparently nothing +bewildering to his mind in the plan. True, it was new to him, but he +seemed to spring at once to the centre of their thoughts. His eyes +glowed for a moment, and he said with peculiar emphasis:-- + +“Ried, when the son of man cometh, he will surely find _some_ faith on +the earth!” + +Then he gave himself to intensest listening and questioning, and +presently followed his questions with suggestions which showed that +unconventional ways of working were not altogether new to him. + +As for Gracie, she had as much as she could do to listen intelligently; +she almost caught her breath over the rapidity with which the talkers +moved from one scheme to another. All the time there was a curious +process of comparison between this man and Professor Ellis going on in +her mind. Not that she wished to compare the two! She told herself that +it was absurd to do so; none the less she did it. For instance, +she reminded herself that she had mentally assented promptly to the +suggestion of inviting the doctor to this room to talk this strange +scheme over; she had recognized the fitness of the act. But suppose +Professor Ellis should call, would it not be simply absurd to think of +explaining to him the uses of this unique room? Who would for a moment +think of suggesting his name as a helper? + + * * * * * + +I do not know how to describe to you the appearance of that room on +Monday evening when the boys were in it. I do not know whether the sight +to you would have been pitiful or ludicrous. How can I tell--not knowing +you? There was a dreadful incongruity between the soiled, ragged clothes +and matted hair and unwashed hands and the exquisite purity which +prevailed around them. Of course you could have seen that, but the +all-important question, the answer to which would have stamped your +place in the world's workshop, would have been, Do you see any further +than that? and seeing further--which way? Do you see the possibilities, +or the certainties of failure? Oh, no, I am wrong; it would take more +than that to tell where you belong. Dr. Everett saw the possibilities +and gloried in them. Gracie Dennis thought she saw the certainty of +failure, and was sorry for it. But Professor Ellis would have seen the +certainty of failure, and would have met it with a sneer, if he had not +been too indifferent even for that. As for Mrs. Roberts, did she, or did +she not, represent a different and higher type than any of the others? +She thought not much about either success or failure, but pushed +steadily forward the plan that she believed she had gotten on her knees, +born of the Spirit. If it really were of God, nothing could make it +fail; but if she mistook, and the plan was only hers, mere failure in +that direction would signify nothing; she would have but to try again. +Something of this she felt, but did not reason out, for she was no +logician. + +What the boys saw was a great, splendid room, the like of which they had +never seen before, for they recognized, without being able to explain, +the difference between it and the parlors, and felt freer in it. They +all came, and they looked not one whit better than on the Monday evening +before. Over this fact Gracie Dennis, with all her public scoffing, was, +in private, a little disappointed. It is true she had not expected to +see them again; but if they came, she thought it possible that they +might have been tempted to appear with clean hands and faces. Possibly +some were so tempted, and but for the difficulties in the way, might +really have tried for this. But Gracie was not sufficiently enlightened +to dream of difficulties in the way of simply washing one's face and +hands. + +During the Saturday evening conference it had been decided that Mr. +Roberts must make acquaintance with his guests. It would never do to +have them come familiarly to his house, and he not be able to recognize +them on the streets. Several plans were suggested for introducing him +skilfully to them, but he disapproved of them all. + +“No,” he said, “I'll tell you what we'll do. I will introduce myself. +You may receive them, Flossy, and then retire for a few minutes, +and I'll let myself in by the conservatory passage, and make myself +acquainted to the best of my abilities. In ten minutes, Flossy, I'll +give you leave to return. As for the rest of you, don't dare to venture +in until I have made good my claim as the head of the house. I am +jealous of you, perhaps.” + +To this plan Mrs. Roberts readily assented, but the young clerk +looked doubtful. In common with the rest of his employees, he stood in +wholesome awe of the keen-eyed, thorough business man, who seemed to +know, as by a sort of instinct, when anything in any department of +the great store was not moving according to rule. His knowledge of Mr. +Roberts, outside of the store, was limited, and he expected to find the +boys, if not frightened, so awed that they would resolve never to be +caught inside that room again. + +However, he of course only looked his fears. He was too much afraid of +the great merchant to express them, and it had been understood, when +they separated, that this plan was to be carried out. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +“I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER!” + + +In the library waited Gracie and Mr. Ried, while Mrs. Roberts went +merrily to see whether the boys or their host had proved the stronger. + +“I don't believe this part of the programme will work,” Alfred said, +confidently, the moment the door closed after Mrs. Roberts. “Those +fellows will all be afraid of Mr. Roberts, and we shall lose what little +hold we have on them.” + +“They don't look to me as though it ever occurred to them to be afraid +of anything,” Gracie said; but Alfred Ried, who had studied deeper into +this problem of the different classes of society, was ready with his +answer. + +“Yes they are; they can be awed, and made to feel uncomfortable to the +degree that they will resolve not to appear in that region again. +One cannot judge from their behavior in Sabbath-school. Some way they +recognize a mission school as being in a sense their property, and +behave accordingly; but in a man's own house, surrounded by things of +which they do not even know the name, he has them at a disadvantage, and +can easily rouse within them the feeling that they are 'trapped.' Than +which there is nothing those fellows dread so much, I believe.” + +“But they were not afraid of Flossy last week, even surrounded by the +elegances of her parlors and dining-room.” + +“Ah!” he said, his eyes alight, “she has a wisdom born of God, I think, +for managing these and all other concerns. She is unlike everybody +else.” + +Whereupon Gracie Dennis laughed; not a disagreeable laugh, but there +came to her just then a sense of the strangeness of thinking that pretty +Flossy Shipley, whom she had known all her life, and half-scorned from +the heights of her childhood because she was a silly little thing, who +could not do her problems in class, should have a wisdom unlike any +others. Yet, almost immediately her laugh was stayed, because the change +in Flossy was so great that she, too, recognized it as born of God. +Sometimes it came with force to this proud young girl that if God could +do so much for Flossy, what might he not be willing to do with those +whom he had made intellectually her superior, if they were but ready to +be led? + +The young man, who was studying her, watched the grave look deepen on +her face, and wondered at its source. What a pretty face it was. Oh, +much more than pretty; there was great strength in it and sweetness, +too, of a certain sort, but he could not help comparing the sort with +that in some other faces, and he wondered over the difference. This +young lady was a Christian. Why should her Christian experience stamp +her with such a different expression from that which others wore? He +always finished this sort of sentence with a blank space first, as +though he did not choose to have himself tell himself any names. Yet he +spoke a name forcibly enough, still gazing earnestly at Gracie. + +“Did you ever meet Miss Joy Saunders?” + +Gracie turned toward him a laughing face. + +“No, but we are very anxious to, Flossy and I. We have both been told +that we ought to know her, and told so earnestly that we really think we +ought. Who is she? Is she, too, unlike anybody else?” + +“Very,” he said, promptly. “I know her very little; she is the daughter +of our landlady; I meet her in the hall on rare occasions, and sometimes +catch glimpses of her just vanishing from some room as I enter; but as +for being acquainted with her, I suppose I am not. I think--though of +that I am by no means sure--that she is engaged to Dr. Everett. + +“Oh, then, of course he would think naturally that people ought to know +her. What is she like?” + +“Like nothing,” said Alfred, with great promptness. “Did you ever know a +person named Joy?” + +“No;--what a singular name.” + +“Well, it fits. She is very far removed from mirth, and she is not +what people call gay, and she is not outspoken apparently at any time, +though, as I say, I do not know her; but there is something in her face +that fits the name; I do not know what it is. Sometimes I think it is +the shining of Christ's face reflected in her; but the puzzle is, why do +not other faces have it? Faces which belong to him?” + +“Perhaps there is a difference in the degree of belonging.” + +Gracie spoke the words very gently, wondering meanwhile at the way in +which this thought chimed in with hers about Flossy. + +“Oh, there is. But why should there be? If I belong to Christ, I +_belong_, don't I? There is no half-way service possible. Why do I not +so look that others take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus?” + +“How do you know but they do?” + +“Ah, I know. I know too well. They are more likely a great deal to take +knowledge that I have been with Satan. I feel the frown all over my face +a great deal of the time; and the world goes astray a great many times, +when I suppose it is just myself that is wrong. But, Miss Dennis, I +hunger for the shining of his face in me.” + +“That must be the meaning of the beatitude which puzzled my childhood,” + she answered trying to speak lightly, to hide feelings that were deeply +moved: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, +for they shall be filled.” + +“Thank you,” he said, smiling; “there is actually a promise! I had +not thought of it. And yet”--the thoughtful frown gathering almost +immediately--“do you suppose that a person who really hungered for a +certain thing could be satisfied with anything else? I often have an +hour of what at the moment seems to me like hunger for Him, but the hour +passes, and I get filled--with business, or with plans, or possibly with +annoyances, and feel nothing but a general irritation for everybody. Do +you think there can be anything genuine about such desires, so easily +turned aside?” + +“Oh, I do not know,” said Gracie, hastily. “Why do you ask me such +things? Did not I tell you I was not good? Ask those people who are +unlike all others. Why don't you ask this Joy? She could tell you, I +presume. I can tell you nothing, save that this is a very strange world, +not half so nice as I once thought it, and I don't like to think about +things.” + +How _different_ he was from other young men with whom she had spent +fifteen minutes many a time in gay banter! This was, after all, the +thought uppermost in her mind at the moment. Nice Christian men, of whom +her father spoke well, and who, people said, were young men to be proud +of. It seemed to her that she knew them by the dozens, yet with which +one of them had she ever carried on such a conversation as this? With +which one could she have attempted any thing of the kind, without +leading him to suppose that she was taking leave of her senses? + +She recalled some of the gay words that she had spoken with these +others, and tried, hurriedly, to decide why it would sound to her +perfectly absurd to talk with Alfred Ried in that way. However, she +did not want to talk with him; he was too full of questionings. “And +questions,” said poor Gracie, “are all that I can ask myself. I want +somebody to talk with who is assured of the ground on which he stands, +and can tell me why he stands there.” + +There was not time for further talk--they were summoned to the new room. +Bursts of laughter greeted their ears as they made their way eagerly +across the hall, and Gracie took time to remark that the boys were +certainly not awed into silence, before the opening door let them into +the brightly-lighted scene. Every boy was laughing, not quietly, but +immoderately, and the centre of attraction was evidently Mr. Roberts. + +“I have been giving our friends an account of an old army experience,” + he said, in explanation to Gracie, “and we have been enjoying a laugh +together over the old memory. You are all acquainted with Miss Dennis, I +think, young gentlemen?” + +Clearly there was no need for any one to introduce Mr. Roberts to the +boys; apparently they knew him now better than they did any of the +others. Yet as Gracie, after shaking hands with each of the guests, +took a vacant seat by Nimble Dick, she was greeted with a confidential +whisper:-- + +“That's a jolly chap as ever I saw; and I never heard anything to beat +the yarn he told us, for cuteness. Who is he?” + +“Why, he is Mr. Evan Roberts, the owner of this house.” + +“My eyes!” said Dick, gazing about him in a startled way. “Look here; he +ain't that Roberts from the big store on Fourth Street?” + +“Yes, he is; he is one of the partners in that store.” + +Then did Nimble Dick give a low whistle,--suddenly cut short, as the +other boys looked at him,--and sat up straight in his chair, and for at +least a minute was awed; or else was bewildered. If his mind could have +been looked into for a moment something like this might have been seen +there: “And here I am sittin' in one of his chairs, and been laughin' to +kill over his funny story! If this ain't the greatest lark out! I wonder +what they're all after, anyhow!” + +Then the real business of the evening commenced. + +I should like to describe that evening; but it is really worse to +describe than the boys. It was designed to be one of those most +difficult evenings, where every act and almost every word has been +previously arranged, but arranged in such a manner as to appear like an +impromptu effort, the result of merely the happenings of the hour. + +For instance, Mrs. Roberts aimed at nothing less formidable than the +teaching of these boys to read and write; and know as well as ever I +know it, that to frankly own that she was ready and willing to give her +time and patience in so teaching them would be to outwit herself. They +did not belong to the class who can be beguiled into evening schools. +There are such; Mark Calkins would have seized such an opportunity +and rejoiced over it, but these were lower in the scale; they did +not realize their need, and they had what they in ignorance called +“independence”; they were not to be “trapped” by evening schools. +Therefore it required diplomacy; and no people can be more diplomatic, +on occasion, than certain most innocent-looking little women. Mrs. +Roberts had studied her way step by step. + +Therefore it was, that by the most natural passage possible, she led the +way to a discussion of different styles of writing, bringing forth to +aid her a certain old autograph album which had been to many places +of note, among others Chautauqua, and had the names of distinguished +persons, as well as of many who were not distinguished, except for +Christian endurance in consenting to write in an autograph album. Good +writers were talked about and selected, and poor writers were talked +about, and it was said by some one, accidentally of course, that a good +hand was really an accomplishment. + +“It is more than that!” declared Mr. Roberts. “A man's business life +often turns on it. I have myself had to turn away from several otherwise +suitable helpers in our business because they really could not write a +good, clear hand, that could be read without studying.” + +“Are you a good writer, Miss Gracie?” + +This remark, coming suddenly to Gracie from her host, almost embarrassed +her, for you are not to suppose that the very words by which these +themes should be introduced had been planned, and it had not occurred to +Gracie that so personal a question might be asked her. But she rallied +quickly. + +“No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not. I write what papa calls a +mincing hand; all jumbled up together, you know, or running into each +other, the letters are, and so difficult to read that papa said when I +came away he hoped I would call on his friend, Dr. Stuart, every day, +and write a letter on his type-writer.” + +“What is that?” interrupted Nimble Dick, his face curious. + +“What? A type-writer? Oh, it is a strange little machine used instead of +the pen--at least, a very few people use it. It is quite new, I think, +and must be very curious. I never saw one, but the writing looks just +like print. Dr. Stuart, a pastor in the city, is my papa's friend, and +writes to him on his, and papa reads the letter with great satisfaction, +saying to me, 'There, daughter, that is something like! People who +cannot write well enough for others to read should print.'” + +“They are not so very uncommon, Miss Dennis,” explained Dr. Everett, +who saw the eagerness on Nimble Dick's face. “It is a comparatively new +invention, but is being caught up very promptly. I think nearly all +the leading lawyers use them, and those who do not own them are +getting their copying done at the rooms. They are very ingenious little +instruments.” + +“Did you say you never saw one?” + +This question from Mr. Roberts to Gracie, and he added:-- + +“Mrs. Roberts, I believe you have never had other than the first glimpse +I showed you in the Parker Building. I have an idea. Suppose I rent one +of the little fellows to interest us? It would be pleasant to look into +it and see how it works. Did none of you ever see one? Well, now, we'll +try for that on next Monday evening. I'll have one sent up to-morrow, +and, Miss Gracie, we'll appoint you showman for the following Monday; so +it is to be hoped that you will employ your leisure in learning how to +manage the creature, and perhaps send your father a readable letter at +the same time.” + +Now, as may readily be supposed, all this about machinery had not been +arranged for beforehand, but was a side issue, born of the fact that the +watchful servant of his Master saw an eager look in the eyes of the boy +Dick directly there was anything said that suggested machinery. One +of the great aims of these evenings was to study character, however +developed. + +Having turned his company from the regular channel, Mr. Roberts made +haste to put them skilfully back where they were before:-- + +“Still, it would be a pity to resort to machinery simply because one did +not know how to write well. I would rather set to work to correct the +error. I happen to know one of our number who can write a very enviable +hand. Do you know, Ried, that the letter you wrote me was the first +thing which attracted me to you? I remember I showed the note to one of +our senior partners, who was particularly disturbed by poor writing, and +he said: 'Engage him, Roberts, do! A young man who can write like that +will be a relief.' Mrs. Roberts, I move you that we resolve ourselves at +this moment into a writing-class, to be taught by Mr. Ried. My dear sir, +will you take us in hand?” + +Something of this kind had been planned--at least, it had been planned +that Ried should be asked to do this thing; but he found the actual +asking embarrassing, and struggled with it with flushing cheeks. Gracie +came to his aid:-- + +“I don't know whether I'll take lessons or not. Who wants to expose +one's ignorance? Will you teach? Must we each give a specimen of our +present attainments?” + +Instantly Ried divined the reason for the question. + +“No,” he said, eagerly; “oh, no; I should begin with those horrors of +your childhood, pothooks or something of that sort; lines and curves, +you know. There are not many of them after all in our letters, and when +once a person has conquered them it is easy to put them together.” + +There was more talk, easy and social. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the doctor, +and Gracie seemed equally interested in the project, and questioned +young Ried, until he assured them that he began to feel like a veritable +professor. Apparently the boys were forgotten. This very fact put them +at their ease, and they listened, interested and amused over the thought +that these ladies and gentlemen wanted to go to school! + +At first I do not think it occurred to one of them that he was included +in the proposal to form an writing-class. + +How was it done? I am not sure that any one of the eager group of +workers could have told you afterward, so excited did they become over +this first scheme. Nobody could remember just what words were said, nor +who said them, nor whether the boys all looked equally startled when +paper and pen were put into each hand. They remembered that some shook +their heads emphatically, and that Nimble Dick spoke plainly: “No you +don't! I can't write any more than a duck can, and I never expect to.” + Mrs. Roberts knew that Dirk Colson's dark face turned a fierce red, and +he snapped the offered pen half-way across the table with his indignant +thumb and finger. But of these words and acts nobody apparently took any +notice. The writing began, and the first marks given as copies were +so simple, looked so easy to do, and the attempts of the ladies and +gentlemen fell so far short of what the teacher desired, and were so +unmercifully criticised by him, and the criticisms were so merrily +received by the writers, that at last the whole thing took the form of +a joke to Nimble Dick's mind, and he became possessed with a burning +desire to try. One by one the boys stealthily followed his example; +Alfred taking care to watch eagerly, to commend both Stephen Crowley +and Gracie Dennis in the same breath for some true stroke, and criticise +both Mrs. Roberts and Nimble Dick for not holding the pen aright. + +The entire party became so interested that only Mrs. Roberts knew just +when Dirk Colson stealthily filliped back his pen from the distance to +which it had been rolled, and, sitting upright that he might attract +the less notice, tried his hand on the curve which was giving even Dr. +Everett trouble. + +When the young teacher discovered it he made also another discovery, +which he proclaimed:-- + +“Upon my word, I beg the pardon of each of you, but Colson here has made +the only respectable _R_-curve there is in the company.” + +Then if his sister Mart had seen the glow on Dirk's face, I am not sure +that she would have known him. There was a momentary transformation. + +As for Mrs. Roberts, she bowed low over the letter she was carefully +forming, but it was to say in soft whisper heard by one ear alone:-- + +“Thank God!” + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +“YOURN'S THE WAY!” + + +You are not to suppose, because this first Monday evening (which, by the +way, was concluded with sandwiches and coffee) was a success, pronounced +so by all concerned, that therefore the ones which followed were all +rose-color. + +Fortunately, not one of the workers expected this, and so were brave and +cheerful under drawbacks. + +These were numerous and varied. + +After the first novelty wore off, it took at times only the most trivial +excuses to keep the boys away. Sometimes when they called their conduct +was anything but encouraging. They lolled in the easy-chairs, smelling +strongly of tobacco and other bar-room odors, refused insolently to +apply themselves to any work at hand, audibly pronounced the whole +thing “slow,” and in numberless ways severely tried the patience of both +Alfred and Gracie. + +For the others, they had counted the cost,--at least the gentlemen +had,--and expected to move slowly, even to appear to go backward some +of the time. As for Mrs. Roberts, I have told you that she worked in a +peculiar manner, with the motto, “This one thing I do,” apparently ever +before her. + +Each evening was distinct in itself, with efforts to make and obstacles +to overcome; and at its close she had a way of laying it aside, as +something with which her part was done, not attempting even to calculate +results; then she was ready to turn to a new day, and work steadily for +that. + +The winter was slipping away and Gracie Dennis lingered. She could +hardly have told you why, yet there were many apparent reasons. Mrs. +Roberts wanted her, rejoiced in her, and coaxed irresistibly as often +as the thought of going home was mentioned. Then Gracie, laugh over the +peculiar work going on as she might, was undeniably interested in those +boys. She was working for them, therefore of course she was interested. + +“I don't see how you can go this week?” would young Ried say to her, +with a perplexed air; “you know we have that matter all planned for next +Monday evening. How can we carry out the scheme if you are not there to +do your part?” + +Then would Gracie laugh and demur and admit, to herself only, that it +was very pleasant to be needed--as she certainly was--for one night +more; and so the nights passed. + +Her work was to be “Professor of Elocution,” as Mr. Roberts gaily called +her when the workers were alone together. It had been discovered that +she could read both prose and poetry with effect. So a reading-class was +organized, and they chose for the first evening, not one of Bryant's or +Whittier's gems, nor selections from Milton or Shakespeare, which would +have suited part of the company, nor yet the “Easy Readings” in some +standard spelling-book, which would have fitted the capacity of the +others, but with great care and much discussion, one of Will Carleton's +descriptive poems, full of homely, yet tender language, full of pathos +and of humor, was unanimously selected. + +The first evening reading had been commenced with nuts and apples. There +are those who can see no connection between this and the intellectual; +happily for the characters with whom she had to deal, Mrs. Roberts was +not one of them. While the others were still enjoying the refreshments +she took the book and read. This was her quiet little sacrifice. It was +not pleasant to her to become a public reader. It required courage +to get through with one verse, with Dr. Everett sitting opposite, and +Gracie Dennis on a low seat at her side, and her husband listening +intently. Mrs. Roberts was not a good reader, and was aware of it. She +pronounced the words correctly, it is true; but when you had said that, +you had said all that there was to offer in praise of her effort. She +had some exasperating faults. But she bravely read the two verses, and +some of the boys listened, and one of them laughed; he had caught a +gleam of the fun in the poem. This, of course, was Nimble Dick. + +Then Alfred Ried made the same effort on the same verses; his +performance was very little better, and he, too, knew it. He could +write, but he was by no means a public reader; this was his offering to +the general good. If those fellows, by reason of his mistakes, could +be induced to climb, he was willing to offer his pride on the altar. No +matter by what petty trials they were caught so that they were really +caught. + +Then followed Gracie Dennis, and her own father, acceptable preacher +though he was, might with credit to himself have taken lessons of her. +She was certainly, for one so young and so unprofessional, a magnificent +reader. So indeed was Marion Wilbur, and she had enjoyed teaching +Gracie. + +The poem blossomed in her hand. The crunching of nuts and apples +entirely ceased. The boys sat erect and listened and laughed and flushed +and swallowed suspiciously over some of the homely pathos. They had +never heard anything like that before, and they evidently appreciated +it. She read through to the end. + +Then were unloosed the tongues! They exclaimed in delight:-- + +“What an accomplishment it is!” said Mr. Roberts; “and how few possess +it. Doctor, how many really fine readers have you heard in your life?” + +“About three,” said the doctor, laconically. + +“Well,” said Mrs. Roberts, “let us all be exceptions. Gracie, teach us +how. I will try again.” + +And she did, on the first verse of the poem; with better success than +before; but how sharp the contrast between her reading and Gracie's, she +knew! It was not easy for her to read. + +I don't know, possibly I am mistaken, but it seems to me that I have +known people ready for large sacrifices, who yet would shrink painfully +from these little ones. + +In discussing the programme for the evening, the question had been, when +each had done his part, How were they to influence the boys to join? +_Could_ they join? Was it probable that they knew enough about reading +to attempt to speak the words of the poem? With reference to this +obstacle a poem had been chosen full of simple, homely words, such as +are in common use; especially was the first verse free from what Mr. +Roberts called “shoals.” Having heard the verse read several times, it +was hoped that some one of the seven might have courage to attempt it, +but Gracie did not believe that such would be the case. + +“I don't see how we can ask them, and do it naturally,” said Dr. +Everett. “It is such an unheard-of thing, you know; and I am afraid, do +our best, it will present itself to them as a patronage, and that will +be fatal. The people who are low enough to need patronage are the very +ones who won't endure it.” + +Whereupon various ways of managing the matter were discussed and +discarded; suddenly Mrs. Roberts turned to her young lieutenant, who had +been silent for some time, and said:-- + +“What are you thinking of, Mr. Ried? Do you see a way out?” + +“No,” he said; “I have neither knowledge nor skill in such matters, +but my thoughts just then were far away; I was thinking how curiously, +certain apparently trivial instances of one's childhood will stand out +with almost startling prominence.” + +“What sent you off in that direction?” questioned Dr. Everett. “There +must have been an association of ideas.” + +“Oh, there was; I was thinking how vividly I remembered a discussion +between my mother and my sister, younger than Ester, in regard to some +matter which perplexed them; and when they could come to no satisfactory +conclusion they appealed to my sister Ester, who was resting as usual on +her lounge. I can seem to hear her voice as she said: 'We haven't to do +anything about it until to-morrow; perhaps to-morrow will have a light +of its own for our direction.” + +“Thank you!” Mrs. Roberts said, her eyes lighting with an appreciative +smile; “we have not to do anything about this until Monday night, and +perhaps Monday night will see us wise.” + +I don't know how many thought of this little conversation when Monday +evening came, but certainly Alfred Ried and Mrs. Roberts did, for +she glanced at him and smiled significantly when Dr. Everett, having +apparently forgotten that anything beyond their own pleasure was in +contemplation, challenged Gracie to a discussion as to the emphasis on +a certain word in the second line; he had never heard it so read, and he +called for an analysis that would sustain the reading, and received it, +and was not yet prepared to yield the point, but read the verse as he +had imagined it should be read, and then Gracie, at Mr. Roberts' call, +repeated it with her rendering, and I am not sure but all parties +concerned actually forgot their final object in the interest of the +discussion until they were suddenly called to it by an interrupting +voice:-- + +“Your'n's the way,” it said, with an emphatic nod of a shock of matted +hair, “your'n's the way.” + +It was Dirk Colson. He had forgotten for the moment that anybody was +listening to him, save the two readers. He was looking directly at +Gracie, and the nods were evidently intended for her. + +“Of course it is!” she said, eagerly, her face flushing with a triumph +that had nothing to do with the right emphasis; “you read it, won't you, +and show these people that we are right?” + +Afterward Mrs. Roberts confessed that she involuntarily placed her hand +on her heart with a dim idea of hushing its beating lest others would +hear, so important to her did the moment seem. Dr. Everett looked +dismayed. The least hopeful one of the seven seemed Dirk. None of them +knew of his dangerous talent for imitation. None of them believed that +he would make any attempt at reading, but thought he would shrink into +deeper sullenness. All of them were mistaken. He reached for the book, +glanced for a moment over the lines, and then read the verse, with so +complete an imitation of Gracie Dennis, and yet with a voice and manner +that so fitted the homely words and the homely scene described that the +effect was actually better than when Gracie read. + +Instinctively the cultured portion of his audience greeted the effort +with a clapping of hands. The blood, meantime, rolled in dark waves over +Dirk's face. He had been cheered before. None of his present applauders +could imagine what a set had often clapped their hands over his +successful imitations; but Dirk, who liked applause as well as other +human beings do, had never, in his wildest stretches of imagination, +placed himself before such people as listened now and received their +approval. + +Great was the excitement and satisfaction. The six companions, far from +feeling any emotion of jealousy, seemed greatly elated, believing that +one of their number had made a “hit,” and increased their importance. + +No one else could be found to attempt the verse. Nimble Dick shook his +head good-naturedly, and declared that he would rather “undertake to run +an engine to Californy” than try it; and the others were of like mind. +Then came Gracie to the front again:-- + +“I'll tell you what you must all do. I have been experimenting with that +type-writer, Mr. Roberts, all the week. You know it will manifold, with +the use of carbon paper, and it chances that when I was seized with a +desire to try its powers in that direction I choose this very verse to +copy; so I have fifteen good copies in print. You must each take a copy +and make this verse a study until next Monday; then I shall challenge +you all to sustain me in my reading.” + +This proposition was hailed with such satisfaction by the older members +that it immediately became popular, and each boy received his copy +mechanically and gazed at it curiously: but Dirk Colson's thoughts were +turned in a new channel. + +“Look here!” he said, detaining Gracie by an imperious inclination of +his head, as she handed him the copy; “how did you make these? didn't +you print them fifteen times? I didn't understand what you said.” + +“Why no!” said Gracie, “the machine will _manifold_. I'll show you; come +over to the end window; it stands there waiting to be displayed, and it +is a little wonder.” + +Then they crowded around the type-writer, and Gracie, really proud +of the skill she had acquired in a week's time, showed off the little +wonder to great advantage. + +The fact that the type-writer was new to most of the others, that they +were decidedly ignorant as to its working, increased the comfort of the +hour by doing away with the embarrassing feeling that any one of +them was playing a part. Dr. Everett was no more familiar with the +type-writer than was Dirk Colson, and was just as eager to know about +it. + +Also everybody, apparently, felt an equally strong desire to write his +name on the marvellous little creature, and each in turn sat down before +it and moved his awkward hands with nearly equal slowness over the keys, +picking out the magic letters. + +It was this episode that made the workers during their next conference +branch out in new lines. + +“We need something,” said Dr. Everett, walking up and down the floor +in puzzled thought, “we need something that shall be a genuine +common interest, of which we are all, or all but one, equally +ignorant--something that we can take hold of with zest, on as low a +platform as the most ignorant of those seen. I was convinced of that +when I saw the abandon with which we all went into the type-writer +business, with a naturalness and equality that, in the matter of reading +and writing, it is impossible for us to feel. If the machine were +complicated, so that it would take us each three months or so to master +it, that would do. What can we take up that will place us on a level?” + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +“WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS.” + + +“Well,” said Mr. Ried, “we should want to have one of our number not 'on +a level.' How would it do to appoint you, sir, to give us a few lectures +in Hygiene? Popular lectures about air and exercise and ventilation +and bathing, and all sorts of every-day topics, about which people are +ignorant.” + +“That's a capital idea, Ried. Those fellows could certainly be benefited +by a little attention to such questions; and I'm sure the rest of us +would like to hear of the principles which govern these important laws. +Such lectures put into popular form are decidedly interesting, I think. +Let us vote for them.” This was Mr. Roberts' hearty seconding. + +But the doctor laughed. + +“There is a ludicrous side to it which you do not see,” he said. +“Imagine me holding forth on the importance of ventilation, for +instance, to a poor follow who comes from a region where father and +mother, and a horde of children of both sexes and all ages, crowd +together in one room, and that a cellar, where the sun never penetrates +and the air that crawls in through the one small window is reeking with +even more impurities than can be found inside. Or talking about bathing, +to the poor wretches who have no clothing to change, and barely water +enough, by carrying it long distances, to satisfy their most pressing +needs! Still, Ried, I'm not quarrelling with your idea. There is a +sensible side to it; there are things that I could tell even those boys +which might interest them, and would certainly be to their advantage to +know. The subject is one which can be popularized to suit even such an +audience. I'll try for it occasionally if it shall seem best: but it +doesn't meet my demand. I want us all on a platform where we shall start +in equal ignorance and get on together. Of course you are all more or +less familiar with all the facts that I should have to present, and the +boys would know it. They are sharp fellows; it wouldn't take them an +hour to discover that we were fishing for them; and if there is any one +thing on which they are at present determined, it is, probably, that +they will not be benefited. What is there that one of us knows, of which +the others are ignorant? French won't do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted +with that language, I think, and so are you, Ried, are you not?” + +“Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a +native as you do.” + +At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She +remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had +understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have +thought of the courtesy of her guest? + +Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face. + +“You are right,” he said to the doctor; “we are not enough on a level; +I felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the +type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on +which all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could +turn professor?” + +Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:-- + +“If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I +really don't know what to do.” + +The doctor turned to him quickly:-- + +“Out with it, man; if you are master of a profession or a trade or +a theory unknown to the rest of us, you are bound on your honor as a +member of this unique organization to present it.” + +At the same moment Mrs. Roberts came to his aid. + +“Oh, Evan, teach us short-hand!” + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts heaved what was intended to appear as a relieved +sigh, and announced that his modesty was preserved. + +Upon this suggestion they seized with eagerness; not one of them knew +anything about phonetic writing save Mr. Roberts, and he was master of +the art. + +“It is the very thing!” the doctor said, with heartiness. “I should like +exceedingly to learn it, and Ried and the ladies may be able to make it +useful in a hundred ways; and as for the seven, if they really master +it, it may be the foundation of a fortune for some of them.” + +So, without more ado, it was planned that at the very next Monday +evening the subject should be skilfully presented, its importance and +its fascinations discussed, and the boys be beguiled into taking a first +lesson, sandwiched in between the all-important reading and writing +lessons. + +Alas for plans! On the very next Monday the conspirators, with the +exception of young Ried, were together by seven o'clock. The faint aroma +of coffee floated through the room. A fruit-basket filled with oranges +occupied a conspicuous table, and everything waited for the guests. + +While they waited, instead of enjoying themselves as the four were +certainly capable of doing, they were noticeably restless; listened for +the shuffling of careless feet on the steps, and the sound of uncultured +voices in the hall, and waited expectantly whenever the bell pealed, +only to be obliged to send word to some caller that “Mr. and Mrs. +Roberts were engaged.” + +The special occupation of the four seemed to be to look at their watches +and to remark that the doctor's was a trifle fast, and to wonder if +half-past seven would be a more suitable hour for the boys, and to +wonder what could be detaining Ried. + +At last it was half-past seven, and then it was fifteen minutes of +eight, and then it was ten minutes of eight! And then the door-bell rang +again. It was Ried, and he was alone! One glance at his distressed +face told the lookers-on that something was amiss, even before he +exclaimed:-- + +“You won't see a boy to-night!” + +“Why?” “What is the trouble?” “Where are they?” + +These were the various ways of putting the same question. + +“One of the McCullum partners has become interested in the boys, it +seems, and has concluded that he will try what he can do towards their +elevation; so he has commenced by presenting each one of them with a +ticket to the Green Street Theatre, and there they are at this moment!” + +This startling intelligence was variously received. Dr. Everett +exclaimed:-- + +“Is it possible?” + +Gracie Dennis remarked that it was something like what she had expected; +Mrs. Roberts said not a word, and Mr. Roberts added to the astonishment +of the moment by bursting into a laugh. + +Poor Ried seemed to feel the laugh more than anything; his face gathered +into heavier clouds than before, he bit his lip to hold back the vexed +words that were just ready to burst forth, and strode almost angrily to +the further corner of the room. + +An embarrassed silence seemed to fall upon the others. At least Gracie +felt embarrassed; the doctor looked simply expectant. + +At last Mr. Roberts drew himself up from his lounging attitude and broke +into the stillness. + +“Ah, now, good people, don't let us make serious mistakes! Come back +here, my dear young brother, and let us look this thing in the face, and +talk it over calmly. Are we children playing at benevolence that at +the first discouragement we should cry out, 'All is lost!' and retire +vanquished? Come, I laughed because really this does not seem such a +serious matter to me as it seems to present to the rest of you. + +“What did we expect? Here are seven boys, right from the gutters; +somehow we have had them laid on our hearts, and have enlisted to help +fight the battle that is going on about them in this world. Christ died +to save them, and Satan means that the sacrifice shall be in vain. He +is bringing all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied +powers. + +“Here comes into the scene a man benevolently inclined; not a Christian, +but in his way a philanthropist. By accident he has come in contact with +one of the boys; by accident he learns that something--he does not know +quite what--is being attempted to benefit them. Can't you give him the +credit of being honest? The only thing he thinks of that he can do to +help is to give them an evening's entertainment. At one of the decent +theatres there is being presented what seems to be known in their +parlance as a 'moral play!' So he presents each boy with a ticket. Now, +what did we expect of those boys? + +“Last week a lady and two gentleman who have been members of our church +for years, left the regular prayer-meeting, and went to the Philharmonic +concert. + +“Ought we to expect that it would even occur to our seven boys to give +up what to them is a rare treat for the pleasure of spending an evening +with us? As for the moral obligation, they have probably never so much +as heard the words. + +“Isn't it time we knew what we were about? What are we after? It is well +enough to teach the poor fellows to read and write, and to help lift +them up in other ways, but our efforts will amount to very little unless +we succeed in bringing them to the great Lever of human society; unless +Christ take hold of this thing we shall fail. Now, has He taken hold? Is +He, at least, as much interested in them as we are? Is His Holy Spirit +preceding and supplementing all our efforts? And, if this is the case, +is an evening at a theatre going to ruin His plans?” + +Long before these earnest sentences were concluded Ried had returned +from his distant corner, and taken a seat near his employer; his eyes +were full of tears, and his voice trembled:-- + +“I beg your pardon, Mr. Roberts; I'm an ignorant blunderer; I did feel +for the moment as though everything were lost.” + +“We have begun backwards,” said Mr. Roberts; “I was reading to-day that +a mistake the missionaries made for years in trying to _civilize_ the +Greenlanders; and what a perfect failure they made of it until one day +almost by accident, a man began to tell them about Christ on the cross, +and the story melted them. I don't think I have thought enough about Him +in this matter.” + +“I stand convicted,” Dr. Everett said; “I've made the same mistake, I +believe, in all my efforts for people. I have been praying for them, it +is true; but, after all, I feel now as though there had been too much +relying on human means, and not enough on God. It is a case of 'these +ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.'” + +“Well,” said Mr. Roberts, looking at his watch, “we are in the same +condemnation; it is, I believe, the most common, and one of the most +fatal, mistakes that Christian workers make. But there is a way out. We +expected to spend until ten o'clock with those boys. It is nearly nine +now; suppose we spend the next hour with Christ, asking for the power of +the Holy Spirit on any and every effort that we may make for them in the +future? Our ultimate aim is to bring every one of them to Jesus and He +knows it; now if we have gone about in the wrong way, we have only to +ask Him forgiveness and look to Him steadily for guidance. What do you +say, friends, shall we spend the hour in taking them to the only One who +really can afford them lasting help?” + +I suppose that He who “maketh the wrath of man to praise Him” is equally +able to manage the folly of man. Could the injudicious philanthropist +have looked into that room that evening, and heard the prayers that +went up to God for those boys, and understood something of the power +of prayer, he would have had one illustration of how God manages the +foolishness of men. + +It was a very earnest prayer-meeting. These workers had each one bowed +in secret, and with more or less earnestness, asked for God's blessing +on their efforts; but it occurred to them that evening, as a very +strange thing, that they had never unitedly prayed for this before. +Therefore there was an element of confession in all the prayers that +moved Gracie Dennis strangely. Especially was this the case when she +heard her old acquaintance, Flossy, pour out her soul's longings. It +happened, so strange are the customs of Christians, that though this was +the daughter of a minister of the gospel, herself a Christian, she had +never before heard a lady pray in the presence of gentlemen. She had +heard of their doing so; heard them criticised with sharp sarcasm. Some +of the criticisms which had sounded full of keenness and wit when she +heard them, recurred to her at this time, and some way, with Flossy's +low, earnest voice filling her heart, they dwindled into shallowness and +coarseness. All the same, their baneful influence was on her, and +helped to hold her back from opening her lips, for the critic had been +Professor Ellis. + +When the hostess and her young guest were left alone together that +evening, the latter had a question to ask:-- + +“Flossy Shipley!”--the name you will remember which she always went back +to when excited--“I didn't know you believed in praying in _public_! +Have you changed in _everything_?” + +“In public, my dear!” with a quiet smile; “why, I am in my own house!” + +“Oh, yes; but you know what I mean--before gentlemen. Do you really +think it is necessary?” + +“As to that, Gracie, I don't believe I thought anything about it. I +wanted to pray for those boys, and so I prayed.” + +“And didn't you really shrink from it at all? How very queer! Flossy, I +do believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been. +I don't see what makes the difference. I'm sure I think I'm a Christian, +but I could never do such a thing as that.” + +“Not if you believed it to be your duty?” + +“But I don't believe it,” said the fair logician, her face flushing; +“I think it is out of place. I beg your pardon, Flossy, I don't mean I +think it sounded badly in you; but only that for me it would be horrid, +and I couldn't do it.” + +“Then what are you talking about, my dear? If you should never consider +it your duty, you would certainly never be called upon to do it.” + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +“OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!” + + +This very calm view of the question gave Gracie time to recover from +her excitement, and to laugh at her folly. Then Mrs. Roberts said, still +speaking very gently:-- + +“I don't want to argue with you, dear, and I couldn't if I wished; you +know I am a dunce about all such things; but I just want to ask you a +little question; you need not answer me unless you choose; not now, that +is--perhaps some time we may want to talk about it. I would like to know +the reasons that people have for thinking that it is out of place for a +lady to kneel down with her Christian friends and speak to Jesus about a +thing that they unitedly desire, and that they believe He is able to do +for them? If it is not proper to speak before them, why is it proper to +speak _to_ them on the same subject?” + +This question Gracie carried to her room for thought. + +Meantime, as Dr. Everett and young Ried went homeward, they had a talk +together. + +“When I found out that those boys had gone to the theatre to-night I was +completely discouraged,” declared Ried. “It seemed to me that our work +was a failure; I could almost see Satan laughing over the success of his +scheme. I never felt so about anything in my life. And now it seems to +me that perhaps the Lord will let it result in being the best thing that +ever happened to us.” + +To all of which Dr. Everett made the apparently irrelevant answer:-- + +“Mr. Roberts and his wife are singularly well mated; how perfectly they +fit into each other's thoughts. Ried, you and I have a great deal to +learn from them.” + +“I have,” said Ried, meekly. + +Yet another bit of talk closed this evening: + +“McCullum has given me an idea,” Mr. Roberts said to his wife as they +sat together reviewing the day. “Not a bad one, I fancy. I wonder when +we can act on it and watch results? There are tickets for other places +besides theatres. Why couldn't we furnish them for some entertainment, +lecture, or concert, or something of the sort, that would be really +helpful? The only difficulty is that there are few helpful places as yet +within reach of their capacities. It takes an exceptional genius to hold +such listeners.” + +But his wife, her face aglow, clasped her hands in an ecstasy of +delight. + +“What a beautiful thought!” she said; “and how nice that it should come +to you just now, when there will be such a splendid opportunity to +put it in practice. Why, don't you know? Gough, next week, fifty cent +tickets; on temperance, too! how grand! And Evan, let us give them each +two tickets. I want that Dirk Colson to take his sister; perhaps he will +not, but then he may; one can never tell. Oh, Evan, won't it be nice?” + +“Ah!” said Mr. Roberts, “as usual you are ahead of me. I had not thought +of the two tickets apiece. That is a suggestion for their manliness. +Flossy, we'll try it.” + +Yet another bit of talk. + +They shambled down the stairs, from the second-rate hall at a late hour +that evening--those seven boys; quiet for them, though the play had been +exciting, and not remarkably moral “viewed” from the standpoint of a +Christian. + +“After all,” said Nimble Dick, breaking a silence with speech, as though +the subject of which he spoke had been under discussion among them, +“after all, it was rather sneaking to bolt and say nothing; I kind of +wish we hadn't done it.” + +“That's what I told you all along,” said Dirk Colson, with even unusual +sullenness, “but you would go and do it, and we was fools enough to +follow you.” + +“And I'll bet she had oysters or something!” This from Jerry Tompkins; +you have probably no idea how hungry he was at that moment. + +“They was goin' to do somethin' new to-night; that there Dennis girl +told me so when I met her on the street yesterday; something that we +would like first rate, she said--a brand-new notion.” This was Stephen +Crowley's contribution to the general discomfort. + +“Well,” said Nimble Dick, and the sigh with which he spoke the word +would have gone to Mrs. Roberts' heart, “I s'pose it's all up now; I +shouldn't wonder if we never got another bid; I wouldn't if I was them, +I know that; and their old theatre wasn't no great shakes, after all. +We've been a pack of fools, and I don't mind owning it.” + +Whereupon, having reached the corner, they separated and went glumly to +their homes. And this is gratitude! What a pity Mr. McCullum--who had +been smiling over his benevolence all the evening--could not have heard +them! + +The weeks that followed this night, were crowded with trifles on which +hung important and far-reaching results. This is a very trite saying, I +know. All weeks are crowded with eventful trifles; at least, we in our +blindness call them trifles, although we are constantly discovering +their importance, and being constantly astonished over them. + +Among other things, the seven boys became nine,--having taken to their +companionship two choice spirits, apparently worse than themselves, +and appeared at the South End Mission with all the bravado that boys +of their stamp are apt to put on when they feel somewhat ashamed of +themselves. The consequence was that the trials which Mrs. Roberts had +to endure from them, though a trifle less apparent to others, were not a +whit less distressing than usual. + +But before the session was concluded they were treated to a sensation +that held them in silent astonishment for nearly five minutes. Any +person well acquainted with Alfred Ried could have told that he had a +plan in view, and was trying to carry it in the face of some opposition. +He looked convinced, and Mr. Durant looked astonished and troubled; +there was much low-toned talk between them and some shaking of head. +Apparently, however, Mr. Ried came off victor, for his brow cleared, and +he presently made his way to Mrs. Roberts' side and said a few words, +and must have been gratified by the sudden lighting up of her face and +her eager:-- + +“Oh, what a nice thought! Even if it fails, apparently, it will not +utterly, for the suggestion will help them.” + +In the course of time the new idea came to the front. There was to be +a festival, or a social, or an entertainment at the South End in the +course of a few weeks,--a sort of anniversary of the starting of the +Mission. Among other work that was in progress, the decoration of the +room, involving the hanging of pictures, banners, mottoes, wreaths, +etc., required some strong arms and willing hands. Committees were to be +formed. Two weeks before, teachers had been appointed to prepare a +list of committees. It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on +decoration. When he was called upon for his report, he came promptly +forward, like a man ready for action, and commenced:-- + +“A committee of four has been deemed amply sufficient for decoration, +and I appoint for the purpose the following: Richard Bolton, Morris +Burns, Miss Gracie Dennis, and Miss Annie Powell.” + +The teachers, who had been long at the Mission, looked from one to +another with a bewildered air. Morris Burns they knew,--a clear-eyed +young Scotchman, with willing hands and feet ever ready to run of +errands for all workers; a boy of nineteen or so, whom everybody liked; +warm-hearted, unselfish, and thoroughly trustworthy. Annie Powell was +one of the older girls in Mr. Durant's Bible-class; a sweet-faced, +ladylike little factory girl, who would work in with Morris Burns +nicely. Miss Gracie Dennis was Mrs. Roberts' beautiful young friend; all +the teachers knew her, and all thought it very kind in her to throw her +strength and taste into the preparations as heartily as though she +were one of them. But who was Richard Bolton? Nobody knew. Yet their +knowledge of business etiquette told them that he was chairman of the +Decoration Committee. Where was he? Not a teacher, certainly, for they +were intimately acquainted with one another; and they knew no such name +in the one Bible-class made up of trustworthy helpers. + +Over in Mrs. Roberts' class, with the single exception of the teacher, +there was equal ignorance; the nine boys had stopped their restless +mischief to listen, because there is a sort of fascination to boys +in all the details of well-managed business; they liked to hear the +appointments; but who Richard Bolton might be seemed not to occur to one +of them. It is true that Jerry Tompkins nudged Nimble Dick in anything +but a quiet way with his elbow, and murmured, “You've got a namesake it +seem, in this 'ere job.” Yet no light dawned on them. + +Mr. Durant, who, it is possible, has not appeared to you in a favorable +light, for the reason that he was being much perplexed by the entirely +new methods being introduced among the boys who had heretofore driven +him to the very verge of desperation, was really a quickwitted man, and +having succumbed to what he feared was a wild experiment, knew how to +help carry it out properly. He came briskly to the front,--Alfred's +committee being the last on the list,--and began his work. + +“The chairmen of these different committees will be kind enough to +report to me as rapidly as possible the time and place of their first +meeting for consultation, and I will make the announcements.” Then he +stepped to Mrs. Roberts' class. “Bolton,” he said, bending toward that +astonished scamp, and speaking as though this were an every-day affair, +“you are chairman, I believe, of the Decoration Committee; where and +when will you have them meet?” + +Imagine Nimble Dick's eyes! Nay, imagine the eyes and faces of the +entire nine! It would have been a study for an artist. + +For a moment Nimble Dick was speechless; then he managed to burst forth +with:-- + +“What in thunder are you talking about?” + +“Your committee,” said Mr. Durant, politely ignoring the manner of the +questioner. “You must call them together, you know, to plan your work. +Where shall it be, and when?” + +“I ain't got no committee; and I ain't got no place to meet nobody; and +I don't know what in thunder you're after.” + +Then came Mrs. Roberts to the rescue:-- + +“Why, Mr. Bolton, you can meet at our society parlor, you know; it is +the very place, and will be so convenient for Miss Dennis.” + +“What's to meet, and what's to do?” said Dick, defiantly. “I ain't going +to meet nobody.” + +“Why, it is just to hang mottoes and banners, and trim the room for the +Anniversary. Of course you'll help; I would have the meeting arranged +there by all means.” + +“Very well,” said Mr. Durant, quickly, as though he had received the +answer from the chairman himself. “Now as to time; you ought to come +together to-morrow evening if you could; there is a good deal to do.” + +“Mr. Bolton, couldn't you come up at six o'clock for once? Then you +could get your work all done before the time for our social. I can +arrange for Annie Powell to be there at that time; and, Mr. Durant, +doesn't Morris Burns work for you? Could he be present at six o'clock? +Then I don't see but your meeting is nicely planned. You can be there at +six, can't you, Mr. Bolton?” + +“I tell you I don't know nothin' what you are talking about.” + +Nimble Dick, who was rarely anything but good-natured, was surprised by +the bewilderments of the situation into being almost as fierce as Dirk +Colson was habitually; the gaping amazement of his boon companions +seeming to add to his irritation. + +“But you will,” said his teacher, cheerily. “It is an easy matter to +explain; Miss Dennis knows all about such things; and I'm going to help, +though they haven't honored me with an appointment.” + +At a sign from the lady, Mr. Durant stepped back to his platform and +announced:-- + +“The chairman of the Committee on Decoration desires me to say that +his committee is called together to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's +Social Parlors, No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street, at six o'clock, _sharp_, +as the chairman has another engagement at seven.” + +“I had to coin a name for the place of meeting,” he said to Mrs. Roberts +afterwards. “I beg your pardon if it was wrong; but Ried has been giving +me glowing accounts of that room, and you said something about its being +a social parlor, didn't you?” + +“It is a good name,” said Mrs. Roberts. “We have awkwardly called it the +'new room.' I am glad it is christened. I will have some curtains hung +through the centre to-morrow, to make parlors instead of parlor of it; I +can see how a second room can be made useful in several ways.” + +Thus was the bewildering committee willed into existence; the chairman +thereof being still so dumbfounded with his position that he did not +rouse until the laughing boys, by whom he was surrounded, began to take +in some of the fun of the situation, and to assault him right and left +with mock congratulations, ill-suppressed groans, hisses, and the like. +Then he turned towards them with new-born dignity that would have fitted +Dirk Colson, and said:-- + +“If you fellows don't shut up, and behave yourselves something like +decent for the rest of the time, I'll chaw half a dozen of you into +mincemeat as soon as we are out of this!” + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +“HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE?” + + +Dr. Everett was driving rapidly through the city; at least, as rapidly +as the crowded character of the street would permit. He was out on +professional duty, and had just been congratulating himself that his +regular calls were now made for the day, and unless something special +intervened he should have a couple of hours free for the alleys. + +That meant professional duty, too, and of the very hardest character, +one would suppose, as it brought him in contact not only with sickness +in some of its most repulsive forms, but with abject poverty as well, +and too often with loathsome forms of sin; yet he went about this +work with a zest that his regular practice did not furnish. This +was something done solely for Jesus' sake, and with an eye that was +manifestly single to His glory. + +He had already selected his alley, and was planning how, when his horses +were safely stabled, he could make a cross-cut to it, when his eyes were +held by two persons who were ascending together the stairway that led +to one of the public halls. His face darkened as he watched them. +Apparently they were engrossed with each other, and took no notice of +him; but there were reasons why he specially desired to keep them in +view. A network of carriages and wagons such as is common to crowded +thoroughfares blocked his path just then, and prolonged his opportunity +to watch the two. + +They made their way in a very leisurely manner up the long staircase, +letting others, more in haste, pass them continually; yet presently they +joined the group who were passing up tickets of entrance. + +The doctor signalled a policeman, and entered into conversation:-- + +“What is going on in Seltzer Hall?” + +“Well, sir, there's a kind of a concert, I guess. They play on goblets, +they say--just common glass goblets--and make fine music.” + +“An afternoon entertainment?” + +“Yes, sir, as a kind of introduction, you know; they expect to get a +crowd for evening by the means.” + +“Do you know where tickets are to be had?” + +The policeman indicated a bookstore at his left by a gesture from his +thumb, and said, “Right here,” and offered to secure some at once. He +knew Dr. Everett; many of the policemen did. + +His offer was accepted with thanks, and the doctor presently wound his +way out from the network with two green tickets in his pocket. His plans +for the afternoon had been suddenly changed. Instead of spending the +time in Sewell alley, he had decided to attend a musical exhibition, the +instruments being goblets! + +He must make all speed now, so he left the crowded street and dodged +through several byways to the stables. + +No use to keep his horses. “She would be afraid to drive through such +crowds,” he explained to himself, “and I should be afraid to leave the +carriage standing.” + +Rushing out from the stables he caught just the right street-car, and in +a short space of time was ringing at Mr. Roberts' door. + +Gracie Dennis was in the hall, dressed for the street. + +“Ah,” said the doctor, “I am either fortunate or unfortunate, I wonder +which? I had set my heart on having you for a companion to what I fancy +may be a unique entertainment. Is there another engagement in the way? I +know this is a most unconventional method, but a doctor is never sure of +his time.” + +But Gracie Dennis felt too well acquainted with Dr. Everett, and was too +young and ready for enjoyment to be disturbed about conventionality. She +merrily declared her willingness to be taken to whatever entertainment +the doctor had to propose. Mrs. Roberts was out with her husband on +business connected with church matters, and she had only intended to +walk a square or two for her health. + +On the way the doctor was distrait, Gracie having most of the talking +to do herself. The truth was, he was trying to recall the faces of the +people he had seen crowding into the hall, to make sure that he was +not taking Gracie among people whom he would not care to have her meet. +Apparently the couple whose movements had changed all his afternoon +plans were not a sufficient guarantee of respectability. However, his +face cleared as he recalled one and another, as being in the crowd +seeking admission; they might not be of the class with whom Gracie was +accustomed to mingle, but they were respectable people. + +Gracie was in a merry mood. She understood enough of the doctor's busy +life to feel sure that this sudden resolve to be entertained was quite +out of his ordinary line, and that of itself served to mark the hour as +exceptional. + +“He feels the need of a little every-day fun,” she told herself, “and +I'll help him to have it if I can. Poor man! it must be doleful to go +among sick and dying people all the time.” + +They were late at the hall; the concert was well under way; but there +were plenty of vacant seats. Dr. Everett swept his eye over the room; +then indicated to the usher just which seat he would have. It was one +which commanded a view of the young man and woman who seemed to have +such a mysterious influence over his plans. + +He was relieved to find quite early in the entertainment that it really +was unique, and, in its way, well worth hearing. Had the surroundings +been agreeable he could easily have given himself up to enjoyment. +However, they had been seated but a few moments, when he saw by Gracie's +startled eyes that she had seen and recognized at least one of the +couple at their left. Professor Ellis, in his usual faultless attire, +lounged gracefully on the seat in such a manner that his side-face was +distinct; he rested a well-shaped arm on the back of the seat next +him, and his delicately gloved hand almost, if not quite, touched the +shoulder of his companion. + +Both he and the lady at his side gave extremely little attention to the +entertainment in progress. Apparently they had come thither for purposes +of conversation. They kept up a continuous murmur of talk, interspersed +at intervals with rippling laughter, and really seemed so entirely +absorbed in each other as to have at times forgotten that the hall was +public, and that the attention of many was being turned toward them. +The girl was pretty, extremely so, with an entirely different style of +beauty from Gracie Dennis; and a certain indescribable something in her +face and manner would have told even the most casual observer that she +moved in a different circle. It was not her dress, unless that was a +little too pronounced for the place and hour; but quite young ladies in +good society sometimes make a similar mistake. + +Neither was her manner objectionable to the degree that you could have +pointed to any one thing as offensive; yet you would have been sure, had +you watched her, that she was without the pale of what we call society. + +Gracie Dennis watched her with a kind of fascination;--becoming at last +so absorbed with the watching, and the apparently troubled thoughts +which grew out of it, that she gave but slight attention to Dr. +Everett's occasional remarks, nor seemed to observe that at last he +lapsed into total silence. + +Once, during the hour, the young woman glanced casually in their +direction, and the careless nod, and free and easy smile with she +acknowledged Dr. Everett's presence, drew a startled glance from Gracie +to rest on him for a moment. + +“Now I wish I had my horses,” the doctor said, as at last they made +their way down the aisle. “I have a mile's drive up town to take, and I +think the exercise might be good for you.” + +Gracie caught at the suggestion, and begged to be allowed to remain in +the bookstore below while he went for the horses. + +“I want a ride, and I want to talk with you,” she said, simply. + +As this was precisely what he wanted, he went for the horses without +more delay. + +Meantime, Gracie, in one of the windows of the bookstore, was supposed +to be employed in examining a late book, but in reality gave much +attention to the couple who were crossing the street, or rather waiting +for an opportunity to do so. + +They seemed in no haste, but were conspicuous, even in the crowded +street, for their interest in each other. More than one policeman +regarded them narrowly, as Professor Ellis stood with head bent toward +the lady, engaged in eager and animated conversation. It was just the +attitude of absorbed interest with which he had so often listened to +Gracie; not on the street, it is true, but in some crowded parlor, and +it had flattered her. It made her frown to-day. They were starting now +to make the disagreeable crossing. He had taken his companion's hand, +preparatory to a leap over a muddy curbing; but Gracie could see that +there was a pressure of it that was unnecessary, and, for the street, +peculiar; his face, too, was distinctly visible, and the expression on +it was what Gracie had seen before, but certainly she supposed no other +person had. + +Altogether it was probably well for Professor Ellis' peace of mind that +he did not turn at that moment, and get a glimpse of the young lady in +the bookstore. Instead he took his lady away, and they were lost in the +crowd. + +Dr. Everett, making all haste with his horses, had still time for +anxious thought. Had his experiment been too severe on Gracie? Was it +possible that her interest in the man was such that the afternoon's +experience had been mixed with pain as well as with disgust? He could +not believe it possible that the pure-hearted young girl cared for such +a man as Professor Ellis! Yet there had been a look on her face when she +saw those two which startled and hurt him. + +When fairly seated in his carriage he did not speak until they had +threaded the maze of wagons and reached clear ground. Even then he only +said, “Now for speed,” and gave the horses their desire, until crowds +and business were left behind, and they were driving down a broad +avenue, lined on either side with stately yet quiet-looking homes. +Then he drew rein, and obliged the horses to walk; he had by this time +resolved on probing the wound, if there was one. + +“I wish I knew just how much of a villain that man is.” These were the +somewhat startling words which broke his silence. + +“What man?” Yet the very tones of Gracie's voice indicated that she knew +of whom he was speaking. + +“That man, Ellis! Professor, I think he is called. I have reason to +be very suspicious of him. By the way, Miss Gracie, I think he is an +acquaintance of yours. Have you confidence in him?” + +How promptly and indignantly such a question would have received an +affirmative answer two months before! What should she say now? + +“In what respect?” she faltered, more for the purpose of gaining time +than because she did not understand the question. + +“Well, in any respect I am almost prepared to say. I have not the honor +of the man's acquaintance; but whatever I hear about him, or see in +him, I dislike and distrust. Just at present his ways are specially +disturbing. You noticed him this afternoon, I think! The young girl in +his company belongs to my Sabbath-school. I have a deep interest in her, +partly because she is the sort of girl who is always more or less +in danger in this wicked world, and partly because she is capable of +strongly influencing another, who is a special _protégé_ of mine.” + +“Who is the girl?” Gracie's manner was abrupt, and her voice +constrained. It was evident that she was making great effort to control +herself, and appear indifferent to all parties. + +The doctor took no notice of her constraint. + +“Her name is Mason. Hester Mason. She attends the Packard Place +Sabbath-school, which you know I superintend. She is motherless, and +worse than fatherless; is a clerk in one of the Fourth Avenue stores, +and is, or was, inclined to be what is called gay. I do not know that +that term conveys any special meaning to you; in young men I think they +call the same line of conduct 'fast.' I hope and believe that you would +not well understand either term; yet, I think, possibly, that watching +her this afternoon in a public hall will give you some conception of the +stretch that there is between yourself and her.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +“SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN.” + + +Had Dr. Everett desired in a few words to show Gracie the gulf between +herself and the man who had been the girl's companion for the afternoon, +perhaps he could not have formed his sentence better. + +She shivered visibly, and the doctor drew the carriage-wraps more +carefully about her, while he continued:-- + +“I would not want to give you a wrong estimate of Hester Mason, nor lead +you to imagine for a moment that I believe a girl who serves behind a +counter cannot be a true lady. I wanted, rather, to explain to you +that her opportunities had been limited. She means to be a good girl, +I think: in fact, I may say I have the utmost confidence in her +intentions. She is not a Christian, but a few weeks ago I had her name +on my note-book as one who was almost persuaded, She has been +fighting the question of personal religion for some time,--her special +stumbling-block being that she is quick-witted, and has quite a clear +idea of how Christians ought to live, and can find very few who seem to +her to be living what they profess. However, as I say, I have been very +hopeful of her until within a few weeks, when she came in contact +with this man, and I tremble for the result. He is constant in his +attentions, and she is evidently flattered and dazed.” + +“How long has he known her? How did he become acquainted?” Abrupt +questions still, asked in that curiously repressed voice. + +The doctor's face was growing very grave and stern. He feared that there +was a real wound here. + +“Inadvertently, Miss Dennis, it seems that both you and I are to blame, +or, at least, are involved in the acquaintance. Do you remember a little +incident which occurred in a streetcar some six weeks ago? A young +woman, in leaving the car, dropped a package, which you noticing, called +our attention to, and pointed out the person crossing the street, and +Professor Ellis announced his willingness to overtake her and return the +package, as he was about to leave the car. Miss Mason was the person in +question, and Professor Ellis presumed on that very slight introduction +to cultivate an acquaintance. I have learned that he quoted my name in +connection with the incident, and since that day has been on terms of +exceeding intimacy with Hester.” + +Gracie was surprised out of her reserve. + +“I remember the incident perfectly: but the girl I saw this afternoon +cannot be the one who was on the car.” + +“Yes; she was in holiday attire to-day, and in her working garb when +you saw her momentarily on the car. I remember a feeling of regret that +Professor Ellis should have so promptly volunteered to do your errand: +yet I did not know what I dreaded. I simply shrank from the man, and +wanted others to do so.” + +“Dr. Everett, what is his motive in showing her attention?” + +“I wish I knew. I can tell you what I greatly fear: That it is to play +with the human heart; to see to what extent he can gain power over it. +And in this case certainly it is a most cruel thing. The girl has no +friends, no father or mother to advise with or help her. She is bright +and pretty, and is being shown glimpses of a world that seems to her +like fairyland. She is dazzled, and one cannot blame her, for she has +neither carefully-formed judgment nor trustworthy friends to lean upon. +Miss Dennis, you can judge from her manner this afternoon what is her +knowledge of the customs of polite society. I do not think she has +an idea that she was conspicuous, save for her beauty and the fine +appearance of her attendant. She is not one to shrink from what she +would consider legitimate public admiration, and this you can see but +adds to her danger.” + +“But, Dr. Everett, you do not think,--you cannot mean that he intends to +pay her special attention; that he means anything beyond the desire to +give her a little pleasure?” + +“Well,” said the doctor, speaking slowly, but with firmness, “you may +judge, Miss Dennis, what I think,--what any honorable person thinks,--of +a man who bestows in public the sort of attentions which we saw this +afternoon, You would have been insulted by them. The only reason that +this poor girl was not, is because she does not know any better. + +“Did you observe the flashing of a peculiarly set ring on her finger? I +have reason to fear that it belongs to him and that she believes herself +specially honored in being asked to wear it.” + +Poor Gracie's cheeks were flaming now. She had not observed the ring, +but she knew it well, and for one brief evening had worn it herself, and +then had returned it to the owner with the assurance that she could not +bring herself to wear it without her father's consent. She remembered +what a wound she had felt herself bestowing when he had looked at her +with those expressive, reproachful eyes, and replied that if she felt +toward him as he did to her, she would not allow even a _father_ to come +between them. And he had actually given that ring into the keeping of +this girl! + +They rode on in silence, the doctor giving a hint to the horses that +they might go as fast as they chose. He was in great doubt and pain of +heart. Could it be possible that this carefully-shielded young girl +was caught in the toils of a man whom he believed to be an unprincipled +villain? + +If so, had he been unnecessarily cruel in his revelations? Ought he to +take her home, or drive further, and give her time to recover herself? + +Could he have understood what was passing in her mind he would have +known better what next to say. The simple truth was this: Before she +came to Mrs. Roberts' the child had believed herself to be a martyr to +the unreasonable prejudices of her stepmother. She had been led to feel +that her father had turned against her, solely because of his wife's +influence over him, and that the wife was piqued because Professor Ellis +had not paid her sufficient attention in the days of her maidenhood. +This, the professor had succeeded in teaching Gracie to feel, was +the sole charge against him. He was, therefore, an ill-used man, and +therefore her heart went out towards him in sympathy. + +It had not been at first a stronger feeling than this; but flattered +by his attentions, so much more marked and polished than had ever been +offered to the young girl before, she had taught herself to believe +that, but for her father's bitterness, she could be to Professor Ellis +what he delicately and vaguely assured her no one else could, and fill +a place that hitherto in his lonely life had been left void. She had not +engaged herself to him; indeed, he had never, in actual words, asked +her to do so; but to the young and innocent and well-trained there is a +language which speaks as clearly as words, and is held as sacred. + +Gracie had allowed herself to be looked upon as one who was held by +_others_ from being more to Professor Ellis than she was; who might +always, perhaps, be held back,--for she had resolved in her own sad +heart that she would never marry against her father's consent, no, not +if she were twice of age. + +Of late, strange reflections had come to her. She had measured +Professor Ellis with other men, Christian men, and he had appeared at +a disadvantage. Also she had measured herself by the side of other +Christian workers, and herself had appeared at a disadvantage. A vague +unrest and dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on +her. Moreover, she was growing interested in those boys, as she had not +believed that it would be possible for her to be interested when she +first saw them. She began to believe that some of them, at least, +would be saved. She wanted to help save them, and to help others. Her +martyrdom dwindled rapidly into insignificance, until there would pass +entire days in which she did not once remember that she as an unhappy +girl. + +At last, but a week or two before this afternoon, she had taken her +affairs in hand, and tried to look steadily at them. The result of her +hours of thought and prayer was that she was bound to Professor Ellis. +That is, provided there should come a time in the dim and distant future +when her father should give his consent, it would be her duty and her +pleasure, because of what had passed between them, to marry him. Still, +she began to feel less amazed at her father's opinion of him, less angry +about it. She began to say to herself, softly and pitifully: “Poor, +lonely man! he has no one to be his friend. He is not a Christian, and +that is what makes so great a difference between him and others. It is +that which papa misses, but I must not desert him; I must pray for him +all the time, and work for his conversion; then he will grow to be the +sort of man whom papa can like, and everything will be right.” And while +she said it, she was dimly conscious of a feeling of satisfaction over +the thought that she was very young, and that it would be a long, +_long_ time yet before anything could be settled; and that, meantime, +it certainly was not right for her to have anything to do with Professor +Ellis, only to pray for him; and that perhaps her father would allow +her to carry out a project that was under delightful discussion in the +Roberts family, namely, to remain in the city as a pupil in the famous +Green Lawn School. And she did not know, foolish little thing, that so +far even as her heart was concerned everything was wrong. + +Perhaps it would be difficult for me to explain to you--that is, if you +do not understand without explanation--what a turmoil she was thrown +into by this afternoon's experience. She was far from realizing as yet +that the uppermost feeling even now was not wounded love, but wounded +pride; of what poor stuff she had been making a hero! Nothing had ever +opened her eyes like this before. Was it possible that she had spent +entire evenings with a man who stooped to set in unpleasant, even +suspicious light, not his own character only, but that of an ignorant +young girl? + +It would not do to plead a lack of knowledge in excuse for him; he might +be ignorant of the ways of the Christian world, but no one understood +better the rules which governed society. During part of the afternoon +she had been very angry with the girl, but after listening to Dr. +Everett it began to dawn upon her that her friend had been playing +with the ignorance of a girl who probably trusted him fully. You are +to understand that Gracie Dennis was the sort of girl who would be +made very angry by such a suspicion. The glow on her cheeks was not all +caused by the fresh air of the spring day. + +“Dr. Everett,” she said at last, breaking the silence, “what do you +think he means by asking the girl to wear that ring, or by letting her +wear it? Does he--do you suppose that he has engaged himself to her?” + +“I wish I knew what he meant!” Dr. Everett said again, a surge of +indignation rushing over him. “If he really meant anything so honorable +as that, it would be bad enough business for poor Hester; but, as I +said, I distrust the man utterly; and from my experience with the +world I have reason. From your knowledge of him, Miss Dennis, could you +suppose him to be honest and earnest in his attentions to that girl?” + +It was a very plain question. It meant more to Dr. Everett than even +Gracie saw, but she saw enough to know that she was admitting an +intimacy that made her blush; however, she answered steadily,-- + +“No, I cannot think that he is honest or honorable.” + +“So I fear. Witness this afternoon. Gentlemen do not parade their +friendships before the public gaze, and that man knows it.” + +The doctor's voice was _very_ stern. He was sure now that there was +a wound, and that it was being probed; he believed in making thorough +work, even with wounds; there would be more hope of genuine healing +afterward. + +Gracie's next question--if her companion had but known it--was a +singular one: “Why have not people who are her friends warned her +against him, and held her back from making such a false step, if she +does it in ignorance?” + +Oh, Gracie Dennis! How are warnings sometimes received, even by +carefully-trained girls, who have every reason to trust the love that +would shield them? + +“Some people are very hard to warn,” said the doctor. “I have tried it, +and I have a friend who has tried to help her; but the poor girl, you +must remember, has not been brought up in a Christian atmosphere--has +never had a Christian friend who came with the authority of +relationship. If she had a good father the way would be made so plain. +As it is, can't you see how naturally she distrusts the rest of us, in +favor of the man who makes special professions of friendship? I am not +surprised at Hester, I am only sorry for her.” + +Had the doctor been carefully informed as to all the circumstances +connected with Gracie's intimacy with the professor, he could not have +chosen words which would have touched her conscience more. Had not her +good father tenderly and patiently warned her? and had she not chosen to +blind her eyes to all his words, and believe rather in Professor Ellis +than in him? + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +“PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD.” + + +“I must call at this house,” the doctor said, suddenly drawing rein +before a quiet little house at the foot of a wide lawn. “The gatekeeper +of this American castle has a sick child whom I have promised to see. +Can you hold the horses, Miss Dennis, or shall I tie them? This is a +quiet spot, and they are gentle.” + +“I am not afraid of anything,” Gracie said, eyes aglow as well as +cheeks. And the doctor went into the house wondering whether Professor +Ellis, if he could see her now, would not be afraid of her. + +Once inside he gave a start of surprise, almost of dismay, for the +face which appeared at the open door of the sick-room belonged to Joy +Saunders. + +“You here?” he said, trying to control the disturbed element in his +voice. + +She answered quietly:-- + +“I came out by street-car. Did you drive?” + +“Yes,”' he said, abruptly, “but I am not alone. How is the child?” + and he went forward at once to his professional duties, leaving her to +wonder over his manner. + +It was peculiar, certainly. Joy Saunders was used to abruptness +from this man, but there was a quality in it to-day that she did not +recognize. She went and looked out of the window, and saw Gracie Dennis +holding the horses, saw her red, red cheeks, and flashing eyes, and the +peculiar, haughty poise of her head, with which the stepmother at home +was well acquainted. + +She did not know this Gracie Dennis save by reputation. Once Dr. Everett +had asked her to call at Mrs. Roberts', and had made her feel as though +she were foolishly conventional in declining to do so. “How is she ever +to know you, according to the rules which trammel society? There ought +to be some way arranged for Christians to be free from trammels.” This +had been his comment; but he had not asked her again, and she had never +met Mrs. Roberts, nor yet Gracie Dennis. Yet she knew her very well, and +had watched her often as she passed. She knew instantly who she was now, +as she sat there in her haughty beauty, checking with determined hand +the impatience of those horses. Oh, she knew more than this! It was +very apparent now why Dr. Everett was peculiarly abrupt, and--well, +yes--embarrassed. She had almost thought that was the name of the +feeling, only it had seemed so absurd. And then Joy Saunders held +her meek little head high, and told herself that he need not fear her +presence; she could go as she had come, in the street-car. + +The doctor came towards her now, speaking rapidly, as usual:-- + +“Joy, the child is very sick. There ought to be an experienced person +here to-night. Not you; I am sorry you came up. Do you think your +mother would come? Will you ride down with me? I have Miss Dennis in the +carriage, but it is quite large enough for three, you know.” + +Then Joy had turned away her head, holding it high, and said:-- + +“No, thank you; I am going down in the street-car.” + +And that blundering doctor drew on his gloves, saying to himself, “I +don't know but that is best,” and went out, only waiting to say to +Joy:-- + +“Will you ask your mother about it? I will see her as soon as I can get +around. I wish you would go directly home from here--will you?” + +Then he lifted his hat to her, and sprang into his carriage and rode +away with Gracie Dennis; and Joy Saunders waited for the next yellow +car, and climbed into it, and told herself all the way down town that +she wished she had stayed at the little house and watched all night by +the sick child. + +The thoughts that Dr. Everett had given to the entire matter were few. +They ran somewhat after this fashion:-- + +“Joy here! and I'm afraid of the fever, from all I have heard. I shall +take her home as soon as possible. How will that poor little girl in the +carriage manage with a new acquaintance just now, I wonder? + +“I am afraid it will be quite a strain. Still, I can do the talking, +and let her be quiet. The main point is that I hoped she might have a +suggestion to make about Hester. If she could rouse herself to try to +save that girl it would be the best thing she could do. If she only knew +it, Joy is the one who could help her in that direction or any other.” + +As they dashed down the avenue, he was still occupied in wishing that he +had urged Joy to ride, and thus forced an acquaintance between her and +the pretty girl at his side. He was not very patient with what he called +the “trammels” of society. When there were two people so fitted to enjoy +and help one another, as were Joy Saunders and Gracie Dennis, he held it +to be a waste in Christian economy that they should not know each other. + +Too much occupied with his thoughts and his driving to give heed to +passers-by, he lost the careful bow that young Ried had for them as they +drew near the city's whirl again. Gracie did not; she returned it, with +a slightly-heightened color in her cheeks, and wondered if that young +man knew Professor Ellis, and what he thought of him, and what he +thought of her for being acquainted with him. + +Sometimes it seems to me a real pity that on occasion there could not +be some way of looking into one another's thoughts. So many +misunderstandings might thus be saved. For instance, there was Ried, who +went on his way with a clouded brow. Where had Dr. Everett been? and why +was Gracie Dennis with him? Was it probable that he had been riding for +pleasure? The bare suggestion astonished the young man. He found that +he had never before given room to the thought that Dr. Everett took time +for pleasure! Allowing this to be the case, why had he not taken Joy +Saunders with him? Such a proceeding would have seemed altogether +natural, though the honest-hearted young fellow admitted to himself +that, had he been taking a ride for pleasure, the companion of his +choice would not have been Joy Saunders. It was certainly a bewildering +world. So trying did young Ried find his thoughts on that evening that +he actually set himself deliberately to learn whether the ride was the +result of chance or design. The consequence was that he learned not only +of the ride, but of the afternoon entertainment at Seltzer Hall, with +glass goblets for instruments. This increased his astonishment, and did +not lessen the gloom on his face. + +But the two in the carriage, unconscious of the gloomy young man, or of +the sad-hearted young girl riding in a street-car, were almost silent +during the homeward ride, until just as they turned into the avenue that +led to Mr. Roberts' door. Then Grace said:-- + +“Dr. Everett, I should like to know that girl. There are some things +that I ought to say to her, and if I had a chance I would try to say +them in a way to help her.” + +“I will manage it,” said Dr. Everett, speaking in a quick, relieved +tone. He felt encouraged for Hester now, and greatly relieved about +Gracie. She might be wounded, but she was made of the material of which +he had hoped. She was not going to die herself, nor fold her hands and +see others ruined, merely because she had been deceived. + +He bade her a cheery “Good afternoon!” and drove away, feeling that, +although he had been obliged to give up Sewell Alley, good work had been +accomplished. He believed now that he understood the situation. + +He was right about one thing: Gracie Dennis had not the slightest idea +of dying. Her mood was better expressed, half an hour later, when she +stood at the parlor window, and returned a low, lingering bow from +Professor Ellis, with a haughty stare from flashing eyes, looking out +from an erect and motionless head. + + * * * * * + +Dirk Colson's brain was in a whirl. He had an important question to +settle. In his pocket were two blue tickets, promising to admit him to +the largest and finest hall in the city to hear the great temperance +orator. Dirk knew very little about orators, but he had heard of John +B. Gough, and everything he had heard made him wish to have a glimpse of +him. You will remember that Dirk was an imitator. He had heard that Mr. +Gough was also, and down deep in his heart the boy had an ambition to +hear the man. Now was his unexpected opportunity. Of course, he was +going, but the perplexing thing was, what to do with that other ticket. + +There was Mart? Oh, yes, to be sure, he had not forgotten her; but what +a strange thing it would be to take her to a lecture! He had never taken +her anywhere in his life. She had nothing to wear, though he remembered +at that moment that the mother had, by earnest effort, succeeded in +getting her shawl out of pawn. + +There was one incentive for taking her; it would please Mrs. Roberts. +Dirk studied the thing for some time, to try to discover why she should +care, and had finally given up the problem as too great for him. Yet he +was sure she cared; there had been a wistful light in her eyes when she +said, “I thought possibly you might like to take that sister with the +golden hair,” that he saw and interpreted. It took him three days to +decide what he should say, supposing he made up his mind to ask her. + +Several people were at work helping him, though he knew nothing about +that. Mrs. Roberts remarked one evening to young Ried that she wished +she knew a way to induce Dirk Colson to take his sister, without +actually asking him to do so. She fancied that, besides the advantage +which might possibly directly follow an evening spent in that way, it +would suggest new thoughts to the brother. + +The young man caught at the suggestion, and wanted to help carry it +out. It was not an easy thing to do. He had not grown intimate with Dirk +Colson; in fact, that misguided young fellow rather resented any attempt +at intimacy. He was, however, acquainted with Sallie Calkins; the +numerous trips he had made to their room during Mark's illness had +brought him into such constant and pleasant contact with Sallie and her +brother that they looked upon him as a tried friend. Sallie, he knew, +was a friend of the shy, golden-haired sister. So one evening he went +to call at the Calkins room, with a vague hope of helping indirectly in +bringing to pass Mrs. Roberts' desires. + +To Sallie he made known the wish that Dirk would take his sister to +the lecture, and secured from her a promise to help the scheme along, +provided it developed. + +After he went away, Sallie sat long at her sewing, making all alone, +by a dim light, one of the most heroic little sacrifices that was ever +offered “in His name.” To fully understand it, you must know that Mark +Calkins had recovered sufficiently to take his place in the office where +Dr. Everett had secured him an opening, and an employment that would +enable him to sit, most of the time, thereby giving his injured limb +a chance to rest. Also, Mark had been admitted to the Monday evening +gatherings, and was distinguishing himself there by his skill in reading +and writing. Of course, he had received two tickets, and equally of +course, being the boy he was, he had planned to take Sallie with him to +the lecture. Great was Sallie's prospective pleasure! The event of her +lifetime it was to be. To walk with Mark through the crowded streets, +both neatly dressed; to walk boldly forward with the throng, and present +their tickets of admittance to the great hall; hitherto seen only from +the outside; to move down the long aisles as those who had a right, and +select their seats unquestioned by police; in short, to be like other +people--part of the great well-to-do world,--this was Sallie's joy! + +She had washed and mended her best calico dress; she had sewed buttons +on the pretty cape, according to Mrs. Roberts' directions; she had tried +on the neat bonnet which had been manufactured for her by Mrs. Roberts' +own fingers, and, altogether, Sallie had probably gotten, during these +two days, more enjoyment out of Gough's lecture than many others, who +had heard him a dozen times, ever secured. I do not think it any wonder +that, as she rocked and sewed, and thought out her great thought, there +fell tears on the work she was doing. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +“FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME.” + + +This was the thought: Suppose Dirk Colson should want to take his +sister. Sallie did not believe it in the least probable; she had not +that amount of faith in Dirk Colson; but suppose he should, Mart could +not go, for the reason that she would have nothing to wear. + +And here was Sallie's pretty cape, which would cover the worst of her +dress, and her pretty bonnet, which she knew would make a picture of +Mart; but if she lent them it meant staying at home to Sallie. _Could_ +she do it? Could she bear to think of such a thing? What would Mark say? +What would he do with his other ticket? + +Would she be likely ever to have another chance to go to that wonderful +hall, and be like other folks? + +But _Mart_ had never been anywhere in her life. + +“And I,” said poor Sallie, catching her breath with a sob, “have been +often for a walk on the brightest streets, and looked in at the shop +windows, and everything. I 'most know I will help her to go if I can.” + +Young Ried had no conception of the sacrifice for which he had asked. + +It is little wonder, surely, that Sallie's voice faltered that same +evening, as she explained to Mart, who had slipped in for a bit of talk, +that if ever she wanted to go anywhere very bad, she was to let Sallie +know, and she should have her cape and bonnet to wear. Then she had +anxiously planned for her a way to mend her dress, so that it would look +quite well under the cape, and she had even urged:-- + +“Now do, Mart, if anybody should want you to go don't say you won't; but +take your chance, for you don't know what may come.” + +Also she bore with patience Mart's scornful laugh, and emphatic +statement that no chances ever came to her, and nobody ever wanted her +to go anywhere. As she talked she grew interested and eloquent; +urged earnestly that Mart should embrace the first opportunity to go +somewhere, and wear her new cape and bonnet. At the same time she was +silent about the lecture. Suppose no chance should come? Then it would +be doubly hard to Mart to have had the possibility suggested. The same +delicate reasoning had held her from dwelling on her own prospects. Some +people would have been very much astonished over the amount of delicate +consideration for the feelings of others which could be found in that +little room. + +Dirk loitered strangely over his meagre dinner the next afternoon. It +was late, for he had secured a position at last in one of the printing +offices, and was apt to take his meals at any hour when it happened to +be convenient to do without him at the office. He had only been three +days at work, and Mart had taken little notice of the new departure, +except to remark grimly that it would not last; but to Sallie she had +boasted that Dirk had gone to work as hard as anybody. If somebody could +only have told Dirk that his sister ever boasted of him it might have +helped him much during these days. + +“What are you hanging around for? You've got all there will be to eat in +this house to-day, and it is time you were off.” This was the ungracious +manner in which the sister took note of his lingering. She was painfully +afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the +fear made her voice gruffer than usual. + +His reply amazed her; in fact, it amazed himself:-- + +“Mart, I've got tickets to a show,--a nice place,--and I want you to go +along.” + +“Humph!” said Mart, “that is a likely story!” + +Then he grew earnest, displayed his treasures, and urged her +acceptance--quite astonished with himself the while. _Did_ he really +want her to go, he wondered, or did he want to please Mrs. Roberts? + +You would have been interested, an hour later, to have seen Mart skip up +the rickety stairs leading to the Calkins abode. You would probably have +thought that she endangered life or limb by her rapid movements; but +Mart was used to such staircases, and the news she had to communicate +required haste. + +“There's a chance!” she said, breathless with speed and eagerness; +“Sallie Calkins, there's a chance, and you'd never guess how. Dirk he +wants me to go to a show with him this very night! He's got tickets. It +is a big show,--where all the grand folks go. It is in the very biggest +hall in this city, and Dirk he says I am to go. Sallie Calkins, do you +mean it, truly, that I am to wear your lovely new bonnet and cape? Do +you suppose I can really go anywhere? I don't known why Dirk wants me to +so bad, but he coaxed and coaxed.” + +Poor Sallie! She stooped quickly to pick up a pin from the floor, so +that Mart might not get a glimpse of her eyes with the sudden tears in +them. Yet, as she stooped, she made her final, grand sacrifice--Mart +should go! + +Then she entered with entire abandon into the preparations. Not only her +bonnet and cape, but her shoes--new ones that Mark had bought her with +his first earnings after his illness--were to attend the lecture. + +She rejoiced over the excellent fit of the shoes. She did more than +this. As Mart watched the process of buttoning them, and remarked +complacently that she shouldn't wonder if Dirk would buy her a pair some +day, when he earned money enough, she kept her lip from curling with +an incredulous sneer. You will remember that she had not the slightest +faith in Dirk. + +Neither must I forget that there was another thing to lend--her comb, +in order that Mart's wonderful yellow hair might be for once reduced +to something like order. And at the risk of leading you to think that +Sallie was altogether too “aesthetic” for her position in life, I shall +have to confess that this was her hardest bit of sacrifice; her comb was +so new and so pretty! + +However, it did its duty on Mart's tawny locks, and the transforming +effect was marvellous. In fact, when all was ready, the cape adjusted, +the hat which Mrs. Roberts had shown her how to wear set on the yellow +head, Sallie said not a word, but went to the packing-box in the corner +which served as a treasure cupboard, and drew forth the one possession +about which she had been utterly silent--a little hand-glass which Mark +had brought her one winter evening just before he was hurt. A cheap, +little, ugly glass, which you would have turned from in disgust, saying +that it made your nose awry, and your chin protrude and your eyes +squint, and was altogether horrid; but, held before Mart's glowing face, +what a secret did it reveal! Mart looked, and was silent, too; and went +home in a hushed frame of mind to wait for Dirk. Home was deserted. The +mother had dragged her wearied body out for a day of “light” work. The +time had gone by when she was able to do any that people called heavy. +Where the father was, none of the family knew, and their chief hope +concerning him was that he would stay away as long as possible. + +I find myself longing to give you an idea of what that elegant, +brilliantly lighted hall, with its brilliant audience, was to this girl, +and being unable to do it. + +When people live so far below us that our every-day experiences are to +them like a day at the World's Fair, it is very hard indeed to describe +how our special treats affect them. + +It is a treat to everybody to hear Gough. How then can I tell you +what it was to this girl and her brother? Dirk listened; he must +have listened well, for long afterward he was able to repeat entire +paragraphs, and to imitate the manner of the great orator with +remarkable skill;--yet at the time he would have seemed to a close +watcher to have been absorbed in another way. He looked at Mart somewhat +as he had on that Sabbath when his acquaintance with Mrs. Roberts began. +But the thought which had dimly haunted him that day blossomed on this +evening. Certainly Mart looked like Mrs. Roberts! It might be folly to +think so; doubtless the fellows would make no end of fun of him if he +should ever tell them so, which he meant to take excellent care not to +do; but the fact remained, that in Sallie's bonnet and cape, and, above +all, with the waves of hair floating about her, there was a look which +instantly and strongly reminded him of that lady. + +There was another listener at the lecture who was unexpectedly present. +Part of poor Sallie's trial had been to tell her brother, who had been +radiant for a week over the prospect of taking her, that she had with +her own hand put away the blessing. How would Mark take it? Dirk's +forlorn-looking sister was no favorite of his. I think it would have +been very difficult to have convinced him that there was a trace of Mrs. +Roberts in her face. + +But such curious creatures are we that it actually hurt Sallie to see +how quietly he took the great sad news of her sacrifice. After the first +start of surprise, he seemed preoccupied, and she could almost have +thought that he did not hear her explanation. She had much ado to keep +back the tears, but she had made a special little feast for him that +evening, with a white cloth on the table, and a cup of actual tea, +and the cup set in a saucer. She was not going to spoil the scene with +tears; so after a little she said, cheerily:-- + +“Now you have a chance to do something nice for somebody. Who will you +take on your ticket?” + +“I was thinking,” he answered, slowly. “You know it is a temperance +lecture, and it is by a wonderful man. The fellows in the shop have been +talking about him all day, and they say you just can't help _thinking_ +when he gets agoing; and I was just thinking, What if we could get _him_ +to go, and he would listen, and get to thinking.” + +There are no italics that will give you an idea of the peculiar emphasis +which the boy put on the pronouns. Sallie understood; that “he” could +mean but one person in the world. But her brother must have answered the +look on her face, for she spoke no word. + +“Sometimes they _do_, Sallie. There was old Pete, you know.” + +Oh, yes, Sallie knew old Pete; every body in that alley knew him; a +notorious drunkard once, of the sort which people, even good Christian +people, are apt to pronounce hopeless; yet now he wore a neat suit of +clothes every day, and brought home twenty pounds of flour at one +time in a sack, and bought his coal by the barrel. Wonderful things +occasionally happened in that alley. + +“Yes,” said Sally, “that is true; and old Pete wasn't much like him.” + +The tone spoke volumes. It would have almost angered her, even now, to +have had it hinted that old Pete was superior to that father, though +hardly a person acquainted with the two but would have said that there +was more hope for old Pete, even in his miserable past, than for this +one. + +How they managed it, those two: the difficult task of getting him +persuaded to go, find then the more difficult task of keeping him +sufficiently sober to get there, would make a story in itself. I fancy +there are many such stories in real life which will never get told. The +probabilities are, if they were, some wise critic would pronounce them +unnatural and sensational. + +Suffice it to say that the task was accomplished, and among the most +attentive listeners to the great speaker that evening was Sallie's +father, while she sat at home and mended a badly torn jacket, and +cried now and then, and was glad and sorry and proud and frightened and +hopeful by turns all that long evening. + +I am not sure but it was better for her that she sat at home. I don't +know just what she might have done had she been in the hall to see her +father, at the close of the meeting, shamble forward with the crowd, and +sign his name to the total abstinence pledge. + +She might have screamed out in her excitement, or she might have +fainted; for although there were those who said--some with a sneer, and +some with a sigh--that “signing the pledge would not amount to anything; +the miserable fellow could not keep a pledge to save his life!” Sally +would have thought nothing of the kind. She had faith in her father's +word. + +It is a wonderful stimulus to have some one who believes in us. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +“WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?” + + +“Do you know,” said Mrs. Roberts, addressing Gracie Dennis, who, with +young Ried, had waited in the hall for her to join them (they were ready +for the lecture, and were to take up Mr. Roberts on the way): “Do you +know that I have a desire which I see no way of realizing? If Mr. Colson +should bring his sister with him to-night I should like so much to get +possession of her and bring her home with me! But I have been planning +all day, and see no possible excuse for such an apparently wild +proceeding.” + +I want you to notice how naturally Mrs. Roberts said “Mr. Colson”; she +never talked about Dirk under any other name; she even taught herself to +_think_ of him as “Mr. Colson.” Consequently, when she spoke the name in +his presence, there was not a trace of unnaturalness in tone or manner. +The others tried in vain to follow her example. Dr. Everett could +not speak of him in this way without slight hesitation and a touch of +embarrassment. “The truth is,” said he, “I think _Dirk_ all the week, +and on the Sabbath I find it impossible to reach up to 'Mr. Colson' +without an effort.” There was no touch of “reaching up” or reaching +down, about Mrs. Roberts' talk with her pupils. It is possible that this +is one link in the chain of influence which she was weaving around them. + +Gracie Dennis' face expressed curiosity, and when they were seated in +the carriage, she referred to the cause:-- + +“But Flossy, I cannot imagine why you should want to do such a thing. It +will certainly be too late to-night to try to get acquainted with her. I +should think some time when you could have an unbroken evening would be +the better for experimenting.” + +“For some sorts of experimenting it would,” Mrs. Roberts answered, +smiling quietly; “my experiment, in part at least, was to see how the +pink room might impress her.” + +“Flossy Shipley!” + +When Gracie took refuge in that name her hostess knew she was not only +much excited, but a trifle disapproving; at such times she made haste to +change the subject. + +It happened that the thing for which she had been planning, shaped +itself so naturally as to give not the slightest color or premeditation +to the act. + +When Dirk and his sister worked their way through the dense crowds to +the open air they discovered that it was raining heavily. For almost +the first time in her life the fact struck terror to Mart Colson's soul! +Ordinarily no duck could have been more indifferent to a rain storm +than herself. On this evening she gave vent to her dismay in short, +expressive words: + +“Sallie's bonnet!” “And cape!” This last, after a moment's thought. “And +shoes!” she added, as the magnitude of her troubles grew upon her. + +Drawn up close to the sidewalk stood a carriage and a pair of horses +that Dirk could not help giving admiring attention to, despite the rain. +A fine horse always held his attention. No thought of the occupants of +the carriage came to him, not even after a head leaned forward and a +hand beckoned; of course it was beckoning to somebody else. Then a clear +voice spoke:-- + +“Mr. Colson!” + +He started quickly forward; there was but one person who ever said “Mr. +Colson,” and besides, that voice belonged only to one. + +“I want your sister to go home with me. It is raining so hard that she +ought not to walk, and I should like very much to have her stay with me +to-night. Won't you ask her to, please?” + +If Mrs. Roberts had been asking a favor, instead of conferring one, her +voice could not have been sweeter and more winning. + +Dirk went back to his sister, too much bewildered by the state of +affairs even to express surprise. “Mart,” he said, “she wants you.” + +A quick spring to the sidewalk, and young Ried was standing beside Mart. +“It is raining so hard,” he explained, “Mrs. Roberts would be very glad +if you would come.” + +And Mart, thinking of nothing at all, save Sallie's bonnet and cape and +shoes, turned toward the waiting carriage. + +Mr. Ried had his umbrella raised, and carefully shielded the bonnet, +assisting its wearer to enter the carriage with as much courtesy as he +had bestowed on Gracie Dennis but a few moments before. Not a movement +was lost on the watching Dirk. + +When the door was closed and the goodnights had been said,--Mrs. Roberts +leaning from the carriage again for that purpose,--and when the horses +had dashed around the corner, he still occupied his position on the +curbstone, gazing down the street, gazing at nothing unless he saw a +reflection of his own bewildered thoughts. + +“Come!” said a policeman who knew him, and was therefore suspicious, +“What are you hanging about here for? Move on!” + +“Humph!” said Dirk, as he slowly took his hands out of his pockets, +eyes still fixed on the corner where the carriage had turned, “what if I +should?” + +Something in his eye would have told Mrs. Roberts, had she been there, +that he meant more than moving down the street; though that he presently +did, regardless of wind and rain. + +Meantime the bonnet and cape in the carriage stepped somewhat into the +background, and the girl who wore them allowed herself once more to +think of her individuality, and to wonder at her position. She sat bolt +upright on the edge of the soft, gray seat, and gazed about her as well +as she could by the glimmer of the street lamps. She in a carriage! Mart +Colson sitting on a back seat, beside a grand lady, and rolling down the +avenue! Who would have supposed that such a thing could have happened to +Sallie Calkins' bonnet? Mrs. Roberts recognized the bonnet and cape with +a smile of satisfaction. She had studied much over the possibilities of +this girl's costume. Was it probable that she had anything suitable to +wear to a lecture? She had passed the cellar where the girl lived but +once, and had had but one glimpse of her; yet these glimpses had been +enough to render it highly improbable that she had any street costume. +Then, had Mrs. Roberts canvassed the possibilities of getting a +street-suit for her, there were apparently insurmountable difficulties +in the way. She was too utterly unacquainted with the ground to venture. +Besides, there were reasons for believing that anything of value would +find its way from that cellar to a pawnbroker's in a very short space of +time. + +Having spent hours over many different schemes, and rejected each one as +liable to bring disaster, Mrs. Roberts was obliged to betake herself to +prayer. If the watching Saviour wanted her to work through the medium +of this lecture on this particular child of His, He could certainly see +that she was present; could furnish her with clothes to wear, either +through herself or some other of His servants. She would wait and watch. + +Not once had she thought of Sallie Calkins and the new bonnet that her +own fingers had helped to fashion; yet here it was beside her on the +head of this girl, toward whom she was drawn! The fact made Mrs. Roberts +radiant. + +She said almost nothing to the startled prisoner at her side, beyond a +murmured, “So glad you let me carry you home with me!” Then she drew a +bright-colored wrap about her, and left her to her amazement, while the +eager tongues of the rest of the party talked continuously. + +By the way, you are not acquainted with the pink room, I think? You +should see it before it is invaded for the night. Large, it is. I think +little people sometimes have a peculiar fondness for large rooms; +Mrs. Roberts had. The walls were tinted with what might be called +a suggestion of pink, with just a touch of sunset gold about the +mouldings. + +The carpet was soft and rich; it gave back no sound of footfall. It was +strewn with pink buds; some just opening into beauty, some half-blown. +Accustomed to the sight of elegant carpets as you are, you would +almost have stooped to pick one of these buds, they looked so real. The +curtains to the windows were white, but lined with rose pink; they were +looped back with knots of pink ribbons. The bed was a marvel of pink +and white drapery; so was the dressing-bureau. The easy-chairs were +upholstered in soft grays with a pinkish tinge; and the tidies, lavishly +displayed, were all of pink and white. There was nothing conventional +about the room. A professional would have been shocked by some of its +appointments. Many a lady of wealth, accustomed to having things as +“they” decree, would have been more than doubtful over the pink ribbons +and the profusion of white drapery. Aside from the carpet, and a +choice picture or two, there was nothing especially expensive about the +furnishings. It was simply a room in which Mrs. Roberts had allowed her +own sweet little fancies to take her captive. + +The gas was lighted; the door was ajar into a toilet-room; a lavish +display of great, beautiful towels could be seen as you peeped in, and +various touches told of an expected guest. Flowers were blossoming +on the mantel, and a tiny vase which stood on a bracket near the +toilet-stand held a single rose of a peculiar hue and perfume, which had +blossomed for this hour. At least, Mrs. Roberts thought so. + +Into this room, in all its purity and beauty, went Sallie Calkins' +bonnet and cape and her strong, new, thick shoes; and the wearer thereof +pushed the bonnet away from her flushed face, and stood and looked about +her. + +Down stairs they discussed in curious tones--not her, but the mistress +of the mansion. + +“Flossy, I do think you are too queer for anything! Why don't you have +her go to Katy's room? Katy is away for the night, you know, and I'm +sure her room is as neat and pretty as can be. Imagine what a contrast +it would be to anything that she has ever seen! Mr. Ried, you ought to +see the room into which she has been put. There isn't a more elegant one +in the house. Some of its furnishings are so delicate that I hardly like +to touch them. What sort of a disease is it that has taken Mrs. +Roberts, do you suppose, to send her there? Flossy, she will get no rest +to-night; she will be afraid of that immaculate bed.”' + +This, of course, was Gracie Dennis. + +Mr. Roberts looked from her to his wife,--his face smiling, curious, yet +with a sort of at-rest expression. + +“What do you hope to accomplish, Flossy?” He asked the question as +one who was pleased to watch a new experiment, yet felt sure that the +experimenter had an end to attain which would justify any measures that +she might take. Mr. Roberts had believed in his wife when he chose her +from all others; but he was learning to believe in her in a peculiar +sense, as one led by a hand that made no mistakes. + +She turned to answer his question; her face bright, yet half puzzled:-- + +“I am not sure that I can explain to you what I hoped for,” she said; “I +caught the idea from Mr. Ried.” + +“From me!” and the young man thus mentioned looked so astonished and +incredulous that Gracie laughed. + +“He is sure he never thought of anything so wild,” she said, gayly. +“Flossy, you must find a better excuse than that.” + +“Yet it was something that he said. Do you remember telling me, not +long ago, about your sister's idea that all the world had lost its place +because of sin; that God intended everything here to be beautiful, and +all life to be bright with joy, and that Satan had gotten hold of men's +lives, and was trying to ruin them, and that every beautiful creation +was God's picture to the world of what his intention had been? I'm +telling it poorly; but it made a very deep impression. This girl's face, +you know, is beautiful. It is what God meant some faces to be; at least, +I mean he has given her the frame for a face of beauty. I have a vague, +half-understood sort of wish to give her a glimpse of harmony; something +that will fit her golden hair and lovely complexion; and see what she +will think of God's idea, and whether she will understand that it is sin +which has spoiled it, and whether she is willing to serve the author of +her ruin. I don't believe I am making myself plain, but I know what I +mean, at least.” + +“If we do not, I think it must be because you have caught a thought from +God, that we are not able to reach up to.” + +It was Mr. Roberts who made this reply. Something in his wife's +experiment had deeply moved him. + +As for Mr. Ried, his face lighted, as it always did, at the mention of +his sister's name. + +“Sometimes I almost think that it is Ester still at work, and that He +lets her work through this woman.” + +It was what he said to Gracie Dennis in an aside. Mrs. Roberts had +already gone to see in person to the comfort of her guest. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +“O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!” + + +She found her standing before the mirror. By reason of the fact that she +understood no pretty trick of braid or curl, her long yellow hair hung +just as Nature had made it, with no waves or ripples save those which +had grown with its growth. It fell about her now like a sunset cloud. +She had taken from the vase near at hand a rose, which she had pushed +in among the masses of hair, with no knowledge as to how it should be +arranged, or, indeed, thought; yet the effect was something which made +Mrs. Roberts give an involuntary start of admiration. + +Still it was evident that, though apparently gazing at herself, she was +thinking away beyond herself. It is doubtful if at that moment she saw +the flower, or her own reflection, or knew that she was looking. Her +eyes had the faraway expression which one sometimes sees in great power +on faces like hers. She turned as Mrs. Roberts, having softly knocked +and received no answer, softly entered, and her first words indicated +the intensity of her thought, whatever it was:-- + +“Dirk has _got_ to go there!” + +“Go where?” asked Mrs. Roberts, startled out of the words she meant to +speak; startled by the hint of power in the voice and manner. + +“Of whom are you thinking, my dear girl? and where do you want him to +go?” + +“I'm thinking about Dirk, ma'am; I thought about him all the evening; +the man made me; and I've made up my mind; he's _got_ to go to heaven!” + +I suppose I cannot give you an idea of the force in her voice. It was +as though a resolution, from which there could be no appeal, had been +taken, and the person resolving felt her own power to accomplish. It +was altogether an unexpected answer to Mrs. Roberts. She did not know +whether to be half-frightened or to laugh. + +She sat down in one of the easy-chairs to study the girl, and consider +what answer to make. Mart, meantime, turned back to the survey of +herself in the mirror, or to the survey of whatever she saw there, and +continued talking:-- + +“I never knew much about heaven. You may guess that, if you have ever +been in our alley. Only lately, Sallie Calkins she's been telling me +what you told her; and I had a kind of notion that you must know what +you was talking about, and that it was for rich folks and grand folks +like you; but the man told about that Madge, you know, to-night--an +awful drunkard and swearer, and all that--how she reformed and went to +heaven. Dirk ain't no drunkard; but he will be. Everybody says he will, +because father is such an awful one. Mother, she's never had no hope of +him. She says father didn't drink till he was most twenty, and then he +begun; and she's looking for Dirk to begin, and I haven't thought he +could help it either. What if he doesn't care for it much yet? He will, +it's likely. I've never told nobody that, not even Sallie, and I've been +mad at mother every time she said any such thing; but all the time I've +been expecting him to begin; and I know well enough, when once they +_begin_, how it goes on. But that man to-night told things that made a +difference. He says that God can keep them from wanting to drink, and +help them right straight along; and that they can go to heaven as well +as the next one. I've wanted nice things for Dirk all my life; but I +never saw no way to get them, and it made me mad. To-night I saw a way, +but I never had no kind of a notion how heaven looked till I come into +this room, and see the light and the flowers and the shine, and another +room spread out there in the glass: and now I know, and Dirk shall go!” + +Mrs. Roberts was in no mood for laughing, the tears were dropping slowly +on the flower she held in her hand. Mart saw in the glass just then a +sight which seemed to add to her surprise. She turned wondering eyes on +her hostess. + +“What are you crying for?” she asked. “Don't spoil the flower; it is +like the one Dirk bought me once. He said you sent it to me. I kept it +most a week. I took it over to Sallie's, and she got fresh water for it +every day, somehow; and it was then she begun to tell me what you said +about heaven, and I thought if God had made such flowers as that for +you, it was likely he had made a heaven for you; but I didn't believe it +was for Dirk till to-night, and I didn't have no kind of a notion how +it looked till just now. Do you _believe_ what that man said--that +folks like Dirk can go? Of course, if Madge went, why Dirk would have a +_right_. He is bad just because he _has_ to be. He never had no chance +to be anything else; and he ain't very bad, anyhow--nothing to compare +with some.” Her voice was almost fierce in its earnestness; she was +beginning to resent the creeping doubt that Mrs. Roberts' silence +suggested. + +Careful words must be spoken now. What if this awakening soul should be +turned aside! No wonder that the unspoken words were prayers. + +“Dirk has a _right_ to go to heaven,” she said, steadily, sweetly; +“there is not the shadow of a doubt as to his right. No one in the +world--not Satan himself--can deprive him of it; and it is not only his +_right_, but his duty to go.” + +“Then he shall!” + +I wish I could give you an idea of the strength in the girl's voice. It +almost carried conviction with it to Mrs. Roberts' heart. + +“Come and sit down,” she said, and she drew her towards one of the low +cushions. If Mart sat on that, her head would be just where a gentle +hand could stroke the masses of hair. + +“Let me talk with you about this. You are mistaken in one thing. Dirk is +very bad. He is bad enough to shut him out of heaven forever.” + +The girl started, and tried to fling off the caressing hand. + +“So are you,” said the gentle voice. + +“Oh, _me_! Don't talk about me! Whoever said I wasn't bad? Let me go; I +want to go home. I don't care how hard it rains.” + +“And so am I,” continued the gentle voice. + +The girl on the cushion ceased struggling to free herself from the +caressing touch, and remained motionless. + +“Let me tell you of something that we have each done a great many times. +We have been asked and urged and coaxed day after day, and year after +year, to accept an invitation to go to this very heaven, and we have +paid no attention at all; and this, after Jesus Christ had given His +life to make a way for us to go. Is not that being bad?” + +“Dirk he never had no invitation--never heard anything about it.” + +“Yes, he has,” speaking with quiet firmness. “The Lord Jesus Christ told +me to invite him, and I have done so a great many times, and he has made +no answer; and Sallie Calkins has invited you, and you have treated it +in just the same way.” + +“I didn't believe it.” + +“Isn't that being bad? What has He ever done that you should refuse to +believe His word, when He died an awful death to prove to you that He +was in earnest?” + +“You said Dirk had a _right_ to go.” + +“So he has. Jesus Christ has given him a right, if he will. I have +invited you to my house, and asked you to spend the night in this room, +and sleep in this bed. Has any person a right to keep you from doing +so?” + +“No.” An emphatic nod of the head, and a lingering, almost loving look +at the white bed behind her. + +“Then cannot you truthfully say that you have a _right_ to be here? My +dear girl, it is so faint an illustration of what Jesus Christ has +done to give you a right to heaven, that I almost wonder at your +understanding it. But can you imagine something of how I should have +felt had I urged you to come to me night after night, for weeks and +years, and you had turned from me with no answer, or else with scorn?” + +“You wouldn't have kept on asking me.” Mart spoke with the assurance of +one who had firm faith in her statement. + +“No, I presume I should not. I would have said after the third or fourth +invitation, 'If she really will not have anything to do with me I cannot +help it,' and I should have tried to forget you. This is one of the many +differences between Christ and me. He waits, and asks, and _asks_. How +long will you keep Him waiting?” + +I have given you only the beginning of the conversation. It was long ere +it was concluded. + +Down stairs Mr. Ried waited as long as he could, curious to know the +result of Mart's first impressions. Then he went away, and Gracie went +to her room, and the house settled into quiet, and Mr. Roberts, in the +library, waited for his wife, while she told over again, with tender +words and simple illustrations, the “old, old story,” so fitted to the +wants of the world. + +How many times has there been a like result. + +It was midnight when they knelt together, the fair child of luxury and +the child of poverty; but the Saviour, who intercedes for both, bent +His ear, and heard again the cry of a groping soul, seeking Him out of +darkness, and held out His loving, never-failing arms, able to reach +down to her depth, and received her to himself. Who can tell that story? +Who can describe how heaven seemed to the girl just then? + +It was not what Mrs. Roberts had expected. I cannot even say that it was +what she had hoped for. Her faith had not reached to such a height +at all. She could hardly have put into words what she hoped. When she +ventured to try to tell it to the friends in the parlor, and to you, I +doubt whether you understood. She thought to get a hold on the girl; +to show her something of God's beauty and love, as it shone through +herself; to make her long after something her life did not give, and +to gradually lead her to seek after satisfaction in Christ. A long +process--something that should unfold gradually, with many discouraging +drawbacks, and some days that would look like utter failures. She had +schooled herself to be prepared for this, but she had not looked for Him +to exert His mighty power to save in a moment. How it had touched her +to find a soul, hungry, not for itself, but for a brother, I shall not +attempt to tell. The first words she said, after she went back to her +waiting husband, a little after midnight, were these:-- + +“He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. I +think that is what is the matter with the world to-day. I wonder if He +would not be pleased with one who could throw herself at His feet with +a childlike abandon of faith, and expect wonders, yes, and +impossibilities, just as a child feels that _anything_ can be done by +father? God has shamed my faith to-night. It is as though I had +asked for a crumb of bread, and he gave me the entire loaf. That girl +up-stairs has not heard of Him before as a Saviour for _her_; has never +thought of such a thing, or, at least, dreamed of its possibility, and +yet she has given herself to Him. And Evan, what do you think were the +first words she said? 'O Lord, take Dirk, too!' She is on her knees at +this moment praying for him. If you could have seen her face when it +first dawned upon her that she could tell God about him, and ask for His +mighty power to be exerted in his behalf, it would have been a picture +for your lifetime. Oh, Evan, Evan, why can we not expect great things of +God?” + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +“AN AWFUL PROBLEM” + + +Isn't it strange, the ways the Lord takes to answer prayers? + +Much prayer had been made for Dirk Colson, but few had thought of his +sister. Sallie Calkins, it is true, had come with trembling steps into +the light of Christ's love, and had immediately desired to have Mart +enjoy it with her, but was very trembling and doubting as to her ability +to reach Mart, or to influence her in the right direction. She sent the +bonnet and cape to the lecture with a prayer, but she did not look for +the prayer to be answered. Verily, He has to be content with faith “less +than a grain of mustard-seed.” + +Was the rest of the story an answer to prayer? We are to remember that +He has strange ways. Events startling enough in their import followed +each other in rapid succession. In the first place, Dirk's father, poor, +wrecked man, returned no more. Whether he had wandered among the network +of railroads which lined the southern portion of the city, and lost his +life there, or whether he had fallen into the river, or just how he had +disappeared, could not be discovered. There were three men killed by an +accident on the road one night, but their disfigured bodies were buried +before Dirk heard of it. There was a man seen struggling in the water +off the lower wharf one evening, but he sank before help could reach +him, and his body was not recovered. There were half a dozen men killed +by a boiler explosion, but that was not heard of in time to look into +it. There were so many ways in which the wreck might have gone out +of life and left no sign. They were safe in supposing that he was +intoxicated, and that was about all they could be perfectly sure of, +concerning him; that, and the fact that he came no more. Of +course, there was no such search for him as is made for the man of +respectability and position. To one who had some idea of the worth of a +soul, it was pitiful to see what a tiny ripple this disappearance made +on the surface of life. + +A moment of startled questioning by those who lived in the immediate +neighborhood; a few women with aprons thrown over their heads +congregating in groups around the pump, or before the door of the +bakery; a crowd of dirty children, stopping their play for a moment, and +speaking lower;--then the tide of noisy, fighting, swearing life went +on. + +One was gone out from it. Whither? None knew, few cared; and there were +such crowds and _crowds_ left, how could he be missed? + +One missed him,--an abused, insulted, downtrodden woman. One whom, years +before, he had promised to love and cherish until death parted them, +and had broken the vows almost as soon as taken, and never renewed them +again. Yet that woman wept bitter tears over his absence; watched for +him, listened nightly for his staggering footsteps; rose up from her +heap of straw in the corner in the middle of the night, and set wide +open the cellar door, and listened to the angry voices floating down to +her from some drunken brawl further up the street, if, perchance, she +might hear _his_; listened, and held her breath, and quivered all over +with hope and fear: then crept back to her miserable bed, covered +her head with the ragged quilt, and cried herself into a few hours of +forgetfulness. + +“She is crying herself to death about him!” Mart said. There was +surprise mingled with awe in her voice. + +She told it to Dirk, and the two stood thoughtfully for a moment looking +out at the one window. They carefully avoided looking at each other. +They did not understand. To them there was simply relief in the father's +absence. They had no trace of love for him in their hearts. The word +“father” meant nothing to them but misery. Still there was that in them +which respected the mother's grief; they tried to shield her. Dirk, of +his own thoughtfulness, brought home a bit of tea in a paper, and bought +half a pint of milk at the corner bakery; and Mart took lessons of +Sallie, and made a delicate slice of toast, and borrowed Sallie's one +cup and saucer to serve the tea in. She was disappointed that the mother +cried, and could hardly drink the tea. She was even almost vexed that +the mother said with tears that “poor Jock always did like tea so +_much_, and she had always thought that maybe if he could have had it +hot and strong he would not have taken to the drink.” + +Mart had no faith in this, no belief that anything in her father's past +life could have kept him from the drink; but she held herself silent, +and let the tears have their way. All the time she had in her heart one +great solemn regret. There was one who would have helped her father; +would and could have saved him, even from rum. What if she, his +daughter, had known the Lord Jesus, and could have taken the miserable +father to Him and had him transformed! Mart had no doubt about _His_ +power to do it. An unanswerable argument had been given her. No infidel +need try to assail her now. + +But the father! Why had everybody kept silence, and let him sink away? + +Awful! + +Why had not she known Christ? Why had she not listened to Sallie but a +week before? Why had not Dirk learned the way and saved his father? An +awful problem! Mart's life must henceforth be shadowed by it. + +Meantime what was Mrs. Roberts to do for this new-born soul? How was she +to help her, and, through her, to help her brother? + +She, in her elegant home, sat down to study this problem. + +Life at East Fifty-fifth Street was so far removed from life in the +alley that she knew nothing about the missing father. Days passed, +and, busy with many claims of society, she had made no movement toward +helping the girl, and knew as yet no way to do it; yet she carried +her on her heart. Monday evening came and went, and still she had been +detained from any effort. + +One afternoon her thoughts shaped themselves into action. She would go +and see Mart. She would get Dirk to protect her in her journey down the +alley; also, in accomplishing this, she would accomplish another thing. +She would call on Dirk at his place of business. The chief of the office +was a Christian man; yet she had reason to believe that he knew less +about Dirk, and cared much less for him, than he did for his little dog, +who sat in the window and barked at passers-by. + +She had no difficulty in securing attention. Ladies were not often +admitted, but a card bearing the name “Mrs. Evan Roberts” was sufficient +passport among any of the business men of the city. + +Mr. Stone was more than ready, he was eager to serve her. What could +he do for the elegantly-dressed lady whose carriage waited at the door, +while she came in person among the bales and boxes? Her business must be +urgent. + +It was. Could she speak with Mr. Colson just for a moment? She would not +detain him long; but she wished to make an appointment with him for the +next day. + +“Mr. Colson!” The chief and his perplexed assistant looked at each other +thoughtfully, and shook their heads. There was no such person connected +with their establishment. She must have the wrong number. + +No; she was positive. + +“He told me only three days ago that he was in your employ. He is on the +third floor, I believe.” + +The gentlemen looked at each other again. + +“Colson!” repeated Mr. Stone. “There is certainly a mistake. Briggs is +in charge on the third floor front, and Dickson has the back rooms. No, +Mrs. Roberts, we have no such name among our men, I am positive.” + +But Mrs. Roberts gently held her ground. She was sure she was not +mistaken, for she had talked with him about his work and the different +men. He was in Mr. Briggs' department, she felt quite sure. He was not a +foreman, she explained, but quite a young man; had been there but a +few weeks, and Dr. Everett was the one who had interested himself in +securing the place. + +Light of some sort began to dawn on the perplexed faces of the +gentlemen. + +“Can she mean black Dirk, do you suppose?” questioned the elder, looking +hard at his associate. + +Then came the sweet voice of the visitor. + +“Oh, no; he is not a colored gentleman. His name is Colson,--Mr. Derrick +Colson.” + +“That is the one,” said the gentleman, quickly. Should he laugh or be +annoyed? + +It took but a moment after that to summon “Mr. Derrick Colson.” Black +he was, certainly, not only by reason of his naturally dark skin, but +because of the grimy work, whatever it was, which fell to his lot. His +big apron was soiled with ink and oil, and daubed with bits of dark +color which seemed not to be either. + +He came forward with his usual shambling gait, and an additional shade +of sullenness apparent on his face, but it glowed a swarthy red when he +recognized the lady. + +“Good afternoon, Mr. Colson,” she said, and she held forth her +delicately-gloved hand. + +His own went forward to meet it; then drew suddenly back. + +“It is not clean enough,” he said; “there's ink or something on it.”' + +But the lavender kids were not withdrawn. + +“Never mind the ink; a little honest soil never hurt anybody,” and the +rough, dark hand was taken in her own. + +Then occurred a few moments' chat; at least the lady chatted with +easy familiarity. She referred to the “Social Parlors,” to the “Monday +Evenings,” to Miss Dennis' “Musicale,” to half a dozen themes about +which the bewildered gentlemen within hearing knew nothing. + +Could it be that the low-voiced, gentle lady was trying to give _them_ a +lesson as well as to talk with Dirk? Finally she made an appointment for +the next afternoon. Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for +an hour, if convenient? Certainly, it would be convenient to please Mrs. +Evan Roberts. + +Dirk was very much embarrassed. He blushed and stammered, and did not +know how to answer any of the kindnesses; but there were two things +during the interview which gave Mrs. Roberts more pleasure than you, +perhaps, are able to understand. + +One was, that at sight of her he had suddenly snatched off the paper cap +which he wore, and the other, that having set it again on his head as +he turned from her, he glanced back from the door, and, in answer to her +bow and smile, lifted the ugly little cap with an air that was an exact +imitation of young Ried, and yet so well done that you would not have +thought of it as an imitation. + +Mrs. Roberts could have clapped her hands; but she did not. Instead she +said, sweetly:-- + +“I am very glad that Mr. Colson is in the employ of a Christian +gentleman. He is greatly in need of help from all Christian sources, and +I am sure there is that in him which will respond to judicious effort.” + +Then she let the bewildered man attend her to her carriage, and went her +way rejoicing. + + * * * * * + +But there were plans being laid for her at that moment of which she knew +nothing. + +To-morrow she would go and see the golden-haired girl. In a +neatly-packed basket she had certain things, among them a bonnet and a +sack that she knew would fit the hair and face, and she believed would +give Mart pleasure. If only she could contrive a natural way to give +them to her, and there could be planned ways of keeping them safe from +the pawnbroker's grasp. All this time she knew nothing of the fact +that the hand which had grasped for years to furnish the pawnbroker was +stilled forever. It had not once occurred to Dirk to tell her. It is a +solemn fact that in this greater excitement he had actually forgotten +it! As for the “Christian employer,” he did not know of it to tell. He +had not so much as known whether black Dirk had a father or not. He was +simply a street rough, whom Dr. Everett was trying experiments with; and +because there was an unusual pressure on the office, and poor help was +better than none, he was helping the experiment. + +However, when Dirk went home from the office that night he remembered +that the father was gone. + +Mart met him at the door, a look of solemn determination on her face. + +“Dirk,” she said, “_she's_ going; as sure as you live, she's going. +She's been bad all the afternoon. Sallie says that Mark's doctor will +come to see her,--she knows he will, and Mark shall go for him as soon +as he comes home; but I don't mean to wait for no doctor. I want _her_ +to come. _She_ knows the way, and I want mother to be told it right, +so there won't be no mistake. You go for her, Dirk, right off straight. +There ain't any time to lose, for I tell you now she's _going_. She's +been failing all along, you know, and she has just cried herself down. +Dirk, will you go for _her_ as fast as you can?” + +The confusion of pronouns might have bewildered you. They did not Dirk. +“_Her_” meant to him exactly what it did to Mart. He could not think how +it could possibly mean any other person. But this was astounding news +about his mother! It was one thing to have a father disappear, whom he +had simply feared, until he had learned to hate; it was quite another +thing to talk about the going away of the only one who had ever tried to +mend his clothes, and who had sat up nights to wash them when she could. + +He strode past Mart into the wretched room, and looked at the bed in the +corner. + +The mother was asleep, but on her face was a strange change--a something +that he had never seen there before, worn and sunken as it always was. +It made him understand Mart's fears. + +“I'll go,” he said huskily, and rushed from the house. + +“_Her_” carriage was just rolling down the avenue as his swift feet +cleared the alley. He knew the horses. He was a little ahead of them; +but it was not probable that the driver would stop for him. + +“Won't you stop that carriage?” he said in breathless haste to a +policeman at the corner; “I've got to speak to the lady that's in it.” + +“I'll be quite likely to, no doubt!” said the policeman, in quiet irony. +“What rascality are you up to now, Dirk? _Can't_ you be decent for a few +days?” + +But Dirk was trying to free himself from the detaining hand, and threw +up one arm in a sort of despairing gesture to the coachman. Mr. Roberts +caught the signal, recognized the face, and in another moment the horses +stood restlessly by the curb-stone, and Dirk, his embarrassment gone, +told his brief story rapidly. + +“Father went off a spell ago, and never came back; and mother, she is +sickly, and it set her crying; and she's _going_, Mart thinks, and I +guess it's so; and Mart wants you to come and show her the way. She said +you knew how, and you would come.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +“MAY SHE GO WITH ME?” + + +Of course she went. And, of course, now that the truth was known, +much was done. Dr. Everett was summoned. The wretched bed, with its +distressing rags, were turned out together, and a comfortable one took +its place. Broths and teas and jellies and physical comfort of every +kind were furnished, and the doctor did his best to battle with the +disease that long years of want and misery had fastened upon their +victim. It was all too late, of course. It was true, what Mr. Roberts +sadly said, that half of the effort, expended years or even months +before, might have saved the poor, tortured life; but now! + +How awful those “too lates” are! Isn't it a wonder that we ever take the +risk of having one ring in our ears forever? There was one thing over +which some of these Christian workers shed tears of joy. + +“_I_ am too late,” said Dr. Everett, “but my Master has as much power +to-day as ever. He can save her.” + +And He did. The poor, tired woman, who years before had remembered an +old story well enough to name her one daughter “Martha,” in memory of +the one who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” roused her dull +heart at the mention of His name, and listened while the wonderful story +was told her that He loved not only Martha and her sister, but her own +poor, sinful, wrecked self; loved her enough to reach after her, and +call and wait, and prepare for her a home in His glory. + +Dear! Why has not some one come with the news before? Surely she would +have listened during these long, sad years. Well, they made the way +plain. Neither was it a difficult thing to do. The woman was weary and +travel-stained and afraid, and longed for nothing so much as a place of +refuge. She knew that she was a sinner; she knew that she was, and had +been for many a year, powerless to help herself. Why should she not hail +with joy the story of a great and willing Helper? + +“Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” She opened her +eyes with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words. “Weary?”' Yes, indeed! +“Heavy laden?” Who more so? If the call was not for her, whom _could_ it +mean? What else? Why, what, but the glorious old story, “I will give you +rest?” What wonder that she closed her eyes and smiled! What wonder that +the first words after that were: “I'll come; show me how.” And He showed +her how. + +“Dirk,” the sister said, when the mother had gone the last and only +restful journey of her life, “Dirk, _she_ went to heaven; and I'm going. +I've been wanting to tell you for more than a week, but I didn't know +how. _He_ asked me to, and I'm going. Now _you_ must. 'Cause we never +had a good time here, and she'll kind of expect it in heaven, and be +looking out for you; she always looked out for you, Dirk.” + +Then did Dirk lose his half-sullen self-control, and great tears rolled +down his dark cheeks. + +But the sister shed no tears. She had serious business to attend to. +Dirk must go to heaven now without fail. + + * * * * * + +One day there was an unusual scene in the alley. It was no uncommon +thing to see a coffin carried out from there, but on this day there was +a hearse, and a minister in Dr. Everett's carriage, and Dirk and his +sister, in neat apparel, came out together and were seated in Mr. +Roberts' carriage; and all the boys of the Monday-evening Class walked +arm in arm after the slow-moving carriages; and the children of the +alley stopped their placing and their fighting, and the women stood +silent in doorways, and took, most of them, their very first lesson in +the proprieties of life. + +“She's got a ride in a carriage at last, poor soul!” said one, thinking +of the worn-out body in the coffin; and another said: “I wonder what +poor old Jock would think of all this?” + +But the scene made its impression, and left its lesson. I think the +voices of some of them were lower during the rest of the day because of +it. + +What next? It was the question that filled Mrs. Roberts' thoughts. +Something must be done for Dirk and Mart. That fearful alley was no +place for human beings; certainly not for these two. But what to do with +them was a question not easily answered. + +Various plans were proposed. Sallie Calkins' two rooms were much better +than the cellar in which the Colson family had lived; and there was a +chance to rent a room next to Sallie's, with a closet opening from it +for Dirk. How would it do to have them board with Sallie? The suggestion +came first from Gracie Dennis, and sounded reasonable. Mrs. Roberts was +almost ashamed to dislike it as much as she did. Sallie's neat rooms +were _home_ now. The father, for this length of time at least, held to +his pledge; and son and daughter were radiant over him. He had gone to +work, and already the two rooms were taking on an air of greater comfort +because of the little things that he proudly brought home. + +Sallie was doing her part wisely. The table was regularly laid now, with +a white cloth and knives and forks; and two new cups and plates had been +added to the dishes. Would it be wise to invade this home just at this +juncture and introduce boarders? Mrs. Roberts did not believe that it +would. It was not as though the father had an established character, +and stood ready to shield his children; they were still acting the +protective, and he had but too recently risen from the depths where Dirk +and Mart had laughed and jeered at him. Besides, the rooms were located +in that dreadful alley; and, do what she would, Mrs. Roberts could +not feel that that dangerously-beautiful face could find a safe +abiding-place in that alley. Some other way must be thought of. + +Their immediate future was arranged through the intervention of a house +agent; for even that dreary and desolate cellar had its agent, who was +eager to secure his rent. He was unwise enough to undertake to interview +Mrs. Roberts as she descended from her carriage, not long after it had +followed Mart's mother to the grave. + +He considered this effort of his a special stroke of business energy. +He wanted to be patient with the poor, he said; there wasn't an agent +in the city who waited for them oftener than he did; but business was +business, and it stood to reason that he could not depend on a fellow +like Dirk. It had been bad enough when the mother was there, but +he couldn't think of such a thing as risking it now. What was he to +understand? Did she mean to rent the room for them, and for how long? +Because it was his duty to look out for the future. + +What would be more natural than for Mrs. Roberts, with those two young +things looking on, to say that of course she would be responsible for +the rent as long as they lived in the room? Thus reasoned the house +agent. + +Instead of which, Mrs. Roberts turned toward Dirk, her face flushed over +the hardness of a man who could stop a boy and girl on such business on +their way from their mother's grave, and said:-- + +“If I were in your place, Mr. Colson, I should not rent these rooms at +all. They are not suited to your sister's needs. I am sure you can do +better.” + +The agent was disgusted. “_Mr._ Colson,” indeed! The disreputable young +scamp whom nobody trusted. He would show this silly woman a fact or two. + +“Business is business” he repeated, doggedly. “Either they must take +the room, and pay the rent in advance, or else they must hustle out this +very night.” He had waited now three days after time for decency's sake, +and more than that he couldn't and wouldn't do. + +Dirk stood looking from one to the other; the red coming and going on +his swarthy face. Here was responsibility! He had not thought of it +before. The mother was not there to count out the hoarded rent with +trembling fingers, and save the wretched home to them for another month. +She would never be there again. He had nothing with which to pay rent; +he had nowhere to move. Yet _she_ had called him Mr. Colson, and seemed +to expect him to act for himself and Mart. + +It was she who answered the agent, but she spoke to Dirk. + +“Very well; I suppose you are quite as willing to leave here to-night as +at any time? If I were you, I would leave immediately. Let your sister +come home with me for the night, and until you have time to make other +arrangements.” + +Mr. Roberts had been summoned to a bank meeting, and had sent Ried to +attend his wife. He came forward now, from the carriage where he had +stood waiting, and laid a hand on Dirk's arm. + +“And you come home with me to-night, Colson,” he said in a cordial tone, +such as he might have used with any young friend; “then we shall have a +chance to talk things over and make plans.” + +“That is nice,” Mrs. Roberts said, quickly, rejoicing in her heart over +Ried's promptness to act. “Then you can get away from this wretched +place at once. Mr. Roberts will see to the removal of your goods, +whatever you need, and the agent can call on him in the morning. That +will be the simplest way to settle it all. May she go with me?” + +A slight, caressing movement of a gloved hand on the girl's arm +accompanied this question. + +Mart was silent with bewilderment. When had Dirk ever before been asked +what _she_ might do, or might not do? At first she was half inclined +to scorn the suggestion. Then, suddenly, it came to her with a sense +of relief and protection: she was not alone; it was Dirk's business to +think of and care for her. Would he do it? + +As for Dirk, no wonder that his face was deeply flushed. New thoughts +were struggling in his heart. _He_ was to decide for Mart; he was +the head of the home now. Mrs. Roberts waited anxiously. She longed +exceedingly to rouse in the boy, who was already grown to the stature of +a man, a sense of responsibility. + +A moment more, and he had shaken himself free from the spell which +seemed to bind him. + +“We'll do as you say.” He spoke with the air of a man who had assumed +his proper place and taken up his duties. “Mart, you go along with her, +and I'll see about things to-morrow.” + +And Mart, for the first time in her life, received and obeyed in silence +a direction from her brother. + +Possibly Mrs. Roberts may have been mistaken, but she thought that much +had been accomplished that day. + +Yet none of them realized whereunto this thing would grow. + +Mrs. Roberts, when she ushered Mart that evening into the pink room +again, and showed her how to manage the hot and cold water, and which +bell to ring if she needed anything, and in every imaginable way treated +her as a guest, whom it was pleasant to serve, had really no plans just +then--no hobby to ride--but simply acted out the dictates of her +heart. You will remember that her Christian life had been always +unconventional. The very fact that during her early girlhood she had +been painfully trammelled by what “they” would say or think, seemed to +have had its influence over her later experiences. Since she had been +made free, she would be free, indeed; that is, with the liberty with +which Christ makes us free. What would please _Him_ she resolved should +be the one thought to which she would give careful attention. Now, it is +perhaps worthy of mention, that this closely following disciple did not +once stop to determine whether it would please Him to give such tender +care to this stray child of His, or whether she would be considered +doing not just the thing, in _His_ eyes, if she entertained her in the +pink room. + +About what He could have her do next, she gave much thought. And it was +not for days, or rather weeks, that she caught the possibility of His +meaning that the pink room should really be the girl's own. + +It was just this way. The weeks went by, and no plan for settling Mart +comfortably elsewhere met Mrs. Roberts' approval. There was constantly +some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do. + +Meantime they became, she and Gracie Dennis, more and more deeply +interested in Mart. In her wardrobe first. “Wherever she lives she +should have respectable clothing; thus much is easily settled.” So the +matron decreed, and Gracie did not gainsay it. She became absorbed in +preparing it. Such fascinating work! So many things were needed, and +her skin was so delicate, and her eyes so blue, and Gracie's choice of +shades and textures fitted her so precisely. Then, when dressed, simple +though her toilet was, her remarkable beauty shone out so conspicuously +as to alarm Mrs. Roberts whenever she thought of her in shop or store. + +Several times during the weeks, she visited Sallie Calkins, and looked +about her with a thoughtful air, and came away feeling that it would +not do. There was Mark, growing into manhood, a good boy, hard-working, +respectable, proud of his good, homely sister, and of his reformed +father. The two rooms were taking on every sort of homely comfort that +Sallie's skill, helped by Mrs. Roberts' suggestions, could devise. It +was growing into a model little home in its way, but there was not a +corner in it where Mart would fit. + +Then, as the days passed, a subtle, fascinating change began to come +over Mart. She slipped quietly into certain household duties. She showed +marvellous skill with her needle; such skill, indeed, that Gracie Dennis +said more than once: “I'll tell you, Flossy, what to do with her: put +her in a good establishment, and let her learn the dressmaking trade. +She could make her fortune in time.” And Mrs. Roberts smiled, and +assented to the statement, but not to the proposition. There was no +dressmaking establishment known to her where she was willing to place +so young and pretty and ignorant a girl. But she was quite willing that +Mart should learn the looping of dresses, and the fitting of sacks and +collars and ruffles; and take many a stitch for her, as well as for +Gracie. She was willing to have her do a dozen little nameless things, +the ways of doing which she had caught up; until at last the touch of +her fingers began to be felt about the rooms, and Mrs. Roberts began +to notice that she should miss Mart when she went away. Still, from the +first time she said this, the thought came afterward with a smile of +satisfaction, and it was but a week afterward that she caught herself +phrasing it, that she should miss her _if_ she went away. + +What about Dirk? Young Ried could have told you more of him during these +days than anybody else. He still stayed at the boarding-house. Mrs. +Saunders, the mistress of it, was one whom, if you had known her, you +would feel sure could interest herself heartily in such as he. There +was a bit of a room next to Ried's. To be sure, it had been used for a +clothes-press, and it took the busy housekeeper half a day to plan how +she could get along without it; but she planned, and offered it to Ried +for his _protégé_. + +“Just for the present, you know, until he sees what he can do, poor +fellow,” she said, and Ried accepted the little room joyfully, and +helped fit it up. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +“WHAT IF I BELONGED?” + + +You think things are taking very rapid strides? Well, don't you know +that there come periods when they do just that thing, or appear to? Why, +even the buds on the trees teach us the lesson. How many springtimes +have you gone to your bed feeling that the season was late, and the +trees were bare, and the fruits would all be backward, and Nature was +dawdling along in a very wearisome fashion; and awakened in the morning +to find that there had in the night been a gentle rain, and a movement +of mysterious power among the buds and the grasses, and that now, in the +morning sunshine, the world had burst into bloom? Yet, did you really +suppose, after all, that the _work_ was done in one night? + +There was progress of several sorts in the class at the South End. Even +a casual observer could have seen a change in the boys that first Sunday +after they had attended Dirk's mother to the grave. The dignity of +that hour of sorrow was still upon them. Even the very reckless and +world-hardened will offer a certain degree of respect to death. On +ordinary occasions, the boys might have been merry at Dirk's expense, +for they saw changes in him; but the memory of his mother's coffin kept +them silent, and let his changed manner have its effect. + +That Sunday was full of small events to Dirk; at least they are small +enough when one puts them on paper, though I admit that they looked +large to him. Several people interested themselves in his welfare. + +“Poor fellow!” said Mrs. Saunders, “I suppose his mother tried to do +for him. Just as likely as not she had a clean shirt for him of a Sunday +morning.”' + +You will perceive that Mrs. Saunders, though all her life a resident +of a large city, was not very well-acquainted with the abject poor. In +point of fact, Dirk Colson had had no extra clothing for his mother to +make clean. But Mrs. Saunders, full of the motherly thought, yet finding +no trace of a shirt in the bundle of rags that Dirk had brought with +him, went down one day into the depths of an old trunk, and brought to +light and mended and washed and ironed a shirt that had long been laid +aside. + +It lay in its purity on a chair at the foot of Dirk's bed on Sabbath +morning. He lay still and looked at it for a while, then arose and gave +such careful attention to the soap and water as was new to him, and +arrayed himself in the clean linen. + +His clothes were whole and clean. Mr. Roberts had seen to it that he +went respectably dressed to his mother's funeral. + +A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush +and blacking-box in hand. + +“Want to borrow?” he said, in the careless tone of one who might have +supposed that the blacking of his boots was an every-day matter to this +boy. “I always keep my own; it is cheaper than to depend on the street +boys.” + +Dirk said nothing at all, but reached forth his hand, and took the +offered tools, and the hint which came with them. When he went down +to breakfast his boots shone, and his fresh paper collar was neatly +arranged; altogether he was not the boy to whom I first introduced you. +I am not sure that Policeman Duffer would have recognized him. A +collar and a necktie make a great difference in some people's personal +appearance. Dirk wondered a little as to where the box of paper collars +came from. The necktie he had just found lying in the bottom of the box. +It was the mate of the one young Ried wore, but that told nothing, for +both were simple and plain, and could be bought by the dozens in any +furnishing store. + +It is small wonder that the boys in the class looked at him. Nimble Dick +wore at first a roguish air, but a sudden memory of Dirk's face when he +turned away from his mother's grave came in time. Open graves are not +easy things to forget. + +Dirk went to the church that day; went with young Ried by invitation, +and sat in the pew behind Mr. Roberts. + +By the way, the seat which he occupied was another of Mr. Roberts' +peculiarities. Three seats were rented by him in a central part of the +large church. One of these seats he and his wife regularly occupied. The +others were almost as regularly occupied by the clerks from the store +who chose to make that their church home. Six sittings to a pew. When +a young man chose, Mr. Roberts was ready to enter into a business +engagement with him, whereby the sitting should be considered his own; +Mr. Roberts considering it to be no part of any one's concern that the +sum for which he thus sub-let the sittings was not a tenth of what the +first rental cost. It was in this way that Mr. Ried owned sittings in +the pew just back of that occupied by Mr. Roberts; and brought with +him constantly one and another young man. Today the young man was Dirk +Colson. + +It was all a strange world to him. He had wandered into the gallery +of the Mission Chapel, and looked down from his perch on the crowd of +worshippers; but this morning he was in the very centre of things, as if +he were one of them. Perhaps it is not strange that the startled inquiry +came to his heart: What if I belonged? Where did he belong now? He +had lost his place; he must make another. What if it should be in this +neighborhood, among these surroundings? Such thoughts did not take +actual shape to him, so that he could have put them into words; they +merely hovered in his atmosphere. Mrs. Roberts sat so that he could look +at her, which thing he liked to do. It had long since been settled +in his mind that he had one friend, and that one was Mrs. Roberts. He +admired Gracie Dennis, too, with a different sort of admiration from +that which he gave to the matron. She might be all very well; and she +was a splendid reader; and he knew that he could imitate her on certain +sentences, at least. And she had taught him to use the type-writer--an +accomplishment which he meant to perfect himself in as soon as he had +a chance. In fact, his ambition reached higher than that: one of these +days he meant to make one of his own with certain improvements! Who +shall say that Dirk was not growing? + +On this particular day there sat beside Mrs. Roberts a lady,--a +stranger. He could not see her face, but for some reason, which he did +not understand, Dirk liked to look at her. She suggested something to +him that seemed like a familiar dream. He thought much about her, and +resolved to see if in her face she looked like any one he ever saw. As +she turned at the close of the service he was looking at her steadily. +Lo! it was Mart. + +Now the possibility had not once suggested itself to his mind. If you +think this doubtful, you merely show that you know nothing about the +transforming effect of a becoming dress, no matter how simple it may +be. Remember, Dirk had never but twice seen his sister in a bonnet. +The first time it was Sallie's, and though the effect was sufficiently +startling, yet Sallie's bonnet did not fit her face, as this creation +of Gracie Dennis' fingers did. The second time the bonnet had been a +hideous black one, proffered by an old woman who lived in the story +above them, and whose thoughtfulness Mrs. Roberts would not mar by +making any mention of the neat one which she had brought in a box that +day. The black bonnet had been like a mask, hiding Mart's beauty. + +The bonnet that she wore now was not of that character. It told a +wonderful story to Dirk's astonished gaze. Now, indeed, the likeness was +plain; without doubt, the girl whose face lighted with a curious smile +at sight of him, bore a striking likeness to the woman who had smiled at +him whenever she met him! + +A curious effect this had on Dirk. There was that in his sister which +made it possible for her to be something like the woman who had won his +heart; and that sister was in his care: she had said so; he must work +for her, and watch over her! + +I suppose that Sabbath was really the beginning of the surface changes +in Mrs. Roberts' class. Not the beginning to the teacher, but to those +people who only have eyes for strongly marked things. + +I know that it was but a few weeks afterward that Mrs. Roberts came home +with such an unusual light in her eyes, and with her face so full of +brightness, that her husband said, inquiringly:-- + +“What is it, Flossy?” + +She turned to him, eagerly, ready to laugh. + +“It is what you will understand, but a great many people wouldn't. It is +so nice that you understand things! I feel just like saying, 'Thank the +Lord.'” + +“Do you mean to convey the idea that only a very few favored people feel +like that? I don't know of a person who has not great occasion. What is +your special one?” + +“Evan, the last boy had his boots blacked, and a fresh paper collar on!” + +Mr. Roberts threw back his head and laughed,--a genial, hearty laugh. +His wife looked on, smiling. There is a great deal of character in a +laugh, remember; you would have known that this was a sympathetic one. + +Mr. Roberts was entirely capable of realizing what this said to his +wife about the future of her boys. It was becoming certain that their +self-respect was awakened. + +A few days thereafter occurred another of those little things which mark +some characters. + +Dirk, at Mrs. Saunders' breakfast-table on Sabbath morning, heard talk +that on Monday he recalled. By the way, I should have told you of one +other way in which the Sabbath became a marked day to him. He slept in +the little room which opened from Ried's, but his meals were picked up +at a restaurant, as occasion offered,--a much nicer and surer method of +living than he had ever known before. Even the commonest restaurant had +great respectability to him. Yet you will remember that he had by this +time taken several suppers in Mrs. Roberts' dining-room. He knew that +there was a difference in things; in fact, his experience now stretched +over infinite differences; but the first time he sat down to Mrs. +Saunders' breakfast-table, on a Sabbath morning, he discovered another +grade: this by no means belonged to the restaurant class? The Sunday +breakfasts and dinners were some of Mrs. Saunders' quiet ways of helping +along the work of the Christian world. Many a young man appeared at her +table as the guest of Ried or of Dr. Everett, or of some other of the +boarders, who was unaware that he owed the pleasant experience to the +landlady. + +Well, Dirk at the Sabbath-table heard talk of one General Burton, famous +as a soldier, a scholar, and an orator. General Burton was in the city, +the guest of a prominent man; he was to speak on the following evening +in one of the great halls, and much eager talk was had concerning him; +great desire was expressed to hear him, to get a glimpse of him. Dirk +listened in silence, but had his own thoughts about what it must be +to have people talking about one, wanting to get a glimpse of one, and +next, what it must be to be intimate with such people. Did Mrs. Roberts +know the great man? he wondered. And then Dirk smiled as he thought how +queer it was that he should know Mrs. Roberts; that he might, in fact, +be called intimately acquainted with her! + +Remembering this reverie of his, you will better understand how he felt +on Monday morning, as he made his way in haste down a quiet part of one +of the up-town streets, intent on an errand that required promptness, to +hear his name called by Mrs. Roberts. + +“Good morning!” she said. “Are you in too great haste to recognize your +friends? I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. General Burton, +Mr. Colson. General, this is one of my young men, of whom I told you.” + +Whereupon the famous general, hero of many battles, held out his honored +hand, and took Dirk's in a cordial grasp. I don't suppose I could +explain to you what an effect this action had on a boy like Dirk. + +There is this comfort: you may be a student of human nature, and +therefore may understand it all without explanation. + +This is only one of many so-called trifles which occurred during the +weeks, to make their indelible impress on the characters of the boys. + +Of course, the Monday Evenings prospered. Reading-lessons and +writing-lessons, and, as time passed, lessons of all sorts made good +progress. + +Neatly-blackened boots, carefully-arranged hair, and fresh collars +became the rule instead of the exception. + +Other avenues for improvement opened. It became noised abroad in +Christian circles that great transformations were being worked among a +certain set of hard young fellows who had hitherto been best known to +the police. Mr. Roberts was interviewed by one and another, and one +outgrowth of the talks was that tickets for a course of expensive and +valuable and attractive lectures on popular subjects were placed in +large numbers in Mr. Roberts' hands for him to use at discretion. +Moreover, seats were rented in the church towards which most of the boys +gravitated--the one connected with their Mission; seats re-rented after +Mr. Roberts' plan, so that as often as there appeared a young man who +cared to have a spot in the church which belonged to him, it could be +had for a very small sum; in fact, as pews rented in that church, a +ridiculously small sum. + +These are only hints of the channels which time and patience and thought +opened for these young men, on whom, but a short time before, Satan +believed himself to have so firm a grip. + +One feature of the “Monday Evenings” had, in the course of time, to be +changed. The young teacher of elocution went home. + +“I want to go,” she said at last, in answer to her hostess' pleading. +“I think it quite likely that papa would let me stay and attend school +here; but I am in haste to get home. You need not look sober, Flossy. +I have had a happier time than I have ever had in my life before; and I +have found here a sort of happiness that will last. It almost breaks my +heart to think of leaving those boys,--especially my dear Dick Bolton; +but really, I need to go home and undo certain things that I left badly +done. You don't half know me, Flossy Shipley. When I came here I was a +regular goose. If you had known what a simpleton I was, and how hateful +I had been about some things at home, you would never have invited me. + +“Among other things that were hateful about me, I was a real horror to +my mother. I thought I had reason to distrust and dislike her; when +the truth is that I have cause to go down on my knees and thank her for +keeping me from some things. I'm in a real hurry to get home, and show +that young mother of mine what a perfectly angelic daughter I can be.” + +And Mrs. Roberts smiled and kept her own counsel; and this was all that +she was supposed to know about her young guest. She never knew the whole +story about Professor Ellis; though there was a girl, Hester Mason by +name, in Dr. Everett's Sabbath-school, who could have told her a good +deal about him, and about Gracie Dennis' helping to break the net that +Satan had woven for her unwary feet. The fact is, there is a great +deal concerning all these people--Hester Mason and Dr. Everett and Joy +Saunders and Joy Saunders' mother--which I should have liked to tell you +if I could have found room. You may read of them any time, however, if +you choose, in a book called “An Endless Chain.” Of course, the story of +their lives does not end even _there_, because the chain is, as I said, +_endless_; but there are many of the links presented to view. + +So Grace Dennis went home. And neither then, nor afterward, did Mrs. +Roberts hear in detail the story of Professor Ellis. What matter? She +had, however, a short added chapter. It came in a letter from Mrs. +Marion Dennis not long after Gracie's return. It read thus.-- + +Oh, Flossy Shipley Roberts! blessed little scheming saint that you are! +What did you do? How did you do it! Ah! I know more about it than those +sentences would indicate. The dear Lord did it, working through you, +His servant. He has called our Gracie to higher ground, filled her heart +with that which has made insignificant things take their true place, and +wrong things show for what they are. + +You know, of course, that it is all right about Professor Ellis;--or no! +I fear it is all wrong about him, but right with our Gracie. I hear that +he has permanently located in your city. Perhaps your Christian charity +can reach him. He sent Gracie a letter, trying to explain certain +affairs about that Mason girl, with which I presume you are familiar. +She showed me the letter and her answer. He will not write her another! + +“_I_ don't know any Mason girl,” said Mrs. Roberts to her husband, “but +it doesn't matter. I don't want to know the story if there is nothing to +be done through it. There are stories enough that one _must_ know.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +“IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR” + + +It was Monday evening, and there was company at Mr. Roberts' home; +not the usual Monday evening gathering, but quite a large party +of well-dressed men and women, many of them young, yet some were +middle-aged. The pretty room opposite the conservatory was thrown open, +and aglow with lights and flowers; and groups were continually passing +in and out, admiring the paintings and the flowers, and the type-writers +of different patterns, and the books and magazines, of which there +were many. But interest was not confined to this room. The parlors were +thrown open and the music-room beyond; even the cosy little library was +public property for this one evening. The company was large, and their +tastes were varied; so no pains had been spared to give them variety. + +You are acquainted with quite a number of the guests; yet I am by no +means sure that you would recognize them all. Even in so short a period +of time as three years, great changes may be elicited! + +For instance, do you know the young man in unnoticeable, and therefore +appropriate, evening dress, who is doing duty at the piano, watching +with practiced eye the course of the player, and turning the leaf with +skilful hand at just the right moment? It is a somewhat embarrassing +position; but his manner leads you to suppose that he has been +accustomed to it all his life, and that he reads music well. In the +latter belief you are correct; but as to being accustomed to it--three +years ago Nimble Dick could have told you a different story! + +You can't believe that it is he? I do not wonder. The change is +certainly a great one; but he does not feel it. To tell you the truth, +he almost forgets, when he becomes absorbed in his work, that this sort +of society was not always open to him. Three years means a long time to +the young; and Richard Bolton has so long been accustomed to the freedom +of Mrs. Roberts' parlors, and to the sort of people whom one finds +there, that none of the refinements of polite life are strange to him; +and as to turning music, has he not done it for his hostess numberless +times? + +If your eyes are now opened, it is possible that you may be trying to +spy out other young men. The rooms are full of them, elegantly-dressed, +fashionable young men; but a few are noticeable by the air which they +have of being in a sense responsible for the comfort of the others. They +are on the alert; they are taking care that no young guest shall appear +for a moment to be forgotten or neglected. They appear to be entirely +familiar with the house and all its appointments. They can be appealed +to for a glass of water or an ice, or to know what special scene this +landscape hanging over the mantel represents, or whose bust this is in +the niche at the left, or in what portion of the library a certain +book will be found, or from what part of the foreign world that +strangely-shaped shell came, and they are all equally at home. In short, +it is like having a dozen or twenty young hosts to look after your +comfort and pleasure. In point of fact, there are seventeen of them. The +original seven has thus increased. Two months ago there were twenty, but +one has secured an appointment as telegraph operator in a distant city, +and as Stephen Crowley occupies a similar position in one of the offices +in this city, some very interesting conversations are held, and many +important items connected with the “Monday Evenings” and the South End +School and the “Library Association,” etc., are transmitted when the +lines are not otherwise employed. Young Haskell, too, has gone with one +of the partners from the store where he was first employed, to set up a +branch store in a not distant town; and his old Sabbath-school teacher +has already received letters from him, saying that they have started +a branch Sunday-school in the south part of the town, and that he has +picked seven little wretches out of the streets, from eight to twelve +years of age, and gone to work. “And, dear Mrs. Roberts, I wish you +would pray for me, that I may be able to bring every one of them to +Christ.” + +So the letter ran; and that tells volumes to the initiated about young +Haskell. + +But although the changes among these young men have been great almost +to bewilderment, only one of the number has been promoted to a dazzling +height. The others are without exception earning good, honest livings +for themselves; securing good, substantial educations through the +evening classes which have grown out of that first effort; bidding fair +to become leading and honored citizens when they actually take their +places as men. But Mark Calkins, faithful, plodding, good-hearted, +patient Mark, has surpassed them all! The truth is “that eye hath not +seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart,” what sort of +magnificence surrounds him now. He has gone to court. The chief Ruler +of the realm has sent for Mark to be always in his immediate presence in +the palace; and with what joy he went I cannot tell you. Nor how often +they speak of him, and try to let their hearts conceive of the glory +which surrounds him, and dwell on the day when they will be called, one +after another, to share the same glory; for this is the ambition of more +than half of them. + +Now, in that sentence is unveiled the most curious part of my curious +story; and that it is curious, I frankly admit. It is no made-up affair. +I am not responsible for the strangeness of it. You are to remember +that “truth is stranger than fiction,” and then to understand that I am +telling you the truth. It is, then, a fact, that these young men have +each received conditional appointments to serve in the palace, high in +power and splendor and dignity. The conditions are that they are to be +willing to be guided in all things by the will of their King, whom they +each admit to be wise above all wisdom, and to be kind above all +their conceptions of kindness. It is true that nine of the number +have accepted their appointments, donned their uniform, assumed their +positions as He has directed, and are waiting for the summons to appear +in person at court. It is also true that the others are still in a state +of indecision; they do not know whether to accept the appointment or +not. It is true that they feel themselves honored; that they believe +this to be the only path of honorable and safe promotion. It is true +that they have full faith in those who will tell with joy, that, having +enlisted, they find the service even in this ante-room sweet, and the +rewards great. It is true that they severally visited Mark, just as the +door was opening to admit him to the palace, and heard him speak of the +glimpses of its glory, and heard that his last words before he went away +were, “Oh, mine eyes see the King in his beauty!” and that his voice +was jubilant as that of a conqueror, and his face radiant as with a +reflection of unseen glory; and yet they hesitate, and dally with the +call, and mean, some time, to have such an inheritance deeded to them, +but not now! Remember, I am not responsible for this. Were I writing +fiction I should hesitate to set down such idiotic folly, expecting you +to call it unnatural or absurdly overdrawn; but I do solemnly declare to +you that this is fact. Account for the folly of their behavior as best +you can. + +Well, Sallie and her father are left behind. But, mind you, they are not +among the doubtful ones. They both as much expect to serve at court as +they expect to live through all eternity. But while they wait they are +busy. They have moved from the alley; the surroundings were not such +as they liked. Did you notice that bit of a house landing modestly +back from the road, at the further corner of those ample grounds that +surround the South End Church? It is the sexton's house, and that +church, and those Sunday-school rooms, and those grounds, and everything +pertaining to them, are under his care. The father is the sexton, it +is true, and attends the furnace and rings the bell; but it is Sallie's +care that keeps seat and desk and window so beautifully free from dust +or stain. Oh, they live busy lives, and happy ones. Sallie trusted not +in vain in her father's promise that night, when he put his weak will +into the pledge; but you are to understand that it was but a few days +thereafter when he planted his weak and wavering feet on the Rock of +Ages. Then did Satan angle for him in vain. + +So, on this Monday evening, there were but seventeen at the gathering. +I hesitate over what to name the gathering. I would call it a party, +but that in many respects it was so totally different from anything with +which you are probably acquainted by that name. + +The young man who stands by the door of the conservatory, eagerly +describing to Miss Henderson a rare and curious flower, which has been +sent to Mrs. Roberts from California, is “black Dirk.” Really, I hope +you are sufficiently astonished; for he looks so utterly unlike the +scamp who used to be the special torment of the South End Mission that +I should be disappointed if you were not impressed by it. “Mr. Colson” + almost everybody calls him now. The name has long since lost its +strangeness. He is in the employ of the great firm of Bostwick, Smythe, +Roberts & Co., and although Mr. Roberts has never found it convenient to +do so before, there were reasons why he thought it would be well to +have a clerk within call; so Mr. Colson boards with what was the junior +partner of the firm. He is so no more, by the way, for Mr. Ried has been +received as a member, and is decidedly a junior partner. Probably Mr. +Roberts could tell you, if he chose, why one so young, and without +capital, had been elected to partnership; but, as a rule, he keeps his +own counsel, only remarking that the young man developed remarkable +business faculties which were patent to the whole firm. To his wife he +said:-- + +“I tell you, Flossy, I believe a consecrated life will be honored by the +Lord, in whatever channel he gives it talents to develop. 'Whatsoever +he doth shall prosper.' That young man is going to have a career in +business. I shouldn't be surprised if the Master meant him to show the +world how a Christian can use money to his glory.” + +It is early yet to prophesy what Mr. Colson will do. Doubtless he will +be a merchant; certainly he will be a Christian; possibly he will be +an orator, of whom the world will yet hear,--a temperance orator, for +instance. I know you would like to hear him read a poem. He is not +confined to Will Carleton's style now, though he still reads with power +some of those inimitable delineations of life; but Gracie Dennis offers +no more criticisms when he reads. In fact, I have heard her defer to +him, when a question arose, as one who had probably studied the passage, +and caught its best. I am willing to confess that my poor black Dirk was +a bit of a genius. The thought I desire you to catch is that so many +of those poor fellows, who of necessity live by their wits in the city +slums, are diamonds which could be fitted to shine. You take a diamond +and throw it down in the dirt and filth, and put your foot on it and +grind it in, and leave it there, sinking and soiling, day after day, +year after year, and when somebody comes along and picks it out, how +much will it gleam for him at first? Yet the diamond is there. + +“Thou shalt be a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” Mrs. Roberts had +been at work hunting diamonds for His diadem. + +As Mr. Colson stood there chatting freely with Miss Henderson, there was +nothing about the association that looked incongruous, neither did it +occur to any. There was not a trace of embarrassment about this boy from +the slums; he had forgotten the slums, and stood talking with one of the +aristocrats of the city. + +How came she to talk with him, to allow herself to be entertained +by him? Let me tell you: thereby hangs a tale. Some time before this +evening--in fact, nearly two years before--Mrs. Roberts had come to a +puzzle, and stood and looked at it doubtfully. Then she presented it to +the others:-- + +“They are growing easy in their manners with me, learning to be +gentlemanly without embarrassment, and thoughtful over little things +without being ashamed of it; but I am afraid that with other ladies they +would be sadly frightened and awkward. When Mrs. Delaney came in this +evening I could but notice how utterly silent Mr. Colton became; he +had been talking well before. It seems as though there was a great gulf +between them and social advancement. How can we bridge it?” + +Then young Ried ventured his thought:--“My sister Ester had a class in +the Center Street Sabbath-school--nice little girls, who wore pretty +dresses, and had their hair curled, and came from the best families. +After she was taken sick, she told me one of her regrets was that she +had not stayed well long enough to try a plan which she had. She meant +to take a class of rough little boys in the mission-school, and she +meant to ask the mothers of the little girls to let them come, once a +month, and play with the little boys from the streets--she to play with +them, and watch over them every moment; but to try to interest the girls +in teaching the boys gentleness and good manners. I don't know how it +would have worked. Ester was never well enough to undertake it; nor +could she seem to enlist any one else in such service. It has grave +objections, I suppose; but I have always thought that I should like to +see something of the kind carefully tried.” + +Mrs. Roberts, before this little story was half-concluded, had turned +those eager eyes of hers on the speaker--eyes that always had a peculiar +light in them whenever her soul took in a new suggestion. + +“Thank you,” she said. “I see, oh! a great many things. I ought to have +called in that dear sister Ester to help on this phase of the question +before. It has always seemed to me as though we were doing her work.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +“THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM” + + +That was the beginning of a new effort. There were certain young ladies +becoming well-known to Mrs. Roberts, by reason of a similarity of tastes +which drew them to her. + +She sat down one day and wrote out their names with great care on her +tablets. + +Miss Henderson's name headed the list. She was one of the aristocrats. I +use the word in its highest sense. The accidents of wealth and position +were hers; at least, that is the way we talk, though I suppose we all +believe that the Lord is the giver of both, and will require an account +of the same at our hands. + +If this be so, Miss Henderson will be more ready than some with her +rendering; for she is of royal blood, and guards well the honor of the +Christian name she bears. + +Without hesitation, Miss Henderson headed the list. The others were +chosen more slowly; ten of them, picked soldiers, to do special duty “in +His name.” + +It required much explanation, much care to plan wisely. + +But the girls caught at the idea. + +In the course of weeks they formed a band, with Miss Henderson for +president. Ostensibly they were a literary society; really they were +diamond polishers. + +They met one evening by invitation, with Mrs. Roberts, and made the +acquaintance of the “Monday Club.” They sang for them, read for them, +heard them read; chatted with them on the various topics of the hour, +the last lecture of the course, which all had attended; a certain book +carefully read and criticised by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Dr. Everett in +the Monday Club,--not so carefully read by the young ladies; therefore, +it came to pass that they were somewhat worsted in an argument +concerning it, which was bad neither for the young ladies nor the Monday +Club. + +Finally, they were taken out to supper by these young men, who had so +far come under Mrs. Robert's' influence that they were willing to endure +torture for the sake of pleasing her. + +It is a long story. I could write another book about it just as well as +not. + +The main difficulty would be that the critics would pronounce the story +overdrawn. They always do when one revels in facts. It is only when +an author keeps within the range of sober fiction that he may feel +comparatively safe from this charge. + +These young ladies represented other parlors and other dining-rooms. +They arranged for little graceful entertainments, to which the Monday +Club was invited. Gradually others were invited too--good, solid men, +and wise-hearted, motherly women. The invitations were select, the +“polishers” were chosen with care; but it was surprising to these +workers to find how large the Christian world is, and how many stood +ready to help if they were shown love. + +“It is one of the best suggestions that that dear Ester has given us.” + This Mrs. Roberts said one evening when the Young Ladies' Band and the +Monday Club combined their forces and gave an entertainment to some of +the best people on the avenue. + +I have given you hints of how they did it. They were every one +Christians, these young ladies; none others were chosen. They worked +with a single aim in view--His glory. They took no step that was not +paved with prayer. Do you need to be told that they succeeded? + +This was one of the reasons why Mr. Colson chatted with Miss Henderson +with perfect freedom, and why his bow was graceful and easy when she +introduced him to her friend Miss Fanshawe, of Philadelphia. He was +accustomed to being introduced to her friends. + +I'm sure I hope you wish I would tell you somewhat of Mart Colson. If +you are not deeply interested in her I am disappointed in you. She has +been such an object of interest to me since that time when I caught a +glimpse of her once through the cellar-window, with a gleam of sunset +making her hair into gold. + +It is a summer evening of which I tell you, and she is all +in white--except her eyes; nothing can be bluer than they are +to-night,--and except the flowers about her. She is always among the +flowers. + +I hesitate, after all, to tell you about Mart. Hers is one of those +stories hard to tell. Besides, her friend and patron has suffered much +criticism because of her, and though Mrs. Roberts does not care in the +least, I find that I am sensitive. + +“Has she really kept that Colson girl with her all these years?” Yes, +she has. I speak it meekly, but she has! “And never had her learn a +trade, or work in a factory, or learn to support herself in any way?” + She has never sent her anywhere to learn a trade or to work in a factory +or to stand behind a counter. It is too true. + +No, I was almost sure you did not approve of it. But, for all that, I +don't mean to argue Mrs. Roberts' cause. “To her own Master she standeth +or falleth.” + +Not but what Mrs. Roberts has argued, on occasion,--with Gracie Dennis, +for instance, who paid her a few weeks' visit, less than three months +after she first went home. + +“Flossy,” she would say, “what are you going to do--with the girl? Do +you really mean to keep her here?” + +“She has no mother, my child, nor father; and her brother is not able to +care for her yet. Where would you have me send her?” + +“Why, Flossy, there are places.” + +“Yes, my dear, I know it, and this is one of them.” + +“Well, but she ought to be learning things. How is she going to support +herself?” + +“She is studying arithmetic with me, you know, and writing and reading +with the dining-room girls; and I am teaching her music, and Mr. +Roberts proposes to have her join the history class as soon as she is +sufficiently advanced in the more common studies.” + +“But, Flossy Shipley, that is great nonsense! You know what I mean. You +cannot turn the world upside down in that fashion, or make an orphan +asylum of your house or a charity school.” + +“My dear, do you really think the house is in danger? Does it look like +an orphan asylum or feel like a charity school?” + +Then would Gracie Dennis laugh, but look a trifle vexed, nevertheless, +and mutter that people couldn't do things that way in this world. + +Then would Flossy be ready with her gentle drops of oil to soothe the +ruffles. + +“Gracie, dear, I am not trying to reform the world. There are a great +many girls left destitute I know, and I will do at wholesale all I +can for them; but this one is peculiar. You have admitted that it was +unusual to see such dangerous beauty, and she is unusual in her mental +development. She could be fierce and wicked; she is ignorant and bitter +about many things; I am afraid for her. I have not been able to think +of a place where the Lord Jesus would have me take her. I must see to it +that _He_ is pleased, you know, at all hazards. If He does not mean us +to keep her in the shelter of our home for the present, we do not know +what He means. + +“We cannot 'mother' the whole race: He has not even suggested it to our +hearts. He has simply said, 'Here, take this one; there is room for her; +keep her until I plainly tell you that her place is elsewhere.' Gracie, +would you have me tell Him we cannot?” + +By this time Gracie would be humble and sweet. + +“It is very good of you,” she would say, meekly, “and I was not +thinking of such a thing as finding fault. I was only wondering +whether--whether--well, you know--whether such a life as she is leading +in your house would not unfit her for her proper sphere?” + +But a sentence like that was always liable to put little Mrs. Roberts +on all the dignity she possessed. Her husband had ideas on that subject, +and had imbued her with them. Her voice could even sound almost haughty +as she said:-- + +“As to that, Gracie, we must remember that the 'sphere' of an American +woman is the one that she can fill acceptably in God's sight. He may +call her to the highest; I don't know. Since she is the daughter of a +King, there may be no spot on His footstool too high for His intentions +concerning her.” + +There was outside criticism, of course. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was +sufficiently peculiar in many respects to call for much criticism +from the world. They talked much about “that girl” she had picked up. +Gradually they said “that Colson girl”; then one day some daughter +asked, “Is she really a sister of that handsome Mr. Colson in the +store?” And by-and-by there were some who spoke of her as “Mattie +Colson.” That was the name which Mrs. Roberts always called her. It +began gradually to be known also that “Mattie Colson” knew a great deal +which was worth knowing. Three years of companionship with a lady like +Mrs. Roberts, and such as she gathers about her, can do much for a girl +who wishes much done for her. + +As to “earning her living,” I am not sure but she was learning to do it +in several ways. Mrs. Roberts struggled against all false ideas of life, +therefore taught her none. + +She was not the cook, but she could, and had on occasion, served up a +most enjoyable breakfast. + +She was not the second-girl, yet her fingers were undeniably skilful in +the arrangement of rooms and tables. She was not the sewing-girl, +yet constant were the calls on fingers that had become wise in these +directions. She was by no means the nurse, yet there was a little +golden-haired “Flossy” in the sunny room upstairs whose devoted slave +she was, and whose mother felt that Mattie's loving, watchful care over +her darling was only second to her own, and was so to be relied upon, by +day and night, as to repay tenfold whatever she might have done for the +girl. + +In fact, it would perhaps be difficult to define “Mart” Colon's position +in the house. Yet she was, as I said, becoming known among the young +ladies outside as “Mattie Colson, that handsome young Colson's sister; +as pretty as a doll, and a _protégé_ of that lovely Mrs. Roberts, you +know.” As for the Young Ladies' Band,--I do not include them when I talk +of the girls “outside,”--what they had done for Mattie Colson she could +not have told you though she tried, her eyes shining with tears. + +The days had come wherein the very matrons who had said that it was a +strange thing for Mrs. Roberts to take a girl from the slums into +her family--that it was “tempting Providence to attempt such violent +wrenches”--now said one to another, that “it must be a great relief to +Mrs. Roberts to have that Mattie Colson always at her elbow to see that +everything about the home was just as it should be;” and they added, +with a sigh, that “some people were very fortunate.” + +Now, dear critic, you stand all ready to say that this is a very nice +_paper_ story, but that in actual life attempts at doing good do not +result so smoothly; that to be “natural,” Mrs. Roberts ought, at least, +to have tried in vain to reclaim half of her boys. + +It is true, I have said nothing to you about two or three whom she has +not as yet reached, though she is still trying. My story was not of +them, but of the twenty whom she _did_ reach. Concerning your verdict, +there are two things that I want to say: First, go into the work, and +give the time and patience and faith and prayer that Mrs. Roberts and +her fellow-workers gave, before you decide that it is vain. + +And secondly, will you kindly remember that, whether this be natural or +not, it is true? + +I do not think I have told you the immediate occasion of this particular +gathering. It was, in fact, a reception given to Mrs. Ried. It is not +likely that I need tell you at this late day that her name was _Gracie +Dennis_ Ried. I could have told you much about it, had I been writing a +story of that sort. + +In fact, there is a chance for considerable romancing. There are matters +of interest that I might tell you, about “Mr. Colson” himself, young as +he is; and about Mattie, who wears to-night a rose that she did not pick +from the conservatory; but I don't mean to tell it. + +I have just one other bit of history to give you. They stood together +for a moment--the young bridegroom and the lady with whom he had +faithfully worked ever since that rainy afternoon in which he had +confided his gloom to her. + +Both were looking at the two young men who stood near the piano, waiting +to join in the chorus. Both had known these young men as “Nimble Dick” + and “Black Dirk.” + +Still another of the original seven stood in the immediate vicinity. The +glances of the two workers took them all in; then they looked at each +other, and smiled meaningly. + +“I have been thinking of that first Sunday afternoon,” said Mrs. +Roberts. “I asked them to pick up my handkerchief, which had dropped, +and 'Nimble Dick' said, 'Pick it up yourself, mum! you're as able to as +we be!' I wonder if they would remember it? What if I should tell them!” + +As she spoke the bit of cambric in her hand designedly dropped almost at +the feet of Dirk Colson. He stooped for it instantly, but “Nimble Dick” + was too quick for him, and presented it to the owner with a graceful +bow, and a slightly triumphant smile. + +But the chorus was commencing, and the bass and tenor were at once +absorbed in their work; so Mr. Ried and Mrs. Roberts had the memorial +laugh all to themselves. None but they understood what the white +handkerchief said. + +Despite the laughter there was a suspicious mist in Mr. Ried's eyes. + +“How far is mirth removed from tears?” he asked his hostess. And then: +“Do you know, when I look at these young men, moving about your rooms at +their ease, really ornaments to society, and think of the places in the +world that they will be likely to fill, and think of what they were when +you first saw them, the overwhelming contrast brings the tears!” + +Said Mrs. Roberts:-- + +“I will tell you something that will do your heart good. + +“Did you know that our young lady helpers had reorganized in larger +force, and with certain fixed lines of work, which they feel certain +they can do? + +“The effort has passed out of the realm of mere experiment. + +“They have chosen a name. They are henceforth to be known as THE ESTER +RIED BAND. + +“They came to me for a motto to hang in their rooms, below the name; and +I gave them this:-- + +“'And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write. Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors: and their works do follow them.'” + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + +***** This file should be named 9091-0.txt or 9091-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/9/9091/ + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. 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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: Ester Ried Yet Speaking + +Author: Isabella Alden + + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9091] +This file was first posted on September 4, 2003 +Last Updated: May 20, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + + + + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + + + +ESTER RIED + +YET SPEAKING. + +By Pansy + + +Author Of "Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On," "Hall In The Grove," "A New +Gift On The Family Tree," "Five Friends," "Mary Burton," "The Pocket +Measure," "Ester Ried," Etc., Etc. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL + +CHAPTER II. WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW? + +CHAPTER III. ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME? + +CHAPTER IV. I DON'T BLAME THEM + +CHAPTER V. A CHRISTIAN HOME + +CHAPTER VI. SATAN HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK + +CHAPTER VII. WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS + +CHAPTER VIII. WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR? + +CHAPTER IX. "TREMENDOUS FACTS!" HE SAID + +CHAPTER X. AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED + +CHAPTER XI. I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN + +CHAPTER XII. I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS + +CHAPTER XIII. LET US BE FASHIONABLE + +CHAPTER XIV. "SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!" + +CHAPTER XV. WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT? + +CHAPTER XVI. HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY + +CHAPTER XVII. I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER + +CHAPTER XVIII. YOURN'S THE WAY + +CHAPTER XIX. WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS + +CHAPTER XX. OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT! + +CHAPTER XXI. HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE? + +CHAPTER XXII. SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN + +CHAPTER XXIII. PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD + +CHAPTER XXIV. FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME + +CHAPTER XXV. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH? + +CHAPTER XXVI. "O LORD, TAKE DIRK TOO!" + +CHAPTER XXVII. AN AWFUL PROBLEM + +CHAPTER XXVIII. MAY SHE GO WITH ME? + +CHAPTER XXIX. WHAT IF I BELONGED? + +CHAPTER XXX. IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR + +CHAPTER XXXI. THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +"IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL." + + +It was raining drearily, and but few people were abroad--that is, few, +comparatively speaking, though the streets seemed full of hurrying, +dripping mortals. In the large dry-goods store business was by no means +so brisk as on sunny days, and one of the younger clerks, whose station +was near a window looking out upon the thoroughfare, had time to +stand gazing at the passers-by. They did not seem to interest him +particularly, or else they puzzled him. His young, handsome face wore +a thoughtful look, almost a troubled expression about the eyes, which +seemed to be gazing beyond the passers-by. Just across the aisle from +him, a lady, seated in one of the easy chairs set for the accommodation +of shoppers, waited and watched him,--a young and pretty woman, +tastefully, even elegantly dressed, yet her costume was quite in +keeping with the stormy day. The young man's face seemed to have special +interest for her, though he apparently was unaware of her existence. +A close observer would have discovered that she was watching him with +deeply interested eyes. Whatever served to hold the thoughts of +the young man apparently grew in perplexity, for the troubled look +continually deepened. At last, forgetting the possible listener, he +addressed the dripping clouds, perhaps,--at least, he was looking at +them:-- + +"I don't know how to do it; but something ought to be done. It is worse +than folly to expect good from the way that things are now managed. +Ester would have known just what, and how; and how interested she would +have been! I try to do her work, and to 'redeem the time;' but the +simple truth is, I don't know how, and nobody else seems to." + +These sentences were not given all at once, but murmured from time to +time at his unsympathetic audience outside. + +Patter, patter, patter, drip, drip, drip! steady, uncompromising +business. It was all the answer the clouds vouchsafed him. + +With the listener inside it was different. The interested look changed +to an eager one. She left her seat and moved toward the absorbed young +man, breaking in on his reverie with the clearest of voices:-- + +"I beg your pardon,--but are you thinking of your sister? You are +Mr. Ried, I believe? I have heard of your sister's life, and of her +beautiful death, through a dear friend of my husband, who loved Ester. +I have always wanted to know more about her. I wanted to get acquainted +with you, so I might ask you things about her. I am waiting now for my +husband to come and introduce us. But perhaps it isn't necessary. Do you +know who I am?" + +"It is Mrs. Roberts, I believe?" the young man said, struggling with his +astonishment and embarrassment. + +"Yes, and you are Mr. Alfred Ried. Well, now we know each other without +any further ceremony. Will you tell me a little about your sister, Mr. +Ried? You were thinking of her just now." + +"I was missing her just now," said he, trying to smile, "as I very often +am. I was a little fellow when she died; but the older I grow the more +difficult I find it to see how the world can spare her. She was so full +of plans for work, and there are so few like her." + +"It may be that she is working still, in the person of her brother." + +He shook his head energetically, though his face flushed. + +"No, I can only blunder vaguely over work that I know she, with her +energetic ways and quick wits, could have done, and done well. It +happens that she was especially interested in a class of people of whom +I know something. They need help, and I don't know how to help them. It +seems to me that she could have done it." + +"Will you tell me who the people are?" + +"It is a set of boys for whom nobody cares," he said, speaking sadly; +"it hardly seems possible that there could ever have been a time when +anybody cared for them, though I suppose their mothers did when they +were little fellows." + +Thus spoke the ignorant young man,--ignorant of the depths to which sin +will sink human nature, but rich in the memory of mother-love. + +"I think of my sister Ester in connection with them," he said, speaking +apologetically, "because she was peculiarly interested in wild young +fellows like them; she thought they might be reached,--that there might +be ways invented for reaching them, such as had not been yet. She had +plans, and they were good ones. I thought so then, little fellow that I +was, and I think so now, only nobody is at work carrying them out; and I +wonder sometimes if Ester could have been needed in heaven half as much +as she is needed on earth. She used to talk to me a great deal about +what might be done. I think now that she wanted to put me in the way of +taking up some of the work that she would have done; but she mistook her +material. I can't do it." + +"Are you sure? You are young yet, and besides, you may be doing more +than you think. Couldn't I help? What is there that needs doing for +these particular young men?" + +"Everything!" he said, excitedly. "If you should see them you would get +a faint idea of it. They come occasionally down to the Sabbath-school +at the South End; in fact, they come quite frequently, though I'm sure +I can't see why. It certainly isn't for any good that they get. Their +actions, Mrs. Roberts, surpass anything that I ever imagined." + +"Who is their teacher?" + +"That would be a difficult question to answer. They have a different +teacher every Sabbath. No one is willing to undertake the class twice. +They have tried all the teachers who attend regularly, and several who +have volunteered for once, and never would attempt it a second time. +Just now, there is no one who will make a venture." + +"Have you tried?" + +He shook his head emphatically. + +"I know at least so much. Why, Mrs. Roberts, some of them are as old as +I, and, indeed, I think one or two are older. No; we have secured the +best teachers that we could for them, but each one has been a failure. I +suppose they must go." + +"Go where?" + +He shrugged his shoulders. + +"What an awful question! Where _will_ they go, Mrs. Roberts, if we let +them slip now?" + +He was tremendously in earnest. One could not help feeling that he had +studied the possibilities, and felt the danger. + +"Suppose I try to help! Shall I come and take that class next Sabbath?" + +This simple, directly-put question brought the young man suddenly from +the heights of his excitement into visible embarrassment. He looked down +on the small, fair lady, reaching hardly to his shoulder, attired in +that unmistakable way which bespeaks the lady of wealth and culture, and +could imagine nothing more incongruous than to have her seated before +that class of swearing, spitting, fighting boys. Not that her wealth or +her culture was an objection, but she looked so utterly unlike what he +had imagined their teacher must be,--she was so small, so frail, so +fair and sweet, and ignorant of the ways of the great wicked world, and +especially of those great wicked boys! What could he say to her? + +He was so manifestly embarrassed that the small lady laughed. + +"You think I cannot do it," she said, almost gayly. + +He hastened to answer her. + +"Indeed, you have no idea of the sort of class it is. I have given you +no conception of it; I cannot. You would think yourself before a set of +uncaged animals." + +"Yes, and in case of failure I should only be where the others are, who +have tried and failed. If you will introduce me, and your superintendent +will let me, I mean to try; and that will relieve you of the dilemma of +being entirely without a teacher for them." + +Young Ried had nothing to say. He thought the attempt a piece of +folly,--a worse than useless experiment; but how was he to say so to the +wife of his employer? + +That gentleman appeared just then, making haste. + +"I was unavoidably detained," he explained; "I feared you would grow +weary of waiting. Ah, Ried, my wife has introduced herself, I see. Is he +the young man you were speaking of, Mrs. Roberts?" + +"The very young man,--Ester Ried's brother. He doesn't know how glad +I am to have met him. Some day when we are better acquainted, and you +trust me more fully, I am going to tell you how I became so deeply +interested in your dear sister. Meantime this little matter should be +definitely settled. Mr. Roberts, I have invited myself to take a class +to-morrow down at the South End Mission." + +"Have you, indeed?" + +Mr. Roberts spoke heartily, and seemed by no means dismayed,--only a +trifle perplexed as to details. + +"How can we manage it, Flossy? My prison class takes me in an opposite +direction at the same hour, you know." + +"Yes, I thought of that; I propose to ask Mr. Ried to call for me, and +show me the way, and vouch for my good intentions after I reach there. +Do you suppose he will do it?" She looked smilingly from her husband to +young Ried, and both waited for his answer. + +"I obey directions," he said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Roberts. "Am I +to have the honor of being detailed for that service to-morrow?" + +"So Mrs. Roberts says," was the good-humored reply, and then the +merchant took his wife away to their waiting carriage that had drawn up +before the door, leaving Alfred Ried, if the truth must be told, in a +fume. + +"Much she knows what she is talking about!" he said, jerking certain +boxes out of their places on the shelves, and then banging them back +again, seeming to suppose that he was by this process putting his +department in order for closing. "Little bit of a dressed-up doll! They +will tear her into ribbons, metaphorically, if not literally, before +this time to-morrow! She thinks, because she is the wife of Evan +Roberts, the great merchant, she can go anywhere and do anything, and +that people will respect her. She has never had anything to do with +a set of fellows who care less than nothing about money and position, +except to be ten times more insolent and outrageous in their conduct +than they would if she had less of it! I shall feel like a born idiot in +presenting this pretty little doll to teach that class! Mr. Durant will +think I have lost what few wits I had! What can possess the woman to +want to try? It is just because she has no conception of what she is +about! But Mr. Roberts must know--I wonder what he means by permitting +it?" + +In very much the same state of mind did our young man pilot his new and +unsought-for recruit into the crowded mission rooms of the South End on +the following Sabbath afternoon. She looked not one whit less able to +compete with the terrors which awaited the teacher of the formidable +class. + +Her dress was simplicity itself, according to Mrs. Roberts' ideas of +simplicity; yet, from the row of ostrich tips that bobbed and nodded at +each other, all around the front of her velvet hat, to the buttons of +her neat-fitting boots, she seemed to bring a new atmosphere into the +room. + +Yesterday's rain was over, and the pleasant south windows were aglow +with sunshine. As Mrs. Roberts sat down the sunbeams came and played +about her face, and she seemed in keeping with them, and with nothing +else around her. + +The superintendent bestowed curious glances on her during the opening +exercises. He had seen the shadow on young Ried's face when he seated +her, and had found time to question. + +"Whom have we here?" + +"Mrs. Evan Roberts. She wants to try the vacant class! _I_ did not ask +her, Mr. Durant; she invited herself." + +Mr. Durant looked over at her, and tried to keep his eyes from smiling. + +"She looks very diminutive in every way for such an undertaking. They +will frighten her out before she commences, will they not?" + +"I presume so; but I didn't know what to do. She wanted to come, and I +could not tell her she must not." + +"No, of course,--the occasion is too rare to lose. Very few people ask +the privilege of trying that class. There is no teacher for them to-day; +and your Mrs. Roberts must learn by experience that some things are more +difficult than others. I will let her try it." + +Meantime, "the boys" of the dreaded class were studying the new face. +She was the only person not already seated before a class, and they +naturally judged that she was to be their next victim. They looked at +her and then at one another, and winked and coughed and sneezed and +nudged elbows and giggled outright, every one of them,--meantime chewing +tobacco with all their might, and expectorating freely wherever he +judged it would be most offensive. + +Alfred Ried watched them, inwardly groaning. Being used to their faces, +he could plainly read that they anticipated a richer time than usual, +and rejoiced greatly over the youth and beauty of their victim. + +But young Ried was not the only one who watched. Mrs. Roberts, without +seeming to be aware of their presence, lost not a wriggle or a nudge. +She was studying her material; and it must be confessed that they +startled her not a little. They represented a different type of +humanity from her Chautauqua boys, or her boys in the old church at +home,--rather, an advanced stage of both those types. + +When Mr. Durant came toward her, the look on his face was not +reassuring, it so plainly said that he expected failure, and was sorry +for her as well as for himself. However, with as good grace as he could +assume, he led her to the seat prepared for the teacher, and gave her a +formal introduction. + +"Boys, this is Mrs. Roberts, who is willing to try to teach you to-day. +I _wish_ you would show her that you know how to behave yourselves." + +Mrs. Roberts wished that he had left her to introduce herself, or that +he had said almost anything rather than what he did; the mischievous +gleam in several pairs of eyes said that they meant to show her +something that they considered far more interesting than that. + +Many were the sympathetic glances that were bestowed on the young and +pretty lady as she went to her task. As for Alfred Ried, there was more +than sympathy in his face. He was vexed with the young volunteer and +vexed with himself. + +He told himself savagely that this was what came of his silly habit of +thinking aloud. If only he had kept his anxieties about that class to +himself, Mrs. Roberts would never have heard of it, and been tempted to +put herself in such a ridiculous position; and if this episode did not +break him of the habit, he did not know what would. + +He was presently, however, given a class of small boys, with enough +of original and acquired depravity about them to keep him intensely +employed, and the entire school settled to work. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW?" + + +Settled, that is, so far as the class of boys in the corner would permit +the use of that term. _They_ had not settled in the least. Two of them +indulged in a louder burst of laughter than before, just as Mrs. Roberts +took her seat. Yet her face was in no wise ruffled. + +"Good afternoon," she said, with as much courtesy as she would have used +in addressing gentlemen. "I wonder if you know that I am a stranger in +this great city? You are almost the first acquaintances that I am making +among the young people, and I have a fancy that I would like to have you +all for my friends. Suppose we enter into a compact to be excellent and +faithful friends to one another? What do you say?" + +What were they to say? They were slightly taken back, surprised into +listening quietly to the close of the strange sentence, and then giving +no answer beyond violent nudges and aside-looks. What did she mean? +Was she "chaffing" them? This was unlike the opening of any lesson! It +certainly could not be the first question on the lesson-paper; nor did +it sound like certain well-meant admonitions to "try to improve the +opportunity" and "learn all that they could." With each of these +commencements they were entirely familiar; but this was something new. + +"Do you agree to the compact?" she asked, while they waited, her face +bright with smiles. + +"Dunno about that," said one whom she very soon discovered occupied the +position of a ringleader; "as a general thing, we like to be kind of +careful about our friendships; we might strike something that wasn't +quite the thing with people in our position. You can't be too careful in +a big city, you know." + +It is impossible to give you an idea of the impishness with which this +impudent answer was jerked out, to the great amusement of the others, +who laughed immoderately. + +It suited Mrs. Roberts to treat the reply with perfect seriousness and +composure. + +"That is very true," she said, courteously; "but at the same time I +venture to hope that since you know nothing ill of me as yet, you will +receive me into a sort of conditional friendship, with the understanding +that I remain your friend until I am guilty of some conduct that ought +to justify you in deserting me. I am sure you cannot object to that; and +now, if we are to be friends, we should know each other's names. I am +Mrs. Evan Roberts, and I live at No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street. I shall +be glad to see you at my house whenever you would like to call on me. +Now, will one of you be kind enough to introduce himself and the class? +Perhaps you will introduce me to your friends?" + +She looked directly at the ringleader. + +"Certainly! certainly, mum!" he replied, briskly. "This is Mr. Carrot +Pumpkins, at your service, mum--this fellow on my left, I mean; rather +a queer name, I dare say you think. It all came of his being fond of +sitting astride of a pumpkin when he was a little shaver, and of his +hair being exactly the color of carrots as you can see for yourself. And +this fellow on my right is Mr. Champion Chawer, so called because he can +make the biggest run on tobacco of any of the set, taking him day in and +day out. That fellow at your elbow is 'Slippery Jim.' We don't call him +'Mister,' because he doesn't stay long enough in one place to have it +tacked on to him. He is such a slippery scamp that an eel is nowhere, +compared to him." + +During this rapid flow of words the listeners, who evidently admired +their leader, became so convulsed with laughter as to lose all vestige +of respectability, and Mr. Durant's disturbed face appeared in view. + +"Boys, this is perfectly disgraceful!" he said, speaking in sharp and +highly-excited tones,--"perfectly disgraceful! I don't know why you wish +to come here to disturb us in this way Sabbath after Sabbath! But we +have really endured enough. There is a policeman at the foot of the +stairs, and he can easily call others to his help; so now if you wish to +remain here you must behave yourselves." + +During the deliverance of this sentence some of the boys gave mimic +groans, one of them whistled, and others kept up a running comment:-- + +"A policeman! oh good! that's little Duffer, I know! We've seen him +before! Wouldn't mind giving him a chase to-day, just for exercise, you +know, mum." + +"I say, boys, let's cut and run, the whole caboodle of us. We can +jump these seats at one bound, and take the little woman along on our +shoulders for a ride! Shall we do it?" This from the leader, who in time +came to be known as "Nimble Dick." + +"Bah! no!" replied a third; "let's stick it out and see what she's got +to say; she's a new party. Besides, we can't give her the slip in that +way; we're friends of hers, you know." + +"Mrs. Roberts," said the distressed Mr. Durant, in a not very good +undertone, "I think you will have to give it up. They are worse than +usual this morning. We have endured much from them, and I must say that +my patience is exhausted. Will you not take the seat at the other end of +the room?" + +"Not unless they wish me to." + +The people who had known Flossy Shipley well would have detected a +curious little quiver in her voice, which meant that she was making a +strong effort at self-control; but a stranger would hardly have observed +it. + +"Do you wish me to go away, young gentlemen?" + +The scamps thus appealed to, looked at one another again, as if in doubt +what to say. This again was new ground to them. Policemen they were +accustomed to. At last Nimble Dick made answer:-- + +"No, I'm bound if we do; it comes the nearest to looking like a lark of +anything that we have had in a long time. I say, Parson, go off about +your business and let us alone. We was having a good time getting +acquainted till you come and spoiled it. We'll be as sober as nine +deacons at a prayer-meetin'. And look out how you insult this young +woman; she's a friend of ours, and we're bound to protect her. No asking +of her to change her seat; she's going to sit right here to the end of +the chapter." + +Mr. Durant looked his willingness to summon the police at once, but Mrs. +Roberts' voice, evenly poised now, took up the story:-- + +"Thank you; then I will stay. And since it is getting late, suppose we +lose no more time. There was something about which I wanted to tell +you. But a few evenings ago I attended a gathering where I saw some very +singular things. A gentleman in the party was tied with a strong rope, +hands and feet, as firmly as two men could tie him,--people who knew how +to tie knots, and they did their best; yet while we stood looking at him +he shook his hand free and held it out to them. How do you think it was +done?" + +"Sham knots!" said one. + +"No, for my husband was one of the gentlemen who tied him, and he +assured me that he tied the rope as firmly as he could. Besides, more +wonderful things than that were done. I tied my own handkerchief into at +least a dozen very hard knots, and gave it to him, and I saw him put it +in a glass of water, then seize it and shake it out, and the knots were +gone. I saw him take two clean glasses, and pour water from a pitcher +into one, and it seemed to turn instantly to wine; then he poured that +glass of wine into the other empty glass, and immediately it turned back +to water, or seemed to. Dozens of other strange things he did. I should +really like to tell you about them all. I will, at some other time; but +just now I think you would like to know _how_ he did them." + +"_How_ he did them!" "As if you could tell!" "_Can_ you tell?" "Pitch +in, mum; I'd like to hear that part myself!" These were some of the +eager answers. + +Had the little teacher, under the embarrassments of the occasion, taken +leave of her senses? Actually she was bending forward, opened Bible +turned face downward on her knee, engaged in describing in somewhat +minute detail the explanations of certain slight-of-hand performances +which she had recently seen! What idea of the sacredness of the office +of teacher, and the solemnity of the truths to be taught, had she? + +The boys were listening, their heads bent forward all around her. What +of that? They would have listened equally well to a graphically-told +story of a Fourth Avenue riot, and been equally benefited, you think? +They did not know just when the speaker slipped from the events of last +week to the events of more than three thousand years ago. Indeed, so +ignorant were they of all past history, that they were not even aware +that she went back into the past; for aught they knew, she might have +gone, on Wednesday of last week to see the man who could untie knots by +magic, and on Thursday to see the men who could drop canes on the ground +that would appear to turn into wriggling serpents. But there was one +statement that proved too much for their credulity. + +"You could not imagine what occurred next," said the bright-faced +teacher. "The cane or rod that the first man had dropped, actually +opened its mouth and swallowed the other rods that seemed to be +serpents, and was left there alone in its triumph!" + +"Oh, bosh!" said Nimble Dick, contempt expressed in the very curve of +his nose, "that's too steep; I don't believe a word of it! These fellows +can do lots of queer things; I've seen 'em perform, myself; but they +never made a live thing yet; I've heard folks that know, say so." + +"Precisely what I wanted to reach," said Mrs. Roberts, with animation. +"You are right, they never did; and you have discovered just the +difference between them and the one man of whom I have been telling you. +_He_ worked by the power of God; he distinctly stated that he did; and +that God really turned his rod into a serpent, and allowed it to swallow +the imitations of life, and then turned it back again into a rod, to +show that nothing was beyond his power." + +"Did you see the thing done?" questioned a young skeptic, running his +tongue into his cheek in a skillful way, and distorting his whole face +with a disagreeable leer. He began to suspect that he was being cheated +into listening to a Bible story. + +Mrs. Roberts was prompt with her answer:-- + +"Oh, no, I did not, neither did I see the great fire that you had in +this city about a year ago. At that time I was a thousand miles away; +and it so happens that I have never talked with any person who did see +it, yet I know there was a great fire, and many buildings were burned, +and lives lost. It has been proved to me." + +"Oh, well," said skeptic number two, while number one retired into +silence to speculate over this answer, "fires are common enough things; +anybody can know that they happen; but it ain't such a common affair to +see a stick turn into a serpent and swallow up other serpents. I've seen +them fellows make things that looked like snakes, myself; I could +most swear to it that I'd seen them wriggle; but they never did no +_swallowing_." + +"That is, they did not give unmistakable signs that they were alive. But +do you think it too strange a thing for God to do? Surely he can make +life! How is it that you are here, breathing, talking, thinking, if +there is no power anywhere to make life?" + +"Oh, I came from a tadpole," said the boastful young scientist, putting +his thumbs under his arms, and affecting an air of great wisdom. "I know +all about that; I was there, and see the things wriggle." + +Evolution staring her in the face in a corner class in a mission +school;--a class that had been gathered from the slums! Mrs. Roberts did +not know that these are the very places in which to find it in all its +coarseness. Yet she made haste to meet the boy on his own ground. + +"Very well, if you choose to take that view of it. Was not the tadpole +alive? Where did the _life_ come from? You insist that the story I +have been telling you is untrue because you know that none of these +sleight-of-hand performers have ever, or _can_ ever make actual life! +That it is an impossible thing for human beings to do. Yet when I tell +you that _God_ did it you refuse the statement. How are you going to +account for life? If, in its very lowest forms, it cannot be made by men +who have given all their time to the study of the marvellous, how is +it that it is everywhere about us, unless I am correct, and there is a +Power that can produce life?" + +Not a boy among them had heard the term "evolution;" knew anything +about "the survival of the fittest." They were entirely ignorant of +"protoplasm" or "bioplasm;" yet not one of them but had caught the +meaning of some of these terms as they had been translated for them into +the vernacular of the city slums; not one in the class but perceived +that their champion arguer had been met on his own ground and +vanquished. Not with an outburst of horror; he had not even been +informed that he was irreverent. Nimble Dick delighted in making each +teacher tell him this; he had merely been replied to in the calmest of +argumentative tones, and called upon to account for the facts in his +own statements, and had been unable to do so. The crowd broke into a +derisive laugh, and were noisy, it is true, and brought troubled frowns +to the face of their superintendent, and made the flush on Alfred Ried's +face deepen; yet if both these anxious watchers had known it, it was +worthy of note that the laugh had been at the expense of one of their +number, and not at their teacher. + +"Well, go on," interposed the youngest and quietest of the group. "Tell +us some more about your old fellow with his serpents. Did they stay +swallowed, and what did it all amount to, anyhow?" + +Thus challenged, Mrs. Roberts gave her whole heart to the business of +giving, in as dramatic a manner as she could, the closing scenes in the +act performed in Egypt so long ago, carefully avoiding any reference +to time, and mentioning no names, using only modern terms, and an +exceedingly simple conversational form of language. She was, however, +presently interrupted with a question:-- + +"When did all this happen? And why don't somebody do something like it +nowadays?" + +Ignoring the first question, Mrs. Roberts adroitly gave herself to the +second. + +"Why don't you find your pleasure in tumbling around on the floor, +playing with a bright-colored marble or two as you did when a child? The +world was in its childhood when God taught the people in this way. He +has given them just as wonderful lessons since, but lessons more suited +to men and women who have learned to think and reason. We don't like to +be always treated as children." + +Whether they really dimly understood the meaning or not is possibly +doubtful, yet it appealed to their sense of dignity in so indirect a +way, that they did not themselves realize what inclined them to quiet +for a moment, while she finished her sentence earnestly. In the midst +of the quiet the closing-bell rang, and the seven young scamps seemed +at once to take into their hearts seven other spirits worse than +themselves, and behaved abominably during the closing exercises, and +tumbled out of the door over each other, in the wildest fashion, the +moment the signal was given, halting only to say, in the person of their +leader:-- + +"You be on hand next Sunday; we like your yarns first rate." + +Mrs. Roberts, with glowing cheeks, and eyes behind which there were +unshed tears, made her way to the desk where Mr. Durant was standing, +and spoke quickly: + +"There is a difference between others who have tried it and myself, Mr. +Durant. The sentence in Mr. Ried's account that gave me courage was, +'Every one has failed, so far; people are unwilling to take the class a +second time.' I have failed, but I want to try again." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +"ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME?" + + +Though they rushed out with even more noise than usual, every boy +of them knew that the noise was to cover a certain sense of +shame-facedness, because they had actually been beguiled into listening +quietly for a few minutes to earnest words. + +Directly they had reached the privacy of the street they became quieter. + +"I say, boys," said Nimble Dick, "is that an awful green one, or a new +kind?" + +"New, I should say," replied one of the younger boys; "she ain't like +anything that's been in that room since we got acquainted with it. I +don't know her style, myself." + +"What do you take it she meant by that stuff about being friends, and +telling us where she lived, and all that?" + +"Dunno what she meant; but she ain't _green_, you may bet your head on +that. I'll tell you what I think, boys: I b'lieve she knows what she is +about, every time." + +What this sage conclusion amounted to, one not acquainted with the +dialect of the street might have been at a loss to understand, but the +rest of the party received it in grave silence and nods of the head, as +though it were a thought that needed careful investigation. In common +parlance, Jerry Tompkins had expressed the opinion that Mrs. Roberts had +some point to gain in being so uncommonly polite and attentive to them, +and they were curious to know what the motive could possibly be. + +They considered the important question in silence until they reached +the next corner; then Nimble Dick, tossing back his head as one who had +thrown off an abstruse problem, and would have none of it, said:-- + +"Well, what next? We've got through with that fun for to-day. What are +you going to do, boys? Say we go around to Poke's, and see what is going +on there?" + +To this proposition there was eager agreement from all the party save +one; he maintained a somewhat moody silence. + +"What say, Dirk?" the leader asked, addressing him; "are you ready for +Poke's?" + +"No; I don't think I'll go around, just now." + +"What, then? If you've got something better on hand, why don't you let a +fellow know? We're not dying for Poke's place." + +"I haven't got a thing on hand; only I don't care about going there." + +"Where, then?" + +"Nowhere." + +"Nowhere! Mean place. Too cold weather to stop in the streets. There'll +be a good fire at Poke's. You come along; don't go to getting the sulks; +it ain't becoming, just after you've been to Sunday-school." + +But the young fellow persisted in gloomily refusing to join them, and +presently they began to tease, in what they meant to be a good-natured +way. + +"Dirk's struck," said one. "That yellow-haired party has got him by +the throat; I saw her looking at him most uncommon sharp, when she was +telling that biggest story of hers, about the serpent that swallowed. +Dirk he thinks he's been swallowed by one of 'em; he feels it choking in +his throat." + +"No," said another, "that ain't it; Dirk's a-going to get pious. That's +his last dodge; I've seen the spell coming on, for some time. Didn't +you see him pick up that there Bible and lay it on the seat the other +Sunday, after Jerry's elbow knocked it off by mistake? I've been scared +about Dirk ever since; and now he won't go to Poke's! It's a bad sign. I +say, Dirk, maybe there's going to be a prayer-meeting down your way, and +you wouldn't mind letting us come?" + +They expected him to laugh, but his face grew blacker than before, and +at last he said, in very significant tones:-- + +"You better hold up there, Scrawly, if you don't want to try the depth +of that gutter." + +"Leave him be," said Nimble Dick, quickly; "he's going into one of +his tantrums. When he begins like that, there's no end to the fighting +that's in him; and I don't want a row now,--it's too early in the day; +besides, I know something that's better fun. You fellows come along with +me, and let him go." + +As this was said in a sort of undertone as Dirk strode on ahead; and +when, at another corner, he dashed down it, leaving them all, there was +no call after him. He was free to go where he would, and for reasons +that he himself could not have explained he chose that it should be +home,--that is, the place which he called home. It might not meet your +ideas of what a spot so named should be. The road to it led through one +of the meanest portions of the city. Each foot of the way the houses +seemed to grow more squalid looking, and the streets filthier. The +particular alley down which he dived at last was narrower and blacker +than any yet passed, and the cellar door which he pushed open let him +into the meanest-looking house in the row,--a long, low, dark room. In +one corner there was the remnant of a stove, braced up by bricks and +stones, but no fire was burning therein, though the day was cold. +Furniture there was none, unless the usual rickety table and two broken +chairs could be called by that name. A door was ajar that led into an +inner cellar, and a glimpse of piles of offensive looking rags, that +were called "bed-clothes" by the family, might have given you an idea of +what their home life was, as hardly any other phase of it can. The rags +were not all in the further cellar, however; a gay patch-work quilt, or +at least one that had once been gay, but from which bits of black cotton +now oozed in every direction, seemed to have curled itself in a heap +against the one window. However, it moved soon after Dirk opened the +door, and showed itself to be more than a quilt. Inside was a young +girl, the quilt wrapped around her closely, drawn up about her face and +head, as if she would hide all but her eyes within, and try to get rid +of shivering. + +"You home?" she said, her tones expressing surprise, but at the same +time indifference. "What is it for?" + +"Because I wanted to come. Hasn't a fellow a right to come home if he +wants to?" + +"Of course; and it's such a lovely home, and you are so fond of it, no +one need wonder at your coming in the middle of the day." + +The sentence was sarcastic enough, but the tones were hardly so; they +expressed too much indifference even for sarcasm. + +Dirk surveyed her thoughtfully; he seemed to have no answer ready. In +fact, his face wore almost a startled air, and really the thought which +presented itself for consideration was startling. Something about the +face of the girl, done up so grotesquely in her ragged quilt, suggested +the lady who had been his teacher at the Mission! Could one find a +sharper contrast than existed between these two? Yet Dirk, as he looked, +could not get away from it. + +"What are you staring at?" the girl asked, presently, growing uneasy +over the fixedness of his gaze. "Do you see anything uncommon about me?" + +"Where's mother?" he asked, dropping his eyes, and turning from her. + +"In there, asleep. You needn't talk quite so loud; it won't hurt her to +get a bit of rest. She sat up till morning, poking at your old coat." + +Dirk looked down at it thoughtfully. There had been an attempt to make +it decent, although the setting of the patches showed an unpractised +hand, and they were of a strikingly different color from the coat +itself. + +"You might have done it for her, then, in the daytime," he said, +briefly, and added, "Where's father?" + +The girl shrugged her shoulders. + +"How should I know? Where he is most of the time; you know more about it +than I do, or ought to; you live on the street." + +He gave her an answer which seemed to surprise her:-- + +"I say, Mart, what is the use in being so horrid cross all the time?" + +"You are so good-natured," she said, "and everything is so nice and +pleasant around me, it is a wonder that I should ever be cross!" + +"That's all lost, Mart, for I never said I was good-natured, nor thought +I was; and if I don't know just how hateful things are, I should like +to know who does! But, after all, what good does it do to snarl? Why +couldn't you and me say a good-natured word once in a while, just for a +change?" + +"Try it," she said; "I wish you would! I'm so tired of things as they +now are, that most any change would be fine. But I'll risk your doing +much in that line; it isn't in you." + +What was there in this cross girl to remind any one in his senses of +Mrs. Evan Roberts? Yet even as she spoke that last ungracious sentence, +she turned a little, so that a slant beam of sunshine--one of the few +that ever found its way into this dreary room--laid a streak of light +just across her hair, yellowing it until it was almost the shade that he +had noted in the lady at the Mission; and he thought of her again, and +wondered curiously whether, if Mart were dressed in the shining black +dress, and fur wraps and feather-decked bonnet that the lady had worn, +she would really resemble her. How would Mart look dressed up, he +wondered; even decently dressed, as the girls were whom he met on the +streets. He had never seen her in anything much more becoming than the +ragged quilt. He was studying her in a way that Mart did not in the +least understand. She broke the spell suddenly again:-- + +"Have you had any dinner?" + +"Dinner? Why, no! of course not! Where would I find that sort of thing? +I looked all up and down the streets, and smelled plenty of it, but not +a bite did I get." + +"Where have you been?" + +"Oh, around in several places; not much of anywhere." + +"I know where you've been,"--a severe light coming into her eyes; +"you've been down to the South End, and if I was you I'd be ashamed of +myself! I know how you fellows go on down there. Sallie Calkins goes, +and she told me all about it. She said that she was ashamed to live +on the same street with any of you, and that none of the folks in the +Mission knew what to do with you, and the next thing you knew you would +all be marched off to the lockup." + +"Let them try it," muttered Dirk, his face growing darker; "we'd make +that street too hot to hold them in short order if they played at any +such game as that, and I guess they know it." + +"Well, anyhow, I wouldn't be meaner and lower down than I had to be, +Dirk Colson! It is bad enough as it is,--a drunkard for a father, and we +nothing more than beggars! But I'd behave myself half-way decent when I +went among folks that wanted to be good to me, or else I'd stay away." + +"Look here, you keep your preaching for them that wants to hear it; I +don't. A fellow can't come home without having a row; if it isn't of one +kind, it's another. I wonder I ever come home at all." + +Dirk was angry now, and his dark, thin face looked fierce with passion. +His sister kept the curiously composed tone and manner with which she +had said all her exasperating things. + +"I wonder you do," she said. "I suppose you get starved, and can't help +it, now and then. There's some dinner I saved for you. If you want it, +eat it, and then take yourself to some place that suits you better." + +As she spoke, she jerked open the door of a little cupboard near which +she stood, and brought therefrom a much-cracked plate, on which lay +a baked potato, with one end broken or bitten off, then carefully +replaced, as if the owner might have had a second thought as to its +disposal; there was also a bit of corn-bread, somewhat burned, and half +of a roasted apple. + +Meagre as the fare was for a hungry boy, there was more variety than he +had expected, and something in the simple preparation touched him, and +quieted his anger. + +"Where did this come from?" he asked, taking in the unaccustomed morsel +of apple with two eager bites. "I tell you, that is good!" + +"Sally Calkins gave it to me last night. She got one give to her +somewhere." + +Just as the last bite was gone, it occurred to Dirk, first to wonder, +and then to be almost certain, that his sister, having shared the apple, +had saved her entire share for him. It was not the first time he had +known of such an effort on her part to supply him with food. Had he +thought of it sooner he would certainly have left a bit of the dainty +for her; but no thought of telling her so, for an instant crossed his +mind. Neither had she, on her part, the slightest idea of describing to +him with what care and patience she and Sallie had roasted the choice +morsel before Sallie's fire, only last night,--Sallie's father being +fortunately late in coming, and so giving them a chance; then she had +borne hers home in a bit of paper, and carefully guarded it all day, +just for this hour. Also, she might have told him that she bit the end +from the potato before she remembered that there would be none left for +him, and then fitted it on again as best she could, and went without. +She would not have told him for worlds. Why? She could not have +explained why. Something within her shrank from letting him know, not +that she sacrificed for him, but that she _cared_ enough for him to want +to do it! + +Potato and corn-bread were gone, to the last crumb; it seemed to Dirk +that there had been only enough of them to show him how hungry he was. + +"I suppose there isn't anything more?" he said, wistfully, with the +rising inflection, indeed, but not as one who had any idea of receiving +an affirmative answer. + +"I should think there wasn't!"--defiance in the tone--"there's a piece +of bread that I kept for mother's supper, and I mean she shall have it." + +"Well, don't bite me! I'm perfectly willing that she shall. Isn't there +anything for a fire?" + +"Only some chips that I'm saving till mother has her nap out." + +"You better go to bed yourself, then; it's awful cold here." + +"I ain't going to stir from this corner so long as this streak of light +lasts. It isn't so very often I see it that I can afford to lose it." + +Her brother turned and looked at her. She had gathered the folds of the +ragged quilt about her again, and was crouching at the low window, and +the very last gleam that the sunshine would vouchsafe them came and +glimmered in her hair. + +There it was again,--that mysterious, haunting resemblance! What would +Mart think if he told her of it? Probably that he was trying to poke +fun at her. At least, he should not experiment. Yet he could not help +wondering again, how Mart would look if she were dressed like other +people. + +"I say, Mart," he began, suddenly, breaking the stillness, "let's you +and I get out of this, where it is warmer. Come and take a walk down on +the avenue; the sun will shine yet for half an hour, and it is real warm +and bright." + +"In this quilt?" she asked, significantly, looking down at it. + +The boy's face darkened. + +"Hasn't your shawl got out of pawn yet?" + +"How should it?" + +He flung himself angrily out of the broken chair, picked up his ragged +cap, and strode angrily and noisily across the room, out at the door, +stumbling up the steps, like one half-blind with disgust or rage, and +went on swift feet down the street out of sight. And Mart, poor Mart, +left thus to solitude, let the last beam of the sun go without watching, +and buried her face in the ragged quilt and cried. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +"I DON'T BLAME THEM." + + +It was not a "pet" name. Poor Mart Colson would not have known what to +do with a pet name. Her life had not taught her how to use such phrases; +how she came to be named Martha, she did not know; but a hollow-eyed, +sad-voiced woman could have told her of a country home, long ago, where +there were daffodils blowing in the early spring, almost under the snow; +where, later, the earth was turned into sky, or the stars came down and +gleamed all over her father's fields, so plentiful were the dandelions; +and the breath of the clover came in at all the open windows, and the +cows--her father's cows--coming home from pasture, and the tinkle of +their bells were sights and sounds familiar to her ear. She sat there +one summer evening, in the back-door, watching the glory and the peace, +and studying, between times, her Sabbath lesson. Often and often the +words came back to her in future years. "Now Jesus loved Martha and her +sister and Lazarus." That was one of the verses. Was it a dim memory of +the words, and a sort of blind reaching out after their fulfilment, that +led her to name her poor little two-days-old baby, Martha? The old home +had vanished, the sweet-scented meadows, the tinkling bells, the peace +and the plenty, were as utterly things of the past as though they had +not been. Mother, and father, and one brother, were gone, lying in +grass-grown, neglected graves; and she--why the two-days-old +baby's father was _drunk_; and had been for three weeks! A hard, +hateful-sounding word,--coarse, almost. Why don't I say intoxicated? Oh, +because I can't! I've no desire to find smooth-sounding words with which +to cover the sin of that baby's father. But the mother named her Martha. +She never told her why, if, indeed, she herself fully knew; it was not +a family name. Gradually, after the fashion of the times, she sought to +shorten the name; and because they had not sweet, short words, as "Pet," +and "Dear" and "Sweet,"--all such belong to happy homes,--they grew to +calling her Mart. And now even she herself hardly realized that she had +ever owned to any other call. Poor Mart! I find myself wanting to use +the adjective over and over again when I speak of her. Such a desolate, +loveless life! Always a drunken father,--she had never known any other; +always a sharp-toned, weary-eyed, disheartened mother, who shut her +tenderness for the child within herself, as one who could not afford to +show it. Then Dirk, the one brother, going astray almost as soon as +he was born. What wonder, from such a home? Yet Mart wondered and felt +bitter over it. Why could not Dirk be like some others of whom she knew? +Like Sallie Calkin's brother, for instance, who worked day and night, +and brought home, often and often, an apple, or a herring, or sometimes +even a picture paper for Sallie! Mart was sharp-tongued; all her life +had taught her to be so. She spoke sharp words out of the bitterness of +her heart at Dirk, and of late rarely anything but sharp words, yet--and +this was Mart's secret, hidden away as if it were something of which to +be ashamed--she _loved_ Dirk, loved him fiercely, with all the pent-up +wealth of her young heart; and often, _because_ she loved him, she was +harsh and bitter towards him, though she did not herself understand why +this should be. + +As for Dirk, he walked rapidly but for a few blocks; his dinner had been +too insufficient to give him strength, after the first aimless anger had +subsided. Then came the question what to do with himself. Why hadn't he +gone with the fellows? More than likely some of them had contrived a way +to get a dinner. Why had he persisted in sullenly leaving them all and +going home? + +He had not the least idea why he had been impelled to go home. Now +that he was fairly away from home again, he had no idea what to do with +himself. A place where he could warm his feet and his hands, where +he could get a bite to eat, possibly,--this last would be an immense +attraction, but was not a necessity, and he did not expect it,--but +warmth, at least, he felt that he must have. Where would he find it? +What place had been provided for such as he? He ought by this time to +have been earning his own living, to have had a corner which he could +call home, earned by himself, where some of the decencies of life were +gathered. Of course he ought; but the painful fact to meet just now, was +that he had not done his duty. He had gone astray; not so far but that +there were plenty of chances to go farther, greater deeps to which he +might yet reach, but far enough to all but break any watchful mother's +heart; only that _his_ mother's heart was broken before he was born. The +simple question waiting to be solved was this: Having done as poorly for +himself as under the circumstances he well could, what was Dirk Colson +to do next? He had no idea; neither, apparently, had multitudes of +Christian people engaged in praying that the Father's will might be done +on earth, even as it was in heaven. The young man walked six blocks down +the respectable avenue, lined with pleasant homes, where the people went +to church, and read their Bibles, and had family prayers, and kept holy +the Sabbath day. Not a door among them all opened and held out a winning +signal to arrest his heedless feet. Not so Satan! Is he ever caught +idling at his post? + +Just around the corner from the respectable avenue (and around the +corner Dirk presently turned, still uncertain what to do, where to find +the warmth he craved) then the winning invitations for such as he began +to present themselves. Saloons, and saloons, and saloons! How many of +them were there? Far outnumbering the churches! Pleasant they looked, +too; opening doors, ever and anon, revealing brightness and warmth +within. They would like to see him inside. Of this Dirk was sure; not +that he had money, but he had something that in such places often served +him well,--a decided and dangerous talent for imitating any and every +peculiarity of voice or manner that had chanced to come under his +notice. He could make the fellows in these saloons roar with laughter. +If he did particularly well, they were willing to order for him a glass +of beer, or a fairly good cigar; in any case he had a chance to get +warm. This was actually Dirk's only present source of income! Yet he +shrank from it; he could not have told you why, but on this particular +Sabbath he was averse to earning his coveted warmth in this way. He +walked resolutely by two or three places where he had reason to think he +might be welcomed, wondering vaguely whether there wasn't something +else a fellow could do to keep himself from freezing. Oddly enough there +seemed to be something about the glimmer of sunshine as he saw it in +Mart's hair that kept him from halting before any of the places open to +him. What if she had come out with him to take a walk; he could not +have taken her into one of them! Then, poor fellow, he set himself to +wondering where the place was, open and warmed, to which he could take +Mart. There were places, several of them, in the large city; but Dirk +knew nothing about them, and he was acquainted with the saloons. He +thought of another thing; he had been invited to call at a house on East +Fifty-fifth Street. Suppose he should walk up there this very afternoon +and ring the bell, and say that he had come to call! What would happen +then? Whereupon he laughed aloud. The fancy seemed to him so utterly +preposterous. The idea of _his_ making a call! The utter improbability +of his ever seeing the inside of one of the East Fifty-fifth Street +mansions! + +Still remained that hopeless question: What should he do with himself? +The sun was quite gone now, and a cold wind was blowing up freshly +from the north. It blew directly through Dirk's threadbare garments. He +turned suddenly and slipped inside one of the worst of the many saloons +which literally lined this end of the street. He had refused to go with +the boys to Poke's, an hour or two before, and this was several grades +below Poke's in decency! But it was growing dark, and he was cold. + +There was one young man who saw him dash down those cellar stairs, +who stood still and looked at him, his face darkening the while with +discouragement. This, then, was all the afternoon's Sabbath-school had +accomplished for him. To be sure he was not disappointed at the result; +it was no more than he had expected; but it was so discouraging to be an +eye-witness to the degradation to which these young wretches had fallen! +Of course the young man was Alfred Ried, and he went home, and +was dreary, over all sorts of failures in Christian work, mission +Sabbath-schools especially; and their own, more especially than any +other. + +Among the early shoppers on Monday morning came Mrs. Evan Roberts. +Shopping, however, seemed to be a small part of her business. She came +directly to young Ried's counter, and addressed him very much as though +she had ceased talking with him but a moment before:-- + +"Mr. Ried, what can you and I do for those boys during the week?" + +But Alfred was at his gloomiest. + +"I don't see that we can do anything for them at any time," he said, +dismally. "What is an hour on Sunday, set against all the rest of the +time? They go from the school-room to the rum saloons, and dawdle away +the rest of the day. Yesterday I met that young Colson going into one +of the worst saloons on Dey Street. They are not to blame, either." This +last in a fiercer tone, after a slight pause. "I don't blame them; +they have nowhere else to go, and nothing to do; and it is cold on the +streets, and warm in the saloons." + +If he expected the small lady, who was regarding him so steadily, to +take the other side of this question, he was disappointed. She spoke +quietly enough, but with the earnestness of conviction. + +"Those are startling facts. I do not see how one could be surprised that +the results are they are; and the practical question forces itself upon +us, What are we to do under the circumstances? Mr. Ried, you have had +your eyes open in regard to this subject for some time; what have you +thought out?" + +Now was Mr. Alfred Ried embarrassed. It was true that his eyes had been +long open to the subject; it was true that he had given it a great deal +of what he had called thought. But with those alert eyes fixed on his +face, her whole manner indicating intense earnestness, he suddenly +realized that all his thought had been to no purpose, had accomplished +nothing, unless it had served to give him a feeling almost of irritation +against the boys, and their teachers who made failures, and the people +who folded their hands and let things go to ruin. Here confronted him +one, whose hands were not folded, though they rested quietly enough +on the counter before him. He began to feel that there might be latent +power in them. + +"I have nothing to say," and he said it at last with flushed face and +embarrassed voice; "I have thought out nothing. The whole thing seemed +hopeless to me with my utter lack of resources. My sister had schemes, +many of them, and they seemed to me good ones, even then; they seem +better now, only I cannot carry them out." + +She caught at the name. + +"Your sister? Ester Ried? Good! Let us carry them out, you and I, and as +many more as we can get to help us. She is at work yet,--don't you see? +What is that prophecy about her?--that voice which the prophet heard, +you know, 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.'" + +How strangely the words sounded, repeated in her low, clear voice, amid +the hum of business on every side! Alfred Ried felt singularly moved. +He had been a highly strung, imaginative child. He had been his sister +Ester's almost constant companion during those last months in which +she was slowly fading out of sight. While Julia held steadily to her +mother's side, and learned to do many helpful things, he had been +stationed chief nurse in Ester's room, to see that she lacked for no +tender care during the hours when others must be away from her. And +those hours she had tenderly improved. He remembered to this day just +how she looked, with a pink flush all over her cheeks, and a bright +light in her eyes, as she talked to him of the things that she and Dr. +Douglass had meant to do for boys,--neglected, homeless, friendless +boys. Oh, the plans they had carefully thought out, to reach after these +forsaken ones! He remembered that his own cheeks had grown hot while he +listened, and the blood had seemed to race like fire through his veins +when she said, "God wants _me_ for something else, Alfred; but you will +do my work when you get to be a man; you will find helpers, and carry +it on as I wanted to do." He had made no audible answer, but he had told +himself sturdily again and again that he certainly would. Yet here +he was, barely of age, and almost soured by disappointments. Certain +well-meant attempts having proved failures, and having not found +the helpers whom he had eagerly expected, the magnitude of the work +impressed itself upon him more remorselessly each hour. Yet now he +seemed to feel again the thrill in his veins, and he felt almost under +the power of his sister's eye while those words were in his ears: +"They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." Might +it possibly be that this was one of the "helpers" of whom Ester used to +talk, sent by God himself to take up her planned work and follow it out? +Yet she was so utterly unlike his memory of Ester! She had seemed to +him a self-reliant, strong-toned woman; Mrs. Roberts was so small and +frail-looking, and so fashionably dressed, and how those boys had acted +with her only yesterday! What could she possibly do? + +Customers came just then, to change the current of his thoughts. They +wanted round collars, and deep collars, and fichus, and edges, and a +hundred little irritating things. Young Ried, usually so gracious +and patient, had much ado to keep from showing his annoyance over the +smallness of all their wishes. + +Meantime Mrs. Roberts, who had taken a seat, entered apparently with +absorption into the relative merits of round or pointed collars with a +young lady acquaintance. She patiently measured to discover whether the +turned-down corner of one was a quarter of an inch deeper than the other +or not; she gave, with due deliberation, her opinion as to whether the +points were more becoming to the young lady's style of beauty than the +rolling fronts, and even went to the trouble of unfastening her furs to +show still another style that she liked better than either; sending +the disgusted Alfred to an entirely different box in search of a like +pattern. As he went, his lip curled visibly. What a fool he had been +to allow himself to get momentarily excited over this doll! How +preposterous in him to mention his dead sister's name to her! She had +already forgotten the entire matter, and was deep in the merits of +collars! His first estimate of her had been the correct one. Her +mind was just about as deep, he believed, as the tiny collar she was +measuring. What a farce it was to talk to her about helping those poor +fellows! She probably thought a few soup tickets, and a chance for a +good Christmas dinner at some of the public charity halls, was the way +to reach and reform them. _He_ shouldn't help her; she mustn't expect +it. Doubtless she did not. Probably she had by this time forgotten that +she had suggested it. Why need she putter here about a few collars for a +young lady in her own circle to wear with her morning dresses? That was +just it, he told himself. It was because she _was_ in her circle, and +because the collars were to be honored by being worn by such as she, +that they became important, and the boys and their desperate needs sunk +into insignificance. Well, he wished they would both go, and leave him +to himself; give him a chance to rally from his momentary excitement, of +which he was now ashamed. + +At last the collars were bought,--but not until the counter was strewn +with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little nothings +for last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. Roberts +whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and said: + +"What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?" + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"A CHRISTIAN HOME." + + +"I don't suppose you can go into detail just now," she added, noting +young Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; "but I was wondering if you +could give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought +could be done." + +"There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe she +thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world very +well," said this aged cynic. "She judged everybody from the standpoint +of her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy with +soup-houses, and dinner-tickets, and great public charities of that +sort. Or, I don't know that I should say she was not in sympathy +with them. I mean, rather, that those would not have been her ways of +working. She was thinking of young people, and to give them a dinner +now and then, she would not have considered a very great step toward +elevating them morally and spiritually. Mrs. Roberts, it was just +that which she wanted to do,--lift them up. She thought there could be +invented ways of reaching them, so that they would want helping, want +teaching,--_crave_ it, I mean; and she thought that Christian homes of +wealth and culture could be opened to them, and they gradually toled +in,--made to feel on a level with others, in the social scale; in +short, she believed that instead of people going down to them in a +condescending spirit, they could be drawn up to the level of others, +so that they would realize their manhood, and be led to make earnest +efforts to take their rightful places in the world. I know I am bungling +dreadfully; I don't know how to tell you her plans, only that they were +splendid. But I am afraid the world will have to be made over, before +they can be carried out." + +"Perhaps so. Christ is at work making the world over, you know." The +lady before him, whose eyes never for an instant moved from his face, +spoke with exceeding sweetness and gravity. Neither by word nor glance +did she give him to understand that she thought his schemes wild. "But I +find that, after all, I want details. I catch a glimpse of the grandness +of your sister's meaning. What were some of the steps,--the little +steps, such as you and I could take, toward accomplishing? Yet, even +while I ask the question, I see something of what the answer must be. +'Christian homes opening to receive them!' That is a new thought to me, +and in the plural number I do not see how just now, it could be done, +but _one_ Christian home,--I ought to be able to manage that. Mr. Ried, +that is the way to begin it, you may depend. Indeed, I suppose you have +tried it? The city is full of boys, and many of them are away down. +Since we cannot reach all of them this week, we must try to reach seven; +and failing in that, suppose we say one? For which one have you been +working? Just who, at this moment, specially interests you? I hope it +is one of my boys, because, you see, they appeal to me, just now, as +no others can. Which is it, Mr. Ried? and what have you tried to do for +him? and to what extent have you succeeded?" + +There were never any hotter cheeks than young Ried's just at that +moment. This was the most extraordinary person with whom he had ever +talked. It was impossible to generalize with her. Not that he wanted to +generalize; on the contrary, he at once saw the possibilities growing +out of individual effort, and caught at the idea of undertaking +something. But the question was, Why had he not thought of it before? +One person to reach after, and try for!--surely, he might have attempted +it, instead of trying to carry the hundreds that he stumbled against, +and so accomplish nothing for any of them. It was humiliating, the +confession that he had to make:-- + +"Indeed, Mrs. Roberts, I have not one in mind. If you asked me what one +hundred I was most anxious about, I might possibly be able to answer; +but I see that there has been no individuality about it, unless, +perhaps, the half-dozen or more boys who compose that class are taking +a little stronger hold on me than any of the others; but even for them +I have tried to do nothing, unless two or three attempts to secure a +permanent teacher for them--which have ended in failure--may count for +effort. I don't blame myself as much as I might, because, now that you +suggest personal work to me, I realize that there is nothing for one +situated as I am to do. I have no Christian home at my command." + +"Ah, but we are to come down to very small numbers, you know,--to +fractions, if need be. You have a piece of Christian home at command, I +trust?" + +But he looked at her inquiringly, and she explained:-- + +"Why, you have the privacy of your own room, which is, of course, your +corner of home just now, and it is a Christian corner. Is there not room +in it sometimes for two?" + +He smiled faintly over that. + +"Mrs. Roberts, there is one thing with which you evidently are not +familiar, and that is the corner which a poor clerk in the city has +to call home. Mine is the fourth story back of a fourth-rate +boarding-house, where the thermometer drops often below the +freezing-point, and this place I share with as uncongenial a fellow as +ever breathed. What would you think of labelling such accommodations +'home?' and what can I do in it for others?" + +"Not much, perhaps," smiling, "unless for the uncongenial fellow. I +should think there might be a chance in this direction." + +"Ah, but," he said, eagerly, "he is a Christian. My sympathies do not +need to be drawn out in that direction." + +The smile was a peculiar one now, but the tone was very quiet in which +the little lady said that some time, when they had leisure to talk, she +should like to ask him whether his experience with Christians had been +so exceptionally bright that he thought there was no work to do in that +direction. + +"But just now," she added, earnestly, "I want to know, since you are +shut away from home effort, for which of these boys you are praying +especially, and which of them do you carry about on your heart, with the +hope of a chance meeting, an unexpected, opportunity to speak a word, +or do a kindness, or look a kindness that shall give you possible +future influence? Don't you have to work in those ways? Two people +never equally interest me at the same moment. I find I must be intensely +individual, not to the exclusion of others, but in praying. For +instance, yesterday I prayed, and this morning I prayed, for my entire +class, but there was one all the time who was uppermost. I find myself +questioning, What can I do for them all, but especially for him? Do you +know, I fancy that most Christians feel the same; individual effort +is so necessary that I have thought perhaps the Holy Spirit turns our +thoughts most directly toward one person at a time, so that we may +concentrate our efforts. Do you think this is so?" + +Young Ried did not answer promptly; he had no answer ready that suited +him. His strongest feeling just then was one of self-reproach, mingled +with humiliation. How had he looked down on this fair and beautiful +little woman,--her very beauty being, he had fancied, an element against +her when it came to actual effort. How had he allowed himself to sneer +over her attempts at teaching that class of boys! How actually irritable +he had been over it! How almost angrily he had questioned why it was +that a teacher was not found for them fitted to their needs; when he had +prayed about it so much; determined not to believe that the prayer had +been answered, and the teacher found; yet here she was, the one whose +efforts he had despised, talking already about individual prayer for +them, while he, who had done a great amount of fretting for them, had +not once presented them as individuals to Christ, and asked a definite +blessing for each! His answer, when it came, was low and full of +feeling:-- + +"I have concentrated my desires in praying for the coming of such a +teacher as might get hold of them; and I begin to think that I have an +answer to my prayers." + +But she was absolutely proof against compliments. She wasted not a +moment's thought on that, but said:-- + +"Mr. Ried, who are they? I tried to get their names yesterday, but soon +saw that they were not in the mood to help me. I don't think I have one +correct name. Can you give me a list?" + +No, he could not--which admission did not lessen the glow on his cheek. +Possibly he could mention the names of two, and guess at a third, but of +the others he knew nothing. + +"To whom, then, can I go? Mr. Durant would know, of course. Where shall +I find him?" + +So much Alfred knew. Mr. Durant was to be found at the Fourth National +Bank; but, as for giving information in regard to that class, he was +sure it was beyond him. He (Alfred) had asked only last Sabbath who the +boy was who behaved so wretchedly, and also who was the fellow next him, +but Mr. Durant had not known. + +Well, then, Mrs. Roberts said, nothing daunted, not even a shadow +appearing on her quiet face, she must just study it out with his help. + +"There is immediate work for you," she said, "for of course I want +to know their names. Who are the two? This Dirk Colson, whom you +mentioned,--which was he?" + +Alfred described him as well as his bewilderment would allow, and was +interrupted-- + +"Oh, the small dark one. I know,--he interested me. Where does he live?" + +But to this question no clear answer could be given. Down in one of the +alleys towards the South End; but just which alley, or how far down it, +Alfred did not know. He knew it was a disreputable alley, and that there +wasn't a decent home anywhere about it, and that was all. + +"What does Dirk do for a living?" + +This question was quite as difficult to answer as the other. Nothing, +young Ried believed; at least nothing regular; odd jobs he doubtless +picked up occasionally, but as for regular employment, Alfred was sure +he had none. + +"Is that his fault? I mean, doesn't he desire work, and make an effort +to secure it?" + +But this young Ried could not even pretend to answer. Work, for such as +he, was scarce; boys with better habits, brought up to be industrious, +were at this present time out of work. Possibly the fellow was not to +blame for being an idler. + +Many other questions were asked, and many attempts were made at answers; +but when the shoppers began to press in, to such a degree that their +conversation was broken, and the energetic seeker after information felt +herself obliged to retire, one thing had been accomplished: Alfred Ried +had been made to realize that he knew much less than he had supposed he +did about the seven boys who had seemed to be filling his thoughts for +several weeks; and also, in his eager, passionate desire that everything +should be done for all of them, he had overlooked the chances for doing +here and there some little thing for one of them. + +"Good morning," Mrs. Roberts had said, turning cordially to a +fashionably-dressed lady. "Collars? Oh, yes, this is the counter for +them to be found in endless variety. They have a new pattern that I have +been admiring. Mr. Ried, please show Mrs. Emory the curtain collars, +with embroidered points." + +Which thing Mr. Ried proceeded to do with alacrity and respect, no trace +of the earlier contemptuous feeling shadowing his face. Here was a woman +who knew stylish collars when she saw them, and who also knew several +other things, and had taught him a lesson this very morning that he +would not be likely to forget. + +But Mrs. Roberts, as she made her way out from the fast-filling store, +felt that she had not made great progress toward getting acquainted with +her class. + +Still it must be admitted that if young Ried had gotten some new ideas, +so also had she. "A Christian home!" She found herself repeating the +phrase, lingering over it, wondering if her new home, in every sense of +the word, merited that title. "It cannot simply mean a home where Christ +is honored," she said to herself. "I surely have that. It rather means +a home where everything pertaining to it serves His cause. The very +furniture and the light and the brightness are made to do duty for Him, +else they have no place there; and I, labelled Christian, have no right +to them. Can they bear the test, I wonder? What is there that I can do +with all the beauties of my parlors? There are things that I have not +done. I can see some to do; but how can my Christian home serve these +boys? When I get them into it, of course it will work for me; but how to +get them in! Who are they? I wonder what spring I can touch to give me +even this meagre bit of information?" + +As if in answer to her mental query, she came just then full upon +Policeman Duffer. She recognized him instantly: a man who, though by +no means small, was so far from having the majestic presence of most +policemen that, in the estimation of the boys, he merited the name +"Little Duffer." Mrs. Roberts carried to her new work one talent +not always to be found among even efficient workers,--the ability to +remember both names and faces. Especially did a name seem, without any +effort on her part, to fasten itself upon her memory; and not only that, +but it brought with it a train of memories enabling her to locate +when and where, and under what circumstances, she heard the name; and, +therefore, generally whom the name fitted. Recognizing the features of +the policeman whom she had seen at the door of the South End Mission, +she connected him at once with the term "Little Duffer," heard in her +class, and addressed him:-- + +"Mr. Duffer, I believe." + +It is safe to say that Policeman Duffer, entirely accustomed as he was +to hearing himself addressed officially a hundred or a thousand times a +day, was yet utterly unaccustomed to the prefix of "Mr.", and started in +surprise. + +"Are you not the gentleman whom I saw at the South End last Sabbath?" + +The policeman admitted that he probably was. He was detailed for duty +there. Then she plunged at once into business. Did he know the boys who +attended that school? Some of them he did, better than he wanted to; and +a precious set they were, in Policeman Duffer's opinion. + +"Might as well go out to the Zoo," he declared, "and get a set of +animals and try to tame 'em." + +Mrs. Roberts was not in the mood to argue; she was bent on information. +Did he know, she wondered, the boys who composed her class? She had just +taken the class, and was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted +with their names. One was Dirk Colson, and another she had heard was +Haskell--Timothy Haskell, perhaps, though of that she was not certain. +Did that give Mr. Duffer any clue? + +"Plenty of clue," he said, shaking his head. "So you've taken that +class, ma'am?"--a curious mixture of amazement and credulity in his +voice. "What possessed you, if I may be so bold? They're a hard lot, +ma'am. I know them, as I said, altogether too well. I've had enough to +do with some of them; and I expect more work from them. They gain in +wickedness in a most surprising way. Their names, yes; there's Scrawley +and Sneaking Billy, and Black Dirk,--him you know." + +Mrs. Roberts interrupted him. She begged his pardon, but could those +really be the boys names? Were they not rather some unfortunate street +names that had been fastened upon them? + +Thus brought back to his senses, Policeman Duffer laughed, and admitted +that he supposed Sneaking Billy was properly named Sneyder; but he was +once caught in a mean trick, from which he tried in so many ways to +squirm out, that the boys had themselves named him Sneaking Billy, and +the name had stuck. + +As for "Scrawley," his real name was Stephen Crowley. How it became +contracted into "Scrawley" the boys could tell better than anybody else. +They always called him that, and so did other people; and Policeman +Duffer was inclined to doubt whether the fellow remembered that he had +any other name. + +"You can see yourself, ma'am," he added, "how Black Dirk came by his +name. He is the blackest white fellow as ever I saw, and I've seen +crowds of 'em." + +The streets were full, and Policeman Duffer was being interviewed by +a great many people in regard to all the questions that policemen are +expected to answer. But by dint of patient waiting, one foot poised on +a curbstone to keep it out of the mud, making hurried little memoranda +while Policeman Duffer was engaged, and earnestly plying her questions +when he was at leisure, Mrs. Roberts learned the names of her seven +boys, and where several of them lived. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +"SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK." + + +"That Black Dirk is a case," said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away +from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where +a certain street was. "He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe. +Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at +mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he +does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all +for evil. The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that +they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, +nor when he may burst out on you. He's dangerous. I am always looking +out for something awful that he will do." + +Poor Dirk! Yet he was the boy to whom Mrs. Roberts' desires had gone +out the most anxiously. It was over his image that she had lingered +that morning in her closet. Policeman Duffer would have been greatly +astonished had he known there was that in his words which gave her +courage. "Perhaps," she said to herself, with quickening breath, "oh, +perhaps the poor boy is the most in danger of them all, and the Saviour, +knowing it, sees ways in which I may reach him, and so presses his poor, +sullen face on my memory." + +"What does he do for a living?" she hastened to ask. + +"Well, to the best of my knowledge, he loafs for a living. That's all +I've ever known him guilty of doing. He's got a drunken father,--one +of the meanest kind of drunkards. If he would go and stay drunk all +the time and leave them alone they might manage; but he has spells +of getting half over it, and coming home and tearing around like all +possessed. Then they have times! I've been in there when it took all my +strength to manage him. If he would get killed in one of his rows I'd +have some hope of the rest of 'em; but he won't. That kind of folks +never do get killed; it's the decent ones. A fellow was carried by here +just with a broken leg,--a nice, decent boy; works hard to help his +sister. He's the sort now that gets his leg broken and gets laid up for +the rest of the winter. How do you account for that? He lives pretty +near Black Dirk's. Of course, he's got a drunken father; they all have +in that row; but if I was going in for benevolence I'd twice as soon do +something for young Calkins as for any of your set; they're a bad lot. +They aren't worth lifting a finger for. Now, that's a fact." + +"And yet," said Mrs. Roberts, her voice tremulous with a feeling that +just then surged over her, "how can I help remembering that if the Lord +Jesus had said that of us, and stayed up there in his glory, we should +have been utterly without help or hope to-day?" + +Very much astonished was Policeman Duffer. Ladies on all sorts of +errands had consulted him. He had been presented with many tracts in +his day; but rarely had a clear-voiced, earnest-eyed woman quietly +confronted him with that name, as if it contained an unanswerable +argument. However, he was not embarrassed; it took a great deal to +embarrass him. + +"I don't take much stock in him," he said, with a lofty toss of his +head, and a careless tone, as though the question were one easy to +dispose of. "I don't believe in him myself." + +"Do you know him?" + +Earnest eyes, raised to his face, fixed steadily on his face, while the +questioner waited quietly for an answer. + +Policeman Duffer was embarrassed now; he was not used to being +confronted with such matter-of-fact questions. + +"Do I know him?" with a confused little laugh. "Why, I reckon not, +ma'am; according to the popular notion he is too far away for folks to +be well acquainted." + +"Then popular notion is mistaken, for I know him very well indeed; and +he is by no means far away. But what I meant was, Have you studied +his life and character, and do you fully understand the arguments for +believing in him?" + +"I study the folks who profess to belong to him, ma'am, and I find that +about as much as I can stand." + +This was said with a saucy little laugh, and with the air of a man who +believed he had produced an unanswerable argument. The steady eyes did +not move from his face, and the voice which answered him had lost none +of its quietness:-- + +"But do you think it is wise to spend your time in studying the +imperfect copies, without looking at the perfect pattern? You would not +take the child's careless imitation as a proof that his teacher could +not write. I thank you for helping me to-day. I wish you would help my +boys when you can; and I wish you would study my Master instead of me. +Good morning." + +"That's a queer party!" did Policeman Duffer exclaim, as he watched her +far down the street. "I'm blessed if I wouldn't like to know who she is; +she ain't like the rest, somehow. _Her_ boys! Much she knows about 'em! +Her _bears_ she might as well call 'em! What does she think she can do +with that set in her little hour, Sunday afternoon? Satan, he has 'em +all the week, and looks after 'em sharp; and then these Christians come +in of a Sunday, and mince a little, and think they can upset his doings +by it. Shows their sense! But she's a curious little party; sharp, +without knowing it. I'm blessed if I don't keep an eye on her, and save +her from scrapes, if I can." + +Meantime, all unconscious of his good intentions, Mrs. Roberts pursued +her way down the thronged avenue, and presently turned from it entirely, +and moved down one of the side-streets with resolute steps. A daring +thought had come into her mind; she would try to find the alley where +one at least of her boys lived. It couldn't be worse than some of +the alleys at home which she had penetrated. She felt certain that +by following the policeman's directions she could find the place, and +possibly be able to minister to the boy with a broken limb. At all +events, it was necessary for her to know how her boys lived, and +where they lived, if she were to reach them. But there are alleys, and +_alleys_, as the venturesome lady found to her cost. This one into +which she was plunging excelled anything in that line which she had ever +imagined,--swarming with life in its most repulsive forms, and growing +every moment more terrifying to a well-dressed woman braving its horrors +alone. + +She stopped in dismay at last, admitting, reluctantly, that the +wisest thing she could do was to turn around and go home. Possibly the +_wisest_, but not, it appeared, practicable. Where _was_ home? Down +which of the cross-streets had she come? Did this one where she stood +lead to it, or did it lead, as it appeared to her, in an entirely +opposite direction? She looked up and down and across for some familiar +landmark, and looked in vain, growing momentarily more frightened at +the attention she was attracting by standing irresolutely there. Flossy +Shipley, in her girlhood days, had been almost a hopeless coward; and +Flossy Roberts felt, by the throbbing of her heart, that she had not yet +outgrown her girlish character. Suddenly she gave a little exclamation +of delight, and with a spring forward laid her hand on the arm of one +whom she recognized, none other than "Nimble Dick" himself. + +"I am so glad," she said to the amazed young scamp, a little quiver of +satisfaction in her voice, "so glad to have met you. Do you know you are +a friend in need? I have lost my way. I cannot decide which way to turn +to reach Fifth Avenue again. Will you help me, please?" + +When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of +another? Here was a chance for a jolly lark! A woman scared to death +because she was on Green alley. What would she think of Burk Street! +Suppose he should send her there? Only three blocks away, through a +lovelier part of the city than she had seen yet, he would venture! +If the crowds here showed her too much attention, it would be worth +something to see how she got through Burk Street. + +"Oh, yes," he said, briskly, "I can show you the way in a twinkling. You +just go down this alley till you come to the big house on the corner, +that has the windows all knocked out of it; then you turn and go down +that street till you get to the third crossing; then turn again to the +right, and you'll be on Fifth Avenue before you know it." + +Had Mrs. Roberts been looking at his face, she would have seen the +wicked light dancing in his eyes over the thought that he had thus +mapped out for her a walk through the very worst portion of the city, +every step, of course, leading her further and further away from Fifth +Avenue. The sights that she might see, and the mishaps which might occur +to her,--a handsomely-dressed woman alone,--before she made her way +through the horrors of these streets were too much even for Nimble +Dick's imagination, who knew the locality well. He did not try to +calculate them, but gave himself up to the enjoyment of imagining +how long it would be before she would reach home if she followed his +directions. "She won't see no swallowing serpents that I knows of," he +reflected, gleefully; "but I'll miss my reckoning if she don't see what +will scare her worse than they would." + +But Mrs. Roberts was already "scared." She felt her heart beating hard, +and knew that her cheeks were aglow with excitement and vague terror. +She was not used to walking such streets alone. She looked ahead at the +way pointed out, and could see that the swarming life grew more turbid +as far as her eye could reach. She felt that she could not brave its +terrors unprotected. Suddenly she turned from looking down the alley, +and her hand, a small, delicately-gloved hand, was again laid on Nimble +Dick's arm; he could feel it trembling. + +"I suppose I shall seem very foolish to you," she said, gently; "but I +am afraid to walk down there alone. Would you mind going along with +me to protect me? I am only a woman, you know, and we are apt to be +cowards." + +A very curious sensation came over Nimble Dick. He looked up the alley, +and down the alley, and was glad that not one of the "fellows" was in +sight. What was to become of his lark? But there was that hand still +resting on his arm, with a persuasive touch in it; and he had never been +appealed to for protection before,--never in his life! Was it possible +that with _him_ she would not be afraid? He turned and looked at her, +searchingly, a scowl on his face,--no, she was not "shamming;" her eyes +were full of anxious fear, and also of petition. Nimble Dick was amazed +at himself and ashamed of himself; he did not know how to account for +his sudden change of intention. But he suddenly turned in an opposite +direction from the one which he had pointed out, and said, "Come on, +then; I'll show you a shorter way," and strode forward. + +"Oh, thank you!" she said, relief and gratitude in her voice. "I shall +be so much obliged to you for coming with me; I am quite bewildered; +cannot decide which way I came, or anything about it. I was trying to +find the house of a young man who has been hurt. A policeman told +me that he lived on this street, and that his name is Calkins. I was +thinking about him, and walked on without noticing, until I did not know +where I was. Do you know anything of the young man?" + +"You are too far down for him," said Nimble Dick. "He's quality, and +lives at the upper end of the alley. That's his house, away up there. +He's hurt bad, they say; but I s'pose he'll get well. He's got a quality +doctor,--a regular swell, who never come into these alleys before. He +was going along when they brought Mark home, and he followed them in, +and he come there again last night and this morning. I dunno what for, +I'm sure. Mark Calkins can't pay no doctor's bills, if he does work +regular, and pay more rent than the rest of folks." + +There was a curious mixture of complaint and satisfaction in Dick's +tone. Mrs. Roberts gathered from it that the young man, Mark Calkins, in +whom the policeman had tried to interest her, was superior to the rest +of the miserable people in the alley, and that they resented it as an +insult to themselves; but that, at the same time, the reflected honor +of having a "swell" doctor come into their midst, attendant upon one who +really belonged to their class, was very great. Could she possibly get +a little influence over them by following up the injured young man, +and giving what help was needful? She had hardly meant to call, though +trying to find the house. Her method of reasoning had been something +like this: "The policeman said he lived about two blocks from my poor +Dirk's home. Since there has so recently been an accident, there may +be something to mark the house,--a doctor passing in, possibly, or +something that shall give me a landmark, and I can have a glimpse of the +outside of one of the homes." In her ignorance of life at that end of +the social scale she did not know that a doctor passing in and out, even +after an accident, was a sufficiently rare occurrence to make much more +of a mark than she was looking for. So absorbed had she been over the +boys belonging to her class that she had rather ignored the policeman's +manifest hint to add this one to her list. Yet, was it possibly an +answer to her prayer, an entering-wedge of some sort, that might open +the way to influence? + +"Who is the doctor?" she asked her guide, as the possibility of making +an entrance through him occurred to her. "Do you know his name?" + +Oh yes, Dick knew his name and where he lived, and even the names of +some of his "swell" patients;--trust him for gaining information about +anything that came into the alley. + +"It's Dr. Everett," he said promptly, that curious touch of +pride appearing again in his voice. "He lives away up among the +Twenty-thirders, and he goes to Cady's house to doctor, and lots of them +places where the big ones lives. I dunno how he happens to come here." + +Mrs. Roberts had never heard the name, but she reflected that she was a +new-comer, and wisely desisted from taking from the glory of Dr. Everett +by admitting that he was not known to all the world. He might be a good +doctor and a philanthropic one; his visits to this region looked like +it. + +"Do you know where any of the boys in our class live?" + +This was her next carefully-worded question. She did not know whether to +hint that she had heard of one who lived in that alley, or whether this +would be considered an insult. + +"Well," said Nimble Dick, the sly twinkle coming back to his eyes +that the strangeness of the situation had driven away for a moment, "I +calculate that I know where I live _myself_; sometimes I do, anyhow." + +"To be sure!" she said, laughing at his humor. "I should have said, +where any of the others live. Of course you will give me your address, +after being so kind as to see me to--some point where I am acquainted." + +She had nearly said a place of safety, but checked herself in time. I +am not sure, though, that Dick would have noticed it; he was lost in +astonishment over the idea of giving anybody his address! + +"This is Dirk Colson's house," he said, suddenly, "and he is one of our +fellows." + +Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation. The house was one of the most +forlorn in the row, seeming, if the miserable state of the buildings +would admit of comparison, to be more out of repair than the others. It +came home to her just then, with a sudden, desolating force, that human +beings, such as she was trying to reach, and such as she hoped would +live in heaven forever, called such earthly habitations as these homes. +What possible idea could they ever get of heaven by calling it "home"? + +"Do they have the whole of the house?" + +She asked the question timidly, for the building looked very large, but +she was utterly unused to city tenement life. + +"The _whole_ of that house?" Dick fairly shouted the sentence, and bent +himself double with laughter. "Well, I should say not, mum! As near as I +can calculate, about thirty-five different families have that pleasure. +The whole of the house! Oh, my! What a greeny!" And he laughed again. + +Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was +horror-stricken. Thirty-five families in one house! How could they be +other than awful in their ways of living? + +"I know almost nothing about great cities," she said; "my home was in a +much smaller one." + +This was the truth, but not the whole truth. Instinct kept this +veritable lady, in the truest sense of the word, from explaining that +she knew nothing about the abject poor, when she was speaking to one of +their number. Just at this moment occurred a diversion; they had been +making swift progress through the alley, Dick's long strides requiring +effort on his companion's part to keep by his side, but just ahead the +way was obstructed. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +"WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS." + + +A riot! Not among men, which is sufficiently terrifying; nor yet among +women, which is worse; but that most awful of all sights and sounds +of sin,--a riot among the children. Swearing, spitting at one another, +tearing one another's hair, scratching like tigers, growling like wild +beasts, throwing garbage at one another! This was the sort of crowd upon +which Mrs. Roberts, in her black silk walking-suit, with her velvet hat +and seal furs, presently came. She grasped at Dick's arm in horror, but +a feeling that was more than terror was taking her strength away. + +"Oh!" she said, and the agony in her voice really suggested more than +terror to the young fellow beside her. "And they are little children! +They cannot be more than seven or eight! Oh, what can I do?" + +"You needn't be scared, mum!" There was a little hint of something like +pity in Dick's voice. She clung to him so that he could not help feeling +himself her protector. "It ain't an uncommon row at all; they mostly act +like this; most likely one of 'em's found a bone and t' other one wants +it, and then they're gone in for a row, and all the young ones crowd +around and fight, on one side or t' other." + +Did this fearful explanation make the situation less terrible? + +There was a lull, however, in the quarrel. The elegantly-dressed lady +was seen approaching,--an unusual sight in that alley,--and both parties +paused to get a view. Paused in their attentions to each other, that is; +but at Mrs. Roberts they hooted and jeered, and one threw a handful of +mud. + +Then did Nimble Dick rise to his position as protector. + +"Shut up, there! Stand aside, Pluck, and let us pass! Look out there, +you Smirchy! Don't you throw that over here unless you want your head +broke for you when I get back!" + +This threat was thrown at a wretched little girl, who had dived her hand +deeply into a box or cask of garbage, and brought it forth reeking with +rotten apples, pork fat, and any liquid horror which the name suggests +to you. She had her hand uplifted ready to throw, and was evidently +intending to give the strange lady the benefit of what she had prepared +for one of the rioters. + +The assured tone in which Nimble Dick spoke had its effect; the +combatants were all small, and he was large, and was evidently +recognized as a power. There were some defiant glances thrown at him, +but the motley crowd gave way, and allowed him to pass uninjured. Still +he kept an alert watch of them until quite out of reach, and was not +sparing of his admonitions. + +"Hold on there, Bill,--I see that! Look out, Sally! You'll be sorry if +you throw anything,--mind you that!" + +And at last they were through the crowd. Not out of danger, it seemed; +for there, directly in their narrow path, was a drunken man, swaying +from side to side in the way which is so terrible to one unused to such +sights. Dick felt the hold on his arm tighten, and was astonished at the +sound of his own voice as he said, soothingly:-- + +"You needn't be scared at him, mum; that's only old Jock; he's as ugly +as old Nick himself, but he knows better than to be very ugly to me. I +can throw him in the gutter as easy as I could them young ones, and he +knows it. That's Dirk's father, that is! Ain't he a beauty?" + +And again Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation of dismay, and part of her +terror went out in sorrow over the wrongs of a boy who had such a home +and such a father. What ought to be expected of him? + +That interminable alley was conquered at last, and they emerged into +respectability on the broad avenue. Mrs. Roberts released her hold of +her protector's arm, and his new character vanished on the instant. + +"You're here, mum," he said, with a saucy twinkle in his eye and a saucy +leer on his face. "Can you get yourself home from this spot, or shall I +borrow a wheelbarrow and tote you there?" + +Much shaken with various emotions though she was, Mrs. Roberts forced +herself to laugh. She would not frown on his fun when it was not +positively sinful; he might not be aware that it was disrespectful; he +might never have heard the word. + +"I know the way now, thank you; at least I think I do. Can you tell me +whether I take a green car or a yellow one to get to East Fifty-fifth +Street?" + +"You take a green one," he said, quietly, his character of protector +having returned to him with the question, which still showed her +dependence on him. + +"Thank you," she said again, with great heartiness. "I shall never +forget your care of me." Her hand was in her pocket, and a bright coin +was between her fingers. She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had +saved her from so much this morning. And he was so miserably clad, +surely he needed help. A moment's reflection, and she resolutely +withdrew her hand. He should be paid by a simple hearty, "Thank you!" +this morning, for kindness rendered. He might not consider it a current +coin, but possibly it would be his first lesson in the courtesies of +life. + +Later in the day, when Mrs. Roberts was somewhat rested from her +morning's campaign, young Ried received a little note:-- + +Dear Mr. Ried,--I know the names of all the boys, and inclose you a +list. It is possible that you may fall in with some one during the day +who can impart knowledge concerning them. Anyway, I thought you would +like to know their names. Keep me posted, please, as to your success in +making their acquaintance. We are allies, remember. + +Yours for the Master, + +Mrs. E.L. Roberts. + +Alfred Ried twisted the delicate note-paper thoughtfully in his hand, +a look of perplexity on his face. He felt committed for labor; glad was +he, very, yet perplexed. He did not in the least know where to commence. +Well, neither had this little lady; yet she had accomplished more in her +one day's acquaintance than he after a lapse of weeks. Either she had +found opportunities, or had made them. There must be chances; he would +be sure to keep his eyes open after this. + +In the handsome house on East Fifty-fifth Street, where Mr. Roberts had +settled his bride, after a somewhat extended business tour, involving +months of absence, matters were in train for a cosy evening in the +library. That was the name of the beautiful room where the husband +and wife sat down together; but it was quite unlike the conventional +library. Books there were in lavish abundance, but there were also +pictures and flowers and a singing-bird or two, and an utter absence of +that severe attention to business details which characterizes most rooms +so named. Little prettinesses, which Mr. Roberts smilingly admitted +did not belong to a library, were yet established there, with an air of +having come to stay. "We will call it the library for convenience," +the master of the house said, "and then we will put into it whatever +we please. It shall be a conservatory, and a sewing-room and a +lounging-room and anything else that you and I choose to make it." +And Mrs. Roberts gleefully assented, and gave free rein to her pretty +tastes. Flossy Shipley had been wont to be much trammelled with the ways +in which "they" did everything; but Mrs. Evan Roberts was learning +that, in unimportant matters at least, they had a right to be a law unto +themselves. Perhaps it helped her, to be aware that a large class of +people were all ready to quote "Mrs. Evan Roberts" as authority on +almost any point of taste. + +On the evening in question Mr. Roberts, in dressing-gown and slippers, +had drawn his lounging-chair to the drop-light, preparatory to a +half-hour of reading aloud. But it transpired that there was something +preparatory to that, or at least that must take the precedence. Certain +business telegrams followed him home, which required the writing of two +or three business letters. + +"It will not take me long," he explained to his wife, "and they are +not complicated affairs, so I give you leave to talk right on while I +dispatch them." She laughed at this hint about her fondness for talk, +but presently made use of the privilege. + +"Evan, what sort of a young man do you consider Mr. Ried?" + +"Ried? Who? Oh, my clerk? The very best sort; a most estimable +fellow,--one of a thousand. By the way, did you tell him how you became +interested in that sister of his?" + +"Not yet; I want to get better acquainted. But, Evan, do you know where +he boards?" + +"Hardly; on Third Avenue somewhere, I believe; or possibly Second. The +store register would show. Do you want his address!" + +"Oh, I know _where_ it is; but I mean what sort of a place is it?" + +Mr. Roberts slightly elevated his shapely shoulders. + +"It is a boarding-house, where many clerks board; that tells a doleful +story to the initiated, I suspect. Poor fare and dismal surroundings; +still, it is eminently respectable." + +"Where does he spend his Sabbaths?" + +The rapidly-moving pen executed nearly two lines of handsome writing +before Mr. Roberts was ready to respond to this question. + +"Why, at church, principally, I fancy. He is very regular in his +attendance at morning service, and the South End Mission absorbs his +afternoons. I suppose he goes to church in the evening; but since we +have been giving our attention to that evening mission I have not seen +him." + +"Ah, but, Evan, I mean the rest of the time; those little bits of +Sabbath time that are sacred to home. The twilight, for instance, or +for an hour in the morning. Do you know what sort of a place he has for +those times?" + +Nearly three more lines added to the paper; then Mr. Roberts raised his +head:-- + +"No, my dear, I don't. Now that you bring me face to face with the +question, it seems a surprising thing to say that I should not know +where a young man who has been for more than a year in our employ spends +his choice bits of time, but I don't." + +"Then I want to tell you something about it. He has a dingy, +fourth-story back room; small, I fancy, from the way in which he spoke +of it, and not a speck of fire over! In such weather as this, how can a +young man read his Bible, or even pray, under such circumstances?" + +Mr. Roberts laid down his pen and sat erect, regarding his wife with a +thoughtful, far-away air. + +"Flossy," he said at last, "it is an immense question! You open a +perfect mine of anxiety and doubt. I have hovered around the edges for +some time, but have generally contrived to shut my eyes and refuse to +look into it, because I was afraid of what I might see; and because I +did not know--what to do with my knowledge. I have not been the working +member of the firm very long, you know, and my special field, until +lately, has been the other side of the ocean; but I have been at home +long enough to know that there are several hundred young men in our +employ who are away from their homes; and knowing, as I do, the price of +board in respectable houses, and knowing the salaries which the younger +ones receive, it does not require a great deal of penetration to +discover that they must have rather dreary homes here, to put it mildly. +The fact is, Flossy, I haven't wanted to look into this thing very +closely, because I do not see the remedy. Look at our house, for +instance, with its three hundred clerks, we'll say, who are away +from their friends; suppose one-half, or even one-third, of them are +miserably situated, what can I do?" + +"Are they not sufficiently well paid to have the ordinary comforts of +life?" + +"Doubtful. The truth is, what you and I call the ordinary comforts of +life takes a good deal of money; and in the city, rents are high, +and the boarding-house keepers have hard struggles to make their +expenditures meet their income, and they carry economy to the very verge +of meanness,--some of them fairly over the verge, I presume; and the +result is cheap food, badly cooked,--because well-cooked food means +high-priced help,--and cold rooms and dreariness and discomfort +everywhere. Now what can be done about it? Then our house is only one of +hundreds, and in many of these hundreds they employ more help and give +less wages than we; in fact, I know that some of our clerks are looked +upon with envy by a great many young men. We never have any trouble +in supplying vacancies. People swarm around us, because we have the +reputation of being liberal. We are not liberal, however; sometimes I am +inclined to think we are hardly fair, yet there is nothing I can do. +I am a junior partner, with a great deal of the responsibility, and a +third of the voting power, and I can't get salaries raised. I've been +working at that problem at intervals for a year, and have accomplished +very little. Do you wonder that I keep my eyes as closely shut as I +can?" + +His wife's face wore a thoughtful, not to say perplexed look; she seemed +to have no answer ready; and, after waiting a moment for it, Mr. Roberts +bent himself again to the task of getting his business letters +answered. Before he had written one more line, her face had cleared. She +interrupted him:-- + +"Evan, when you talk about four hundred clerks, and multiply that by +hundreds of houses and more hundreds of clerks, I cannot follow you +at all. It is not that I am not impressed with the number,--I am,--it +appalls me; but I don't want to be appalled; I want to be helpful. +Perhaps just now there is nothing that I can do for the hundreds, so I +want to narrow my thoughts down to what, possibly, I can do. What, for +instance, can be done towards getting a good young man, like Alfred +Ried, into a place that will be just a little bit like a home; that will +give him a spot where he can study his Bible in comfort, and invite a +friend with whom he wants to pray, or whom he wants to reach and help in +any way? That isn't a huge problem. Can't it be solved?" + +Her husband smiled. + +"He is only one of thousands," he said. + +"Yes, I know; but he is _one_ of thousands. Since we cannot reach +thousands, shall we fail to reach one? Evan, I am only one of thousands, +but, but how would you argue about me?" + +Mr. Roberts laughed again. + +"You are one out of thousands and thousands!" he said, emphatically. + +A line more, and he signed the firm name with an unusually fine +flourish. + +"There! I've accomplished one letter. What do you want to do, Flossy?" + +"I want Mr. Ried to have a room where he can invite one of my boys +occasionally, and make him comfortable, and do for him what we cannot +with our rooms; do for him what only a young man can do for a young man. +I don't clearly know what I want further than that, but I see that one +thing as a stepping-stone. Remember, I want all your thousands to have +just as pleasant rooms, and I would like to help to bring it about, but +I don't just now see the way." + +"Do you see the way to this?" + +"No, but doesn't it seem as though we ought to be able to accomplish so +much?" + +"It does, certainly. What is your desire, Flossy? Do you want him to +have a room in our house?" + +She shook her head. + +"No, that would not further my plan for those boys. I would like to have +him here, and it would be a good thing for him,--at least I think it +would; but I can see things which he could accomplish for these young +men, set by himself, in a different part of the city. Besides, Evan, +I have other plans for our rooms, entirely different ones, and some of +them I am afraid you will think are very strange." + +He answered the doubt with a smile that said he had no fears of her or +her plans. + +"What a little schemer it is!" he said, looking down on her with fond, +proud eyes. "Who would have imagined that she could plot, and plot so +mysteriously? I used to think she was a very open-hearted woman." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +"WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?" + + +She joined in his laugh albeit, there was a tender look in her eyes. +After a moment, she said, gently:-- + +"It is not scheming, Evan; I am only trying to set about the work for +which I have been chosen. I'll tell you how it all came to me. I was +reading--my morning reading, you know--after you had gone; taking little +dips here and there in the fashion that you think is so unsystematic, +and I came upon this verse: 'He is a chosen vessel unto me,' you know, +about Paul? Well, it came to me with a sudden sense of awe and beauty, +the being chosen of God to do a great work. I stopped reading to think +it out; what a grand moment it must have been to Paul when he realized +it. And I began to feel almost sorry that we lived in such different +times, with no such opportunities! I stopped right in the midst of my +folly to remember that I was as certainly chosen of God as ever Paul +was; for assuredly I did not come to him of myself, nor begin to love +him of myself, and therefore he must indeed have chosen me; and I +wondered whether probably each Christian had not a work to do as +definite as Paul's--a work that would be given to no other, unless +indeed the chosen one failed. I did not want to fail, and I asked God +not to let me. Then, of course, I set to wondering what my work, or my +part of some other person's work, could be. It was the morning after you +had told me that about Ester Ried. You cannot think how that impressed +me. I could not get away from the wonderment as to how her work was +prospering, and whether there were chosen ones enough, or if there +might possibly be a little place for me. I couldn't settle anything, and +finally I decided to look at Paul's work a little while. Of course, it +was not reasonable to suppose that the duties of the great apostle had +anything in common with my bits of effort; still, I said, the directions +given him may help me a little. And Evan, what do you think was the +first thing I found? Why, this: 'The God of our fathers hath chosen +thee, that thou _shouldst know his will_.' Surely, so far, the things +for which both he and I were chosen were parallel. I looked further: +'And see that Just One.' That was the very next. Was not I, too, chosen +for that? 'Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.' I said over the +beautiful promise to assure myself that it was true, and went on: +'And shouldst hear the voice of his mouth.' Was it not strange, Evan? +Certainly I shall hear my King speak, often and often, when I get home. +Only think of it; so far Paul was not ahead of me. I hurried to find +another reference to Paul's work, and I found this; let me read it to +you." Her bit of dainty sewing was suddenly pushed one side, and up from +the depths of the rose-lined work-basket came a small, plainly-bound +Bible, much marked; a rapid turning of the leaves, and the eager +disciple read: "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee +a minister and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and +of those things in the which I will appear unto thee. Now, Evan, you +know the veriest child can be a witness if he knows anything about the +facts; and I do certainly know some wonderful things about Jesus to +which I could witness; and besides, isn't it reasonable to suppose that +he will appear to me every day with things for me to witness to? And +then I read this; Paul sent to the Gentiles, you know, but for what: 'To +open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the +power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and +inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith that is in me.' +Evan, was there ever a more wonderful work to do in the world than that? +And yet I cannot tell you how it made me feel to discover, or at least +to realize, that a great deal of it was my work! Of course, I naturally +began to ask myself, what Gentile was there for me to reach? Whose eyes +must I try to open? Do you know, that very afternoon I met Mr. Ried, and +heard of those boys? They interested me from the first, and what he told +me about his sister increased the interest. Then when I saw them!--Evan, +if ever boys were in the power of Satan they are; and to think that they +may have an inheritance among them which are sanctified! This morning +when I saw where some some of them lived, and imagined how they lived, I +fell stunned for a moment. It seemed to me impossible. What means +could possibly be found of sufficient power to fit them for such an +inheritance? And then directly came the closing words of the commission: +'Through faith that is in me.' Evan, God will save them; and I think he +will let me help." + +"Amen!" said Mr. Roberts, and his voice was husky. When his wife was in +one of her exalted moods he always admired her with a sort of reverence. +He had been for years an earnest worker. He carried business plans and +business principles into the work; he studied cause and effect, and +calculated and expected certain results to follow certain causes, like +a mathematical problem; not that he by any means forgot the power +of faith, or in any sense attempted to do his work alone. He was a +Christian who spent much time on his knees; but little Flossy brought +so much of the childlike, unquestioning spirit into her work, that +sometimes he stood in awe, not knowing whether he could follow her. It +was not so much a mathematical problem to be worked out, as it was the +faith that can remove mountains. + + "As a little child relies + On a strength beyond his own: + Knows he is neither strong nor wise, + Fears to stir a step alone--" + +Mr. Roberts often found himself quoting these lines when his wife gave +him glimpses of her heart; and at such times he had no hesitancy in +deciding that the steps she took were not alone, but the Lord was with +her. + +The postman's ring broke in on their quiet. + +"I hope there are letters from home to-night," Mrs. Roberts said, "real +long ones. It is a week since we have heard." + +"And I ought to hope that they would require a first reading in +private," her husband answered, as he seized his neglected pen. "It is +the only way in which these business letters will get answered. I find +the temptation to talk to you irresistible." + +One letter! but that was of comfortable dimensions and weight. + +"It is from Marion," Mrs. Roberts said, delight in her voice, after the +first glance at the familiar writing. She was presently lost in its many +pages, and the business of letter-writing went on uninterruptedly for +some time. + +Mrs. Marion Dennis had not forgotten her fondness for her pretty little +Flossy: nor forgotten that,--softly-innocent little creature though she +was, she possessed a wisdom far above those who are credited with having +keen insight; even a wisdom so subtle, and withal so tender, that its +source could only be Infinite Wisdom. So she, in company with many +others, was learning to turn to the friend so much younger than herself, +as one in whom she could safely confide. + +"Dear little Flossy," so the letter ran, "I suppose, though you should +live to be a white-haired old lady, sitting with placid face and fluted +cap and spectacles, in your high-backed arm-chair, in the most treasured +corner mayhap of some granddaughter's choicest room, I, writing to you, +would still commence 'Dear little Flossy.' That I have to cover it from +prying eyes by the dignified and respectable 'Mrs. Evan Roberts,' is +almost a matter of amusement to me. I fancy I can see you making +a journey through some of the Chautauqua avenues, picking your way +daintily towards Palestine, bending lovingly over the small white stones +that mark the village of Bethany,--a pink on your cheek, born, as I +thought, of the excitement of being among those tiny photographs of the +wonderful past, but born in part, I now believe, of the fact that Mr. +Evan Roberts joined us in our walk. Oh, little mousie, how quiet you +were! + +"Well, many things have since transpired. We are old married women, you, +and Ruth, and Eurie and I. I suppose the contrast in our lives,--the +outward portion of them, I mean,--is still as strongly marked, perhaps +more so, than it was when we were in Chautauqua together. We were girls +then; we are matrons now, and with the taking on of that title, Ruth and +I took special and great responsibilities. To-night it rains. Mr. Dennis +has been called to the upper part of the city,--away out to Springdale, +in fact,--to see a sick and dying man, and I am alone and almost lonely. +If I could summon any one of the three to my aid and comfort I would. +I am almost as lonely as I was on some of those evenings in the old +boarding-house. Still there are differences; the smoky old stove is not; +a summer warmth floats through the house, born of steam; no ill-smelling +kerosene lamp offends your aesthetic friend to-night, but the softest +of shaded drop-lights sheds a halo around me. Isn't that almost poetic? +Moreover, oh blessed thought! I have no examination papers to prepare, +no reports to make up; nothing to do but visit with you. Also, I will +admit just to you, that this is another and most blessed difference +between this and my lonely past. At almost any moment now I may hope +for Dr. Dennis' ring, and when he comes all sense of loneliness will +instantly depart. Ah! Flossy, dear Flossy, this is such a difference as +even you cannot appreciate! You had your mother and father, and all your +dear home friends, and I had no one; and besides,--here I hesitate, lest +you may be too obtuse to understand the reasoning,--you have only added +Mr. Roberts to your circle of treasures. He is grand and good, I know, +and I like him without even a mental reservation; but, my dear, I have +added Dr. Dennis! Can human language say more? + +"Nonsense aside, sweet little woman, God has been very good to you and +me. Yet, Flossy, do you remember how, during those last months in which +we were together, I fell into the habit of telling you a great deal +about the thorns, and admitted to you once that they pricked less when +they had felt your smoothing touch? I want to tell you something. Our +Gracie--I am so sorry for her, yet I don't know what to do. She is +living a most unhappy life, and of course she shadows our lives also. I +told you, dear, about Prof. Ellis. He is still trying to convince +poor Gracie, that I, being her step-mother, must be her natural enemy; +reminding her that before I came into the family her father was entirely +willing to receive his calls, and allowed her to accept his attentions. +Don't you see, it isn't strange at all that the poor little girl should +believe him, and turn from me? She has many judicious helpers in her +father's congregation. There are those who sigh over her almost in my +hearing. 'Poor Gracie' they say, 'how changed she is! She used to be so +bright and happy. There is something unnatural in these second-mother +relations; all high-spirited children rebel.' Imagine such talk helping +Gracie! Meantime, what do you suppose can be Prof. Ellis' motive? I +cannot think that he cares for her; I almost do not believe that there +is enough purity left in him even to admire a pure-hearted young girl; +certainly not one with such high ideals and earnest ambitions as Gracie +had. 'Why does she admire him?' I fancy I hear you asking. My dear, she +doesn't; she thinks she does, and at seventeen such thoughts sometimes +work irreparable mischief; but left alone, one of these days she would +make the discovery that she was flattered by his attentions, because +he is nearly fifteen years older than she, and is brilliant in +conversation, and quoted as the finest musician in the city. I wish I +knew more things about him; what I do know shows me plainly enough the +sort of man he is; but with these guileless young things it seems as +though one had to unmask wickedness very thoroughly before they will +believe that it is anything but gossip or misrepresentation. He has gone +away for a six weeks' vacation; I don't know where, nor does Dr. Dennis. +Gracie knows, but does not enlighten me. Flossy, dear, could you give me +a little wholesome advice, do you think? I wonder, sometimes, whether I +was not too complacent over my proposed duties. Such schemed as I had! +I was going to be the blessedest step-mother that girl ever had. That +would not be saying much, possibly. Don't we all incline to think that +the second mothers must be wrong, and the sons and daughters poor abused +darlings? But I loved Gracie, you know, and she seemed to love me, and +to be so happy over the thought of our near relationship. There is very +little happiness from any such source during these days. Gracie has +retired into dignity. She can be the most dignified young woman on +occasion that I ever beheld. She is not rude to me, on the contrary +she is ceremoniously polite; calls me Mrs. Dennis, and all that sort of +thing, when necessity compels her to call me anything; but she speaks +as little as possible; sits at table with us three times a day, when she +cannot secure an excuse for absence that her father will accept; says +'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir,' obediently to him, and 'No, ma'am, thank +you,' to me, and that is the extent of our conversation. Generally her +face is pale and her eyes red, and at the first possible moment she begs +to be excused, and retires to the privacy of her own room and locks her +door. Her father has stopped her music lessons; at least she preferred +to have them stopped rather than take lessons of any other person, so +she practices no more. She continues her German and French, and secures +good reports from the professors, but there is an air of weariness and +dreariness about everything she does that makes one alternate between a +feeling of deep pity for her, and a desire to box her ears or shut her +up in a corner until she can behave herself. As a rule, however, I am +sorry for her. I was young once myself. I was undisciplined, I had no +mother, and I had a thousand wild fancies, any one of which might have +ruined me. What do you think you would do, dear, if Mr. Roberts had a +daughter, and you were her mother? You are all in a flush, now, and have +lain down this sheet and said aloud: 'What an idea! Marion does say the +most absurd things!' Well, then, if you were Marion Dennis, and stood +before God in the place of mother to Grace Dennis, what do you imagine +you would do? I'll tell you my policy; I am uniformly cheerful in her +presence--gay, if I can make gayety out of anything; not toward her +father, you understand, because I can fancy that might irritate her. +I really try to be gay toward Gracie herself; but can you imagine an +attempt to be cheery with a tombstone? I study as much as I can, her +tastes, in the ordering of dinner and desserts, and arrange the flowers +that I know she likes best, and in short try to do all those little bits +of nice things that I feel certain you would do in my place; and just +here I may as well own that I learned these small prettinesses, studying +you; never should have thought them out for myself. Flossy, Dr. Dennis +is one of the most patient and long-suffering of men, but it is very +hard for him to be patient with poor Gracie; harder than it is for me; +first, because I know by personal experience just what a turbulent young +creature a miss of seventeen or eighteen can be, and secondly, because +it is upon me her displeasure falls most heavily, and that naturally he +resents. + +"Why am I writing all this to you? I don't, know, childie, really, save +that I remember what a curious way you have of telling Jesus all about +your friends and their trials, and I remember with great comfort that +you are my friend. Don't imagine me as miserable; I can never be that +so long as Christ is the present Helper that he is to me now; and you do +not need to be told that I daily thank him for giving me my husband. +But I think you will understand better than many would how earnestly +I desire to fill the place of mother, to my bright young motherless +Gracie, with her dangerous beauty and her dangerous talents and her +capacity for being miserable. Oh, I want to do more than my duty; I want +to love her with all my heart, and to have her love me. If it were not +for that man, who always hated me, and who, I believe in my heart, has +sought her out and is pressing his attentions upon her because he sees +a possibility of stinging me through her, I might hope to fill the place +in her heart that I thought I could." + +The letter closed abruptly at this point, and was finished a few days +afterwards in a different strain, giving plenty of home news, and being +full of the brightness which always sparkled in Marion's letters; but it +was the first two or three pages to which Mrs. Roberts turned back, and +which she thoughtfully re-read. Then she interrupted the busy pen:-- + +"Evan, are not the business letters nearly done? I want to read this to +you, and then I want to talk to you." + +"Delightful prospects, both of them," he said with energy, as he added +the last hurried line, signed and delivered to his wife to enclose in +its envelope, then pushed aside writing materials and sat back to enjoy. + +"It isn't all delightful," his wife said, shaking her head. "I did hope +that poor Marion was going to have a few years of rest. Her life has +been such a hard one." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +"TREMENDOUS FACTS!" HE SAID. + + +It is well that Mrs. Marion Dennis felt entirely safe in her friend +Flossy's hands, for her affairs were very thoroughly talked over that +evening, and sundry conclusions arrived at. + +One question Mrs. Roberts asked her husband, at the close of the +conference, which apparently had nothing to do with Marion Dennis' +affairs:-- + +"Evan, do you know Dr. Everett?" + +"Everett? Let me think--yes, I know of him; a young physician, +comparatively, who had not been here long, and has made his mark." + +"In what direction?" + +"Several, perhaps; but I have heard of him chiefly in the line of his +profession. He was accidentally called to attend a young lady belonging +to a very wealthy family out in Brookline. I say accidentally--that is +a reverent way we have of speaking, you know; of course, I mean +providentially. The nursery governess in the family was sick, and this +Dr. Everett, who had fallen in with her somewhere, volunteered to cure +her. He was calling on her one morning when the sick daughter, who, +by the way, had been given up by her physician, was taken suddenly and +alarmingly worse; in the emergency Dr. Everett was summoned, and while +they waited for the regular physician he succeeded in doing such good +service that he inspired the mother with confidence; she became anxious +to put the case entirely into his hands, which was done, and the young +lady recovered, and Dr. Everett's position, professionally, was assured. +Isn't that an interesting little item for you? He is said to have marked +success; and, of course, since the Brookline occurrence his practice is +largely among the wealthy. How has your attention been called to him?" + +"My protector this morning said he was a 'swell' doctor, who was +attending that Calkins boy. I wondered if he did it because he loved +Christ. He might be a helper. I want to call on that sick boy to-morrow +if I can arrange it. I think I must take some one with me." + +"You may take me with you," her husband said, emphatically. + +However much trips through alleys with Nimble Dick might be conducive to +that young man's moral development, Mr. Roberts felt that his wife had +experimented sufficiently. + +Thus it transpired that, dressed in the plainest, quietest garb which +her wardrobe would furnish, Mrs. Roberts went to the alley the next +morning accompanied by her husband. + +In one sense it was a mistake that the first call in the alley should +have been made on the Calkins family. It was calculated to give Mrs. +Roberts mistaken ideas as to the manner in which poor people lived. A +bare enough room, certainly, not even a bit of carpet laid before the +bed, but it was a clean room. Floor and window and cupboard-door were as +clean as water could make them; and the bed, while it looked hopelessly +hard and dreadful to Mrs. Roberts, was really a pattern of neatness and +purity to every dweller in that attic. There was a straw tick, covered +with a dark calico spread, which did duty as a sheet, and the boy who +lay on it was covered by a patched quilt that had been mended, and was +clean. Wonderful things these to say of such a locality! Mr. Roberts +suspected it, and Dr. Everett knew it. That gentleman was bending over +his patient when the two guests arrived, and vouchsafed them not even a +glance, while the dark-haired, dark-eyed, homely, decently-dressed girl +gave Mrs. Roberts a seat on the one chair which the room contained, and +set a stool for her husband that had been made of four old chair legs +and a square board. + +Sallie Calkins was somewhat flurried by this unexpected call. She had no +idea who the people were, nor for what they had come. A vague fear that +they might be in some way connected with her brother's "place" at the +printing-office, which he was in such fear of losing that his night had +been a restless one, made her hasten to say, in a tremulous voice:-- + +"The doctor thinks he will be well in a little while. It isn't a bad +break, he says, and Mark wants to keep his place. He thinks, maybe, some +of the alley boys would keep it for him, if you would be so kind." + +She was evidently addressing Mr. Roberts, but she looked at Flossy. The +fair, sweet face, that gave her such sympathetic glances, seemed the one +to appeal to. Mr. Roberts, however, discerned that he was mistaken for +the employer, and immediately dispelled the idea by asking where the boy +worked, and how the accident had happened. + +"It was the elevator, sir," she said, eagerly. "The chain broke, and it +went down with a bang, and Mark was on it, and he rolled off somehow, he +doesn't know how; and he has been that bad that he couldn't tell me +if he had. He was kind of wild, sir, all night, and talking about his +place." + +"Was there no one but you to be with him during the night?" Mrs. Roberts +asked. "Where is the mother?" + +"We've got no mother, ma'am; there is only Mark and me--and father," she +added, after a doubtful pause. "But father was not at home last night. +Oh, I didn't need no one to take care of Mark. I wouldn't have left +him." + +"And he likes to have you take care of him, I am sure. What do you give +him to eat? He will need nourishing food, I think; beef teas and broths, +and nice little tempting dishes, made with milk, perhaps. Are you his +cook, too? I wonder if you wouldn't like to have me show you how to make +good things for him? I've learned how to make some nice dishes that sick +people like." + +Before the bewildered girl could answer, the doctor turned abruptly +from his long examination of his patient, and gave the guests the first +attention he had vouchsafed them. The truth was this man had had some +unfortunate experiences with district visitors, and had perhaps an +unreasonable prejudice against them as a class. "I can't help it, +ma'am," he said to Mrs. Saunders, when she was taking him to task one +day. "There are exceptions, of course, at least we will hope there are; +but if you had seen some of my specimens, you would be the first to wish +an infusion of common sense could be introduced among them. As a rule, +they offer a tract where they should give a loaf of bread or a bowl +of broth; and wedge their advice and reproofs in with every helpful +movement. It is like so many doses of medicine to the patient; to be +endured because he is at their mercy, and can't help himself. They mean +well, the most of them; but the trouble is, we have a way of making +district visitors out of people who have nothing to do, and who have +never learned that 'all the nations of the earth were made of one +blood.'" + +Something in Mrs. Roberts' tones or words seemed to interest him, and he +turned toward her. + +"Does this alley belong to you?" he asked, abruptly, his mind still full +of the district visitor. + +She regarded him with a puzzled air for a moment, then answered +navely:-- + +"I don't think it does; if it did I would have some things ever so +different." + +Dr. Everett laughed; and Mr. Roberts came forward and introduced +himself. + +"My wife has hardly answered you fully," he said. "I am under the +impression that she desires to adopt a certain portion of this alley; at +least I have heard of little else since last Sabbath afternoon. She is +in search of some stray sheep who have been put under her care." + +"Ah," the doctor said, turning quickly to her, "a Sabbath-school +teacher? Is this young man one of your scholars?" + +"No," she explained; "but she had heard of him while inquiring where one +of her boys lived, and she had called to see if she could help in any +way. Dirk Colson was the boy who, they told her, lived near this place." + +The eyes of the trim sister brightened. + +"He lives on the next square," she said. "Oh, ma'am, are you his +teacher, and do you care for him? I'm so glad." + +"He is a favorite of yours, is he?" the doctor asked, looking from +one speaking face to another, and seeming immensely interested in the +matter. + +"No, indeed!" the girl said, quickly. "He's horrid! But I'm sorry for +his sister; and she wants Dirk to get on, and he never does get on; but +I thought maybe such a kind of a teacher could help him." + +There was such intense and genuine admiration in the girl's voice for +the vision of loveliness before her that Dr. Everett could not help +smiling. + +"It doesn't seem unlikely," said he, with significance; and added: "Who +is this Dirk Colson, who seems to be an object of interest?" + +"He is one of the worst boys in the alley, sir; sometimes I think he +is the very worst, because he is cross as well as hateful; but Mark is +always kind of sorry for him, and says he has such a bad father he can't +help it. And Mart--that's his sister--she is a friend of mine, and she +feels bad about Dirk, but she can't do nothing; he ain't a bit like Mark +there." + +The last words were spoken tenderly, and the sisterly eyes turned toward +the boy on the bed, and obeying a sign from his eyes she went over to +him. The doctor plied his questions:-- + +"Have you recently taken a class, madam? and is their general reputation +as encouraging as this special scamp of whom we are hearing?" + +His words almost jarred on Mrs. Roberts; she had already prayed enough +for her boys to have a sort of tender feeling for them--a half desire +to cover their faults from the gaze of the indifferent world. Did Dr. +Everett represent the indifferent world, or did he love her Master? She +wished she knew. + +"There is nothing encouraging about them," she said, with grave +earnestness, "save the facts that they are made in the image of God, and +that he wants them to 'turn from the power of Satan unto God, that they +may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are +sanctified.'" + +A rare flash of intelligence and appreciation greeted her now from those +fine eyes bent so scrutinizingly on her. + +"Tremendous facts!" he said. "Glorious possibilities! 'Himself hath said +it.' I claim kinship with you; I am an heir of the same inheritance." + +He held a hand to each, and they were cordially grasped. Then Dr. +Everett proceeded to business. + +"There is enough to do," he said; "everything is lacking here; there is +severe poverty, united to the most scrupulous tenderness and the most +tender love on the part of this brother and sister. I stumbled on the +case, and will do professionally all that is needed. And I have a friend +who would undoubtedly come to the rescue, but she is crowded just now. +I shall be rejoiced to report to her a helper. Do you know Joy Saunders? +Well, I wish you did; she is one whom you could appreciate. She is +young, though, and without a husband to guard her, and there are some +places to which she cannot come." + +"Has she learned that important fact?" asked Mr. Roberts, with a +significant smile. Then some explanation seemed necessary. "This lady," +he said, "tried the alley alone yesterday, and lost her way, and went +lower down,--quite near to Burk Street, I imagine." + +"And what happened?" The quick question and the doctor's tone suggested +possibilities not pleasant. + +"Oh, she met one of her new recruits,--as hard a boy, so one of the +policemen on this beat tells me, as there is in the row,--and pressed +him into service to escort her back to civilization; and strange to say, +the fellow did it without placing any tricks." + +The doctor turned on the small lady a curious glance. + +"I think you may be able to do something, even for Dirk Colson," he +said. + +"Do you know him?" + +He laughed over the eagerness of the question. + +"Never heard of him before. I was only thinking of our friend's +description of his awfulness. Ah, whom have we here?" + +For the door had opened abruptly, and a pair of great blue eyes, set +in a frame of tawny hair, all in a frizzle, had peered in on them. The +vision was clothed in garments so torn the wonder was that they stayed +on at all, and there was a general look of abject poverty about her to +which Sallie Calkins, with all the bareness of her lot, was a stranger. +She stood for just a moment, as if transfixed by astonishment at the +unwonted sight in the room, then turned and sped away as swiftly and +silently as she had come. + +"That is Dirk's sister," Sallie Calkins said, coming forward, her homely +face aglow with shame. "She isn't a bad girl, ma'am, she doesn't mean to +be, but she has a dreadful time. Her mother is sickly, and has to go out +washing, times when she isn't able to sit up; and there'll be days when +she can't hold up her head; and the father is bad, ma'am, and drinks, +and swears, and sells things for drink till there ain't nothing left to +sell; and Mart hasn't anything to mend her clothes with, and she doesn't +know how, anyway; and she hasn't even got a comb to comb her hair with, +her father he took it to sell; and everything there is horrid, and Dirk, +he's awful." + +It was strange, she could not herself account for it; but with every +added word of misery that set poor Dirk Colson lower and lower in the +scale of humanity, there seemed to come into this woman's heart, and +shine in her face, an assurance that he was to be a "chosen vessel unto +God." + +The doctor was watching her again, curious, apparently, to see how this +pitiful appeal for forbearance in judging of poor Mart affected her, and +something in his face made her say, speaking low, "an inheritance among +them which are sanctified." + +"Amen!" he said. And there came to Mrs. Roberts a feeling that this +earnest prayer, for the second time repeated by two men who prayed, was +a sort of seal from the Master. + +She turned away from both gentlemen then; the tears were very near the +surface. She must do something to tone down the beating of her heart. +Sallie was at hand, and she went with her to another corner of the room, +and a low-toned conversation was carried on, scraps of which floated +back to the gentlemen in the form of "sheets," "grape jelly," "mutton +broth," "a soft pillow," and the like. + +"I feel my patient growing better," the doctor said, with satisfaction. + +"Is there no father here?" Mr. Roberts asked. + +The doctor shook his head, but answered:-- + +"There is the most pitiful apology for a father that I ever saw,--a mere +wreck of a man! Spends his time in a sort of weak drinking, if I may +coin a phrase to describe him; he actually uses no energy even in that +business. Just staggers around and bemoans his lot; a most unfortunate +man, in his own estimation, with whom the world, through no fault of +his, has gone wrong. He is never downright intoxicated, and never free +from the effects of liquor. He is much like a wilted leaf in the hands +of this boy and girl. They could pitch him out of the window without +much difficulty, and if the fall did not kill him he would shed tears +and say it was a hard world. But now, what do we see, when the name of +father is so dishonored,--made a wreck, as it were? Why, the order of +nature is reversed, and these children take on the protective. They are +father and mother, and he is the weak, sinning child. The way that that +boy and girl have worked to keep their miserable father from starving or +freezing is something to astonish the very angels. They shield him, +too; nobody who wants to reach their hearts must blame him. They are a +study!--as different from the other inhabitants of the alley as the +sky is different from that mud-hole down there. It isn't a good simile, +either. There is no religion in their efforts. They are the veriest +heathen." + +"How do you account for the development?" + +The doctor shook his head:-- + +"I don't account for it; it is abnormal. There must have been a mother +who left her impress. I can't learn anything about the mother--she died +when the girl was an infant; but I would like to know her history. I +venture to assert that she belonged to Christ, and that a gleam of the +divine pity that she saw in him, and loved, left its impress on her +children. That is somewhat mystical," he added, smiling. "I rarely talk +in this way; it must have been your wife who set me off." + +"But she is the most practical and energetic of beings!" + +"Ay, so are the angels, I fancy; and make us think of heaven directly we +hear the rustle of their wings. Has your wife been a Christian long?" + +"Barely two years since she began to think of these things." + +"I thought as much. She impresses me as one who is being led; who +does not choose to go alone; has not learned how, indeed. A very few +Christians never learn how, and with them the Lord does his special +work. Well, sir; I must go. I'm glad to have met you, and glad to leave +you here. Good morning!" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +"AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED." + + +Other business was transacted that morning which brought results. A +curious habit of Mrs. Roberts',--one which, perhaps, most strongly +marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other +people,--was that of appealing to the person at hand for information +on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the +time. + +Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the +one to ask about this matter! there is no reason for supposing that he +has any knowledge in this direction!" Mrs. Roberts would say: "I cannot +be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I +need. In any case, what harm will it do to try?" And she always tried. + +It was on this principle that she arrested Dr. Everett's speedy +departure with a question:-- + +"Dr. Everett, are you familiar with boarding-houses for young men?" + +Something like a vision swept instantly before the doctor, in which he +saw the long line of young men, and the long line of boarding-houses, +in the world, and he laughed with eyes and lips, the question seemed so +queerly put. + +"With how many of them, madam?" There was amusement in his voice, but +there was also curiosity,--he wanted to know what this original little +lady was in search of. + +"One would do, if it were of just the right stamp. I'll tell you what +I want,--a nice, quiet, comfortable _home_ sort of place, with a small +room, capable of being warmed, a single bedstead, with a passably +good bed, and a moderate rate of board. Are not those modest enough +requirements?" + +"Not at all! They are preposterous! A boarding-house to which one could +conveniently apply the word '_home!_' _Fire_ in a young man's room! +He is expected to enjoy freezing in a city; and if he come from the +country, he should be grateful for the privilege! But the idea of +calling for a good bed! That is the wildest suggestion of all! Has she +ever boarded, Mr. Roberts?" + +"Not at a boarding-house, at least," said that gentleman, enjoying the +fun. + +But Mrs. Roberts looked grave. + +"Are you serious?" she asked, gently. "Is there no chance in this great +city for a Christian young man to have the ordinary comforts of common +life; just a little quiet room where he can pray, and where he can +invite some tempted soul, and try to help him? Doesn't it seem all +wrong?" + +The laugh was gone from the doctor's face. There was a look of keen +interest and genuine respect. + +"How many young men are you thinking about? There are many Christians, I +believe, among that class,--poor young men, away from home,--and I have +reason to fear that their chances for comfortable retirement are very +scarce. I have thought about the problem somewhat how to help them. In +the concrete, I don't see the way. Of how many are you thinking?" + +"I am willing to think about them all," Mrs. Roberts said,--and now it +was her turn to laugh,--"but I am panning for just one. I cannot work in +great ways, but I thought I might help one." + +"Exactly! Mr. Roberts, if every Christian in our city would undertake +to help _one_, the problem would be solved. Well, there is one +boarding-house to which the word 'home' may properly be applied; and +there is one small room on the third floor vacated yesterday. I wonder +if the Master wants it for your young man? It seems to me if there is +any one thing more than another that we need in that house just now it +is a Christian young man. Of what type is your friend? Will he help or +hinder a gay young scamp much sought after by Satan?" + +"He will try hard to help," said both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. And before +they parted the doctor had taken Mr. Ried's address, and promised to +call on him and negotiate the matter. + +"That plan will work in two ways," said Mrs. Roberts, gleefully. "Mr. +Ried will be in the same home with, and somewhat under the influence of +that grand doctor. Isn't it splendid that we asked just him?" + +And her husband smilingly assented, and added that he should not have +thought of such a thing as asking him. + +On her way down town, Mrs. Roberts had dropped a letter in the mail, +which also brought results. It read thus:-- + +"DEAR MARION,--I have time for but a line, for I want to catch the +morning mail. I have such a nice plan. Suppose you let your Gracie come +and stay with me for a few weeks. You know she always liked me a little, +and Evan and I think we can make it pleasant for her. I will try to get +her so much interested in seven boys whom I know that she will forget +all about Professor Ellis. Mr. Barnwell a confidential clerk in the +store (old and gray-headed), will go to-morrow to transact some business +with papa. Evan will give him a letter of introduction to Dr. Dennis. He +expects to return on Saturday, and if you will trust Gracie to us, and +she is willing to come, she might travel in Mr. Barnwell's care, and +we would meet her at the depot. Dear Marion, we should like it ever +so much: and I have prayed about it all the morning, and cannot help +thinking that Jesus likes it too." + +Thus it came to pass that when Mrs. Roberts took her seat on the next +Sabbath afternoon before her seven boys at the South End Mission, a +vision of loveliness, such as the mission had not often seen, came in +with her, and looked with wide-open eyes on all the new and strange +sights and sounds about her. A very pretty creature was Gracie Dennis. +Her eyes had lost none of their brightness, although they had shed some +tears during her recent experiences. They were fairly sparkling to-day, +for the great city into which she had come for the first time was like +fairyland to her; albeit, she had passed through scenes that afternoon +which bore no resemblance to her idea of fairyland. What the boys +thought of her could only be determined from their stares. Let us hope +that her presence had nothing to do with their conduct, for never, +in all the annals of the South End Mission, had seven boys comported +themselves as did those before whom Mrs. Roberts sat that winter +afternoon. + +Nimble Dick, as if to be revenged for his unintentional courtesy of the +Monday before, placed his ill-kept feet on the seat in front of him, in +alarming proximity to Mrs. Roberts' shoulders, and chewed his tobacco, +and defiled the floor with its juice, and talked aloud, and was in +every sense disgusting. Neither was Dirk Colson one whit behind him. The +spirit of entertainment was upon him. He mimicked Mr. Durant's somewhat +hoarse tones, exaggerating the imitation, of course, until it was +ludicrous. He imitated the somewhat shrill tenor, and the nasal tones +of Deacon Carter, who was doing good work with a class of meek-looking +women. He even imitated Mrs. Roberts' soft, low voice, as she essayed to +interest them in Moses and some of the wonders which he performed. + +Vain hope! Struggle as she might to be intensely dramatic in her +narrative, she did not for a moment gain the ascendency. + +"Moses?" interrupted Nimble Dick in the very midst of one of her most +earnest sentences. "Let's see! that was the old fellow who swallowed the +serpents, wasn't it? I should have thought he would have been used up." + +"You don't know nothin'," interrupted Stephen Crowley, with a nudge at +Dirk that the latter pretended tipped him entirely off the seat, and +left him a limp heap at Mrs. Robert' feet. + +"He don't know nothin'!" repeated Stephen, addressing Mrs. Roberts in +a confidential tone. "'T was the serpents swallowed Moses, wasn't it? +Question is, How did he get around again?" + +"Quit that!" came at this point from Dirk Colson, in his fiercest tone. +"Look here, you Bill Snyder, if you try pinching on me again I'll pitch +you over the head of old Durant in less than a second!" + +What was the poor, pale little woman to do? With one boy crawling about +the floor and two others in a hand-to-hand fight, with the rest in a +giggle, of what use to try to talk to them about Moses? You should have +seen Gracie Dennis eyes by that time! Horror and disgust were about +equally expressed, and rising above them both, a look of actual fear. +Mr. Durant came over to attempt a rescue, his face distressed beyond +measure. + +"Mrs. Roberts, this is too much. I am sure that patience has ceased to +be a virtue. They have never gone so far before. I suspected mischief +to-day. I have heard from several of them during the week, and never +anything but evil. I am prepared for it; there is a full police force +on guard in the next room; what I propose is to have every one of these +fellows taken to the lock-up. It will be a lesson that they richly +deserve, and may do them good." + +Whispering was not one of Mr. Durant's strong points. He meant to convey +secret intelligence of carefully-laid plans to Mrs. Roberts alone. In +reality not a boy in the class but heard every word. They were startled +into silence. "A full police force!" They were not fonder of the lock-up +than are most boys who deserve that punishment. They were skilful in +escaping the hands of policemen. They had not believed that the South +End Mission would resort to any such means. They recognized in the +Mission an attempt to do them good; and, without any effort at reasoning +it out, they had by tacit consent decided that policemen and lock-ups +and Christian effort did not match. They had chuckled much over the +stationing of "little Duffer" at the door on guard. Any two of the +strong young fellows were a match for him, and in the event of a riot, +which they would like no better fun than to help get up, how many choice +spirits all about the room would join them if given the word, and in the +delightful confusion which would result how easy to escape from sight +and hearing while Policeman Duffer was summoning aid! They had felt +comparatively safe. But "a full police force" detailed for duty was +quite another thing. They felt caught in a trap. Nimble Dick got up in +haste from the floor and took his seat, and the boys looked from one to +another with ominous frowns. There were reasons why none of them cared +to come before the police court just now. What was to be done? + +While they waited and considered, Mrs. Roberts did it. Her hand was on +Mr. Durant's arm, and directly the loud whispering ceased, she spoke in +low, but distinctly emphatic tones:-- + +"I beg of you, Mr. Durant, do no such thing. I would dismiss every +policeman at once, with thanks, if I were you. We shall not need their +help. I give you my word of honor that the boys will be quiet during +the rest of the session, not because they are afraid of policemen, +but because they respect me, and do not want to see me frightened or +annoyed. Please don't let a policeman come near us." + +I am not sure which was the more astonished, the superintendent or +the boys. He returned to his desk with the bewildered air of one whose +deep-laid schemes had come to naught in an unexpected manner without +giving him time to rally; and the boys looked at one another in +perplexity, and were silent. + +Mrs. Roberts turned to them with quiet voice:-- + +"Boys," she said, "you have spoiled the story that I was going to tell +you. I have lost my place, and there isn't time to go back and find it. +I am sorry, for I think you would have liked the story. I spent a good +deal of time this week trying to make it interesting. But never mind +now, there is something else I want to say. Will you spend the hours +from eight to ten with me to-morrow evening at my house? I brought cards +with me for each of you, containing my address, that you might have no +trouble in finding the place." + +Whereupon she produced the delicate bits of pasteboard, with her name +and address handsomely engraved thereon. + +Nimble Dick took his between his soiled thumb and finger, turned it over +in a pretence of great interest, and finally endeavored to "sight" it +with his eye, as a workman does his board. + +"What'll you do with us if we come?" Stephen Crowley asked, fixing what +was intended as a wise look upon her, the leer in his eye hinting that +he was smart enough to see another trap, and meant not to fall into it. + +Mrs. Roberts laughed pleasantly. + +"It is an unusual question, when one invites company," she said; "but I +don't mind answering it. For one thing I thought we would have an oyster +stew and some good coffee together. Then, if any of you like music, I +have a friend with me who is a good singer; and I have a few pictures I +should like you to see, if you cared to; and--I don't know whether you +are fond of flowers, but some of you may have a mother, or sister at +home who is, and the greenhouse is all aglow just now. Oh, how can I +tell what I should do to entertain guests? Just what seemed to me to be +pleasant at the time. That is the way I generally do. May I expect you?" + +The boys stared. This was a new departure, indeed! How much of it +did she mean? What was she trying to do? Was it a trap? Still she had +rescued them from the police force, and they had not expected that, +for every boy of them knew that he had treated her shamefully. Timothy +Haskell was generally the quietest one of the group, and perhaps the +most straightforward. He went directly to the point of the question that +he saw in the eyes of the others. + +"What do you do it for?" + +"Yes, that's the talk," said Nimble Dick. "What do you want of us?" + +"Why, I want you to spend the evening with me. Didn't I tell you? If +you really mean to be friends with me of course I must invite you to my +home. What _could_ I want except to have a nice time? I'm trying to make +you like me. Of course I want you to like me. How can we have pleasant +times together unless you do?" + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN" + + +"Pleasant times like we've been having to-day?" said Nimble Dick, with a +wicked leer. + +If he meant to disconcert her, he missed his point. + +"No!" she said, promptly, "we haven't had a bit nice times to-day, and +as for liking you, I haven't done so to-day at all. If I had the least +idea that you meant often to treat me as you have this afternoon I +should know it was of no use. But I cannot think that you will continue +to treat a lady in such a manner, particularly when I am really trying +to make a pleasant time for you. There is no object, you see, in +spoiling it." + +This plain bit of truth, for the time being so commended itself to the +judgment of the boys that they regarded the speaker gravely, without +attempting a reply. She was not moralizing; at least it was unlike any +moralizing that they had ever heard. It seemed to be simply a bit of +practical common sense. Not a boy would have owned it, but each felt, +just at that moment, a faint hope that she would _not_ decide it was +of no use, and give them up. Straightforward Tim Haskell had one more +question to ask:-- + +"Why didn't you let them bring in their police and settle us?" + +Their teacher hesitated just a moment. Would the "whole truth" do to +speak in this case? Could she hope to make them understand that she saw +in it a step lower down, and that thus degraded before her eyes, she +feared her possible hold on them would be gone forever? No; it wouldn't +do! A little, a _very_ little piece of the truth was all that she could +treat them to. A faint sparkle in her bright eyes, which every one of +them saw, and she said:-- + +"I was afraid you might not be excused in time to keep your engagement +with me to-morrow evening." + +They all laughed, not boisterously, actually an appreciative laugh. They +were bright; there is hardly a street boy living by his wits who isn't. +They recognized the humor hidden in the answer, and enjoyed it. + +Then the superintendent's bell rang. That bell always did seem to have +an evil influence on those boys. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was known to +remark, a few Sundays afterwards, that if there _were_ no opening and +closing exercises in the Sabbath-school, her work would be easier; that +street boys did not seem to have one element of devotion in them, and +needed to be kept at high pressure, in order to be able to control +themselves. + +The thought is worthy of study, perhaps. It is just possible that our +opening and closing exercises are too long drawn out even for those who +are not street boys. + +Be that as it may, the little spell which Mrs. Roberts had been able for +a few minutes to weave around her boys on this particular Sabbath, was +broken by the sound of the bell. The boys returned to their memories of +insult, as they regarded the police force. They muttered sullenly among +themselves about "traps" and "sells," and "guessed they wouldn't get +caught here again;" and Mrs. Roberts, seeming not to hear, heard with a +heavy heart. + +How angry they looked! Even Nimble Dick's usually merry face was clouded +over. What a curious thing it was that even they had their ideas +of propriety, and felt themselves insulted! Was it an instinct, she +wondered--a reminder that there was in them material for manhood? + +Would they ever, any of them, be men--Christian gentlemen? It seemed +almost too great a stretch for even her imagination. As she moved in +her seat her delicately-embroidered, perfumed handkerchief fell to +the floor. Mrs. Roberts was used to young men--mere boys, even--whose +instinctive movement would be to instantly restore it to her. Not a boy +before her thought of such a thing. She had not expected it, of course. +Yet she wondered if the instinct were not dormant, needing but the +suggestion. It was a queer little notion, worthy of Flossy Shipley +herself, who, from being continually busy about little things, had come +to the conclusion that nothing anywhere was little; that the so-called +trifles, which make up many lives, had much to do with the happiness of +other lives. Was it worth her while to try to teach these street Arabs +to pick up fallen handkerchiefs? She differed from many Christian +workers, in that, in her simplicity, she really thought it was. + +There was a lull just at that moment. A hymn had been announced, but the +organist's note-book had been mislaid, and was being sought after. It +could disturb no one if Mrs. Roberts tried her little experiment. She +looked longingly at Dirk Colson, but his brows were black and his eyes +fierce; this was no time to reach him. Nimble Dick looked much more +approachable. She determined to venture him:-- + +"Mr. Bolton," spoken in her sweetest voice, "I have dropped my +handkerchief." + +"Anybody with half an eye could see that, mum; and a mighty dirty spot +you picked out for such a nice little rag to lie in." + +This was her only response. Then the discomfited experimenter told +herself that she was a blunderer. How could the poor fellow be expected +to know what she meant? Why had she not _asked_ the service from him? +She would try again. + +Would he be kind enough to pick it up for her? It was long afterwards +before Mrs. Roberts could think of his answer without a sinking heart. +Fixing bold, saucy eyes on her, he spoke in deliberate tones, loud +enough to be heard half-way across the room:-- + +"Why, pick it up yourself, mum! It is as near to you as it is to me, and +you don't look weakly." + +She picked it up, her poor cheeks burning, but she did not forget it. + +Various after-school conferences told their different stories. + +"Well!" Mr. Durant said, stopping in the act of mopping his hot forehead +to shake hands with her, "Mrs. Roberts, I honor your courage. Those boys +were simply fearful to-day; I really feared some outbreak that would be +hard to quell. I'm afraid we shall have to give them up. Yes, I know how +you feel: but you haven't been here to see what we have borne from +them. All sorts of teachers have been tried. We have given them the best +material we had, both men and women, and every one has failed. Then you +actually want to try it for another Sabbath! Well, I'm glad of it. Oh, +_I_ don't want to give them up; it makes my heart ache to think of it; +but if we can't keep them in sufficient order to get any benefit, nor +find a teacher who is willing to hold on to them, what else is there for +us to do? But that last complaint I needn't make so long as you 'hold +on,' need I?" This last with a genial smile. "Well, God bless you; I +couldn't begin to tell you how much I hope you will succeed." + +But his face said: "However, I know you won't." + +He turned from her and said as much to young Ried:-- + +"She is in earnest, Ried, and she has resources; but she won't catch +them, simply because they don't mean to be caught; they come here +to make trouble and for nothing else. Just look at the way they have +performed to-day--worse than ever, and they never had a better teacher. +I've watched her, and I believe she knows how. I'll tell you what it is, +Ried, we must hold on to her, and when she gives up those boys we must +secure her for that class of girls down by the door. I really think we +have a prize." + +Now, if he had but known it, Mrs. Evan Roberts meant to teach no other +class at the South End Mission save those boys. + +"Flossy Shipley!" This was Gracie Dennis' exclamation; when she was very +much excited, she went back to the old name. "What _are_ you trying to +do with those horrid boys? and how can you endure their impudence? I +never saw anything like their actions in my life, and I thought I had +seen bad boys. You look completely worn out, and no wonder. I shouldn't +think Mr. Roberts would let you do this. What good can you do such +creatures, Flossy?" + +"My dear Gracie, don't you think that Jesus Christ died to save them?" + +"Well!" said Gracie, hesitatingly. It was a favorite phrase with her, as +it is with many people when they don't know what to say next. + +"And don't you think he wants them saved? And will he not be pleased +with even my little bits of efforts if he knows that my sincere desire +is to save these souls for his glory?" + +"But what I mean is, what good can you do them so long as they act as +they do now? They didn't listen to a word you said, so as to get any +good out of it." + +"I don't know that, dear, nor do you. Don't you think the Holy Spirit +sometimes presses words on people that they do not seem to be heeding? +In any event, that is a part with which I have nothing to do. I tried; +and if I failed utterly I have but to try again. It isn't as though +there were some good teacher ready to take them. Nobody will make a +second effort. Now there is one thing I can certainly do. I can keep on +making efforts; who knows but some of them may bear fruit? By the way, +Gracie, I want ever so much of your help." + +"Mine?"' said Gracie, with wide-open eyes. "I don't know how to +help people; I'm not good." And her face darkened in a frown,--some +unpleasant memories that went far toward proving the truth of that +statement coming to mind just then. After a moment she spoke in a +somewhat more gentle tone: "Don't count on me, Flossy, for help about +those boys. They frighten me; I never saw such fellows. I couldn't help +wondering what--papa would have said to them." + +Between the "wondering" and the noun there had been an observable pause. +Mrs. Roberts suspected that the thought in Gracie's mind was rather what +Mrs. Dennis, who was supposed to have much knowledge of boys, would have +thought of them. But since her arrival Gracie had studiously avoided any +reference to her stepmother, and Mrs. Roberts had humored her folly. + +"Never mind, you can help them; and when you begin to realize that, you +will forget your fears." + +"Do you expect to see one of the creatures to-morrow evening? What in +the world would you do with them if they did come?" + +"I'm not sure that I _expect_ them. I only hope for them. As to what +to do with them, I trust to you to help answer that question. I want to +give them an idea of what a nice time is." + +"I cannot help," said Gracie again, but she was _interested_, and +referred again and again to the subject, cross-questioning Mrs. Roberts +as to her plans and hopes, until that lady gave a satisfied smile to the +thought that her seven boys had begun their work. + +The first part of this conversation was held while they waited in one of +the class-rooms for Mr. Ried to give in his report before joining them. +The waiting suggested to Gracie another question. + +"Who is this Mr. Ried, who seems to have us in charge?" + +"He is one of the clerks from the store, which accounts, in part, for +his attendance on us. But I am interested in him for other reasons. He +had a wonderful sister; that is, she was a wonderful Christian; she died +when quite young, but one might be ready to go to heaven early if +one had accomplished as much as she did. By one of those strange +arrangements, which I should think would go far toward making observing +people believe in a special Providence, her life, or I might almost say +her death, was the means of changing the current of my husband's life. +He says he was a gay young fellow; a member of the church, but giving +just as little attention to religion as many do whom you and I know. +An accident to one of his family held him for several weeks in the town +where this Ester Ried lived; and her physician, with whom he became +acquainted, introduced him to her. It seems she was very much interested +in young men, in their Christian development. He went to see her several +times; and, to use his own expression, she first made him realize that +there was such a thing as zeal, and then she set it on fire. What she +had begun in life she finished in her death. Evan attended her funeral +services, and the walls were hung with Bible texts of her selection. +The most wonderful texts! All about Christian work, and about being in +earnest, because the time was short. Evan says he began to understand, +then, that the service of Christ was first, best, and always. + +"Wasn't it a singular Providence that led him under the influence of +that young girl during the closing weeks of her life? Only think, he has +been doing her work ever since,--doing it, possibly, in ways that she +could not compass. That is one reason why I am so much interested in +those boys. It seems to me as though they were her boys. Did I tell you +that her heart went out especially after the neglected? I learned about +the boys through Mr. Ried. He was but a child when his sister died, and +yet she succeeded in so enthusing him with her ideas that he is all the +time trying to carry out her plans. She had some wonderful ones. This +idea of inviting the boys, socially, I had from her. Do you see how +plainly she is working yet, though she has been in heaven so long?" + +"Do you think," asked Gracie Dennis, a timid, gentle sound to her voice, +"that all Christians ought to put religion 'first, best, and always,' +as your husband said? I fancied that some were set apart to do a special +work." + +"We are all set apart, dear, don't you think? Given to Him to use as He +will. The trouble is that so many of us take back the gifts, and use our +time and our tongues as though they were our own." + +"Our _tongues_!" repeated Gracie, amazement in her voice. + +"Why, yes; didn't you give Him your tongue when you gave Him yourself? +And yet you are fortunate if you have not dishonored Him with it many a +time." + +Said Gracie, "What a queer way you have of putting things." + +Then came Alfred Ried in haste, and apologizing for the long delay. +Gracie Dennis, watched him curiously; listened critically to his words. +Was it to be supposed that this young man put religion "first, best, and +always"; and considered his tongue as given to the Lord? Alfred bore the +scrutiny well. He took very little notice of Miss Gracie, being entirely +absorbed with another matter. He had settled opinions about Mrs. Roberts +now, from which he would not be likely to waver. He had seen much of her +during the week, and he knew she had not been idle. She had given +him much valuable information concerning the boys in whom he had been +interested all winter; and whom she had known for a week. Also he was +aware that Sally and Mark Calkins had seen much of her, to their great +benefit. She had made him her messenger on one occasion, and he had seen +Sally Calkins take from the basket the clean, sweet-smelling sheets that +were to freshen her brother's bed, and bestow on them rapturous kisses, +while she murmured, "I'd walk on my knees in broad daylight through the +gutter to serve her,--that I would." + +"Sheets aren't much, I suppose," moralized the young man, as he walked +thoughtfully homeward. "People with much less money than she has +must have furnished them. It is thinking about things that makes the +difference between her and others." + +But he had not quite found the secret. The main difference between her +and many other people lay in the fact that she set steadily about doing +the things she thought of that would be nice to do. + +On the whole, young Ried was fully prepared to sympathize with Mr. +Durant's opinion, that the South End Mission had secured a prize. Not +that he was very hopeful over those boys. He felt that their conduct, +under the circumstances, showed a depth of depravity which was beyond +the reach of Mission schools; but it was a comfort to think that good +things were arranged for them if they had but chosen to receive. He +began at once to talk about them. + +"Mrs. Roberts, they are worse than I had supposed. I am afraid that your +patience is exhausted." + +Her answer was peculiar. + +"Mr. Ried, I want you to spend to-morrow evening with me. I have invited +my boys, and I depend on you and Gracie here to help entertain them." + +"Are you equal to such formidable work as that?" asked Gracie, with a +mischievous smile. + +He did not respond to the smile; he was looking at Mrs. Roberts, +studying her face as one bewildered with the rapidity of her moves. + +"I want to be," he said, with feeling; "I want to know how to work, +and I'm learning. Mrs. Roberts, I moved to my new boarding-house last +evening, and my room is a perfect little gem. There is an illuminated +text in it, and all around it is twined an ivy, growing,--don't you +think! Hidden, you know, behind the frame in a bottle; and the text is +one of my sister's treasures. Isn't that a singular coincidence?" + +"It is very nice," said Mrs. Roberts, with satisfied eyes. She still +made much use of that little word. + +"And, Mrs. Roberts, I asked one of your boys to come in this evening and +see my room." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +"I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS." + + +"Those two people can think and talk of nothing but those dreadful +boys," said Gracie to herself, half annoyed and wholly interested. +She found herself that very evening turning over the music, with the +wonderment in her mind as to what she could sing that they would be +likely to care for, provided one of them appeared, which thing she did +not expect. + +But I have not told you of all the discussions had that day. The boys +went their various ways, their minds also busy with the events of the +afternoon. Dirk Colson and Stephen Crowley went off together; not that +they were special friends, but their homes lay near together. For the +distance of half a block they walked in silence; then Stephen Crowley +spoke his mind:-- + +"Nimble Dick wasn't near as smart to-day as he thinks he was, accordin' +to my way of thinkin'." + +"He was meaner than dirt!" burst forth Dirk, fiercely. "To go back on +her like that, after she had saved us from a row with the police, ain't +what I believe in. Why couldn't he have picked up the rag, seeing she +wanted him to? That's what _I_ say. I'd a done it myself if she had give +me the chance." + +"That there Dick Bolton can be too mean for anything when he sets +out," said Stephen, with a grave air of superiority. "I don't go in for +anything of that kind myself. We wasn't none of us much to boast of; +but Dick, he went too fur. I say, Dirk, what do you s'pose all that yarn +means about to-morrow night? And what be we goin' to do about it? Dick, +he said it was all a game to get hold of us somehow, and he wasn't goin' +to have nothin' to do with it." + +Had Stephen Crowley desired exceedingly to secure Dirk's vote in favor +to the proposed entertainment he could not, at that moment, have chosen +a better way. Dirk tossed his thick mat of black hair in a defiant +fashion and answered:-- + +"He needn't have a thing to do with it, so far as I care. I don't know +who'll miss him; but if he thinks he's got all the fellows under his +thumb, and they're goin' to do as he says, I'll show him a thing or two. +_I'm_ a goin' to-morrow night. I don't care what it is, nor what it is +for. She was nice and friendly to us to-day, and I'm willin' to trust +her to-morrow. I shall go up there and see what she does want. It can't +kill a fellow to do that much." + +"Then I'm a goin', too," declared Stephen, with decision. "Dick, he +thinks there won't none of us go if he don't; and I'd just like to show +him that he must get up early in the mornin' if he wants to keep track +of us." + +If Dirk Colson needed anything to strengthen his resolution, there was +material in that last sentence which supplied it. He had long +chafed under the control of Dick Bolton; here was a chance to assert +superiority. He even, just at that moment, conceived the brilliant idea +of supplanting Dick--running an opposition party, as it were. + +What if he should get every fellow in the class to promise to go, and +Dick, the acknowledged leader, should find himself left out alone in the +cold. The thought actually made his grim face break into a smile. Thus +it came to pass that the most efficient worker for the success of the +Monday evening entertainment, so far at least as securing the presence +of the guests, was Dirk Colson. + +In Mr. Roberts' mansion preparations for receiving and entertaining the +hoped-for guests went briskly forward. Preparations which astonished the +young guest already arrived. + +"Are you really going to let them come in here?" she asked, as she +followed Mrs. Roberts through the elegant parlors, and watched her +putting delicate touches here and there. + +"Certainly; why not? Don't you open your parlors when you receive your +friends?" + +"I don't think we have such peculiar friends on our list," Gracie said, +with a little laugh; and then, "Flossy, they will spoil your furniture." + +"If one evening in the Master's service will spoil anything it surely +ought to be spoiled," Mrs. Roberts answered, serenely. + +"But, Flossy,"--with a touch of impatience in her voice,--"what is the +use? Wouldn't the dining-room answer every purpose; be to them the most +elegant room they ever beheld, and be less likely to suffer from their +contact?" + +The busy little mistress of all the beauty around her turned to her +guest with a peculiar smile on her face, half mischievous and wholly +sweet, as she said:-- + +"I want them to get used to parlors, my dear; they may have much to do +with them, as well as with dining-rooms." + +"They are more likely to have to do with penitentiaries and prisons," +Gracie said; but she abandoned discussion, and gave herself to the +pleasure of arranging lonely flowers in their lovely vases. + +There was a divided house as to the probability of the guests +appearing,--Mr. Roberts inclining to the belief that some of them would +come, while Gracie was entirely skeptical. Mrs. Roberts kept her own +counsel, neither expressing wish nor fear, but steadily pushing her +preparations. + +As a matter of fact, the entire seven appeared together, promptly, as +the clock struck eight. + +At the last moment Dick Bolton, the usual leader, finding himself in +a minority of one, not to be outwitted, protested that he had not the +least notion of staying away; of course he was going, and good-naturedly +joined the group. + +I wonder if you have the least conception of how those boys looked? The +ideas of some people cannot get below nicely-patched clothes, carefully +brushed boots, clean collars, and neatly arranged hair. + +Clean collars! Not a boy of them owned a collar. No thought of brushing +their worn-out, unmended boots ever entered their minds. Their clothes +were much patched, but in many places needed it still. + +Stephen Crowley had made a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to put his mass +of hair in order. Most of the others had not thought even of that. Why +should they? Poor Dirk, you will remember, if he had thought of it, had +no comb with which to experiment. It is doubtful if many of the others +were any better off in this respect. + +Imagine the seven standing, a confused, grinning, heap, in the centre of +Mrs. Roberts' large and brilliantly-lighted hall! + +She came forward to welcome them, shaking hands, though they made no +attempt to offer a hand in greeting. She had to grasp after each. She +essayed to introduce Gracie; not one of them attempted a bow. + +"Come this way," Mrs. Roberts said, "and take seats." Then she led the +way into the long, bright, elegantly-furnished, flower-decked room. + +They followed her in a row. Midway in the room they made a halt. They +caught a view of themselves--full length at that--revealed by the great +mirrors. They had never seen themselves set in contrast before. They +could not sit in a row, for the easy chairs and sofas, though plentiful, +had the air of having been just vacated by people who had left them +carelessly just where they had chanced to sit. + +It required diplomacy to seat those boys. When at last Stephen Crowley +dropped into one of the great pillowy chairs, he instantly sprang up +again, and looked at it doubtfully. + +Was the thing a trap? How far down would it sink with him? This was +too much for Nimble Dick, even under the present overpowering +circumstances--he laughed. His hostess blessed him for that laugh. The +horrible stiffness was somewhat broken, and all were seated. + +Just at that moment came Alfred Ried, hurriedly, like one who had +intended promptness and missed it. + +"All here ahead of me!" he exclaimed, "Mrs. Roberts, I beg your pardon. +At the last moment I went in search of Dr. Everett; there was serious +illness in a house next door, and I happened to know just where he was." + +During this address he was shaking hands with his hostess, his manner +easy and graceful, as one used to it all. Then he crossed the room, that +wonderful room, treading down those flowers on the carpet as though he +had no fears of breaking their stems. + +"Good evening, Miss Dennis," he said, and he was bowing in a manner that +Dirk Colson was confident he could imitate. Then he turned to the boys, +shaking hands:-- + +"How are you, Haskell? By the way, Crowley, I called on you to-day at +the office; sorry not to find you in." + +"Mrs. Roberts, allow me?" And he wheeled one of the easy chairs to the +spot where that lady was standing. + +"How well he enters into the thing," said Gracie Dennis to herself, +looking on in admiration at this young man, who, still so young, was +adapting himself to circumstances that might well have embarrassed older +heads than his. He plunged into talk with the boys, making them answer +questions. He had come but a few moments before from Mark Calkins', +stopped there with a message from Dr. Everett; and these boys knew Mark +and Sallie and the worthless father, and all the more or less worthless +neighbors who ran in and out, and young Ried had a dozen questions to +ask. His quick-wittedness, and the ease with which he made talk to these +young men who lived in such an utterly different world from himself, +surprised his hostess very much. + +Even she did not know to what an exalted pitch his enthusiasm and +excitement reached; though he had flashed a pair of most appreciative +eyes on her when she gave him her invitation for the evening. Here was +actually his sister Ester's darling scheme being worked out before his +eyes! Not only that, but he was being called upon to help. Ester had +wanted him to grow up to undertake just such efforts as these; and only +last week they had seemed to him so altogether good and noble and so +impossible to try. Yet here he was helping try them! No wonder Alfred +Ried could talk. + +It had been determined in family council that Mr. Roberts must absent +himself. He was in the house, indeed--no further away than the library, +ready for call in event of an emergency; but it was judged that another +stranger, and such a formidable one as the head of the house, must be +avoided for this one evening. As for Mr. Ried, _would_ they remember +that he was not much older than some of them, and that he was not a +rich young man living on his income, but was earning his living by daily +work? and would they note the contrast between themselves and him? This +was what their hostess wondered. A few moments and then came a summons +to the dining-room. Seated at last, though one of the poor fellows +stumbled over a chair, and barely saved himself from falling. + +If you could have seen that dining-table, the picture of it would have +lingered long in your memory. The whitest and finest of damask table +linen; napkins so large that they almost justified Dick Bolton's +whisper, "What be you goin' to do with your sheet?" china so delicate +that Gracie Dennis could not restrain an inward shiver when any of the +clumsy fingers touched a bit of it, and such a glitter of silver as even +Gracie had never seen before. + +One thing was different from the conventional tea-party. Every servant +was banished; none but tender eyes, interested in her experiment, and +ready to help it on, should witness the blunders of the boys. So +the hostess had decreed, and so instructed Alfred and Gracie. The +consequence was that Alfred himself served the steaming oysters with +liberal hand, and Gracie presided over jellies and sauces, while Mrs. +Roberts sugared and creamed and poured cups of such coffee as those +fellows had never even _smelled_ before. If you think they were +embarrassed to the degree that they could not eat, you are mistaken. + +They were street boys; their lives had been spent in a hardening +atmosphere. Directly the first sense of novelty passed away, and their +poorly-fed stomachs craved the unusual fare served up for them, the +fellows grinned at one another, seized their silver spoons, and dived +into the stews in a fashion that would have horrified every servant in +the house. + +How they ate! Oysters and coffee and pickles and cakes and jellies! +There seemed no limit to their capacities; neither did they make the +slightest attempt to correct their table manners. None of them paid any +outward attention to their "sheets," although Alfred and Gracie spread +theirs with elaborate care; they leaned their elbows on the table, they +made loud, swooping sounds with their lips, and, in short, transgressed +every law known to civilized life. Why not? + +What did they know about civilized life? + +Nevertheless, not one movement of young Ried escaped the notice of some +of them. + +He tried still to carry on a conversation; though the business of +eating was being too closely attended to on all sides to let him be very +successful. + +Gracie studied _him_, and was not only interested in his efforts, but +roused to make some attempts herself. What could she talk about with +such people? School? The Literary Club? The last concert? The course +of lectures? The last new book that everybody was reading? No, not +everybody; assuredly not these seven. + +On what ground _was_ she to meet them? + +Yet talk she must and would. Mr. Ried should see that she at least +_wanted_ to help. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +"LET US BE FASHIONABLE." + + +One feature of the hour was not only entirely new to the boys, but gave +them a curious feeling, the name of which they did not understand. +When the last one sat back in his chair, thereby admitting himself +vanquished, Mrs. Roberts, looking at the young man who sat at the foot +of the table, said:-- + +"Will you return thanks?" + +What did that mean? To be sure they had heard of thanking people, but +even _they_ were aware that it was an unusual thing for persons to +demand thanks for themselves. They watched; behold, the young man bowed +his head, and these were the words he spoke:-- + +"Dear Saviour, we thank thee for the joys of this evening. We pray thee +to teach us so to live that we may all meet some day in our Father's +house. Amen." + +The boys looked at one another, then looked down at their plates. Their +sole experience of prayer was connected with the South End Mission. To +meet it at a supper-table was a revelation. Did the people who lived in +grand houses, and had such wonderful things to eat, always pray at their +supper-tables? This was the problem which they were turning over in +their minds. + +Returning to the parlor, Gracie went at once to the piano. She had spent +a good deal of Monday, settling the question of what to play, and had +chosen the most sparkling music she could find. I am anxious to have it +recorded, that, all uncultured as they were, these boys neither talked +nor laughed during the music, but appeared at least to listen. It was +Dirk Colton who sat nearest to the piano, and who listened in that +indescribable way which always flatters a musician. + +"Do you like it?" Gracie asked, running off the final notes in a tinkle +of melody. + +His dark face flushed a deep red. + +"I dunno," he said, with an awkward laugh; "it's queer sounding. I don't +see how you make so many tinkles. Do you make all your fingers go at +once on those black and white things?" + +"Not quite; but sometimes they have to dance about in a very lively +fashion. I have to keep my wits at work, I assure you." + +"Is it hard to do?" + +"Not very, nowadays. When I first commenced, the practising was horrid; +I hated it." + +"What made you do it, then?" + +"Oh, the same reason which makes people do a great many things that +they don't like," she said, lightly; "I wanted the results. I knew if I +worked at it steadily the time would come when I should not only enjoy +it myself, but be able to give pleasure to other people. Why? Don't you +ever do things that you don't particularly like?" + +He shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very wise look. + +"Often enough," he said fiercely, and he thought of his drunken father. +"But then I wouldn't if I could help it." + +"That would depend on whether you thought the thing would pay in the +end, would it not?" + +Then, without waiting for an answer, she asked "What is your business?" + +"My business?" with a curiously puzzled air. + +"Yes; how do you spend your time?" + +"Hunting up something to eat," he said, with a grim smile; visions of +his aimless loafing appearing before him as the only occupation he could +be said to have. It had not occurred to him to try to mislead her, but +she evidently did not understand. + +"Oh, yes," she said, seriously, "so I suppose. Isn't it queer how +busy men and women have to be day after day, and year after year, just +getting themselves and others something to eat? Do you have other +people to help get it for? Mother, for instance, and little brothers and +sisters?" + +"I've got a mother," he said, "and a sister." + +"And that makes work easier, does it not? I always thought it would be +stupid to work all the time just for one's self. But I meant, What do +you work at in order to get the something to eat,--there are so many +different ways?" + +"How do you know I work at all?" + +Dirk's voice was growing sullen; a consciousness that he would appear at +a disadvantage in admitting himself an idler in a busy world was dawning +upon him as an entirely new idea. At his question, Gracie turned on her +music-stool and regarded him with surprise. + +"Why, of course you work," she said; "people all do." + +She was not acting a part. Her experience among poor people was limited +to that outwardly respectable class who, however disreputable their +conduct might be on Sabbath, had, nevertheless a Monday occupation with +which they pretended to earn a living. + +Dirk shrugged his shoulders again. + +"Do they?" he said. + +Her evident ignorance of the world made him good-natured. She was not +trying to preach to him, he decided. A thing which Dirk hated, in common +with all persons of his class. + +But the lull in the music had started conversation in other parts of the +room. + +Dirk heard young Ried's question:-- + +"Mrs. Roberts, do you know of any young man looking for work? I heard of +a good situation this afternoon. Oh, there are plenty of applicants, but +the gentleman is an old friend of my brother-in-law, and I could speak a +helpful word for somebody." + +"I have no one in mind," Mrs. Roberts said, and she glanced eagerly at +the boys lounging in various attitudes in her easy chairs. Only three of +them she knew made any pretence of earning their living. Did Alfred +mean one of them? "Here is a chance for you, young gentlemen," she said, +lightly, "who bids for a situation?" + +"What is the place?" + +It was Dirk Colson who asked the question. Ever since he could remember +he was supposed to have been hunting for work, but I am not sure that he +ever felt quite such a desire to find it as at that moment. + +"It is at Gray's, on Ninth Street, a good chance; but the one who +secures it must have a fair knowledge of figures." + +"Oh, land!" said Dirk, sinking lower in his easy-chair. "No use in _me_ +asking about it." + +"Are figures your weak point?" Mrs. Roberts asked, smiling on him. "I +can sympathize with you; I had to work harder over arithmetic than at +any other study; but I learned to like it. Do you know I think it +should be a favorite study with you? It is so nice to conquer an +obstinate-looking row of figures, and fairly oblige the right result to +appear. What did you find hardest about the study, Mr. Colson?" + +The others chuckled, but Dirk glowered at them fiercely. + +"There's nothin' to laugh about as I see," he said. "I didn't find +nothin' hard, because I never had no chance to try. I never went to no +school, nor had books, nor nothin'; now that's the truth, and I'm blamed +if I ain't going to own it." + +"What a good thing it is that you are young." This was her animated +answer. "There is a chance to make up for lost time. Mr. Ried, I have +such a nice idea. I heard you and Dr. Everett speaking of the Literary +Club the other night. Why cannot we have a literary club of our own? A +reading circle, or something of that sort? Suppose we should meet once +a week and read aloud something interesting, and have talks about it +afterwards. Do you ever read aloud?" + +If Mrs. Roberts in all sincerity had not been one of the most +simple-hearted, and in some respects ignorant little creatures on the +face of the globe, she could never, with serious face, have addressed +such a question to Nimble Dick. + +Young Ried could not have done it, for he realized the folly of +supposing that Nimble Dick ever read anything. By just so much was Mrs. +Roberts ahead of him. She supposed that these boys had their literature, +and read it, and perhaps met somewhere on occasion and read together. +This made it possible for her to ask surprising questions with honest +face. + +"Bless me!" said Nimble Dick, startled into an upright posture; "oh, no, +mum, never." + +And even Dirk Colson laughed at the expression on his face. + +"Still I think you would enjoy it, after a little practice, and I can't +help fancying you would make a good reader." + +The boys were all laughing now, Nimble Dick with the rest. + +"You're in for an awful blunder there," he said, good-naturedly. "I'm +like Black Dirk, never had no chances, and didn't do nothin' worth +speakin' of with them that I had. Why, bless your body, mum! I can't +even read to myself! I make the awfulest work you ever heard of spellin' +out the show-bills. I have to get Black Dirk to help me; and him and me +is a team." + +By this time Dirk's face had lost its smile, and his fierce eyes were +flashing; but the hostess was serene. + +"That doesn't prove anything against my statement. I was speaking of +what _could_ be, not necessarily of what was. Let us have a club. The +more I think of the plan the more it pleases me. I'll tell you! The word +'club' doesn't quite suit me. Let us be fashionable. Gracie, don't you +know how fashionable it is becoming to have 'evenings' set apart for +special occasions? Mr. Ried, you know Mrs. Judson's 'Tuesday evenings,' +and Mrs. Symond's 'Friday evenings?' Very well, let us have our 'Monday +evenings,' in which we will do all sorts of nice things; sometimes +literary, sometimes musical, and sometimes--well, anything that we +please. What do you say, gentlemen; shall we organize? Mr. Ried, will +you give Monday evenings to us? Gracie, you are my guest, and cannot, of +course, refuse." + +It was a novel idea, certainly. Even Alfred, while trying to heartily +second her, was in doubt as to what she could hope to accomplish by it. +As for the boys, not one of them promised to attend; but neither +did they refuse. Mrs. Roberts presently left the subject, seeming to +consider her point carried, and proposed a visit to the conservatory. + +I think it very doubtful whether the boy lives who does not like +flowers. There are those who seem to consider it a mark of manliness to +affect indifference to them; but these, as they grow older--become real +men--generally lay this bit of folly aside. Then there are those, plenty +of them, who really do not know that they care for flowers. The boys, +ushered for the first time in their lives into the full bloom of a +conservatory, were, most of them, of this latter stamp. + +What a scene of beauty it was! Great white callas, bending their +graceful cups; great red and yellow roses, making the air rich with +their breath; vines and mosses and ferns and small flowers in almost +endless variety. Alfred and Gracie moved among the glories; the latter +exhausting all her superlatives in honest delight, although she had +visited the spot a dozen times that day; and Alfred, who had been less +favored, was hardly less eager and responsive than she. But Mrs. Roberts +watched the boys. + +It was all very well for those two to enjoy her flowers; of course they +would. But what language would the silent, lovely things speak to her +untutored boys? They said not a word; not one of them. They made no +exclamations; they had no superlatives at command. But Stephen Crowley +stooped before a lovely carnation, and smelled, and _smelled_, drawing +in long breaths, as though he meant to take its fragrance all away with +him; and Nimble Dick picked up the straying end of an ivy, and restored +it to its support again, in a way that was not to be lost sight of by +one who was looking for hearts; and Dirk Colson brushed back his matted +hair and stood long before a great, pure lily, and looked down into its +heart with an expression on his face that his teacher never forgot. + +She came over to him presently, standing beside him, saying nothing. +Then at last she reached forth her hand and broke the lily from its +stalk. He started, almost as if something had struck him. + +"What did you do that for?" And his voice was fierce. + +"I want you to take this for me to your sister--the girl with beautiful +golden hair; I saw her one day, and I shall remember her hair and eyes. +She will like this flower, and she will like you to bring it to her. + +"Gracie"--raising her voice--"gather some flowers will you, and make +into bouquets? These young gentlemen will like to carry them to some +one. There must be mothers at home who will enjoy bouquets brought by +their sons." + +Over this gently-spoken sentence Nimble Dick laughed a hard, derisive +laugh. It made the dark blood flow into black Dirk's indignant face. +Even Alfred Ried lost self-control for a moment, and flashed a glance at +him out of angry eyes. How could there be any hope of a boy who sneered +at his mother? Yet you need not judge him too harshly. + +He thought of his mother, indeed, when he laughed; but alas! he thought +of her as drunk. And he knew her scarcely at all, save as that word +described her. How _could_ "mother" mean to him what it meant to Alfred +Ried? what it meant even to Dirk Colson, whose mother, weak indeed in +body and spirit, full of complaining words, oftentimes weakly bitter +words to him, yet patched his clothes so long as she could get patches +and thread, and would have washed them if she could have got soap, and +been able to bring the water, and if her only tub hadn't been in pawn. +Oh, yes, there are degrees in mothers. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, broke off blossoms with lavish hand, and made +bouquets for Nimble Dick and for Dirk. He took the bright-hued ones with +a smile, but the lily he held by itself, and still looked at it. + +They went away at last noisily; growing almost, if not quite, rough +towards one another, at least, and directly they were out of the door, +Nimble Dick gave a whoop that would have chilled the blood of nervous +women. But matron and maiden looked at each other and laughed. + +"We have kept them pent up all the evening, and that is the escape-valve +being raised to avoid a general explosion." This was Mrs. Roberts' +explanation. + +They were quite alone. Alfred, on being invited in low tones to tarry +and talk things over, had shaken his head, and replied, significantly:-- + +"Thank you! no; I am one of them, and must stand on the same level." + +"You are right," Mrs. Roberts said, smilingly; "you must have been an +apt pupil, my friend. That dear sister taught you a great deal." + +He held up the bouquet which she had made for him. + +"I am going to put it before Ester's picture," he said; "her work is +going on." + +"Well," said Gracie, "it is over, and we lived through it. And they +_did_ all come! I am amazed over that! And how they _did eat_! I suppose +the next thing is to open all the windows and air out. Flossy Roberts, +I'm afraid you are going insane. The idea of your inviting that horde +here every Monday. What a parlor you would have! And they would breed +a pestilence! They won't come, to be sure; but just imagine it if +they should! I really think Mr. Roberts ought to send you home for Dr. +Mitchell to look after. Well, Flossy, what next?" + +"Next, dear, you must pray. Pray as you never have done before, for +the souls of these boys, and for the success of my 'Monday evenings.' +Gracie, we are at work for immortal _souls_. Think of it! they _must_ +live forever. Shall they, through all eternity, keep dropping lower and +lower, or shall they wear crowns?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!" + + +Sallie Calkins sat in a common little rocking-chair and rocked; and +while she rocked she sewed, setting neat stitches in a brown coat which +was already patched and darned and was threadbare in many places. There +was a look of deep content on Sallie's face. There were many reasons for +it. + +Dr. Everett had that morning pronounced Mark's broken limb to be healing +rapidly. He had also reported that Mark's place was to be held open for +him by his employers. At this present moment, Mark, arrayed in a clean +shirt, was resting on a very white sheet, his head reposing on a real +feather pillow dressed in white and frilled. Over him was carefully +spread another of those wonderful sheets, and to make the crowning +glory, a white quilt, warm and soft, tucked him in on every side. How +could Sallie but rejoice? All about the room there had been changes. A +neat little table stood at the bed's side. It was covered with a white +cloth, and a china bowl set thereon with a silver spoon beside it; a +delicate goblet and china pitcher also, both carefully covered with a +napkin. Did Mrs. Roberts know how homely Sallie gloried in the thinness +of that china and the fineness of that napkin? How does it happen that +some of the very poor seem born with such aesthetic tastes? Mrs. Roberts +had intuitions, and was given to certain acts, concerning which she +could not give to others satisfactory explanations. Therefore, she +sometimes left china where others would have judged the plainest +stoneware more prudent and sensible. + +A bit of bright carpet was spread at the side of the bed. A fire glowed +in the neatly-brushed stove. A white muslin curtain hung at the window; +and the chair in which Sallie rocked and sewed was new and gayly +painted. + +There were other traces of Mrs. Roberts. You might not have noticed +them, but it seemed to Sallie that her fingers had touched everywhere. +Yet the lady herself thought that she had done very little. She had held +her inclinations in check with severe judgment. + +The door opened softly, and a mass of golden hair, from out of which +peered great eyes, peeped cautiously in. + +"Alone?" it said, nodding first toward the figure on the bed, and +intimating that she was aware of Mark's presence, and did not mean him. + +"Yes," said Sallie, "come in; Mark's asleep, but you won't disturb +him; he don't disturb easy; he sleeps just like a baby since the doctor +stopped that pain in his knee. There's my new chair; just try it and see +how nice it is." + +Saying which, she got herself out of the little rocker in haste, and +pushed it toward her guest, meantime taking a plain wooden chair, also +new, and adding:-- + +"Did you ever hear of anybody like her before?" + +"Something's happened!" said Mart Colson, ignoring the reference to the +mysterious pronoun,--her voice so full of a new and strange meaning +that had Sallie been acquainted with the word she might have said it was +filled with awe. + +As it was, she only exclaimed, "What?" in an intensely interested tone. + +"Why, look here! I brought it along to show you." + +Whereupon she produced from under her piece of torn shawl a large +broken-nosed pitcher, a piece of brown paper carefully tied over the +top. She untied the bit of calico string with fingers that shook from +excitement. + +"Look in there!" she exclaimed at last, triumph in her tone, reaching +forward the pitcher. + +Sallie looked, and drew in her breath with a long, expressive "O-h!" + +There, reposing in stately beauty, lay the great white lily with its +golden bell. + +"Yes, I should think so!" Mart said, satisfied with the expression. +"Did you ever see anything like that before? It ain't made of wax nor +anything else that _folks_ ever made. It's alive! I felt of it. It looks +like velvet and satin and all them lovely store things; but it doesn't +feel so; it feels _alive_, and it _grew_. But, Sallie Calkins, if you +should live a hundred years, and guess all the time, you never could +guess where I got it. Sallie Calkins, if you'll believe it, Dirk gave it +to me!" + +"Dirk?" + +"Yes, he did!" + +Who would have supposed Mart Colson's voice capable of such a triumphant +ring? + +"You see the way of it was: Last night he didn't come for his supper +at all, and that always scares me dreadful. I'm expecting something to +happen, you know. Father, he didn't come either; for the matter of that, +he hasn't come yet; and mother, she was awful tired, and hadn't had no +dinner to speak of, and she just broke down and took on awful. Mother +don't often cry, and it's good she don't, for she just goes into it with +all her might when the time comes. It wasn't about father--she's used to +him, you know, and don't expect nothing else; but Dirk drives her wild +with what may happen to him. I was worried about him, too, but I was mad +at him; it seemed too awful mean in him to stay away and scare mother. +At last I got her to go to bed, and she was all tuckered out, and went +to sleep. + +"Then I wrapped myself in the quilt and sat down to wait; but I got +asleep, and I dreamed I saw _her_; she had wings to each side of her, +and she flew over the tops of all those houses and made them turn white +like the snow looks when it is coming down before it drops into the +gutters. Wasn't that queer? Well, some noise woke me up. I was sitting +flat on the floor by mother, and I sat up straight all of a tremble. +And there was the old stool, and the brown pitcher on it, half-full of +water, and this wonderful thing stood in it looking at me. And Dirk, he +stood off the other side looking at it. + +"'It's for you, and she sent it.' That's what he said to me; and I +wasn't real wide awake, you know. I suppose that's what made his voice +sound so queer; and what do you think I said? I was thinking of my +dream, and says I: 'Did she have her wings on?' Then Dirk made a queer +noise; it was a laugh, but it sounded most like a cry. 'I guess so,' +says he, and then he turned and went off to bed. And I can't get any +more out of him; he is as snarly when I ask any questions as though he +was mad about it all. If it hadn't been for this great white thing I +might have thought this morning that it all belonged to the dream. But +Dirk brought this home from somewhere, and put it in the pitcher, and +give it to me his own self; that's sure." + +The story closed in triumph. + +"It is beautiful!" said Sallie, the brown jacket slipping to the floor, +while she bent over the lily. "It is beautiful, all of it, and it looks +just like her, and sounds like her, wings and all; of course she sent +it." + +"And Dirk brought it." That part of the story Mart Colson did not +forget. + +Sometimes it seems to me a pity that hearts are not laid bare to the +gaze of others. What, for instance, might not this little incident have +done for Dirk Colson had he known how the starved heart of his sister +fed on the thought that he brought her the flower? + +Still, on the other hand, I don't know what the effect would have been +on Mart had she known what a tremendous amount of courage it had taken +to present the flower to her. A dozen times on the way home had Dirk +been on the point of consigning it to the gutter. _He_ carry home a +flower! If it had been a loaf of bread he thought it would be more +consistent. Someway he recognized a fine sarcasm in the thought that +he, who had never in his life contributed towards the necessities of the +family, should carry to that dreary home a flower! Yet the fair lily did +its work well during that long walk from East Fifty-fifth Street to the +shadow of the alley. It made Dirk Colson tell it fiercely that he hated +himself; that he was a brute and a loafer,--a blot on the earth, and +ought not to live. Why didn't he go to work? Why didn't he have things +to bring home to Mart every little while, as Mark Calkins did to Sallie? +Hadn't he seen Mark, only a few evenings before he was hurt, with a pair +of girl's shoes strung over his shoulder, and heard him whistle as he +ran, two steps at a time, up the rickety stairs? What would Mart think +if he should bring her home a pair of shoes? What would she think of +his bringing her a flower? She would sneer, of course: and, in the mood +which then possessed him, Dirk said angrily that she had a right to +sneer, and would be a fool not to; and yet he hated the thought of it. +There was nothing in life that Dirk hated more than sneers; and he had +been fed on them ever since he could remember. + +He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received. +That suggestion about wings, which seemed so apt, had brought the +"queer" sound to his voice that Mart had noticed. If only she had +understood, and not spoiled, next morning, the effect of her words. + +In the prosaic daylight, the illusion of "wings" being banished, she was +bent on knowing how Dirk came into possession of the lily. + +"Who sent it, Dirk? I don't believe anybody told you to give it to me. +Who would care about _my_ having a flower? Where did you get it?" + +"Where do you s'pose?" Dirk's voice was ominously gruff. It is a painful +truth that by daylight he was ashamed of his part of the transaction. +"I told you she sent it. It's noways likely that I'd take the trouble to +make up a lie about that weed. How do I know what she wanted you to have +it for? Maybe she thought it matched your looks." + +There was a bitter sneer in Dirk's voice, yet all the time he heard the +sweet, low voice saying, "That girl with the beautiful golden hair." +Suppose he should tell Mart that? Why not? Let me tell you that Dirk +Colson would not have repeated that sentence for the world! And yet he +did not know why. + +Mart's face burned red under his sneer. + +"How am I to know who 'she' is?" she said, in bitter scorn. "Some of +your bar-room beauties, for whom you dance and whistle, I suppose. You +can tell her I would rather have my shawl out of pawn, or some shoes for +my feet, enough sight. What do I care for a great flower mocking at me?" + +"Pitch it into the fire, then; and it will be many a long day before I +bring you anything else," said Dirk, pushing himself angrily back from +the table, where he had been eating bread dipped in a choice bit of pork +fat. + +"There isn't a bit of danger of my doing that," she called after him, +mockingly. "There isn't a spark of fire, nor likely to be to-day, unless +some of your admirers send me a shovel of coal. Mercy knows, I wish they +would." + +He mercifully lost part of this sentence, for the reason that before it +was concluded he was moving with long, angry strides up the alley. + +And then Mart took the broken-nosed pitcher away into the furthermost +corner, although she was alone in the room, and laid her face against +the cool, pure lily, and wept into it great burning tears. Poor, +ignorant soul! She wanted, oh, how she _wanted_ Dirk to be brave and +good like Mark Calkins--her one type of manhood. Yet she did not know +that she was crushing out the germ which might have grown in his +heart. True, she knew herself to be very different from Sallie, but the +thought, poor soul, that that was because Mark was so different from +Dirk. + +Isn't it a pity that the sweet-faced lily could not have told its tender +story to both these ignorant ones? + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +"WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?" + + +"I have heard a good deal about your sister that has interested me. Do +you like to talk of her?" + +This was the question which Gracie Dennis asked of young Ried as he +stood beside her at the piano. She had been playing, and had come to +the music alcove for the purpose of turning her music; but now she was +touching sweet chords here and there aimlessly, and waiting for his +answer. + +At the further end of the parlor Mrs. Roberts was entertaining a caller; +but the distance between them was so great that, in effect, the young +people were alone. + +"I like nothing better than to talk of her." Mr. Ried said, with +animation; "but I don't know so much about her as I wish I did. She went +away when I was quite young. I used to say 'she died,' but since I have +awakened to see her cherished plans being carried on all around me I +cannot think of her as dead." + +"That is what I want to talk about,--her work, or her plans for work. +What made her so different from other people, Mr. Ried. _Wasn't_ she +different?" + +The young man regarded the question thoughtfully before answering. + +"Not from all the people," he said at last; "but certainly very +different from some. I used to think that all Christians were like her, +of course; then, when I saw my mistake, I went to the other extreme, and +thought there were none like her on earth. I have discovered that the +medium position is the correct one." + +"But what I want to know is, what _made_ her different? It wasn't her +age. Mrs. Roberts thinks she was young?" + +"She was hardly nineteen when she died. Oh, no, it wasn't age; she +told me that she used to be very different. She was a Christian from +childhood, but she said that she was ashamed to claim the name. There +was nothing Christlike about her; still she was a member of the Church. +As I remember her, and as I look at other people, my judgment is that, +in her early Christian life, she was much like most of the Christians +with whom you and I are familiar." + +"And what made her different? Was it--that is--do you think it was +because she was to die so soon that she had a special experience?" + +"Not at all," he said, promptly; "it was before she realized anything +about her condition that the great change took place in her. My +brother-in-law says that she supposed herself to be in perfect health at +the time when she was most marked in her Christian life." + +"Ah! but you don't understand; I mean more than that. It is difficult to +tell what I mean; I mean--but you know, of course, _God_ knew that she +was soon to go to heaven. I thought, perhaps, he gave her a special +experience on that account." + +"No; oh, no," he said, speaking with great earnestness. "Ester +was particularly anxious that no one should suppose her experience +exceptional. Little fellow though I was, it seemed to be her desire that +I should fully understand this. Don't let anybody make you think that +because you are a little boy you must be a sort of half-way Christian,' +she used to say, and her eyes would glow with feeling. 'I tried that way +for years,' she said, 'and I want you to understand that it is not only +sinful, but there is not a particle of happiness to be gotten out of +it--not a particle; and I would give almost nothing for what such a +Christian can accomplish. The harm one does, more than overbalances all +effort for Christ.' I think, perhaps, she felt more deeply on that than +on almost any subject; and it was because she thought she had wasted so +many years." + +"Then do you think that there is, or rather that there should be, no +difference in Christians? Have all the same work to do?" + +"Not that, quite, of course,--or, I don't know, either. Isn't it all +different forms of the Master's work. The children of the home may +have each a different task, but each is needed to make the home what +it should be, and each worker needs the same spirit of love and +unselfishness to enable him to do his part. It isn't a perfect +illustration, Miss Dennis. I'm not skillful in that direction; but _I_ +know what I mean, and that is a comfort." + +"And I know what you mean," Gracie said, not joining in his laugh; "but +I am not sure that I believe it. Why, Mr. Ried, that would make a very +solemn thing of living." + +"Well, did you suppose it was other than solemn? I'm sure it makes a +triumphant thing of it, too; and without it we are only a lot of wax +figures, dancing to pass the time away." + +"But don't you really think that people have a right to have _any_ nice +times?" + +"Miss Dennis, did you ever see any person who had nicer times than your +friend, Mrs. Roberts?" + +"Well, Flossy is peculiar; her tastes all seem to lie in this direction; +though once they did not, I admit. Papa used to think that she had +no talent for anything but dancing. Something changed Flossy's entire +character. No one who knew her two years ago could possibly deny that." + +"She will serve as an illustration, then, to explain my meaning. I +believe, Miss Dennis, that religion should have sufficient power over +us to change all our tastes and plans in life, fitting them to the +Saviour's use." + +"But what would such a rule as that do with most of the Christians of +your acquaintance?" + +"Ah! I am old and experienced enough to warn you not to make shipwreck +of your happiness on that shoal. I hovered around it, and vexed my soul +over the whole bewildering question until I suddenly discovered that I +was held absolutely responsible only for my own soul, and that the Lord +would look after his own." + +For a time there was no answer to this. + +Gracie let her fingers wander with apparent aimlessness over the keys, +drawing out soft, sweet strains. Suddenly she said:-- + +"What do you expect Flossy will accomplish with that last scheme of +hers? I ought to beg her pardon for the familiar name, but I have known +her ever since I was a child. Don't you think her attempts for those +boys rather hopeless?" + +Instantly the young man's eyes filled with tears, and when he spoke his +voice indicated deep emotion. + +"I can hardly tell you how I feel about those boys. I have been anxious +for them so long and felt so hopeless. Do you remember how Elijah sat +under a juniper tree, discouraged, and said that he was the only one who +had not bowed the knee to Baal, and the Lord told him he was +mistaken, that there were five thousand others? It sounds ridiculously +egotistical, but I have felt at times something like that; as though I +was the only one who cared whether the poor fellows went to destruction +or not. But since I have met Mrs. Roberts, and seen how intense she is +and single-hearted, and since through her I have met Dr. Everett, and +seen how they are trying to work at the same problem, and since I have +come to know how Mr. Roberts is at work all the time for young men; and, +above all, since that wonderful evening here last Monday, when I saw how +two gifted ladies understood the art of turning their accomplishments +to account, in order to take those poor fellows captive for Christ, I +discovered that there were ways of solving this problem about which +I had known nothing, and people to carry it through. It was simply +glorious in you to give those fellows such music as you did, and to +accomplish by it what you did. My life has been narrow, Miss Dennis; I +never saw the piano used for Christ before." + +Gracie looked down at the keys, her face aglow. It was a new experience, +this being classed among the Christian workers of the world; making her +music for other purposes than to amuse the gay friends who chanced to +gather around her. She made the keys speak loudly for a few minutes, +then softening them, said:-- + +"You must not class me with Flossy, Mr. Ried. I only did what she wanted +done. I am not in the least like her, unselfish and gentle and all +that." + +But his reply, spoken low, was pleasant to her ears:-- + +"'By their fruits ye shall know them.'" + +He evidently looked upon her as a worker. She could not help feeling +that it was pleasant to be so classed. What an intense young man he +was! Not in the least like those with whom she had hitherto been most +familiar. + +There was another voice in the front parlor--a strong, vigorous voice +that carried a sense of power with it. + +"Ah!" said Ried, his eyes bright, his face eager; "that is Dr. Everett. +Just study him if you want another type of the sort of Christian about +whom we have been talking; the grandest man!" + +Gracie, shielded by the distance, turned on her stool and studied him. +Certainly he did not look much as though he were appointed for early +death. What a splendid physique it was! + +And how thoroughly wide awake and interested he was in the subject under +discussion. Bits of the talk floated back to the two at the piano. + +"Oh, he is young," Dr. Everett was saying; "I hope for returned vigor in +time; but there must be long weeks of patience before he will be ready +for his old employment." + +"Do you know of whom he is speaking?" Gracie asked. + +"I fancy it is that Calkins boy, the one with the broken limb. He is +deeply interested in the poor fellow, and is trying to plan employment +of some less wearing sort for him, I believe. Dr. Everett is always +intensely interested in somebody." + +"Is it always the very poor?" + +Alfred laughed. + +"Not always. I know several quite well-to-do fellows in whom he keeps +a careful oversight; but he is grandly interested in the poor. He is +taking rank as one of the most successful physicians in the city, and, +of course, he is pressed for time; yet he is so continually at the call +of the poor that people begin to speak of him as the poor man's doctor. +He told me he was proud of that title." + +At this point the musicians were appealed to to come to the front +parlor, and Gracie had opportunity for a nearer study of the man whom +she could not help but admire. He was not likely to suffer from a nearer +view; at least, not while Gracie was in the mood that then possessed +her. He greeted her cordially, and at once brought her into the +conversation by appealing to her for a decision, seeming to take it for +granted that she was of the same spirit with himself. + +This young lady was taking lessons of life that were designed to be +helpful to her if she would but let them. A thoroughly well-educated and +cultured gentleman, well fitted to take high rank in society, not in the +ministry, and yet thoroughly absorbed in what she had hitherto almost +unconsciously set down as ministers' work was a mystery to her. +Moreover, for the second time that evening, she felt a curious sense of +satisfaction in being classed among the energetic workers of the +world. The pretty school-girl, who had lived all her young life in a +neighborhood where she was "Gracie Dennis," looked up to, indeed, by +her set, and having a decided influence of her own, yet felt it to be a +novel experience to hear herself addressed in a clear, firm voice after +this manner:-- + +"Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of +young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them? +Of course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any +account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter." + +"It is something about which I have not thought at all," said Gracie, +her pretty face all in a flush. "But I should suppose the way would be +to take one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely +to interest and help _her_, and also to get such an influence over her +that she would read what I wanted her to." + +"First catch your hare, eh? Good!" said the doctor, with an approving +glance towards Mrs. Roberts. "The longer I live the more convinced am +I that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this +world." + +There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found +herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she +had supposed she knew nothing. + +Then occurred an interruption,--a ringing of the door-bell. + +"For Miss Dennis," said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs. +Roberts. + +There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently +studied the name, then she said, composedly:-- + +"This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this +evening?" + +Since I have known Mrs. Roberts well, I have studied her innocently +sincere manner, with not a little curiosity as to the probable effect on +the world, suppose it were possible for others to adopt her method. The +actual practical effect with her is that she succeeds often in wisely +deceiving, while intending to be perfectly sincere. For instance, her +question to Gracie after a moment of hesitation, during which she asked +herself, "What ought I to do?" and immediately answered herself, "There +is nothing for me to do, but to be perfectly straight-forward." + +Her question was intended to say to Gracie: "I trust you. What your +father has directed you to do, I feel sure you will obey." But it said +different things from that to Gracie. Ever since she had been told that +she might make her old acquaintance, Flossy, a visit, this highly-strung +young lady had been suspicious that this was a device of her stepmother +to get pleasantly rid of her for a few weeks. She surmised that a very +carefully elaborate account of her sins had been written out by this +same stepmother for the benefit of her young hostess, and that special +directions had been given for guarding her from the wolf, Professor +Ellis. She would have spoiled the entire scheme by haughtily refusing to +leave home had not the innocent delight of a young girl over the thought +of visiting a beautiful strange city gotten the better of her pride. The +gently-put question of her hostess disarmed a whole nest of suspicions. +It was hardly possible that it had been hinted to Flossy that her guest +might attempt to elope with this man, else she would not with serene +face be asking whether it was her wish to receive him. + +"If you please," she made haste to answer, her cheeks glowing the while, +and Mrs. Roberts gave instant direction that the gentleman be shown to +the parlor. + +There were several new lessons set for Miss Gracie Dennis to learn that +evening. One was that Professor Ellis, with his faultless dress and +excessive politeness, his finished bows and smiles, that would have done +credit to any ball-room in the land, his accurate knowledge of all the +printed rules of etiquette, yet in Mrs. Roberts' parlor, contrasted with +Dr. Everett, and even with young Ried, the dry-goods clerk, appeared at +a disadvantage. + +She was slow in learning the lesson: on that first evening she simply +stared at it in bewilderment. What did it mean? There was an attempt to +draw the professor into the circle, to continue the conversation that +had been so animated and interesting before his entrance. The effect +was much like that produced in striking a discordant note in a hitherto +faultless piece of music. Young men out of business needing help, +needing an encouraging word, an out-stretched hand! Professor Ellis had +words, and hands, but he might have been without either for all the help +they gave him in responding to efforts like these. Books to help uplift +the young, to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with +desires to live for a purpose! Truly he could only stare blankly at the +suggestion. What did he know of books written for such purposes? Yet +Gracie had supposed him to be literary in his tastes and pursuits. +Certainly he read French? Yes, French novels! He was quite familiar with +some of such a character that, had Gracie been a good French scholar and +ever likely to come in contact with a copy of them, he would not have +dared to mention their names in her presence. More than once of late had +the stepmother wished that her young daughter understood the language +well enough to be aware that the man whom she admired used frequently +smooth-sounding French oaths. But alas for Gracie, when he had so +poisoned her mother's influence over this dangerously pretty girl, that +she would have believed his word at any time rather than that mother's. +Well, he read other than French novels; Charles Reade, for instance, and +some of the more recent authors fashionable in certain circles. It is +true that Gracie was not acquainted with them, that her father would not +allow a copy of their books to come freely into his home, and Gracie +was much too honorable to read them in private. But it is also true that +while professing to admire this trait in her, as charming in a young +daughter, the professor had also, pityingly and gently, told this young +daughter that these things were her father's concessions to the narrow +age and trammelled profession to which he belonged; that the fact was, +free thought was discouraged, because there was that in every church +which would not bear its light; that her wise father was one of a +hundred in recognizing this, and trying to shield her while she was +young. + +You are also to remember that she _was_ young, and therefore forgive her +that she did not detect the contradictory sophistry in the professor's +words. He really understood how to sugar-coat poison as well as any man +of his stamp could. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +"HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY." + + +But the question which would keep forcing itself on Gracie Dennis was +this: "If he really knows of nice books, full of 'the beautiful' and +'the ennobling,' that would enlighten the race, as he has often told +me, why doesn't he mention some of them now? There is no minister here +'trammelled by long years of narrowing education.' How does he know but +that these people are as 'advanced' in their ideas as he is himself?" + +I do not mean that she was conscious of thinking these thoughts, but +that they hovered on the edge, as it were, of her mind, making her +feel ill at ease. Dr. Everett, on his part, seemed courteously bent on +securing an expression of the professor's opinion about matters of which +he either could not, or would not, talk. When at last the disturbed +gentleman resolved to violate what Gracie was sure was a law of good +breeding, and address her in French, what with her embarrassment lest +others should understand, and her own marked ignorance of the language, +she found great difficulty in making a free translation. "Upon my word, +I wish you understood French, or some other tongue, so that we could +escape from this boredom. Does the poor little prisoner have much of +this to endure? Cannot we escape to the music-room, and talk things +over?" + +Gracie cast a frightened glance about her to see if there were others +who understood better than herself this sentence, which, for aught she +knew, might contain something startling. But Alfred was busily engaged +in looking up the name of a book which he had vainly tried to recall, +and Dr. Everett was apparently serenely oblivious to any language but +his mother-tongue. Very soon after this Gracie managed to escape +with her caller to the music alcove; thus much of the French she had +understood, and at least Professor Ellis could play; which fact she +resolved that the people in the front parlor should speedily understand. +Ah, but he could play! and herein lay one of his strong fascinations +for the music-loving girl. For a time the most ravishing strains rolled +through the parlor hushing into rapt attention the group gathered there, +who had just been reinforced by the coming of Mr. Roberts. By degrees +the strains grew fainter and fainter, and at last ceased altogether, as +the professor, still on the music-stool, bent over Gracie, seated in a +low chair, and apparently found fluent speech at last. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, was ill at ease. What would Dr. Dennis and +Marion say, could they have a peep at this moment into her back parlor? +Was she being faithful to her trust? Yet what was there she could do? +She tried to sustain her part in the conversation, but her troubled +gaze, constantly wandering elsewhere, betrayed her. Dr. Everett's keen +eyes were upon her. + +"Are you particularly interested in that man?" he asked, abruptly. + +Mrs. Roberts smiled faintly. + +"I am particularly interested in that girl," she said. + +"How do you like her present companionship?" + +"Not at all," she answered, quickly. + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts began to question. + +"May I know, doctor, whether you have any other reason than that of +intuition for asking the question?" + +"Possibly not," said the doctor, guardedly. "It maybe a case of mistaken +identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something +that may be to his disadvantage?" + +Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:-- + +"There are reasons why it is specially important that such an +investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?" + +The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately +dropped. + +During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs. Roberts +well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a long, +bright, and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a sort +of second conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department should +outgrow their present bounds, but meantime other plants had taken root +and blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week the unused room +had been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive packages of various +shapes and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two young men from the +carpet store; and there followed soon after the sound of hammering. +Furniture-wagons halted before the door, leaving their burdens. Men and +women flitted to and fro, busy and important. + +It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were +invited in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least, +was prepared to appreciate its transformation. + +The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy +green, and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made +delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with +pictures and charts and maps. A study-table occupied the centre of +the room--one of those charming tables, full of mysterious drawers +and unexpected corners; paper and pens and inks in various colors were +disposed about this table in delightful profusion. + +Other tables, plenty of them, small and neat, each of a different shape +or design, were stationed at intervals, in convenient proximity to +comfortable chairs. Nothing could be further removed from one's idea of +a school-room than was that long, beautiful parlor; yet when you thought +of it, and took a second, deliberate survey, nothing that could have +contributed to the enjoyment of pupils was missing. A small cabinet +organ occupied an alcove, and music-books of various grades were strewn +over it. Toward this spot Mrs. Roberts smiled significantly as her eye +caught Alfred Ried's, and she said:-- + +"I have visions of sacred Sabbath evening half-hours, connected with +this corner, one of these days; meantime, is this a pleasant room for +our Monday evenings?" + +But Alfred could not answer her; his head was turned away, and there +was a suspicious lump in his throat, that made him know better than +to attempt speech. He was standing at that moment under one of the +wall-texts that the gaslight illumined until it glowed, and the words +stood out with startling clearness:-- + +"Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober." + +His sister's text; one that, perhaps more than any other, was on her +lips when she talked with him; one that hung at her coffin's head when +he, a little boy, stood beside the coffin and looked down at her face, +and looked up at that text, and took a mental photograph of both to live +in his heart forever. + +"This is your special chair," Mrs. Roberts said, smiling up at him; and +he understood her,--here was his opportunity to live out that text for +his sister. Wouldn't he try! + +"Well," said Gracie, drawing a long breath, "as a study it is certainly +a success. One can easily see, Flossy, why you were born with the +ability to tell at a glance what colors harmonized, and just where +things fitted in. I can't imagine anything prettier than this, and I +cannot imagine what you are going to do with it." + +Whereupon they sat down to talk that important question over: what they +were going to try to do. Sometimes I have wondered whether Ester, from +her beautiful home, could look down on it all, and whether she smiled +over the fact that her work was doing so much more than she had planned? +She had roused in her little brother an ambition that had grown with his +years, and that had helped to hold him away from many temptations: so +much, doubtless, she had foreseen; but what a blessed thing it was that +she had touched, in those long ago years, influences which had drawn her +brother, in his young and perilous manhood, into intimate relations with +such people as Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, so that they sat down familiarly to +talk over mutual interests! But for Ester's words, spoken long ago, but +for her strong desires transmitted to him, he might have sat with a very +different circle, and talked over widely different schemes. On the edge +of this circle Gracie Dennis hovered. She could not but be interested in +their talk, for she was a Christian, and her father was a Christian, and +she had, all her life breathed in the atmosphere of a Christian home. + +At the same time she could but imagine some of their ideas wild ones, +for she had never been associated with people who widely overstepped the +conventional ways of doing things; and she had, of late, been much with +Professor Ellis who had a sort of gentlemanly sneer for every phase of +Christian work, and, so far as could be discovered, believed in nothing. +He had not been outspoken, it is true, and herein lay one of the +dangers. He was too skillful to be outspoken; but the subtle poison had +been working, and although Gracie could not help being interested in +those queer boys, she could not help thinking Flossy's whole scheme +exceedingly visionary, and expected it to come to grief. The puzzling +question was, why did Mr. Roberts, being a keen-sighted man, permit it +all! Or was he so much in love with Flossy that he could not bear to +thwart even her wildest flights? It was strange, too, to see a young man +like Alfred Ried so absorbed; his sister must have had wonderful power +over him, Gracie thought. She went back to his sister's influence, +always, in trying to explain the matter, and never gave a thought to +Christ's influence. Meantime she listened to the various plans proposed +for the first Monday evening, and was sufficiently interested to gather +her pretty face in a frown when the distant peal from the door-bell +sounded through the house. + +"What a pity to be interrupted by a caller!" she exclaimed. "This room +is so much nicer than the parlor. Flossy, don't you hope it is some one +to see Mr. Roberts on business?" + +"No," said Mrs. Roberts, shaking her head, with a smile, "I feel in +special need of Mr. Roberts just now. Evan, I really think we must be +excused to callers for this one evening; there are so many things to +arrange." + +"Let us wait and see," answered Mr. Roberts "perhaps the Lord sent the +caller here to help us, or to be helped." + +At that moment came the card. + +"Oh, it is Dr. Everett!" was Mrs. Roberts' exclamation. "Let us have him +come directly here. Evan, please go and escort him. You were right,--the +Lord has sent him to help us. I don't know how, I'm sure; but he is just +the man to help everywhere." + +And the circle instantly widened itself to receive Dr. Everett. + +It took almost no time to speak the commonplace of the occasion, and +get back at once to the business of the hour. It was evident that Dr. +Everett needed no lengthy explanations, and there was apparently nothing +bewildering to his mind in the plan. True, it was new to him, but he +seemed to spring at once to the centre of their thoughts. His eyes +glowed for a moment, and he said with peculiar emphasis:-- + +"Ried, when the son of man cometh, he will surely find _some_ faith on +the earth!" + +Then he gave himself to intensest listening and questioning, and +presently followed his questions with suggestions which showed that +unconventional ways of working were not altogether new to him. + +As for Gracie, she had as much as she could do to listen intelligently; +she almost caught her breath over the rapidity with which the talkers +moved from one scheme to another. All the time there was a curious +process of comparison between this man and Professor Ellis going on in +her mind. Not that she wished to compare the two! She told herself that +it was absurd to do so; none the less she did it. For instance, +she reminded herself that she had mentally assented promptly to the +suggestion of inviting the doctor to this room to talk this strange +scheme over; she had recognized the fitness of the act. But suppose +Professor Ellis should call, would it not be simply absurd to think of +explaining to him the uses of this unique room? Who would for a moment +think of suggesting his name as a helper? + + * * * * * + +I do not know how to describe to you the appearance of that room on +Monday evening when the boys were in it. I do not know whether the sight +to you would have been pitiful or ludicrous. How can I tell--not knowing +you? There was a dreadful incongruity between the soiled, ragged clothes +and matted hair and unwashed hands and the exquisite purity which +prevailed around them. Of course you could have seen that, but the +all-important question, the answer to which would have stamped your +place in the world's workshop, would have been, Do you see any further +than that? and seeing further--which way? Do you see the possibilities, +or the certainties of failure? Oh, no, I am wrong; it would take more +than that to tell where you belong. Dr. Everett saw the possibilities +and gloried in them. Gracie Dennis thought she saw the certainty of +failure, and was sorry for it. But Professor Ellis would have seen the +certainty of failure, and would have met it with a sneer, if he had not +been too indifferent even for that. As for Mrs. Roberts, did she, or did +she not, represent a different and higher type than any of the others? +She thought not much about either success or failure, but pushed +steadily forward the plan that she believed she had gotten on her knees, +born of the Spirit. If it really were of God, nothing could make it +fail; but if she mistook, and the plan was only hers, mere failure in +that direction would signify nothing; she would have but to try again. +Something of this she felt, but did not reason out, for she was no +logician. + +What the boys saw was a great, splendid room, the like of which they had +never seen before, for they recognized, without being able to explain, +the difference between it and the parlors, and felt freer in it. They +all came, and they looked not one whit better than on the Monday evening +before. Over this fact Gracie Dennis, with all her public scoffing, was, +in private, a little disappointed. It is true she had not expected to +see them again; but if they came, she thought it possible that they +might have been tempted to appear with clean hands and faces. Possibly +some were so tempted, and but for the difficulties in the way, might +really have tried for this. But Gracie was not sufficiently enlightened +to dream of difficulties in the way of simply washing one's face and +hands. + +During the Saturday evening conference it had been decided that Mr. +Roberts must make acquaintance with his guests. It would never do to +have them come familiarly to his house, and he not be able to recognize +them on the streets. Several plans were suggested for introducing him +skilfully to them, but he disapproved of them all. + +"No," he said, "I'll tell you what we'll do. I will introduce myself. +You may receive them, Flossy, and then retire for a few minutes, +and I'll let myself in by the conservatory passage, and make myself +acquainted to the best of my abilities. In ten minutes, Flossy, I'll +give you leave to return. As for the rest of you, don't dare to venture +in until I have made good my claim as the head of the house. I am +jealous of you, perhaps." + +To this plan Mrs. Roberts readily assented, but the young clerk +looked doubtful. In common with the rest of his employees, he stood in +wholesome awe of the keen-eyed, thorough business man, who seemed to +know, as by a sort of instinct, when anything in any department of +the great store was not moving according to rule. His knowledge of Mr. +Roberts, outside of the store, was limited, and he expected to find the +boys, if not frightened, so awed that they would resolve never to be +caught inside that room again. + +However, he of course only looked his fears. He was too much afraid of +the great merchant to express them, and it had been understood, when +they separated, that this plan was to be carried out. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +"I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER!" + + +In the library waited Gracie and Mr. Ried, while Mrs. Roberts went +merrily to see whether the boys or their host had proved the stronger. + +"I don't believe this part of the programme will work," Alfred said, +confidently, the moment the door closed after Mrs. Roberts. "Those +fellows will all be afraid of Mr. Roberts, and we shall lose what little +hold we have on them." + +"They don't look to me as though it ever occurred to them to be afraid +of anything," Gracie said; but Alfred Ried, who had studied deeper into +this problem of the different classes of society, was ready with his +answer. + +"Yes they are; they can be awed, and made to feel uncomfortable to the +degree that they will resolve not to appear in that region again. +One cannot judge from their behavior in Sabbath-school. Some way they +recognize a mission school as being in a sense their property, and +behave accordingly; but in a man's own house, surrounded by things of +which they do not even know the name, he has them at a disadvantage, and +can easily rouse within them the feeling that they are 'trapped.' Than +which there is nothing those fellows dread so much, I believe." + +"But they were not afraid of Flossy last week, even surrounded by the +elegances of her parlors and dining-room." + +"Ah!" he said, his eyes alight, "she has a wisdom born of God, I think, +for managing these and all other concerns. She is unlike everybody +else." + +Whereupon Gracie Dennis laughed; not a disagreeable laugh, but there +came to her just then a sense of the strangeness of thinking that pretty +Flossy Shipley, whom she had known all her life, and half-scorned from +the heights of her childhood because she was a silly little thing, who +could not do her problems in class, should have a wisdom unlike any +others. Yet, almost immediately her laugh was stayed, because the change +in Flossy was so great that she, too, recognized it as born of God. +Sometimes it came with force to this proud young girl that if God could +do so much for Flossy, what might he not be willing to do with those +whom he had made intellectually her superior, if they were but ready to +be led? + +The young man, who was studying her, watched the grave look deepen on +her face, and wondered at its source. What a pretty face it was. Oh, +much more than pretty; there was great strength in it and sweetness, +too, of a certain sort, but he could not help comparing the sort with +that in some other faces, and he wondered over the difference. This +young lady was a Christian. Why should her Christian experience stamp +her with such a different expression from that which others wore? He +always finished this sort of sentence with a blank space first, as +though he did not choose to have himself tell himself any names. Yet he +spoke a name forcibly enough, still gazing earnestly at Gracie. + +"Did you ever meet Miss Joy Saunders?" + +Gracie turned toward him a laughing face. + +"No, but we are very anxious to, Flossy and I. We have both been told +that we ought to know her, and told so earnestly that we really think we +ought. Who is she? Is she, too, unlike anybody else?" + +"Very," he said, promptly. "I know her very little; she is the daughter +of our landlady; I meet her in the hall on rare occasions, and sometimes +catch glimpses of her just vanishing from some room as I enter; but as +for being acquainted with her, I suppose I am not. I think--though of +that I am by no means sure--that she is engaged to Dr. Everett. + +"Oh, then, of course he would think naturally that people ought to know +her. What is she like?" + +"Like nothing," said Alfred, with great promptness. "Did you ever know a +person named Joy?" + +"No;--what a singular name." + +"Well, it fits. She is very far removed from mirth, and she is not +what people call gay, and she is not outspoken apparently at any time, +though, as I say, I do not know her; but there is something in her face +that fits the name; I do not know what it is. Sometimes I think it is +the shining of Christ's face reflected in her; but the puzzle is, why do +not other faces have it? Faces which belong to him?" + +"Perhaps there is a difference in the degree of belonging." + +Gracie spoke the words very gently, wondering meanwhile at the way in +which this thought chimed in with hers about Flossy. + +"Oh, there is. But why should there be? If I belong to Christ, I +_belong_, don't I? There is no half-way service possible. Why do I not +so look that others take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus?" + +"How do you know but they do?" + +"Ah, I know. I know too well. They are more likely a great deal to take +knowledge that I have been with Satan. I feel the frown all over my face +a great deal of the time; and the world goes astray a great many times, +when I suppose it is just myself that is wrong. But, Miss Dennis, I +hunger for the shining of his face in me." + +"That must be the meaning of the beatitude which puzzled my childhood," +she answered trying to speak lightly, to hide feelings that were deeply +moved: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, +for they shall be filled." + +"Thank you," he said, smiling; "there is actually a promise! I had +not thought of it. And yet"--the thoughtful frown gathering almost +immediately--"do you suppose that a person who really hungered for a +certain thing could be satisfied with anything else? I often have an +hour of what at the moment seems to me like hunger for Him, but the hour +passes, and I get filled--with business, or with plans, or possibly with +annoyances, and feel nothing but a general irritation for everybody. Do +you think there can be anything genuine about such desires, so easily +turned aside?" + +"Oh, I do not know," said Gracie, hastily. "Why do you ask me such +things? Did not I tell you I was not good? Ask those people who are +unlike all others. Why don't you ask this Joy? She could tell you, I +presume. I can tell you nothing, save that this is a very strange world, +not half so nice as I once thought it, and I don't like to think about +things." + +How _different_ he was from other young men with whom she had spent +fifteen minutes many a time in gay banter! This was, after all, the +thought uppermost in her mind at the moment. Nice Christian men, of whom +her father spoke well, and who, people said, were young men to be proud +of. It seemed to her that she knew them by the dozens, yet with which +one of them had she ever carried on such a conversation as this? With +which one could she have attempted any thing of the kind, without +leading him to suppose that she was taking leave of her senses? + +She recalled some of the gay words that she had spoken with these +others, and tried, hurriedly, to decide why it would sound to her +perfectly absurd to talk with Alfred Ried in that way. However, she +did not want to talk with him; he was too full of questionings. "And +questions," said poor Gracie, "are all that I can ask myself. I want +somebody to talk with who is assured of the ground on which he stands, +and can tell me why he stands there." + +There was not time for further talk--they were summoned to the new room. +Bursts of laughter greeted their ears as they made their way eagerly +across the hall, and Gracie took time to remark that the boys were +certainly not awed into silence, before the opening door let them into +the brightly-lighted scene. Every boy was laughing, not quietly, but +immoderately, and the centre of attraction was evidently Mr. Roberts. + +"I have been giving our friends an account of an old army experience," +he said, in explanation to Gracie, "and we have been enjoying a laugh +together over the old memory. You are all acquainted with Miss Dennis, I +think, young gentlemen?" + +Clearly there was no need for any one to introduce Mr. Roberts to the +boys; apparently they knew him now better than they did any of the +others. Yet as Gracie, after shaking hands with each of the guests, +took a vacant seat by Nimble Dick, she was greeted with a confidential +whisper:-- + +"That's a jolly chap as ever I saw; and I never heard anything to beat +the yarn he told us, for cuteness. Who is he?" + +"Why, he is Mr. Evan Roberts, the owner of this house." + +"My eyes!" said Dick, gazing about him in a startled way. "Look here; he +ain't that Roberts from the big store on Fourth Street?" + +"Yes, he is; he is one of the partners in that store." + +Then did Nimble Dick give a low whistle,--suddenly cut short, as the +other boys looked at him,--and sat up straight in his chair, and for at +least a minute was awed; or else was bewildered. If his mind could have +been looked into for a moment something like this might have been seen +there: "And here I am sittin' in one of his chairs, and been laughin' to +kill over his funny story! If this ain't the greatest lark out! I wonder +what they're all after, anyhow!" + +Then the real business of the evening commenced. + +I should like to describe that evening; but it is really worse to +describe than the boys. It was designed to be one of those most +difficult evenings, where every act and almost every word has been +previously arranged, but arranged in such a manner as to appear like an +impromptu effort, the result of merely the happenings of the hour. + +For instance, Mrs. Roberts aimed at nothing less formidable than the +teaching of these boys to read and write; and know as well as ever I +know it, that to frankly own that she was ready and willing to give her +time and patience in so teaching them would be to outwit herself. They +did not belong to the class who can be beguiled into evening schools. +There are such; Mark Calkins would have seized such an opportunity +and rejoiced over it, but these were lower in the scale; they did +not realize their need, and they had what they in ignorance called +"independence"; they were not to be "trapped" by evening schools. +Therefore it required diplomacy; and no people can be more diplomatic, +on occasion, than certain most innocent-looking little women. Mrs. +Roberts had studied her way step by step. + +Therefore it was, that by the most natural passage possible, she led the +way to a discussion of different styles of writing, bringing forth to +aid her a certain old autograph album which had been to many places +of note, among others Chautauqua, and had the names of distinguished +persons, as well as of many who were not distinguished, except for +Christian endurance in consenting to write in an autograph album. Good +writers were talked about and selected, and poor writers were talked +about, and it was said by some one, accidentally of course, that a good +hand was really an accomplishment. + +"It is more than that!" declared Mr. Roberts. "A man's business life +often turns on it. I have myself had to turn away from several otherwise +suitable helpers in our business because they really could not write a +good, clear hand, that could be read without studying." + +"Are you a good writer, Miss Gracie?" + +This remark, coming suddenly to Gracie from her host, almost embarrassed +her, for you are not to suppose that the very words by which these +themes should be introduced had been planned, and it had not occurred to +Gracie that so personal a question might be asked her. But she rallied +quickly. + +"No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not. I write what papa calls a +mincing hand; all jumbled up together, you know, or running into each +other, the letters are, and so difficult to read that papa said when I +came away he hoped I would call on his friend, Dr. Stuart, every day, +and write a letter on his type-writer." + +"What is that?" interrupted Nimble Dick, his face curious. + +"What? A type-writer? Oh, it is a strange little machine used instead of +the pen--at least, a very few people use it. It is quite new, I think, +and must be very curious. I never saw one, but the writing looks just +like print. Dr. Stuart, a pastor in the city, is my papa's friend, and +writes to him on his, and papa reads the letter with great satisfaction, +saying to me, 'There, daughter, that is something like! People who +cannot write well enough for others to read should print.'" + +"They are not so very uncommon, Miss Dennis," explained Dr. Everett, +who saw the eagerness on Nimble Dick's face. "It is a comparatively new +invention, but is being caught up very promptly. I think nearly all +the leading lawyers use them, and those who do not own them are +getting their copying done at the rooms. They are very ingenious little +instruments." + +"Did you say you never saw one?" + +This question from Mr. Roberts to Gracie, and he added:-- + +"Mrs. Roberts, I believe you have never had other than the first glimpse +I showed you in the Parker Building. I have an idea. Suppose I rent one +of the little fellows to interest us? It would be pleasant to look into +it and see how it works. Did none of you ever see one? Well, now, we'll +try for that on next Monday evening. I'll have one sent up to-morrow, +and, Miss Gracie, we'll appoint you showman for the following Monday; so +it is to be hoped that you will employ your leisure in learning how to +manage the creature, and perhaps send your father a readable letter at +the same time." + +Now, as may readily be supposed, all this about machinery had not been +arranged for beforehand, but was a side issue, born of the fact that the +watchful servant of his Master saw an eager look in the eyes of the boy +Dick directly there was anything said that suggested machinery. One +of the great aims of these evenings was to study character, however +developed. + +Having turned his company from the regular channel, Mr. Roberts made +haste to put them skilfully back where they were before:-- + +"Still, it would be a pity to resort to machinery simply because one did +not know how to write well. I would rather set to work to correct the +error. I happen to know one of our number who can write a very enviable +hand. Do you know, Ried, that the letter you wrote me was the first +thing which attracted me to you? I remember I showed the note to one of +our senior partners, who was particularly disturbed by poor writing, and +he said: 'Engage him, Roberts, do! A young man who can write like that +will be a relief.' Mrs. Roberts, I move you that we resolve ourselves at +this moment into a writing-class, to be taught by Mr. Ried. My dear sir, +will you take us in hand?" + +Something of this kind had been planned--at least, it had been planned +that Ried should be asked to do this thing; but he found the actual +asking embarrassing, and struggled with it with flushing cheeks. Gracie +came to his aid:-- + +"I don't know whether I'll take lessons or not. Who wants to expose +one's ignorance? Will you teach? Must we each give a specimen of our +present attainments?" + +Instantly Ried divined the reason for the question. + +"No," he said, eagerly; "oh, no; I should begin with those horrors of +your childhood, pothooks or something of that sort; lines and curves, +you know. There are not many of them after all in our letters, and when +once a person has conquered them it is easy to put them together." + +There was more talk, easy and social. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the doctor, +and Gracie seemed equally interested in the project, and questioned +young Ried, until he assured them that he began to feel like a veritable +professor. Apparently the boys were forgotten. This very fact put them +at their ease, and they listened, interested and amused over the thought +that these ladies and gentlemen wanted to go to school! + +At first I do not think it occurred to one of them that he was included +in the proposal to form an writing-class. + +How was it done? I am not sure that any one of the eager group of +workers could have told you afterward, so excited did they become over +this first scheme. Nobody could remember just what words were said, nor +who said them, nor whether the boys all looked equally startled when +paper and pen were put into each hand. They remembered that some shook +their heads emphatically, and that Nimble Dick spoke plainly: "No you +don't! I can't write any more than a duck can, and I never expect to." +Mrs. Roberts knew that Dirk Colson's dark face turned a fierce red, and +he snapped the offered pen half-way across the table with his indignant +thumb and finger. But of these words and acts nobody apparently took any +notice. The writing began, and the first marks given as copies were +so simple, looked so easy to do, and the attempts of the ladies and +gentlemen fell so far short of what the teacher desired, and were so +unmercifully criticised by him, and the criticisms were so merrily +received by the writers, that at last the whole thing took the form of +a joke to Nimble Dick's mind, and he became possessed with a burning +desire to try. One by one the boys stealthily followed his example; +Alfred taking care to watch eagerly, to commend both Stephen Crowley +and Gracie Dennis in the same breath for some true stroke, and criticise +both Mrs. Roberts and Nimble Dick for not holding the pen aright. + +The entire party became so interested that only Mrs. Roberts knew just +when Dirk Colson stealthily filliped back his pen from the distance to +which it had been rolled, and, sitting upright that he might attract +the less notice, tried his hand on the curve which was giving even Dr. +Everett trouble. + +When the young teacher discovered it he made also another discovery, +which he proclaimed:-- + +"Upon my word, I beg the pardon of each of you, but Colson here has made +the only respectable _R_-curve there is in the company." + +Then if his sister Mart had seen the glow on Dirk's face, I am not sure +that she would have known him. There was a momentary transformation. + +As for Mrs. Roberts, she bowed low over the letter she was carefully +forming, but it was to say in soft whisper heard by one ear alone:-- + +"Thank God!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +"YOURN'S THE WAY!" + + +You are not to suppose, because this first Monday evening (which, by the +way, was concluded with sandwiches and coffee) was a success, pronounced +so by all concerned, that therefore the ones which followed were all +rose-color. + +Fortunately, not one of the workers expected this, and so were brave and +cheerful under drawbacks. + +These were numerous and varied. + +After the first novelty wore off, it took at times only the most trivial +excuses to keep the boys away. Sometimes when they called their conduct +was anything but encouraging. They lolled in the easy-chairs, smelling +strongly of tobacco and other bar-room odors, refused insolently to +apply themselves to any work at hand, audibly pronounced the whole +thing "slow," and in numberless ways severely tried the patience of both +Alfred and Gracie. + +For the others, they had counted the cost,--at least the gentlemen +had,--and expected to move slowly, even to appear to go backward some +of the time. As for Mrs. Roberts, I have told you that she worked in a +peculiar manner, with the motto, "This one thing I do," apparently ever +before her. + +Each evening was distinct in itself, with efforts to make and obstacles +to overcome; and at its close she had a way of laying it aside, as +something with which her part was done, not attempting even to calculate +results; then she was ready to turn to a new day, and work steadily for +that. + +The winter was slipping away and Gracie Dennis lingered. She could +hardly have told you why, yet there were many apparent reasons. Mrs. +Roberts wanted her, rejoiced in her, and coaxed irresistibly as often +as the thought of going home was mentioned. Then Gracie, laugh over the +peculiar work going on as she might, was undeniably interested in those +boys. She was working for them, therefore of course she was interested. + +"I don't see how you can go this week?" would young Ried say to her, +with a perplexed air; "you know we have that matter all planned for next +Monday evening. How can we carry out the scheme if you are not there to +do your part?" + +Then would Gracie laugh and demur and admit, to herself only, that it +was very pleasant to be needed--as she certainly was--for one night +more; and so the nights passed. + +Her work was to be "Professor of Elocution," as Mr. Roberts gaily called +her when the workers were alone together. It had been discovered that +she could read both prose and poetry with effect. So a reading-class was +organized, and they chose for the first evening, not one of Bryant's or +Whittier's gems, nor selections from Milton or Shakespeare, which would +have suited part of the company, nor yet the "Easy Readings" in some +standard spelling-book, which would have fitted the capacity of the +others, but with great care and much discussion, one of Will Carleton's +descriptive poems, full of homely, yet tender language, full of pathos +and of humor, was unanimously selected. + +The first evening reading had been commenced with nuts and apples. There +are those who can see no connection between this and the intellectual; +happily for the characters with whom she had to deal, Mrs. Roberts was +not one of them. While the others were still enjoying the refreshments +she took the book and read. This was her quiet little sacrifice. It was +not pleasant to her to become a public reader. It required courage +to get through with one verse, with Dr. Everett sitting opposite, and +Gracie Dennis on a low seat at her side, and her husband listening +intently. Mrs. Roberts was not a good reader, and was aware of it. She +pronounced the words correctly, it is true; but when you had said that, +you had said all that there was to offer in praise of her effort. She +had some exasperating faults. But she bravely read the two verses, and +some of the boys listened, and one of them laughed; he had caught a +gleam of the fun in the poem. This, of course, was Nimble Dick. + +Then Alfred Ried made the same effort on the same verses; his +performance was very little better, and he, too, knew it. He could +write, but he was by no means a public reader; this was his offering to +the general good. If those fellows, by reason of his mistakes, could +be induced to climb, he was willing to offer his pride on the altar. No +matter by what petty trials they were caught so that they were really +caught. + +Then followed Gracie Dennis, and her own father, acceptable preacher +though he was, might with credit to himself have taken lessons of her. +She was certainly, for one so young and so unprofessional, a magnificent +reader. So indeed was Marion Wilbur, and she had enjoyed teaching +Gracie. + +The poem blossomed in her hand. The crunching of nuts and apples +entirely ceased. The boys sat erect and listened and laughed and flushed +and swallowed suspiciously over some of the homely pathos. They had +never heard anything like that before, and they evidently appreciated +it. She read through to the end. + +Then were unloosed the tongues! They exclaimed in delight:-- + +"What an accomplishment it is!" said Mr. Roberts; "and how few possess +it. Doctor, how many really fine readers have you heard in your life?" + +"About three," said the doctor, laconically. + +"Well," said Mrs. Roberts, "let us all be exceptions. Gracie, teach us +how. I will try again." + +And she did, on the first verse of the poem; with better success than +before; but how sharp the contrast between her reading and Gracie's, she +knew! It was not easy for her to read. + +I don't know, possibly I am mistaken, but it seems to me that I have +known people ready for large sacrifices, who yet would shrink painfully +from these little ones. + +In discussing the programme for the evening, the question had been, when +each had done his part, How were they to influence the boys to join? +_Could_ they join? Was it probable that they knew enough about reading +to attempt to speak the words of the poem? With reference to this +obstacle a poem had been chosen full of simple, homely words, such as +are in common use; especially was the first verse free from what Mr. +Roberts called "shoals." Having heard the verse read several times, it +was hoped that some one of the seven might have courage to attempt it, +but Gracie did not believe that such would be the case. + +"I don't see how we can ask them, and do it naturally," said Dr. +Everett. "It is such an unheard-of thing, you know; and I am afraid, do +our best, it will present itself to them as a patronage, and that will +be fatal. The people who are low enough to need patronage are the very +ones who won't endure it." + +Whereupon various ways of managing the matter were discussed and +discarded; suddenly Mrs. Roberts turned to her young lieutenant, who had +been silent for some time, and said:-- + +"What are you thinking of, Mr. Ried? Do you see a way out?" + +"No," he said; "I have neither knowledge nor skill in such matters, +but my thoughts just then were far away; I was thinking how curiously, +certain apparently trivial instances of one's childhood will stand out +with almost startling prominence." + +"What sent you off in that direction?" questioned Dr. Everett. "There +must have been an association of ideas." + +"Oh, there was; I was thinking how vividly I remembered a discussion +between my mother and my sister, younger than Ester, in regard to some +matter which perplexed them; and when they could come to no satisfactory +conclusion they appealed to my sister Ester, who was resting as usual on +her lounge. I can seem to hear her voice as she said: 'We haven't to do +anything about it until to-morrow; perhaps to-morrow will have a light +of its own for our direction." + +"Thank you!" Mrs. Roberts said, her eyes lighting with an appreciative +smile; "we have not to do anything about this until Monday night, and +perhaps Monday night will see us wise." + +I don't know how many thought of this little conversation when Monday +evening came, but certainly Alfred Ried and Mrs. Roberts did, for +she glanced at him and smiled significantly when Dr. Everett, having +apparently forgotten that anything beyond their own pleasure was in +contemplation, challenged Gracie to a discussion as to the emphasis on +a certain word in the second line; he had never heard it so read, and he +called for an analysis that would sustain the reading, and received it, +and was not yet prepared to yield the point, but read the verse as he +had imagined it should be read, and then Gracie, at Mr. Roberts' call, +repeated it with her rendering, and I am not sure but all parties +concerned actually forgot their final object in the interest of the +discussion until they were suddenly called to it by an interrupting +voice:-- + +"Your'n's the way," it said, with an emphatic nod of a shock of matted +hair, "your'n's the way." + +It was Dirk Colson. He had forgotten for the moment that anybody was +listening to him, save the two readers. He was looking directly at +Gracie, and the nods were evidently intended for her. + +"Of course it is!" she said, eagerly, her face flushing with a triumph +that had nothing to do with the right emphasis; "you read it, won't you, +and show these people that we are right?" + +Afterward Mrs. Roberts confessed that she involuntarily placed her hand +on her heart with a dim idea of hushing its beating lest others would +hear, so important to her did the moment seem. Dr. Everett looked +dismayed. The least hopeful one of the seven seemed Dirk. None of them +knew of his dangerous talent for imitation. None of them believed that +he would make any attempt at reading, but thought he would shrink into +deeper sullenness. All of them were mistaken. He reached for the book, +glanced for a moment over the lines, and then read the verse, with so +complete an imitation of Gracie Dennis, and yet with a voice and manner +that so fitted the homely words and the homely scene described that the +effect was actually better than when Gracie read. + +Instinctively the cultured portion of his audience greeted the effort +with a clapping of hands. The blood, meantime, rolled in dark waves over +Dirk's face. He had been cheered before. None of his present applauders +could imagine what a set had often clapped their hands over his +successful imitations; but Dirk, who liked applause as well as other +human beings do, had never, in his wildest stretches of imagination, +placed himself before such people as listened now and received their +approval. + +Great was the excitement and satisfaction. The six companions, far from +feeling any emotion of jealousy, seemed greatly elated, believing that +one of their number had made a "hit," and increased their importance. + +No one else could be found to attempt the verse. Nimble Dick shook his +head good-naturedly, and declared that he would rather "undertake to run +an engine to Californy" than try it; and the others were of like mind. +Then came Gracie to the front again:-- + +"I'll tell you what you must all do. I have been experimenting with that +type-writer, Mr. Roberts, all the week. You know it will manifold, with +the use of carbon paper, and it chances that when I was seized with a +desire to try its powers in that direction I choose this very verse to +copy; so I have fifteen good copies in print. You must each take a copy +and make this verse a study until next Monday; then I shall challenge +you all to sustain me in my reading." + +This proposition was hailed with such satisfaction by the older members +that it immediately became popular, and each boy received his copy +mechanically and gazed at it curiously: but Dirk Colson's thoughts were +turned in a new channel. + +"Look here!" he said, detaining Gracie by an imperious inclination of +his head, as she handed him the copy; "how did you make these? didn't +you print them fifteen times? I didn't understand what you said." + +"Why no!" said Gracie, "the machine will _manifold_. I'll show you; come +over to the end window; it stands there waiting to be displayed, and it +is a little wonder." + +Then they crowded around the type-writer, and Gracie, really proud +of the skill she had acquired in a week's time, showed off the little +wonder to great advantage. + +The fact that the type-writer was new to most of the others, that they +were decidedly ignorant as to its working, increased the comfort of the +hour by doing away with the embarrassing feeling that any one of +them was playing a part. Dr. Everett was no more familiar with the +type-writer than was Dirk Colson, and was just as eager to know about +it. + +Also everybody, apparently, felt an equally strong desire to write his +name on the marvellous little creature, and each in turn sat down before +it and moved his awkward hands with nearly equal slowness over the keys, +picking out the magic letters. + +It was this episode that made the workers during their next conference +branch out in new lines. + +"We need something," said Dr. Everett, walking up and down the floor +in puzzled thought, "we need something that shall be a genuine +common interest, of which we are all, or all but one, equally +ignorant--something that we can take hold of with zest, on as low a +platform as the most ignorant of those seen. I was convinced of that +when I saw the abandon with which we all went into the type-writer +business, with a naturalness and equality that, in the matter of reading +and writing, it is impossible for us to feel. If the machine were +complicated, so that it would take us each three months or so to master +it, that would do. What can we take up that will place us on a level?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +"WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS." + + +"Well," said Mr. Ried, "we should want to have one of our number not 'on +a level.' How would it do to appoint you, sir, to give us a few lectures +in Hygiene? Popular lectures about air and exercise and ventilation +and bathing, and all sorts of every-day topics, about which people are +ignorant." + +"That's a capital idea, Ried. Those fellows could certainly be benefited +by a little attention to such questions; and I'm sure the rest of us +would like to hear of the principles which govern these important laws. +Such lectures put into popular form are decidedly interesting, I think. +Let us vote for them." This was Mr. Roberts' hearty seconding. + +But the doctor laughed. + +"There is a ludicrous side to it which you do not see," he said. +"Imagine me holding forth on the importance of ventilation, for +instance, to a poor follow who comes from a region where father and +mother, and a horde of children of both sexes and all ages, crowd +together in one room, and that a cellar, where the sun never penetrates +and the air that crawls in through the one small window is reeking with +even more impurities than can be found inside. Or talking about bathing, +to the poor wretches who have no clothing to change, and barely water +enough, by carrying it long distances, to satisfy their most pressing +needs! Still, Ried, I'm not quarrelling with your idea. There is a +sensible side to it; there are things that I could tell even those boys +which might interest them, and would certainly be to their advantage to +know. The subject is one which can be popularized to suit even such an +audience. I'll try for it occasionally if it shall seem best: but it +doesn't meet my demand. I want us all on a platform where we shall start +in equal ignorance and get on together. Of course you are all more or +less familiar with all the facts that I should have to present, and the +boys would know it. They are sharp fellows; it wouldn't take them an +hour to discover that we were fishing for them; and if there is any one +thing on which they are at present determined, it is, probably, that +they will not be benefited. What is there that one of us knows, of which +the others are ignorant? French won't do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted +with that language, I think, and so are you, Ried, are you not?" + +"Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a +native as you do." + +At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She +remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had +understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have +thought of the courtesy of her guest? + +Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face. + +"You are right," he said to the doctor; "we are not enough on a level; +I felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the +type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on +which all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could +turn professor?" + +Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:-- + +"If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I +really don't know what to do." + +The doctor turned to him quickly:-- + +"Out with it, man; if you are master of a profession or a trade or +a theory unknown to the rest of us, you are bound on your honor as a +member of this unique organization to present it." + +At the same moment Mrs. Roberts came to his aid. + +"Oh, Evan, teach us short-hand!" + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts heaved what was intended to appear as a relieved +sigh, and announced that his modesty was preserved. + +Upon this suggestion they seized with eagerness; not one of them knew +anything about phonetic writing save Mr. Roberts, and he was master of +the art. + +"It is the very thing!" the doctor said, with heartiness. "I should like +exceedingly to learn it, and Ried and the ladies may be able to make it +useful in a hundred ways; and as for the seven, if they really master +it, it may be the foundation of a fortune for some of them." + +So, without more ado, it was planned that at the very next Monday +evening the subject should be skilfully presented, its importance and +its fascinations discussed, and the boys be beguiled into taking a first +lesson, sandwiched in between the all-important reading and writing +lessons. + +Alas for plans! On the very next Monday the conspirators, with the +exception of young Ried, were together by seven o'clock. The faint aroma +of coffee floated through the room. A fruit-basket filled with oranges +occupied a conspicuous table, and everything waited for the guests. + +While they waited, instead of enjoying themselves as the four were +certainly capable of doing, they were noticeably restless; listened for +the shuffling of careless feet on the steps, and the sound of uncultured +voices in the hall, and waited expectantly whenever the bell pealed, +only to be obliged to send word to some caller that "Mr. and Mrs. +Roberts were engaged." + +The special occupation of the four seemed to be to look at their watches +and to remark that the doctor's was a trifle fast, and to wonder if +half-past seven would be a more suitable hour for the boys, and to +wonder what could be detaining Ried. + +At last it was half-past seven, and then it was fifteen minutes of +eight, and then it was ten minutes of eight! And then the door-bell rang +again. It was Ried, and he was alone! One glance at his distressed +face told the lookers-on that something was amiss, even before he +exclaimed:-- + +"You won't see a boy to-night!" + +"Why?" "What is the trouble?" "Where are they?" + +These were the various ways of putting the same question. + +"One of the McCullum partners has become interested in the boys, it +seems, and has concluded that he will try what he can do towards their +elevation; so he has commenced by presenting each one of them with a +ticket to the Green Street Theatre, and there they are at this moment!" + +This startling intelligence was variously received. Dr. Everett +exclaimed:-- + +"Is it possible?" + +Gracie Dennis remarked that it was something like what she had expected; +Mrs. Roberts said not a word, and Mr. Roberts added to the astonishment +of the moment by bursting into a laugh. + +Poor Ried seemed to feel the laugh more than anything; his face gathered +into heavier clouds than before, he bit his lip to hold back the vexed +words that were just ready to burst forth, and strode almost angrily to +the further corner of the room. + +An embarrassed silence seemed to fall upon the others. At least Gracie +felt embarrassed; the doctor looked simply expectant. + +At last Mr. Roberts drew himself up from his lounging attitude and broke +into the stillness. + +"Ah, now, good people, don't let us make serious mistakes! Come back +here, my dear young brother, and let us look this thing in the face, and +talk it over calmly. Are we children playing at benevolence that at +the first discouragement we should cry out, 'All is lost!' and retire +vanquished? Come, I laughed because really this does not seem such a +serious matter to me as it seems to present to the rest of you. + +"What did we expect? Here are seven boys, right from the gutters; +somehow we have had them laid on our hearts, and have enlisted to help +fight the battle that is going on about them in this world. Christ died +to save them, and Satan means that the sacrifice shall be in vain. He +is bringing all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied +powers. + +"Here comes into the scene a man benevolently inclined; not a Christian, +but in his way a philanthropist. By accident he has come in contact with +one of the boys; by accident he learns that something--he does not know +quite what--is being attempted to benefit them. Can't you give him the +credit of being honest? The only thing he thinks of that he can do to +help is to give them an evening's entertainment. At one of the decent +theatres there is being presented what seems to be known in their +parlance as a 'moral play!' So he presents each boy with a ticket. Now, +what did we expect of those boys? + +"Last week a lady and two gentleman who have been members of our church +for years, left the regular prayer-meeting, and went to the Philharmonic +concert. + +"Ought we to expect that it would even occur to our seven boys to give +up what to them is a rare treat for the pleasure of spending an evening +with us? As for the moral obligation, they have probably never so much +as heard the words. + +"Isn't it time we knew what we were about? What are we after? It is well +enough to teach the poor fellows to read and write, and to help lift +them up in other ways, but our efforts will amount to very little unless +we succeed in bringing them to the great Lever of human society; unless +Christ take hold of this thing we shall fail. Now, has He taken hold? Is +He, at least, as much interested in them as we are? Is His Holy Spirit +preceding and supplementing all our efforts? And, if this is the case, +is an evening at a theatre going to ruin His plans?" + +Long before these earnest sentences were concluded Ried had returned +from his distant corner, and taken a seat near his employer; his eyes +were full of tears, and his voice trembled:-- + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Roberts; I'm an ignorant blunderer; I did feel +for the moment as though everything were lost." + +"We have begun backwards," said Mr. Roberts; "I was reading to-day that +a mistake the missionaries made for years in trying to _civilize_ the +Greenlanders; and what a perfect failure they made of it until one day +almost by accident, a man began to tell them about Christ on the cross, +and the story melted them. I don't think I have thought enough about Him +in this matter." + +"I stand convicted," Dr. Everett said; "I've made the same mistake, I +believe, in all my efforts for people. I have been praying for them, it +is true; but, after all, I feel now as though there had been too much +relying on human means, and not enough on God. It is a case of 'these +ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.'" + +"Well," said Mr. Roberts, looking at his watch, "we are in the same +condemnation; it is, I believe, the most common, and one of the most +fatal, mistakes that Christian workers make. But there is a way out. We +expected to spend until ten o'clock with those boys. It is nearly nine +now; suppose we spend the next hour with Christ, asking for the power of +the Holy Spirit on any and every effort that we may make for them in the +future? Our ultimate aim is to bring every one of them to Jesus and He +knows it; now if we have gone about in the wrong way, we have only to +ask Him forgiveness and look to Him steadily for guidance. What do you +say, friends, shall we spend the hour in taking them to the only One who +really can afford them lasting help?" + +I suppose that He who "maketh the wrath of man to praise Him" is equally +able to manage the folly of man. Could the injudicious philanthropist +have looked into that room that evening, and heard the prayers that +went up to God for those boys, and understood something of the power +of prayer, he would have had one illustration of how God manages the +foolishness of men. + +It was a very earnest prayer-meeting. These workers had each one bowed +in secret, and with more or less earnestness, asked for God's blessing +on their efforts; but it occurred to them that evening, as a very +strange thing, that they had never unitedly prayed for this before. +Therefore there was an element of confession in all the prayers that +moved Gracie Dennis strangely. Especially was this the case when she +heard her old acquaintance, Flossy, pour out her soul's longings. It +happened, so strange are the customs of Christians, that though this was +the daughter of a minister of the gospel, herself a Christian, she had +never before heard a lady pray in the presence of gentlemen. She had +heard of their doing so; heard them criticised with sharp sarcasm. Some +of the criticisms which had sounded full of keenness and wit when she +heard them, recurred to her at this time, and some way, with Flossy's +low, earnest voice filling her heart, they dwindled into shallowness and +coarseness. All the same, their baneful influence was on her, and +helped to hold her back from opening her lips, for the critic had been +Professor Ellis. + +When the hostess and her young guest were left alone together that +evening, the latter had a question to ask:-- + +"Flossy Shipley!"--the name you will remember which she always went back +to when excited--"I didn't know you believed in praying in _public_! +Have you changed in _everything_?" + +"In public, my dear!" with a quiet smile; "why, I am in my own house!" + +"Oh, yes; but you know what I mean--before gentlemen. Do you really +think it is necessary?" + +"As to that, Gracie, I don't believe I thought anything about it. I +wanted to pray for those boys, and so I prayed." + +"And didn't you really shrink from it at all? How very queer! Flossy, I +do believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been. +I don't see what makes the difference. I'm sure I think I'm a Christian, +but I could never do such a thing as that." + +"Not if you believed it to be your duty?" + +"But I don't believe it," said the fair logician, her face flushing; +"I think it is out of place. I beg your pardon, Flossy, I don't mean I +think it sounded badly in you; but only that for me it would be horrid, +and I couldn't do it." + +"Then what are you talking about, my dear? If you should never consider +it your duty, you would certainly never be called upon to do it." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +"OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!" + + +This very calm view of the question gave Gracie time to recover from +her excitement, and to laugh at her folly. Then Mrs. Roberts said, still +speaking very gently:-- + +"I don't want to argue with you, dear, and I couldn't if I wished; you +know I am a dunce about all such things; but I just want to ask you a +little question; you need not answer me unless you choose; not now, that +is--perhaps some time we may want to talk about it. I would like to know +the reasons that people have for thinking that it is out of place for a +lady to kneel down with her Christian friends and speak to Jesus about a +thing that they unitedly desire, and that they believe He is able to do +for them? If it is not proper to speak before them, why is it proper to +speak _to_ them on the same subject?" + +This question Gracie carried to her room for thought. + +Meantime, as Dr. Everett and young Ried went homeward, they had a talk +together. + +"When I found out that those boys had gone to the theatre to-night I was +completely discouraged," declared Ried. "It seemed to me that our work +was a failure; I could almost see Satan laughing over the success of his +scheme. I never felt so about anything in my life. And now it seems to +me that perhaps the Lord will let it result in being the best thing that +ever happened to us." + +To all of which Dr. Everett made the apparently irrelevant answer:-- + +"Mr. Roberts and his wife are singularly well mated; how perfectly they +fit into each other's thoughts. Ried, you and I have a great deal to +learn from them." + +"I have," said Ried, meekly. + +Yet another bit of talk closed this evening: + +"McCullum has given me an idea," Mr. Roberts said to his wife as they +sat together reviewing the day. "Not a bad one, I fancy. I wonder when +we can act on it and watch results? There are tickets for other places +besides theatres. Why couldn't we furnish them for some entertainment, +lecture, or concert, or something of the sort, that would be really +helpful? The only difficulty is that there are few helpful places as yet +within reach of their capacities. It takes an exceptional genius to hold +such listeners." + +But his wife, her face aglow, clasped her hands in an ecstasy of +delight. + +"What a beautiful thought!" she said; "and how nice that it should come +to you just now, when there will be such a splendid opportunity to +put it in practice. Why, don't you know? Gough, next week, fifty cent +tickets; on temperance, too! how grand! And Evan, let us give them each +two tickets. I want that Dirk Colson to take his sister; perhaps he will +not, but then he may; one can never tell. Oh, Evan, won't it be nice?" + +"Ah!" said Mr. Roberts, "as usual you are ahead of me. I had not thought +of the two tickets apiece. That is a suggestion for their manliness. +Flossy, we'll try it." + +Yet another bit of talk. + +They shambled down the stairs, from the second-rate hall at a late hour +that evening--those seven boys; quiet for them, though the play had been +exciting, and not remarkably moral "viewed" from the standpoint of a +Christian. + +"After all," said Nimble Dick, breaking a silence with speech, as though +the subject of which he spoke had been under discussion among them, +"after all, it was rather sneaking to bolt and say nothing; I kind of +wish we hadn't done it." + +"That's what I told you all along," said Dirk Colson, with even unusual +sullenness, "but you would go and do it, and we was fools enough to +follow you." + +"And I'll bet she had oysters or something!" This from Jerry Tompkins; +you have probably no idea how hungry he was at that moment. + +"They was goin' to do somethin' new to-night; that there Dennis girl +told me so when I met her on the street yesterday; something that we +would like first rate, she said--a brand-new notion." This was Stephen +Crowley's contribution to the general discomfort. + +"Well," said Nimble Dick, and the sigh with which he spoke the word +would have gone to Mrs. Roberts' heart, "I s'pose it's all up now; I +shouldn't wonder if we never got another bid; I wouldn't if I was them, +I know that; and their old theatre wasn't no great shakes, after all. +We've been a pack of fools, and I don't mind owning it." + +Whereupon, having reached the corner, they separated and went glumly to +their homes. And this is gratitude! What a pity Mr. McCullum--who had +been smiling over his benevolence all the evening--could not have heard +them! + +The weeks that followed this night, were crowded with trifles on which +hung important and far-reaching results. This is a very trite saying, I +know. All weeks are crowded with eventful trifles; at least, we in our +blindness call them trifles, although we are constantly discovering +their importance, and being constantly astonished over them. + +Among other things, the seven boys became nine,--having taken to their +companionship two choice spirits, apparently worse than themselves, +and appeared at the South End Mission with all the bravado that boys +of their stamp are apt to put on when they feel somewhat ashamed of +themselves. The consequence was that the trials which Mrs. Roberts had +to endure from them, though a trifle less apparent to others, were not a +whit less distressing than usual. + +But before the session was concluded they were treated to a sensation +that held them in silent astonishment for nearly five minutes. Any +person well acquainted with Alfred Ried could have told that he had a +plan in view, and was trying to carry it in the face of some opposition. +He looked convinced, and Mr. Durant looked astonished and troubled; +there was much low-toned talk between them and some shaking of head. +Apparently, however, Mr. Ried came off victor, for his brow cleared, and +he presently made his way to Mrs. Roberts' side and said a few words, +and must have been gratified by the sudden lighting up of her face and +her eager:-- + +"Oh, what a nice thought! Even if it fails, apparently, it will not +utterly, for the suggestion will help them." + +In the course of time the new idea came to the front. There was to be +a festival, or a social, or an entertainment at the South End in the +course of a few weeks,--a sort of anniversary of the starting of the +Mission. Among other work that was in progress, the decoration of the +room, involving the hanging of pictures, banners, mottoes, wreaths, +etc., required some strong arms and willing hands. Committees were to be +formed. Two weeks before, teachers had been appointed to prepare a +list of committees. It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on +decoration. When he was called upon for his report, he came promptly +forward, like a man ready for action, and commenced:-- + +"A committee of four has been deemed amply sufficient for decoration, +and I appoint for the purpose the following: Richard Bolton, Morris +Burns, Miss Gracie Dennis, and Miss Annie Powell." + +The teachers, who had been long at the Mission, looked from one to +another with a bewildered air. Morris Burns they knew,--a clear-eyed +young Scotchman, with willing hands and feet ever ready to run of +errands for all workers; a boy of nineteen or so, whom everybody liked; +warm-hearted, unselfish, and thoroughly trustworthy. Annie Powell was +one of the older girls in Mr. Durant's Bible-class; a sweet-faced, +ladylike little factory girl, who would work in with Morris Burns +nicely. Miss Gracie Dennis was Mrs. Roberts' beautiful young friend; all +the teachers knew her, and all thought it very kind in her to throw her +strength and taste into the preparations as heartily as though she +were one of them. But who was Richard Bolton? Nobody knew. Yet their +knowledge of business etiquette told them that he was chairman of the +Decoration Committee. Where was he? Not a teacher, certainly, for they +were intimately acquainted with one another; and they knew no such name +in the one Bible-class made up of trustworthy helpers. + +Over in Mrs. Roberts' class, with the single exception of the teacher, +there was equal ignorance; the nine boys had stopped their restless +mischief to listen, because there is a sort of fascination to boys +in all the details of well-managed business; they liked to hear the +appointments; but who Richard Bolton might be seemed not to occur to one +of them. It is true that Jerry Tompkins nudged Nimble Dick in anything +but a quiet way with his elbow, and murmured, "You've got a namesake it +seem, in this 'ere job." Yet no light dawned on them. + +Mr. Durant, who, it is possible, has not appeared to you in a favorable +light, for the reason that he was being much perplexed by the entirely +new methods being introduced among the boys who had heretofore driven +him to the very verge of desperation, was really a quickwitted man, and +having succumbed to what he feared was a wild experiment, knew how to +help carry it out properly. He came briskly to the front,--Alfred's +committee being the last on the list,--and began his work. + +"The chairmen of these different committees will be kind enough to +report to me as rapidly as possible the time and place of their first +meeting for consultation, and I will make the announcements." Then he +stepped to Mrs. Roberts' class. "Bolton," he said, bending toward that +astonished scamp, and speaking as though this were an every-day affair, +"you are chairman, I believe, of the Decoration Committee; where and +when will you have them meet?" + +Imagine Nimble Dick's eyes! Nay, imagine the eyes and faces of the +entire nine! It would have been a study for an artist. + +For a moment Nimble Dick was speechless; then he managed to burst forth +with:-- + +"What in thunder are you talking about?" + +"Your committee," said Mr. Durant, politely ignoring the manner of the +questioner. "You must call them together, you know, to plan your work. +Where shall it be, and when?" + +"I ain't got no committee; and I ain't got no place to meet nobody; and +I don't know what in thunder you're after." + +Then came Mrs. Roberts to the rescue:-- + +"Why, Mr. Bolton, you can meet at our society parlor, you know; it is +the very place, and will be so convenient for Miss Dennis." + +"What's to meet, and what's to do?" said Dick, defiantly. "I ain't going +to meet nobody." + +"Why, it is just to hang mottoes and banners, and trim the room for the +Anniversary. Of course you'll help; I would have the meeting arranged +there by all means." + +"Very well," said Mr. Durant, quickly, as though he had received the +answer from the chairman himself. "Now as to time; you ought to come +together to-morrow evening if you could; there is a good deal to do." + +"Mr. Bolton, couldn't you come up at six o'clock for once? Then you +could get your work all done before the time for our social. I can +arrange for Annie Powell to be there at that time; and, Mr. Durant, +doesn't Morris Burns work for you? Could he be present at six o'clock? +Then I don't see but your meeting is nicely planned. You can be there at +six, can't you, Mr. Bolton?" + +"I tell you I don't know nothin' what you are talking about." + +Nimble Dick, who was rarely anything but good-natured, was surprised by +the bewilderments of the situation into being almost as fierce as Dirk +Colson was habitually; the gaping amazement of his boon companions +seeming to add to his irritation. + +"But you will," said his teacher, cheerily. "It is an easy matter to +explain; Miss Dennis knows all about such things; and I'm going to help, +though they haven't honored me with an appointment." + +At a sign from the lady, Mr. Durant stepped back to his platform and +announced:-- + +"The chairman of the Committee on Decoration desires me to say that +his committee is called together to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's +Social Parlors, No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street, at six o'clock, _sharp_, +as the chairman has another engagement at seven." + +"I had to coin a name for the place of meeting," he said to Mrs. Roberts +afterwards. "I beg your pardon if it was wrong; but Ried has been giving +me glowing accounts of that room, and you said something about its being +a social parlor, didn't you?" + +"It is a good name," said Mrs. Roberts. "We have awkwardly called it the +'new room.' I am glad it is christened. I will have some curtains hung +through the centre to-morrow, to make parlors instead of parlor of it; I +can see how a second room can be made useful in several ways." + +Thus was the bewildering committee willed into existence; the chairman +thereof being still so dumbfounded with his position that he did not +rouse until the laughing boys, by whom he was surrounded, began to take +in some of the fun of the situation, and to assault him right and left +with mock congratulations, ill-suppressed groans, hisses, and the like. +Then he turned towards them with new-born dignity that would have fitted +Dirk Colson, and said:-- + +"If you fellows don't shut up, and behave yourselves something like +decent for the rest of the time, I'll chaw half a dozen of you into +mincemeat as soon as we are out of this!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +"HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE?" + + +Dr. Everett was driving rapidly through the city; at least, as rapidly +as the crowded character of the street would permit. He was out on +professional duty, and had just been congratulating himself that his +regular calls were now made for the day, and unless something special +intervened he should have a couple of hours free for the alleys. + +That meant professional duty, too, and of the very hardest character, +one would suppose, as it brought him in contact not only with sickness +in some of its most repulsive forms, but with abject poverty as well, +and too often with loathsome forms of sin; yet he went about this +work with a zest that his regular practice did not furnish. This +was something done solely for Jesus' sake, and with an eye that was +manifestly single to His glory. + +He had already selected his alley, and was planning how, when his horses +were safely stabled, he could make a cross-cut to it, when his eyes were +held by two persons who were ascending together the stairway that led +to one of the public halls. His face darkened as he watched them. +Apparently they were engrossed with each other, and took no notice of +him; but there were reasons why he specially desired to keep them in +view. A network of carriages and wagons such as is common to crowded +thoroughfares blocked his path just then, and prolonged his opportunity +to watch the two. + +They made their way in a very leisurely manner up the long staircase, +letting others, more in haste, pass them continually; yet presently they +joined the group who were passing up tickets of entrance. + +The doctor signalled a policeman, and entered into conversation:-- + +"What is going on in Seltzer Hall?" + +"Well, sir, there's a kind of a concert, I guess. They play on goblets, +they say--just common glass goblets--and make fine music." + +"An afternoon entertainment?" + +"Yes, sir, as a kind of introduction, you know; they expect to get a +crowd for evening by the means." + +"Do you know where tickets are to be had?" + +The policeman indicated a bookstore at his left by a gesture from his +thumb, and said, "Right here," and offered to secure some at once. He +knew Dr. Everett; many of the policemen did. + +His offer was accepted with thanks, and the doctor presently wound his +way out from the network with two green tickets in his pocket. His plans +for the afternoon had been suddenly changed. Instead of spending the +time in Sewell alley, he had decided to attend a musical exhibition, the +instruments being goblets! + +He must make all speed now, so he left the crowded street and dodged +through several byways to the stables. + +No use to keep his horses. "She would be afraid to drive through such +crowds," he explained to himself, "and I should be afraid to leave the +carriage standing." + +Rushing out from the stables he caught just the right street-car, and in +a short space of time was ringing at Mr. Roberts' door. + +Gracie Dennis was in the hall, dressed for the street. + +"Ah," said the doctor, "I am either fortunate or unfortunate, I wonder +which? I had set my heart on having you for a companion to what I fancy +may be a unique entertainment. Is there another engagement in the way? I +know this is a most unconventional method, but a doctor is never sure of +his time." + +But Gracie Dennis felt too well acquainted with Dr. Everett, and was too +young and ready for enjoyment to be disturbed about conventionality. She +merrily declared her willingness to be taken to whatever entertainment +the doctor had to propose. Mrs. Roberts was out with her husband on +business connected with church matters, and she had only intended to +walk a square or two for her health. + +On the way the doctor was distrait, Gracie having most of the talking +to do herself. The truth was, he was trying to recall the faces of the +people he had seen crowding into the hall, to make sure that he was +not taking Gracie among people whom he would not care to have her meet. +Apparently the couple whose movements had changed all his afternoon +plans were not a sufficient guarantee of respectability. However, his +face cleared as he recalled one and another, as being in the crowd +seeking admission; they might not be of the class with whom Gracie was +accustomed to mingle, but they were respectable people. + +Gracie was in a merry mood. She understood enough of the doctor's busy +life to feel sure that this sudden resolve to be entertained was quite +out of his ordinary line, and that of itself served to mark the hour as +exceptional. + +"He feels the need of a little every-day fun," she told herself, "and +I'll help him to have it if I can. Poor man! it must be doleful to go +among sick and dying people all the time." + +They were late at the hall; the concert was well under way; but there +were plenty of vacant seats. Dr. Everett swept his eye over the room; +then indicated to the usher just which seat he would have. It was one +which commanded a view of the young man and woman who seemed to have +such a mysterious influence over his plans. + +He was relieved to find quite early in the entertainment that it really +was unique, and, in its way, well worth hearing. Had the surroundings +been agreeable he could easily have given himself up to enjoyment. +However, they had been seated but a few moments, when he saw by Gracie's +startled eyes that she had seen and recognized at least one of the +couple at their left. Professor Ellis, in his usual faultless attire, +lounged gracefully on the seat in such a manner that his side-face was +distinct; he rested a well-shaped arm on the back of the seat next +him, and his delicately gloved hand almost, if not quite, touched the +shoulder of his companion. + +Both he and the lady at his side gave extremely little attention to the +entertainment in progress. Apparently they had come thither for purposes +of conversation. They kept up a continuous murmur of talk, interspersed +at intervals with rippling laughter, and really seemed so entirely +absorbed in each other as to have at times forgotten that the hall was +public, and that the attention of many was being turned toward them. +The girl was pretty, extremely so, with an entirely different style of +beauty from Gracie Dennis; and a certain indescribable something in her +face and manner would have told even the most casual observer that she +moved in a different circle. It was not her dress, unless that was a +little too pronounced for the place and hour; but quite young ladies in +good society sometimes make a similar mistake. + +Neither was her manner objectionable to the degree that you could have +pointed to any one thing as offensive; yet you would have been sure, had +you watched her, that she was without the pale of what we call society. + +Gracie Dennis watched her with a kind of fascination;--becoming at last +so absorbed with the watching, and the apparently troubled thoughts +which grew out of it, that she gave but slight attention to Dr. +Everett's occasional remarks, nor seemed to observe that at last he +lapsed into total silence. + +Once, during the hour, the young woman glanced casually in their +direction, and the careless nod, and free and easy smile with she +acknowledged Dr. Everett's presence, drew a startled glance from Gracie +to rest on him for a moment. + +"Now I wish I had my horses," the doctor said, as at last they made +their way down the aisle. "I have a mile's drive up town to take, and I +think the exercise might be good for you." + +Gracie caught at the suggestion, and begged to be allowed to remain in +the bookstore below while he went for the horses. + +"I want a ride, and I want to talk with you," she said, simply. + +As this was precisely what he wanted, he went for the horses without +more delay. + +Meantime, Gracie, in one of the windows of the bookstore, was supposed +to be employed in examining a late book, but in reality gave much +attention to the couple who were crossing the street, or rather waiting +for an opportunity to do so. + +They seemed in no haste, but were conspicuous, even in the crowded +street, for their interest in each other. More than one policeman +regarded them narrowly, as Professor Ellis stood with head bent toward +the lady, engaged in eager and animated conversation. It was just the +attitude of absorbed interest with which he had so often listened to +Gracie; not on the street, it is true, but in some crowded parlor, and +it had flattered her. It made her frown to-day. They were starting now +to make the disagreeable crossing. He had taken his companion's hand, +preparatory to a leap over a muddy curbing; but Gracie could see that +there was a pressure of it that was unnecessary, and, for the street, +peculiar; his face, too, was distinctly visible, and the expression on +it was what Gracie had seen before, but certainly she supposed no other +person had. + +Altogether it was probably well for Professor Ellis' peace of mind that +he did not turn at that moment, and get a glimpse of the young lady in +the bookstore. Instead he took his lady away, and they were lost in the +crowd. + +Dr. Everett, making all haste with his horses, had still time for +anxious thought. Had his experiment been too severe on Gracie? Was it +possible that her interest in the man was such that the afternoon's +experience had been mixed with pain as well as with disgust? He could +not believe it possible that the pure-hearted young girl cared for such +a man as Professor Ellis! Yet there had been a look on her face when she +saw those two which startled and hurt him. + +When fairly seated in his carriage he did not speak until they had +threaded the maze of wagons and reached clear ground. Even then he only +said, "Now for speed," and gave the horses their desire, until crowds +and business were left behind, and they were driving down a broad +avenue, lined on either side with stately yet quiet-looking homes. +Then he drew rein, and obliged the horses to walk; he had by this time +resolved on probing the wound, if there was one. + +"I wish I knew just how much of a villain that man is." These were the +somewhat startling words which broke his silence. + +"What man?" Yet the very tones of Gracie's voice indicated that she knew +of whom he was speaking. + +"That man, Ellis! Professor, I think he is called. I have reason to +be very suspicious of him. By the way, Miss Gracie, I think he is an +acquaintance of yours. Have you confidence in him?" + +How promptly and indignantly such a question would have received an +affirmative answer two months before! What should she say now? + +"In what respect?" she faltered, more for the purpose of gaining time +than because she did not understand the question. + +"Well, in any respect I am almost prepared to say. I have not the honor +of the man's acquaintance; but whatever I hear about him, or see in +him, I dislike and distrust. Just at present his ways are specially +disturbing. You noticed him this afternoon, I think! The young girl in +his company belongs to my Sabbath-school. I have a deep interest in her, +partly because she is the sort of girl who is always more or less +in danger in this wicked world, and partly because she is capable of +strongly influencing another, who is a special _protg_ of mine." + +"Who is the girl?" Gracie's manner was abrupt, and her voice +constrained. It was evident that she was making great effort to control +herself, and appear indifferent to all parties. + +The doctor took no notice of her constraint. + +"Her name is Mason. Hester Mason. She attends the Packard Place +Sabbath-school, which you know I superintend. She is motherless, and +worse than fatherless; is a clerk in one of the Fourth Avenue stores, +and is, or was, inclined to be what is called gay. I do not know that +that term conveys any special meaning to you; in young men I think they +call the same line of conduct 'fast.' I hope and believe that you would +not well understand either term; yet, I think, possibly, that watching +her this afternoon in a public hall will give you some conception of the +stretch that there is between yourself and her." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +"SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN." + + +Had Dr. Everett desired in a few words to show Gracie the gulf between +herself and the man who had been the girl's companion for the afternoon, +perhaps he could not have formed his sentence better. + +She shivered visibly, and the doctor drew the carriage-wraps more +carefully about her, while he continued:-- + +"I would not want to give you a wrong estimate of Hester Mason, nor lead +you to imagine for a moment that I believe a girl who serves behind a +counter cannot be a true lady. I wanted, rather, to explain to you +that her opportunities had been limited. She means to be a good girl, +I think: in fact, I may say I have the utmost confidence in her +intentions. She is not a Christian, but a few weeks ago I had her name +on my note-book as one who was almost persuaded, She has been +fighting the question of personal religion for some time,--her special +stumbling-block being that she is quick-witted, and has quite a clear +idea of how Christians ought to live, and can find very few who seem to +her to be living what they profess. However, as I say, I have been very +hopeful of her until within a few weeks, when she came in contact +with this man, and I tremble for the result. He is constant in his +attentions, and she is evidently flattered and dazed." + +"How long has he known her? How did he become acquainted?" Abrupt +questions still, asked in that curiously repressed voice. + +The doctor's face was growing very grave and stern. He feared that there +was a real wound here. + +"Inadvertently, Miss Dennis, it seems that both you and I are to blame, +or, at least, are involved in the acquaintance. Do you remember a little +incident which occurred in a streetcar some six weeks ago? A young +woman, in leaving the car, dropped a package, which you noticing, called +our attention to, and pointed out the person crossing the street, and +Professor Ellis announced his willingness to overtake her and return the +package, as he was about to leave the car. Miss Mason was the person in +question, and Professor Ellis presumed on that very slight introduction +to cultivate an acquaintance. I have learned that he quoted my name in +connection with the incident, and since that day has been on terms of +exceeding intimacy with Hester." + +Gracie was surprised out of her reserve. + +"I remember the incident perfectly: but the girl I saw this afternoon +cannot be the one who was on the car." + +"Yes; she was in holiday attire to-day, and in her working garb when +you saw her momentarily on the car. I remember a feeling of regret that +Professor Ellis should have so promptly volunteered to do your errand: +yet I did not know what I dreaded. I simply shrank from the man, and +wanted others to do so." + +"Dr. Everett, what is his motive in showing her attention?" + +"I wish I knew. I can tell you what I greatly fear: That it is to play +with the human heart; to see to what extent he can gain power over it. +And in this case certainly it is a most cruel thing. The girl has no +friends, no father or mother to advise with or help her. She is bright +and pretty, and is being shown glimpses of a world that seems to her +like fairyland. She is dazzled, and one cannot blame her, for she has +neither carefully-formed judgment nor trustworthy friends to lean upon. +Miss Dennis, you can judge from her manner this afternoon what is her +knowledge of the customs of polite society. I do not think she has +an idea that she was conspicuous, save for her beauty and the fine +appearance of her attendant. She is not one to shrink from what she +would consider legitimate public admiration, and this you can see but +adds to her danger." + +"But, Dr. Everett, you do not think,--you cannot mean that he intends to +pay her special attention; that he means anything beyond the desire to +give her a little pleasure?" + +"Well," said the doctor, speaking slowly, but with firmness, "you may +judge, Miss Dennis, what I think,--what any honorable person thinks,--of +a man who bestows in public the sort of attentions which we saw this +afternoon, You would have been insulted by them. The only reason that +this poor girl was not, is because she does not know any better. + +"Did you observe the flashing of a peculiarly set ring on her finger? I +have reason to fear that it belongs to him and that she believes herself +specially honored in being asked to wear it." + +Poor Gracie's cheeks were flaming now. She had not observed the ring, +but she knew it well, and for one brief evening had worn it herself, and +then had returned it to the owner with the assurance that she could not +bring herself to wear it without her father's consent. She remembered +what a wound she had felt herself bestowing when he had looked at her +with those expressive, reproachful eyes, and replied that if she felt +toward him as he did to her, she would not allow even a _father_ to come +between them. And he had actually given that ring into the keeping of +this girl! + +They rode on in silence, the doctor giving a hint to the horses that +they might go as fast as they chose. He was in great doubt and pain of +heart. Could it be possible that this carefully-shielded young girl +was caught in the toils of a man whom he believed to be an unprincipled +villain? + +If so, had he been unnecessarily cruel in his revelations? Ought he to +take her home, or drive further, and give her time to recover herself? + +Could he have understood what was passing in her mind he would have +known better what next to say. The simple truth was this: Before she +came to Mrs. Roberts' the child had believed herself to be a martyr to +the unreasonable prejudices of her stepmother. She had been led to feel +that her father had turned against her, solely because of his wife's +influence over him, and that the wife was piqued because Professor Ellis +had not paid her sufficient attention in the days of her maidenhood. +This, the professor had succeeded in teaching Gracie to feel, was +the sole charge against him. He was, therefore, an ill-used man, and +therefore her heart went out towards him in sympathy. + +It had not been at first a stronger feeling than this; but flattered +by his attentions, so much more marked and polished than had ever been +offered to the young girl before, she had taught herself to believe +that, but for her father's bitterness, she could be to Professor Ellis +what he delicately and vaguely assured her no one else could, and fill +a place that hitherto in his lonely life had been left void. She had not +engaged herself to him; indeed, he had never, in actual words, asked +her to do so; but to the young and innocent and well-trained there is a +language which speaks as clearly as words, and is held as sacred. + +Gracie had allowed herself to be looked upon as one who was held by +_others_ from being more to Professor Ellis than she was; who might +always, perhaps, be held back,--for she had resolved in her own sad +heart that she would never marry against her father's consent, no, not +if she were twice of age. + +Of late, strange reflections had come to her. She had measured +Professor Ellis with other men, Christian men, and he had appeared at +a disadvantage. Also she had measured herself by the side of other +Christian workers, and herself had appeared at a disadvantage. A vague +unrest and dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on +her. Moreover, she was growing interested in those boys, as she had not +believed that it would be possible for her to be interested when she +first saw them. She began to believe that some of them, at least, +would be saved. She wanted to help save them, and to help others. Her +martyrdom dwindled rapidly into insignificance, until there would pass +entire days in which she did not once remember that she as an unhappy +girl. + +At last, but a week or two before this afternoon, she had taken her +affairs in hand, and tried to look steadily at them. The result of her +hours of thought and prayer was that she was bound to Professor Ellis. +That is, provided there should come a time in the dim and distant future +when her father should give his consent, it would be her duty and her +pleasure, because of what had passed between them, to marry him. Still, +she began to feel less amazed at her father's opinion of him, less angry +about it. She began to say to herself, softly and pitifully: "Poor, +lonely man! he has no one to be his friend. He is not a Christian, and +that is what makes so great a difference between him and others. It is +that which papa misses, but I must not desert him; I must pray for him +all the time, and work for his conversion; then he will grow to be the +sort of man whom papa can like, and everything will be right." And while +she said it, she was dimly conscious of a feeling of satisfaction over +the thought that she was very young, and that it would be a long, +_long_ time yet before anything could be settled; and that, meantime, +it certainly was not right for her to have anything to do with Professor +Ellis, only to pray for him; and that perhaps her father would allow +her to carry out a project that was under delightful discussion in the +Roberts family, namely, to remain in the city as a pupil in the famous +Green Lawn School. And she did not know, foolish little thing, that so +far even as her heart was concerned everything was wrong. + +Perhaps it would be difficult for me to explain to you--that is, if you +do not understand without explanation--what a turmoil she was thrown +into by this afternoon's experience. She was far from realizing as yet +that the uppermost feeling even now was not wounded love, but wounded +pride; of what poor stuff she had been making a hero! Nothing had ever +opened her eyes like this before. Was it possible that she had spent +entire evenings with a man who stooped to set in unpleasant, even +suspicious light, not his own character only, but that of an ignorant +young girl? + +It would not do to plead a lack of knowledge in excuse for him; he might +be ignorant of the ways of the Christian world, but no one understood +better the rules which governed society. During part of the afternoon +she had been very angry with the girl, but after listening to Dr. +Everett it began to dawn upon her that her friend had been playing +with the ignorance of a girl who probably trusted him fully. You are +to understand that Gracie Dennis was the sort of girl who would be +made very angry by such a suspicion. The glow on her cheeks was not all +caused by the fresh air of the spring day. + +"Dr. Everett," she said at last, breaking the silence, "what do you +think he means by asking the girl to wear that ring, or by letting her +wear it? Does he--do you suppose that he has engaged himself to her?" + +"I wish I knew what he meant!" Dr. Everett said again, a surge of +indignation rushing over him. "If he really meant anything so honorable +as that, it would be bad enough business for poor Hester; but, as I +said, I distrust the man utterly; and from my experience with the +world I have reason. From your knowledge of him, Miss Dennis, could you +suppose him to be honest and earnest in his attentions to that girl?" + +It was a very plain question. It meant more to Dr. Everett than even +Gracie saw, but she saw enough to know that she was admitting an +intimacy that made her blush; however, she answered steadily,-- + +"No, I cannot think that he is honest or honorable." + +"So I fear. Witness this afternoon. Gentlemen do not parade their +friendships before the public gaze, and that man knows it." + +The doctor's voice was _very_ stern. He was sure now that there was +a wound, and that it was being probed; he believed in making thorough +work, even with wounds; there would be more hope of genuine healing +afterward. + +Gracie's next question--if her companion had but known it--was a +singular one: "Why have not people who are her friends warned her +against him, and held her back from making such a false step, if she +does it in ignorance?" + +Oh, Gracie Dennis! How are warnings sometimes received, even by +carefully-trained girls, who have every reason to trust the love that +would shield them? + +"Some people are very hard to warn," said the doctor. "I have tried it, +and I have a friend who has tried to help her; but the poor girl, you +must remember, has not been brought up in a Christian atmosphere--has +never had a Christian friend who came with the authority of +relationship. If she had a good father the way would be made so plain. +As it is, can't you see how naturally she distrusts the rest of us, in +favor of the man who makes special professions of friendship? I am not +surprised at Hester, I am only sorry for her." + +Had the doctor been carefully informed as to all the circumstances +connected with Gracie's intimacy with the professor, he could not have +chosen words which would have touched her conscience more. Had not her +good father tenderly and patiently warned her? and had she not chosen to +blind her eyes to all his words, and believe rather in Professor Ellis +than in him? + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +"PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD." + + +"I must call at this house," the doctor said, suddenly drawing rein +before a quiet little house at the foot of a wide lawn. "The gatekeeper +of this American castle has a sick child whom I have promised to see. +Can you hold the horses, Miss Dennis, or shall I tie them? This is a +quiet spot, and they are gentle." + +"I am not afraid of anything," Gracie said, eyes aglow as well as +cheeks. And the doctor went into the house wondering whether Professor +Ellis, if he could see her now, would not be afraid of her. + +Once inside he gave a start of surprise, almost of dismay, for the +face which appeared at the open door of the sick-room belonged to Joy +Saunders. + +"You here?" he said, trying to control the disturbed element in his +voice. + +She answered quietly:-- + +"I came out by street-car. Did you drive?" + +"Yes,"' he said, abruptly, "but I am not alone. How is the child?" +and he went forward at once to his professional duties, leaving her to +wonder over his manner. + +It was peculiar, certainly. Joy Saunders was used to abruptness +from this man, but there was a quality in it to-day that she did not +recognize. She went and looked out of the window, and saw Gracie Dennis +holding the horses, saw her red, red cheeks, and flashing eyes, and the +peculiar, haughty poise of her head, with which the stepmother at home +was well acquainted. + +She did not know this Gracie Dennis save by reputation. Once Dr. Everett +had asked her to call at Mrs. Roberts', and had made her feel as though +she were foolishly conventional in declining to do so. "How is she ever +to know you, according to the rules which trammel society? There ought +to be some way arranged for Christians to be free from trammels." This +had been his comment; but he had not asked her again, and she had never +met Mrs. Roberts, nor yet Gracie Dennis. Yet she knew her very well, and +had watched her often as she passed. She knew instantly who she was now, +as she sat there in her haughty beauty, checking with determined hand +the impatience of those horses. Oh, she knew more than this! It was +very apparent now why Dr. Everett was peculiarly abrupt, and--well, +yes--embarrassed. She had almost thought that was the name of the +feeling, only it had seemed so absurd. And then Joy Saunders held +her meek little head high, and told herself that he need not fear her +presence; she could go as she had come, in the street-car. + +The doctor came towards her now, speaking rapidly, as usual:-- + +"Joy, the child is very sick. There ought to be an experienced person +here to-night. Not you; I am sorry you came up. Do you think your +mother would come? Will you ride down with me? I have Miss Dennis in the +carriage, but it is quite large enough for three, you know." + +Then Joy had turned away her head, holding it high, and said:-- + +"No, thank you; I am going down in the street-car." + +And that blundering doctor drew on his gloves, saying to himself, "I +don't know but that is best," and went out, only waiting to say to +Joy:-- + +"Will you ask your mother about it? I will see her as soon as I can get +around. I wish you would go directly home from here--will you?" + +Then he lifted his hat to her, and sprang into his carriage and rode +away with Gracie Dennis; and Joy Saunders waited for the next yellow +car, and climbed into it, and told herself all the way down town that +she wished she had stayed at the little house and watched all night by +the sick child. + +The thoughts that Dr. Everett had given to the entire matter were few. +They ran somewhat after this fashion:-- + +"Joy here! and I'm afraid of the fever, from all I have heard. I shall +take her home as soon as possible. How will that poor little girl in the +carriage manage with a new acquaintance just now, I wonder? + +"I am afraid it will be quite a strain. Still, I can do the talking, +and let her be quiet. The main point is that I hoped she might have a +suggestion to make about Hester. If she could rouse herself to try to +save that girl it would be the best thing she could do. If she only knew +it, Joy is the one who could help her in that direction or any other." + +As they dashed down the avenue, he was still occupied in wishing that he +had urged Joy to ride, and thus forced an acquaintance between her and +the pretty girl at his side. He was not very patient with what he called +the "trammels" of society. When there were two people so fitted to enjoy +and help one another, as were Joy Saunders and Gracie Dennis, he held it +to be a waste in Christian economy that they should not know each other. + +Too much occupied with his thoughts and his driving to give heed to +passers-by, he lost the careful bow that young Ried had for them as they +drew near the city's whirl again. Gracie did not; she returned it, with +a slightly-heightened color in her cheeks, and wondered if that young +man knew Professor Ellis, and what he thought of him, and what he +thought of her for being acquainted with him. + +Sometimes it seems to me a real pity that on occasion there could not +be some way of looking into one another's thoughts. So many +misunderstandings might thus be saved. For instance, there was Ried, who +went on his way with a clouded brow. Where had Dr. Everett been? and why +was Gracie Dennis with him? Was it probable that he had been riding for +pleasure? The bare suggestion astonished the young man. He found that +he had never before given room to the thought that Dr. Everett took time +for pleasure! Allowing this to be the case, why had he not taken Joy +Saunders with him? Such a proceeding would have seemed altogether +natural, though the honest-hearted young fellow admitted to himself +that, had he been taking a ride for pleasure, the companion of his +choice would not have been Joy Saunders. It was certainly a bewildering +world. So trying did young Ried find his thoughts on that evening that +he actually set himself deliberately to learn whether the ride was the +result of chance or design. The consequence was that he learned not only +of the ride, but of the afternoon entertainment at Seltzer Hall, with +glass goblets for instruments. This increased his astonishment, and did +not lessen the gloom on his face. + +But the two in the carriage, unconscious of the gloomy young man, or of +the sad-hearted young girl riding in a street-car, were almost silent +during the homeward ride, until just as they turned into the avenue that +led to Mr. Roberts' door. Then Grace said:-- + +"Dr. Everett, I should like to know that girl. There are some things +that I ought to say to her, and if I had a chance I would try to say +them in a way to help her." + +"I will manage it," said Dr. Everett, speaking in a quick, relieved +tone. He felt encouraged for Hester now, and greatly relieved about +Gracie. She might be wounded, but she was made of the material of which +he had hoped. She was not going to die herself, nor fold her hands and +see others ruined, merely because she had been deceived. + +He bade her a cheery "Good afternoon!" and drove away, feeling that, +although he had been obliged to give up Sewell Alley, good work had been +accomplished. He believed now that he understood the situation. + +He was right about one thing: Gracie Dennis had not the slightest idea +of dying. Her mood was better expressed, half an hour later, when she +stood at the parlor window, and returned a low, lingering bow from +Professor Ellis, with a haughty stare from flashing eyes, looking out +from an erect and motionless head. + + * * * * * + +Dirk Colson's brain was in a whirl. He had an important question to +settle. In his pocket were two blue tickets, promising to admit him to +the largest and finest hall in the city to hear the great temperance +orator. Dirk knew very little about orators, but he had heard of John +B. Gough, and everything he had heard made him wish to have a glimpse of +him. You will remember that Dirk was an imitator. He had heard that Mr. +Gough was also, and down deep in his heart the boy had an ambition to +hear the man. Now was his unexpected opportunity. Of course, he was +going, but the perplexing thing was, what to do with that other ticket. + +There was Mart? Oh, yes, to be sure, he had not forgotten her; but what +a strange thing it would be to take her to a lecture! He had never taken +her anywhere in his life. She had nothing to wear, though he remembered +at that moment that the mother had, by earnest effort, succeeded in +getting her shawl out of pawn. + +There was one incentive for taking her; it would please Mrs. Roberts. +Dirk studied the thing for some time, to try to discover why she should +care, and had finally given up the problem as too great for him. Yet he +was sure she cared; there had been a wistful light in her eyes when she +said, "I thought possibly you might like to take that sister with the +golden hair," that he saw and interpreted. It took him three days to +decide what he should say, supposing he made up his mind to ask her. + +Several people were at work helping him, though he knew nothing about +that. Mrs. Roberts remarked one evening to young Ried that she wished +she knew a way to induce Dirk Colson to take his sister, without +actually asking him to do so. She fancied that, besides the advantage +which might possibly directly follow an evening spent in that way, it +would suggest new thoughts to the brother. + +The young man caught at the suggestion, and wanted to help carry it +out. It was not an easy thing to do. He had not grown intimate with Dirk +Colson; in fact, that misguided young fellow rather resented any attempt +at intimacy. He was, however, acquainted with Sallie Calkins; the +numerous trips he had made to their room during Mark's illness had +brought him into such constant and pleasant contact with Sallie and her +brother that they looked upon him as a tried friend. Sallie, he knew, +was a friend of the shy, golden-haired sister. So one evening he went +to call at the Calkins room, with a vague hope of helping indirectly in +bringing to pass Mrs. Roberts' desires. + +To Sallie he made known the wish that Dirk would take his sister to +the lecture, and secured from her a promise to help the scheme along, +provided it developed. + +After he went away, Sallie sat long at her sewing, making all alone, +by a dim light, one of the most heroic little sacrifices that was ever +offered "in His name." To fully understand it, you must know that Mark +Calkins had recovered sufficiently to take his place in the office where +Dr. Everett had secured him an opening, and an employment that would +enable him to sit, most of the time, thereby giving his injured limb +a chance to rest. Also, Mark had been admitted to the Monday evening +gatherings, and was distinguishing himself there by his skill in reading +and writing. Of course, he had received two tickets, and equally of +course, being the boy he was, he had planned to take Sallie with him to +the lecture. Great was Sallie's prospective pleasure! The event of her +lifetime it was to be. To walk with Mark through the crowded streets, +both neatly dressed; to walk boldly forward with the throng, and present +their tickets of admittance to the great hall; hitherto seen only from +the outside; to move down the long aisles as those who had a right, and +select their seats unquestioned by police; in short, to be like other +people--part of the great well-to-do world,--this was Sallie's joy! + +She had washed and mended her best calico dress; she had sewed buttons +on the pretty cape, according to Mrs. Roberts' directions; she had tried +on the neat bonnet which had been manufactured for her by Mrs. Roberts' +own fingers, and, altogether, Sallie had probably gotten, during these +two days, more enjoyment out of Gough's lecture than many others, who +had heard him a dozen times, ever secured. I do not think it any wonder +that, as she rocked and sewed, and thought out her great thought, there +fell tears on the work she was doing. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +"FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME." + + +This was the thought: Suppose Dirk Colson should want to take his +sister. Sallie did not believe it in the least probable; she had not +that amount of faith in Dirk Colson; but suppose he should, Mart could +not go, for the reason that she would have nothing to wear. + +And here was Sallie's pretty cape, which would cover the worst of her +dress, and her pretty bonnet, which she knew would make a picture of +Mart; but if she lent them it meant staying at home to Sallie. _Could_ +she do it? Could she bear to think of such a thing? What would Mark say? +What would he do with his other ticket? + +Would she be likely ever to have another chance to go to that wonderful +hall, and be like other folks? + +But _Mart_ had never been anywhere in her life. + +"And I," said poor Sallie, catching her breath with a sob, "have been +often for a walk on the brightest streets, and looked in at the shop +windows, and everything. I 'most know I will help her to go if I can." + +Young Ried had no conception of the sacrifice for which he had asked. + +It is little wonder, surely, that Sallie's voice faltered that same +evening, as she explained to Mart, who had slipped in for a bit of talk, +that if ever she wanted to go anywhere very bad, she was to let Sallie +know, and she should have her cape and bonnet to wear. Then she had +anxiously planned for her a way to mend her dress, so that it would look +quite well under the cape, and she had even urged:-- + +"Now do, Mart, if anybody should want you to go don't say you won't; but +take your chance, for you don't know what may come." + +Also she bore with patience Mart's scornful laugh, and emphatic +statement that no chances ever came to her, and nobody ever wanted her +to go anywhere. As she talked she grew interested and eloquent; +urged earnestly that Mart should embrace the first opportunity to go +somewhere, and wear her new cape and bonnet. At the same time she was +silent about the lecture. Suppose no chance should come? Then it would +be doubly hard to Mart to have had the possibility suggested. The same +delicate reasoning had held her from dwelling on her own prospects. Some +people would have been very much astonished over the amount of delicate +consideration for the feelings of others which could be found in that +little room. + +Dirk loitered strangely over his meagre dinner the next afternoon. It +was late, for he had secured a position at last in one of the printing +offices, and was apt to take his meals at any hour when it happened to +be convenient to do without him at the office. He had only been three +days at work, and Mart had taken little notice of the new departure, +except to remark grimly that it would not last; but to Sallie she had +boasted that Dirk had gone to work as hard as anybody. If somebody could +only have told Dirk that his sister ever boasted of him it might have +helped him much during these days. + +"What are you hanging around for? You've got all there will be to eat in +this house to-day, and it is time you were off." This was the ungracious +manner in which the sister took note of his lingering. She was painfully +afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the +fear made her voice gruffer than usual. + +His reply amazed her; in fact, it amazed himself:-- + +"Mart, I've got tickets to a show,--a nice place,--and I want you to go +along." + +"Humph!" said Mart, "that is a likely story!" + +Then he grew earnest, displayed his treasures, and urged her +acceptance--quite astonished with himself the while. _Did_ he really +want her to go, he wondered, or did he want to please Mrs. Roberts? + +You would have been interested, an hour later, to have seen Mart skip up +the rickety stairs leading to the Calkins abode. You would probably have +thought that she endangered life or limb by her rapid movements; but +Mart was used to such staircases, and the news she had to communicate +required haste. + +"There's a chance!" she said, breathless with speed and eagerness; +"Sallie Calkins, there's a chance, and you'd never guess how. Dirk he +wants me to go to a show with him this very night! He's got tickets. It +is a big show,--where all the grand folks go. It is in the very biggest +hall in this city, and Dirk he says I am to go. Sallie Calkins, do you +mean it, truly, that I am to wear your lovely new bonnet and cape? Do +you suppose I can really go anywhere? I don't known why Dirk wants me to +so bad, but he coaxed and coaxed." + +Poor Sallie! She stooped quickly to pick up a pin from the floor, so +that Mart might not get a glimpse of her eyes with the sudden tears in +them. Yet, as she stooped, she made her final, grand sacrifice--Mart +should go! + +Then she entered with entire abandon into the preparations. Not only her +bonnet and cape, but her shoes--new ones that Mark had bought her with +his first earnings after his illness--were to attend the lecture. + +She rejoiced over the excellent fit of the shoes. She did more than +this. As Mart watched the process of buttoning them, and remarked +complacently that she shouldn't wonder if Dirk would buy her a pair some +day, when he earned money enough, she kept her lip from curling with +an incredulous sneer. You will remember that she had not the slightest +faith in Dirk. + +Neither must I forget that there was another thing to lend--her comb, +in order that Mart's wonderful yellow hair might be for once reduced +to something like order. And at the risk of leading you to think that +Sallie was altogether too "aesthetic" for her position in life, I shall +have to confess that this was her hardest bit of sacrifice; her comb was +so new and so pretty! + +However, it did its duty on Mart's tawny locks, and the transforming +effect was marvellous. In fact, when all was ready, the cape adjusted, +the hat which Mrs. Roberts had shown her how to wear set on the yellow +head, Sallie said not a word, but went to the packing-box in the corner +which served as a treasure cupboard, and drew forth the one possession +about which she had been utterly silent--a little hand-glass which Mark +had brought her one winter evening just before he was hurt. A cheap, +little, ugly glass, which you would have turned from in disgust, saying +that it made your nose awry, and your chin protrude and your eyes +squint, and was altogether horrid; but, held before Mart's glowing face, +what a secret did it reveal! Mart looked, and was silent, too; and went +home in a hushed frame of mind to wait for Dirk. Home was deserted. The +mother had dragged her wearied body out for a day of "light" work. The +time had gone by when she was able to do any that people called heavy. +Where the father was, none of the family knew, and their chief hope +concerning him was that he would stay away as long as possible. + +I find myself longing to give you an idea of what that elegant, +brilliantly lighted hall, with its brilliant audience, was to this girl, +and being unable to do it. + +When people live so far below us that our every-day experiences are to +them like a day at the World's Fair, it is very hard indeed to describe +how our special treats affect them. + +It is a treat to everybody to hear Gough. How then can I tell you +what it was to this girl and her brother? Dirk listened; he must +have listened well, for long afterward he was able to repeat entire +paragraphs, and to imitate the manner of the great orator with +remarkable skill;--yet at the time he would have seemed to a close +watcher to have been absorbed in another way. He looked at Mart somewhat +as he had on that Sabbath when his acquaintance with Mrs. Roberts began. +But the thought which had dimly haunted him that day blossomed on this +evening. Certainly Mart looked like Mrs. Roberts! It might be folly to +think so; doubtless the fellows would make no end of fun of him if he +should ever tell them so, which he meant to take excellent care not to +do; but the fact remained, that in Sallie's bonnet and cape, and, above +all, with the waves of hair floating about her, there was a look which +instantly and strongly reminded him of that lady. + +There was another listener at the lecture who was unexpectedly present. +Part of poor Sallie's trial had been to tell her brother, who had been +radiant for a week over the prospect of taking her, that she had with +her own hand put away the blessing. How would Mark take it? Dirk's +forlorn-looking sister was no favorite of his. I think it would have +been very difficult to have convinced him that there was a trace of Mrs. +Roberts in her face. + +But such curious creatures are we that it actually hurt Sallie to see +how quietly he took the great sad news of her sacrifice. After the first +start of surprise, he seemed preoccupied, and she could almost have +thought that he did not hear her explanation. She had much ado to keep +back the tears, but she had made a special little feast for him that +evening, with a white cloth on the table, and a cup of actual tea, +and the cup set in a saucer. She was not going to spoil the scene with +tears; so after a little she said, cheerily:-- + +"Now you have a chance to do something nice for somebody. Who will you +take on your ticket?" + +"I was thinking," he answered, slowly. "You know it is a temperance +lecture, and it is by a wonderful man. The fellows in the shop have been +talking about him all day, and they say you just can't help _thinking_ +when he gets agoing; and I was just thinking, What if we could get _him_ +to go, and he would listen, and get to thinking." + +There are no italics that will give you an idea of the peculiar emphasis +which the boy put on the pronouns. Sallie understood; that "he" could +mean but one person in the world. But her brother must have answered the +look on her face, for she spoke no word. + +"Sometimes they _do_, Sallie. There was old Pete, you know." + +Oh, yes, Sallie knew old Pete; every body in that alley knew him; a +notorious drunkard once, of the sort which people, even good Christian +people, are apt to pronounce hopeless; yet now he wore a neat suit of +clothes every day, and brought home twenty pounds of flour at one +time in a sack, and bought his coal by the barrel. Wonderful things +occasionally happened in that alley. + +"Yes," said Sally, "that is true; and old Pete wasn't much like him." + +The tone spoke volumes. It would have almost angered her, even now, to +have had it hinted that old Pete was superior to that father, though +hardly a person acquainted with the two but would have said that there +was more hope for old Pete, even in his miserable past, than for this +one. + +How they managed it, those two: the difficult task of getting him +persuaded to go, find then the more difficult task of keeping him +sufficiently sober to get there, would make a story in itself. I fancy +there are many such stories in real life which will never get told. The +probabilities are, if they were, some wise critic would pronounce them +unnatural and sensational. + +Suffice it to say that the task was accomplished, and among the most +attentive listeners to the great speaker that evening was Sallie's +father, while she sat at home and mended a badly torn jacket, and +cried now and then, and was glad and sorry and proud and frightened and +hopeful by turns all that long evening. + +I am not sure but it was better for her that she sat at home. I don't +know just what she might have done had she been in the hall to see her +father, at the close of the meeting, shamble forward with the crowd, and +sign his name to the total abstinence pledge. + +She might have screamed out in her excitement, or she might have +fainted; for although there were those who said--some with a sneer, and +some with a sigh--that "signing the pledge would not amount to anything; +the miserable fellow could not keep a pledge to save his life!" Sally +would have thought nothing of the kind. She had faith in her father's +word. + +It is a wonderful stimulus to have some one who believes in us. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +"WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?" + + +"Do you know," said Mrs. Roberts, addressing Gracie Dennis, who, with +young Ried, had waited in the hall for her to join them (they were ready +for the lecture, and were to take up Mr. Roberts on the way): "Do you +know that I have a desire which I see no way of realizing? If Mr. Colson +should bring his sister with him to-night I should like so much to get +possession of her and bring her home with me! But I have been planning +all day, and see no possible excuse for such an apparently wild +proceeding." + +I want you to notice how naturally Mrs. Roberts said "Mr. Colson"; she +never talked about Dirk under any other name; she even taught herself to +_think_ of him as "Mr. Colson." Consequently, when she spoke the name in +his presence, there was not a trace of unnaturalness in tone or manner. +The others tried in vain to follow her example. Dr. Everett could +not speak of him in this way without slight hesitation and a touch of +embarrassment. "The truth is," said he, "I think _Dirk_ all the week, +and on the Sabbath I find it impossible to reach up to 'Mr. Colson' +without an effort." There was no touch of "reaching up" or reaching +down, about Mrs. Roberts' talk with her pupils. It is possible that this +is one link in the chain of influence which she was weaving around them. + +Gracie Dennis' face expressed curiosity, and when they were seated in +the carriage, she referred to the cause:-- + +"But Flossy, I cannot imagine why you should want to do such a thing. It +will certainly be too late to-night to try to get acquainted with her. I +should think some time when you could have an unbroken evening would be +the better for experimenting." + +"For some sorts of experimenting it would," Mrs. Roberts answered, +smiling quietly; "my experiment, in part at least, was to see how the +pink room might impress her." + +"Flossy Shipley!" + +When Gracie took refuge in that name her hostess knew she was not only +much excited, but a trifle disapproving; at such times she made haste to +change the subject. + +It happened that the thing for which she had been planning, shaped +itself so naturally as to give not the slightest color or premeditation +to the act. + +When Dirk and his sister worked their way through the dense crowds to +the open air they discovered that it was raining heavily. For almost +the first time in her life the fact struck terror to Mart Colson's soul! +Ordinarily no duck could have been more indifferent to a rain storm +than herself. On this evening she gave vent to her dismay in short, +expressive words: + +"Sallie's bonnet!" "And cape!" This last, after a moment's thought. "And +shoes!" she added, as the magnitude of her troubles grew upon her. + +Drawn up close to the sidewalk stood a carriage and a pair of horses +that Dirk could not help giving admiring attention to, despite the rain. +A fine horse always held his attention. No thought of the occupants of +the carriage came to him, not even after a head leaned forward and a +hand beckoned; of course it was beckoning to somebody else. Then a clear +voice spoke:-- + +"Mr. Colson!" + +He started quickly forward; there was but one person who ever said "Mr. +Colson," and besides, that voice belonged only to one. + +"I want your sister to go home with me. It is raining so hard that she +ought not to walk, and I should like very much to have her stay with me +to-night. Won't you ask her to, please?" + +If Mrs. Roberts had been asking a favor, instead of conferring one, her +voice could not have been sweeter and more winning. + +Dirk went back to his sister, too much bewildered by the state of +affairs even to express surprise. "Mart," he said, "she wants you." + +A quick spring to the sidewalk, and young Ried was standing beside Mart. +"It is raining so hard," he explained, "Mrs. Roberts would be very glad +if you would come." + +And Mart, thinking of nothing at all, save Sallie's bonnet and cape and +shoes, turned toward the waiting carriage. + +Mr. Ried had his umbrella raised, and carefully shielded the bonnet, +assisting its wearer to enter the carriage with as much courtesy as he +had bestowed on Gracie Dennis but a few moments before. Not a movement +was lost on the watching Dirk. + +When the door was closed and the goodnights had been said,--Mrs. Roberts +leaning from the carriage again for that purpose,--and when the horses +had dashed around the corner, he still occupied his position on the +curbstone, gazing down the street, gazing at nothing unless he saw a +reflection of his own bewildered thoughts. + +"Come!" said a policeman who knew him, and was therefore suspicious, +"What are you hanging about here for? Move on!" + +"Humph!" said Dirk, as he slowly took his hands out of his pockets, +eyes still fixed on the corner where the carriage had turned, "what if I +should?" + +Something in his eye would have told Mrs. Roberts, had she been there, +that he meant more than moving down the street; though that he presently +did, regardless of wind and rain. + +Meantime the bonnet and cape in the carriage stepped somewhat into the +background, and the girl who wore them allowed herself once more to +think of her individuality, and to wonder at her position. She sat bolt +upright on the edge of the soft, gray seat, and gazed about her as well +as she could by the glimmer of the street lamps. She in a carriage! Mart +Colson sitting on a back seat, beside a grand lady, and rolling down the +avenue! Who would have supposed that such a thing could have happened to +Sallie Calkins' bonnet? Mrs. Roberts recognized the bonnet and cape with +a smile of satisfaction. She had studied much over the possibilities of +this girl's costume. Was it probable that she had anything suitable to +wear to a lecture? She had passed the cellar where the girl lived but +once, and had had but one glimpse of her; yet these glimpses had been +enough to render it highly improbable that she had any street costume. +Then, had Mrs. Roberts canvassed the possibilities of getting a +street-suit for her, there were apparently insurmountable difficulties +in the way. She was too utterly unacquainted with the ground to venture. +Besides, there were reasons for believing that anything of value would +find its way from that cellar to a pawnbroker's in a very short space of +time. + +Having spent hours over many different schemes, and rejected each one as +liable to bring disaster, Mrs. Roberts was obliged to betake herself to +prayer. If the watching Saviour wanted her to work through the medium +of this lecture on this particular child of His, He could certainly see +that she was present; could furnish her with clothes to wear, either +through herself or some other of His servants. She would wait and watch. + +Not once had she thought of Sallie Calkins and the new bonnet that her +own fingers had helped to fashion; yet here it was beside her on the +head of this girl, toward whom she was drawn! The fact made Mrs. Roberts +radiant. + +She said almost nothing to the startled prisoner at her side, beyond a +murmured, "So glad you let me carry you home with me!" Then she drew a +bright-colored wrap about her, and left her to her amazement, while the +eager tongues of the rest of the party talked continuously. + +By the way, you are not acquainted with the pink room, I think? You +should see it before it is invaded for the night. Large, it is. I think +little people sometimes have a peculiar fondness for large rooms; +Mrs. Roberts had. The walls were tinted with what might be called +a suggestion of pink, with just a touch of sunset gold about the +mouldings. + +The carpet was soft and rich; it gave back no sound of footfall. It was +strewn with pink buds; some just opening into beauty, some half-blown. +Accustomed to the sight of elegant carpets as you are, you would +almost have stooped to pick one of these buds, they looked so real. The +curtains to the windows were white, but lined with rose pink; they were +looped back with knots of pink ribbons. The bed was a marvel of pink +and white drapery; so was the dressing-bureau. The easy-chairs were +upholstered in soft grays with a pinkish tinge; and the tidies, lavishly +displayed, were all of pink and white. There was nothing conventional +about the room. A professional would have been shocked by some of its +appointments. Many a lady of wealth, accustomed to having things as +"they" decree, would have been more than doubtful over the pink ribbons +and the profusion of white drapery. Aside from the carpet, and a +choice picture or two, there was nothing especially expensive about the +furnishings. It was simply a room in which Mrs. Roberts had allowed her +own sweet little fancies to take her captive. + +The gas was lighted; the door was ajar into a toilet-room; a lavish +display of great, beautiful towels could be seen as you peeped in, and +various touches told of an expected guest. Flowers were blossoming +on the mantel, and a tiny vase which stood on a bracket near the +toilet-stand held a single rose of a peculiar hue and perfume, which had +blossomed for this hour. At least, Mrs. Roberts thought so. + +Into this room, in all its purity and beauty, went Sallie Calkins' +bonnet and cape and her strong, new, thick shoes; and the wearer thereof +pushed the bonnet away from her flushed face, and stood and looked about +her. + +Down stairs they discussed in curious tones--not her, but the mistress +of the mansion. + +"Flossy, I do think you are too queer for anything! Why don't you have +her go to Katy's room? Katy is away for the night, you know, and I'm +sure her room is as neat and pretty as can be. Imagine what a contrast +it would be to anything that she has ever seen! Mr. Ried, you ought to +see the room into which she has been put. There isn't a more elegant one +in the house. Some of its furnishings are so delicate that I hardly like +to touch them. What sort of a disease is it that has taken Mrs. +Roberts, do you suppose, to send her there? Flossy, she will get no rest +to-night; she will be afraid of that immaculate bed."' + +This, of course, was Gracie Dennis. + +Mr. Roberts looked from her to his wife,--his face smiling, curious, yet +with a sort of at-rest expression. + +"What do you hope to accomplish, Flossy?" He asked the question as +one who was pleased to watch a new experiment, yet felt sure that the +experimenter had an end to attain which would justify any measures that +she might take. Mr. Roberts had believed in his wife when he chose her +from all others; but he was learning to believe in her in a peculiar +sense, as one led by a hand that made no mistakes. + +She turned to answer his question; her face bright, yet half puzzled:-- + +"I am not sure that I can explain to you what I hoped for," she said; "I +caught the idea from Mr. Ried." + +"From me!" and the young man thus mentioned looked so astonished and +incredulous that Gracie laughed. + +"He is sure he never thought of anything so wild," she said, gayly. +"Flossy, you must find a better excuse than that." + +"Yet it was something that he said. Do you remember telling me, not +long ago, about your sister's idea that all the world had lost its place +because of sin; that God intended everything here to be beautiful, and +all life to be bright with joy, and that Satan had gotten hold of men's +lives, and was trying to ruin them, and that every beautiful creation +was God's picture to the world of what his intention had been? I'm +telling it poorly; but it made a very deep impression. This girl's face, +you know, is beautiful. It is what God meant some faces to be; at least, +I mean he has given her the frame for a face of beauty. I have a vague, +half-understood sort of wish to give her a glimpse of harmony; something +that will fit her golden hair and lovely complexion; and see what she +will think of God's idea, and whether she will understand that it is sin +which has spoiled it, and whether she is willing to serve the author of +her ruin. I don't believe I am making myself plain, but I know what I +mean, at least." + +"If we do not, I think it must be because you have caught a thought from +God, that we are not able to reach up to." + +It was Mr. Roberts who made this reply. Something in his wife's +experiment had deeply moved him. + +As for Mr. Ried, his face lighted, as it always did, at the mention of +his sister's name. + +"Sometimes I almost think that it is Ester still at work, and that He +lets her work through this woman." + +It was what he said to Gracie Dennis in an aside. Mrs. Roberts had +already gone to see in person to the comfort of her guest. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +"O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!" + + +She found her standing before the mirror. By reason of the fact that she +understood no pretty trick of braid or curl, her long yellow hair hung +just as Nature had made it, with no waves or ripples save those which +had grown with its growth. It fell about her now like a sunset cloud. +She had taken from the vase near at hand a rose, which she had pushed +in among the masses of hair, with no knowledge as to how it should be +arranged, or, indeed, thought; yet the effect was something which made +Mrs. Roberts give an involuntary start of admiration. + +Still it was evident that, though apparently gazing at herself, she was +thinking away beyond herself. It is doubtful if at that moment she saw +the flower, or her own reflection, or knew that she was looking. Her +eyes had the faraway expression which one sometimes sees in great power +on faces like hers. She turned as Mrs. Roberts, having softly knocked +and received no answer, softly entered, and her first words indicated +the intensity of her thought, whatever it was:-- + +"Dirk has _got_ to go there!" + +"Go where?" asked Mrs. Roberts, startled out of the words she meant to +speak; startled by the hint of power in the voice and manner. + +"Of whom are you thinking, my dear girl? and where do you want him to +go?" + +"I'm thinking about Dirk, ma'am; I thought about him all the evening; +the man made me; and I've made up my mind; he's _got_ to go to heaven!" + +I suppose I cannot give you an idea of the force in her voice. It was +as though a resolution, from which there could be no appeal, had been +taken, and the person resolving felt her own power to accomplish. It +was altogether an unexpected answer to Mrs. Roberts. She did not know +whether to be half-frightened or to laugh. + +She sat down in one of the easy-chairs to study the girl, and consider +what answer to make. Mart, meantime, turned back to the survey of +herself in the mirror, or to the survey of whatever she saw there, and +continued talking:-- + +"I never knew much about heaven. You may guess that, if you have ever +been in our alley. Only lately, Sallie Calkins she's been telling me +what you told her; and I had a kind of notion that you must know what +you was talking about, and that it was for rich folks and grand folks +like you; but the man told about that Madge, you know, to-night--an +awful drunkard and swearer, and all that--how she reformed and went to +heaven. Dirk ain't no drunkard; but he will be. Everybody says he will, +because father is such an awful one. Mother, she's never had no hope of +him. She says father didn't drink till he was most twenty, and then he +begun; and she's looking for Dirk to begin, and I haven't thought he +could help it either. What if he doesn't care for it much yet? He will, +it's likely. I've never told nobody that, not even Sallie, and I've been +mad at mother every time she said any such thing; but all the time I've +been expecting him to begin; and I know well enough, when once they +_begin_, how it goes on. But that man to-night told things that made a +difference. He says that God can keep them from wanting to drink, and +help them right straight along; and that they can go to heaven as well +as the next one. I've wanted nice things for Dirk all my life; but I +never saw no way to get them, and it made me mad. To-night I saw a way, +but I never had no kind of a notion how heaven looked till I come into +this room, and see the light and the flowers and the shine, and another +room spread out there in the glass: and now I know, and Dirk shall go!" + +Mrs. Roberts was in no mood for laughing, the tears were dropping slowly +on the flower she held in her hand. Mart saw in the glass just then a +sight which seemed to add to her surprise. She turned wondering eyes on +her hostess. + +"What are you crying for?" she asked. "Don't spoil the flower; it is +like the one Dirk bought me once. He said you sent it to me. I kept it +most a week. I took it over to Sallie's, and she got fresh water for it +every day, somehow; and it was then she begun to tell me what you said +about heaven, and I thought if God had made such flowers as that for +you, it was likely he had made a heaven for you; but I didn't believe it +was for Dirk till to-night, and I didn't have no kind of a notion how +it looked till just now. Do you _believe_ what that man said--that +folks like Dirk can go? Of course, if Madge went, why Dirk would have a +_right_. He is bad just because he _has_ to be. He never had no chance +to be anything else; and he ain't very bad, anyhow--nothing to compare +with some." Her voice was almost fierce in its earnestness; she was +beginning to resent the creeping doubt that Mrs. Roberts' silence +suggested. + +Careful words must be spoken now. What if this awakening soul should be +turned aside! No wonder that the unspoken words were prayers. + +"Dirk has a _right_ to go to heaven," she said, steadily, sweetly; +"there is not the shadow of a doubt as to his right. No one in the +world--not Satan himself--can deprive him of it; and it is not only his +_right_, but his duty to go." + +"Then he shall!" + +I wish I could give you an idea of the strength in the girl's voice. It +almost carried conviction with it to Mrs. Roberts' heart. + +"Come and sit down," she said, and she drew her towards one of the low +cushions. If Mart sat on that, her head would be just where a gentle +hand could stroke the masses of hair. + +"Let me talk with you about this. You are mistaken in one thing. Dirk is +very bad. He is bad enough to shut him out of heaven forever." + +The girl started, and tried to fling off the caressing hand. + +"So are you," said the gentle voice. + +"Oh, _me_! Don't talk about me! Whoever said I wasn't bad? Let me go; I +want to go home. I don't care how hard it rains." + +"And so am I," continued the gentle voice. + +The girl on the cushion ceased struggling to free herself from the +caressing touch, and remained motionless. + +"Let me tell you of something that we have each done a great many times. +We have been asked and urged and coaxed day after day, and year after +year, to accept an invitation to go to this very heaven, and we have +paid no attention at all; and this, after Jesus Christ had given His +life to make a way for us to go. Is not that being bad?" + +"Dirk he never had no invitation--never heard anything about it." + +"Yes, he has," speaking with quiet firmness. "The Lord Jesus Christ told +me to invite him, and I have done so a great many times, and he has made +no answer; and Sallie Calkins has invited you, and you have treated it +in just the same way." + +"I didn't believe it." + +"Isn't that being bad? What has He ever done that you should refuse to +believe His word, when He died an awful death to prove to you that He +was in earnest?" + +"You said Dirk had a _right_ to go." + +"So he has. Jesus Christ has given him a right, if he will. I have +invited you to my house, and asked you to spend the night in this room, +and sleep in this bed. Has any person a right to keep you from doing +so?" + +"No." An emphatic nod of the head, and a lingering, almost loving look +at the white bed behind her. + +"Then cannot you truthfully say that you have a _right_ to be here? My +dear girl, it is so faint an illustration of what Jesus Christ has +done to give you a right to heaven, that I almost wonder at your +understanding it. But can you imagine something of how I should have +felt had I urged you to come to me night after night, for weeks and +years, and you had turned from me with no answer, or else with scorn?" + +"You wouldn't have kept on asking me." Mart spoke with the assurance of +one who had firm faith in her statement. + +"No, I presume I should not. I would have said after the third or fourth +invitation, 'If she really will not have anything to do with me I cannot +help it,' and I should have tried to forget you. This is one of the many +differences between Christ and me. He waits, and asks, and _asks_. How +long will you keep Him waiting?" + +I have given you only the beginning of the conversation. It was long ere +it was concluded. + +Down stairs Mr. Ried waited as long as he could, curious to know the +result of Mart's first impressions. Then he went away, and Gracie went +to her room, and the house settled into quiet, and Mr. Roberts, in the +library, waited for his wife, while she told over again, with tender +words and simple illustrations, the "old, old story," so fitted to the +wants of the world. + +How many times has there been a like result. + +It was midnight when they knelt together, the fair child of luxury and +the child of poverty; but the Saviour, who intercedes for both, bent +His ear, and heard again the cry of a groping soul, seeking Him out of +darkness, and held out His loving, never-failing arms, able to reach +down to her depth, and received her to himself. Who can tell that story? +Who can describe how heaven seemed to the girl just then? + +It was not what Mrs. Roberts had expected. I cannot even say that it was +what she had hoped for. Her faith had not reached to such a height +at all. She could hardly have put into words what she hoped. When she +ventured to try to tell it to the friends in the parlor, and to you, I +doubt whether you understood. She thought to get a hold on the girl; +to show her something of God's beauty and love, as it shone through +herself; to make her long after something her life did not give, and +to gradually lead her to seek after satisfaction in Christ. A long +process--something that should unfold gradually, with many discouraging +drawbacks, and some days that would look like utter failures. She had +schooled herself to be prepared for this, but she had not looked for Him +to exert His mighty power to save in a moment. How it had touched her +to find a soul, hungry, not for itself, but for a brother, I shall not +attempt to tell. The first words she said, after she went back to her +waiting husband, a little after midnight, were these:-- + +"He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. I +think that is what is the matter with the world to-day. I wonder if He +would not be pleased with one who could throw herself at His feet with +a childlike abandon of faith, and expect wonders, yes, and +impossibilities, just as a child feels that _anything_ can be done by +father? God has shamed my faith to-night. It is as though I had +asked for a crumb of bread, and he gave me the entire loaf. That girl +up-stairs has not heard of Him before as a Saviour for _her_; has never +thought of such a thing, or, at least, dreamed of its possibility, and +yet she has given herself to Him. And Evan, what do you think were the +first words she said? 'O Lord, take Dirk, too!' She is on her knees at +this moment praying for him. If you could have seen her face when it +first dawned upon her that she could tell God about him, and ask for His +mighty power to be exerted in his behalf, it would have been a picture +for your lifetime. Oh, Evan, Evan, why can we not expect great things of +God?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +"AN AWFUL PROBLEM" + + +Isn't it strange, the ways the Lord takes to answer prayers? + +Much prayer had been made for Dirk Colson, but few had thought of his +sister. Sallie Calkins, it is true, had come with trembling steps into +the light of Christ's love, and had immediately desired to have Mart +enjoy it with her, but was very trembling and doubting as to her ability +to reach Mart, or to influence her in the right direction. She sent the +bonnet and cape to the lecture with a prayer, but she did not look for +the prayer to be answered. Verily, He has to be content with faith "less +than a grain of mustard-seed." + +Was the rest of the story an answer to prayer? We are to remember that +He has strange ways. Events startling enough in their import followed +each other in rapid succession. In the first place, Dirk's father, poor, +wrecked man, returned no more. Whether he had wandered among the network +of railroads which lined the southern portion of the city, and lost his +life there, or whether he had fallen into the river, or just how he had +disappeared, could not be discovered. There were three men killed by an +accident on the road one night, but their disfigured bodies were buried +before Dirk heard of it. There was a man seen struggling in the water +off the lower wharf one evening, but he sank before help could reach +him, and his body was not recovered. There were half a dozen men killed +by a boiler explosion, but that was not heard of in time to look into +it. There were so many ways in which the wreck might have gone out +of life and left no sign. They were safe in supposing that he was +intoxicated, and that was about all they could be perfectly sure of, +concerning him; that, and the fact that he came no more. Of +course, there was no such search for him as is made for the man of +respectability and position. To one who had some idea of the worth of a +soul, it was pitiful to see what a tiny ripple this disappearance made +on the surface of life. + +A moment of startled questioning by those who lived in the immediate +neighborhood; a few women with aprons thrown over their heads +congregating in groups around the pump, or before the door of the +bakery; a crowd of dirty children, stopping their play for a moment, and +speaking lower;--then the tide of noisy, fighting, swearing life went +on. + +One was gone out from it. Whither? None knew, few cared; and there were +such crowds and _crowds_ left, how could he be missed? + +One missed him,--an abused, insulted, downtrodden woman. One whom, years +before, he had promised to love and cherish until death parted them, +and had broken the vows almost as soon as taken, and never renewed them +again. Yet that woman wept bitter tears over his absence; watched for +him, listened nightly for his staggering footsteps; rose up from her +heap of straw in the corner in the middle of the night, and set wide +open the cellar door, and listened to the angry voices floating down to +her from some drunken brawl further up the street, if, perchance, she +might hear _his_; listened, and held her breath, and quivered all over +with hope and fear: then crept back to her miserable bed, covered +her head with the ragged quilt, and cried herself into a few hours of +forgetfulness. + +"She is crying herself to death about him!" Mart said. There was +surprise mingled with awe in her voice. + +She told it to Dirk, and the two stood thoughtfully for a moment looking +out at the one window. They carefully avoided looking at each other. +They did not understand. To them there was simply relief in the father's +absence. They had no trace of love for him in their hearts. The word +"father" meant nothing to them but misery. Still there was that in them +which respected the mother's grief; they tried to shield her. Dirk, of +his own thoughtfulness, brought home a bit of tea in a paper, and bought +half a pint of milk at the corner bakery; and Mart took lessons of +Sallie, and made a delicate slice of toast, and borrowed Sallie's one +cup and saucer to serve the tea in. She was disappointed that the mother +cried, and could hardly drink the tea. She was even almost vexed that +the mother said with tears that "poor Jock always did like tea so +_much_, and she had always thought that maybe if he could have had it +hot and strong he would not have taken to the drink." + +Mart had no faith in this, no belief that anything in her father's past +life could have kept him from the drink; but she held herself silent, +and let the tears have their way. All the time she had in her heart one +great solemn regret. There was one who would have helped her father; +would and could have saved him, even from rum. What if she, his +daughter, had known the Lord Jesus, and could have taken the miserable +father to Him and had him transformed! Mart had no doubt about _His_ +power to do it. An unanswerable argument had been given her. No infidel +need try to assail her now. + +But the father! Why had everybody kept silence, and let him sink away? + +Awful! + +Why had not she known Christ? Why had she not listened to Sallie but a +week before? Why had not Dirk learned the way and saved his father? An +awful problem! Mart's life must henceforth be shadowed by it. + +Meantime what was Mrs. Roberts to do for this new-born soul? How was she +to help her, and, through her, to help her brother? + +She, in her elegant home, sat down to study this problem. + +Life at East Fifty-fifth Street was so far removed from life in the +alley that she knew nothing about the missing father. Days passed, +and, busy with many claims of society, she had made no movement toward +helping the girl, and knew as yet no way to do it; yet she carried +her on her heart. Monday evening came and went, and still she had been +detained from any effort. + +One afternoon her thoughts shaped themselves into action. She would go +and see Mart. She would get Dirk to protect her in her journey down the +alley; also, in accomplishing this, she would accomplish another thing. +She would call on Dirk at his place of business. The chief of the office +was a Christian man; yet she had reason to believe that he knew less +about Dirk, and cared much less for him, than he did for his little dog, +who sat in the window and barked at passers-by. + +She had no difficulty in securing attention. Ladies were not often +admitted, but a card bearing the name "Mrs. Evan Roberts" was sufficient +passport among any of the business men of the city. + +Mr. Stone was more than ready, he was eager to serve her. What could +he do for the elegantly-dressed lady whose carriage waited at the door, +while she came in person among the bales and boxes? Her business must be +urgent. + +It was. Could she speak with Mr. Colson just for a moment? She would not +detain him long; but she wished to make an appointment with him for the +next day. + +"Mr. Colson!" The chief and his perplexed assistant looked at each other +thoughtfully, and shook their heads. There was no such person connected +with their establishment. She must have the wrong number. + +No; she was positive. + +"He told me only three days ago that he was in your employ. He is on the +third floor, I believe." + +The gentlemen looked at each other again. + +"Colson!" repeated Mr. Stone. "There is certainly a mistake. Briggs is +in charge on the third floor front, and Dickson has the back rooms. No, +Mrs. Roberts, we have no such name among our men, I am positive." + +But Mrs. Roberts gently held her ground. She was sure she was not +mistaken, for she had talked with him about his work and the different +men. He was in Mr. Briggs' department, she felt quite sure. He was not a +foreman, she explained, but quite a young man; had been there but a +few weeks, and Dr. Everett was the one who had interested himself in +securing the place. + +Light of some sort began to dawn on the perplexed faces of the +gentlemen. + +"Can she mean black Dirk, do you suppose?" questioned the elder, looking +hard at his associate. + +Then came the sweet voice of the visitor. + +"Oh, no; he is not a colored gentleman. His name is Colson,--Mr. Derrick +Colson." + +"That is the one," said the gentleman, quickly. Should he laugh or be +annoyed? + +It took but a moment after that to summon "Mr. Derrick Colson." Black +he was, certainly, not only by reason of his naturally dark skin, but +because of the grimy work, whatever it was, which fell to his lot. His +big apron was soiled with ink and oil, and daubed with bits of dark +color which seemed not to be either. + +He came forward with his usual shambling gait, and an additional shade +of sullenness apparent on his face, but it glowed a swarthy red when he +recognized the lady. + +"Good afternoon, Mr. Colson," she said, and she held forth her +delicately-gloved hand. + +His own went forward to meet it; then drew suddenly back. + +"It is not clean enough," he said; "there's ink or something on it."' + +But the lavender kids were not withdrawn. + +"Never mind the ink; a little honest soil never hurt anybody," and the +rough, dark hand was taken in her own. + +Then occurred a few moments' chat; at least the lady chatted with +easy familiarity. She referred to the "Social Parlors," to the "Monday +Evenings," to Miss Dennis' "Musicale," to half a dozen themes about +which the bewildered gentlemen within hearing knew nothing. + +Could it be that the low-voiced, gentle lady was trying to give _them_ a +lesson as well as to talk with Dirk? Finally she made an appointment for +the next afternoon. Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for +an hour, if convenient? Certainly, it would be convenient to please Mrs. +Evan Roberts. + +Dirk was very much embarrassed. He blushed and stammered, and did not +know how to answer any of the kindnesses; but there were two things +during the interview which gave Mrs. Roberts more pleasure than you, +perhaps, are able to understand. + +One was, that at sight of her he had suddenly snatched off the paper cap +which he wore, and the other, that having set it again on his head as +he turned from her, he glanced back from the door, and, in answer to her +bow and smile, lifted the ugly little cap with an air that was an exact +imitation of young Ried, and yet so well done that you would not have +thought of it as an imitation. + +Mrs. Roberts could have clapped her hands; but she did not. Instead she +said, sweetly:-- + +"I am very glad that Mr. Colson is in the employ of a Christian +gentleman. He is greatly in need of help from all Christian sources, and +I am sure there is that in him which will respond to judicious effort." + +Then she let the bewildered man attend her to her carriage, and went her +way rejoicing. + + * * * * * + +But there were plans being laid for her at that moment of which she knew +nothing. + +To-morrow she would go and see the golden-haired girl. In a +neatly-packed basket she had certain things, among them a bonnet and a +sack that she knew would fit the hair and face, and she believed would +give Mart pleasure. If only she could contrive a natural way to give +them to her, and there could be planned ways of keeping them safe from +the pawnbroker's grasp. All this time she knew nothing of the fact +that the hand which had grasped for years to furnish the pawnbroker was +stilled forever. It had not once occurred to Dirk to tell her. It is a +solemn fact that in this greater excitement he had actually forgotten +it! As for the "Christian employer," he did not know of it to tell. He +had not so much as known whether black Dirk had a father or not. He was +simply a street rough, whom Dr. Everett was trying experiments with; and +because there was an unusual pressure on the office, and poor help was +better than none, he was helping the experiment. + +However, when Dirk went home from the office that night he remembered +that the father was gone. + +Mart met him at the door, a look of solemn determination on her face. + +"Dirk," she said, "_she's_ going; as sure as you live, she's going. +She's been bad all the afternoon. Sallie says that Mark's doctor will +come to see her,--she knows he will, and Mark shall go for him as soon +as he comes home; but I don't mean to wait for no doctor. I want _her_ +to come. _She_ knows the way, and I want mother to be told it right, +so there won't be no mistake. You go for her, Dirk, right off straight. +There ain't any time to lose, for I tell you now she's _going_. She's +been failing all along, you know, and she has just cried herself down. +Dirk, will you go for _her_ as fast as you can?" + +The confusion of pronouns might have bewildered you. They did not Dirk. +"_Her_" meant to him exactly what it did to Mart. He could not think how +it could possibly mean any other person. But this was astounding news +about his mother! It was one thing to have a father disappear, whom he +had simply feared, until he had learned to hate; it was quite another +thing to talk about the going away of the only one who had ever tried to +mend his clothes, and who had sat up nights to wash them when she could. + +He strode past Mart into the wretched room, and looked at the bed in the +corner. + +The mother was asleep, but on her face was a strange change--a something +that he had never seen there before, worn and sunken as it always was. +It made him understand Mart's fears. + +"I'll go," he said huskily, and rushed from the house. + +"_Her_" carriage was just rolling down the avenue as his swift feet +cleared the alley. He knew the horses. He was a little ahead of them; +but it was not probable that the driver would stop for him. + +"Won't you stop that carriage?" he said in breathless haste to a +policeman at the corner; "I've got to speak to the lady that's in it." + +"I'll be quite likely to, no doubt!" said the policeman, in quiet irony. +"What rascality are you up to now, Dirk? _Can't_ you be decent for a few +days?" + +But Dirk was trying to free himself from the detaining hand, and threw +up one arm in a sort of despairing gesture to the coachman. Mr. Roberts +caught the signal, recognized the face, and in another moment the horses +stood restlessly by the curb-stone, and Dirk, his embarrassment gone, +told his brief story rapidly. + +"Father went off a spell ago, and never came back; and mother, she is +sickly, and it set her crying; and she's _going_, Mart thinks, and I +guess it's so; and Mart wants you to come and show her the way. She said +you knew how, and you would come." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +"MAY SHE GO WITH ME?" + + +Of course she went. And, of course, now that the truth was known, +much was done. Dr. Everett was summoned. The wretched bed, with its +distressing rags, were turned out together, and a comfortable one took +its place. Broths and teas and jellies and physical comfort of every +kind were furnished, and the doctor did his best to battle with the +disease that long years of want and misery had fastened upon their +victim. It was all too late, of course. It was true, what Mr. Roberts +sadly said, that half of the effort, expended years or even months +before, might have saved the poor, tortured life; but now! + +How awful those "too lates" are! Isn't it a wonder that we ever take the +risk of having one ring in our ears forever? There was one thing over +which some of these Christian workers shed tears of joy. + +"_I_ am too late," said Dr. Everett, "but my Master has as much power +to-day as ever. He can save her." + +And He did. The poor, tired woman, who years before had remembered an +old story well enough to name her one daughter "Martha," in memory of +the one who "loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus," roused her dull +heart at the mention of His name, and listened while the wonderful story +was told her that He loved not only Martha and her sister, but her own +poor, sinful, wrecked self; loved her enough to reach after her, and +call and wait, and prepare for her a home in His glory. + +Dear! Why has not some one come with the news before? Surely she would +have listened during these long, sad years. Well, they made the way +plain. Neither was it a difficult thing to do. The woman was weary and +travel-stained and afraid, and longed for nothing so much as a place of +refuge. She knew that she was a sinner; she knew that she was, and had +been for many a year, powerless to help herself. Why should she not hail +with joy the story of a great and willing Helper? + +"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden." She opened her +eyes with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words. "Weary?"' Yes, indeed! +"Heavy laden?" Who more so? If the call was not for her, whom _could_ it +mean? What else? Why, what, but the glorious old story, "I will give you +rest?" What wonder that she closed her eyes and smiled! What wonder that +the first words after that were: "I'll come; show me how." And He showed +her how. + +"Dirk," the sister said, when the mother had gone the last and only +restful journey of her life, "Dirk, _she_ went to heaven; and I'm going. +I've been wanting to tell you for more than a week, but I didn't know +how. _He_ asked me to, and I'm going. Now _you_ must. 'Cause we never +had a good time here, and she'll kind of expect it in heaven, and be +looking out for you; she always looked out for you, Dirk." + +Then did Dirk lose his half-sullen self-control, and great tears rolled +down his dark cheeks. + +But the sister shed no tears. She had serious business to attend to. +Dirk must go to heaven now without fail. + + * * * * * + +One day there was an unusual scene in the alley. It was no uncommon +thing to see a coffin carried out from there, but on this day there was +a hearse, and a minister in Dr. Everett's carriage, and Dirk and his +sister, in neat apparel, came out together and were seated in Mr. +Roberts' carriage; and all the boys of the Monday-evening Class walked +arm in arm after the slow-moving carriages; and the children of the +alley stopped their placing and their fighting, and the women stood +silent in doorways, and took, most of them, their very first lesson in +the proprieties of life. + +"She's got a ride in a carriage at last, poor soul!" said one, thinking +of the worn-out body in the coffin; and another said: "I wonder what +poor old Jock would think of all this?" + +But the scene made its impression, and left its lesson. I think the +voices of some of them were lower during the rest of the day because of +it. + +What next? It was the question that filled Mrs. Roberts' thoughts. +Something must be done for Dirk and Mart. That fearful alley was no +place for human beings; certainly not for these two. But what to do with +them was a question not easily answered. + +Various plans were proposed. Sallie Calkins' two rooms were much better +than the cellar in which the Colson family had lived; and there was a +chance to rent a room next to Sallie's, with a closet opening from it +for Dirk. How would it do to have them board with Sallie? The suggestion +came first from Gracie Dennis, and sounded reasonable. Mrs. Roberts was +almost ashamed to dislike it as much as she did. Sallie's neat rooms +were _home_ now. The father, for this length of time at least, held to +his pledge; and son and daughter were radiant over him. He had gone to +work, and already the two rooms were taking on an air of greater comfort +because of the little things that he proudly brought home. + +Sallie was doing her part wisely. The table was regularly laid now, with +a white cloth and knives and forks; and two new cups and plates had been +added to the dishes. Would it be wise to invade this home just at this +juncture and introduce boarders? Mrs. Roberts did not believe that it +would. It was not as though the father had an established character, +and stood ready to shield his children; they were still acting the +protective, and he had but too recently risen from the depths where Dirk +and Mart had laughed and jeered at him. Besides, the rooms were located +in that dreadful alley; and, do what she would, Mrs. Roberts could +not feel that that dangerously-beautiful face could find a safe +abiding-place in that alley. Some other way must be thought of. + +Their immediate future was arranged through the intervention of a house +agent; for even that dreary and desolate cellar had its agent, who was +eager to secure his rent. He was unwise enough to undertake to interview +Mrs. Roberts as she descended from her carriage, not long after it had +followed Mart's mother to the grave. + +He considered this effort of his a special stroke of business energy. +He wanted to be patient with the poor, he said; there wasn't an agent +in the city who waited for them oftener than he did; but business was +business, and it stood to reason that he could not depend on a fellow +like Dirk. It had been bad enough when the mother was there, but +he couldn't think of such a thing as risking it now. What was he to +understand? Did she mean to rent the room for them, and for how long? +Because it was his duty to look out for the future. + +What would be more natural than for Mrs. Roberts, with those two young +things looking on, to say that of course she would be responsible for +the rent as long as they lived in the room? Thus reasoned the house +agent. + +Instead of which, Mrs. Roberts turned toward Dirk, her face flushed over +the hardness of a man who could stop a boy and girl on such business on +their way from their mother's grave, and said:-- + +"If I were in your place, Mr. Colson, I should not rent these rooms at +all. They are not suited to your sister's needs. I am sure you can do +better." + +The agent was disgusted. "_Mr._ Colson," indeed! The disreputable young +scamp whom nobody trusted. He would show this silly woman a fact or two. + +"Business is business" he repeated, doggedly. "Either they must take +the room, and pay the rent in advance, or else they must hustle out this +very night." He had waited now three days after time for decency's sake, +and more than that he couldn't and wouldn't do. + +Dirk stood looking from one to the other; the red coming and going on +his swarthy face. Here was responsibility! He had not thought of it +before. The mother was not there to count out the hoarded rent with +trembling fingers, and save the wretched home to them for another month. +She would never be there again. He had nothing with which to pay rent; +he had nowhere to move. Yet _she_ had called him Mr. Colson, and seemed +to expect him to act for himself and Mart. + +It was she who answered the agent, but she spoke to Dirk. + +"Very well; I suppose you are quite as willing to leave here to-night as +at any time? If I were you, I would leave immediately. Let your sister +come home with me for the night, and until you have time to make other +arrangements." + +Mr. Roberts had been summoned to a bank meeting, and had sent Ried to +attend his wife. He came forward now, from the carriage where he had +stood waiting, and laid a hand on Dirk's arm. + +"And you come home with me to-night, Colson," he said in a cordial tone, +such as he might have used with any young friend; "then we shall have a +chance to talk things over and make plans." + +"That is nice," Mrs. Roberts said, quickly, rejoicing in her heart over +Ried's promptness to act. "Then you can get away from this wretched +place at once. Mr. Roberts will see to the removal of your goods, +whatever you need, and the agent can call on him in the morning. That +will be the simplest way to settle it all. May she go with me?" + +A slight, caressing movement of a gloved hand on the girl's arm +accompanied this question. + +Mart was silent with bewilderment. When had Dirk ever before been asked +what _she_ might do, or might not do? At first she was half inclined +to scorn the suggestion. Then, suddenly, it came to her with a sense +of relief and protection: she was not alone; it was Dirk's business to +think of and care for her. Would he do it? + +As for Dirk, no wonder that his face was deeply flushed. New thoughts +were struggling in his heart. _He_ was to decide for Mart; he was +the head of the home now. Mrs. Roberts waited anxiously. She longed +exceedingly to rouse in the boy, who was already grown to the stature of +a man, a sense of responsibility. + +A moment more, and he had shaken himself free from the spell which +seemed to bind him. + +"We'll do as you say." He spoke with the air of a man who had assumed +his proper place and taken up his duties. "Mart, you go along with her, +and I'll see about things to-morrow." + +And Mart, for the first time in her life, received and obeyed in silence +a direction from her brother. + +Possibly Mrs. Roberts may have been mistaken, but she thought that much +had been accomplished that day. + +Yet none of them realized whereunto this thing would grow. + +Mrs. Roberts, when she ushered Mart that evening into the pink room +again, and showed her how to manage the hot and cold water, and which +bell to ring if she needed anything, and in every imaginable way treated +her as a guest, whom it was pleasant to serve, had really no plans just +then--no hobby to ride--but simply acted out the dictates of her +heart. You will remember that her Christian life had been always +unconventional. The very fact that during her early girlhood she had +been painfully trammelled by what "they" would say or think, seemed to +have had its influence over her later experiences. Since she had been +made free, she would be free, indeed; that is, with the liberty with +which Christ makes us free. What would please _Him_ she resolved should +be the one thought to which she would give careful attention. Now, it is +perhaps worthy of mention, that this closely following disciple did not +once stop to determine whether it would please Him to give such tender +care to this stray child of His, or whether she would be considered +doing not just the thing, in _His_ eyes, if she entertained her in the +pink room. + +About what He could have her do next, she gave much thought. And it was +not for days, or rather weeks, that she caught the possibility of His +meaning that the pink room should really be the girl's own. + +It was just this way. The weeks went by, and no plan for settling Mart +comfortably elsewhere met Mrs. Roberts' approval. There was constantly +some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do. + +Meantime they became, she and Gracie Dennis, more and more deeply +interested in Mart. In her wardrobe first. "Wherever she lives she +should have respectable clothing; thus much is easily settled." So the +matron decreed, and Gracie did not gainsay it. She became absorbed in +preparing it. Such fascinating work! So many things were needed, and +her skin was so delicate, and her eyes so blue, and Gracie's choice of +shades and textures fitted her so precisely. Then, when dressed, simple +though her toilet was, her remarkable beauty shone out so conspicuously +as to alarm Mrs. Roberts whenever she thought of her in shop or store. + +Several times during the weeks, she visited Sallie Calkins, and looked +about her with a thoughtful air, and came away feeling that it would +not do. There was Mark, growing into manhood, a good boy, hard-working, +respectable, proud of his good, homely sister, and of his reformed +father. The two rooms were taking on every sort of homely comfort that +Sallie's skill, helped by Mrs. Roberts' suggestions, could devise. It +was growing into a model little home in its way, but there was not a +corner in it where Mart would fit. + +Then, as the days passed, a subtle, fascinating change began to come +over Mart. She slipped quietly into certain household duties. She showed +marvellous skill with her needle; such skill, indeed, that Gracie Dennis +said more than once: "I'll tell you, Flossy, what to do with her: put +her in a good establishment, and let her learn the dressmaking trade. +She could make her fortune in time." And Mrs. Roberts smiled, and +assented to the statement, but not to the proposition. There was no +dressmaking establishment known to her where she was willing to place +so young and pretty and ignorant a girl. But she was quite willing that +Mart should learn the looping of dresses, and the fitting of sacks and +collars and ruffles; and take many a stitch for her, as well as for +Gracie. She was willing to have her do a dozen little nameless things, +the ways of doing which she had caught up; until at last the touch of +her fingers began to be felt about the rooms, and Mrs. Roberts began +to notice that she should miss Mart when she went away. Still, from the +first time she said this, the thought came afterward with a smile of +satisfaction, and it was but a week afterward that she caught herself +phrasing it, that she should miss her _if_ she went away. + +What about Dirk? Young Ried could have told you more of him during these +days than anybody else. He still stayed at the boarding-house. Mrs. +Saunders, the mistress of it, was one whom, if you had known her, you +would feel sure could interest herself heartily in such as he. There +was a bit of a room next to Ried's. To be sure, it had been used for a +clothes-press, and it took the busy housekeeper half a day to plan how +she could get along without it; but she planned, and offered it to Ried +for his _protg_. + +"Just for the present, you know, until he sees what he can do, poor +fellow," she said, and Ried accepted the little room joyfully, and +helped fit it up. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +"WHAT IF I BELONGED?" + + +You think things are taking very rapid strides? Well, don't you know +that there come periods when they do just that thing, or appear to? Why, +even the buds on the trees teach us the lesson. How many springtimes +have you gone to your bed feeling that the season was late, and the +trees were bare, and the fruits would all be backward, and Nature was +dawdling along in a very wearisome fashion; and awakened in the morning +to find that there had in the night been a gentle rain, and a movement +of mysterious power among the buds and the grasses, and that now, in the +morning sunshine, the world had burst into bloom? Yet, did you really +suppose, after all, that the _work_ was done in one night? + +There was progress of several sorts in the class at the South End. Even +a casual observer could have seen a change in the boys that first Sunday +after they had attended Dirk's mother to the grave. The dignity of +that hour of sorrow was still upon them. Even the very reckless and +world-hardened will offer a certain degree of respect to death. On +ordinary occasions, the boys might have been merry at Dirk's expense, +for they saw changes in him; but the memory of his mother's coffin kept +them silent, and let his changed manner have its effect. + +That Sunday was full of small events to Dirk; at least they are small +enough when one puts them on paper, though I admit that they looked +large to him. Several people interested themselves in his welfare. + +"Poor fellow!" said Mrs. Saunders, "I suppose his mother tried to do +for him. Just as likely as not she had a clean shirt for him of a Sunday +morning."' + +You will perceive that Mrs. Saunders, though all her life a resident +of a large city, was not very well-acquainted with the abject poor. In +point of fact, Dirk Colson had had no extra clothing for his mother to +make clean. But Mrs. Saunders, full of the motherly thought, yet finding +no trace of a shirt in the bundle of rags that Dirk had brought with +him, went down one day into the depths of an old trunk, and brought to +light and mended and washed and ironed a shirt that had long been laid +aside. + +It lay in its purity on a chair at the foot of Dirk's bed on Sabbath +morning. He lay still and looked at it for a while, then arose and gave +such careful attention to the soap and water as was new to him, and +arrayed himself in the clean linen. + +His clothes were whole and clean. Mr. Roberts had seen to it that he +went respectably dressed to his mother's funeral. + +A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush +and blacking-box in hand. + +"Want to borrow?" he said, in the careless tone of one who might have +supposed that the blacking of his boots was an every-day matter to this +boy. "I always keep my own; it is cheaper than to depend on the street +boys." + +Dirk said nothing at all, but reached forth his hand, and took the +offered tools, and the hint which came with them. When he went down +to breakfast his boots shone, and his fresh paper collar was neatly +arranged; altogether he was not the boy to whom I first introduced you. +I am not sure that Policeman Duffer would have recognized him. A +collar and a necktie make a great difference in some people's personal +appearance. Dirk wondered a little as to where the box of paper collars +came from. The necktie he had just found lying in the bottom of the box. +It was the mate of the one young Ried wore, but that told nothing, for +both were simple and plain, and could be bought by the dozens in any +furnishing store. + +It is small wonder that the boys in the class looked at him. Nimble Dick +wore at first a roguish air, but a sudden memory of Dirk's face when he +turned away from his mother's grave came in time. Open graves are not +easy things to forget. + +Dirk went to the church that day; went with young Ried by invitation, +and sat in the pew behind Mr. Roberts. + +By the way, the seat which he occupied was another of Mr. Roberts' +peculiarities. Three seats were rented by him in a central part of the +large church. One of these seats he and his wife regularly occupied. The +others were almost as regularly occupied by the clerks from the store +who chose to make that their church home. Six sittings to a pew. When +a young man chose, Mr. Roberts was ready to enter into a business +engagement with him, whereby the sitting should be considered his own; +Mr. Roberts considering it to be no part of any one's concern that the +sum for which he thus sub-let the sittings was not a tenth of what the +first rental cost. It was in this way that Mr. Ried owned sittings in +the pew just back of that occupied by Mr. Roberts; and brought with +him constantly one and another young man. Today the young man was Dirk +Colson. + +It was all a strange world to him. He had wandered into the gallery +of the Mission Chapel, and looked down from his perch on the crowd of +worshippers; but this morning he was in the very centre of things, as if +he were one of them. Perhaps it is not strange that the startled inquiry +came to his heart: What if I belonged? Where did he belong now? He +had lost his place; he must make another. What if it should be in this +neighborhood, among these surroundings? Such thoughts did not take +actual shape to him, so that he could have put them into words; they +merely hovered in his atmosphere. Mrs. Roberts sat so that he could look +at her, which thing he liked to do. It had long since been settled +in his mind that he had one friend, and that one was Mrs. Roberts. He +admired Gracie Dennis, too, with a different sort of admiration from +that which he gave to the matron. She might be all very well; and she +was a splendid reader; and he knew that he could imitate her on certain +sentences, at least. And she had taught him to use the type-writer--an +accomplishment which he meant to perfect himself in as soon as he had +a chance. In fact, his ambition reached higher than that: one of these +days he meant to make one of his own with certain improvements! Who +shall say that Dirk was not growing? + +On this particular day there sat beside Mrs. Roberts a lady,--a +stranger. He could not see her face, but for some reason, which he did +not understand, Dirk liked to look at her. She suggested something to +him that seemed like a familiar dream. He thought much about her, and +resolved to see if in her face she looked like any one he ever saw. As +she turned at the close of the service he was looking at her steadily. +Lo! it was Mart. + +Now the possibility had not once suggested itself to his mind. If you +think this doubtful, you merely show that you know nothing about the +transforming effect of a becoming dress, no matter how simple it may +be. Remember, Dirk had never but twice seen his sister in a bonnet. +The first time it was Sallie's, and though the effect was sufficiently +startling, yet Sallie's bonnet did not fit her face, as this creation +of Gracie Dennis' fingers did. The second time the bonnet had been a +hideous black one, proffered by an old woman who lived in the story +above them, and whose thoughtfulness Mrs. Roberts would not mar by +making any mention of the neat one which she had brought in a box that +day. The black bonnet had been like a mask, hiding Mart's beauty. + +The bonnet that she wore now was not of that character. It told a +wonderful story to Dirk's astonished gaze. Now, indeed, the likeness was +plain; without doubt, the girl whose face lighted with a curious smile +at sight of him, bore a striking likeness to the woman who had smiled at +him whenever she met him! + +A curious effect this had on Dirk. There was that in his sister which +made it possible for her to be something like the woman who had won his +heart; and that sister was in his care: she had said so; he must work +for her, and watch over her! + +I suppose that Sabbath was really the beginning of the surface changes +in Mrs. Roberts' class. Not the beginning to the teacher, but to those +people who only have eyes for strongly marked things. + +I know that it was but a few weeks afterward that Mrs. Roberts came home +with such an unusual light in her eyes, and with her face so full of +brightness, that her husband said, inquiringly:-- + +"What is it, Flossy?" + +She turned to him, eagerly, ready to laugh. + +"It is what you will understand, but a great many people wouldn't. It is +so nice that you understand things! I feel just like saying, 'Thank the +Lord.'" + +"Do you mean to convey the idea that only a very few favored people feel +like that? I don't know of a person who has not great occasion. What is +your special one?" + +"Evan, the last boy had his boots blacked, and a fresh paper collar on!" + +Mr. Roberts threw back his head and laughed,--a genial, hearty laugh. +His wife looked on, smiling. There is a great deal of character in a +laugh, remember; you would have known that this was a sympathetic one. + +Mr. Roberts was entirely capable of realizing what this said to his +wife about the future of her boys. It was becoming certain that their +self-respect was awakened. + +A few days thereafter occurred another of those little things which mark +some characters. + +Dirk, at Mrs. Saunders' breakfast-table on Sabbath morning, heard talk +that on Monday he recalled. By the way, I should have told you of one +other way in which the Sabbath became a marked day to him. He slept in +the little room which opened from Ried's, but his meals were picked up +at a restaurant, as occasion offered,--a much nicer and surer method of +living than he had ever known before. Even the commonest restaurant had +great respectability to him. Yet you will remember that he had by this +time taken several suppers in Mrs. Roberts' dining-room. He knew that +there was a difference in things; in fact, his experience now stretched +over infinite differences; but the first time he sat down to Mrs. +Saunders' breakfast-table, on a Sabbath morning, he discovered another +grade: this by no means belonged to the restaurant class? The Sunday +breakfasts and dinners were some of Mrs. Saunders' quiet ways of helping +along the work of the Christian world. Many a young man appeared at her +table as the guest of Ried or of Dr. Everett, or of some other of the +boarders, who was unaware that he owed the pleasant experience to the +landlady. + +Well, Dirk at the Sabbath-table heard talk of one General Burton, famous +as a soldier, a scholar, and an orator. General Burton was in the city, +the guest of a prominent man; he was to speak on the following evening +in one of the great halls, and much eager talk was had concerning him; +great desire was expressed to hear him, to get a glimpse of him. Dirk +listened in silence, but had his own thoughts about what it must be +to have people talking about one, wanting to get a glimpse of one, and +next, what it must be to be intimate with such people. Did Mrs. Roberts +know the great man? he wondered. And then Dirk smiled as he thought how +queer it was that he should know Mrs. Roberts; that he might, in fact, +be called intimately acquainted with her! + +Remembering this reverie of his, you will better understand how he felt +on Monday morning, as he made his way in haste down a quiet part of one +of the up-town streets, intent on an errand that required promptness, to +hear his name called by Mrs. Roberts. + +"Good morning!" she said. "Are you in too great haste to recognize your +friends? I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. General Burton, +Mr. Colson. General, this is one of my young men, of whom I told you." + +Whereupon the famous general, hero of many battles, held out his honored +hand, and took Dirk's in a cordial grasp. I don't suppose I could +explain to you what an effect this action had on a boy like Dirk. + +There is this comfort: you may be a student of human nature, and +therefore may understand it all without explanation. + +This is only one of many so-called trifles which occurred during the +weeks, to make their indelible impress on the characters of the boys. + +Of course, the Monday Evenings prospered. Reading-lessons and +writing-lessons, and, as time passed, lessons of all sorts made good +progress. + +Neatly-blackened boots, carefully-arranged hair, and fresh collars +became the rule instead of the exception. + +Other avenues for improvement opened. It became noised abroad in +Christian circles that great transformations were being worked among a +certain set of hard young fellows who had hitherto been best known to +the police. Mr. Roberts was interviewed by one and another, and one +outgrowth of the talks was that tickets for a course of expensive and +valuable and attractive lectures on popular subjects were placed in +large numbers in Mr. Roberts' hands for him to use at discretion. +Moreover, seats were rented in the church towards which most of the boys +gravitated--the one connected with their Mission; seats re-rented after +Mr. Roberts' plan, so that as often as there appeared a young man who +cared to have a spot in the church which belonged to him, it could be +had for a very small sum; in fact, as pews rented in that church, a +ridiculously small sum. + +These are only hints of the channels which time and patience and thought +opened for these young men, on whom, but a short time before, Satan +believed himself to have so firm a grip. + +One feature of the "Monday Evenings" had, in the course of time, to be +changed. The young teacher of elocution went home. + +"I want to go," she said at last, in answer to her hostess' pleading. +"I think it quite likely that papa would let me stay and attend school +here; but I am in haste to get home. You need not look sober, Flossy. +I have had a happier time than I have ever had in my life before; and I +have found here a sort of happiness that will last. It almost breaks my +heart to think of leaving those boys,--especially my dear Dick Bolton; +but really, I need to go home and undo certain things that I left badly +done. You don't half know me, Flossy Shipley. When I came here I was a +regular goose. If you had known what a simpleton I was, and how hateful +I had been about some things at home, you would never have invited me. + +"Among other things that were hateful about me, I was a real horror to +my mother. I thought I had reason to distrust and dislike her; when +the truth is that I have cause to go down on my knees and thank her for +keeping me from some things. I'm in a real hurry to get home, and show +that young mother of mine what a perfectly angelic daughter I can be." + +And Mrs. Roberts smiled and kept her own counsel; and this was all that +she was supposed to know about her young guest. She never knew the whole +story about Professor Ellis; though there was a girl, Hester Mason by +name, in Dr. Everett's Sabbath-school, who could have told her a good +deal about him, and about Gracie Dennis' helping to break the net that +Satan had woven for her unwary feet. The fact is, there is a great +deal concerning all these people--Hester Mason and Dr. Everett and Joy +Saunders and Joy Saunders' mother--which I should have liked to tell you +if I could have found room. You may read of them any time, however, if +you choose, in a book called "An Endless Chain." Of course, the story of +their lives does not end even _there_, because the chain is, as I said, +_endless_; but there are many of the links presented to view. + +So Grace Dennis went home. And neither then, nor afterward, did Mrs. +Roberts hear in detail the story of Professor Ellis. What matter? She +had, however, a short added chapter. It came in a letter from Mrs. +Marion Dennis not long after Gracie's return. It read thus.-- + +Oh, Flossy Shipley Roberts! blessed little scheming saint that you are! +What did you do? How did you do it! Ah! I know more about it than those +sentences would indicate. The dear Lord did it, working through you, +His servant. He has called our Gracie to higher ground, filled her heart +with that which has made insignificant things take their true place, and +wrong things show for what they are. + +You know, of course, that it is all right about Professor Ellis;--or no! +I fear it is all wrong about him, but right with our Gracie. I hear that +he has permanently located in your city. Perhaps your Christian charity +can reach him. He sent Gracie a letter, trying to explain certain +affairs about that Mason girl, with which I presume you are familiar. +She showed me the letter and her answer. He will not write her another! + +"_I_ don't know any Mason girl," said Mrs. Roberts to her husband, "but +it doesn't matter. I don't want to know the story if there is nothing to +be done through it. There are stories enough that one _must_ know." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +"IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR" + + +It was Monday evening, and there was company at Mr. Roberts' home; +not the usual Monday evening gathering, but quite a large party +of well-dressed men and women, many of them young, yet some were +middle-aged. The pretty room opposite the conservatory was thrown open, +and aglow with lights and flowers; and groups were continually passing +in and out, admiring the paintings and the flowers, and the type-writers +of different patterns, and the books and magazines, of which there +were many. But interest was not confined to this room. The parlors were +thrown open and the music-room beyond; even the cosy little library was +public property for this one evening. The company was large, and their +tastes were varied; so no pains had been spared to give them variety. + +You are acquainted with quite a number of the guests; yet I am by no +means sure that you would recognize them all. Even in so short a period +of time as three years, great changes may be elicited! + +For instance, do you know the young man in unnoticeable, and therefore +appropriate, evening dress, who is doing duty at the piano, watching +with practiced eye the course of the player, and turning the leaf with +skilful hand at just the right moment? It is a somewhat embarrassing +position; but his manner leads you to suppose that he has been +accustomed to it all his life, and that he reads music well. In the +latter belief you are correct; but as to being accustomed to it--three +years ago Nimble Dick could have told you a different story! + +You can't believe that it is he? I do not wonder. The change is +certainly a great one; but he does not feel it. To tell you the truth, +he almost forgets, when he becomes absorbed in his work, that this sort +of society was not always open to him. Three years means a long time to +the young; and Richard Bolton has so long been accustomed to the freedom +of Mrs. Roberts' parlors, and to the sort of people whom one finds +there, that none of the refinements of polite life are strange to him; +and as to turning music, has he not done it for his hostess numberless +times? + +If your eyes are now opened, it is possible that you may be trying to +spy out other young men. The rooms are full of them, elegantly-dressed, +fashionable young men; but a few are noticeable by the air which they +have of being in a sense responsible for the comfort of the others. They +are on the alert; they are taking care that no young guest shall appear +for a moment to be forgotten or neglected. They appear to be entirely +familiar with the house and all its appointments. They can be appealed +to for a glass of water or an ice, or to know what special scene this +landscape hanging over the mantel represents, or whose bust this is in +the niche at the left, or in what portion of the library a certain +book will be found, or from what part of the foreign world that +strangely-shaped shell came, and they are all equally at home. In short, +it is like having a dozen or twenty young hosts to look after your +comfort and pleasure. In point of fact, there are seventeen of them. The +original seven has thus increased. Two months ago there were twenty, but +one has secured an appointment as telegraph operator in a distant city, +and as Stephen Crowley occupies a similar position in one of the offices +in this city, some very interesting conversations are held, and many +important items connected with the "Monday Evenings" and the South End +School and the "Library Association," etc., are transmitted when the +lines are not otherwise employed. Young Haskell, too, has gone with one +of the partners from the store where he was first employed, to set up a +branch store in a not distant town; and his old Sabbath-school teacher +has already received letters from him, saying that they have started +a branch Sunday-school in the south part of the town, and that he has +picked seven little wretches out of the streets, from eight to twelve +years of age, and gone to work. "And, dear Mrs. Roberts, I wish you +would pray for me, that I may be able to bring every one of them to +Christ." + +So the letter ran; and that tells volumes to the initiated about young +Haskell. + +But although the changes among these young men have been great almost +to bewilderment, only one of the number has been promoted to a dazzling +height. The others are without exception earning good, honest livings +for themselves; securing good, substantial educations through the +evening classes which have grown out of that first effort; bidding fair +to become leading and honored citizens when they actually take their +places as men. But Mark Calkins, faithful, plodding, good-hearted, +patient Mark, has surpassed them all! The truth is "that eye hath not +seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart," what sort of +magnificence surrounds him now. He has gone to court. The chief Ruler +of the realm has sent for Mark to be always in his immediate presence in +the palace; and with what joy he went I cannot tell you. Nor how often +they speak of him, and try to let their hearts conceive of the glory +which surrounds him, and dwell on the day when they will be called, one +after another, to share the same glory; for this is the ambition of more +than half of them. + +Now, in that sentence is unveiled the most curious part of my curious +story; and that it is curious, I frankly admit. It is no made-up affair. +I am not responsible for the strangeness of it. You are to remember +that "truth is stranger than fiction," and then to understand that I am +telling you the truth. It is, then, a fact, that these young men have +each received conditional appointments to serve in the palace, high in +power and splendor and dignity. The conditions are that they are to be +willing to be guided in all things by the will of their King, whom they +each admit to be wise above all wisdom, and to be kind above all +their conceptions of kindness. It is true that nine of the number +have accepted their appointments, donned their uniform, assumed their +positions as He has directed, and are waiting for the summons to appear +in person at court. It is also true that the others are still in a state +of indecision; they do not know whether to accept the appointment or +not. It is true that they feel themselves honored; that they believe +this to be the only path of honorable and safe promotion. It is true +that they have full faith in those who will tell with joy, that, having +enlisted, they find the service even in this ante-room sweet, and the +rewards great. It is true that they severally visited Mark, just as the +door was opening to admit him to the palace, and heard him speak of the +glimpses of its glory, and heard that his last words before he went away +were, "Oh, mine eyes see the King in his beauty!" and that his voice +was jubilant as that of a conqueror, and his face radiant as with a +reflection of unseen glory; and yet they hesitate, and dally with the +call, and mean, some time, to have such an inheritance deeded to them, +but not now! Remember, I am not responsible for this. Were I writing +fiction I should hesitate to set down such idiotic folly, expecting you +to call it unnatural or absurdly overdrawn; but I do solemnly declare to +you that this is fact. Account for the folly of their behavior as best +you can. + +Well, Sallie and her father are left behind. But, mind you, they are not +among the doubtful ones. They both as much expect to serve at court as +they expect to live through all eternity. But while they wait they are +busy. They have moved from the alley; the surroundings were not such +as they liked. Did you notice that bit of a house landing modestly +back from the road, at the further corner of those ample grounds that +surround the South End Church? It is the sexton's house, and that +church, and those Sunday-school rooms, and those grounds, and everything +pertaining to them, are under his care. The father is the sexton, it +is true, and attends the furnace and rings the bell; but it is Sallie's +care that keeps seat and desk and window so beautifully free from dust +or stain. Oh, they live busy lives, and happy ones. Sallie trusted not +in vain in her father's promise that night, when he put his weak will +into the pledge; but you are to understand that it was but a few days +thereafter when he planted his weak and wavering feet on the Rock of +Ages. Then did Satan angle for him in vain. + +So, on this Monday evening, there were but seventeen at the gathering. +I hesitate over what to name the gathering. I would call it a party, +but that in many respects it was so totally different from anything with +which you are probably acquainted by that name. + +The young man who stands by the door of the conservatory, eagerly +describing to Miss Henderson a rare and curious flower, which has been +sent to Mrs. Roberts from California, is "black Dirk." Really, I hope +you are sufficiently astonished; for he looks so utterly unlike the +scamp who used to be the special torment of the South End Mission that +I should be disappointed if you were not impressed by it. "Mr. Colson" +almost everybody calls him now. The name has long since lost its +strangeness. He is in the employ of the great firm of Bostwick, Smythe, +Roberts & Co., and although Mr. Roberts has never found it convenient to +do so before, there were reasons why he thought it would be well to +have a clerk within call; so Mr. Colson boards with what was the junior +partner of the firm. He is so no more, by the way, for Mr. Ried has been +received as a member, and is decidedly a junior partner. Probably Mr. +Roberts could tell you, if he chose, why one so young, and without +capital, had been elected to partnership; but, as a rule, he keeps his +own counsel, only remarking that the young man developed remarkable +business faculties which were patent to the whole firm. To his wife he +said:-- + +"I tell you, Flossy, I believe a consecrated life will be honored by the +Lord, in whatever channel he gives it talents to develop. 'Whatsoever +he doth shall prosper.' That young man is going to have a career in +business. I shouldn't be surprised if the Master meant him to show the +world how a Christian can use money to his glory." + +It is early yet to prophesy what Mr. Colson will do. Doubtless he will +be a merchant; certainly he will be a Christian; possibly he will be +an orator, of whom the world will yet hear,--a temperance orator, for +instance. I know you would like to hear him read a poem. He is not +confined to Will Carleton's style now, though he still reads with power +some of those inimitable delineations of life; but Gracie Dennis offers +no more criticisms when he reads. In fact, I have heard her defer to +him, when a question arose, as one who had probably studied the passage, +and caught its best. I am willing to confess that my poor black Dirk was +a bit of a genius. The thought I desire you to catch is that so many +of those poor fellows, who of necessity live by their wits in the city +slums, are diamonds which could be fitted to shine. You take a diamond +and throw it down in the dirt and filth, and put your foot on it and +grind it in, and leave it there, sinking and soiling, day after day, +year after year, and when somebody comes along and picks it out, how +much will it gleam for him at first? Yet the diamond is there. + +"Thou shalt be a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." Mrs. Roberts had +been at work hunting diamonds for His diadem. + +As Mr. Colson stood there chatting freely with Miss Henderson, there was +nothing about the association that looked incongruous, neither did it +occur to any. There was not a trace of embarrassment about this boy from +the slums; he had forgotten the slums, and stood talking with one of the +aristocrats of the city. + +How came she to talk with him, to allow herself to be entertained +by him? Let me tell you: thereby hangs a tale. Some time before this +evening--in fact, nearly two years before--Mrs. Roberts had come to a +puzzle, and stood and looked at it doubtfully. Then she presented it to +the others:-- + +"They are growing easy in their manners with me, learning to be +gentlemanly without embarrassment, and thoughtful over little things +without being ashamed of it; but I am afraid that with other ladies they +would be sadly frightened and awkward. When Mrs. Delaney came in this +evening I could but notice how utterly silent Mr. Colton became; he +had been talking well before. It seems as though there was a great gulf +between them and social advancement. How can we bridge it?" + +Then young Ried ventured his thought:--"My sister Ester had a class in +the Center Street Sabbath-school--nice little girls, who wore pretty +dresses, and had their hair curled, and came from the best families. +After she was taken sick, she told me one of her regrets was that she +had not stayed well long enough to try a plan which she had. She meant +to take a class of rough little boys in the mission-school, and she +meant to ask the mothers of the little girls to let them come, once a +month, and play with the little boys from the streets--she to play with +them, and watch over them every moment; but to try to interest the girls +in teaching the boys gentleness and good manners. I don't know how it +would have worked. Ester was never well enough to undertake it; nor +could she seem to enlist any one else in such service. It has grave +objections, I suppose; but I have always thought that I should like to +see something of the kind carefully tried." + +Mrs. Roberts, before this little story was half-concluded, had turned +those eager eyes of hers on the speaker--eyes that always had a peculiar +light in them whenever her soul took in a new suggestion. + +"Thank you," she said. "I see, oh! a great many things. I ought to have +called in that dear sister Ester to help on this phase of the question +before. It has always seemed to me as though we were doing her work." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +"THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM" + + +That was the beginning of a new effort. There were certain young ladies +becoming well-known to Mrs. Roberts, by reason of a similarity of tastes +which drew them to her. + +She sat down one day and wrote out their names with great care on her +tablets. + +Miss Henderson's name headed the list. She was one of the aristocrats. I +use the word in its highest sense. The accidents of wealth and position +were hers; at least, that is the way we talk, though I suppose we all +believe that the Lord is the giver of both, and will require an account +of the same at our hands. + +If this be so, Miss Henderson will be more ready than some with her +rendering; for she is of royal blood, and guards well the honor of the +Christian name she bears. + +Without hesitation, Miss Henderson headed the list. The others were +chosen more slowly; ten of them, picked soldiers, to do special duty "in +His name." + +It required much explanation, much care to plan wisely. + +But the girls caught at the idea. + +In the course of weeks they formed a band, with Miss Henderson for +president. Ostensibly they were a literary society; really they were +diamond polishers. + +They met one evening by invitation, with Mrs. Roberts, and made the +acquaintance of the "Monday Club." They sang for them, read for them, +heard them read; chatted with them on the various topics of the hour, +the last lecture of the course, which all had attended; a certain book +carefully read and criticised by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Dr. Everett in +the Monday Club,--not so carefully read by the young ladies; therefore, +it came to pass that they were somewhat worsted in an argument +concerning it, which was bad neither for the young ladies nor the Monday +Club. + +Finally, they were taken out to supper by these young men, who had so +far come under Mrs. Robert's' influence that they were willing to endure +torture for the sake of pleasing her. + +It is a long story. I could write another book about it just as well as +not. + +The main difficulty would be that the critics would pronounce the story +overdrawn. They always do when one revels in facts. It is only when +an author keeps within the range of sober fiction that he may feel +comparatively safe from this charge. + +These young ladies represented other parlors and other dining-rooms. +They arranged for little graceful entertainments, to which the Monday +Club was invited. Gradually others were invited too--good, solid men, +and wise-hearted, motherly women. The invitations were select, the +"polishers" were chosen with care; but it was surprising to these +workers to find how large the Christian world is, and how many stood +ready to help if they were shown love. + +"It is one of the best suggestions that that dear Ester has given us." +This Mrs. Roberts said one evening when the Young Ladies' Band and the +Monday Club combined their forces and gave an entertainment to some of +the best people on the avenue. + +I have given you hints of how they did it. They were every one +Christians, these young ladies; none others were chosen. They worked +with a single aim in view--His glory. They took no step that was not +paved with prayer. Do you need to be told that they succeeded? + +This was one of the reasons why Mr. Colson chatted with Miss Henderson +with perfect freedom, and why his bow was graceful and easy when she +introduced him to her friend Miss Fanshawe, of Philadelphia. He was +accustomed to being introduced to her friends. + +I'm sure I hope you wish I would tell you somewhat of Mart Colson. If +you are not deeply interested in her I am disappointed in you. She has +been such an object of interest to me since that time when I caught a +glimpse of her once through the cellar-window, with a gleam of sunset +making her hair into gold. + +It is a summer evening of which I tell you, and she is all +in white--except her eyes; nothing can be bluer than they are +to-night,--and except the flowers about her. She is always among the +flowers. + +I hesitate, after all, to tell you about Mart. Hers is one of those +stories hard to tell. Besides, her friend and patron has suffered much +criticism because of her, and though Mrs. Roberts does not care in the +least, I find that I am sensitive. + +"Has she really kept that Colson girl with her all these years?" Yes, +she has. I speak it meekly, but she has! "And never had her learn a +trade, or work in a factory, or learn to support herself in any way?" +She has never sent her anywhere to learn a trade or to work in a factory +or to stand behind a counter. It is too true. + +No, I was almost sure you did not approve of it. But, for all that, I +don't mean to argue Mrs. Roberts' cause. "To her own Master she standeth +or falleth." + +Not but what Mrs. Roberts has argued, on occasion,--with Gracie Dennis, +for instance, who paid her a few weeks' visit, less than three months +after she first went home. + +"Flossy," she would say, "what are you going to do--with the girl? Do +you really mean to keep her here?" + +"She has no mother, my child, nor father; and her brother is not able to +care for her yet. Where would you have me send her?" + +"Why, Flossy, there are places." + +"Yes, my dear, I know it, and this is one of them." + +"Well, but she ought to be learning things. How is she going to support +herself?" + +"She is studying arithmetic with me, you know, and writing and reading +with the dining-room girls; and I am teaching her music, and Mr. +Roberts proposes to have her join the history class as soon as she is +sufficiently advanced in the more common studies." + +"But, Flossy Shipley, that is great nonsense! You know what I mean. You +cannot turn the world upside down in that fashion, or make an orphan +asylum of your house or a charity school." + +"My dear, do you really think the house is in danger? Does it look like +an orphan asylum or feel like a charity school?" + +Then would Gracie Dennis laugh, but look a trifle vexed, nevertheless, +and mutter that people couldn't do things that way in this world. + +Then would Flossy be ready with her gentle drops of oil to soothe the +ruffles. + +"Gracie, dear, I am not trying to reform the world. There are a great +many girls left destitute I know, and I will do at wholesale all I +can for them; but this one is peculiar. You have admitted that it was +unusual to see such dangerous beauty, and she is unusual in her mental +development. She could be fierce and wicked; she is ignorant and bitter +about many things; I am afraid for her. I have not been able to think +of a place where the Lord Jesus would have me take her. I must see to it +that _He_ is pleased, you know, at all hazards. If He does not mean us +to keep her in the shelter of our home for the present, we do not know +what He means. + +"We cannot 'mother' the whole race: He has not even suggested it to our +hearts. He has simply said, 'Here, take this one; there is room for her; +keep her until I plainly tell you that her place is elsewhere.' Gracie, +would you have me tell Him we cannot?" + +By this time Gracie would be humble and sweet. + +"It is very good of you," she would say, meekly, "and I was not +thinking of such a thing as finding fault. I was only wondering +whether--whether--well, you know--whether such a life as she is leading +in your house would not unfit her for her proper sphere?" + +But a sentence like that was always liable to put little Mrs. Roberts +on all the dignity she possessed. Her husband had ideas on that subject, +and had imbued her with them. Her voice could even sound almost haughty +as she said:-- + +"As to that, Gracie, we must remember that the 'sphere' of an American +woman is the one that she can fill acceptably in God's sight. He may +call her to the highest; I don't know. Since she is the daughter of a +King, there may be no spot on His footstool too high for His intentions +concerning her." + +There was outside criticism, of course. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was +sufficiently peculiar in many respects to call for much criticism +from the world. They talked much about "that girl" she had picked up. +Gradually they said "that Colson girl"; then one day some daughter +asked, "Is she really a sister of that handsome Mr. Colson in the +store?" And by-and-by there were some who spoke of her as "Mattie +Colson." That was the name which Mrs. Roberts always called her. It +began gradually to be known also that "Mattie Colson" knew a great deal +which was worth knowing. Three years of companionship with a lady like +Mrs. Roberts, and such as she gathers about her, can do much for a girl +who wishes much done for her. + +As to "earning her living," I am not sure but she was learning to do it +in several ways. Mrs. Roberts struggled against all false ideas of life, +therefore taught her none. + +She was not the cook, but she could, and had on occasion, served up a +most enjoyable breakfast. + +She was not the second-girl, yet her fingers were undeniably skilful in +the arrangement of rooms and tables. She was not the sewing-girl, +yet constant were the calls on fingers that had become wise in these +directions. She was by no means the nurse, yet there was a little +golden-haired "Flossy" in the sunny room upstairs whose devoted slave +she was, and whose mother felt that Mattie's loving, watchful care over +her darling was only second to her own, and was so to be relied upon, by +day and night, as to repay tenfold whatever she might have done for the +girl. + +In fact, it would perhaps be difficult to define "Mart" Colon's position +in the house. Yet she was, as I said, becoming known among the young +ladies outside as "Mattie Colson, that handsome young Colson's sister; +as pretty as a doll, and a _protg_ of that lovely Mrs. Roberts, you +know." As for the Young Ladies' Band,--I do not include them when I talk +of the girls "outside,"--what they had done for Mattie Colson she could +not have told you though she tried, her eyes shining with tears. + +The days had come wherein the very matrons who had said that it was a +strange thing for Mrs. Roberts to take a girl from the slums into +her family--that it was "tempting Providence to attempt such violent +wrenches"--now said one to another, that "it must be a great relief to +Mrs. Roberts to have that Mattie Colson always at her elbow to see that +everything about the home was just as it should be;" and they added, +with a sigh, that "some people were very fortunate." + +Now, dear critic, you stand all ready to say that this is a very nice +_paper_ story, but that in actual life attempts at doing good do not +result so smoothly; that to be "natural," Mrs. Roberts ought, at least, +to have tried in vain to reclaim half of her boys. + +It is true, I have said nothing to you about two or three whom she has +not as yet reached, though she is still trying. My story was not of +them, but of the twenty whom she _did_ reach. Concerning your verdict, +there are two things that I want to say: First, go into the work, and +give the time and patience and faith and prayer that Mrs. Roberts and +her fellow-workers gave, before you decide that it is vain. + +And secondly, will you kindly remember that, whether this be natural or +not, it is true? + +I do not think I have told you the immediate occasion of this particular +gathering. It was, in fact, a reception given to Mrs. Ried. It is not +likely that I need tell you at this late day that her name was _Gracie +Dennis_ Ried. I could have told you much about it, had I been writing a +story of that sort. + +In fact, there is a chance for considerable romancing. There are matters +of interest that I might tell you, about "Mr. Colson" himself, young as +he is; and about Mattie, who wears to-night a rose that she did not pick +from the conservatory; but I don't mean to tell it. + +I have just one other bit of history to give you. They stood together +for a moment--the young bridegroom and the lady with whom he had +faithfully worked ever since that rainy afternoon in which he had +confided his gloom to her. + +Both were looking at the two young men who stood near the piano, waiting +to join in the chorus. Both had known these young men as "Nimble Dick" +and "Black Dirk." + +Still another of the original seven stood in the immediate vicinity. The +glances of the two workers took them all in; then they looked at each +other, and smiled meaningly. + +"I have been thinking of that first Sunday afternoon," said Mrs. +Roberts. "I asked them to pick up my handkerchief, which had dropped, +and 'Nimble Dick' said, 'Pick it up yourself, mum! you're as able to as +we be!' I wonder if they would remember it? What if I should tell them!" + +As she spoke the bit of cambric in her hand designedly dropped almost at +the feet of Dirk Colson. He stooped for it instantly, but "Nimble Dick" +was too quick for him, and presented it to the owner with a graceful +bow, and a slightly triumphant smile. + +But the chorus was commencing, and the bass and tenor were at once +absorbed in their work; so Mr. Ried and Mrs. Roberts had the memorial +laugh all to themselves. None but they understood what the white +handkerchief said. + +Despite the laughter there was a suspicious mist in Mr. Ried's eyes. + +"How far is mirth removed from tears?" he asked his hostess. And then: +"Do you know, when I look at these young men, moving about your rooms at +their ease, really ornaments to society, and think of the places in the +world that they will be likely to fill, and think of what they were when +you first saw them, the overwhelming contrast brings the tears!" + +Said Mrs. Roberts:-- + +"I will tell you something that will do your heart good. + +"Did you know that our young lady helpers had reorganized in larger +force, and with certain fixed lines of work, which they feel certain +they can do? + +"The effort has passed out of the realm of mere experiment. + +"They have chosen a name. They are henceforth to be known as THE ESTER +RIED BAND. + +"They came to me for a motto to hang in their rooms, below the name; and +I gave them this:-- + +"'And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write. Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors: and their works do follow them.'" + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + +***** This file should be named 9091-8.txt or 9091-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/9/9091/ + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + + +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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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: Ester Ried Yet Speaking + +Author: Isabella Alden + + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9091] +This file was first posted on September 4, 2003 +Last Updated: March 14, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + + + + +Text file produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + ESTER RIED + </h1> + <h3> + YET SPEAKING. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Pansy + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + Author Of “Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On,” “Hall In The Grove,” “A New + Gift On The Family Tree,” “Five Friends,” “Mary Burton,” “The Pocket + Measure,” “Ester Ried,” Etc., Etc. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — “IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING + STILL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — “WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, + ANYHOW?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — “ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT + ME?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — “I DON'T BLAME THEM.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — “A CHRISTIAN HOME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE + WEEK.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — “WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT + IS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — “WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — “TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — “AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — “I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — “I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO + PARLORS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — “LET US BE FASHIONABLE.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — “SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — “WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — “HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — “I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL + AFTER!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — “YOURN'S THE WAY!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — “WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — “OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — “HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO + SEVERE?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — “SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO + WARN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — “PART OF THE GREAT + WELL-TO-DO WORLD.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — “FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT + MAY COME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — “WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO + ACCOMPLISH?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — “O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — “AN AWFUL PROBLEM” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — “MAY SHE GO WITH ME?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — “WHAT IF I BELONGED?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — “IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — “THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW + THEM” </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — “IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL.” + </h2> + <p> + It was raining drearily, and but few people were abroad—that is, + few, comparatively speaking, though the streets seemed full of hurrying, + dripping mortals. In the large dry-goods store business was by no means so + brisk as on sunny days, and one of the younger clerks, whose station was + near a window looking out upon the thoroughfare, had time to stand gazing + at the passers-by. They did not seem to interest him particularly, or else + they puzzled him. His young, handsome face wore a thoughtful look, almost + a troubled expression about the eyes, which seemed to be gazing beyond the + passers-by. Just across the aisle from him, a lady, seated in one of the + easy chairs set for the accommodation of shoppers, waited and watched him,—a + young and pretty woman, tastefully, even elegantly dressed, yet her + costume was quite in keeping with the stormy day. The young man's face + seemed to have special interest for her, though he apparently was unaware + of her existence. A close observer would have discovered that she was + watching him with deeply interested eyes. Whatever served to hold the + thoughts of the young man apparently grew in perplexity, for the troubled + look continually deepened. At last, forgetting the possible listener, he + addressed the dripping clouds, perhaps,—at least, he was looking at + them:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how to do it; but something ought to be done. It is worse + than folly to expect good from the way that things are now managed. Ester + would have known just what, and how; and how interested she would have + been! I try to do her work, and to 'redeem the time;' but the simple truth + is, I don't know how, and nobody else seems to.” + </p> + <p> + These sentences were not given all at once, but murmured from time to time + at his unsympathetic audience outside. + </p> + <p> + Patter, patter, patter, drip, drip, drip! steady, uncompromising business. + It was all the answer the clouds vouchsafed him. + </p> + <p> + With the listener inside it was different. The interested look changed to + an eager one. She left her seat and moved toward the absorbed young man, + breaking in on his reverie with the clearest of voices:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,—but are you thinking of your sister? You are Mr. + Ried, I believe? I have heard of your sister's life, and of her beautiful + death, through a dear friend of my husband, who loved Ester. I have always + wanted to know more about her. I wanted to get acquainted with you, so I + might ask you things about her. I am waiting now for my husband to come + and introduce us. But perhaps it isn't necessary. Do you know who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Mrs. Roberts, I believe?” the young man said, struggling with his + astonishment and embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and you are Mr. Alfred Ried. Well, now we know each other without + any further ceremony. Will you tell me a little about your sister, Mr. + Ried? You were thinking of her just now.” + </p> + <p> + “I was missing her just now,” said he, trying to smile, “as I very often + am. I was a little fellow when she died; but the older I grow the more + difficult I find it to see how the world can spare her. She was so full of + plans for work, and there are so few like her.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be that she is working still, in the person of her brother.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head energetically, though his face flushed. + </p> + <p> + “No, I can only blunder vaguely over work that I know she, with her + energetic ways and quick wits, could have done, and done well. It happens + that she was especially interested in a class of people of whom I know + something. They need help, and I don't know how to help them. It seems to + me that she could have done it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me who the people are?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a set of boys for whom nobody cares,” he said, speaking sadly; “it + hardly seems possible that there could ever have been a time when anybody + cared for them, though I suppose their mothers did when they were little + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the ignorant young man,—ignorant of the depths to which + sin will sink human nature, but rich in the memory of mother-love. + </p> + <p> + “I think of my sister Ester in connection with them,” he said, speaking + apologetically, “because she was peculiarly interested in wild young + fellows like them; she thought they might be reached,—that there + might be ways invented for reaching them, such as had not been yet. She + had plans, and they were good ones. I thought so then, little fellow that + I was, and I think so now, only nobody is at work carrying them out; and I + wonder sometimes if Ester could have been needed in heaven half as much as + she is needed on earth. She used to talk to me a great deal about what + might be done. I think now that she wanted to put me in the way of taking + up some of the work that she would have done; but she mistook her + material. I can't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure? You are young yet, and besides, you may be doing more than + you think. Couldn't I help? What is there that needs doing for these + particular young men?” + </p> + <p> + “Everything!” he said, excitedly. “If you should see them you would get a + faint idea of it. They come occasionally down to the Sabbath-school at the + South End; in fact, they come quite frequently, though I'm sure I can't + see why. It certainly isn't for any good that they get. Their actions, + Mrs. Roberts, surpass anything that I ever imagined.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is their teacher?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a difficult question to answer. They have a different + teacher every Sabbath. No one is willing to undertake the class twice. + They have tried all the teachers who attend regularly, and several who + have volunteered for once, and never would attempt it a second time. Just + now, there is no one who will make a venture.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you tried?” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “I know at least so much. Why, Mrs. Roberts, some of them are as old as I, + and, indeed, I think one or two are older. No; we have secured the best + teachers that we could for them, but each one has been a failure. I + suppose they must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go where?” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “What an awful question! Where <i>will</i> they go, Mrs. Roberts, if we + let them slip now?” + </p> + <p> + He was tremendously in earnest. One could not help feeling that he had + studied the possibilities, and felt the danger. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I try to help! Shall I come and take that class next Sabbath?” + </p> + <p> + This simple, directly-put question brought the young man suddenly from the + heights of his excitement into visible embarrassment. He looked down on + the small, fair lady, reaching hardly to his shoulder, attired in that + unmistakable way which bespeaks the lady of wealth and culture, and could + imagine nothing more incongruous than to have her seated before that class + of swearing, spitting, fighting boys. Not that her wealth or her culture + was an objection, but she looked so utterly unlike what he had imagined + their teacher must be,—she was so small, so frail, so fair and + sweet, and ignorant of the ways of the great wicked world, and especially + of those great wicked boys! What could he say to her? + </p> + <p> + He was so manifestly embarrassed that the small lady laughed. + </p> + <p> + “You think I cannot do it,” she said, almost gayly. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to answer her. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you have no idea of the sort of class it is. I have given you no + conception of it; I cannot. You would think yourself before a set of + uncaged animals.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and in case of failure I should only be where the others are, who + have tried and failed. If you will introduce me, and your superintendent + will let me, I mean to try; and that will relieve you of the dilemma of + being entirely without a teacher for them.” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried had nothing to say. He thought the attempt a piece of folly,—a + worse than useless experiment; but how was he to say so to the wife of his + employer? + </p> + <p> + That gentleman appeared just then, making haste. + </p> + <p> + “I was unavoidably detained,” he explained; “I feared you would grow weary + of waiting. Ah, Ried, my wife has introduced herself, I see. Is he the + young man you were speaking of, Mrs. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “The very young man,—Ester Ried's brother. He doesn't know how glad + I am to have met him. Some day when we are better acquainted, and you + trust me more fully, I am going to tell you how I became so deeply + interested in your dear sister. Meantime this little matter should be + definitely settled. Mr. Roberts, I have invited myself to take a class + to-morrow down at the South End Mission.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, indeed?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts spoke heartily, and seemed by no means dismayed,—only a + trifle perplexed as to details. + </p> + <p> + “How can we manage it, Flossy? My prison class takes me in an opposite + direction at the same hour, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I thought of that; I propose to ask Mr. Ried to call for me, and + show me the way, and vouch for my good intentions after I reach there. Do + you suppose he will do it?” She looked smilingly from her husband to young + Ried, and both waited for his answer. + </p> + <p> + “I obey directions,” he said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Roberts. “Am I to + have the honor of being detailed for that service to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “So Mrs. Roberts says,” was the good-humored reply, and then the merchant + took his wife away to their waiting carriage that had drawn up before the + door, leaving Alfred Ried, if the truth must be told, in a fume. + </p> + <p> + “Much she knows what she is talking about!” he said, jerking certain boxes + out of their places on the shelves, and then banging them back again, + seeming to suppose that he was by this process putting his department in + order for closing. “Little bit of a dressed-up doll! They will tear her + into ribbons, metaphorically, if not literally, before this time + to-morrow! She thinks, because she is the wife of Evan Roberts, the great + merchant, she can go anywhere and do anything, and that people will + respect her. She has never had anything to do with a set of fellows who + care less than nothing about money and position, except to be ten times + more insolent and outrageous in their conduct than they would if she had + less of it! I shall feel like a born idiot in presenting this pretty + little doll to teach that class! Mr. Durant will think I have lost what + few wits I had! What can possess the woman to want to try? It is just + because she has no conception of what she is about! But Mr. Roberts must + know—I wonder what he means by permitting it?” + </p> + <p> + In very much the same state of mind did our young man pilot his new and + unsought-for recruit into the crowded mission rooms of the South End on + the following Sabbath afternoon. She looked not one whit less able to + compete with the terrors which awaited the teacher of the formidable + class. + </p> + <p> + Her dress was simplicity itself, according to Mrs. Roberts' ideas of + simplicity; yet, from the row of ostrich tips that bobbed and nodded at + each other, all around the front of her velvet hat, to the buttons of her + neat-fitting boots, she seemed to bring a new atmosphere into the room. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday's rain was over, and the pleasant south windows were aglow with + sunshine. As Mrs. Roberts sat down the sunbeams came and played about her + face, and she seemed in keeping with them, and with nothing else around + her. + </p> + <p> + The superintendent bestowed curious glances on her during the opening + exercises. He had seen the shadow on young Ried's face when he seated her, + and had found time to question. + </p> + <p> + “Whom have we here?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Evan Roberts. She wants to try the vacant class! <i>I</i> did not + ask her, Mr. Durant; she invited herself.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant looked over at her, and tried to keep his eyes from smiling. + </p> + <p> + “She looks very diminutive in every way for such an undertaking. They will + frighten her out before she commences, will they not?” + </p> + <p> + “I presume so; but I didn't know what to do. She wanted to come, and I + could not tell her she must not.” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course,—the occasion is too rare to lose. Very few people + ask the privilege of trying that class. There is no teacher for them + to-day; and your Mrs. Roberts must learn by experience that some things + are more difficult than others. I will let her try it.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, “the boys” of the dreaded class were studying the new face. She + was the only person not already seated before a class, and they naturally + judged that she was to be their next victim. They looked at her and then + at one another, and winked and coughed and sneezed and nudged elbows and + giggled outright, every one of them,—meantime chewing tobacco with + all their might, and expectorating freely wherever he judged it would be + most offensive. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Ried watched them, inwardly groaning. Being used to their faces, he + could plainly read that they anticipated a richer time than usual, and + rejoiced greatly over the youth and beauty of their victim. + </p> + <p> + But young Ried was not the only one who watched. Mrs. Roberts, without + seeming to be aware of their presence, lost not a wriggle or a nudge. She + was studying her material; and it must be confessed that they startled her + not a little. They represented a different type of humanity from her + Chautauqua boys, or her boys in the old church at home,—rather, an + advanced stage of both those types. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Durant came toward her, the look on his face was not reassuring, + it so plainly said that he expected failure, and was sorry for her as well + as for himself. However, with as good grace as he could assume, he led her + to the seat prepared for the teacher, and gave her a formal introduction. + </p> + <p> + “Boys, this is Mrs. Roberts, who is willing to try to teach you to-day. I + <i>wish</i> you would show her that you know how to behave yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts wished that he had left her to introduce herself, or that he + had said almost anything rather than what he did; the mischievous gleam in + several pairs of eyes said that they meant to show her something that they + considered far more interesting than that. + </p> + <p> + Many were the sympathetic glances that were bestowed on the young and + pretty lady as she went to her task. As for Alfred Ried, there was more + than sympathy in his face. He was vexed with the young volunteer and vexed + with himself. + </p> + <p> + He told himself savagely that this was what came of his silly habit of + thinking aloud. If only he had kept his anxieties about that class to + himself, Mrs. Roberts would never have heard of it, and been tempted to + put herself in such a ridiculous position; and if this episode did not + break him of the habit, he did not know what would. + </p> + <p> + He was presently, however, given a class of small boys, with enough of + original and acquired depravity about them to keep him intensely employed, + and the entire school settled to work. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — “WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW?” + </h2> + <p> + Settled, that is, so far as the class of boys in the corner would permit + the use of that term. <i>They</i> had not settled in the least. Two of + them indulged in a louder burst of laughter than before, just as Mrs. + Roberts took her seat. Yet her face was in no wise ruffled. + </p> + <p> + “Good afternoon,” she said, with as much courtesy as she would have used + in addressing gentlemen. “I wonder if you know that I am a stranger in + this great city? You are almost the first acquaintances that I am making + among the young people, and I have a fancy that I would like to have you + all for my friends. Suppose we enter into a compact to be excellent and + faithful friends to one another? What do you say?” + </p> + <p> + What were they to say? They were slightly taken back, surprised into + listening quietly to the close of the strange sentence, and then giving no + answer beyond violent nudges and aside-looks. What did she mean? Was she + “chaffing” them? This was unlike the opening of any lesson! It certainly + could not be the first question on the lesson-paper; nor did it sound like + certain well-meant admonitions to “try to improve the opportunity” and + “learn all that they could.” With each of these commencements they were + entirely familiar; but this was something new. + </p> + <p> + “Do you agree to the compact?” she asked, while they waited, her face + bright with smiles. + </p> + <p> + “Dunno about that,” said one whom she very soon discovered occupied the + position of a ringleader; “as a general thing, we like to be kind of + careful about our friendships; we might strike something that wasn't quite + the thing with people in our position. You can't be too careful in a big + city, you know.” + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to give you an idea of the impishness with which this + impudent answer was jerked out, to the great amusement of the others, who + laughed immoderately. + </p> + <p> + It suited Mrs. Roberts to treat the reply with perfect seriousness and + composure. + </p> + <p> + “That is very true,” she said, courteously; “but at the same time I + venture to hope that since you know nothing ill of me as yet, you will + receive me into a sort of conditional friendship, with the understanding + that I remain your friend until I am guilty of some conduct that ought to + justify you in deserting me. I am sure you cannot object to that; and now, + if we are to be friends, we should know each other's names. I am Mrs. Evan + Roberts, and I live at No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street. I shall be glad to + see you at my house whenever you would like to call on me. Now, will one + of you be kind enough to introduce himself and the class? Perhaps you will + introduce me to your friends?” + </p> + <p> + She looked directly at the ringleader. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! certainly, mum!” he replied, briskly. “This is Mr. Carrot + Pumpkins, at your service, mum—this fellow on my left, I mean; + rather a queer name, I dare say you think. It all came of his being fond + of sitting astride of a pumpkin when he was a little shaver, and of his + hair being exactly the color of carrots as you can see for yourself. And + this fellow on my right is Mr. Champion Chawer, so called because he can + make the biggest run on tobacco of any of the set, taking him day in and + day out. That fellow at your elbow is 'Slippery Jim.' We don't call him + 'Mister,' because he doesn't stay long enough in one place to have it + tacked on to him. He is such a slippery scamp that an eel is nowhere, + compared to him.” + </p> + <p> + During this rapid flow of words the listeners, who evidently admired their + leader, became so convulsed with laughter as to lose all vestige of + respectability, and Mr. Durant's disturbed face appeared in view. + </p> + <p> + “Boys, this is perfectly disgraceful!” he said, speaking in sharp and + highly-excited tones,—“perfectly disgraceful! I don't know why you + wish to come here to disturb us in this way Sabbath after Sabbath! But we + have really endured enough. There is a policeman at the foot of the + stairs, and he can easily call others to his help; so now if you wish to + remain here you must behave yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + During the deliverance of this sentence some of the boys gave mimic + groans, one of them whistled, and others kept up a running comment:— + </p> + <p> + “A policeman! oh good! that's little Duffer, I know! We've seen him + before! Wouldn't mind giving him a chase to-day, just for exercise, you + know, mum.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, boys, let's cut and run, the whole caboodle of us. We can jump + these seats at one bound, and take the little woman along on our shoulders + for a ride! Shall we do it?” This from the leader, who in time came to be + known as “Nimble Dick.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! no!” replied a third; “let's stick it out and see what she's got to + say; she's a new party. Besides, we can't give her the slip in that way; + we're friends of hers, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts,” said the distressed Mr. Durant, in a not very good + undertone, “I think you will have to give it up. They are worse than usual + this morning. We have endured much from them, and I must say that my + patience is exhausted. Will you not take the seat at the other end of the + room?” + </p> + <p> + “Not unless they wish me to.” + </p> + <p> + The people who had known Flossy Shipley well would have detected a curious + little quiver in her voice, which meant that she was making a strong + effort at self-control; but a stranger would hardly have observed it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish me to go away, young gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + The scamps thus appealed to, looked at one another again, as if in doubt + what to say. This again was new ground to them. Policemen they were + accustomed to. At last Nimble Dick made answer:— + </p> + <p> + “No, I'm bound if we do; it comes the nearest to looking like a lark of + anything that we have had in a long time. I say, Parson, go off about your + business and let us alone. We was having a good time getting acquainted + till you come and spoiled it. We'll be as sober as nine deacons at a + prayer-meetin'. And look out how you insult this young woman; she's a + friend of ours, and we're bound to protect her. No asking of her to change + her seat; she's going to sit right here to the end of the chapter.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant looked his willingness to summon the police at once, but Mrs. + Roberts' voice, evenly poised now, took up the story:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; then I will stay. And since it is getting late, suppose we + lose no more time. There was something about which I wanted to tell you. + But a few evenings ago I attended a gathering where I saw some very + singular things. A gentleman in the party was tied with a strong rope, + hands and feet, as firmly as two men could tie him,—people who knew + how to tie knots, and they did their best; yet while we stood looking at + him he shook his hand free and held it out to them. How do you think it + was done?” + </p> + <p> + “Sham knots!” said one. + </p> + <p> + “No, for my husband was one of the gentlemen who tied him, and he assured + me that he tied the rope as firmly as he could. Besides, more wonderful + things than that were done. I tied my own handkerchief into at least a + dozen very hard knots, and gave it to him, and I saw him put it in a glass + of water, then seize it and shake it out, and the knots were gone. I saw + him take two clean glasses, and pour water from a pitcher into one, and it + seemed to turn instantly to wine; then he poured that glass of wine into + the other empty glass, and immediately it turned back to water, or seemed + to. Dozens of other strange things he did. I should really like to tell + you about them all. I will, at some other time; but just now I think you + would like to know <i>how</i> he did them.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>How</i> he did them!” “As if you could tell!” “<i>Can</i> you tell?” + “Pitch in, mum; I'd like to hear that part myself!” These were some of the + eager answers. + </p> + <p> + Had the little teacher, under the embarrassments of the occasion, taken + leave of her senses? Actually she was bending forward, opened Bible turned + face downward on her knee, engaged in describing in somewhat minute detail + the explanations of certain slight-of-hand performances which she had + recently seen! What idea of the sacredness of the office of teacher, and + the solemnity of the truths to be taught, had she? + </p> + <p> + The boys were listening, their heads bent forward all around her. What of + that? They would have listened equally well to a graphically-told story of + a Fourth Avenue riot, and been equally benefited, you think? They did not + know just when the speaker slipped from the events of last week to the + events of more than three thousand years ago. Indeed, so ignorant were + they of all past history, that they were not even aware that she went back + into the past; for aught they knew, she might have gone, on Wednesday of + last week to see the man who could untie knots by magic, and on Thursday + to see the men who could drop canes on the ground that would appear to + turn into wriggling serpents. But there was one statement that proved too + much for their credulity. + </p> + <p> + “You could not imagine what occurred next,” said the bright-faced teacher. + “The cane or rod that the first man had dropped, actually opened its mouth + and swallowed the other rods that seemed to be serpents, and was left + there alone in its triumph!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bosh!” said Nimble Dick, contempt expressed in the very curve of his + nose, “that's too steep; I don't believe a word of it! These fellows can + do lots of queer things; I've seen 'em perform, myself; but they never + made a live thing yet; I've heard folks that know, say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely what I wanted to reach,” said Mrs. Roberts, with animation. + “You are right, they never did; and you have discovered just the + difference between them and the one man of whom I have been telling you. + <i>He</i> worked by the power of God; he distinctly stated that he did; + and that God really turned his rod into a serpent, and allowed it to + swallow the imitations of life, and then turned it back again into a rod, + to show that nothing was beyond his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the thing done?” questioned a young skeptic, running his + tongue into his cheek in a skillful way, and distorting his whole face + with a disagreeable leer. He began to suspect that he was being cheated + into listening to a Bible story. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was prompt with her answer:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, I did not, neither did I see the great fire that you had in this + city about a year ago. At that time I was a thousand miles away; and it so + happens that I have never talked with any person who did see it, yet I + know there was a great fire, and many buildings were burned, and lives + lost. It has been proved to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” said skeptic number two, while number one retired into silence + to speculate over this answer, “fires are common enough things; anybody + can know that they happen; but it ain't such a common affair to see a + stick turn into a serpent and swallow up other serpents. I've seen them + fellows make things that looked like snakes, myself; I could most swear to + it that I'd seen them wriggle; but they never did no <i>swallowing</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, they did not give unmistakable signs that they were alive. But + do you think it too strange a thing for God to do? Surely he can make + life! How is it that you are here, breathing, talking, thinking, if there + is no power anywhere to make life?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I came from a tadpole,” said the boastful young scientist, putting + his thumbs under his arms, and affecting an air of great wisdom. “I know + all about that; I was there, and see the things wriggle.” + </p> + <p> + Evolution staring her in the face in a corner class in a mission school;—a + class that had been gathered from the slums! Mrs. Roberts did not know + that these are the very places in which to find it in all its coarseness. + Yet she made haste to meet the boy on his own ground. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, if you choose to take that view of it. Was not the tadpole + alive? Where did the <i>life</i> come from? You insist that the story I + have been telling you is untrue because you know that none of these + sleight-of-hand performers have ever, or <i>can</i> ever make actual life! + That it is an impossible thing for human beings to do. Yet when I tell you + that <i>God</i> did it you refuse the statement. How are you going to + account for life? If, in its very lowest forms, it cannot be made by men + who have given all their time to the study of the marvellous, how is it + that it is everywhere about us, unless I am correct, and there is a Power + that can produce life?” + </p> + <p> + Not a boy among them had heard the term “evolution;” knew anything about + “the survival of the fittest.” They were entirely ignorant of “protoplasm” + or “bioplasm;” yet not one of them but had caught the meaning of some of + these terms as they had been translated for them into the vernacular of + the city slums; not one in the class but perceived that their champion + arguer had been met on his own ground and vanquished. Not with an outburst + of horror; he had not even been informed that he was irreverent. Nimble + Dick delighted in making each teacher tell him this; he had merely been + replied to in the calmest of argumentative tones, and called upon to + account for the facts in his own statements, and had been unable to do so. + The crowd broke into a derisive laugh, and were noisy, it is true, and + brought troubled frowns to the face of their superintendent, and made the + flush on Alfred Ried's face deepen; yet if both these anxious watchers had + known it, it was worthy of note that the laugh had been at the expense of + one of their number, and not at their teacher. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on,” interposed the youngest and quietest of the group. “Tell us + some more about your old fellow with his serpents. Did they stay + swallowed, and what did it all amount to, anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + Thus challenged, Mrs. Roberts gave her whole heart to the business of + giving, in as dramatic a manner as she could, the closing scenes in the + act performed in Egypt so long ago, carefully avoiding any reference to + time, and mentioning no names, using only modern terms, and an exceedingly + simple conversational form of language. She was, however, presently + interrupted with a question:— + </p> + <p> + “When did all this happen? And why don't somebody do something like it + nowadays?” + </p> + <p> + Ignoring the first question, Mrs. Roberts adroitly gave herself to the + second. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you find your pleasure in tumbling around on the floor, playing + with a bright-colored marble or two as you did when a child? The world was + in its childhood when God taught the people in this way. He has given them + just as wonderful lessons since, but lessons more suited to men and women + who have learned to think and reason. We don't like to be always treated + as children.” + </p> + <p> + Whether they really dimly understood the meaning or not is possibly + doubtful, yet it appealed to their sense of dignity in so indirect a way, + that they did not themselves realize what inclined them to quiet for a + moment, while she finished her sentence earnestly. In the midst of the + quiet the closing-bell rang, and the seven young scamps seemed at once to + take into their hearts seven other spirits worse than themselves, and + behaved abominably during the closing exercises, and tumbled out of the + door over each other, in the wildest fashion, the moment the signal was + given, halting only to say, in the person of their leader:— + </p> + <p> + “You be on hand next Sunday; we like your yarns first rate.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, with glowing cheeks, and eyes behind which there were unshed + tears, made her way to the desk where Mr. Durant was standing, and spoke + quickly: + </p> + <p> + “There is a difference between others who have tried it and myself, Mr. + Durant. The sentence in Mr. Ried's account that gave me courage was, + 'Every one has failed, so far; people are unwilling to take the class a + second time.' I have failed, but I want to try again.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — “ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME?” + </h2> + <p> + Though they rushed out with even more noise than usual, every boy of them + knew that the noise was to cover a certain sense of shame-facedness, + because they had actually been beguiled into listening quietly for a few + minutes to earnest words. + </p> + <p> + Directly they had reached the privacy of the street they became quieter. + </p> + <p> + “I say, boys,” said Nimble Dick, “is that an awful green one, or a new + kind?” + </p> + <p> + “New, I should say,” replied one of the younger boys; “she ain't like + anything that's been in that room since we got acquainted with it. I don't + know her style, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you take it she meant by that stuff about being friends, and + telling us where she lived, and all that?” + </p> + <p> + “Dunno what she meant; but she ain't <i>green</i>, you may bet your head + on that. I'll tell you what I think, boys: I b'lieve she knows what she is + about, every time.” + </p> + <p> + What this sage conclusion amounted to, one not acquainted with the dialect + of the street might have been at a loss to understand, but the rest of the + party received it in grave silence and nods of the head, as though it were + a thought that needed careful investigation. In common parlance, Jerry + Tompkins had expressed the opinion that Mrs. Roberts had some point to + gain in being so uncommonly polite and attentive to them, and they were + curious to know what the motive could possibly be. + </p> + <p> + They considered the important question in silence until they reached the + next corner; then Nimble Dick, tossing back his head as one who had thrown + off an abstruse problem, and would have none of it, said:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what next? We've got through with that fun for to-day. What are you + going to do, boys? Say we go around to Poke's, and see what is going on + there?” + </p> + <p> + To this proposition there was eager agreement from all the party save one; + he maintained a somewhat moody silence. + </p> + <p> + “What say, Dirk?” the leader asked, addressing him; “are you ready for + Poke's?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I don't think I'll go around, just now.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then? If you've got something better on hand, why don't you let a + fellow know? We're not dying for Poke's place.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got a thing on hand; only I don't care about going there.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere! Mean place. Too cold weather to stop in the streets. There'll be + a good fire at Poke's. You come along; don't go to getting the sulks; it + ain't becoming, just after you've been to Sunday-school.” + </p> + <p> + But the young fellow persisted in gloomily refusing to join them, and + presently they began to tease, in what they meant to be a good-natured + way. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk's struck,” said one. “That yellow-haired party has got him by the + throat; I saw her looking at him most uncommon sharp, when she was telling + that biggest story of hers, about the serpent that swallowed. Dirk he + thinks he's been swallowed by one of 'em; he feels it choking in his + throat.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said another, “that ain't it; Dirk's a-going to get pious. That's + his last dodge; I've seen the spell coming on, for some time. Didn't you + see him pick up that there Bible and lay it on the seat the other Sunday, + after Jerry's elbow knocked it off by mistake? I've been scared about Dirk + ever since; and now he won't go to Poke's! It's a bad sign. I say, Dirk, + maybe there's going to be a prayer-meeting down your way, and you wouldn't + mind letting us come?” + </p> + <p> + They expected him to laugh, but his face grew blacker than before, and at + last he said, in very significant tones:— + </p> + <p> + “You better hold up there, Scrawly, if you don't want to try the depth of + that gutter.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave him be,” said Nimble Dick, quickly; “he's going into one of his + tantrums. When he begins like that, there's no end to the fighting that's + in him; and I don't want a row now,—it's too early in the day; + besides, I know something that's better fun. You fellows come along with + me, and let him go.” + </p> + <p> + As this was said in a sort of undertone as Dirk strode on ahead; and when, + at another corner, he dashed down it, leaving them all, there was no call + after him. He was free to go where he would, and for reasons that he + himself could not have explained he chose that it should be home,—that + is, the place which he called home. It might not meet your ideas of what a + spot so named should be. The road to it led through one of the meanest + portions of the city. Each foot of the way the houses seemed to grow more + squalid looking, and the streets filthier. The particular alley down which + he dived at last was narrower and blacker than any yet passed, and the + cellar door which he pushed open let him into the meanest-looking house in + the row,—a long, low, dark room. In one corner there was the remnant + of a stove, braced up by bricks and stones, but no fire was burning + therein, though the day was cold. Furniture there was none, unless the + usual rickety table and two broken chairs could be called by that name. A + door was ajar that led into an inner cellar, and a glimpse of piles of + offensive looking rags, that were called “bed-clothes” by the family, + might have given you an idea of what their home life was, as hardly any + other phase of it can. The rags were not all in the further cellar, + however; a gay patch-work quilt, or at least one that had once been gay, + but from which bits of black cotton now oozed in every direction, seemed + to have curled itself in a heap against the one window. However, it moved + soon after Dirk opened the door, and showed itself to be more than a + quilt. Inside was a young girl, the quilt wrapped around her closely, + drawn up about her face and head, as if she would hide all but her eyes + within, and try to get rid of shivering. + </p> + <p> + “You home?” she said, her tones expressing surprise, but at the same time + indifference. “What is it for?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wanted to come. Hasn't a fellow a right to come home if he + wants to?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; and it's such a lovely home, and you are so fond of it, no one + need wonder at your coming in the middle of the day.” + </p> + <p> + The sentence was sarcastic enough, but the tones were hardly so; they + expressed too much indifference even for sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + Dirk surveyed her thoughtfully; he seemed to have no answer ready. In + fact, his face wore almost a startled air, and really the thought which + presented itself for consideration was startling. Something about the face + of the girl, done up so grotesquely in her ragged quilt, suggested the + lady who had been his teacher at the Mission! Could one find a sharper + contrast than existed between these two? Yet Dirk, as he looked, could not + get away from it. + </p> + <p> + “What are you staring at?” the girl asked, presently, growing uneasy over + the fixedness of his gaze. “Do you see anything uncommon about me?” + </p> + <p> + “Where's mother?” he asked, dropping his eyes, and turning from her. + </p> + <p> + “In there, asleep. You needn't talk quite so loud; it won't hurt her to + get a bit of rest. She sat up till morning, poking at your old coat.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk looked down at it thoughtfully. There had been an attempt to make it + decent, although the setting of the patches showed an unpractised hand, + and they were of a strikingly different color from the coat itself. + </p> + <p> + “You might have done it for her, then, in the daytime,” he said, briefly, + and added, “Where's father?” + </p> + <p> + The girl shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “How should I know? Where he is most of the time; you know more about it + than I do, or ought to; you live on the street.” + </p> + <p> + He gave her an answer which seemed to surprise her:— + </p> + <p> + “I say, Mart, what is the use in being so horrid cross all the time?” + </p> + <p> + “You are so good-natured,” she said, “and everything is so nice and + pleasant around me, it is a wonder that I should ever be cross!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all lost, Mart, for I never said I was good-natured, nor thought I + was; and if I don't know just how hateful things are, I should like to + know who does! But, after all, what good does it do to snarl? Why couldn't + you and me say a good-natured word once in a while, just for a change?” + </p> + <p> + “Try it,” she said; “I wish you would! I'm so tired of things as they now + are, that most any change would be fine. But I'll risk your doing much in + that line; it isn't in you.” + </p> + <p> + What was there in this cross girl to remind any one in his senses of Mrs. + Evan Roberts? Yet even as she spoke that last ungracious sentence, she + turned a little, so that a slant beam of sunshine—one of the few + that ever found its way into this dreary room—laid a streak of light + just across her hair, yellowing it until it was almost the shade that he + had noted in the lady at the Mission; and he thought of her again, and + wondered curiously whether, if Mart were dressed in the shining black + dress, and fur wraps and feather-decked bonnet that the lady had worn, she + would really resemble her. How would Mart look dressed up, he wondered; + even decently dressed, as the girls were whom he met on the streets. He + had never seen her in anything much more becoming than the ragged quilt. + He was studying her in a way that Mart did not in the least understand. + She broke the spell suddenly again:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you had any dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Dinner? Why, no! of course not! Where would I find that sort of thing? I + looked all up and down the streets, and smelled plenty of it, but not a + bite did I get.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, around in several places; not much of anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “I know where you've been,”—a severe light coming into her eyes; + “you've been down to the South End, and if I was you I'd be ashamed of + myself! I know how you fellows go on down there. Sallie Calkins goes, and + she told me all about it. She said that she was ashamed to live on the + same street with any of you, and that none of the folks in the Mission + knew what to do with you, and the next thing you knew you would all be + marched off to the lockup.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them try it,” muttered Dirk, his face growing darker; “we'd make that + street too hot to hold them in short order if they played at any such game + as that, and I guess they know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, I wouldn't be meaner and lower down than I had to be, Dirk + Colson! It is bad enough as it is,—a drunkard for a father, and we + nothing more than beggars! But I'd behave myself half-way decent when I + went among folks that wanted to be good to me, or else I'd stay away.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, you keep your preaching for them that wants to hear it; I + don't. A fellow can't come home without having a row; if it isn't of one + kind, it's another. I wonder I ever come home at all.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk was angry now, and his dark, thin face looked fierce with passion. + His sister kept the curiously composed tone and manner with which she had + said all her exasperating things. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you do,” she said. “I suppose you get starved, and can't help + it, now and then. There's some dinner I saved for you. If you want it, eat + it, and then take yourself to some place that suits you better.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she jerked open the door of a little cupboard near which she + stood, and brought therefrom a much-cracked plate, on which lay a baked + potato, with one end broken or bitten off, then carefully replaced, as if + the owner might have had a second thought as to its disposal; there was + also a bit of corn-bread, somewhat burned, and half of a roasted apple. + </p> + <p> + Meagre as the fare was for a hungry boy, there was more variety than he + had expected, and something in the simple preparation touched him, and + quieted his anger. + </p> + <p> + “Where did this come from?” he asked, taking in the unaccustomed morsel of + apple with two eager bites. “I tell you, that is good!” + </p> + <p> + “Sally Calkins gave it to me last night. She got one give to her + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + Just as the last bite was gone, it occurred to Dirk, first to wonder, and + then to be almost certain, that his sister, having shared the apple, had + saved her entire share for him. It was not the first time he had known of + such an effort on her part to supply him with food. Had he thought of it + sooner he would certainly have left a bit of the dainty for her; but no + thought of telling her so, for an instant crossed his mind. Neither had + she, on her part, the slightest idea of describing to him with what care + and patience she and Sallie had roasted the choice morsel before Sallie's + fire, only last night,—Sallie's father being fortunately late in + coming, and so giving them a chance; then she had borne hers home in a bit + of paper, and carefully guarded it all day, just for this hour. Also, she + might have told him that she bit the end from the potato before she + remembered that there would be none left for him, and then fitted it on + again as best she could, and went without. She would not have told him for + worlds. Why? She could not have explained why. Something within her shrank + from letting him know, not that she sacrificed for him, but that she <i>cared</i> + enough for him to want to do it! + </p> + <p> + Potato and corn-bread were gone, to the last crumb; it seemed to Dirk that + there had been only enough of them to show him how hungry he was. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there isn't anything more?” he said, wistfully, with the rising + inflection, indeed, but not as one who had any idea of receiving an + affirmative answer. + </p> + <p> + “I should think there wasn't!”—defiance in the tone—“there's a + piece of bread that I kept for mother's supper, and I mean she shall have + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't bite me! I'm perfectly willing that she shall. Isn't there + anything for a fire?” + </p> + <p> + “Only some chips that I'm saving till mother has her nap out.” + </p> + <p> + “You better go to bed yourself, then; it's awful cold here.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't going to stir from this corner so long as this streak of light + lasts. It isn't so very often I see it that I can afford to lose it.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother turned and looked at her. She had gathered the folds of the + ragged quilt about her again, and was crouching at the low window, and the + very last gleam that the sunshine would vouchsafe them came and glimmered + in her hair. + </p> + <p> + There it was again,—that mysterious, haunting resemblance! What + would Mart think if he told her of it? Probably that he was trying to poke + fun at her. At least, he should not experiment. Yet he could not help + wondering again, how Mart would look if she were dressed like other + people. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Mart,” he began, suddenly, breaking the stillness, “let's you and + I get out of this, where it is warmer. Come and take a walk down on the + avenue; the sun will shine yet for half an hour, and it is real warm and + bright.” + </p> + <p> + “In this quilt?” she asked, significantly, looking down at it. + </p> + <p> + The boy's face darkened. + </p> + <p> + “Hasn't your shawl got out of pawn yet?” + </p> + <p> + “How should it?” + </p> + <p> + He flung himself angrily out of the broken chair, picked up his ragged + cap, and strode angrily and noisily across the room, out at the door, + stumbling up the steps, like one half-blind with disgust or rage, and went + on swift feet down the street out of sight. And Mart, poor Mart, left thus + to solitude, let the last beam of the sun go without watching, and buried + her face in the ragged quilt and cried. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — “I DON'T BLAME THEM.” + </h2> + <p> + It was not a “pet” name. Poor Mart Colson would not have known what to do + with a pet name. Her life had not taught her how to use such phrases; how + she came to be named Martha, she did not know; but a hollow-eyed, + sad-voiced woman could have told her of a country home, long ago, where + there were daffodils blowing in the early spring, almost under the snow; + where, later, the earth was turned into sky, or the stars came down and + gleamed all over her father's fields, so plentiful were the dandelions; + and the breath of the clover came in at all the open windows, and the cows—her + father's cows—coming home from pasture, and the tinkle of their + bells were sights and sounds familiar to her ear. She sat there one summer + evening, in the back-door, watching the glory and the peace, and studying, + between times, her Sabbath lesson. Often and often the words came back to + her in future years. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” + That was one of the verses. Was it a dim memory of the words, and a sort + of blind reaching out after their fulfilment, that led her to name her + poor little two-days-old baby, Martha? The old home had vanished, the + sweet-scented meadows, the tinkling bells, the peace and the plenty, were + as utterly things of the past as though they had not been. Mother, and + father, and one brother, were gone, lying in grass-grown, neglected + graves; and she—why the two-days-old baby's father was <i>drunk</i>; + and had been for three weeks! A hard, hateful-sounding word,—coarse, + almost. Why don't I say intoxicated? Oh, because I can't! I've no desire + to find smooth-sounding words with which to cover the sin of that baby's + father. But the mother named her Martha. She never told her why, if, + indeed, she herself fully knew; it was not a family name. Gradually, after + the fashion of the times, she sought to shorten the name; and because they + had not sweet, short words, as “Pet,” and “Dear” and “Sweet,”—all + such belong to happy homes,—they grew to calling her Mart. And now + even she herself hardly realized that she had ever owned to any other + call. Poor Mart! I find myself wanting to use the adjective over and over + again when I speak of her. Such a desolate, loveless life! Always a + drunken father,—she had never known any other; always a sharp-toned, + weary-eyed, disheartened mother, who shut her tenderness for the child + within herself, as one who could not afford to show it. Then Dirk, the one + brother, going astray almost as soon as he was born. What wonder, from + such a home? Yet Mart wondered and felt bitter over it. Why could not Dirk + be like some others of whom she knew? Like Sallie Calkin's brother, for + instance, who worked day and night, and brought home, often and often, an + apple, or a herring, or sometimes even a picture paper for Sallie! Mart + was sharp-tongued; all her life had taught her to be so. She spoke sharp + words out of the bitterness of her heart at Dirk, and of late rarely + anything but sharp words, yet—and this was Mart's secret, hidden + away as if it were something of which to be ashamed—she <i>loved</i> + Dirk, loved him fiercely, with all the pent-up wealth of her young heart; + and often, <i>because</i> she loved him, she was harsh and bitter towards + him, though she did not herself understand why this should be. + </p> + <p> + As for Dirk, he walked rapidly but for a few blocks; his dinner had been + too insufficient to give him strength, after the first aimless anger had + subsided. Then came the question what to do with himself. Why hadn't he + gone with the fellows? More than likely some of them had contrived a way + to get a dinner. Why had he persisted in sullenly leaving them all and + going home? + </p> + <p> + He had not the least idea why he had been impelled to go home. Now that he + was fairly away from home again, he had no idea what to do with himself. A + place where he could warm his feet and his hands, where he could get a + bite to eat, possibly,—this last would be an immense attraction, but + was not a necessity, and he did not expect it,—but warmth, at least, + he felt that he must have. Where would he find it? What place had been + provided for such as he? He ought by this time to have been earning his + own living, to have had a corner which he could call home, earned by + himself, where some of the decencies of life were gathered. Of course he + ought; but the painful fact to meet just now, was that he had not done his + duty. He had gone astray; not so far but that there were plenty of chances + to go farther, greater deeps to which he might yet reach, but far enough + to all but break any watchful mother's heart; only that <i>his</i> + mother's heart was broken before he was born. The simple question waiting + to be solved was this: Having done as poorly for himself as under the + circumstances he well could, what was Dirk Colson to do next? He had no + idea; neither, apparently, had multitudes of Christian people engaged in + praying that the Father's will might be done on earth, even as it was in + heaven. The young man walked six blocks down the respectable avenue, lined + with pleasant homes, where the people went to church, and read their + Bibles, and had family prayers, and kept holy the Sabbath day. Not a door + among them all opened and held out a winning signal to arrest his heedless + feet. Not so Satan! Is he ever caught idling at his post? + </p> + <p> + Just around the corner from the respectable avenue (and around the corner + Dirk presently turned, still uncertain what to do, where to find the + warmth he craved) then the winning invitations for such as he began to + present themselves. Saloons, and saloons, and saloons! How many of them + were there? Far outnumbering the churches! Pleasant they looked, too; + opening doors, ever and anon, revealing brightness and warmth within. They + would like to see him inside. Of this Dirk was sure; not that he had + money, but he had something that in such places often served him well,—a + decided and dangerous talent for imitating any and every peculiarity of + voice or manner that had chanced to come under his notice. He could make + the fellows in these saloons roar with laughter. If he did particularly + well, they were willing to order for him a glass of beer, or a fairly good + cigar; in any case he had a chance to get warm. This was actually Dirk's + only present source of income! Yet he shrank from it; he could not have + told you why, but on this particular Sabbath he was averse to earning his + coveted warmth in this way. He walked resolutely by two or three places + where he had reason to think he might be welcomed, wondering vaguely + whether there wasn't something else a fellow could do to keep himself from + freezing. Oddly enough there seemed to be something about the glimmer of + sunshine as he saw it in Mart's hair that kept him from halting before any + of the places open to him. What if she had come out with him to take a + walk; he could not have taken her into one of them! Then, poor fellow, he + set himself to wondering where the place was, open and warmed, to which he + could take Mart. There were places, several of them, in the large city; + but Dirk knew nothing about them, and he was acquainted with the saloons. + He thought of another thing; he had been invited to call at a house on + East Fifty-fifth Street. Suppose he should walk up there this very + afternoon and ring the bell, and say that he had come to call! What would + happen then? Whereupon he laughed aloud. The fancy seemed to him so + utterly preposterous. The idea of <i>his</i> making a call! The utter + improbability of his ever seeing the inside of one of the East Fifty-fifth + Street mansions! + </p> + <p> + Still remained that hopeless question: What should he do with himself? The + sun was quite gone now, and a cold wind was blowing up freshly from the + north. It blew directly through Dirk's threadbare garments. He turned + suddenly and slipped inside one of the worst of the many saloons which + literally lined this end of the street. He had refused to go with the boys + to Poke's, an hour or two before, and this was several grades below Poke's + in decency! But it was growing dark, and he was cold. + </p> + <p> + There was one young man who saw him dash down those cellar stairs, who + stood still and looked at him, his face darkening the while with + discouragement. This, then, was all the afternoon's Sabbath-school had + accomplished for him. To be sure he was not disappointed at the result; it + was no more than he had expected; but it was so discouraging to be an + eye-witness to the degradation to which these young wretches had fallen! + Of course the young man was Alfred Ried, and he went home, and was dreary, + over all sorts of failures in Christian work, mission Sabbath-schools + especially; and their own, more especially than any other. + </p> + <p> + Among the early shoppers on Monday morning came Mrs. Evan Roberts. + Shopping, however, seemed to be a small part of her business. She came + directly to young Ried's counter, and addressed him very much as though + she had ceased talking with him but a moment before:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, what can you and I do for those boys during the week?” + </p> + <p> + But Alfred was at his gloomiest. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see that we can do anything for them at any time,” he said, + dismally. “What is an hour on Sunday, set against all the rest of the + time? They go from the school-room to the rum saloons, and dawdle away the + rest of the day. Yesterday I met that young Colson going into one of the + worst saloons on Dey Street. They are not to blame, either.” This last in + a fiercer tone, after a slight pause. “I don't blame them; they have + nowhere else to go, and nothing to do; and it is cold on the streets, and + warm in the saloons.” + </p> + <p> + If he expected the small lady, who was regarding him so steadily, to take + the other side of this question, he was disappointed. She spoke quietly + enough, but with the earnestness of conviction. + </p> + <p> + “Those are startling facts. I do not see how one could be surprised that + the results are they are; and the practical question forces itself upon + us, What are we to do under the circumstances? Mr. Ried, you have had your + eyes open in regard to this subject for some time; what have you thought + out?” + </p> + <p> + Now was Mr. Alfred Ried embarrassed. It was true that his eyes had been + long open to the subject; it was true that he had given it a great deal of + what he had called thought. But with those alert eyes fixed on his face, + her whole manner indicating intense earnestness, he suddenly realized that + all his thought had been to no purpose, had accomplished nothing, unless + it had served to give him a feeling almost of irritation against the boys, + and their teachers who made failures, and the people who folded their + hands and let things go to ruin. Here confronted him one, whose hands were + not folded, though they rested quietly enough on the counter before him. + He began to feel that there might be latent power in them. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say,” and he said it at last with flushed face and + embarrassed voice; “I have thought out nothing. The whole thing seemed + hopeless to me with my utter lack of resources. My sister had schemes, + many of them, and they seemed to me good ones, even then; they seem better + now, only I cannot carry them out.” + </p> + <p> + She caught at the name. + </p> + <p> + “Your sister? Ester Ried? Good! Let us carry them out, you and I, and as + many more as we can get to help us. She is at work yet,—don't you + see? What is that prophecy about her?—that voice which the prophet + heard, you know, 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Write, Blessed are + the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, + that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.'” + </p> + <p> + How strangely the words sounded, repeated in her low, clear voice, amid + the hum of business on every side! Alfred Ried felt singularly moved. He + had been a highly strung, imaginative child. He had been his sister + Ester's almost constant companion during those last months in which she + was slowly fading out of sight. While Julia held steadily to her mother's + side, and learned to do many helpful things, he had been stationed chief + nurse in Ester's room, to see that she lacked for no tender care during + the hours when others must be away from her. And those hours she had + tenderly improved. He remembered to this day just how she looked, with a + pink flush all over her cheeks, and a bright light in her eyes, as she + talked to him of the things that she and Dr. Douglass had meant to do for + boys,—neglected, homeless, friendless boys. Oh, the plans they had + carefully thought out, to reach after these forsaken ones! He remembered + that his own cheeks had grown hot while he listened, and the blood had + seemed to race like fire through his veins when she said, “God wants <i>me</i> + for something else, Alfred; but you will do my work when you get to be a + man; you will find helpers, and carry it on as I wanted to do.” He had + made no audible answer, but he had told himself sturdily again and again + that he certainly would. Yet here he was, barely of age, and almost soured + by disappointments. Certain well-meant attempts having proved failures, + and having not found the helpers whom he had eagerly expected, the + magnitude of the work impressed itself upon him more remorselessly each + hour. Yet now he seemed to feel again the thrill in his veins, and he felt + almost under the power of his sister's eye while those words were in his + ears: “They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Might + it possibly be that this was one of the “helpers” of whom Ester used to + talk, sent by God himself to take up her planned work and follow it out? + Yet she was so utterly unlike his memory of Ester! She had seemed to him a + self-reliant, strong-toned woman; Mrs. Roberts was so small and + frail-looking, and so fashionably dressed, and how those boys had acted + with her only yesterday! What could she possibly do? + </p> + <p> + Customers came just then, to change the current of his thoughts. They + wanted round collars, and deep collars, and fichus, and edges, and a + hundred little irritating things. Young Ried, usually so gracious and + patient, had much ado to keep from showing his annoyance over the + smallness of all their wishes. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mrs. Roberts, who had taken a seat, entered apparently with + absorption into the relative merits of round or pointed collars with a + young lady acquaintance. She patiently measured to discover whether the + turned-down corner of one was a quarter of an inch deeper than the other + or not; she gave, with due deliberation, her opinion as to whether the + points were more becoming to the young lady's style of beauty than the + rolling fronts, and even went to the trouble of unfastening her furs to + show still another style that she liked better than either; sending the + disgusted Alfred to an entirely different box in search of a like pattern. + As he went, his lip curled visibly. What a fool he had been to allow + himself to get momentarily excited over this doll! How preposterous in him + to mention his dead sister's name to her! She had already forgotten the + entire matter, and was deep in the merits of collars! His first estimate + of her had been the correct one. Her mind was just about as deep, he + believed, as the tiny collar she was measuring. What a farce it was to + talk to her about helping those poor fellows! She probably thought a few + soup tickets, and a chance for a good Christmas dinner at some of the + public charity halls, was the way to reach and reform them. <i>He</i> + shouldn't help her; she mustn't expect it. Doubtless she did not. Probably + she had by this time forgotten that she had suggested it. Why need she + putter here about a few collars for a young lady in her own circle to wear + with her morning dresses? That was just it, he told himself. It was + because she <i>was</i> in her circle, and because the collars were to be + honored by being worn by such as she, that they became important, and the + boys and their desperate needs sunk into insignificance. Well, he wished + they would both go, and leave him to himself; give him a chance to rally + from his momentary excitement, of which he was now ashamed. + </p> + <p> + At last the collars were bought,—but not until the counter was + strewn with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little + nothings for last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. + Roberts whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — “A CHRISTIAN HOME.” + </h2> + <p> + “I don't suppose you can go into detail just now,” she added, noting young + Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; “but I was wondering if you could + give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought could be + done.” + </p> + <p> + “There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe she + thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world very + well,” said this aged cynic. “She judged everybody from the standpoint of + her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy with + soup-houses, and dinner-tickets, and great public charities of that sort. + Or, I don't know that I should say she was not in sympathy with them. I + mean, rather, that those would not have been her ways of working. She was + thinking of young people, and to give them a dinner now and then, she + would not have considered a very great step toward elevating them morally + and spiritually. Mrs. Roberts, it was just that which she wanted to do,—lift + them up. She thought there could be invented ways of reaching them, so + that they would want helping, want teaching,—<i>crave</i> it, I + mean; and she thought that Christian homes of wealth and culture could be + opened to them, and they gradually toled in,—made to feel on a level + with others, in the social scale; in short, she believed that instead of + people going down to them in a condescending spirit, they could be drawn + up to the level of others, so that they would realize their manhood, and + be led to make earnest efforts to take their rightful places in the world. + I know I am bungling dreadfully; I don't know how to tell you her plans, + only that they were splendid. But I am afraid the world will have to be + made over, before they can be carried out.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so. Christ is at work making the world over, you know.” The lady + before him, whose eyes never for an instant moved from his face, spoke + with exceeding sweetness and gravity. Neither by word nor glance did she + give him to understand that she thought his schemes wild. “But I find + that, after all, I want details. I catch a glimpse of the grandness of + your sister's meaning. What were some of the steps,—the little + steps, such as you and I could take, toward accomplishing? Yet, even while + I ask the question, I see something of what the answer must be. 'Christian + homes opening to receive them!' That is a new thought to me, and in the + plural number I do not see how just now, it could be done, but <i>one</i> + Christian home,—I ought to be able to manage that. Mr. Ried, that is + the way to begin it, you may depend. Indeed, I suppose you have tried it? + The city is full of boys, and many of them are away down. Since we cannot + reach all of them this week, we must try to reach seven; and failing in + that, suppose we say one? For which one have you been working? Just who, + at this moment, specially interests you? I hope it is one of my boys, + because, you see, they appeal to me, just now, as no others can. Which is + it, Mr. Ried? and what have you tried to do for him? and to what extent + have you succeeded?” + </p> + <p> + There were never any hotter cheeks than young Ried's just at that moment. + This was the most extraordinary person with whom he had ever talked. It + was impossible to generalize with her. Not that he wanted to generalize; + on the contrary, he at once saw the possibilities growing out of + individual effort, and caught at the idea of undertaking something. But + the question was, Why had he not thought of it before? One person to reach + after, and try for!—surely, he might have attempted it, instead of + trying to carry the hundreds that he stumbled against, and so accomplish + nothing for any of them. It was humiliating, the confession that he had to + make:— + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Mrs. Roberts, I have not one in mind. If you asked me what one + hundred I was most anxious about, I might possibly be able to answer; but + I see that there has been no individuality about it, unless, perhaps, the + half-dozen or more boys who compose that class are taking a little + stronger hold on me than any of the others; but even for them I have tried + to do nothing, unless two or three attempts to secure a permanent teacher + for them—which have ended in failure—may count for effort. I + don't blame myself as much as I might, because, now that you suggest + personal work to me, I realize that there is nothing for one situated as I + am to do. I have no Christian home at my command.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but we are to come down to very small numbers, you know,—to + fractions, if need be. You have a piece of Christian home at command, I + trust?” + </p> + <p> + But he looked at her inquiringly, and she explained:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, you have the privacy of your own room, which is, of course, your + corner of home just now, and it is a Christian corner. Is there not room + in it sometimes for two?” + </p> + <p> + He smiled faintly over that. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, there is one thing with which you evidently are not + familiar, and that is the corner which a poor clerk in the city has to + call home. Mine is the fourth story back of a fourth-rate boarding-house, + where the thermometer drops often below the freezing-point, and this place + I share with as uncongenial a fellow as ever breathed. What would you + think of labelling such accommodations 'home?' and what can I do in it for + others?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, perhaps,” smiling, “unless for the uncongenial fellow. I should + think there might be a chance in this direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but,” he said, eagerly, “he is a Christian. My sympathies do not need + to be drawn out in that direction.” + </p> + <p> + The smile was a peculiar one now, but the tone was very quiet in which the + little lady said that some time, when they had leisure to talk, she should + like to ask him whether his experience with Christians had been so + exceptionally bright that he thought there was no work to do in that + direction. + </p> + <p> + “But just now,” she added, earnestly, “I want to know, since you are shut + away from home effort, for which of these boys you are praying especially, + and which of them do you carry about on your heart, with the hope of a + chance meeting, an unexpected, opportunity to speak a word, or do a + kindness, or look a kindness that shall give you possible future + influence? Don't you have to work in those ways? Two people never equally + interest me at the same moment. I find I must be intensely individual, not + to the exclusion of others, but in praying. For instance, yesterday I + prayed, and this morning I prayed, for my entire class, but there was one + all the time who was uppermost. I find myself questioning, What can I do + for them all, but especially for him? Do you know, I fancy that most + Christians feel the same; individual effort is so necessary that I have + thought perhaps the Holy Spirit turns our thoughts most directly toward + one person at a time, so that we may concentrate our efforts. Do you think + this is so?” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried did not answer promptly; he had no answer ready that suited + him. His strongest feeling just then was one of self-reproach, mingled + with humiliation. How had he looked down on this fair and beautiful little + woman,—her very beauty being, he had fancied, an element against her + when it came to actual effort. How had he allowed himself to sneer over + her attempts at teaching that class of boys! How actually irritable he had + been over it! How almost angrily he had questioned why it was that a + teacher was not found for them fitted to their needs; when he had prayed + about it so much; determined not to believe that the prayer had been + answered, and the teacher found; yet here she was, the one whose efforts + he had despised, talking already about individual prayer for them, while + he, who had done a great amount of fretting for them, had not once + presented them as individuals to Christ, and asked a definite blessing for + each! His answer, when it came, was low and full of feeling:— + </p> + <p> + “I have concentrated my desires in praying for the coming of such a + teacher as might get hold of them; and I begin to think that I have an + answer to my prayers.” + </p> + <p> + But she was absolutely proof against compliments. She wasted not a + moment's thought on that, but said:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, who are they? I tried to get their names yesterday, but soon + saw that they were not in the mood to help me. I don't think I have one + correct name. Can you give me a list?” + </p> + <p> + No, he could not—which admission did not lessen the glow on his + cheek. Possibly he could mention the names of two, and guess at a third, + but of the others he knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + “To whom, then, can I go? Mr. Durant would know, of course. Where shall I + find him?” + </p> + <p> + So much Alfred knew. Mr. Durant was to be found at the Fourth National + Bank; but, as for giving information in regard to that class, he was sure + it was beyond him. He (Alfred) had asked only last Sabbath who the boy was + who behaved so wretchedly, and also who was the fellow next him, but Mr. + Durant had not known. + </p> + <p> + Well, then, Mrs. Roberts said, nothing daunted, not even a shadow + appearing on her quiet face, she must just study it out with his help. + </p> + <p> + “There is immediate work for you,” she said, “for of course I want to know + their names. Who are the two? This Dirk Colson, whom you mentioned,—which + was he?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred described him as well as his bewilderment would allow, and was + interrupted— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the small dark one. I know,—he interested me. Where does he + live?” + </p> + <p> + But to this question no clear answer could be given. Down in one of the + alleys towards the South End; but just which alley, or how far down it, + Alfred did not know. He knew it was a disreputable alley, and that there + wasn't a decent home anywhere about it, and that was all. + </p> + <p> + “What does Dirk do for a living?” + </p> + <p> + This question was quite as difficult to answer as the other. Nothing, + young Ried believed; at least nothing regular; odd jobs he doubtless + picked up occasionally, but as for regular employment, Alfred was sure he + had none. + </p> + <p> + “Is that his fault? I mean, doesn't he desire work, and make an effort to + secure it?” + </p> + <p> + But this young Ried could not even pretend to answer. Work, for such as + he, was scarce; boys with better habits, brought up to be industrious, + were at this present time out of work. Possibly the fellow was not to + blame for being an idler. + </p> + <p> + Many other questions were asked, and many attempts were made at answers; + but when the shoppers began to press in, to such a degree that their + conversation was broken, and the energetic seeker after information felt + herself obliged to retire, one thing had been accomplished: Alfred Ried + had been made to realize that he knew much less than he had supposed he + did about the seven boys who had seemed to be filling his thoughts for + several weeks; and also, in his eager, passionate desire that everything + should be done for all of them, he had overlooked the chances for doing + here and there some little thing for one of them. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” Mrs. Roberts had said, turning cordially to a + fashionably-dressed lady. “Collars? Oh, yes, this is the counter for them + to be found in endless variety. They have a new pattern that I have been + admiring. Mr. Ried, please show Mrs. Emory the curtain collars, with + embroidered points.” + </p> + <p> + Which thing Mr. Ried proceeded to do with alacrity and respect, no trace + of the earlier contemptuous feeling shadowing his face. Here was a woman + who knew stylish collars when she saw them, and who also knew several + other things, and had taught him a lesson this very morning that he would + not be likely to forget. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts, as she made her way out from the fast-filling store, + felt that she had not made great progress toward getting acquainted with + her class. + </p> + <p> + Still it must be admitted that if young Ried had gotten some new ideas, so + also had she. “A Christian home!” She found herself repeating the phrase, + lingering over it, wondering if her new home, in every sense of the word, + merited that title. “It cannot simply mean a home where Christ is + honored,” she said to herself. “I surely have that. It rather means a home + where everything pertaining to it serves His cause. The very furniture and + the light and the brightness are made to do duty for Him, else they have + no place there; and I, labelled Christian, have no right to them. Can they + bear the test, I wonder? What is there that I can do with all the beauties + of my parlors? There are things that I have not done. I can see some to + do; but how can my Christian home serve these boys? When I get them into + it, of course it will work for me; but how to get them in! Who are they? I + wonder what spring I can touch to give me even this meagre bit of + information?” + </p> + <p> + As if in answer to her mental query, she came just then full upon + Policeman Duffer. She recognized him instantly: a man who, though by no + means small, was so far from having the majestic presence of most + policemen that, in the estimation of the boys, he merited the name “Little + Duffer.” Mrs. Roberts carried to her new work one talent not always to be + found among even efficient workers,—the ability to remember both + names and faces. Especially did a name seem, without any effort on her + part, to fasten itself upon her memory; and not only that, but it brought + with it a train of memories enabling her to locate when and where, and + under what circumstances, she heard the name; and, therefore, generally + whom the name fitted. Recognizing the features of the policeman whom she + had seen at the door of the South End Mission, she connected him at once + with the term “Little Duffer,” heard in her class, and addressed him:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Duffer, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + It is safe to say that Policeman Duffer, entirely accustomed as he was to + hearing himself addressed officially a hundred or a thousand times a day, + was yet utterly unaccustomed to the prefix of “Mr.”, and started in + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Are you not the gentleman whom I saw at the South End last Sabbath?” + </p> + <p> + The policeman admitted that he probably was. He was detailed for duty + there. Then she plunged at once into business. Did he know the boys who + attended that school? Some of them he did, better than he wanted to; and a + precious set they were, in Policeman Duffer's opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Might as well go out to the Zoo,” he declared, “and get a set of animals + and try to tame 'em.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was not in the mood to argue; she was bent on information. + Did he know, she wondered, the boys who composed her class? She had just + taken the class, and was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted with their + names. One was Dirk Colson, and another she had heard was Haskell—Timothy + Haskell, perhaps, though of that she was not certain. Did that give Mr. + Duffer any clue? + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of clue,” he said, shaking his head. “So you've taken that class, + ma'am?”—a curious mixture of amazement and credulity in his voice. + “What possessed you, if I may be so bold? They're a hard lot, ma'am. I + know them, as I said, altogether too well. I've had enough to do with some + of them; and I expect more work from them. They gain in wickedness in a + most surprising way. Their names, yes; there's Scrawley and Sneaking + Billy, and Black Dirk,—him you know.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts interrupted him. She begged his pardon, but could those + really be the boys names? Were they not rather some unfortunate street + names that had been fastened upon them? + </p> + <p> + Thus brought back to his senses, Policeman Duffer laughed, and admitted + that he supposed Sneaking Billy was properly named Sneyder; but he was + once caught in a mean trick, from which he tried in so many ways to squirm + out, that the boys had themselves named him Sneaking Billy, and the name + had stuck. + </p> + <p> + As for “Scrawley,” his real name was Stephen Crowley. How it became + contracted into “Scrawley” the boys could tell better than anybody else. + They always called him that, and so did other people; and Policeman Duffer + was inclined to doubt whether the fellow remembered that he had any other + name. + </p> + <p> + “You can see yourself, ma'am,” he added, “how Black Dirk came by his name. + He is the blackest white fellow as ever I saw, and I've seen crowds of + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + The streets were full, and Policeman Duffer was being interviewed by a + great many people in regard to all the questions that policemen are + expected to answer. But by dint of patient waiting, one foot poised on a + curbstone to keep it out of the mud, making hurried little memoranda while + Policeman Duffer was engaged, and earnestly plying her questions when he + was at leisure, Mrs. Roberts learned the names of her seven boys, and + where several of them lived. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.” + </h2> + <p> + “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away + from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a + certain street was. “He is the worst of the lot, <i>I</i> believe. Jerry + Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; + Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the + rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil. + The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are + after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he + may burst out on you. He's dangerous. I am always looking out for + something awful that he will do.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Dirk! Yet he was the boy to whom Mrs. Roberts' desires had gone out + the most anxiously. It was over his image that she had lingered that + morning in her closet. Policeman Duffer would have been greatly astonished + had he known there was that in his words which gave her courage. + “Perhaps,” she said to herself, with quickening breath, “oh, perhaps the + poor boy is the most in danger of them all, and the Saviour, knowing it, + sees ways in which I may reach him, and so presses his poor, sullen face + on my memory.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he do for a living?” she hastened to ask. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to the best of my knowledge, he loafs for a living. That's all I've + ever known him guilty of doing. He's got a drunken father,—one of + the meanest kind of drunkards. If he would go and stay drunk all the time + and leave them alone they might manage; but he has spells of getting half + over it, and coming home and tearing around like all possessed. Then they + have times! I've been in there when it took all my strength to manage him. + If he would get killed in one of his rows I'd have some hope of the rest + of 'em; but he won't. That kind of folks never do get killed; it's the + decent ones. A fellow was carried by here just with a broken leg,—a + nice, decent boy; works hard to help his sister. He's the sort now that + gets his leg broken and gets laid up for the rest of the winter. How do + you account for that? He lives pretty near Black Dirk's. Of course, he's + got a drunken father; they all have in that row; but if I was going in for + benevolence I'd twice as soon do something for young Calkins as for any of + your set; they're a bad lot. They aren't worth lifting a finger for. Now, + that's a fact.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Mrs. Roberts, her voice tremulous with a feeling that just + then surged over her, “how can I help remembering that if the Lord Jesus + had said that of us, and stayed up there in his glory, we should have been + utterly without help or hope to-day?” + </p> + <p> + Very much astonished was Policeman Duffer. Ladies on all sorts of errands + had consulted him. He had been presented with many tracts in his day; but + rarely had a clear-voiced, earnest-eyed woman quietly confronted him with + that name, as if it contained an unanswerable argument. However, he was + not embarrassed; it took a great deal to embarrass him. + </p> + <p> + “I don't take much stock in him,” he said, with a lofty toss of his head, + and a careless tone, as though the question were one easy to dispose of. + “I don't believe in him myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + Earnest eyes, raised to his face, fixed steadily on his face, while the + questioner waited quietly for an answer. + </p> + <p> + Policeman Duffer was embarrassed now; he was not used to being confronted + with such matter-of-fact questions. + </p> + <p> + “Do I know him?” with a confused little laugh. “Why, I reckon not, ma'am; + according to the popular notion he is too far away for folks to be well + acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “Then popular notion is mistaken, for I know him very well indeed; and he + is by no means far away. But what I meant was, Have you studied his life + and character, and do you fully understand the arguments for believing in + him?” + </p> + <p> + “I study the folks who profess to belong to him, ma'am, and I find that + about as much as I can stand.” + </p> + <p> + This was said with a saucy little laugh, and with the air of a man who + believed he had produced an unanswerable argument. The steady eyes did not + move from his face, and the voice which answered him had lost none of its + quietness:— + </p> + <p> + “But do you think it is wise to spend your time in studying the imperfect + copies, without looking at the perfect pattern? You would not take the + child's careless imitation as a proof that his teacher could not write. I + thank you for helping me to-day. I wish you would help my boys when you + can; and I wish you would study my Master instead of me. Good morning.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a queer party!” did Policeman Duffer exclaim, as he watched her + far down the street. “I'm blessed if I wouldn't like to know who she is; + she ain't like the rest, somehow. <i>Her</i> boys! Much she knows about + 'em! Her <i>bears</i> she might as well call 'em! What does she think she + can do with that set in her little hour, Sunday afternoon? Satan, he has + 'em all the week, and looks after 'em sharp; and then these Christians + come in of a Sunday, and mince a little, and think they can upset his + doings by it. Shows their sense! But she's a curious little party; sharp, + without knowing it. I'm blessed if I don't keep an eye on her, and save + her from scrapes, if I can.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, all unconscious of his good intentions, Mrs. Roberts pursued her + way down the thronged avenue, and presently turned from it entirely, and + moved down one of the side-streets with resolute steps. A daring thought + had come into her mind; she would try to find the alley where one at least + of her boys lived. It couldn't be worse than some of the alleys at home + which she had penetrated. She felt certain that by following the + policeman's directions she could find the place, and possibly be able to + minister to the boy with a broken limb. At all events, it was necessary + for her to know how her boys lived, and where they lived, if she were to + reach them. But there are alleys, and <i>alleys</i>, as the venturesome + lady found to her cost. This one into which she was plunging excelled + anything in that line which she had ever imagined,—swarming with + life in its most repulsive forms, and growing every moment more terrifying + to a well-dressed woman braving its horrors alone. + </p> + <p> + She stopped in dismay at last, admitting, reluctantly, that the wisest + thing she could do was to turn around and go home. Possibly the <i>wisest</i>, + but not, it appeared, practicable. Where <i>was</i> home? Down which of + the cross-streets had she come? Did this one where she stood lead to it, + or did it lead, as it appeared to her, in an entirely opposite direction? + She looked up and down and across for some familiar landmark, and looked + in vain, growing momentarily more frightened at the attention she was + attracting by standing irresolutely there. Flossy Shipley, in her girlhood + days, had been almost a hopeless coward; and Flossy Roberts felt, by the + throbbing of her heart, that she had not yet outgrown her girlish + character. Suddenly she gave a little exclamation of delight, and with a + spring forward laid her hand on the arm of one whom she recognized, none + other than “Nimble Dick” himself. + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad,” she said to the amazed young scamp, a little quiver of + satisfaction in her voice, “so glad to have met you. Do you know you are a + friend in need? I have lost my way. I cannot decide which way to turn to + reach Fifth Avenue again. Will you help me, please?” + </p> + <p> + When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of + another? Here was a chance for a jolly lark! A woman scared to death + because she was on Green alley. What would she think of Burk Street! + Suppose he should send her there? Only three blocks away, through a + lovelier part of the city than she had seen yet, he would venture! If the + crowds here showed her too much attention, it would be worth something to + see how she got through Burk Street. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” he said, briskly, “I can show you the way in a twinkling. You + just go down this alley till you come to the big house on the corner, that + has the windows all knocked out of it; then you turn and go down that + street till you get to the third crossing; then turn again to the right, + and you'll be on Fifth Avenue before you know it.” + </p> + <p> + Had Mrs. Roberts been looking at his face, she would have seen the wicked + light dancing in his eyes over the thought that he had thus mapped out for + her a walk through the very worst portion of the city, every step, of + course, leading her further and further away from Fifth Avenue. The sights + that she might see, and the mishaps which might occur to her,—a + handsomely-dressed woman alone,—before she made her way through the + horrors of these streets were too much even for Nimble Dick's imagination, + who knew the locality well. He did not try to calculate them, but gave + himself up to the enjoyment of imagining how long it would be before she + would reach home if she followed his directions. “She won't see no + swallowing serpents that I knows of,” he reflected, gleefully; “but I'll + miss my reckoning if she don't see what will scare her worse than they + would.” + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts was already “scared.” She felt her heart beating hard, + and knew that her cheeks were aglow with excitement and vague terror. She + was not used to walking such streets alone. She looked ahead at the way + pointed out, and could see that the swarming life grew more turbid as far + as her eye could reach. She felt that she could not brave its terrors + unprotected. Suddenly she turned from looking down the alley, and her + hand, a small, delicately-gloved hand, was again laid on Nimble Dick's + arm; he could feel it trembling. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I shall seem very foolish to you,” she said, gently; “but I am + afraid to walk down there alone. Would you mind going along with me to + protect me? I am only a woman, you know, and we are apt to be cowards.” + </p> + <p> + A very curious sensation came over Nimble Dick. He looked up the alley, + and down the alley, and was glad that not one of the “fellows” was in + sight. What was to become of his lark? But there was that hand still + resting on his arm, with a persuasive touch in it; and he had never been + appealed to for protection before,—never in his life! Was it + possible that with <i>him</i> she would not be afraid? He turned and + looked at her, searchingly, a scowl on his face,—no, she was not + “shamming;” her eyes were full of anxious fear, and also of petition. + Nimble Dick was amazed at himself and ashamed of himself; he did not know + how to account for his sudden change of intention. But he suddenly turned + in an opposite direction from the one which he had pointed out, and said, + “Come on, then; I'll show you a shorter way,” and strode forward. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you!” she said, relief and gratitude in her voice. “I shall be + so much obliged to you for coming with me; I am quite bewildered; cannot + decide which way I came, or anything about it. I was trying to find the + house of a young man who has been hurt. A policeman told me that he lived + on this street, and that his name is Calkins. I was thinking about him, + and walked on without noticing, until I did not know where I was. Do you + know anything of the young man?” + </p> + <p> + “You are too far down for him,” said Nimble Dick. “He's quality, and lives + at the upper end of the alley. That's his house, away up there. He's hurt + bad, they say; but I s'pose he'll get well. He's got a quality doctor,—a + regular swell, who never come into these alleys before. He was going along + when they brought Mark home, and he followed them in, and he come there + again last night and this morning. I dunno what for, I'm sure. Mark + Calkins can't pay no doctor's bills, if he does work regular, and pay more + rent than the rest of folks.” + </p> + <p> + There was a curious mixture of complaint and satisfaction in Dick's tone. + Mrs. Roberts gathered from it that the young man, Mark Calkins, in whom + the policeman had tried to interest her, was superior to the rest of the + miserable people in the alley, and that they resented it as an insult to + themselves; but that, at the same time, the reflected honor of having a + “swell” doctor come into their midst, attendant upon one who really + belonged to their class, was very great. Could she possibly get a little + influence over them by following up the injured young man, and giving what + help was needful? She had hardly meant to call, though trying to find the + house. Her method of reasoning had been something like this: “The + policeman said he lived about two blocks from my poor Dirk's home. Since + there has so recently been an accident, there may be something to mark the + house,—a doctor passing in, possibly, or something that shall give + me a landmark, and I can have a glimpse of the outside of one of the + homes.” In her ignorance of life at that end of the social scale she did + not know that a doctor passing in and out, even after an accident, was a + sufficiently rare occurrence to make much more of a mark than she was + looking for. So absorbed had she been over the boys belonging to her class + that she had rather ignored the policeman's manifest hint to add this one + to her list. Yet, was it possibly an answer to her prayer, an + entering-wedge of some sort, that might open the way to influence? + </p> + <p> + “Who is the doctor?” she asked her guide, as the possibility of making an + entrance through him occurred to her. “Do you know his name?” + </p> + <p> + Oh yes, Dick knew his name and where he lived, and even the names of some + of his “swell” patients;—trust him for gaining information about + anything that came into the alley. + </p> + <p> + “It's Dr. Everett,” he said promptly, that curious touch of pride + appearing again in his voice. “He lives away up among the Twenty-thirders, + and he goes to Cady's house to doctor, and lots of them places where the + big ones lives. I dunno how he happens to come here.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts had never heard the name, but she reflected that she was a + new-comer, and wisely desisted from taking from the glory of Dr. Everett + by admitting that he was not known to all the world. He might be a good + doctor and a philanthropic one; his visits to this region looked like it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where any of the boys in our class live?” + </p> + <p> + This was her next carefully-worded question. She did not know whether to + hint that she had heard of one who lived in that alley, or whether this + would be considered an insult. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Nimble Dick, the sly twinkle coming back to his eyes that the + strangeness of the situation had driven away for a moment, “I calculate + that I know where I live <i>myself</i>; sometimes I do, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure!” she said, laughing at his humor. “I should have said, where + any of the others live. Of course you will give me your address, after + being so kind as to see me to—some point where I am acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + She had nearly said a place of safety, but checked herself in time. I am + not sure, though, that Dick would have noticed it; he was lost in + astonishment over the idea of giving anybody his address! + </p> + <p> + “This is Dirk Colson's house,” he said, suddenly, “and he is one of our + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation. The house was one of the most forlorn + in the row, seeming, if the miserable state of the buildings would admit + of comparison, to be more out of repair than the others. It came home to + her just then, with a sudden, desolating force, that human beings, such as + she was trying to reach, and such as she hoped would live in heaven + forever, called such earthly habitations as these homes. What possible + idea could they ever get of heaven by calling it “home”? + </p> + <p> + “Do they have the whole of the house?” + </p> + <p> + She asked the question timidly, for the building looked very large, but + she was utterly unused to city tenement life. + </p> + <p> + “The <i>whole</i> of that house?” Dick fairly shouted the sentence, and + bent himself double with laughter. “Well, I should say not, mum! As near + as I can calculate, about thirty-five different families have that + pleasure. The whole of the house! Oh, my! What a greeny!” And he laughed + again. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was + horror-stricken. Thirty-five families in one house! How could they be + other than awful in their ways of living? + </p> + <p> + “I know almost nothing about great cities,” she said; “my home was in a + much smaller one.” + </p> + <p> + This was the truth, but not the whole truth. Instinct kept this veritable + lady, in the truest sense of the word, from explaining that she knew + nothing about the abject poor, when she was speaking to one of their + number. Just at this moment occurred a diversion; they had been making + swift progress through the alley, Dick's long strides requiring effort on + his companion's part to keep by his side, but just ahead the way was + obstructed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — “WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS.” + </h2> + <p> + A riot! Not among men, which is sufficiently terrifying; nor yet among + women, which is worse; but that most awful of all sights and sounds of + sin,—a riot among the children. Swearing, spitting at one another, + tearing one another's hair, scratching like tigers, growling like wild + beasts, throwing garbage at one another! This was the sort of crowd upon + which Mrs. Roberts, in her black silk walking-suit, with her velvet hat + and seal furs, presently came. She grasped at Dick's arm in horror, but a + feeling that was more than terror was taking her strength away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she said, and the agony in her voice really suggested more than + terror to the young fellow beside her. “And they are little children! They + cannot be more than seven or eight! Oh, what can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't be scared, mum!” There was a little hint of something like + pity in Dick's voice. She clung to him so that he could not help feeling + himself her protector. “It ain't an uncommon row at all; they mostly act + like this; most likely one of 'em's found a bone and t' other one wants + it, and then they're gone in for a row, and all the young ones crowd + around and fight, on one side or t' other.” + </p> + <p> + Did this fearful explanation make the situation less terrible? + </p> + <p> + There was a lull, however, in the quarrel. The elegantly-dressed lady was + seen approaching,—an unusual sight in that alley,—and both + parties paused to get a view. Paused in their attentions to each other, + that is; but at Mrs. Roberts they hooted and jeered, and one threw a + handful of mud. + </p> + <p> + Then did Nimble Dick rise to his position as protector. + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, there! Stand aside, Pluck, and let us pass! Look out there, you + Smirchy! Don't you throw that over here unless you want your head broke + for you when I get back!” + </p> + <p> + This threat was thrown at a wretched little girl, who had dived her hand + deeply into a box or cask of garbage, and brought it forth reeking with + rotten apples, pork fat, and any liquid horror which the name suggests to + you. She had her hand uplifted ready to throw, and was evidently intending + to give the strange lady the benefit of what she had prepared for one of + the rioters. + </p> + <p> + The assured tone in which Nimble Dick spoke had its effect; the combatants + were all small, and he was large, and was evidently recognized as a power. + There were some defiant glances thrown at him, but the motley crowd gave + way, and allowed him to pass uninjured. Still he kept an alert watch of + them until quite out of reach, and was not sparing of his admonitions. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there, Bill,—I see that! Look out, Sally! You'll be sorry + if you throw anything,—mind you that!” + </p> + <p> + And at last they were through the crowd. Not out of danger, it seemed; for + there, directly in their narrow path, was a drunken man, swaying from side + to side in the way which is so terrible to one unused to such sights. Dick + felt the hold on his arm tighten, and was astonished at the sound of his + own voice as he said, soothingly:— + </p> + <p> + “You needn't be scared at him, mum; that's only old Jock; he's as ugly as + old Nick himself, but he knows better than to be very ugly to me. I can + throw him in the gutter as easy as I could them young ones, and he knows + it. That's Dirk's father, that is! Ain't he a beauty?” + </p> + <p> + And again Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation of dismay, and part of her + terror went out in sorrow over the wrongs of a boy who had such a home and + such a father. What ought to be expected of him? + </p> + <p> + That interminable alley was conquered at last, and they emerged into + respectability on the broad avenue. Mrs. Roberts released her hold of her + protector's arm, and his new character vanished on the instant. + </p> + <p> + “You're here, mum,” he said, with a saucy twinkle in his eye and a saucy + leer on his face. “Can you get yourself home from this spot, or shall I + borrow a wheelbarrow and tote you there?” + </p> + <p> + Much shaken with various emotions though she was, Mrs. Roberts forced + herself to laugh. She would not frown on his fun when it was not + positively sinful; he might not be aware that it was disrespectful; he + might never have heard the word. + </p> + <p> + “I know the way now, thank you; at least I think I do. Can you tell me + whether I take a green car or a yellow one to get to East Fifty-fifth + Street?” + </p> + <p> + “You take a green one,” he said, quietly, his character of protector + having returned to him with the question, which still showed her + dependence on him. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” she said again, with great heartiness. “I shall never forget + your care of me.” Her hand was in her pocket, and a bright coin was + between her fingers. She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had saved + her from so much this morning. And he was so miserably clad, surely he + needed help. A moment's reflection, and she resolutely withdrew her hand. + He should be paid by a simple hearty, “Thank you!” this morning, for + kindness rendered. He might not consider it a current coin, but possibly + it would be his first lesson in the courtesies of life. + </p> + <p> + Later in the day, when Mrs. Roberts was somewhat rested from her morning's + campaign, young Ried received a little note:— + </p> + <p> + Dear Mr. Ried,—I know the names of all the boys, and inclose you a + list. It is possible that you may fall in with some one during the day who + can impart knowledge concerning them. Anyway, I thought you would like to + know their names. Keep me posted, please, as to your success in making + their acquaintance. We are allies, remember. + </p> + <p> + Yours for the Master, + </p> + <p> + Mrs. E.L. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Ried twisted the delicate note-paper thoughtfully in his hand, a + look of perplexity on his face. He felt committed for labor; glad was he, + very, yet perplexed. He did not in the least know where to commence. Well, + neither had this little lady; yet she had accomplished more in her one + day's acquaintance than he after a lapse of weeks. Either she had found + opportunities, or had made them. There must be chances; he would be sure + to keep his eyes open after this. + </p> + <p> + In the handsome house on East Fifty-fifth Street, where Mr. Roberts had + settled his bride, after a somewhat extended business tour, involving + months of absence, matters were in train for a cosy evening in the + library. That was the name of the beautiful room where the husband and + wife sat down together; but it was quite unlike the conventional library. + Books there were in lavish abundance, but there were also pictures and + flowers and a singing-bird or two, and an utter absence of that severe + attention to business details which characterizes most rooms so named. + Little prettinesses, which Mr. Roberts smilingly admitted did not belong + to a library, were yet established there, with an air of having come to + stay. “We will call it the library for convenience,” the master of the + house said, “and then we will put into it whatever we please. It shall be + a conservatory, and a sewing-room and a lounging-room and anything else + that you and I choose to make it.” And Mrs. Roberts gleefully assented, + and gave free rein to her pretty tastes. Flossy Shipley had been wont to + be much trammelled with the ways in which “they” did everything; but Mrs. + Evan Roberts was learning that, in unimportant matters at least, they had + a right to be a law unto themselves. Perhaps it helped her, to be aware + that a large class of people were all ready to quote “Mrs. Evan Roberts” + as authority on almost any point of taste. + </p> + <p> + On the evening in question Mr. Roberts, in dressing-gown and slippers, had + drawn his lounging-chair to the drop-light, preparatory to a half-hour of + reading aloud. But it transpired that there was something preparatory to + that, or at least that must take the precedence. Certain business + telegrams followed him home, which required the writing of two or three + business letters. + </p> + <p> + “It will not take me long,” he explained to his wife, “and they are not + complicated affairs, so I give you leave to talk right on while I dispatch + them.” She laughed at this hint about her fondness for talk, but presently + made use of the privilege. + </p> + <p> + “Evan, what sort of a young man do you consider Mr. Ried?” + </p> + <p> + “Ried? Who? Oh, my clerk? The very best sort; a most estimable fellow,—one + of a thousand. By the way, did you tell him how you became interested in + that sister of his?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet; I want to get better acquainted. But, Evan, do you know where he + boards?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly; on Third Avenue somewhere, I believe; or possibly Second. The + store register would show. Do you want his address!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know <i>where</i> it is; but I mean what sort of a place is it?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts slightly elevated his shapely shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “It is a boarding-house, where many clerks board; that tells a doleful + story to the initiated, I suspect. Poor fare and dismal surroundings; + still, it is eminently respectable.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he spend his Sabbaths?” + </p> + <p> + The rapidly-moving pen executed nearly two lines of handsome writing + before Mr. Roberts was ready to respond to this question. + </p> + <p> + “Why, at church, principally, I fancy. He is very regular in his + attendance at morning service, and the South End Mission absorbs his + afternoons. I suppose he goes to church in the evening; but since we have + been giving our attention to that evening mission I have not seen him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but, Evan, I mean the rest of the time; those little bits of Sabbath + time that are sacred to home. The twilight, for instance, or for an hour + in the morning. Do you know what sort of a place he has for those times?” + </p> + <p> + Nearly three more lines added to the paper; then Mr. Roberts raised his + head:— + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, I don't. Now that you bring me face to face with the + question, it seems a surprising thing to say that I should not know where + a young man who has been for more than a year in our employ spends his + choice bits of time, but I don't.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I want to tell you something about it. He has a dingy, fourth-story + back room; small, I fancy, from the way in which he spoke of it, and not a + speck of fire over! In such weather as this, how can a young man read his + Bible, or even pray, under such circumstances?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts laid down his pen and sat erect, regarding his wife with a + thoughtful, far-away air. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy,” he said at last, “it is an immense question! You open a perfect + mine of anxiety and doubt. I have hovered around the edges for some time, + but have generally contrived to shut my eyes and refuse to look into it, + because I was afraid of what I might see; and because I did not know—what + to do with my knowledge. I have not been the working member of the firm + very long, you know, and my special field, until lately, has been the + other side of the ocean; but I have been at home long enough to know that + there are several hundred young men in our employ who are away from their + homes; and knowing, as I do, the price of board in respectable houses, and + knowing the salaries which the younger ones receive, it does not require a + great deal of penetration to discover that they must have rather dreary + homes here, to put it mildly. The fact is, Flossy, I haven't wanted to + look into this thing very closely, because I do not see the remedy. Look + at our house, for instance, with its three hundred clerks, we'll say, who + are away from their friends; suppose one-half, or even one-third, of them + are miserably situated, what can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Are they not sufficiently well paid to have the ordinary comforts of + life?” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtful. The truth is, what you and I call the ordinary comforts of life + takes a good deal of money; and in the city, rents are high, and the + boarding-house keepers have hard struggles to make their expenditures meet + their income, and they carry economy to the very verge of meanness,—some + of them fairly over the verge, I presume; and the result is cheap food, + badly cooked,—because well-cooked food means high-priced help,—and + cold rooms and dreariness and discomfort everywhere. Now what can be done + about it? Then our house is only one of hundreds, and in many of these + hundreds they employ more help and give less wages than we; in fact, I + know that some of our clerks are looked upon with envy by a great many + young men. We never have any trouble in supplying vacancies. People swarm + around us, because we have the reputation of being liberal. We are not + liberal, however; sometimes I am inclined to think we are hardly fair, yet + there is nothing I can do. I am a junior partner, with a great deal of the + responsibility, and a third of the voting power, and I can't get salaries + raised. I've been working at that problem at intervals for a year, and + have accomplished very little. Do you wonder that I keep my eyes as + closely shut as I can?” + </p> + <p> + His wife's face wore a thoughtful, not to say perplexed look; she seemed + to have no answer ready; and, after waiting a moment for it, Mr. Roberts + bent himself again to the task of getting his business letters answered. + Before he had written one more line, her face had cleared. She interrupted + him:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, when you talk about four hundred clerks, and multiply that by + hundreds of houses and more hundreds of clerks, I cannot follow you at + all. It is not that I am not impressed with the number,—I am,—it + appalls me; but I don't want to be appalled; I want to be helpful. Perhaps + just now there is nothing that I can do for the hundreds, so I want to + narrow my thoughts down to what, possibly, I can do. What, for instance, + can be done towards getting a good young man, like Alfred Ried, into a + place that will be just a little bit like a home; that will give him a + spot where he can study his Bible in comfort, and invite a friend with + whom he wants to pray, or whom he wants to reach and help in any way? That + isn't a huge problem. Can't it be solved?” + </p> + <p> + Her husband smiled. + </p> + <p> + “He is only one of thousands,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know; but he is <i>one</i> of thousands. Since we cannot reach + thousands, shall we fail to reach one? Evan, I am only one of thousands, + but, but how would you argue about me?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts laughed again. + </p> + <p> + “You are one out of thousands and thousands!” he said, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + A line more, and he signed the firm name with an unusually fine flourish. + </p> + <p> + “There! I've accomplished one letter. What do you want to do, Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + “I want Mr. Ried to have a room where he can invite one of my boys + occasionally, and make him comfortable, and do for him what we cannot with + our rooms; do for him what only a young man can do for a young man. I + don't clearly know what I want further than that, but I see that one thing + as a stepping-stone. Remember, I want all your thousands to have just as + pleasant rooms, and I would like to help to bring it about, but I don't + just now see the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you see the way to this?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but doesn't it seem as though we ought to be able to accomplish so + much?” + </p> + <p> + “It does, certainly. What is your desire, Flossy? Do you want him to have + a room in our house?” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “No, that would not further my plan for those boys. I would like to have + him here, and it would be a good thing for him,—at least I think it + would; but I can see things which he could accomplish for these young men, + set by himself, in a different part of the city. Besides, Evan, I have + other plans for our rooms, entirely different ones, and some of them I am + afraid you will think are very strange.” + </p> + <p> + He answered the doubt with a smile that said he had no fears of her or her + plans. + </p> + <p> + “What a little schemer it is!” he said, looking down on her with fond, + proud eyes. “Who would have imagined that she could plot, and plot so + mysteriously? I used to think she was a very open-hearted woman.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — “WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?” + </h2> + <p> + She joined in his laugh albeit, there was a tender look in her eyes. After + a moment, she said, gently:— + </p> + <p> + “It is not scheming, Evan; I am only trying to set about the work for + which I have been chosen. I'll tell you how it all came to me. I was + reading—my morning reading, you know—after you had gone; + taking little dips here and there in the fashion that you think is so + unsystematic, and I came upon this verse: 'He is a chosen vessel unto me,' + you know, about Paul? Well, it came to me with a sudden sense of awe and + beauty, the being chosen of God to do a great work. I stopped reading to + think it out; what a grand moment it must have been to Paul when he + realized it. And I began to feel almost sorry that we lived in such + different times, with no such opportunities! I stopped right in the midst + of my folly to remember that I was as certainly chosen of God as ever Paul + was; for assuredly I did not come to him of myself, nor begin to love him + of myself, and therefore he must indeed have chosen me; and I wondered + whether probably each Christian had not a work to do as definite as Paul's—a + work that would be given to no other, unless indeed the chosen one failed. + I did not want to fail, and I asked God not to let me. Then, of course, I + set to wondering what my work, or my part of some other person's work, + could be. It was the morning after you had told me that about Ester Ried. + You cannot think how that impressed me. I could not get away from the + wonderment as to how her work was prospering, and whether there were + chosen ones enough, or if there might possibly be a little place for me. I + couldn't settle anything, and finally I decided to look at Paul's work a + little while. Of course, it was not reasonable to suppose that the duties + of the great apostle had anything in common with my bits of effort; still, + I said, the directions given him may help me a little. And Evan, what do + you think was the first thing I found? Why, this: 'The God of our fathers + hath chosen thee, that thou <i>shouldst know his will</i>.' Surely, so + far, the things for which both he and I were chosen were parallel. I + looked further: 'And see that Just One.' That was the very next. Was not + I, too, chosen for that? 'Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.' I + said over the beautiful promise to assure myself that it was true, and + went on: 'And shouldst hear the voice of his mouth.' Was it not strange, + Evan? Certainly I shall hear my King speak, often and often, when I get + home. Only think of it; so far Paul was not ahead of me. I hurried to find + another reference to Paul's work, and I found this; let me read it to + you.” Her bit of dainty sewing was suddenly pushed one side, and up from + the depths of the rose-lined work-basket came a small, plainly-bound + Bible, much marked; a rapid turning of the leaves, and the eager disciple + read: “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister + and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those + things in the which I will appear unto thee. Now, Evan, you know the + veriest child can be a witness if he knows anything about the facts; and I + do certainly know some wonderful things about Jesus to which I could + witness; and besides, isn't it reasonable to suppose that he will appear + to me every day with things for me to witness to? And then I read this; + Paul sent to the Gentiles, you know, but for what: 'To open their eyes, + and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto + God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them + which are sanctified, by faith that is in me.' Evan, was there ever a more + wonderful work to do in the world than that? And yet I cannot tell you how + it made me feel to discover, or at least to realize, that a great deal of + it was my work! Of course, I naturally began to ask myself, what Gentile + was there for me to reach? Whose eyes must I try to open? Do you know, + that very afternoon I met Mr. Ried, and heard of those boys? They + interested me from the first, and what he told me about his sister + increased the interest. Then when I saw them!—Evan, if ever boys + were in the power of Satan they are; and to think that they may have an + inheritance among them which are sanctified! This morning when I saw where + some some of them lived, and imagined how they lived, I fell stunned for a + moment. It seemed to me impossible. What means could possibly be found of + sufficient power to fit them for such an inheritance? And then directly + came the closing words of the commission: 'Through faith that is in me.' + Evan, God will save them; and I think he will let me help.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” said Mr. Roberts, and his voice was husky. When his wife was in + one of her exalted moods he always admired her with a sort of reverence. + He had been for years an earnest worker. He carried business plans and + business principles into the work; he studied cause and effect, and + calculated and expected certain results to follow certain causes, like a + mathematical problem; not that he by any means forgot the power of faith, + or in any sense attempted to do his work alone. He was a Christian who + spent much time on his knees; but little Flossy brought so much of the + childlike, unquestioning spirit into her work, that sometimes he stood in + awe, not knowing whether he could follow her. It was not so much a + mathematical problem to be worked out, as it was the faith that can remove + mountains. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “As a little child relies + On a strength beyond his own: + Knows he is neither strong nor wise, + Fears to stir a step alone—” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Roberts often found himself quoting these lines when his wife gave him + glimpses of her heart; and at such times he had no hesitancy in deciding + that the steps she took were not alone, but the Lord was with her. + </p> + <p> + The postman's ring broke in on their quiet. + </p> + <p> + “I hope there are letters from home to-night,” Mrs. Roberts said, “real + long ones. It is a week since we have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “And I ought to hope that they would require a first reading in private,” + her husband answered, as he seized his neglected pen. “It is the only way + in which these business letters will get answered. I find the temptation + to talk to you irresistible.” + </p> + <p> + One letter! but that was of comfortable dimensions and weight. + </p> + <p> + “It is from Marion,” Mrs. Roberts said, delight in her voice, after the + first glance at the familiar writing. She was presently lost in its many + pages, and the business of letter-writing went on uninterruptedly for some + time. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Marion Dennis had not forgotten her fondness for her pretty little + Flossy: nor forgotten that,—softly-innocent little creature though + she was, she possessed a wisdom far above those who are credited with + having keen insight; even a wisdom so subtle, and withal so tender, that + its source could only be Infinite Wisdom. So she, in company with many + others, was learning to turn to the friend so much younger than herself, + as one in whom she could safely confide. + </p> + <p> + “Dear little Flossy,” so the letter ran, “I suppose, though you should + live to be a white-haired old lady, sitting with placid face and fluted + cap and spectacles, in your high-backed arm-chair, in the most treasured + corner mayhap of some granddaughter's choicest room, I, writing to you, + would still commence 'Dear little Flossy.' That I have to cover it from + prying eyes by the dignified and respectable 'Mrs. Evan Roberts,' is + almost a matter of amusement to me. I fancy I can see you making a journey + through some of the Chautauqua avenues, picking your way daintily towards + Palestine, bending lovingly over the small white stones that mark the + village of Bethany,—a pink on your cheek, born, as I thought, of the + excitement of being among those tiny photographs of the wonderful past, + but born in part, I now believe, of the fact that Mr. Evan Roberts joined + us in our walk. Oh, little mousie, how quiet you were! + </p> + <p> + “Well, many things have since transpired. We are old married women, you, + and Ruth, and Eurie and I. I suppose the contrast in our lives,—the + outward portion of them, I mean,—is still as strongly marked, + perhaps more so, than it was when we were in Chautauqua together. We were + girls then; we are matrons now, and with the taking on of that title, Ruth + and I took special and great responsibilities. To-night it rains. Mr. + Dennis has been called to the upper part of the city,—away out to + Springdale, in fact,—to see a sick and dying man, and I am alone and + almost lonely. If I could summon any one of the three to my aid and + comfort I would. I am almost as lonely as I was on some of those evenings + in the old boarding-house. Still there are differences; the smoky old + stove is not; a summer warmth floats through the house, born of steam; no + ill-smelling kerosene lamp offends your aesthetic friend to-night, but the + softest of shaded drop-lights sheds a halo around me. Isn't that almost + poetic? Moreover, oh blessed thought! I have no examination papers to + prepare, no reports to make up; nothing to do but visit with you. Also, I + will admit just to you, that this is another and most blessed difference + between this and my lonely past. At almost any moment now I may hope for + Dr. Dennis' ring, and when he comes all sense of loneliness will instantly + depart. Ah! Flossy, dear Flossy, this is such a difference as even you + cannot appreciate! You had your mother and father, and all your dear home + friends, and I had no one; and besides,—here I hesitate, lest you + may be too obtuse to understand the reasoning,—you have only added + Mr. Roberts to your circle of treasures. He is grand and good, I know, and + I like him without even a mental reservation; but, my dear, I have added + Dr. Dennis! Can human language say more? + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense aside, sweet little woman, God has been very good to you and me. + Yet, Flossy, do you remember how, during those last months in which we + were together, I fell into the habit of telling you a great deal about the + thorns, and admitted to you once that they pricked less when they had felt + your smoothing touch? I want to tell you something. Our Gracie—I am + so sorry for her, yet I don't know what to do. She is living a most + unhappy life, and of course she shadows our lives also. I told you, dear, + about Prof. Ellis. He is still trying to convince poor Gracie, that I, + being her step-mother, must be her natural enemy; reminding her that + before I came into the family her father was entirely willing to receive + his calls, and allowed her to accept his attentions. Don't you see, it + isn't strange at all that the poor little girl should believe him, and + turn from me? She has many judicious helpers in her father's congregation. + There are those who sigh over her almost in my hearing. 'Poor Gracie' they + say, 'how changed she is! She used to be so bright and happy. There is + something unnatural in these second-mother relations; all high-spirited + children rebel.' Imagine such talk helping Gracie! Meantime, what do you + suppose can be Prof. Ellis' motive? I cannot think that he cares for her; + I almost do not believe that there is enough purity left in him even to + admire a pure-hearted young girl; certainly not one with such high ideals + and earnest ambitions as Gracie had. 'Why does she admire him?' I fancy I + hear you asking. My dear, she doesn't; she thinks she does, and at + seventeen such thoughts sometimes work irreparable mischief; but left + alone, one of these days she would make the discovery that she was + flattered by his attentions, because he is nearly fifteen years older than + she, and is brilliant in conversation, and quoted as the finest musician + in the city. I wish I knew more things about him; what I do know shows me + plainly enough the sort of man he is; but with these guileless young + things it seems as though one had to unmask wickedness very thoroughly + before they will believe that it is anything but gossip or + misrepresentation. He has gone away for a six weeks' vacation; I don't + know where, nor does Dr. Dennis. Gracie knows, but does not enlighten me. + Flossy, dear, could you give me a little wholesome advice, do you think? I + wonder, sometimes, whether I was not too complacent over my proposed + duties. Such schemed as I had! I was going to be the blessedest + step-mother that girl ever had. That would not be saying much, possibly. + Don't we all incline to think that the second mothers must be wrong, and + the sons and daughters poor abused darlings? But I loved Gracie, you know, + and she seemed to love me, and to be so happy over the thought of our near + relationship. There is very little happiness from any such source during + these days. Gracie has retired into dignity. She can be the most dignified + young woman on occasion that I ever beheld. She is not rude to me, on the + contrary she is ceremoniously polite; calls me Mrs. Dennis, and all that + sort of thing, when necessity compels her to call me anything; but she + speaks as little as possible; sits at table with us three times a day, + when she cannot secure an excuse for absence that her father will accept; + says 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir,' obediently to him, and 'No, ma'am, thank + you,' to me, and that is the extent of our conversation. Generally her + face is pale and her eyes red, and at the first possible moment she begs + to be excused, and retires to the privacy of her own room and locks her + door. Her father has stopped her music lessons; at least she preferred to + have them stopped rather than take lessons of any other person, so she + practices no more. She continues her German and French, and secures good + reports from the professors, but there is an air of weariness and + dreariness about everything she does that makes one alternate between a + feeling of deep pity for her, and a desire to box her ears or shut her up + in a corner until she can behave herself. As a rule, however, I am sorry + for her. I was young once myself. I was undisciplined, I had no mother, + and I had a thousand wild fancies, any one of which might have ruined me. + What do you think you would do, dear, if Mr. Roberts had a daughter, and + you were her mother? You are all in a flush, now, and have lain down this + sheet and said aloud: 'What an idea! Marion does say the most absurd + things!' Well, then, if you were Marion Dennis, and stood before God in + the place of mother to Grace Dennis, what do you imagine you would do? + I'll tell you my policy; I am uniformly cheerful in her presence—gay, + if I can make gayety out of anything; not toward her father, you + understand, because I can fancy that might irritate her. I really try to + be gay toward Gracie herself; but can you imagine an attempt to be cheery + with a tombstone? I study as much as I can, her tastes, in the ordering of + dinner and desserts, and arrange the flowers that I know she likes best, + and in short try to do all those little bits of nice things that I feel + certain you would do in my place; and just here I may as well own that I + learned these small prettinesses, studying you; never should have thought + them out for myself. Flossy, Dr. Dennis is one of the most patient and + long-suffering of men, but it is very hard for him to be patient with poor + Gracie; harder than it is for me; first, because I know by personal + experience just what a turbulent young creature a miss of seventeen or + eighteen can be, and secondly, because it is upon me her displeasure falls + most heavily, and that naturally he resents. + </p> + <p> + “Why am I writing all this to you? I don't, know, childie, really, save + that I remember what a curious way you have of telling Jesus all about + your friends and their trials, and I remember with great comfort that you + are my friend. Don't imagine me as miserable; I can never be that so long + as Christ is the present Helper that he is to me now; and you do not need + to be told that I daily thank him for giving me my husband. But I think + you will understand better than many would how earnestly I desire to fill + the place of mother, to my bright young motherless Gracie, with her + dangerous beauty and her dangerous talents and her capacity for being + miserable. Oh, I want to do more than my duty; I want to love her with all + my heart, and to have her love me. If it were not for that man, who always + hated me, and who, I believe in my heart, has sought her out and is + pressing his attentions upon her because he sees a possibility of stinging + me through her, I might hope to fill the place in her heart that I thought + I could.” + </p> + <p> + The letter closed abruptly at this point, and was finished a few days + afterwards in a different strain, giving plenty of home news, and being + full of the brightness which always sparkled in Marion's letters; but it + was the first two or three pages to which Mrs. Roberts turned back, and + which she thoughtfully re-read. Then she interrupted the busy pen:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, are not the business letters nearly done? I want to read this to + you, and then I want to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Delightful prospects, both of them,” he said with energy, as he added the + last hurried line, signed and delivered to his wife to enclose in its + envelope, then pushed aside writing materials and sat back to enjoy. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't all delightful,” his wife said, shaking her head. “I did hope + that poor Marion was going to have a few years of rest. Her life has been + such a hard one.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — “TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID. + </h2> + <p> + It is well that Mrs. Marion Dennis felt entirely safe in her friend + Flossy's hands, for her affairs were very thoroughly talked over that + evening, and sundry conclusions arrived at. + </p> + <p> + One question Mrs. Roberts asked her husband, at the close of the + conference, which apparently had nothing to do with Marion Dennis' + affairs:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, do you know Dr. Everett?” + </p> + <p> + “Everett? Let me think—yes, I know of him; a young physician, + comparatively, who had not been here long, and has made his mark.” + </p> + <p> + “In what direction?” + </p> + <p> + “Several, perhaps; but I have heard of him chiefly in the line of his + profession. He was accidentally called to attend a young lady belonging to + a very wealthy family out in Brookline. I say accidentally—that is a + reverent way we have of speaking, you know; of course, I mean + providentially. The nursery governess in the family was sick, and this Dr. + Everett, who had fallen in with her somewhere, volunteered to cure her. He + was calling on her one morning when the sick daughter, who, by the way, + had been given up by her physician, was taken suddenly and alarmingly + worse; in the emergency Dr. Everett was summoned, and while they waited + for the regular physician he succeeded in doing such good service that he + inspired the mother with confidence; she became anxious to put the case + entirely into his hands, which was done, and the young lady recovered, and + Dr. Everett's position, professionally, was assured. Isn't that an + interesting little item for you? He is said to have marked success; and, + of course, since the Brookline occurrence his practice is largely among + the wealthy. How has your attention been called to him?” + </p> + <p> + “My protector this morning said he was a 'swell' doctor, who was attending + that Calkins boy. I wondered if he did it because he loved Christ. He + might be a helper. I want to call on that sick boy to-morrow if I can + arrange it. I think I must take some one with me.” + </p> + <p> + “You may take me with you,” her husband said, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + However much trips through alleys with Nimble Dick might be conducive to + that young man's moral development, Mr. Roberts felt that his wife had + experimented sufficiently. + </p> + <p> + Thus it transpired that, dressed in the plainest, quietest garb which her + wardrobe would furnish, Mrs. Roberts went to the alley the next morning + accompanied by her husband. + </p> + <p> + In one sense it was a mistake that the first call in the alley should have + been made on the Calkins family. It was calculated to give Mrs. Roberts + mistaken ideas as to the manner in which poor people lived. A bare enough + room, certainly, not even a bit of carpet laid before the bed, but it was + a clean room. Floor and window and cupboard-door were as clean as water + could make them; and the bed, while it looked hopelessly hard and dreadful + to Mrs. Roberts, was really a pattern of neatness and purity to every + dweller in that attic. There was a straw tick, covered with a dark calico + spread, which did duty as a sheet, and the boy who lay on it was covered + by a patched quilt that had been mended, and was clean. Wonderful things + these to say of such a locality! Mr. Roberts suspected it, and Dr. Everett + knew it. That gentleman was bending over his patient when the two guests + arrived, and vouchsafed them not even a glance, while the dark-haired, + dark-eyed, homely, decently-dressed girl gave Mrs. Roberts a seat on the + one chair which the room contained, and set a stool for her husband that + had been made of four old chair legs and a square board. + </p> + <p> + Sallie Calkins was somewhat flurried by this unexpected call. She had no + idea who the people were, nor for what they had come. A vague fear that + they might be in some way connected with her brother's “place” at the + printing-office, which he was in such fear of losing that his night had + been a restless one, made her hasten to say, in a tremulous voice:— + </p> + <p> + “The doctor thinks he will be well in a little while. It isn't a bad + break, he says, and Mark wants to keep his place. He thinks, maybe, some + of the alley boys would keep it for him, if you would be so kind.” + </p> + <p> + She was evidently addressing Mr. Roberts, but she looked at Flossy. The + fair, sweet face, that gave her such sympathetic glances, seemed the one + to appeal to. Mr. Roberts, however, discerned that he was mistaken for the + employer, and immediately dispelled the idea by asking where the boy + worked, and how the accident had happened. + </p> + <p> + “It was the elevator, sir,” she said, eagerly. “The chain broke, and it + went down with a bang, and Mark was on it, and he rolled off somehow, he + doesn't know how; and he has been that bad that he couldn't tell me if he + had. He was kind of wild, sir, all night, and talking about his place.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there no one but you to be with him during the night?” Mrs. Roberts + asked. “Where is the mother?” + </p> + <p> + “We've got no mother, ma'am; there is only Mark and me—and father,” + she added, after a doubtful pause. “But father was not at home last night. + Oh, I didn't need no one to take care of Mark. I wouldn't have left him.” + </p> + <p> + “And he likes to have you take care of him, I am sure. What do you give + him to eat? He will need nourishing food, I think; beef teas and broths, + and nice little tempting dishes, made with milk, perhaps. Are you his + cook, too? I wonder if you wouldn't like to have me show you how to make + good things for him? I've learned how to make some nice dishes that sick + people like.” + </p> + <p> + Before the bewildered girl could answer, the doctor turned abruptly from + his long examination of his patient, and gave the guests the first + attention he had vouchsafed them. The truth was this man had had some + unfortunate experiences with district visitors, and had perhaps an + unreasonable prejudice against them as a class. “I can't help it, ma'am,” + he said to Mrs. Saunders, when she was taking him to task one day. “There + are exceptions, of course, at least we will hope there are; but if you had + seen some of my specimens, you would be the first to wish an infusion of + common sense could be introduced among them. As a rule, they offer a tract + where they should give a loaf of bread or a bowl of broth; and wedge their + advice and reproofs in with every helpful movement. It is like so many + doses of medicine to the patient; to be endured because he is at their + mercy, and can't help himself. They mean well, the most of them; but the + trouble is, we have a way of making district visitors out of people who + have nothing to do, and who have never learned that 'all the nations of + the earth were made of one blood.'” + </p> + <p> + Something in Mrs. Roberts' tones or words seemed to interest him, and he + turned toward her. + </p> + <p> + “Does this alley belong to you?” he asked, abruptly, his mind still full + of the district visitor. + </p> + <p> + She regarded him with a puzzled air for a moment, then answered naïvely:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it does; if it did I would have some things ever so + different.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett laughed; and Mr. Roberts came forward and introduced himself. + </p> + <p> + “My wife has hardly answered you fully,” he said. “I am under the + impression that she desires to adopt a certain portion of this alley; at + least I have heard of little else since last Sabbath afternoon. She is in + search of some stray sheep who have been put under her care.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” the doctor said, turning quickly to her, “a Sabbath-school teacher? + Is this young man one of your scholars?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she explained; “but she had heard of him while inquiring where one + of her boys lived, and she had called to see if she could help in any way. + Dirk Colson was the boy who, they told her, lived near this place.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the trim sister brightened. + </p> + <p> + “He lives on the next square,” she said. “Oh, ma'am, are you his teacher, + and do you care for him? I'm so glad.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a favorite of yours, is he?” the doctor asked, looking from one + speaking face to another, and seeming immensely interested in the matter. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” the girl said, quickly. “He's horrid! But I'm sorry for his + sister; and she wants Dirk to get on, and he never does get on; but I + thought maybe such a kind of a teacher could help him.” + </p> + <p> + There was such intense and genuine admiration in the girl's voice for the + vision of loveliness before her that Dr. Everett could not help smiling. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't seem unlikely,” said he, with significance; and added: “Who is + this Dirk Colson, who seems to be an object of interest?” + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the worst boys in the alley, sir; sometimes I think he is + the very worst, because he is cross as well as hateful; but Mark is always + kind of sorry for him, and says he has such a bad father he can't help it. + And Mart—that's his sister—she is a friend of mine, and she + feels bad about Dirk, but she can't do nothing; he ain't a bit like Mark + there.” + </p> + <p> + The last words were spoken tenderly, and the sisterly eyes turned toward + the boy on the bed, and obeying a sign from his eyes she went over to him. + The doctor plied his questions:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you recently taken a class, madam? and is their general reputation + as encouraging as this special scamp of whom we are hearing?” + </p> + <p> + His words almost jarred on Mrs. Roberts; she had already prayed enough for + her boys to have a sort of tender feeling for them—a half desire to + cover their faults from the gaze of the indifferent world. Did Dr. Everett + represent the indifferent world, or did he love her Master? She wished she + knew. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing encouraging about them,” she said, with grave + earnestness, “save the facts that they are made in the image of God, and + that he wants them to 'turn from the power of Satan unto God, that they + may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are + sanctified.'” + </p> + <p> + A rare flash of intelligence and appreciation greeted her now from those + fine eyes bent so scrutinizingly on her. + </p> + <p> + “Tremendous facts!” he said. “Glorious possibilities! 'Himself hath said + it.' I claim kinship with you; I am an heir of the same inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + He held a hand to each, and they were cordially grasped. Then Dr. Everett + proceeded to business. + </p> + <p> + “There is enough to do,” he said; “everything is lacking here; there is + severe poverty, united to the most scrupulous tenderness and the most + tender love on the part of this brother and sister. I stumbled on the + case, and will do professionally all that is needed. And I have a friend + who would undoubtedly come to the rescue, but she is crowded just now. I + shall be rejoiced to report to her a helper. Do you know Joy Saunders? + Well, I wish you did; she is one whom you could appreciate. She is young, + though, and without a husband to guard her, and there are some places to + which she cannot come.” + </p> + <p> + “Has she learned that important fact?” asked Mr. Roberts, with a + significant smile. Then some explanation seemed necessary. “This lady,” he + said, “tried the alley alone yesterday, and lost her way, and went lower + down,—quite near to Burk Street, I imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened?” The quick question and the doctor's tone suggested + possibilities not pleasant. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she met one of her new recruits,—as hard a boy, so one of the + policemen on this beat tells me, as there is in the row,—and pressed + him into service to escort her back to civilization; and strange to say, + the fellow did it without placing any tricks.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor turned on the small lady a curious glance. + </p> + <p> + “I think you may be able to do something, even for Dirk Colson,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed over the eagerness of the question. + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of him before. I was only thinking of our friend's + description of his awfulness. Ah, whom have we here?” + </p> + <p> + For the door had opened abruptly, and a pair of great blue eyes, set in a + frame of tawny hair, all in a frizzle, had peered in on them. The vision + was clothed in garments so torn the wonder was that they stayed on at all, + and there was a general look of abject poverty about her to which Sallie + Calkins, with all the bareness of her lot, was a stranger. She stood for + just a moment, as if transfixed by astonishment at the unwonted sight in + the room, then turned and sped away as swiftly and silently as she had + come. + </p> + <p> + “That is Dirk's sister,” Sallie Calkins said, coming forward, her homely + face aglow with shame. “She isn't a bad girl, ma'am, she doesn't mean to + be, but she has a dreadful time. Her mother is sickly, and has to go out + washing, times when she isn't able to sit up; and there'll be days when + she can't hold up her head; and the father is bad, ma'am, and drinks, and + swears, and sells things for drink till there ain't nothing left to sell; + and Mart hasn't anything to mend her clothes with, and she doesn't know + how, anyway; and she hasn't even got a comb to comb her hair with, her + father he took it to sell; and everything there is horrid, and Dirk, he's + awful.” + </p> + <p> + It was strange, she could not herself account for it; but with every added + word of misery that set poor Dirk Colson lower and lower in the scale of + humanity, there seemed to come into this woman's heart, and shine in her + face, an assurance that he was to be a “chosen vessel unto God.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor was watching her again, curious, apparently, to see how this + pitiful appeal for forbearance in judging of poor Mart affected her, and + something in his face made her say, speaking low, “an inheritance among + them which are sanctified.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” he said. And there came to Mrs. Roberts a feeling that this + earnest prayer, for the second time repeated by two men who prayed, was a + sort of seal from the Master. + </p> + <p> + She turned away from both gentlemen then; the tears were very near the + surface. She must do something to tone down the beating of her heart. + Sallie was at hand, and she went with her to another corner of the room, + and a low-toned conversation was carried on, scraps of which floated back + to the gentlemen in the form of “sheets,” “grape jelly,” “mutton broth,” + “a soft pillow,” and the like. + </p> + <p> + “I feel my patient growing better,” the doctor said, with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Is there no father here?” Mr. Roberts asked. + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head, but answered:— + </p> + <p> + “There is the most pitiful apology for a father that I ever saw,—a + mere wreck of a man! Spends his time in a sort of weak drinking, if I may + coin a phrase to describe him; he actually uses no energy even in that + business. Just staggers around and bemoans his lot; a most unfortunate + man, in his own estimation, with whom the world, through no fault of his, + has gone wrong. He is never downright intoxicated, and never free from the + effects of liquor. He is much like a wilted leaf in the hands of this boy + and girl. They could pitch him out of the window without much difficulty, + and if the fall did not kill him he would shed tears and say it was a hard + world. But now, what do we see, when the name of father is so dishonored,—made + a wreck, as it were? Why, the order of nature is reversed, and these + children take on the protective. They are father and mother, and he is the + weak, sinning child. The way that that boy and girl have worked to keep + their miserable father from starving or freezing is something to astonish + the very angels. They shield him, too; nobody who wants to reach their + hearts must blame him. They are a study!—as different from the other + inhabitants of the alley as the sky is different from that mud-hole down + there. It isn't a good simile, either. There is no religion in their + efforts. They are the veriest heathen.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you account for the development?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't account for it; it is abnormal. There must have been a mother who + left her impress. I can't learn anything about the mother—she died + when the girl was an infant; but I would like to know her history. I + venture to assert that she belonged to Christ, and that a gleam of the + divine pity that she saw in him, and loved, left its impress on her + children. That is somewhat mystical,” he added, smiling. “I rarely talk in + this way; it must have been your wife who set me off.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is the most practical and energetic of beings!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so are the angels, I fancy; and make us think of heaven directly we + hear the rustle of their wings. Has your wife been a Christian long?” + </p> + <p> + “Barely two years since she began to think of these things.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much. She impresses me as one who is being led; who does not + choose to go alone; has not learned how, indeed. A very few Christians + never learn how, and with them the Lord does his special work. Well, sir; + I must go. I'm glad to have met you, and glad to leave you here. Good + morning!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — “AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED.” + </h2> + <p> + Other business was transacted that morning which brought results. A + curious habit of Mrs. Roberts',—one which, perhaps, most strongly + marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other + people,—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information + on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the + time. + </p> + <p> + Where other and more systematic persons would have said, “He is not the + one to ask about this matter! there is no reason for supposing that he has + any knowledge in this direction!” Mrs. Roberts would say: “I cannot be + sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need. In + any case, what harm will it do to try?” And she always tried. + </p> + <p> + It was on this principle that she arrested Dr. Everett's speedy departure + with a question:— + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, are you familiar with boarding-houses for young men?” + </p> + <p> + Something like a vision swept instantly before the doctor, in which he saw + the long line of young men, and the long line of boarding-houses, in the + world, and he laughed with eyes and lips, the question seemed so queerly + put. + </p> + <p> + “With how many of them, madam?” There was amusement in his voice, but + there was also curiosity,—he wanted to know what this original + little lady was in search of. + </p> + <p> + “One would do, if it were of just the right stamp. I'll tell you what I + want,—a nice, quiet, comfortable <i>home</i> sort of place, with a + small room, capable of being warmed, a single bedstead, with a passably + good bed, and a moderate rate of board. Are not those modest enough + requirements?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all! They are preposterous! A boarding-house to which one could + conveniently apply the word '<i>home!</i>' <i>Fire</i> in a young man's + room! He is expected to enjoy freezing in a city; and if he come from the + country, he should be grateful for the privilege! But the idea of calling + for a good bed! That is the wildest suggestion of all! Has she ever + boarded, Mr. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at a boarding-house, at least,” said that gentleman, enjoying the + fun. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “Are you serious?” she asked, gently. “Is there no chance in this great + city for a Christian young man to have the ordinary comforts of common + life; just a little quiet room where he can pray, and where he can invite + some tempted soul, and try to help him? Doesn't it seem all wrong?” + </p> + <p> + The laugh was gone from the doctor's face. There was a look of keen + interest and genuine respect. + </p> + <p> + “How many young men are you thinking about? There are many Christians, I + believe, among that class,—poor young men, away from home,—and + I have reason to fear that their chances for comfortable retirement are + very scarce. I have thought about the problem somewhat how to help them. + In the concrete, I don't see the way. Of how many are you thinking?” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to think about them all,” Mrs. Roberts said,—and now + it was her turn to laugh,—“but I am panning for just one. I cannot + work in great ways, but I thought I might help one.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly! Mr. Roberts, if every Christian in our city would undertake to + help <i>one</i>, the problem would be solved. Well, there is one + boarding-house to which the word 'home' may properly be applied; and there + is one small room on the third floor vacated yesterday. I wonder if the + Master wants it for your young man? It seems to me if there is any one + thing more than another that we need in that house just now it is a + Christian young man. Of what type is your friend? Will he help or hinder a + gay young scamp much sought after by Satan?” + </p> + <p> + “He will try hard to help,” said both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. And before + they parted the doctor had taken Mr. Ried's address, and promised to call + on him and negotiate the matter. + </p> + <p> + “That plan will work in two ways,” said Mrs. Roberts, gleefully. “Mr. Ried + will be in the same home with, and somewhat under the influence of that + grand doctor. Isn't it splendid that we asked just him?” + </p> + <p> + And her husband smilingly assented, and added that he should not have + thought of such a thing as asking him. + </p> + <p> + On her way down town, Mrs. Roberts had dropped a letter in the mail, which + also brought results. It read thus:— + </p> + <p> + “DEAR MARION,—I have time for but a line, for I want to catch the + morning mail. I have such a nice plan. Suppose you let your Gracie come + and stay with me for a few weeks. You know she always liked me a little, + and Evan and I think we can make it pleasant for her. I will try to get + her so much interested in seven boys whom I know that she will forget all + about Professor Ellis. Mr. Barnwell a confidential clerk in the store (old + and gray-headed), will go to-morrow to transact some business with papa. + Evan will give him a letter of introduction to Dr. Dennis. He expects to + return on Saturday, and if you will trust Gracie to us, and she is willing + to come, she might travel in Mr. Barnwell's care, and we would meet her at + the depot. Dear Marion, we should like it ever so much: and I have prayed + about it all the morning, and cannot help thinking that Jesus likes it + too.” + </p> + <p> + Thus it came to pass that when Mrs. Roberts took her seat on the next + Sabbath afternoon before her seven boys at the South End Mission, a vision + of loveliness, such as the mission had not often seen, came in with her, + and looked with wide-open eyes on all the new and strange sights and + sounds about her. A very pretty creature was Gracie Dennis. Her eyes had + lost none of their brightness, although they had shed some tears during + her recent experiences. They were fairly sparkling to-day, for the great + city into which she had come for the first time was like fairyland to her; + albeit, she had passed through scenes that afternoon which bore no + resemblance to her idea of fairyland. What the boys thought of her could + only be determined from their stares. Let us hope that her presence had + nothing to do with their conduct, for never, in all the annals of the + South End Mission, had seven boys comported themselves as did those before + whom Mrs. Roberts sat that winter afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick, as if to be revenged for his unintentional courtesy of the + Monday before, placed his ill-kept feet on the seat in front of him, in + alarming proximity to Mrs. Roberts' shoulders, and chewed his tobacco, and + defiled the floor with its juice, and talked aloud, and was in every sense + disgusting. Neither was Dirk Colson one whit behind him. The spirit of + entertainment was upon him. He mimicked Mr. Durant's somewhat hoarse + tones, exaggerating the imitation, of course, until it was ludicrous. He + imitated the somewhat shrill tenor, and the nasal tones of Deacon Carter, + who was doing good work with a class of meek-looking women. He even + imitated Mrs. Roberts' soft, low voice, as she essayed to interest them in + Moses and some of the wonders which he performed. + </p> + <p> + Vain hope! Struggle as she might to be intensely dramatic in her + narrative, she did not for a moment gain the ascendency. + </p> + <p> + “Moses?” interrupted Nimble Dick in the very midst of one of her most + earnest sentences. “Let's see! that was the old fellow who swallowed the + serpents, wasn't it? I should have thought he would have been used up.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know nothin',” interrupted Stephen Crowley, with a nudge at + Dirk that the latter pretended tipped him entirely off the seat, and left + him a limp heap at Mrs. Robert' feet. + </p> + <p> + “He don't know nothin'!” repeated Stephen, addressing Mrs. Roberts in a + confidential tone. “'T was the serpents swallowed Moses, wasn't it? + Question is, How did he get around again?” + </p> + <p> + “Quit that!” came at this point from Dirk Colson, in his fiercest tone. + “Look here, you Bill Snyder, if you try pinching on me again I'll pitch + you over the head of old Durant in less than a second!” + </p> + <p> + What was the poor, pale little woman to do? With one boy crawling about + the floor and two others in a hand-to-hand fight, with the rest in a + giggle, of what use to try to talk to them about Moses? You should have + seen Gracie Dennis eyes by that time! Horror and disgust were about + equally expressed, and rising above them both, a look of actual fear. Mr. + Durant came over to attempt a rescue, his face distressed beyond measure. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, this is too much. I am sure that patience has ceased to be + a virtue. They have never gone so far before. I suspected mischief to-day. + I have heard from several of them during the week, and never anything but + evil. I am prepared for it; there is a full police force on guard in the + next room; what I propose is to have every one of these fellows taken to + the lock-up. It will be a lesson that they richly deserve, and may do them + good.” + </p> + <p> + Whispering was not one of Mr. Durant's strong points. He meant to convey + secret intelligence of carefully-laid plans to Mrs. Roberts alone. In + reality not a boy in the class but heard every word. They were startled + into silence. “A full police force!” They were not fonder of the lock-up + than are most boys who deserve that punishment. They were skilful in + escaping the hands of policemen. They had not believed that the South End + Mission would resort to any such means. They recognized in the Mission an + attempt to do them good; and, without any effort at reasoning it out, they + had by tacit consent decided that policemen and lock-ups and Christian + effort did not match. They had chuckled much over the stationing of + “little Duffer” at the door on guard. Any two of the strong young fellows + were a match for him, and in the event of a riot, which they would like no + better fun than to help get up, how many choice spirits all about the room + would join them if given the word, and in the delightful confusion which + would result how easy to escape from sight and hearing while Policeman + Duffer was summoning aid! They had felt comparatively safe. But “a full + police force” detailed for duty was quite another thing. They felt caught + in a trap. Nimble Dick got up in haste from the floor and took his seat, + and the boys looked from one to another with ominous frowns. There were + reasons why none of them cared to come before the police court just now. + What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + While they waited and considered, Mrs. Roberts did it. Her hand was on Mr. + Durant's arm, and directly the loud whispering ceased, she spoke in low, + but distinctly emphatic tones:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg of you, Mr. Durant, do no such thing. I would dismiss every + policeman at once, with thanks, if I were you. We shall not need their + help. I give you my word of honor that the boys will be quiet during the + rest of the session, not because they are afraid of policemen, but because + they respect me, and do not want to see me frightened or annoyed. Please + don't let a policeman come near us.” + </p> + <p> + I am not sure which was the more astonished, the superintendent or the + boys. He returned to his desk with the bewildered air of one whose + deep-laid schemes had come to naught in an unexpected manner without + giving him time to rally; and the boys looked at one another in + perplexity, and were silent. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts turned to them with quiet voice:— + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” she said, “you have spoiled the story that I was going to tell + you. I have lost my place, and there isn't time to go back and find it. I + am sorry, for I think you would have liked the story. I spent a good deal + of time this week trying to make it interesting. But never mind now, there + is something else I want to say. Will you spend the hours from eight to + ten with me to-morrow evening at my house? I brought cards with me for + each of you, containing my address, that you might have no trouble in + finding the place.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon she produced the delicate bits of pasteboard, with her name and + address handsomely engraved thereon. + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick took his between his soiled thumb and finger, turned it over + in a pretence of great interest, and finally endeavored to “sight” it with + his eye, as a workman does his board. + </p> + <p> + “What'll you do with us if we come?” Stephen Crowley asked, fixing what + was intended as a wise look upon her, the leer in his eye hinting that he + was smart enough to see another trap, and meant not to fall into it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts laughed pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “It is an unusual question, when one invites company,” she said; “but I + don't mind answering it. For one thing I thought we would have an oyster + stew and some good coffee together. Then, if any of you like music, I have + a friend with me who is a good singer; and I have a few pictures I should + like you to see, if you cared to; and—I don't know whether you are + fond of flowers, but some of you may have a mother, or sister at home who + is, and the greenhouse is all aglow just now. Oh, how can I tell what I + should do to entertain guests? Just what seemed to me to be pleasant at + the time. That is the way I generally do. May I expect you?” + </p> + <p> + The boys stared. This was a new departure, indeed! How much of it did she + mean? What was she trying to do? Was it a trap? Still she had rescued them + from the police force, and they had not expected that, for every boy of + them knew that he had treated her shamefully. Timothy Haskell was + generally the quietest one of the group, and perhaps the most + straightforward. He went directly to the point of the question that he saw + in the eyes of the others. + </p> + <p> + “What do you do it for?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's the talk,” said Nimble Dick. “What do you want of us?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I want you to spend the evening with me. Didn't I tell you? If you + really mean to be friends with me of course I must invite you to my home. + What <i>could</i> I want except to have a nice time? I'm trying to make + you like me. Of course I want you to like me. How can we have pleasant + times together unless you do?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — “I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN” + </h2> + <p> + “Pleasant times like we've been having to-day?” said Nimble Dick, with a + wicked leer. + </p> + <p> + If he meant to disconcert her, he missed his point. + </p> + <p> + “No!” she said, promptly, “we haven't had a bit nice times to-day, and as + for liking you, I haven't done so to-day at all. If I had the least idea + that you meant often to treat me as you have this afternoon I should know + it was of no use. But I cannot think that you will continue to treat a + lady in such a manner, particularly when I am really trying to make a + pleasant time for you. There is no object, you see, in spoiling it.” + </p> + <p> + This plain bit of truth, for the time being so commended itself to the + judgment of the boys that they regarded the speaker gravely, without + attempting a reply. She was not moralizing; at least it was unlike any + moralizing that they had ever heard. It seemed to be simply a bit of + practical common sense. Not a boy would have owned it, but each felt, just + at that moment, a faint hope that she would <i>not</i> decide it was of no + use, and give them up. Straightforward Tim Haskell had one more question + to ask:— + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you let them bring in their police and settle us?” + </p> + <p> + Their teacher hesitated just a moment. Would the “whole truth” do to speak + in this case? Could she hope to make them understand that she saw in it a + step lower down, and that thus degraded before her eyes, she feared her + possible hold on them would be gone forever? No; it wouldn't do! A little, + a <i>very</i> little piece of the truth was all that she could treat them + to. A faint sparkle in her bright eyes, which every one of them saw, and + she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid you might not be excused in time to keep your engagement + with me to-morrow evening.” + </p> + <p> + They all laughed, not boisterously, actually an appreciative laugh. They + were bright; there is hardly a street boy living by his wits who isn't. + They recognized the humor hidden in the answer, and enjoyed it. + </p> + <p> + Then the superintendent's bell rang. That bell always did seem to have an + evil influence on those boys. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was known to remark, a + few Sundays afterwards, that if there <i>were</i> no opening and closing + exercises in the Sabbath-school, her work would be easier; that street + boys did not seem to have one element of devotion in them, and needed to + be kept at high pressure, in order to be able to control themselves. + </p> + <p> + The thought is worthy of study, perhaps. It is just possible that our + opening and closing exercises are too long drawn out even for those who + are not street boys. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, the little spell which Mrs. Roberts had been able for a + few minutes to weave around her boys on this particular Sabbath, was + broken by the sound of the bell. The boys returned to their memories of + insult, as they regarded the police force. They muttered sullenly among + themselves about “traps” and “sells,” and “guessed they wouldn't get + caught here again;” and Mrs. Roberts, seeming not to hear, heard with a + heavy heart. + </p> + <p> + How angry they looked! Even Nimble Dick's usually merry face was clouded + over. What a curious thing it was that even they had their ideas of + propriety, and felt themselves insulted! Was it an instinct, she wondered—a + reminder that there was in them material for manhood? + </p> + <p> + Would they ever, any of them, be men—Christian gentlemen? It seemed + almost too great a stretch for even her imagination. As she moved in her + seat her delicately-embroidered, perfumed handkerchief fell to the floor. + Mrs. Roberts was used to young men—mere boys, even—whose + instinctive movement would be to instantly restore it to her. Not a boy + before her thought of such a thing. She had not expected it, of course. + Yet she wondered if the instinct were not dormant, needing but the + suggestion. It was a queer little notion, worthy of Flossy Shipley + herself, who, from being continually busy about little things, had come to + the conclusion that nothing anywhere was little; that the so-called + trifles, which make up many lives, had much to do with the happiness of + other lives. Was it worth her while to try to teach these street Arabs to + pick up fallen handkerchiefs? She differed from many Christian workers, in + that, in her simplicity, she really thought it was. + </p> + <p> + There was a lull just at that moment. A hymn had been announced, but the + organist's note-book had been mislaid, and was being sought after. It + could disturb no one if Mrs. Roberts tried her little experiment. She + looked longingly at Dirk Colson, but his brows were black and his eyes + fierce; this was no time to reach him. Nimble Dick looked much more + approachable. She determined to venture him:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bolton,” spoken in her sweetest voice, “I have dropped my + handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “Anybody with half an eye could see that, mum; and a mighty dirty spot you + picked out for such a nice little rag to lie in.” + </p> + <p> + This was her only response. Then the discomfited experimenter told herself + that she was a blunderer. How could the poor fellow be expected to know + what she meant? Why had she not <i>asked</i> the service from him? She + would try again. + </p> + <p> + Would he be kind enough to pick it up for her? It was long afterwards + before Mrs. Roberts could think of his answer without a sinking heart. + Fixing bold, saucy eyes on her, he spoke in deliberate tones, loud enough + to be heard half-way across the room:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, pick it up yourself, mum! It is as near to you as it is to me, and + you don't look weakly.” + </p> + <p> + She picked it up, her poor cheeks burning, but she did not forget it. + </p> + <p> + Various after-school conferences told their different stories. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” Mr. Durant said, stopping in the act of mopping his hot forehead + to shake hands with her, “Mrs. Roberts, I honor your courage. Those boys + were simply fearful to-day; I really feared some outbreak that would be + hard to quell. I'm afraid we shall have to give them up. Yes, I know how + you feel: but you haven't been here to see what we have borne from them. + All sorts of teachers have been tried. We have given them the best + material we had, both men and women, and every one has failed. Then you + actually want to try it for another Sabbath! Well, I'm glad of it. Oh, <i>I</i> + don't want to give them up; it makes my heart ache to think of it; but if + we can't keep them in sufficient order to get any benefit, nor find a + teacher who is willing to hold on to them, what else is there for us to + do? But that last complaint I needn't make so long as you 'hold on,' need + I?” This last with a genial smile. “Well, God bless you; I couldn't begin + to tell you how much I hope you will succeed.” + </p> + <p> + But his face said: “However, I know you won't.” + </p> + <p> + He turned from her and said as much to young Ried:— + </p> + <p> + “She is in earnest, Ried, and she has resources; but she won't catch them, + simply because they don't mean to be caught; they come here to make + trouble and for nothing else. Just look at the way they have performed + to-day—worse than ever, and they never had a better teacher. I've + watched her, and I believe she knows how. I'll tell you what it is, Ried, + we must hold on to her, and when she gives up those boys we must secure + her for that class of girls down by the door. I really think we have a + prize.” + </p> + <p> + Now, if he had but known it, Mrs. Evan Roberts meant to teach no other + class at the South End Mission save those boys. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!” This was Gracie Dennis' exclamation; when she was very + much excited, she went back to the old name. “What <i>are</i> you trying + to do with those horrid boys? and how can you endure their impudence? I + never saw anything like their actions in my life, and I thought I had seen + bad boys. You look completely worn out, and no wonder. I shouldn't think + Mr. Roberts would let you do this. What good can you do such creatures, + Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Gracie, don't you think that Jesus Christ died to save them?” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said Gracie, hesitatingly. It was a favorite phrase with her, as + it is with many people when they don't know what to say next. + </p> + <p> + “And don't you think he wants them saved? And will he not be pleased with + even my little bits of efforts if he knows that my sincere desire is to + save these souls for his glory?” + </p> + <p> + “But what I mean is, what good can you do them so long as they act as they + do now? They didn't listen to a word you said, so as to get any good out + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that, dear, nor do you. Don't you think the Holy Spirit + sometimes presses words on people that they do not seem to be heeding? In + any event, that is a part with which I have nothing to do. I tried; and if + I failed utterly I have but to try again. It isn't as though there were + some good teacher ready to take them. Nobody will make a second effort. + Now there is one thing I can certainly do. I can keep on making efforts; + who knows but some of them may bear fruit? By the way, Gracie, I want ever + so much of your help.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine?”' said Gracie, with wide-open eyes. “I don't know how to help + people; I'm not good.” And her face darkened in a frown,—some + unpleasant memories that went far toward proving the truth of that + statement coming to mind just then. After a moment she spoke in a somewhat + more gentle tone: “Don't count on me, Flossy, for help about those boys. + They frighten me; I never saw such fellows. I couldn't help wondering what—papa + would have said to them.” + </p> + <p> + Between the “wondering” and the noun there had been an observable pause. + Mrs. Roberts suspected that the thought in Gracie's mind was rather what + Mrs. Dennis, who was supposed to have much knowledge of boys, would have + thought of them. But since her arrival Gracie had studiously avoided any + reference to her stepmother, and Mrs. Roberts had humored her folly. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, you can help them; and when you begin to realize that, you + will forget your fears.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect to see one of the creatures to-morrow evening? What in the + world would you do with them if they did come?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not sure that I <i>expect</i> them. I only hope for them. As to what + to do with them, I trust to you to help answer that question. I want to + give them an idea of what a nice time is.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot help,” said Gracie again, but she was <i>interested</i>, and + referred again and again to the subject, cross-questioning Mrs. Roberts as + to her plans and hopes, until that lady gave a satisfied smile to the + thought that her seven boys had begun their work. + </p> + <p> + The first part of this conversation was held while they waited in one of + the class-rooms for Mr. Ried to give in his report before joining them. + The waiting suggested to Gracie another question. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Mr. Ried, who seems to have us in charge?” + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the clerks from the store, which accounts, in part, for his + attendance on us. But I am interested in him for other reasons. He had a + wonderful sister; that is, she was a wonderful Christian; she died when + quite young, but one might be ready to go to heaven early if one had + accomplished as much as she did. By one of those strange arrangements, + which I should think would go far toward making observing people believe + in a special Providence, her life, or I might almost say her death, was + the means of changing the current of my husband's life. He says he was a + gay young fellow; a member of the church, but giving just as little + attention to religion as many do whom you and I know. An accident to one + of his family held him for several weeks in the town where this Ester Ried + lived; and her physician, with whom he became acquainted, introduced him + to her. It seems she was very much interested in young men, in their + Christian development. He went to see her several times; and, to use his + own expression, she first made him realize that there was such a thing as + zeal, and then she set it on fire. What she had begun in life she finished + in her death. Evan attended her funeral services, and the walls were hung + with Bible texts of her selection. The most wonderful texts! All about + Christian work, and about being in earnest, because the time was short. + Evan says he began to understand, then, that the service of Christ was + first, best, and always. + </p> + <p> + “Wasn't it a singular Providence that led him under the influence of that + young girl during the closing weeks of her life? Only think, he has been + doing her work ever since,—doing it, possibly, in ways that she + could not compass. That is one reason why I am so much interested in those + boys. It seems to me as though they were her boys. Did I tell you that her + heart went out especially after the neglected? I learned about the boys + through Mr. Ried. He was but a child when his sister died, and yet she + succeeded in so enthusing him with her ideas that he is all the time + trying to carry out her plans. She had some wonderful ones. This idea of + inviting the boys, socially, I had from her. Do you see how plainly she is + working yet, though she has been in heaven so long?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think,” asked Gracie Dennis, a timid, gentle sound to her voice, + “that all Christians ought to put religion 'first, best, and always,' as + your husband said? I fancied that some were set apart to do a special + work.” + </p> + <p> + “We are all set apart, dear, don't you think? Given to Him to use as He + will. The trouble is that so many of us take back the gifts, and use our + time and our tongues as though they were our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Our <i>tongues</i>!” repeated Gracie, amazement in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes; didn't you give Him your tongue when you gave Him yourself? And + yet you are fortunate if you have not dishonored Him with it many a time.” + </p> + <p> + Said Gracie, “What a queer way you have of putting things.” + </p> + <p> + Then came Alfred Ried in haste, and apologizing for the long delay. Gracie + Dennis, watched him curiously; listened critically to his words. Was it to + be supposed that this young man put religion “first, best, and always”; + and considered his tongue as given to the Lord? Alfred bore the scrutiny + well. He took very little notice of Miss Gracie, being entirely absorbed + with another matter. He had settled opinions about Mrs. Roberts now, from + which he would not be likely to waver. He had seen much of her during the + week, and he knew she had not been idle. She had given him much valuable + information concerning the boys in whom he had been interested all winter; + and whom she had known for a week. Also he was aware that Sally and Mark + Calkins had seen much of her, to their great benefit. She had made him her + messenger on one occasion, and he had seen Sally Calkins take from the + basket the clean, sweet-smelling sheets that were to freshen her brother's + bed, and bestow on them rapturous kisses, while she murmured, “I'd walk on + my knees in broad daylight through the gutter to serve her,—that I + would.” + </p> + <p> + “Sheets aren't much, I suppose,” moralized the young man, as he walked + thoughtfully homeward. “People with much less money than she has must have + furnished them. It is thinking about things that makes the difference + between her and others.” + </p> + <p> + But he had not quite found the secret. The main difference between her and + many other people lay in the fact that she set steadily about doing the + things she thought of that would be nice to do. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, young Ried was fully prepared to sympathize with Mr. + Durant's opinion, that the South End Mission had secured a prize. Not that + he was very hopeful over those boys. He felt that their conduct, under the + circumstances, showed a depth of depravity which was beyond the reach of + Mission schools; but it was a comfort to think that good things were + arranged for them if they had but chosen to receive. He began at once to + talk about them. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, they are worse than I had supposed. I am afraid that your + patience is exhausted.” + </p> + <p> + Her answer was peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, I want you to spend to-morrow evening with me. I have invited + my boys, and I depend on you and Gracie here to help entertain them.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you equal to such formidable work as that?” asked Gracie, with a + mischievous smile. + </p> + <p> + He did not respond to the smile; he was looking at Mrs. Roberts, studying + her face as one bewildered with the rapidity of her moves. + </p> + <p> + “I want to be,” he said, with feeling; “I want to know how to work, and + I'm learning. Mrs. Roberts, I moved to my new boarding-house last evening, + and my room is a perfect little gem. There is an illuminated text in it, + and all around it is twined an ivy, growing,—don't you think! + Hidden, you know, behind the frame in a bottle; and the text is one of my + sister's treasures. Isn't that a singular coincidence?” + </p> + <p> + “It is very nice,” said Mrs. Roberts, with satisfied eyes. She still made + much use of that little word. + </p> + <p> + “And, Mrs. Roberts, I asked one of your boys to come in this evening and + see my room.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — “I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS.” + </h2> + <p> + “Those two people can think and talk of nothing but those dreadful boys,” + said Gracie to herself, half annoyed and wholly interested. She found + herself that very evening turning over the music, with the wonderment in + her mind as to what she could sing that they would be likely to care for, + provided one of them appeared, which thing she did not expect. + </p> + <p> + But I have not told you of all the discussions had that day. The boys went + their various ways, their minds also busy with the events of the + afternoon. Dirk Colson and Stephen Crowley went off together; not that + they were special friends, but their homes lay near together. For the + distance of half a block they walked in silence; then Stephen Crowley + spoke his mind:— + </p> + <p> + “Nimble Dick wasn't near as smart to-day as he thinks he was, accordin' to + my way of thinkin'.” + </p> + <p> + “He was meaner than dirt!” burst forth Dirk, fiercely. “To go back on her + like that, after she had saved us from a row with the police, ain't what I + believe in. Why couldn't he have picked up the rag, seeing she wanted him + to? That's what <i>I</i> say. I'd a done it myself if she had give me the + chance.” + </p> + <p> + “That there Dick Bolton can be too mean for anything when he sets out,” + said Stephen, with a grave air of superiority. “I don't go in for anything + of that kind myself. We wasn't none of us much to boast of; but Dick, he + went too fur. I say, Dirk, what do you s'pose all that yarn means about + to-morrow night? And what be we goin' to do about it? Dick, he said it was + all a game to get hold of us somehow, and he wasn't goin' to have nothin' + to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + Had Stephen Crowley desired exceedingly to secure Dirk's vote in favor to + the proposed entertainment he could not, at that moment, have chosen a + better way. Dirk tossed his thick mat of black hair in a defiant fashion + and answered:— + </p> + <p> + “He needn't have a thing to do with it, so far as I care. I don't know + who'll miss him; but if he thinks he's got all the fellows under his + thumb, and they're goin' to do as he says, I'll show him a thing or two. + <i>I'm</i> a goin' to-morrow night. I don't care what it is, nor what it + is for. She was nice and friendly to us to-day, and I'm willin' to trust + her to-morrow. I shall go up there and see what she does want. It can't + kill a fellow to do that much.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm a goin', too,” declared Stephen, with decision. “Dick, he thinks + there won't none of us go if he don't; and I'd just like to show him that + he must get up early in the mornin' if he wants to keep track of us.” + </p> + <p> + If Dirk Colson needed anything to strengthen his resolution, there was + material in that last sentence which supplied it. He had long chafed under + the control of Dick Bolton; here was a chance to assert superiority. He + even, just at that moment, conceived the brilliant idea of supplanting + Dick—running an opposition party, as it were. + </p> + <p> + What if he should get every fellow in the class to promise to go, and + Dick, the acknowledged leader, should find himself left out alone in the + cold. The thought actually made his grim face break into a smile. Thus it + came to pass that the most efficient worker for the success of the Monday + evening entertainment, so far at least as securing the presence of the + guests, was Dirk Colson. + </p> + <p> + In Mr. Roberts' mansion preparations for receiving and entertaining the + hoped-for guests went briskly forward. Preparations which astonished the + young guest already arrived. + </p> + <p> + “Are you really going to let them come in here?” she asked, as she + followed Mrs. Roberts through the elegant parlors, and watched her putting + delicate touches here and there. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; why not? Don't you open your parlors when you receive your + friends?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think we have such peculiar friends on our list,” Gracie said, + with a little laugh; and then, “Flossy, they will spoil your furniture.” + </p> + <p> + “If one evening in the Master's service will spoil anything it surely + ought to be spoiled,” Mrs. Roberts answered, serenely. + </p> + <p> + “But, Flossy,”—with a touch of impatience in her voice,—“what + is the use? Wouldn't the dining-room answer every purpose; be to them the + most elegant room they ever beheld, and be less likely to suffer from + their contact?” + </p> + <p> + The busy little mistress of all the beauty around her turned to her guest + with a peculiar smile on her face, half mischievous and wholly sweet, as + she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I want them to get used to parlors, my dear; they may have much to do + with them, as well as with dining-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “They are more likely to have to do with penitentiaries and prisons,” + Gracie said; but she abandoned discussion, and gave herself to the + pleasure of arranging lonely flowers in their lovely vases. + </p> + <p> + There was a divided house as to the probability of the guests appearing,—Mr. + Roberts inclining to the belief that some of them would come, while Gracie + was entirely skeptical. Mrs. Roberts kept her own counsel, neither + expressing wish nor fear, but steadily pushing her preparations. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, the entire seven appeared together, promptly, as the + clock struck eight. + </p> + <p> + At the last moment Dick Bolton, the usual leader, finding himself in a + minority of one, not to be outwitted, protested that he had not the least + notion of staying away; of course he was going, and good-naturedly joined + the group. + </p> + <p> + I wonder if you have the least conception of how those boys looked? The + ideas of some people cannot get below nicely-patched clothes, carefully + brushed boots, clean collars, and neatly arranged hair. + </p> + <p> + Clean collars! Not a boy of them owned a collar. No thought of brushing + their worn-out, unmended boots ever entered their minds. Their clothes + were much patched, but in many places needed it still. + </p> + <p> + Stephen Crowley had made a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to put his mass + of hair in order. Most of the others had not thought even of that. Why + should they? Poor Dirk, you will remember, if he had thought of it, had no + comb with which to experiment. It is doubtful if many of the others were + any better off in this respect. + </p> + <p> + Imagine the seven standing, a confused, grinning, heap, in the centre of + Mrs. Roberts' large and brilliantly-lighted hall! + </p> + <p> + She came forward to welcome them, shaking hands, though they made no + attempt to offer a hand in greeting. She had to grasp after each. She + essayed to introduce Gracie; not one of them attempted a bow. + </p> + <p> + “Come this way,” Mrs. Roberts said, “and take seats.” Then she led the way + into the long, bright, elegantly-furnished, flower-decked room. + </p> + <p> + They followed her in a row. Midway in the room they made a halt. They + caught a view of themselves—full length at that—revealed by + the great mirrors. They had never seen themselves set in contrast before. + They could not sit in a row, for the easy chairs and sofas, though + plentiful, had the air of having been just vacated by people who had left + them carelessly just where they had chanced to sit. + </p> + <p> + It required diplomacy to seat those boys. When at last Stephen Crowley + dropped into one of the great pillowy chairs, he instantly sprang up + again, and looked at it doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + Was the thing a trap? How far down would it sink with him? This was too + much for Nimble Dick, even under the present overpowering circumstances—he + laughed. His hostess blessed him for that laugh. The horrible stiffness + was somewhat broken, and all were seated. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment came Alfred Ried, hurriedly, like one who had intended + promptness and missed it. + </p> + <p> + “All here ahead of me!” he exclaimed, “Mrs. Roberts, I beg your pardon. At + the last moment I went in search of Dr. Everett; there was serious illness + in a house next door, and I happened to know just where he was.” + </p> + <p> + During this address he was shaking hands with his hostess, his manner easy + and graceful, as one used to it all. Then he crossed the room, that + wonderful room, treading down those flowers on the carpet as though he had + no fears of breaking their stems. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, Miss Dennis,” he said, and he was bowing in a manner that + Dirk Colson was confident he could imitate. Then he turned to the boys, + shaking hands:— + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Haskell? By the way, Crowley, I called on you to-day at the + office; sorry not to find you in.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, allow me?” And he wheeled one of the easy chairs to the + spot where that lady was standing. + </p> + <p> + “How well he enters into the thing,” said Gracie Dennis to herself, + looking on in admiration at this young man, who, still so young, was + adapting himself to circumstances that might well have embarrassed older + heads than his. He plunged into talk with the boys, making them answer + questions. He had come but a few moments before from Mark Calkins', + stopped there with a message from Dr. Everett; and these boys knew Mark + and Sallie and the worthless father, and all the more or less worthless + neighbors who ran in and out, and young Ried had a dozen questions to ask. + His quick-wittedness, and the ease with which he made talk to these young + men who lived in such an utterly different world from himself, surprised + his hostess very much. + </p> + <p> + Even she did not know to what an exalted pitch his enthusiasm and + excitement reached; though he had flashed a pair of most appreciative eyes + on her when she gave him her invitation for the evening. Here was actually + his sister Ester's darling scheme being worked out before his eyes! Not + only that, but he was being called upon to help. Ester had wanted him to + grow up to undertake just such efforts as these; and only last week they + had seemed to him so altogether good and noble and so impossible to try. + Yet here he was helping try them! No wonder Alfred Ried could talk. + </p> + <p> + It had been determined in family council that Mr. Roberts must absent + himself. He was in the house, indeed—no further away than the + library, ready for call in event of an emergency; but it was judged that + another stranger, and such a formidable one as the head of the house, must + be avoided for this one evening. As for Mr. Ried, <i>would</i> they + remember that he was not much older than some of them, and that he was not + a rich young man living on his income, but was earning his living by daily + work? and would they note the contrast between themselves and him? This + was what their hostess wondered. A few moments and then came a summons to + the dining-room. Seated at last, though one of the poor fellows stumbled + over a chair, and barely saved himself from falling. + </p> + <p> + If you could have seen that dining-table, the picture of it would have + lingered long in your memory. The whitest and finest of damask table + linen; napkins so large that they almost justified Dick Bolton's whisper, + “What be you goin' to do with your sheet?” china so delicate that Gracie + Dennis could not restrain an inward shiver when any of the clumsy fingers + touched a bit of it, and such a glitter of silver as even Gracie had never + seen before. + </p> + <p> + One thing was different from the conventional tea-party. Every servant was + banished; none but tender eyes, interested in her experiment, and ready to + help it on, should witness the blunders of the boys. So the hostess had + decreed, and so instructed Alfred and Gracie. The consequence was that + Alfred himself served the steaming oysters with liberal hand, and Gracie + presided over jellies and sauces, while Mrs. Roberts sugared and creamed + and poured cups of such coffee as those fellows had never even <i>smelled</i> + before. If you think they were embarrassed to the degree that they could + not eat, you are mistaken. + </p> + <p> + They were street boys; their lives had been spent in a hardening + atmosphere. Directly the first sense of novelty passed away, and their + poorly-fed stomachs craved the unusual fare served up for them, the + fellows grinned at one another, seized their silver spoons, and dived into + the stews in a fashion that would have horrified every servant in the + house. + </p> + <p> + How they ate! Oysters and coffee and pickles and cakes and jellies! There + seemed no limit to their capacities; neither did they make the slightest + attempt to correct their table manners. None of them paid any outward + attention to their “sheets,” although Alfred and Gracie spread theirs with + elaborate care; they leaned their elbows on the table, they made loud, + swooping sounds with their lips, and, in short, transgressed every law + known to civilized life. Why not? + </p> + <p> + What did they know about civilized life? + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, not one movement of young Ried escaped the notice of some of + them. + </p> + <p> + He tried still to carry on a conversation; though the business of eating + was being too closely attended to on all sides to let him be very + successful. + </p> + <p> + Gracie studied <i>him</i>, and was not only interested in his efforts, but + roused to make some attempts herself. What could she talk about with such + people? School? The Literary Club? The last concert? The course of + lectures? The last new book that everybody was reading? No, not everybody; + assuredly not these seven. + </p> + <p> + On what ground <i>was</i> she to meet them? + </p> + <p> + Yet talk she must and would. Mr. Ried should see that she at least <i>wanted</i> + to help. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — “LET US BE FASHIONABLE.” + </h2> + <p> + One feature of the hour was not only entirely new to the boys, but gave + them a curious feeling, the name of which they did not understand. When + the last one sat back in his chair, thereby admitting himself vanquished, + Mrs. Roberts, looking at the young man who sat at the foot of the table, + said:— + </p> + <p> + “Will you return thanks?” + </p> + <p> + What did that mean? To be sure they had heard of thanking people, but even + <i>they</i> were aware that it was an unusual thing for persons to demand + thanks for themselves. They watched; behold, the young man bowed his head, + and these were the words he spoke:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear Saviour, we thank thee for the joys of this evening. We pray thee to + teach us so to live that we may all meet some day in our Father's house. + Amen.” + </p> + <p> + The boys looked at one another, then looked down at their plates. Their + sole experience of prayer was connected with the South End Mission. To + meet it at a supper-table was a revelation. Did the people who lived in + grand houses, and had such wonderful things to eat, always pray at their + supper-tables? This was the problem which they were turning over in their + minds. + </p> + <p> + Returning to the parlor, Gracie went at once to the piano. She had spent a + good deal of Monday, settling the question of what to play, and had chosen + the most sparkling music she could find. I am anxious to have it recorded, + that, all uncultured as they were, these boys neither talked nor laughed + during the music, but appeared at least to listen. It was Dirk Colton who + sat nearest to the piano, and who listened in that indescribable way which + always flatters a musician. + </p> + <p> + “Do you like it?” Gracie asked, running off the final notes in a tinkle of + melody. + </p> + <p> + His dark face flushed a deep red. + </p> + <p> + “I dunno,” he said, with an awkward laugh; “it's queer sounding. I don't + see how you make so many tinkles. Do you make all your fingers go at once + on those black and white things?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite; but sometimes they have to dance about in a very lively + fashion. I have to keep my wits at work, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it hard to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very, nowadays. When I first commenced, the practising was horrid; I + hated it.” + </p> + <p> + “What made you do it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the same reason which makes people do a great many things that they + don't like,” she said, lightly; “I wanted the results. I knew if I worked + at it steadily the time would come when I should not only enjoy it myself, + but be able to give pleasure to other people. Why? Don't you ever do + things that you don't particularly like?” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very wise look. + </p> + <p> + “Often enough,” he said fiercely, and he thought of his drunken father. + “But then I wouldn't if I could help it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would depend on whether you thought the thing would pay in the end, + would it not?” + </p> + <p> + Then, without waiting for an answer, she asked “What is your business?” + </p> + <p> + “My business?” with a curiously puzzled air. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; how do you spend your time?” + </p> + <p> + “Hunting up something to eat,” he said, with a grim smile; visions of his + aimless loafing appearing before him as the only occupation he could be + said to have. It had not occurred to him to try to mislead her, but she + evidently did not understand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” she said, seriously, “so I suppose. Isn't it queer how busy men + and women have to be day after day, and year after year, just getting + themselves and others something to eat? Do you have other people to help + get it for? Mother, for instance, and little brothers and sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “I've got a mother,” he said, “and a sister.” + </p> + <p> + “And that makes work easier, does it not? I always thought it would be + stupid to work all the time just for one's self. But I meant, What do you + work at in order to get the something to eat,—there are so many + different ways?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know I work at all?” + </p> + <p> + Dirk's voice was growing sullen; a consciousness that he would appear at a + disadvantage in admitting himself an idler in a busy world was dawning + upon him as an entirely new idea. At his question, Gracie turned on her + music-stool and regarded him with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course you work,” she said; “people all do.” + </p> + <p> + She was not acting a part. Her experience among poor people was limited to + that outwardly respectable class who, however disreputable their conduct + might be on Sabbath, had, nevertheless a Monday occupation with which they + pretended to earn a living. + </p> + <p> + Dirk shrugged his shoulders again. + </p> + <p> + “Do they?” he said. + </p> + <p> + Her evident ignorance of the world made him good-natured. She was not + trying to preach to him, he decided. A thing which Dirk hated, in common + with all persons of his class. + </p> + <p> + But the lull in the music had started conversation in other parts of the + room. + </p> + <p> + Dirk heard young Ried's question:— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, do you know of any young man looking for work? I heard of a + good situation this afternoon. Oh, there are plenty of applicants, but the + gentleman is an old friend of my brother-in-law, and I could speak a + helpful word for somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no one in mind,” Mrs. Roberts said, and she glanced eagerly at the + boys lounging in various attitudes in her easy chairs. Only three of them + she knew made any pretence of earning their living. Did Alfred mean one of + them? “Here is a chance for you, young gentlemen,” she said, lightly, “who + bids for a situation?” + </p> + <p> + “What is the place?” + </p> + <p> + It was Dirk Colson who asked the question. Ever since he could remember he + was supposed to have been hunting for work, but I am not sure that he ever + felt quite such a desire to find it as at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “It is at Gray's, on Ninth Street, a good chance; but the one who secures + it must have a fair knowledge of figures.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, land!” said Dirk, sinking lower in his easy-chair. “No use in <i>me</i> + asking about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Are figures your weak point?” Mrs. Roberts asked, smiling on him. “I can + sympathize with you; I had to work harder over arithmetic than at any + other study; but I learned to like it. Do you know I think it should be a + favorite study with you? It is so nice to conquer an obstinate-looking row + of figures, and fairly oblige the right result to appear. What did you + find hardest about the study, Mr. Colson?” + </p> + <p> + The others chuckled, but Dirk glowered at them fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “There's nothin' to laugh about as I see,” he said. “I didn't find nothin' + hard, because I never had no chance to try. I never went to no school, nor + had books, nor nothin'; now that's the truth, and I'm blamed if I ain't + going to own it.” + </p> + <p> + “What a good thing it is that you are young.” This was her animated + answer. “There is a chance to make up for lost time. Mr. Ried, I have such + a nice idea. I heard you and Dr. Everett speaking of the Literary Club the + other night. Why cannot we have a literary club of our own? A reading + circle, or something of that sort? Suppose we should meet once a week and + read aloud something interesting, and have talks about it afterwards. Do + you ever read aloud?” + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Roberts in all sincerity had not been one of the most + simple-hearted, and in some respects ignorant little creatures on the face + of the globe, she could never, with serious face, have addressed such a + question to Nimble Dick. + </p> + <p> + Young Ried could not have done it, for he realized the folly of supposing + that Nimble Dick ever read anything. By just so much was Mrs. Roberts + ahead of him. She supposed that these boys had their literature, and read + it, and perhaps met somewhere on occasion and read together. This made it + possible for her to ask surprising questions with honest face. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me!” said Nimble Dick, startled into an upright posture; “oh, no, + mum, never.” + </p> + <p> + And even Dirk Colson laughed at the expression on his face. + </p> + <p> + “Still I think you would enjoy it, after a little practice, and I can't + help fancying you would make a good reader.” + </p> + <p> + The boys were all laughing now, Nimble Dick with the rest. + </p> + <p> + “You're in for an awful blunder there,” he said, good-naturedly. “I'm like + Black Dirk, never had no chances, and didn't do nothin' worth speakin' of + with them that I had. Why, bless your body, mum! I can't even read to + myself! I make the awfulest work you ever heard of spellin' out the + show-bills. I have to get Black Dirk to help me; and him and me is a + team.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Dirk's face had lost its smile, and his fierce eyes were + flashing; but the hostess was serene. + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't prove anything against my statement. I was speaking of what + <i>could</i> be, not necessarily of what was. Let us have a club. The more + I think of the plan the more it pleases me. I'll tell you! The word 'club' + doesn't quite suit me. Let us be fashionable. Gracie, don't you know how + fashionable it is becoming to have 'evenings' set apart for special + occasions? Mr. Ried, you know Mrs. Judson's 'Tuesday evenings,' and Mrs. + Symond's 'Friday evenings?' Very well, let us have our 'Monday evenings,' + in which we will do all sorts of nice things; sometimes literary, + sometimes musical, and sometimes—well, anything that we please. What + do you say, gentlemen; shall we organize? Mr. Ried, will you give Monday + evenings to us? Gracie, you are my guest, and cannot, of course, refuse.” + </p> + <p> + It was a novel idea, certainly. Even Alfred, while trying to heartily + second her, was in doubt as to what she could hope to accomplish by it. As + for the boys, not one of them promised to attend; but neither did they + refuse. Mrs. Roberts presently left the subject, seeming to consider her + point carried, and proposed a visit to the conservatory. + </p> + <p> + I think it very doubtful whether the boy lives who does not like flowers. + There are those who seem to consider it a mark of manliness to affect + indifference to them; but these, as they grow older—become real men—generally + lay this bit of folly aside. Then there are those, plenty of them, who + really do not know that they care for flowers. The boys, ushered for the + first time in their lives into the full bloom of a conservatory, were, + most of them, of this latter stamp. + </p> + <p> + What a scene of beauty it was! Great white callas, bending their graceful + cups; great red and yellow roses, making the air rich with their breath; + vines and mosses and ferns and small flowers in almost endless variety. + Alfred and Gracie moved among the glories; the latter exhausting all her + superlatives in honest delight, although she had visited the spot a dozen + times that day; and Alfred, who had been less favored, was hardly less + eager and responsive than she. But Mrs. Roberts watched the boys. + </p> + <p> + It was all very well for those two to enjoy her flowers; of course they + would. But what language would the silent, lovely things speak to her + untutored boys? They said not a word; not one of them. They made no + exclamations; they had no superlatives at command. But Stephen Crowley + stooped before a lovely carnation, and smelled, and <i>smelled</i>, + drawing in long breaths, as though he meant to take its fragrance all away + with him; and Nimble Dick picked up the straying end of an ivy, and + restored it to its support again, in a way that was not to be lost sight + of by one who was looking for hearts; and Dirk Colson brushed back his + matted hair and stood long before a great, pure lily, and looked down into + its heart with an expression on his face that his teacher never forgot. + </p> + <p> + She came over to him presently, standing beside him, saying nothing. Then + at last she reached forth her hand and broke the lily from its stalk. He + started, almost as if something had struck him. + </p> + <p> + “What did you do that for?” And his voice was fierce. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to take this for me to your sister—the girl with + beautiful golden hair; I saw her one day, and I shall remember her hair + and eyes. She will like this flower, and she will like you to bring it to + her. + </p> + <p> + “Gracie”—raising her voice—“gather some flowers will you, and + make into bouquets? These young gentlemen will like to carry them to some + one. There must be mothers at home who will enjoy bouquets brought by + their sons.” + </p> + <p> + Over this gently-spoken sentence Nimble Dick laughed a hard, derisive + laugh. It made the dark blood flow into black Dirk's indignant face. Even + Alfred Ried lost self-control for a moment, and flashed a glance at him + out of angry eyes. How could there be any hope of a boy who sneered at his + mother? Yet you need not judge him too harshly. + </p> + <p> + He thought of his mother, indeed, when he laughed; but alas! he thought of + her as drunk. And he knew her scarcely at all, save as that word described + her. How <i>could</i> “mother” mean to him what it meant to Alfred Ried? + what it meant even to Dirk Colson, whose mother, weak indeed in body and + spirit, full of complaining words, oftentimes weakly bitter words to him, + yet patched his clothes so long as she could get patches and thread, and + would have washed them if she could have got soap, and been able to bring + the water, and if her only tub hadn't been in pawn. Oh, yes, there are + degrees in mothers. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, meantime, broke off blossoms with lavish hand, and made + bouquets for Nimble Dick and for Dirk. He took the bright-hued ones with a + smile, but the lily he held by itself, and still looked at it. + </p> + <p> + They went away at last noisily; growing almost, if not quite, rough + towards one another, at least, and directly they were out of the door, + Nimble Dick gave a whoop that would have chilled the blood of nervous + women. But matron and maiden looked at each other and laughed. + </p> + <p> + “We have kept them pent up all the evening, and that is the escape-valve + being raised to avoid a general explosion.” This was Mrs. Roberts' + explanation. + </p> + <p> + They were quite alone. Alfred, on being invited in low tones to tarry and + talk things over, had shaken his head, and replied, significantly:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! no; I am one of them, and must stand on the same level.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” Mrs. Roberts said, smilingly; “you must have been an apt + pupil, my friend. That dear sister taught you a great deal.” + </p> + <p> + He held up the bouquet which she had made for him. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to put it before Ester's picture,” he said; “her work is going + on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Gracie, “it is over, and we lived through it. And they <i>did</i> + all come! I am amazed over that! And how they <i>did eat</i>! I suppose + the next thing is to open all the windows and air out. Flossy Roberts, I'm + afraid you are going insane. The idea of your inviting that horde here + every Monday. What a parlor you would have! And they would breed a + pestilence! They won't come, to be sure; but just imagine it if they + should! I really think Mr. Roberts ought to send you home for Dr. Mitchell + to look after. Well, Flossy, what next?” + </p> + <p> + “Next, dear, you must pray. Pray as you never have done before, for the + souls of these boys, and for the success of my 'Monday evenings.' Gracie, + we are at work for immortal <i>souls</i>. Think of it! they <i>must</i> + live forever. Shall they, through all eternity, keep dropping lower and + lower, or shall they wear crowns?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — “SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” + </h2> + <p> + Sallie Calkins sat in a common little rocking-chair and rocked; and while + she rocked she sewed, setting neat stitches in a brown coat which was + already patched and darned and was threadbare in many places. There was a + look of deep content on Sallie's face. There were many reasons for it. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett had that morning pronounced Mark's broken limb to be healing + rapidly. He had also reported that Mark's place was to be held open for + him by his employers. At this present moment, Mark, arrayed in a clean + shirt, was resting on a very white sheet, his head reposing on a real + feather pillow dressed in white and frilled. Over him was carefully spread + another of those wonderful sheets, and to make the crowning glory, a white + quilt, warm and soft, tucked him in on every side. How could Sallie but + rejoice? All about the room there had been changes. A neat little table + stood at the bed's side. It was covered with a white cloth, and a china + bowl set thereon with a silver spoon beside it; a delicate goblet and + china pitcher also, both carefully covered with a napkin. Did Mrs. Roberts + know how homely Sallie gloried in the thinness of that china and the + fineness of that napkin? How does it happen that some of the very poor + seem born with such aesthetic tastes? Mrs. Roberts had intuitions, and was + given to certain acts, concerning which she could not give to others + satisfactory explanations. Therefore, she sometimes left china where + others would have judged the plainest stoneware more prudent and sensible. + </p> + <p> + A bit of bright carpet was spread at the side of the bed. A fire glowed in + the neatly-brushed stove. A white muslin curtain hung at the window; and + the chair in which Sallie rocked and sewed was new and gayly painted. + </p> + <p> + There were other traces of Mrs. Roberts. You might not have noticed them, + but it seemed to Sallie that her fingers had touched everywhere. Yet the + lady herself thought that she had done very little. She had held her + inclinations in check with severe judgment. + </p> + <p> + The door opened softly, and a mass of golden hair, from out of which + peered great eyes, peeped cautiously in. + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” it said, nodding first toward the figure on the bed, and + intimating that she was aware of Mark's presence, and did not mean him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sallie, “come in; Mark's asleep, but you won't disturb him; he + don't disturb easy; he sleeps just like a baby since the doctor stopped + that pain in his knee. There's my new chair; just try it and see how nice + it is.” + </p> + <p> + Saying which, she got herself out of the little rocker in haste, and + pushed it toward her guest, meantime taking a plain wooden chair, also + new, and adding:— + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear of anybody like her before?” + </p> + <p> + “Something's happened!” said Mart Colson, ignoring the reference to the + mysterious pronoun,—her voice so full of a new and strange meaning + that had Sallie been acquainted with the word she might have said it was + filled with awe. + </p> + <p> + As it was, she only exclaimed, “What?” in an intensely interested tone. + </p> + <p> + “Why, look here! I brought it along to show you.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon she produced from under her piece of torn shawl a large + broken-nosed pitcher, a piece of brown paper carefully tied over the top. + She untied the bit of calico string with fingers that shook from + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Look in there!” she exclaimed at last, triumph in her tone, reaching + forward the pitcher. + </p> + <p> + Sallie looked, and drew in her breath with a long, expressive “O-h!” + </p> + <p> + There, reposing in stately beauty, lay the great white lily with its + golden bell. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should think so!” Mart said, satisfied with the expression. “Did + you ever see anything like that before? It ain't made of wax nor anything + else that <i>folks</i> ever made. It's alive! I felt of it. It looks like + velvet and satin and all them lovely store things; but it doesn't feel so; + it feels <i>alive</i>, and it <i>grew</i>. But, Sallie Calkins, if you + should live a hundred years, and guess all the time, you never could guess + where I got it. Sallie Calkins, if you'll believe it, Dirk gave it to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Dirk?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he did!” + </p> + <p> + Who would have supposed Mart Colson's voice capable of such a triumphant + ring? + </p> + <p> + “You see the way of it was: Last night he didn't come for his supper at + all, and that always scares me dreadful. I'm expecting something to + happen, you know. Father, he didn't come either; for the matter of that, + he hasn't come yet; and mother, she was awful tired, and hadn't had no + dinner to speak of, and she just broke down and took on awful. Mother + don't often cry, and it's good she don't, for she just goes into it with + all her might when the time comes. It wasn't about father—she's used + to him, you know, and don't expect nothing else; but Dirk drives her wild + with what may happen to him. I was worried about him, too, but I was mad + at him; it seemed too awful mean in him to stay away and scare mother. At + last I got her to go to bed, and she was all tuckered out, and went to + sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Then I wrapped myself in the quilt and sat down to wait; but I got + asleep, and I dreamed I saw <i>her</i>; she had wings to each side of her, + and she flew over the tops of all those houses and made them turn white + like the snow looks when it is coming down before it drops into the + gutters. Wasn't that queer? Well, some noise woke me up. I was sitting + flat on the floor by mother, and I sat up straight all of a tremble. And + there was the old stool, and the brown pitcher on it, half-full of water, + and this wonderful thing stood in it looking at me. And Dirk, he stood off + the other side looking at it. + </p> + <p> + “'It's for you, and she sent it.' That's what he said to me; and I wasn't + real wide awake, you know. I suppose that's what made his voice sound so + queer; and what do you think I said? I was thinking of my dream, and says + I: 'Did she have her wings on?' Then Dirk made a queer noise; it was a + laugh, but it sounded most like a cry. 'I guess so,' says he, and then he + turned and went off to bed. And I can't get any more out of him; he is as + snarly when I ask any questions as though he was mad about it all. If it + hadn't been for this great white thing I might have thought this morning + that it all belonged to the dream. But Dirk brought this home from + somewhere, and put it in the pitcher, and give it to me his own self; + that's sure.” + </p> + <p> + The story closed in triumph. + </p> + <p> + “It is beautiful!” said Sallie, the brown jacket slipping to the floor, + while she bent over the lily. “It is beautiful, all of it, and it looks + just like her, and sounds like her, wings and all; of course she sent it.” + </p> + <p> + “And Dirk brought it.” That part of the story Mart Colson did not forget. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes it seems to me a pity that hearts are not laid bare to the gaze + of others. What, for instance, might not this little incident have done + for Dirk Colson had he known how the starved heart of his sister fed on + the thought that he brought her the flower? + </p> + <p> + Still, on the other hand, I don't know what the effect would have been on + Mart had she known what a tremendous amount of courage it had taken to + present the flower to her. A dozen times on the way home had Dirk been on + the point of consigning it to the gutter. <i>He</i> carry home a flower! + If it had been a loaf of bread he thought it would be more consistent. + Someway he recognized a fine sarcasm in the thought that he, who had never + in his life contributed towards the necessities of the family, should + carry to that dreary home a flower! Yet the fair lily did its work well + during that long walk from East Fifty-fifth Street to the shadow of the + alley. It made Dirk Colson tell it fiercely that he hated himself; that he + was a brute and a loafer,—a blot on the earth, and ought not to + live. Why didn't he go to work? Why didn't he have things to bring home to + Mart every little while, as Mark Calkins did to Sallie? Hadn't he seen + Mark, only a few evenings before he was hurt, with a pair of girl's shoes + strung over his shoulder, and heard him whistle as he ran, two steps at a + time, up the rickety stairs? What would Mart think if he should bring her + home a pair of shoes? What would she think of his bringing her a flower? + She would sneer, of course: and, in the mood which then possessed him, + Dirk said angrily that she had a right to sneer, and would be a fool not + to; and yet he hated the thought of it. There was nothing in life that + Dirk hated more than sneers; and he had been fed on them ever since he + could remember. + </p> + <p> + He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received. + That suggestion about wings, which seemed so apt, had brought the “queer” + sound to his voice that Mart had noticed. If only she had understood, and + not spoiled, next morning, the effect of her words. + </p> + <p> + In the prosaic daylight, the illusion of “wings” being banished, she was + bent on knowing how Dirk came into possession of the lily. + </p> + <p> + “Who sent it, Dirk? I don't believe anybody told you to give it to me. Who + would care about <i>my</i> having a flower? Where did you get it?” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you s'pose?” Dirk's voice was ominously gruff. It is a painful + truth that by daylight he was ashamed of his part of the transaction. “I + told you she sent it. It's noways likely that I'd take the trouble to make + up a lie about that weed. How do I know what she wanted you to have it + for? Maybe she thought it matched your looks.” + </p> + <p> + There was a bitter sneer in Dirk's voice, yet all the time he heard the + sweet, low voice saying, “That girl with the beautiful golden hair.” + Suppose he should tell Mart that? Why not? Let me tell you that Dirk + Colson would not have repeated that sentence for the world! And yet he did + not know why. + </p> + <p> + Mart's face burned red under his sneer. + </p> + <p> + “How am I to know who 'she' is?” she said, in bitter scorn. “Some of your + bar-room beauties, for whom you dance and whistle, I suppose. You can tell + her I would rather have my shawl out of pawn, or some shoes for my feet, + enough sight. What do I care for a great flower mocking at me?” + </p> + <p> + “Pitch it into the fire, then; and it will be many a long day before I + bring you anything else,” said Dirk, pushing himself angrily back from the + table, where he had been eating bread dipped in a choice bit of pork fat. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't a bit of danger of my doing that,” she called after him, + mockingly. “There isn't a spark of fire, nor likely to be to-day, unless + some of your admirers send me a shovel of coal. Mercy knows, I wish they + would.” + </p> + <p> + He mercifully lost part of this sentence, for the reason that before it + was concluded he was moving with long, angry strides up the alley. + </p> + <p> + And then Mart took the broken-nosed pitcher away into the furthermost + corner, although she was alone in the room, and laid her face against the + cool, pure lily, and wept into it great burning tears. Poor, ignorant + soul! She wanted, oh, how she <i>wanted</i> Dirk to be brave and good like + Mark Calkins—her one type of manhood. Yet she did not know that she + was crushing out the germ which might have grown in his heart. True, she + knew herself to be very different from Sallie, but the thought, poor soul, + that that was because Mark was so different from Dirk. + </p> + <p> + Isn't it a pity that the sweet-faced lily could not have told its tender + story to both these ignorant ones? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — “WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?” + </h2> + <p> + “I have heard a good deal about your sister that has interested me. Do you + like to talk of her?” + </p> + <p> + This was the question which Gracie Dennis asked of young Ried as he stood + beside her at the piano. She had been playing, and had come to the music + alcove for the purpose of turning her music; but now she was touching + sweet chords here and there aimlessly, and waiting for his answer. + </p> + <p> + At the further end of the parlor Mrs. Roberts was entertaining a caller; + but the distance between them was so great that, in effect, the young + people were alone. + </p> + <p> + “I like nothing better than to talk of her.” Mr. Ried said, with + animation; “but I don't know so much about her as I wish I did. She went + away when I was quite young. I used to say 'she died,' but since I have + awakened to see her cherished plans being carried on all around me I + cannot think of her as dead.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I want to talk about,—her work, or her plans for work. + What made her so different from other people, Mr. Ried. <i>Wasn't</i> she + different?” + </p> + <p> + The young man regarded the question thoughtfully before answering. + </p> + <p> + “Not from all the people,” he said at last; “but certainly very different + from some. I used to think that all Christians were like her, of course; + then, when I saw my mistake, I went to the other extreme, and thought + there were none like her on earth. I have discovered that the medium + position is the correct one.” + </p> + <p> + “But what I want to know is, what <i>made</i> her different? It wasn't her + age. Mrs. Roberts thinks she was young?” + </p> + <p> + “She was hardly nineteen when she died. Oh, no, it wasn't age; she told me + that she used to be very different. She was a Christian from childhood, + but she said that she was ashamed to claim the name. There was nothing + Christlike about her; still she was a member of the Church. As I remember + her, and as I look at other people, my judgment is that, in her early + Christian life, she was much like most of the Christians with whom you and + I are familiar.” + </p> + <p> + “And what made her different? Was it—that is—do you think it + was because she was to die so soon that she had a special experience?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” he said, promptly; “it was before she realized anything + about her condition that the great change took place in her. My + brother-in-law says that she supposed herself to be in perfect health at + the time when she was most marked in her Christian life.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but you don't understand; I mean more than that. It is difficult to + tell what I mean; I mean—but you know, of course, <i>God</i> knew + that she was soon to go to heaven. I thought, perhaps, he gave her a + special experience on that account.” + </p> + <p> + “No; oh, no,” he said, speaking with great earnestness. “Ester was + particularly anxious that no one should suppose her experience + exceptional. Little fellow though I was, it seemed to be her desire that I + should fully understand this. Don't let anybody make you think that + because you are a little boy you must be a sort of half-way Christian,' + she used to say, and her eyes would glow with feeling. 'I tried that way + for years,' she said, 'and I want you to understand that it is not only + sinful, but there is not a particle of happiness to be gotten out of it—not + a particle; and I would give almost nothing for what such a Christian can + accomplish. The harm one does, more than overbalances all effort for + Christ.' I think, perhaps, she felt more deeply on that than on almost any + subject; and it was because she thought she had wasted so many years.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you think that there is, or rather that there should be, no + difference in Christians? Have all the same work to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that, quite, of course,—or, I don't know, either. Isn't it all + different forms of the Master's work. The children of the home may have + each a different task, but each is needed to make the home what it should + be, and each worker needs the same spirit of love and unselfishness to + enable him to do his part. It isn't a perfect illustration, Miss Dennis. + I'm not skillful in that direction; but <i>I</i> know what I mean, and + that is a comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know what you mean,” Gracie said, not joining in his laugh; “but I + am not sure that I believe it. Why, Mr. Ried, that would make a very + solemn thing of living.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, did you suppose it was other than solemn? I'm sure it makes a + triumphant thing of it, too; and without it we are only a lot of wax + figures, dancing to pass the time away.” + </p> + <p> + “But don't you really think that people have a right to have <i>any</i> + nice times?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dennis, did you ever see any person who had nicer times than your + friend, Mrs. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Flossy is peculiar; her tastes all seem to lie in this direction; + though once they did not, I admit. Papa used to think that she had no + talent for anything but dancing. Something changed Flossy's entire + character. No one who knew her two years ago could possibly deny that.” + </p> + <p> + “She will serve as an illustration, then, to explain my meaning. I + believe, Miss Dennis, that religion should have sufficient power over us + to change all our tastes and plans in life, fitting them to the Saviour's + use.” + </p> + <p> + “But what would such a rule as that do with most of the Christians of your + acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I am old and experienced enough to warn you not to make shipwreck of + your happiness on that shoal. I hovered around it, and vexed my soul over + the whole bewildering question until I suddenly discovered that I was held + absolutely responsible only for my own soul, and that the Lord would look + after his own.” + </p> + <p> + For a time there was no answer to this. + </p> + <p> + Gracie let her fingers wander with apparent aimlessness over the keys, + drawing out soft, sweet strains. Suddenly she said:— + </p> + <p> + “What do you expect Flossy will accomplish with that last scheme of hers? + I ought to beg her pardon for the familiar name, but I have known her ever + since I was a child. Don't you think her attempts for those boys rather + hopeless?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the young man's eyes filled with tears, and when he spoke his + voice indicated deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly tell you how I feel about those boys. I have been anxious + for them so long and felt so hopeless. Do you remember how Elijah sat + under a juniper tree, discouraged, and said that he was the only one who + had not bowed the knee to Baal, and the Lord told him he was mistaken, + that there were five thousand others? It sounds ridiculously egotistical, + but I have felt at times something like that; as though I was the only one + who cared whether the poor fellows went to destruction or not. But since I + have met Mrs. Roberts, and seen how intense she is and single-hearted, and + since through her I have met Dr. Everett, and seen how they are trying to + work at the same problem, and since I have come to know how Mr. Roberts is + at work all the time for young men; and, above all, since that wonderful + evening here last Monday, when I saw how two gifted ladies understood the + art of turning their accomplishments to account, in order to take those + poor fellows captive for Christ, I discovered that there were ways of + solving this problem about which I had known nothing, and people to carry + it through. It was simply glorious in you to give those fellows such music + as you did, and to accomplish by it what you did. My life has been narrow, + Miss Dennis; I never saw the piano used for Christ before.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie looked down at the keys, her face aglow. It was a new experience, + this being classed among the Christian workers of the world; making her + music for other purposes than to amuse the gay friends who chanced to + gather around her. She made the keys speak loudly for a few minutes, then + softening them, said:— + </p> + <p> + “You must not class me with Flossy, Mr. Ried. I only did what she wanted + done. I am not in the least like her, unselfish and gentle and all that.” + </p> + <p> + But his reply, spoken low, was pleasant to her ears:— + </p> + <p> + “'By their fruits ye shall know them.'” + </p> + <p> + He evidently looked upon her as a worker. She could not help feeling that + it was pleasant to be so classed. What an intense young man he was! Not in + the least like those with whom she had hitherto been most familiar. + </p> + <p> + There was another voice in the front parlor—a strong, vigorous voice + that carried a sense of power with it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Ried, his eyes bright, his face eager; “that is Dr. Everett. + Just study him if you want another type of the sort of Christian about + whom we have been talking; the grandest man!” + </p> + <p> + Gracie, shielded by the distance, turned on her stool and studied him. + Certainly he did not look much as though he were appointed for early + death. What a splendid physique it was! + </p> + <p> + And how thoroughly wide awake and interested he was in the subject under + discussion. Bits of the talk floated back to the two at the piano. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is young,” Dr. Everett was saying; “I hope for returned vigor in + time; but there must be long weeks of patience before he will be ready for + his old employment.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know of whom he is speaking?” Gracie asked. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy it is that Calkins boy, the one with the broken limb. He is + deeply interested in the poor fellow, and is trying to plan employment of + some less wearing sort for him, I believe. Dr. Everett is always intensely + interested in somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it always the very poor?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Not always. I know several quite well-to-do fellows in whom he keeps a + careful oversight; but he is grandly interested in the poor. He is taking + rank as one of the most successful physicians in the city, and, of course, + he is pressed for time; yet he is so continually at the call of the poor + that people begin to speak of him as the poor man's doctor. He told me he + was proud of that title.” + </p> + <p> + At this point the musicians were appealed to to come to the front parlor, + and Gracie had opportunity for a nearer study of the man whom she could + not help but admire. He was not likely to suffer from a nearer view; at + least, not while Gracie was in the mood that then possessed her. He + greeted her cordially, and at once brought her into the conversation by + appealing to her for a decision, seeming to take it for granted that she + was of the same spirit with himself. + </p> + <p> + This young lady was taking lessons of life that were designed to be + helpful to her if she would but let them. A thoroughly well-educated and + cultured gentleman, well fitted to take high rank in society, not in the + ministry, and yet thoroughly absorbed in what she had hitherto almost + unconsciously set down as ministers' work was a mystery to her. Moreover, + for the second time that evening, she felt a curious sense of satisfaction + in being classed among the energetic workers of the world. The pretty + school-girl, who had lived all her young life in a neighborhood where she + was “Gracie Dennis,” looked up to, indeed, by her set, and having a + decided influence of her own, yet felt it to be a novel experience to hear + herself addressed in a clear, firm voice after this manner:— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of + young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them? Of + course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any + account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is something about which I have not thought at all,” said Gracie, her + pretty face all in a flush. “But I should suppose the way would be to take + one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely to + interest and help <i>her</i>, and also to get such an influence over her + that she would read what I wanted her to.” + </p> + <p> + “First catch your hare, eh? Good!” said the doctor, with an approving + glance towards Mrs. Roberts. “The longer I live the more convinced am I + that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this + world.” + </p> + <p> + There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found + herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she had + supposed she knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + Then occurred an interruption,—a ringing of the door-bell. + </p> + <p> + “For Miss Dennis,” said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs. + Roberts. + </p> + <p> + There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently studied + the name, then she said, composedly:— + </p> + <p> + “This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this + evening?” + </p> + <p> + Since I have known Mrs. Roberts well, I have studied her innocently + sincere manner, with not a little curiosity as to the probable effect on + the world, suppose it were possible for others to adopt her method. The + actual practical effect with her is that she succeeds often in wisely + deceiving, while intending to be perfectly sincere. For instance, her + question to Gracie after a moment of hesitation, during which she asked + herself, “What ought I to do?” and immediately answered herself, “There is + nothing for me to do, but to be perfectly straight-forward.” + </p> + <p> + Her question was intended to say to Gracie: “I trust you. What your father + has directed you to do, I feel sure you will obey.” But it said different + things from that to Gracie. Ever since she had been told that she might + make her old acquaintance, Flossy, a visit, this highly-strung young lady + had been suspicious that this was a device of her stepmother to get + pleasantly rid of her for a few weeks. She surmised that a very carefully + elaborate account of her sins had been written out by this same stepmother + for the benefit of her young hostess, and that special directions had been + given for guarding her from the wolf, Professor Ellis. She would have + spoiled the entire scheme by haughtily refusing to leave home had not the + innocent delight of a young girl over the thought of visiting a beautiful + strange city gotten the better of her pride. The gently-put question of + her hostess disarmed a whole nest of suspicions. It was hardly possible + that it had been hinted to Flossy that her guest might attempt to elope + with this man, else she would not with serene face be asking whether it + was her wish to receive him. + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” she made haste to answer, her cheeks glowing the while, + and Mrs. Roberts gave instant direction that the gentleman be shown to the + parlor. + </p> + <p> + There were several new lessons set for Miss Gracie Dennis to learn that + evening. One was that Professor Ellis, with his faultless dress and + excessive politeness, his finished bows and smiles, that would have done + credit to any ball-room in the land, his accurate knowledge of all the + printed rules of etiquette, yet in Mrs. Roberts' parlor, contrasted with + Dr. Everett, and even with young Ried, the dry-goods clerk, appeared at a + disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + She was slow in learning the lesson: on that first evening she simply + stared at it in bewilderment. What did it mean? There was an attempt to + draw the professor into the circle, to continue the conversation that had + been so animated and interesting before his entrance. The effect was much + like that produced in striking a discordant note in a hitherto faultless + piece of music. Young men out of business needing help, needing an + encouraging word, an out-stretched hand! Professor Ellis had words, and + hands, but he might have been without either for all the help they gave + him in responding to efforts like these. Books to help uplift the young, + to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with desires to live for + a purpose! Truly he could only stare blankly at the suggestion. What did + he know of books written for such purposes? Yet Gracie had supposed him to + be literary in his tastes and pursuits. Certainly he read French? Yes, + French novels! He was quite familiar with some of such a character that, + had Gracie been a good French scholar and ever likely to come in contact + with a copy of them, he would not have dared to mention their names in her + presence. More than once of late had the stepmother wished that her young + daughter understood the language well enough to be aware that the man whom + she admired used frequently smooth-sounding French oaths. But alas for + Gracie, when he had so poisoned her mother's influence over this + dangerously pretty girl, that she would have believed his word at any time + rather than that mother's. Well, he read other than French novels; Charles + Reade, for instance, and some of the more recent authors fashionable in + certain circles. It is true that Gracie was not acquainted with them, that + her father would not allow a copy of their books to come freely into his + home, and Gracie was much too honorable to read them in private. But it is + also true that while professing to admire this trait in her, as charming + in a young daughter, the professor had also, pityingly and gently, told + this young daughter that these things were her father's concessions to the + narrow age and trammelled profession to which he belonged; that the fact + was, free thought was discouraged, because there was that in every church + which would not bear its light; that her wise father was one of a hundred + in recognizing this, and trying to shield her while she was young. + </p> + <p> + You are also to remember that she <i>was</i> young, and therefore forgive + her that she did not detect the contradictory sophistry in the professor's + words. He really understood how to sugar-coat poison as well as any man of + his stamp could. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — “HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY.” + </h2> + <p> + But the question which would keep forcing itself on Gracie Dennis was + this: “If he really knows of nice books, full of 'the beautiful' and 'the + ennobling,' that would enlighten the race, as he has often told me, why + doesn't he mention some of them now? There is no minister here 'trammelled + by long years of narrowing education.' How does he know but that these + people are as 'advanced' in their ideas as he is himself?” + </p> + <p> + I do not mean that she was conscious of thinking these thoughts, but that + they hovered on the edge, as it were, of her mind, making her feel ill at + ease. Dr. Everett, on his part, seemed courteously bent on securing an + expression of the professor's opinion about matters of which he either + could not, or would not, talk. When at last the disturbed gentleman + resolved to violate what Gracie was sure was a law of good breeding, and + address her in French, what with her embarrassment lest others should + understand, and her own marked ignorance of the language, she found great + difficulty in making a free translation. “Upon my word, I wish you + understood French, or some other tongue, so that we could escape from this + boredom. Does the poor little prisoner have much of this to endure? Cannot + we escape to the music-room, and talk things over?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie cast a frightened glance about her to see if there were others who + understood better than herself this sentence, which, for aught she knew, + might contain something startling. But Alfred was busily engaged in + looking up the name of a book which he had vainly tried to recall, and Dr. + Everett was apparently serenely oblivious to any language but his + mother-tongue. Very soon after this Gracie managed to escape with her + caller to the music alcove; thus much of the French she had understood, + and at least Professor Ellis could play; which fact she resolved that the + people in the front parlor should speedily understand. Ah, but he could + play! and herein lay one of his strong fascinations for the music-loving + girl. For a time the most ravishing strains rolled through the parlor + hushing into rapt attention the group gathered there, who had just been + reinforced by the coming of Mr. Roberts. By degrees the strains grew + fainter and fainter, and at last ceased altogether, as the professor, + still on the music-stool, bent over Gracie, seated in a low chair, and + apparently found fluent speech at last. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, meantime, was ill at ease. What would Dr. Dennis and Marion + say, could they have a peep at this moment into her back parlor? Was she + being faithful to her trust? Yet what was there she could do? She tried to + sustain her part in the conversation, but her troubled gaze, constantly + wandering elsewhere, betrayed her. Dr. Everett's keen eyes were upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Are you particularly interested in that man?” he asked, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts smiled faintly. + </p> + <p> + “I am particularly interested in that girl,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like her present companionship?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” she answered, quickly. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Mr. Roberts began to question. + </p> + <p> + “May I know, doctor, whether you have any other reason than that of + intuition for asking the question?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly not,” said the doctor, guardedly. “It maybe a case of mistaken + identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something + that may be to his disadvantage?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:— + </p> + <p> + “There are reasons why it is specially important that such an + investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately + dropped. + </p> + <p> + During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs. Roberts + well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a long, bright, + and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a sort of second + conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department should outgrow + their present bounds, but meantime other plants had taken root and + blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week the unused room had + been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive packages of various shapes + and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two young men from the carpet store; + and there followed soon after the sound of hammering. Furniture-wagons + halted before the door, leaving their burdens. Men and women flitted to + and fro, busy and important. + </p> + <p> + It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were invited + in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least, was + prepared to appreciate its transformation. + </p> + <p> + The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy green, + and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made + delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with + pictures and charts and maps. A study-table occupied the centre of the + room—one of those charming tables, full of mysterious drawers and + unexpected corners; paper and pens and inks in various colors were + disposed about this table in delightful profusion. + </p> + <p> + Other tables, plenty of them, small and neat, each of a different shape or + design, were stationed at intervals, in convenient proximity to + comfortable chairs. Nothing could be further removed from one's idea of a + school-room than was that long, beautiful parlor; yet when you thought of + it, and took a second, deliberate survey, nothing that could have + contributed to the enjoyment of pupils was missing. A small cabinet organ + occupied an alcove, and music-books of various grades were strewn over it. + Toward this spot Mrs. Roberts smiled significantly as her eye caught + Alfred Ried's, and she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I have visions of sacred Sabbath evening half-hours, connected with this + corner, one of these days; meantime, is this a pleasant room for our + Monday evenings?” + </p> + <p> + But Alfred could not answer her; his head was turned away, and there was a + suspicious lump in his throat, that made him know better than to attempt + speech. He was standing at that moment under one of the wall-texts that + the gaslight illumined until it glowed, and the words stood out with + startling clearness:— + </p> + <p> + “Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” + </p> + <p> + His sister's text; one that, perhaps more than any other, was on her lips + when she talked with him; one that hung at her coffin's head when he, a + little boy, stood beside the coffin and looked down at her face, and + looked up at that text, and took a mental photograph of both to live in + his heart forever. + </p> + <p> + “This is your special chair,” Mrs. Roberts said, smiling up at him; and he + understood her,—here was his opportunity to live out that text for + his sister. Wouldn't he try! + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Gracie, drawing a long breath, “as a study it is certainly a + success. One can easily see, Flossy, why you were born with the ability to + tell at a glance what colors harmonized, and just where things fitted in. + I can't imagine anything prettier than this, and I cannot imagine what you + are going to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon they sat down to talk that important question over: what they + were going to try to do. Sometimes I have wondered whether Ester, from her + beautiful home, could look down on it all, and whether she smiled over the + fact that her work was doing so much more than she had planned? She had + roused in her little brother an ambition that had grown with his years, + and that had helped to hold him away from many temptations: so much, + doubtless, she had foreseen; but what a blessed thing it was that she had + touched, in those long ago years, influences which had drawn her brother, + in his young and perilous manhood, into intimate relations with such + people as Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, so that they sat down familiarly to talk + over mutual interests! But for Ester's words, spoken long ago, but for her + strong desires transmitted to him, he might have sat with a very different + circle, and talked over widely different schemes. On the edge of this + circle Gracie Dennis hovered. She could not but be interested in their + talk, for she was a Christian, and her father was a Christian, and she + had, all her life breathed in the atmosphere of a Christian home. + </p> + <p> + At the same time she could but imagine some of their ideas wild ones, for + she had never been associated with people who widely overstepped the + conventional ways of doing things; and she had, of late, been much with + Professor Ellis who had a sort of gentlemanly sneer for every phase of + Christian work, and, so far as could be discovered, believed in nothing. + He had not been outspoken, it is true, and herein lay one of the dangers. + He was too skillful to be outspoken; but the subtle poison had been + working, and although Gracie could not help being interested in those + queer boys, she could not help thinking Flossy's whole scheme exceedingly + visionary, and expected it to come to grief. The puzzling question was, + why did Mr. Roberts, being a keen-sighted man, permit it all! Or was he so + much in love with Flossy that he could not bear to thwart even her wildest + flights? It was strange, too, to see a young man like Alfred Ried so + absorbed; his sister must have had wonderful power over him, Gracie + thought. She went back to his sister's influence, always, in trying to + explain the matter, and never gave a thought to Christ's influence. + Meantime she listened to the various plans proposed for the first Monday + evening, and was sufficiently interested to gather her pretty face in a + frown when the distant peal from the door-bell sounded through the house. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity to be interrupted by a caller!” she exclaimed. “This room is + so much nicer than the parlor. Flossy, don't you hope it is some one to + see Mr. Roberts on business?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mrs. Roberts, shaking her head, with a smile, “I feel in + special need of Mr. Roberts just now. Evan, I really think we must be + excused to callers for this one evening; there are so many things to + arrange.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us wait and see,” answered Mr. Roberts “perhaps the Lord sent the + caller here to help us, or to be helped.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment came the card. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is Dr. Everett!” was Mrs. Roberts' exclamation. “Let us have him + come directly here. Evan, please go and escort him. You were right,—the + Lord has sent him to help us. I don't know how, I'm sure; but he is just + the man to help everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + And the circle instantly widened itself to receive Dr. Everett. + </p> + <p> + It took almost no time to speak the commonplace of the occasion, and get + back at once to the business of the hour. It was evident that Dr. Everett + needed no lengthy explanations, and there was apparently nothing + bewildering to his mind in the plan. True, it was new to him, but he + seemed to spring at once to the centre of their thoughts. His eyes glowed + for a moment, and he said with peculiar emphasis:— + </p> + <p> + “Ried, when the son of man cometh, he will surely find <i>some</i> faith + on the earth!” + </p> + <p> + Then he gave himself to intensest listening and questioning, and presently + followed his questions with suggestions which showed that unconventional + ways of working were not altogether new to him. + </p> + <p> + As for Gracie, she had as much as she could do to listen intelligently; + she almost caught her breath over the rapidity with which the talkers + moved from one scheme to another. All the time there was a curious process + of comparison between this man and Professor Ellis going on in her mind. + Not that she wished to compare the two! She told herself that it was + absurd to do so; none the less she did it. For instance, she reminded + herself that she had mentally assented promptly to the suggestion of + inviting the doctor to this room to talk this strange scheme over; she had + recognized the fitness of the act. But suppose Professor Ellis should + call, would it not be simply absurd to think of explaining to him the uses + of this unique room? Who would for a moment think of suggesting his name + as a helper? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I do not know how to describe to you the appearance of that room on Monday + evening when the boys were in it. I do not know whether the sight to you + would have been pitiful or ludicrous. How can I tell—not knowing + you? There was a dreadful incongruity between the soiled, ragged clothes + and matted hair and unwashed hands and the exquisite purity which + prevailed around them. Of course you could have seen that, but the + all-important question, the answer to which would have stamped your place + in the world's workshop, would have been, Do you see any further than + that? and seeing further—which way? Do you see the possibilities, or + the certainties of failure? Oh, no, I am wrong; it would take more than + that to tell where you belong. Dr. Everett saw the possibilities and + gloried in them. Gracie Dennis thought she saw the certainty of failure, + and was sorry for it. But Professor Ellis would have seen the certainty of + failure, and would have met it with a sneer, if he had not been too + indifferent even for that. As for Mrs. Roberts, did she, or did she not, + represent a different and higher type than any of the others? She thought + not much about either success or failure, but pushed steadily forward the + plan that she believed she had gotten on her knees, born of the Spirit. If + it really were of God, nothing could make it fail; but if she mistook, and + the plan was only hers, mere failure in that direction would signify + nothing; she would have but to try again. Something of this she felt, but + did not reason out, for she was no logician. + </p> + <p> + What the boys saw was a great, splendid room, the like of which they had + never seen before, for they recognized, without being able to explain, the + difference between it and the parlors, and felt freer in it. They all + came, and they looked not one whit better than on the Monday evening + before. Over this fact Gracie Dennis, with all her public scoffing, was, + in private, a little disappointed. It is true she had not expected to see + them again; but if they came, she thought it possible that they might have + been tempted to appear with clean hands and faces. Possibly some were so + tempted, and but for the difficulties in the way, might really have tried + for this. But Gracie was not sufficiently enlightened to dream of + difficulties in the way of simply washing one's face and hands. + </p> + <p> + During the Saturday evening conference it had been decided that Mr. + Roberts must make acquaintance with his guests. It would never do to have + them come familiarly to his house, and he not be able to recognize them on + the streets. Several plans were suggested for introducing him skilfully to + them, but he disapproved of them all. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “I'll tell you what we'll do. I will introduce myself. You + may receive them, Flossy, and then retire for a few minutes, and I'll let + myself in by the conservatory passage, and make myself acquainted to the + best of my abilities. In ten minutes, Flossy, I'll give you leave to + return. As for the rest of you, don't dare to venture in until I have made + good my claim as the head of the house. I am jealous of you, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + To this plan Mrs. Roberts readily assented, but the young clerk looked + doubtful. In common with the rest of his employees, he stood in wholesome + awe of the keen-eyed, thorough business man, who seemed to know, as by a + sort of instinct, when anything in any department of the great store was + not moving according to rule. His knowledge of Mr. Roberts, outside of the + store, was limited, and he expected to find the boys, if not frightened, + so awed that they would resolve never to be caught inside that room again. + </p> + <p> + However, he of course only looked his fears. He was too much afraid of the + great merchant to express them, and it had been understood, when they + separated, that this plan was to be carried out. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — “I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER!” + </h2> + <p> + In the library waited Gracie and Mr. Ried, while Mrs. Roberts went merrily + to see whether the boys or their host had proved the stronger. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe this part of the programme will work,” Alfred said, + confidently, the moment the door closed after Mrs. Roberts. “Those fellows + will all be afraid of Mr. Roberts, and we shall lose what little hold we + have on them.” + </p> + <p> + “They don't look to me as though it ever occurred to them to be afraid of + anything,” Gracie said; but Alfred Ried, who had studied deeper into this + problem of the different classes of society, was ready with his answer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes they are; they can be awed, and made to feel uncomfortable to the + degree that they will resolve not to appear in that region again. One + cannot judge from their behavior in Sabbath-school. Some way they + recognize a mission school as being in a sense their property, and behave + accordingly; but in a man's own house, surrounded by things of which they + do not even know the name, he has them at a disadvantage, and can easily + rouse within them the feeling that they are 'trapped.' Than which there is + nothing those fellows dread so much, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “But they were not afraid of Flossy last week, even surrounded by the + elegances of her parlors and dining-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said, his eyes alight, “she has a wisdom born of God, I think, + for managing these and all other concerns. She is unlike everybody else.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Gracie Dennis laughed; not a disagreeable laugh, but there came + to her just then a sense of the strangeness of thinking that pretty Flossy + Shipley, whom she had known all her life, and half-scorned from the + heights of her childhood because she was a silly little thing, who could + not do her problems in class, should have a wisdom unlike any others. Yet, + almost immediately her laugh was stayed, because the change in Flossy was + so great that she, too, recognized it as born of God. Sometimes it came + with force to this proud young girl that if God could do so much for + Flossy, what might he not be willing to do with those whom he had made + intellectually her superior, if they were but ready to be led? + </p> + <p> + The young man, who was studying her, watched the grave look deepen on her + face, and wondered at its source. What a pretty face it was. Oh, much more + than pretty; there was great strength in it and sweetness, too, of a + certain sort, but he could not help comparing the sort with that in some + other faces, and he wondered over the difference. This young lady was a + Christian. Why should her Christian experience stamp her with such a + different expression from that which others wore? He always finished this + sort of sentence with a blank space first, as though he did not choose to + have himself tell himself any names. Yet he spoke a name forcibly enough, + still gazing earnestly at Gracie. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever meet Miss Joy Saunders?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie turned toward him a laughing face. + </p> + <p> + “No, but we are very anxious to, Flossy and I. We have both been told that + we ought to know her, and told so earnestly that we really think we ought. + Who is she? Is she, too, unlike anybody else?” + </p> + <p> + “Very,” he said, promptly. “I know her very little; she is the daughter of + our landlady; I meet her in the hall on rare occasions, and sometimes + catch glimpses of her just vanishing from some room as I enter; but as for + being acquainted with her, I suppose I am not. I think—though of + that I am by no means sure—that she is engaged to Dr. Everett. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, of course he would think naturally that people ought to know + her. What is she like?” + </p> + <p> + “Like nothing,” said Alfred, with great promptness. “Did you ever know a + person named Joy?” + </p> + <p> + “No;—what a singular name.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it fits. She is very far removed from mirth, and she is not what + people call gay, and she is not outspoken apparently at any time, though, + as I say, I do not know her; but there is something in her face that fits + the name; I do not know what it is. Sometimes I think it is the shining of + Christ's face reflected in her; but the puzzle is, why do not other faces + have it? Faces which belong to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps there is a difference in the degree of belonging.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie spoke the words very gently, wondering meanwhile at the way in + which this thought chimed in with hers about Flossy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there is. But why should there be? If I belong to Christ, I <i>belong</i>, + don't I? There is no half-way service possible. Why do I not so look that + others take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know but they do?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I know. I know too well. They are more likely a great deal to take + knowledge that I have been with Satan. I feel the frown all over my face a + great deal of the time; and the world goes astray a great many times, when + I suppose it is just myself that is wrong. But, Miss Dennis, I hunger for + the shining of his face in me.” + </p> + <p> + “That must be the meaning of the beatitude which puzzled my childhood,” + she answered trying to speak lightly, to hide feelings that were deeply + moved: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, + for they shall be filled.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” he said, smiling; “there is actually a promise! I had not + thought of it. And yet”—the thoughtful frown gathering almost + immediately—“do you suppose that a person who really hungered for a + certain thing could be satisfied with anything else? I often have an hour + of what at the moment seems to me like hunger for Him, but the hour + passes, and I get filled—with business, or with plans, or possibly + with annoyances, and feel nothing but a general irritation for everybody. + Do you think there can be anything genuine about such desires, so easily + turned aside?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I do not know,” said Gracie, hastily. “Why do you ask me such things? + Did not I tell you I was not good? Ask those people who are unlike all + others. Why don't you ask this Joy? She could tell you, I presume. I can + tell you nothing, save that this is a very strange world, not half so nice + as I once thought it, and I don't like to think about things.” + </p> + <p> + How <i>different</i> he was from other young men with whom she had spent + fifteen minutes many a time in gay banter! This was, after all, the + thought uppermost in her mind at the moment. Nice Christian men, of whom + her father spoke well, and who, people said, were young men to be proud + of. It seemed to her that she knew them by the dozens, yet with which one + of them had she ever carried on such a conversation as this? With which + one could she have attempted any thing of the kind, without leading him to + suppose that she was taking leave of her senses? + </p> + <p> + She recalled some of the gay words that she had spoken with these others, + and tried, hurriedly, to decide why it would sound to her perfectly absurd + to talk with Alfred Ried in that way. However, she did not want to talk + with him; he was too full of questionings. “And questions,” said poor + Gracie, “are all that I can ask myself. I want somebody to talk with who + is assured of the ground on which he stands, and can tell me why he stands + there.” + </p> + <p> + There was not time for further talk—they were summoned to the new + room. Bursts of laughter greeted their ears as they made their way eagerly + across the hall, and Gracie took time to remark that the boys were + certainly not awed into silence, before the opening door let them into the + brightly-lighted scene. Every boy was laughing, not quietly, but + immoderately, and the centre of attraction was evidently Mr. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “I have been giving our friends an account of an old army experience,” he + said, in explanation to Gracie, “and we have been enjoying a laugh + together over the old memory. You are all acquainted with Miss Dennis, I + think, young gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + Clearly there was no need for any one to introduce Mr. Roberts to the + boys; apparently they knew him now better than they did any of the others. + Yet as Gracie, after shaking hands with each of the guests, took a vacant + seat by Nimble Dick, she was greeted with a confidential whisper:— + </p> + <p> + “That's a jolly chap as ever I saw; and I never heard anything to beat the + yarn he told us, for cuteness. Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he is Mr. Evan Roberts, the owner of this house.” + </p> + <p> + “My eyes!” said Dick, gazing about him in a startled way. “Look here; he + ain't that Roberts from the big store on Fourth Street?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is; he is one of the partners in that store.” + </p> + <p> + Then did Nimble Dick give a low whistle,—suddenly cut short, as the + other boys looked at him,—and sat up straight in his chair, and for + at least a minute was awed; or else was bewildered. If his mind could have + been looked into for a moment something like this might have been seen + there: “And here I am sittin' in one of his chairs, and been laughin' to + kill over his funny story! If this ain't the greatest lark out! I wonder + what they're all after, anyhow!” + </p> + <p> + Then the real business of the evening commenced. + </p> + <p> + I should like to describe that evening; but it is really worse to describe + than the boys. It was designed to be one of those most difficult evenings, + where every act and almost every word has been previously arranged, but + arranged in such a manner as to appear like an impromptu effort, the + result of merely the happenings of the hour. + </p> + <p> + For instance, Mrs. Roberts aimed at nothing less formidable than the + teaching of these boys to read and write; and know as well as ever I know + it, that to frankly own that she was ready and willing to give her time + and patience in so teaching them would be to outwit herself. They did not + belong to the class who can be beguiled into evening schools. There are + such; Mark Calkins would have seized such an opportunity and rejoiced over + it, but these were lower in the scale; they did not realize their need, + and they had what they in ignorance called “independence”; they were not + to be “trapped” by evening schools. Therefore it required diplomacy; and + no people can be more diplomatic, on occasion, than certain most + innocent-looking little women. Mrs. Roberts had studied her way step by + step. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was, that by the most natural passage possible, she led the + way to a discussion of different styles of writing, bringing forth to aid + her a certain old autograph album which had been to many places of note, + among others Chautauqua, and had the names of distinguished persons, as + well as of many who were not distinguished, except for Christian endurance + in consenting to write in an autograph album. Good writers were talked + about and selected, and poor writers were talked about, and it was said by + some one, accidentally of course, that a good hand was really an + accomplishment. + </p> + <p> + “It is more than that!” declared Mr. Roberts. “A man's business life often + turns on it. I have myself had to turn away from several otherwise + suitable helpers in our business because they really could not write a + good, clear hand, that could be read without studying.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a good writer, Miss Gracie?” + </p> + <p> + This remark, coming suddenly to Gracie from her host, almost embarrassed + her, for you are not to suppose that the very words by which these themes + should be introduced had been planned, and it had not occurred to Gracie + that so personal a question might be asked her. But she rallied quickly. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not. I write what papa calls a + mincing hand; all jumbled up together, you know, or running into each + other, the letters are, and so difficult to read that papa said when I + came away he hoped I would call on his friend, Dr. Stuart, every day, and + write a letter on his type-writer.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” interrupted Nimble Dick, his face curious. + </p> + <p> + “What? A type-writer? Oh, it is a strange little machine used instead of + the pen—at least, a very few people use it. It is quite new, I + think, and must be very curious. I never saw one, but the writing looks + just like print. Dr. Stuart, a pastor in the city, is my papa's friend, + and writes to him on his, and papa reads the letter with great + satisfaction, saying to me, 'There, daughter, that is something like! + People who cannot write well enough for others to read should print.'” + </p> + <p> + “They are not so very uncommon, Miss Dennis,” explained Dr. Everett, who + saw the eagerness on Nimble Dick's face. “It is a comparatively new + invention, but is being caught up very promptly. I think nearly all the + leading lawyers use them, and those who do not own them are getting their + copying done at the rooms. They are very ingenious little instruments.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you say you never saw one?” + </p> + <p> + This question from Mr. Roberts to Gracie, and he added:— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, I believe you have never had other than the first glimpse I + showed you in the Parker Building. I have an idea. Suppose I rent one of + the little fellows to interest us? It would be pleasant to look into it + and see how it works. Did none of you ever see one? Well, now, we'll try + for that on next Monday evening. I'll have one sent up to-morrow, and, + Miss Gracie, we'll appoint you showman for the following Monday; so it is + to be hoped that you will employ your leisure in learning how to manage + the creature, and perhaps send your father a readable letter at the same + time.” + </p> + <p> + Now, as may readily be supposed, all this about machinery had not been + arranged for beforehand, but was a side issue, born of the fact that the + watchful servant of his Master saw an eager look in the eyes of the boy + Dick directly there was anything said that suggested machinery. One of the + great aims of these evenings was to study character, however developed. + </p> + <p> + Having turned his company from the regular channel, Mr. Roberts made haste + to put them skilfully back where they were before:— + </p> + <p> + “Still, it would be a pity to resort to machinery simply because one did + not know how to write well. I would rather set to work to correct the + error. I happen to know one of our number who can write a very enviable + hand. Do you know, Ried, that the letter you wrote me was the first thing + which attracted me to you? I remember I showed the note to one of our + senior partners, who was particularly disturbed by poor writing, and he + said: 'Engage him, Roberts, do! A young man who can write like that will + be a relief.' Mrs. Roberts, I move you that we resolve ourselves at this + moment into a writing-class, to be taught by Mr. Ried. My dear sir, will + you take us in hand?” + </p> + <p> + Something of this kind had been planned—at least, it had been + planned that Ried should be asked to do this thing; but he found the + actual asking embarrassing, and struggled with it with flushing cheeks. + Gracie came to his aid:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether I'll take lessons or not. Who wants to expose one's + ignorance? Will you teach? Must we each give a specimen of our present + attainments?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly Ried divined the reason for the question. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, eagerly; “oh, no; I should begin with those horrors of your + childhood, pothooks or something of that sort; lines and curves, you know. + There are not many of them after all in our letters, and when once a + person has conquered them it is easy to put them together.” + </p> + <p> + There was more talk, easy and social. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the doctor, + and Gracie seemed equally interested in the project, and questioned young + Ried, until he assured them that he began to feel like a veritable + professor. Apparently the boys were forgotten. This very fact put them at + their ease, and they listened, interested and amused over the thought that + these ladies and gentlemen wanted to go to school! + </p> + <p> + At first I do not think it occurred to one of them that he was included in + the proposal to form an writing-class. + </p> + <p> + How was it done? I am not sure that any one of the eager group of workers + could have told you afterward, so excited did they become over this first + scheme. Nobody could remember just what words were said, nor who said + them, nor whether the boys all looked equally startled when paper and pen + were put into each hand. They remembered that some shook their heads + emphatically, and that Nimble Dick spoke plainly: “No you don't! I can't + write any more than a duck can, and I never expect to.” Mrs. Roberts knew + that Dirk Colson's dark face turned a fierce red, and he snapped the + offered pen half-way across the table with his indignant thumb and finger. + But of these words and acts nobody apparently took any notice. The writing + began, and the first marks given as copies were so simple, looked so easy + to do, and the attempts of the ladies and gentlemen fell so far short of + what the teacher desired, and were so unmercifully criticised by him, and + the criticisms were so merrily received by the writers, that at last the + whole thing took the form of a joke to Nimble Dick's mind, and he became + possessed with a burning desire to try. One by one the boys stealthily + followed his example; Alfred taking care to watch eagerly, to commend both + Stephen Crowley and Gracie Dennis in the same breath for some true stroke, + and criticise both Mrs. Roberts and Nimble Dick for not holding the pen + aright. + </p> + <p> + The entire party became so interested that only Mrs. Roberts knew just + when Dirk Colson stealthily filliped back his pen from the distance to + which it had been rolled, and, sitting upright that he might attract the + less notice, tried his hand on the curve which was giving even Dr. Everett + trouble. + </p> + <p> + When the young teacher discovered it he made also another discovery, which + he proclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, I beg the pardon of each of you, but Colson here has made + the only respectable <i>R</i>-curve there is in the company.” + </p> + <p> + Then if his sister Mart had seen the glow on Dirk's face, I am not sure + that she would have known him. There was a momentary transformation. + </p> + <p> + As for Mrs. Roberts, she bowed low over the letter she was carefully + forming, but it was to say in soft whisper heard by one ear alone:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — “YOURN'S THE WAY!” + </h2> + <p> + You are not to suppose, because this first Monday evening (which, by the + way, was concluded with sandwiches and coffee) was a success, pronounced + so by all concerned, that therefore the ones which followed were all + rose-color. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, not one of the workers expected this, and so were brave and + cheerful under drawbacks. + </p> + <p> + These were numerous and varied. + </p> + <p> + After the first novelty wore off, it took at times only the most trivial + excuses to keep the boys away. Sometimes when they called their conduct + was anything but encouraging. They lolled in the easy-chairs, smelling + strongly of tobacco and other bar-room odors, refused insolently to apply + themselves to any work at hand, audibly pronounced the whole thing “slow,” + and in numberless ways severely tried the patience of both Alfred and + Gracie. + </p> + <p> + For the others, they had counted the cost,—at least the gentlemen + had,—and expected to move slowly, even to appear to go backward some + of the time. As for Mrs. Roberts, I have told you that she worked in a + peculiar manner, with the motto, “This one thing I do,” apparently ever + before her. + </p> + <p> + Each evening was distinct in itself, with efforts to make and obstacles to + overcome; and at its close she had a way of laying it aside, as something + with which her part was done, not attempting even to calculate results; + then she was ready to turn to a new day, and work steadily for that. + </p> + <p> + The winter was slipping away and Gracie Dennis lingered. She could hardly + have told you why, yet there were many apparent reasons. Mrs. Roberts + wanted her, rejoiced in her, and coaxed irresistibly as often as the + thought of going home was mentioned. Then Gracie, laugh over the peculiar + work going on as she might, was undeniably interested in those boys. She + was working for them, therefore of course she was interested. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how you can go this week?” would young Ried say to her, with + a perplexed air; “you know we have that matter all planned for next Monday + evening. How can we carry out the scheme if you are not there to do your + part?” + </p> + <p> + Then would Gracie laugh and demur and admit, to herself only, that it was + very pleasant to be needed—as she certainly was—for one night + more; and so the nights passed. + </p> + <p> + Her work was to be “Professor of Elocution,” as Mr. Roberts gaily called + her when the workers were alone together. It had been discovered that she + could read both prose and poetry with effect. So a reading-class was + organized, and they chose for the first evening, not one of Bryant's or + Whittier's gems, nor selections from Milton or Shakespeare, which would + have suited part of the company, nor yet the “Easy Readings” in some + standard spelling-book, which would have fitted the capacity of the + others, but with great care and much discussion, one of Will Carleton's + descriptive poems, full of homely, yet tender language, full of pathos and + of humor, was unanimously selected. + </p> + <p> + The first evening reading had been commenced with nuts and apples. There + are those who can see no connection between this and the intellectual; + happily for the characters with whom she had to deal, Mrs. Roberts was not + one of them. While the others were still enjoying the refreshments she + took the book and read. This was her quiet little sacrifice. It was not + pleasant to her to become a public reader. It required courage to get + through with one verse, with Dr. Everett sitting opposite, and Gracie + Dennis on a low seat at her side, and her husband listening intently. Mrs. + Roberts was not a good reader, and was aware of it. She pronounced the + words correctly, it is true; but when you had said that, you had said all + that there was to offer in praise of her effort. She had some exasperating + faults. But she bravely read the two verses, and some of the boys + listened, and one of them laughed; he had caught a gleam of the fun in the + poem. This, of course, was Nimble Dick. + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred Ried made the same effort on the same verses; his performance + was very little better, and he, too, knew it. He could write, but he was + by no means a public reader; this was his offering to the general good. If + those fellows, by reason of his mistakes, could be induced to climb, he + was willing to offer his pride on the altar. No matter by what petty + trials they were caught so that they were really caught. + </p> + <p> + Then followed Gracie Dennis, and her own father, acceptable preacher + though he was, might with credit to himself have taken lessons of her. She + was certainly, for one so young and so unprofessional, a magnificent + reader. So indeed was Marion Wilbur, and she had enjoyed teaching Gracie. + </p> + <p> + The poem blossomed in her hand. The crunching of nuts and apples entirely + ceased. The boys sat erect and listened and laughed and flushed and + swallowed suspiciously over some of the homely pathos. They had never + heard anything like that before, and they evidently appreciated it. She + read through to the end. + </p> + <p> + Then were unloosed the tongues! They exclaimed in delight:— + </p> + <p> + “What an accomplishment it is!” said Mr. Roberts; “and how few possess it. + Doctor, how many really fine readers have you heard in your life?” + </p> + <p> + “About three,” said the doctor, laconically. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mrs. Roberts, “let us all be exceptions. Gracie, teach us + how. I will try again.” + </p> + <p> + And she did, on the first verse of the poem; with better success than + before; but how sharp the contrast between her reading and Gracie's, she + knew! It was not easy for her to read. + </p> + <p> + I don't know, possibly I am mistaken, but it seems to me that I have known + people ready for large sacrifices, who yet would shrink painfully from + these little ones. + </p> + <p> + In discussing the programme for the evening, the question had been, when + each had done his part, How were they to influence the boys to join? <i>Could</i> + they join? Was it probable that they knew enough about reading to attempt + to speak the words of the poem? With reference to this obstacle a poem had + been chosen full of simple, homely words, such as are in common use; + especially was the first verse free from what Mr. Roberts called “shoals.” + Having heard the verse read several times, it was hoped that some one of + the seven might have courage to attempt it, but Gracie did not believe + that such would be the case. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how we can ask them, and do it naturally,” said Dr. Everett. + “It is such an unheard-of thing, you know; and I am afraid, do our best, + it will present itself to them as a patronage, and that will be fatal. The + people who are low enough to need patronage are the very ones who won't + endure it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon various ways of managing the matter were discussed and + discarded; suddenly Mrs. Roberts turned to her young lieutenant, who had + been silent for some time, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of, Mr. Ried? Do you see a way out?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said; “I have neither knowledge nor skill in such matters, but my + thoughts just then were far away; I was thinking how curiously, certain + apparently trivial instances of one's childhood will stand out with almost + startling prominence.” + </p> + <p> + “What sent you off in that direction?” questioned Dr. Everett. “There must + have been an association of ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there was; I was thinking how vividly I remembered a discussion + between my mother and my sister, younger than Ester, in regard to some + matter which perplexed them; and when they could come to no satisfactory + conclusion they appealed to my sister Ester, who was resting as usual on + her lounge. I can seem to hear her voice as she said: 'We haven't to do + anything about it until to-morrow; perhaps to-morrow will have a light of + its own for our direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” Mrs. Roberts said, her eyes lighting with an appreciative + smile; “we have not to do anything about this until Monday night, and + perhaps Monday night will see us wise.” + </p> + <p> + I don't know how many thought of this little conversation when Monday + evening came, but certainly Alfred Ried and Mrs. Roberts did, for she + glanced at him and smiled significantly when Dr. Everett, having + apparently forgotten that anything beyond their own pleasure was in + contemplation, challenged Gracie to a discussion as to the emphasis on a + certain word in the second line; he had never heard it so read, and he + called for an analysis that would sustain the reading, and received it, + and was not yet prepared to yield the point, but read the verse as he had + imagined it should be read, and then Gracie, at Mr. Roberts' call, + repeated it with her rendering, and I am not sure but all parties + concerned actually forgot their final object in the interest of the + discussion until they were suddenly called to it by an interrupting voice:— + </p> + <p> + “Your'n's the way,” it said, with an emphatic nod of a shock of matted + hair, “your'n's the way.” + </p> + <p> + It was Dirk Colson. He had forgotten for the moment that anybody was + listening to him, save the two readers. He was looking directly at Gracie, + and the nods were evidently intended for her. + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is!” she said, eagerly, her face flushing with a triumph + that had nothing to do with the right emphasis; “you read it, won't you, + and show these people that we are right?” + </p> + <p> + Afterward Mrs. Roberts confessed that she involuntarily placed her hand on + her heart with a dim idea of hushing its beating lest others would hear, + so important to her did the moment seem. Dr. Everett looked dismayed. The + least hopeful one of the seven seemed Dirk. None of them knew of his + dangerous talent for imitation. None of them believed that he would make + any attempt at reading, but thought he would shrink into deeper + sullenness. All of them were mistaken. He reached for the book, glanced + for a moment over the lines, and then read the verse, with so complete an + imitation of Gracie Dennis, and yet with a voice and manner that so fitted + the homely words and the homely scene described that the effect was + actually better than when Gracie read. + </p> + <p> + Instinctively the cultured portion of his audience greeted the effort with + a clapping of hands. The blood, meantime, rolled in dark waves over Dirk's + face. He had been cheered before. None of his present applauders could + imagine what a set had often clapped their hands over his successful + imitations; but Dirk, who liked applause as well as other human beings do, + had never, in his wildest stretches of imagination, placed himself before + such people as listened now and received their approval. + </p> + <p> + Great was the excitement and satisfaction. The six companions, far from + feeling any emotion of jealousy, seemed greatly elated, believing that one + of their number had made a “hit,” and increased their importance. + </p> + <p> + No one else could be found to attempt the verse. Nimble Dick shook his + head good-naturedly, and declared that he would rather “undertake to run + an engine to Californy” than try it; and the others were of like mind. + Then came Gracie to the front again:— + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what you must all do. I have been experimenting with that + type-writer, Mr. Roberts, all the week. You know it will manifold, with + the use of carbon paper, and it chances that when I was seized with a + desire to try its powers in that direction I choose this very verse to + copy; so I have fifteen good copies in print. You must each take a copy + and make this verse a study until next Monday; then I shall challenge you + all to sustain me in my reading.” + </p> + <p> + This proposition was hailed with such satisfaction by the older members + that it immediately became popular, and each boy received his copy + mechanically and gazed at it curiously: but Dirk Colson's thoughts were + turned in a new channel. + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” he said, detaining Gracie by an imperious inclination of his + head, as she handed him the copy; “how did you make these? didn't you + print them fifteen times? I didn't understand what you said.” + </p> + <p> + “Why no!” said Gracie, “the machine will <i>manifold</i>. I'll show you; + come over to the end window; it stands there waiting to be displayed, and + it is a little wonder.” + </p> + <p> + Then they crowded around the type-writer, and Gracie, really proud of the + skill she had acquired in a week's time, showed off the little wonder to + great advantage. + </p> + <p> + The fact that the type-writer was new to most of the others, that they + were decidedly ignorant as to its working, increased the comfort of the + hour by doing away with the embarrassing feeling that any one of them was + playing a part. Dr. Everett was no more familiar with the type-writer than + was Dirk Colson, and was just as eager to know about it. + </p> + <p> + Also everybody, apparently, felt an equally strong desire to write his + name on the marvellous little creature, and each in turn sat down before + it and moved his awkward hands with nearly equal slowness over the keys, + picking out the magic letters. + </p> + <p> + It was this episode that made the workers during their next conference + branch out in new lines. + </p> + <p> + “We need something,” said Dr. Everett, walking up and down the floor in + puzzled thought, “we need something that shall be a genuine common + interest, of which we are all, or all but one, equally ignorant—something + that we can take hold of with zest, on as low a platform as the most + ignorant of those seen. I was convinced of that when I saw the abandon + with which we all went into the type-writer business, with a naturalness + and equality that, in the matter of reading and writing, it is impossible + for us to feel. If the machine were complicated, so that it would take us + each three months or so to master it, that would do. What can we take up + that will place us on a level?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — “WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS.” + </h2> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Ried, “we should want to have one of our number not 'on a + level.' How would it do to appoint you, sir, to give us a few lectures in + Hygiene? Popular lectures about air and exercise and ventilation and + bathing, and all sorts of every-day topics, about which people are + ignorant.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a capital idea, Ried. Those fellows could certainly be benefited + by a little attention to such questions; and I'm sure the rest of us would + like to hear of the principles which govern these important laws. Such + lectures put into popular form are decidedly interesting, I think. Let us + vote for them.” This was Mr. Roberts' hearty seconding. + </p> + <p> + But the doctor laughed. + </p> + <p> + “There is a ludicrous side to it which you do not see,” he said. “Imagine + me holding forth on the importance of ventilation, for instance, to a poor + follow who comes from a region where father and mother, and a horde of + children of both sexes and all ages, crowd together in one room, and that + a cellar, where the sun never penetrates and the air that crawls in + through the one small window is reeking with even more impurities than can + be found inside. Or talking about bathing, to the poor wretches who have + no clothing to change, and barely water enough, by carrying it long + distances, to satisfy their most pressing needs! Still, Ried, I'm not + quarrelling with your idea. There is a sensible side to it; there are + things that I could tell even those boys which might interest them, and + would certainly be to their advantage to know. The subject is one which + can be popularized to suit even such an audience. I'll try for it + occasionally if it shall seem best: but it doesn't meet my demand. I want + us all on a platform where we shall start in equal ignorance and get on + together. Of course you are all more or less familiar with all the facts + that I should have to present, and the boys would know it. They are sharp + fellows; it wouldn't take them an hour to discover that we were fishing + for them; and if there is any one thing on which they are at present + determined, it is, probably, that they will not be benefited. What is + there that one of us knows, of which the others are ignorant? French won't + do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted with that language, I think, and so are + you, Ried, are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a + native as you do.” + </p> + <p> + At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She + remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had + understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have + thought of the courtesy of her guest? + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” he said to the doctor; “we are not enough on a level; I + felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the + type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on which + all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could turn + professor?” + </p> + <p> + Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:— + </p> + <p> + “If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I + really don't know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor turned to him quickly:— + </p> + <p> + “Out with it, man; if you are master of a profession or a trade or a + theory unknown to the rest of us, you are bound on your honor as a member + of this unique organization to present it.” + </p> + <p> + At the same moment Mrs. Roberts came to his aid. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Evan, teach us short-hand!” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Mr. Roberts heaved what was intended to appear as a relieved + sigh, and announced that his modesty was preserved. + </p> + <p> + Upon this suggestion they seized with eagerness; not one of them knew + anything about phonetic writing save Mr. Roberts, and he was master of the + art. + </p> + <p> + “It is the very thing!” the doctor said, with heartiness. “I should like + exceedingly to learn it, and Ried and the ladies may be able to make it + useful in a hundred ways; and as for the seven, if they really master it, + it may be the foundation of a fortune for some of them.” + </p> + <p> + So, without more ado, it was planned that at the very next Monday evening + the subject should be skilfully presented, its importance and its + fascinations discussed, and the boys be beguiled into taking a first + lesson, sandwiched in between the all-important reading and writing + lessons. + </p> + <p> + Alas for plans! On the very next Monday the conspirators, with the + exception of young Ried, were together by seven o'clock. The faint aroma + of coffee floated through the room. A fruit-basket filled with oranges + occupied a conspicuous table, and everything waited for the guests. + </p> + <p> + While they waited, instead of enjoying themselves as the four were + certainly capable of doing, they were noticeably restless; listened for + the shuffling of careless feet on the steps, and the sound of uncultured + voices in the hall, and waited expectantly whenever the bell pealed, only + to be obliged to send word to some caller that “Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were + engaged.” + </p> + <p> + The special occupation of the four seemed to be to look at their watches + and to remark that the doctor's was a trifle fast, and to wonder if + half-past seven would be a more suitable hour for the boys, and to wonder + what could be detaining Ried. + </p> + <p> + At last it was half-past seven, and then it was fifteen minutes of eight, + and then it was ten minutes of eight! And then the door-bell rang again. + It was Ried, and he was alone! One glance at his distressed face told the + lookers-on that something was amiss, even before he exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “You won't see a boy to-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” “What is the trouble?” “Where are they?” + </p> + <p> + These were the various ways of putting the same question. + </p> + <p> + “One of the McCullum partners has become interested in the boys, it seems, + and has concluded that he will try what he can do towards their elevation; + so he has commenced by presenting each one of them with a ticket to the + Green Street Theatre, and there they are at this moment!” + </p> + <p> + This startling intelligence was variously received. Dr. Everett exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis remarked that it was something like what she had expected; + Mrs. Roberts said not a word, and Mr. Roberts added to the astonishment of + the moment by bursting into a laugh. + </p> + <p> + Poor Ried seemed to feel the laugh more than anything; his face gathered + into heavier clouds than before, he bit his lip to hold back the vexed + words that were just ready to burst forth, and strode almost angrily to + the further corner of the room. + </p> + <p> + An embarrassed silence seemed to fall upon the others. At least Gracie + felt embarrassed; the doctor looked simply expectant. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Roberts drew himself up from his lounging attitude and broke + into the stillness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now, good people, don't let us make serious mistakes! Come back here, + my dear young brother, and let us look this thing in the face, and talk it + over calmly. Are we children playing at benevolence that at the first + discouragement we should cry out, 'All is lost!' and retire vanquished? + Come, I laughed because really this does not seem such a serious matter to + me as it seems to present to the rest of you. + </p> + <p> + “What did we expect? Here are seven boys, right from the gutters; somehow + we have had them laid on our hearts, and have enlisted to help fight the + battle that is going on about them in this world. Christ died to save + them, and Satan means that the sacrifice shall be in vain. He is bringing + all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied powers. + </p> + <p> + “Here comes into the scene a man benevolently inclined; not a Christian, + but in his way a philanthropist. By accident he has come in contact with + one of the boys; by accident he learns that something—he does not + know quite what—is being attempted to benefit them. Can't you give + him the credit of being honest? The only thing he thinks of that he can do + to help is to give them an evening's entertainment. At one of the decent + theatres there is being presented what seems to be known in their parlance + as a 'moral play!' So he presents each boy with a ticket. Now, what did we + expect of those boys? + </p> + <p> + “Last week a lady and two gentleman who have been members of our church + for years, left the regular prayer-meeting, and went to the Philharmonic + concert. + </p> + <p> + “Ought we to expect that it would even occur to our seven boys to give up + what to them is a rare treat for the pleasure of spending an evening with + us? As for the moral obligation, they have probably never so much as heard + the words. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it time we knew what we were about? What are we after? It is well + enough to teach the poor fellows to read and write, and to help lift them + up in other ways, but our efforts will amount to very little unless we + succeed in bringing them to the great Lever of human society; unless + Christ take hold of this thing we shall fail. Now, has He taken hold? Is + He, at least, as much interested in them as we are? Is His Holy Spirit + preceding and supplementing all our efforts? And, if this is the case, is + an evening at a theatre going to ruin His plans?” + </p> + <p> + Long before these earnest sentences were concluded Ried had returned from + his distant corner, and taken a seat near his employer; his eyes were full + of tears, and his voice trembled:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mr. Roberts; I'm an ignorant blunderer; I did feel for + the moment as though everything were lost.” + </p> + <p> + “We have begun backwards,” said Mr. Roberts; “I was reading to-day that a + mistake the missionaries made for years in trying to <i>civilize</i> the + Greenlanders; and what a perfect failure they made of it until one day + almost by accident, a man began to tell them about Christ on the cross, + and the story melted them. I don't think I have thought enough about Him + in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I stand convicted,” Dr. Everett said; “I've made the same mistake, I + believe, in all my efforts for people. I have been praying for them, it is + true; but, after all, I feel now as though there had been too much relying + on human means, and not enough on God. It is a case of 'these ought ye to + have done, and not to have left the other undone.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Roberts, looking at his watch, “we are in the same + condemnation; it is, I believe, the most common, and one of the most + fatal, mistakes that Christian workers make. But there is a way out. We + expected to spend until ten o'clock with those boys. It is nearly nine + now; suppose we spend the next hour with Christ, asking for the power of + the Holy Spirit on any and every effort that we may make for them in the + future? Our ultimate aim is to bring every one of them to Jesus and He + knows it; now if we have gone about in the wrong way, we have only to ask + Him forgiveness and look to Him steadily for guidance. What do you say, + friends, shall we spend the hour in taking them to the only One who really + can afford them lasting help?” + </p> + <p> + I suppose that He who “maketh the wrath of man to praise Him” is equally + able to manage the folly of man. Could the injudicious philanthropist have + looked into that room that evening, and heard the prayers that went up to + God for those boys, and understood something of the power of prayer, he + would have had one illustration of how God manages the foolishness of men. + </p> + <p> + It was a very earnest prayer-meeting. These workers had each one bowed in + secret, and with more or less earnestness, asked for God's blessing on + their efforts; but it occurred to them that evening, as a very strange + thing, that they had never unitedly prayed for this before. Therefore + there was an element of confession in all the prayers that moved Gracie + Dennis strangely. Especially was this the case when she heard her old + acquaintance, Flossy, pour out her soul's longings. It happened, so + strange are the customs of Christians, that though this was the daughter + of a minister of the gospel, herself a Christian, she had never before + heard a lady pray in the presence of gentlemen. She had heard of their + doing so; heard them criticised with sharp sarcasm. Some of the criticisms + which had sounded full of keenness and wit when she heard them, recurred + to her at this time, and some way, with Flossy's low, earnest voice + filling her heart, they dwindled into shallowness and coarseness. All the + same, their baneful influence was on her, and helped to hold her back from + opening her lips, for the critic had been Professor Ellis. + </p> + <p> + When the hostess and her young guest were left alone together that + evening, the latter had a question to ask:— + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!”—the name you will remember which she always went + back to when excited—“I didn't know you believed in praying in <i>public</i>! + Have you changed in <i>everything</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “In public, my dear!” with a quiet smile; “why, I am in my own house!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; but you know what I mean—before gentlemen. Do you really + think it is necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “As to that, Gracie, I don't believe I thought anything about it. I wanted + to pray for those boys, and so I prayed.” + </p> + <p> + “And didn't you really shrink from it at all? How very queer! Flossy, I do + believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been. I + don't see what makes the difference. I'm sure I think I'm a Christian, but + I could never do such a thing as that.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if you believed it to be your duty?” + </p> + <p> + “But I don't believe it,” said the fair logician, her face flushing; “I + think it is out of place. I beg your pardon, Flossy, I don't mean I think + it sounded badly in you; but only that for me it would be horrid, and I + couldn't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what are you talking about, my dear? If you should never consider it + your duty, you would certainly never be called upon to do it.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — “OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!” + </h2> + <p> + This very calm view of the question gave Gracie time to recover from her + excitement, and to laugh at her folly. Then Mrs. Roberts said, still + speaking very gently:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to argue with you, dear, and I couldn't if I wished; you + know I am a dunce about all such things; but I just want to ask you a + little question; you need not answer me unless you choose; not now, that + is—perhaps some time we may want to talk about it. I would like to + know the reasons that people have for thinking that it is out of place for + a lady to kneel down with her Christian friends and speak to Jesus about a + thing that they unitedly desire, and that they believe He is able to do + for them? If it is not proper to speak before them, why is it proper to + speak <i>to</i> them on the same subject?” + </p> + <p> + This question Gracie carried to her room for thought. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, as Dr. Everett and young Ried went homeward, they had a talk + together. + </p> + <p> + “When I found out that those boys had gone to the theatre to-night I was + completely discouraged,” declared Ried. “It seemed to me that our work was + a failure; I could almost see Satan laughing over the success of his + scheme. I never felt so about anything in my life. And now it seems to me + that perhaps the Lord will let it result in being the best thing that ever + happened to us.” + </p> + <p> + To all of which Dr. Everett made the apparently irrelevant answer:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Roberts and his wife are singularly well mated; how perfectly they + fit into each other's thoughts. Ried, you and I have a great deal to learn + from them.” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” said Ried, meekly. + </p> + <p> + Yet another bit of talk closed this evening: + </p> + <p> + “McCullum has given me an idea,” Mr. Roberts said to his wife as they sat + together reviewing the day. “Not a bad one, I fancy. I wonder when we can + act on it and watch results? There are tickets for other places besides + theatres. Why couldn't we furnish them for some entertainment, lecture, or + concert, or something of the sort, that would be really helpful? The only + difficulty is that there are few helpful places as yet within reach of + their capacities. It takes an exceptional genius to hold such listeners.” + </p> + <p> + But his wife, her face aglow, clasped her hands in an ecstasy of delight. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful thought!” she said; “and how nice that it should come to + you just now, when there will be such a splendid opportunity to put it in + practice. Why, don't you know? Gough, next week, fifty cent tickets; on + temperance, too! how grand! And Evan, let us give them each two tickets. I + want that Dirk Colson to take his sister; perhaps he will not, but then he + may; one can never tell. Oh, Evan, won't it be nice?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mr. Roberts, “as usual you are ahead of me. I had not thought + of the two tickets apiece. That is a suggestion for their manliness. + Flossy, we'll try it.” + </p> + <p> + Yet another bit of talk. + </p> + <p> + They shambled down the stairs, from the second-rate hall at a late hour + that evening—those seven boys; quiet for them, though the play had + been exciting, and not remarkably moral “viewed” from the standpoint of a + Christian. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said Nimble Dick, breaking a silence with speech, as though + the subject of which he spoke had been under discussion among them, “after + all, it was rather sneaking to bolt and say nothing; I kind of wish we + hadn't done it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I told you all along,” said Dirk Colson, with even unusual + sullenness, “but you would go and do it, and we was fools enough to follow + you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'll bet she had oysters or something!” This from Jerry Tompkins; you + have probably no idea how hungry he was at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “They was goin' to do somethin' new to-night; that there Dennis girl told + me so when I met her on the street yesterday; something that we would like + first rate, she said—a brand-new notion.” This was Stephen Crowley's + contribution to the general discomfort. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Nimble Dick, and the sigh with which he spoke the word would + have gone to Mrs. Roberts' heart, “I s'pose it's all up now; I shouldn't + wonder if we never got another bid; I wouldn't if I was them, I know that; + and their old theatre wasn't no great shakes, after all. We've been a pack + of fools, and I don't mind owning it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon, having reached the corner, they separated and went glumly to + their homes. And this is gratitude! What a pity Mr. McCullum—who had + been smiling over his benevolence all the evening—could not have + heard them! + </p> + <p> + The weeks that followed this night, were crowded with trifles on which + hung important and far-reaching results. This is a very trite saying, I + know. All weeks are crowded with eventful trifles; at least, we in our + blindness call them trifles, although we are constantly discovering their + importance, and being constantly astonished over them. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, the seven boys became nine,—having taken to + their companionship two choice spirits, apparently worse than themselves, + and appeared at the South End Mission with all the bravado that boys of + their stamp are apt to put on when they feel somewhat ashamed of + themselves. The consequence was that the trials which Mrs. Roberts had to + endure from them, though a trifle less apparent to others, were not a whit + less distressing than usual. + </p> + <p> + But before the session was concluded they were treated to a sensation that + held them in silent astonishment for nearly five minutes. Any person well + acquainted with Alfred Ried could have told that he had a plan in view, + and was trying to carry it in the face of some opposition. He looked + convinced, and Mr. Durant looked astonished and troubled; there was much + low-toned talk between them and some shaking of head. Apparently, however, + Mr. Ried came off victor, for his brow cleared, and he presently made his + way to Mrs. Roberts' side and said a few words, and must have been + gratified by the sudden lighting up of her face and her eager:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a nice thought! Even if it fails, apparently, it will not + utterly, for the suggestion will help them.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of time the new idea came to the front. There was to be a + festival, or a social, or an entertainment at the South End in the course + of a few weeks,—a sort of anniversary of the starting of the + Mission. Among other work that was in progress, the decoration of the + room, involving the hanging of pictures, banners, mottoes, wreaths, etc., + required some strong arms and willing hands. Committees were to be formed. + Two weeks before, teachers had been appointed to prepare a list of + committees. It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on decoration. + When he was called upon for his report, he came promptly forward, like a + man ready for action, and commenced:— + </p> + <p> + “A committee of four has been deemed amply sufficient for decoration, and + I appoint for the purpose the following: Richard Bolton, Morris Burns, + Miss Gracie Dennis, and Miss Annie Powell.” + </p> + <p> + The teachers, who had been long at the Mission, looked from one to another + with a bewildered air. Morris Burns they knew,—a clear-eyed young + Scotchman, with willing hands and feet ever ready to run of errands for + all workers; a boy of nineteen or so, whom everybody liked; warm-hearted, + unselfish, and thoroughly trustworthy. Annie Powell was one of the older + girls in Mr. Durant's Bible-class; a sweet-faced, ladylike little factory + girl, who would work in with Morris Burns nicely. Miss Gracie Dennis was + Mrs. Roberts' beautiful young friend; all the teachers knew her, and all + thought it very kind in her to throw her strength and taste into the + preparations as heartily as though she were one of them. But who was + Richard Bolton? Nobody knew. Yet their knowledge of business etiquette + told them that he was chairman of the Decoration Committee. Where was he? + Not a teacher, certainly, for they were intimately acquainted with one + another; and they knew no such name in the one Bible-class made up of + trustworthy helpers. + </p> + <p> + Over in Mrs. Roberts' class, with the single exception of the teacher, + there was equal ignorance; the nine boys had stopped their restless + mischief to listen, because there is a sort of fascination to boys in all + the details of well-managed business; they liked to hear the appointments; + but who Richard Bolton might be seemed not to occur to one of them. It is + true that Jerry Tompkins nudged Nimble Dick in anything but a quiet way + with his elbow, and murmured, “You've got a namesake it seem, in this 'ere + job.” Yet no light dawned on them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant, who, it is possible, has not appeared to you in a favorable + light, for the reason that he was being much perplexed by the entirely new + methods being introduced among the boys who had heretofore driven him to + the very verge of desperation, was really a quickwitted man, and having + succumbed to what he feared was a wild experiment, knew how to help carry + it out properly. He came briskly to the front,—Alfred's committee + being the last on the list,—and began his work. + </p> + <p> + “The chairmen of these different committees will be kind enough to report + to me as rapidly as possible the time and place of their first meeting for + consultation, and I will make the announcements.” Then he stepped to Mrs. + Roberts' class. “Bolton,” he said, bending toward that astonished scamp, + and speaking as though this were an every-day affair, “you are chairman, I + believe, of the Decoration Committee; where and when will you have them + meet?” + </p> + <p> + Imagine Nimble Dick's eyes! Nay, imagine the eyes and faces of the entire + nine! It would have been a study for an artist. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Nimble Dick was speechless; then he managed to burst forth + with:— + </p> + <p> + “What in thunder are you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + “Your committee,” said Mr. Durant, politely ignoring the manner of the + questioner. “You must call them together, you know, to plan your work. + Where shall it be, and when?” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't got no committee; and I ain't got no place to meet nobody; and I + don't know what in thunder you're after.” + </p> + <p> + Then came Mrs. Roberts to the rescue:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mr. Bolton, you can meet at our society parlor, you know; it is the + very place, and will be so convenient for Miss Dennis.” + </p> + <p> + “What's to meet, and what's to do?” said Dick, defiantly. “I ain't going + to meet nobody.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is just to hang mottoes and banners, and trim the room for the + Anniversary. Of course you'll help; I would have the meeting arranged + there by all means.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Mr. Durant, quickly, as though he had received the + answer from the chairman himself. “Now as to time; you ought to come + together to-morrow evening if you could; there is a good deal to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bolton, couldn't you come up at six o'clock for once? Then you could + get your work all done before the time for our social. I can arrange for + Annie Powell to be there at that time; and, Mr. Durant, doesn't Morris + Burns work for you? Could he be present at six o'clock? Then I don't see + but your meeting is nicely planned. You can be there at six, can't you, + Mr. Bolton?” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I don't know nothin' what you are talking about.” + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick, who was rarely anything but good-natured, was surprised by + the bewilderments of the situation into being almost as fierce as Dirk + Colson was habitually; the gaping amazement of his boon companions seeming + to add to his irritation. + </p> + <p> + “But you will,” said his teacher, cheerily. “It is an easy matter to + explain; Miss Dennis knows all about such things; and I'm going to help, + though they haven't honored me with an appointment.” + </p> + <p> + At a sign from the lady, Mr. Durant stepped back to his platform and + announced:— + </p> + <p> + “The chairman of the Committee on Decoration desires me to say that his + committee is called together to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's Social + Parlors, No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street, at six o'clock, <i>sharp</i>, as + the chairman has another engagement at seven.” + </p> + <p> + “I had to coin a name for the place of meeting,” he said to Mrs. Roberts + afterwards. “I beg your pardon if it was wrong; but Ried has been giving + me glowing accounts of that room, and you said something about its being a + social parlor, didn't you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a good name,” said Mrs. Roberts. “We have awkwardly called it the + 'new room.' I am glad it is christened. I will have some curtains hung + through the centre to-morrow, to make parlors instead of parlor of it; I + can see how a second room can be made useful in several ways.” + </p> + <p> + Thus was the bewildering committee willed into existence; the chairman + thereof being still so dumbfounded with his position that he did not rouse + until the laughing boys, by whom he was surrounded, began to take in some + of the fun of the situation, and to assault him right and left with mock + congratulations, ill-suppressed groans, hisses, and the like. Then he + turned towards them with new-born dignity that would have fitted Dirk + Colson, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “If you fellows don't shut up, and behave yourselves something like decent + for the rest of the time, I'll chaw half a dozen of you into mincemeat as + soon as we are out of this!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — “HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE?” + </h2> + <p> + Dr. Everett was driving rapidly through the city; at least, as rapidly as + the crowded character of the street would permit. He was out on + professional duty, and had just been congratulating himself that his + regular calls were now made for the day, and unless something special + intervened he should have a couple of hours free for the alleys. + </p> + <p> + That meant professional duty, too, and of the very hardest character, one + would suppose, as it brought him in contact not only with sickness in some + of its most repulsive forms, but with abject poverty as well, and too + often with loathsome forms of sin; yet he went about this work with a zest + that his regular practice did not furnish. This was something done solely + for Jesus' sake, and with an eye that was manifestly single to His glory. + </p> + <p> + He had already selected his alley, and was planning how, when his horses + were safely stabled, he could make a cross-cut to it, when his eyes were + held by two persons who were ascending together the stairway that led to + one of the public halls. His face darkened as he watched them. Apparently + they were engrossed with each other, and took no notice of him; but there + were reasons why he specially desired to keep them in view. A network of + carriages and wagons such as is common to crowded thoroughfares blocked + his path just then, and prolonged his opportunity to watch the two. + </p> + <p> + They made their way in a very leisurely manner up the long staircase, + letting others, more in haste, pass them continually; yet presently they + joined the group who were passing up tickets of entrance. + </p> + <p> + The doctor signalled a policeman, and entered into conversation:— + </p> + <p> + “What is going on in Seltzer Hall?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, there's a kind of a concert, I guess. They play on goblets, + they say—just common glass goblets—and make fine music.” + </p> + <p> + “An afternoon entertainment?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, as a kind of introduction, you know; they expect to get a crowd + for evening by the means.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where tickets are to be had?” + </p> + <p> + The policeman indicated a bookstore at his left by a gesture from his + thumb, and said, “Right here,” and offered to secure some at once. He knew + Dr. Everett; many of the policemen did. + </p> + <p> + His offer was accepted with thanks, and the doctor presently wound his way + out from the network with two green tickets in his pocket. His plans for + the afternoon had been suddenly changed. Instead of spending the time in + Sewell alley, he had decided to attend a musical exhibition, the + instruments being goblets! + </p> + <p> + He must make all speed now, so he left the crowded street and dodged + through several byways to the stables. + </p> + <p> + No use to keep his horses. “She would be afraid to drive through such + crowds,” he explained to himself, “and I should be afraid to leave the + carriage standing.” + </p> + <p> + Rushing out from the stables he caught just the right street-car, and in a + short space of time was ringing at Mr. Roberts' door. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis was in the hall, dressed for the street. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the doctor, “I am either fortunate or unfortunate, I wonder + which? I had set my heart on having you for a companion to what I fancy + may be a unique entertainment. Is there another engagement in the way? I + know this is a most unconventional method, but a doctor is never sure of + his time.” + </p> + <p> + But Gracie Dennis felt too well acquainted with Dr. Everett, and was too + young and ready for enjoyment to be disturbed about conventionality. She + merrily declared her willingness to be taken to whatever entertainment the + doctor had to propose. Mrs. Roberts was out with her husband on business + connected with church matters, and she had only intended to walk a square + or two for her health. + </p> + <p> + On the way the doctor was distrait, Gracie having most of the talking to + do herself. The truth was, he was trying to recall the faces of the people + he had seen crowding into the hall, to make sure that he was not taking + Gracie among people whom he would not care to have her meet. Apparently + the couple whose movements had changed all his afternoon plans were not a + sufficient guarantee of respectability. However, his face cleared as he + recalled one and another, as being in the crowd seeking admission; they + might not be of the class with whom Gracie was accustomed to mingle, but + they were respectable people. + </p> + <p> + Gracie was in a merry mood. She understood enough of the doctor's busy + life to feel sure that this sudden resolve to be entertained was quite out + of his ordinary line, and that of itself served to mark the hour as + exceptional. + </p> + <p> + “He feels the need of a little every-day fun,” she told herself, “and I'll + help him to have it if I can. Poor man! it must be doleful to go among + sick and dying people all the time.” + </p> + <p> + They were late at the hall; the concert was well under way; but there were + plenty of vacant seats. Dr. Everett swept his eye over the room; then + indicated to the usher just which seat he would have. It was one which + commanded a view of the young man and woman who seemed to have such a + mysterious influence over his plans. + </p> + <p> + He was relieved to find quite early in the entertainment that it really + was unique, and, in its way, well worth hearing. Had the surroundings been + agreeable he could easily have given himself up to enjoyment. However, + they had been seated but a few moments, when he saw by Gracie's startled + eyes that she had seen and recognized at least one of the couple at their + left. Professor Ellis, in his usual faultless attire, lounged gracefully + on the seat in such a manner that his side-face was distinct; he rested a + well-shaped arm on the back of the seat next him, and his delicately + gloved hand almost, if not quite, touched the shoulder of his companion. + </p> + <p> + Both he and the lady at his side gave extremely little attention to the + entertainment in progress. Apparently they had come thither for purposes + of conversation. They kept up a continuous murmur of talk, interspersed at + intervals with rippling laughter, and really seemed so entirely absorbed + in each other as to have at times forgotten that the hall was public, and + that the attention of many was being turned toward them. The girl was + pretty, extremely so, with an entirely different style of beauty from + Gracie Dennis; and a certain indescribable something in her face and + manner would have told even the most casual observer that she moved in a + different circle. It was not her dress, unless that was a little too + pronounced for the place and hour; but quite young ladies in good society + sometimes make a similar mistake. + </p> + <p> + Neither was her manner objectionable to the degree that you could have + pointed to any one thing as offensive; yet you would have been sure, had + you watched her, that she was without the pale of what we call society. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis watched her with a kind of fascination;—becoming at + last so absorbed with the watching, and the apparently troubled thoughts + which grew out of it, that she gave but slight attention to Dr. Everett's + occasional remarks, nor seemed to observe that at last he lapsed into + total silence. + </p> + <p> + Once, during the hour, the young woman glanced casually in their + direction, and the careless nod, and free and easy smile with she + acknowledged Dr. Everett's presence, drew a startled glance from Gracie to + rest on him for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Now I wish I had my horses,” the doctor said, as at last they made their + way down the aisle. “I have a mile's drive up town to take, and I think + the exercise might be good for you.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie caught at the suggestion, and begged to be allowed to remain in the + bookstore below while he went for the horses. + </p> + <p> + “I want a ride, and I want to talk with you,” she said, simply. + </p> + <p> + As this was precisely what he wanted, he went for the horses without more + delay. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Gracie, in one of the windows of the bookstore, was supposed to + be employed in examining a late book, but in reality gave much attention + to the couple who were crossing the street, or rather waiting for an + opportunity to do so. + </p> + <p> + They seemed in no haste, but were conspicuous, even in the crowded street, + for their interest in each other. More than one policeman regarded them + narrowly, as Professor Ellis stood with head bent toward the lady, engaged + in eager and animated conversation. It was just the attitude of absorbed + interest with which he had so often listened to Gracie; not on the street, + it is true, but in some crowded parlor, and it had flattered her. It made + her frown to-day. They were starting now to make the disagreeable + crossing. He had taken his companion's hand, preparatory to a leap over a + muddy curbing; but Gracie could see that there was a pressure of it that + was unnecessary, and, for the street, peculiar; his face, too, was + distinctly visible, and the expression on it was what Gracie had seen + before, but certainly she supposed no other person had. + </p> + <p> + Altogether it was probably well for Professor Ellis' peace of mind that he + did not turn at that moment, and get a glimpse of the young lady in the + bookstore. Instead he took his lady away, and they were lost in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett, making all haste with his horses, had still time for anxious + thought. Had his experiment been too severe on Gracie? Was it possible + that her interest in the man was such that the afternoon's experience had + been mixed with pain as well as with disgust? He could not believe it + possible that the pure-hearted young girl cared for such a man as + Professor Ellis! Yet there had been a look on her face when she saw those + two which startled and hurt him. + </p> + <p> + When fairly seated in his carriage he did not speak until they had + threaded the maze of wagons and reached clear ground. Even then he only + said, “Now for speed,” and gave the horses their desire, until crowds and + business were left behind, and they were driving down a broad avenue, + lined on either side with stately yet quiet-looking homes. Then he drew + rein, and obliged the horses to walk; he had by this time resolved on + probing the wound, if there was one. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew just how much of a villain that man is.” These were the + somewhat startling words which broke his silence. + </p> + <p> + “What man?” Yet the very tones of Gracie's voice indicated that she knew + of whom he was speaking. + </p> + <p> + “That man, Ellis! Professor, I think he is called. I have reason to be + very suspicious of him. By the way, Miss Gracie, I think he is an + acquaintance of yours. Have you confidence in him?” + </p> + <p> + How promptly and indignantly such a question would have received an + affirmative answer two months before! What should she say now? + </p> + <p> + “In what respect?” she faltered, more for the purpose of gaining time than + because she did not understand the question. + </p> + <p> + “Well, in any respect I am almost prepared to say. I have not the honor of + the man's acquaintance; but whatever I hear about him, or see in him, I + dislike and distrust. Just at present his ways are specially disturbing. + You noticed him this afternoon, I think! The young girl in his company + belongs to my Sabbath-school. I have a deep interest in her, partly + because she is the sort of girl who is always more or less in danger in + this wicked world, and partly because she is capable of strongly + influencing another, who is a special <i>protégé</i> of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the girl?” Gracie's manner was abrupt, and her voice constrained. + It was evident that she was making great effort to control herself, and + appear indifferent to all parties. + </p> + <p> + The doctor took no notice of her constraint. + </p> + <p> + “Her name is Mason. Hester Mason. She attends the Packard Place + Sabbath-school, which you know I superintend. She is motherless, and worse + than fatherless; is a clerk in one of the Fourth Avenue stores, and is, or + was, inclined to be what is called gay. I do not know that that term + conveys any special meaning to you; in young men I think they call the + same line of conduct 'fast.' I hope and believe that you would not well + understand either term; yet, I think, possibly, that watching her this + afternoon in a public hall will give you some conception of the stretch + that there is between yourself and her.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — “SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN.” + </h2> + <p> + Had Dr. Everett desired in a few words to show Gracie the gulf between + herself and the man who had been the girl's companion for the afternoon, + perhaps he could not have formed his sentence better. + </p> + <p> + She shivered visibly, and the doctor drew the carriage-wraps more + carefully about her, while he continued:— + </p> + <p> + “I would not want to give you a wrong estimate of Hester Mason, nor lead + you to imagine for a moment that I believe a girl who serves behind a + counter cannot be a true lady. I wanted, rather, to explain to you that + her opportunities had been limited. She means to be a good girl, I think: + in fact, I may say I have the utmost confidence in her intentions. She is + not a Christian, but a few weeks ago I had her name on my note-book as one + who was almost persuaded, She has been fighting the question of personal + religion for some time,—her special stumbling-block being that she + is quick-witted, and has quite a clear idea of how Christians ought to + live, and can find very few who seem to her to be living what they + profess. However, as I say, I have been very hopeful of her until within a + few weeks, when she came in contact with this man, and I tremble for the + result. He is constant in his attentions, and she is evidently flattered + and dazed.” + </p> + <p> + “How long has he known her? How did he become acquainted?” Abrupt + questions still, asked in that curiously repressed voice. + </p> + <p> + The doctor's face was growing very grave and stern. He feared that there + was a real wound here. + </p> + <p> + “Inadvertently, Miss Dennis, it seems that both you and I are to blame, + or, at least, are involved in the acquaintance. Do you remember a little + incident which occurred in a streetcar some six weeks ago? A young woman, + in leaving the car, dropped a package, which you noticing, called our + attention to, and pointed out the person crossing the street, and + Professor Ellis announced his willingness to overtake her and return the + package, as he was about to leave the car. Miss Mason was the person in + question, and Professor Ellis presumed on that very slight introduction to + cultivate an acquaintance. I have learned that he quoted my name in + connection with the incident, and since that day has been on terms of + exceeding intimacy with Hester.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie was surprised out of her reserve. + </p> + <p> + “I remember the incident perfectly: but the girl I saw this afternoon + cannot be the one who was on the car.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; she was in holiday attire to-day, and in her working garb when you + saw her momentarily on the car. I remember a feeling of regret that + Professor Ellis should have so promptly volunteered to do your errand: yet + I did not know what I dreaded. I simply shrank from the man, and wanted + others to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, what is his motive in showing her attention?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew. I can tell you what I greatly fear: That it is to play + with the human heart; to see to what extent he can gain power over it. And + in this case certainly it is a most cruel thing. The girl has no friends, + no father or mother to advise with or help her. She is bright and pretty, + and is being shown glimpses of a world that seems to her like fairyland. + She is dazzled, and one cannot blame her, for she has neither + carefully-formed judgment nor trustworthy friends to lean upon. Miss + Dennis, you can judge from her manner this afternoon what is her knowledge + of the customs of polite society. I do not think she has an idea that she + was conspicuous, save for her beauty and the fine appearance of her + attendant. She is not one to shrink from what she would consider + legitimate public admiration, and this you can see but adds to her + danger.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Dr. Everett, you do not think,—you cannot mean that he intends + to pay her special attention; that he means anything beyond the desire to + give her a little pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the doctor, speaking slowly, but with firmness, “you may + judge, Miss Dennis, what I think,—what any honorable person thinks,—of + a man who bestows in public the sort of attentions which we saw this + afternoon, You would have been insulted by them. The only reason that this + poor girl was not, is because she does not know any better. + </p> + <p> + “Did you observe the flashing of a peculiarly set ring on her finger? I + have reason to fear that it belongs to him and that she believes herself + specially honored in being asked to wear it.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Gracie's cheeks were flaming now. She had not observed the ring, but + she knew it well, and for one brief evening had worn it herself, and then + had returned it to the owner with the assurance that she could not bring + herself to wear it without her father's consent. She remembered what a + wound she had felt herself bestowing when he had looked at her with those + expressive, reproachful eyes, and replied that if she felt toward him as + he did to her, she would not allow even a <i>father</i> to come between + them. And he had actually given that ring into the keeping of this girl! + </p> + <p> + They rode on in silence, the doctor giving a hint to the horses that they + might go as fast as they chose. He was in great doubt and pain of heart. + Could it be possible that this carefully-shielded young girl was caught in + the toils of a man whom he believed to be an unprincipled villain? + </p> + <p> + If so, had he been unnecessarily cruel in his revelations? Ought he to + take her home, or drive further, and give her time to recover herself? + </p> + <p> + Could he have understood what was passing in her mind he would have known + better what next to say. The simple truth was this: Before she came to + Mrs. Roberts' the child had believed herself to be a martyr to the + unreasonable prejudices of her stepmother. She had been led to feel that + her father had turned against her, solely because of his wife's influence + over him, and that the wife was piqued because Professor Ellis had not + paid her sufficient attention in the days of her maidenhood. This, the + professor had succeeded in teaching Gracie to feel, was the sole charge + against him. He was, therefore, an ill-used man, and therefore her heart + went out towards him in sympathy. + </p> + <p> + It had not been at first a stronger feeling than this; but flattered by + his attentions, so much more marked and polished than had ever been + offered to the young girl before, she had taught herself to believe that, + but for her father's bitterness, she could be to Professor Ellis what he + delicately and vaguely assured her no one else could, and fill a place + that hitherto in his lonely life had been left void. She had not engaged + herself to him; indeed, he had never, in actual words, asked her to do so; + but to the young and innocent and well-trained there is a language which + speaks as clearly as words, and is held as sacred. + </p> + <p> + Gracie had allowed herself to be looked upon as one who was held by <i>others</i> + from being more to Professor Ellis than she was; who might always, + perhaps, be held back,—for she had resolved in her own sad heart + that she would never marry against her father's consent, no, not if she + were twice of age. + </p> + <p> + Of late, strange reflections had come to her. She had measured Professor + Ellis with other men, Christian men, and he had appeared at a + disadvantage. Also she had measured herself by the side of other Christian + workers, and herself had appeared at a disadvantage. A vague unrest and + dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on her. + Moreover, she was growing interested in those boys, as she had not + believed that it would be possible for her to be interested when she first + saw them. She began to believe that some of them, at least, would be + saved. She wanted to help save them, and to help others. Her martyrdom + dwindled rapidly into insignificance, until there would pass entire days + in which she did not once remember that she as an unhappy girl. + </p> + <p> + At last, but a week or two before this afternoon, she had taken her + affairs in hand, and tried to look steadily at them. The result of her + hours of thought and prayer was that she was bound to Professor Ellis. + That is, provided there should come a time in the dim and distant future + when her father should give his consent, it would be her duty and her + pleasure, because of what had passed between them, to marry him. Still, + she began to feel less amazed at her father's opinion of him, less angry + about it. She began to say to herself, softly and pitifully: “Poor, lonely + man! he has no one to be his friend. He is not a Christian, and that is + what makes so great a difference between him and others. It is that which + papa misses, but I must not desert him; I must pray for him all the time, + and work for his conversion; then he will grow to be the sort of man whom + papa can like, and everything will be right.” And while she said it, she + was dimly conscious of a feeling of satisfaction over the thought that she + was very young, and that it would be a long, <i>long</i> time yet before + anything could be settled; and that, meantime, it certainly was not right + for her to have anything to do with Professor Ellis, only to pray for him; + and that perhaps her father would allow her to carry out a project that + was under delightful discussion in the Roberts family, namely, to remain + in the city as a pupil in the famous Green Lawn School. And she did not + know, foolish little thing, that so far even as her heart was concerned + everything was wrong. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would be difficult for me to explain to you—that is, if + you do not understand without explanation—what a turmoil she was + thrown into by this afternoon's experience. She was far from realizing as + yet that the uppermost feeling even now was not wounded love, but wounded + pride; of what poor stuff she had been making a hero! Nothing had ever + opened her eyes like this before. Was it possible that she had spent + entire evenings with a man who stooped to set in unpleasant, even + suspicious light, not his own character only, but that of an ignorant + young girl? + </p> + <p> + It would not do to plead a lack of knowledge in excuse for him; he might + be ignorant of the ways of the Christian world, but no one understood + better the rules which governed society. During part of the afternoon she + had been very angry with the girl, but after listening to Dr. Everett it + began to dawn upon her that her friend had been playing with the ignorance + of a girl who probably trusted him fully. You are to understand that + Gracie Dennis was the sort of girl who would be made very angry by such a + suspicion. The glow on her cheeks was not all caused by the fresh air of + the spring day. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett,” she said at last, breaking the silence, “what do you think + he means by asking the girl to wear that ring, or by letting her wear it? + Does he—do you suppose that he has engaged himself to her?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew what he meant!” Dr. Everett said again, a surge of + indignation rushing over him. “If he really meant anything so honorable as + that, it would be bad enough business for poor Hester; but, as I said, I + distrust the man utterly; and from my experience with the world I have + reason. From your knowledge of him, Miss Dennis, could you suppose him to + be honest and earnest in his attentions to that girl?” + </p> + <p> + It was a very plain question. It meant more to Dr. Everett than even + Gracie saw, but she saw enough to know that she was admitting an intimacy + that made her blush; however, she answered steadily,— + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot think that he is honest or honorable.” + </p> + <p> + “So I fear. Witness this afternoon. Gentlemen do not parade their + friendships before the public gaze, and that man knows it.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor's voice was <i>very</i> stern. He was sure now that there was a + wound, and that it was being probed; he believed in making thorough work, + even with wounds; there would be more hope of genuine healing afterward. + </p> + <p> + Gracie's next question—if her companion had but known it—was a + singular one: “Why have not people who are her friends warned her against + him, and held her back from making such a false step, if she does it in + ignorance?” + </p> + <p> + Oh, Gracie Dennis! How are warnings sometimes received, even by + carefully-trained girls, who have every reason to trust the love that + would shield them? + </p> + <p> + “Some people are very hard to warn,” said the doctor. “I have tried it, + and I have a friend who has tried to help her; but the poor girl, you must + remember, has not been brought up in a Christian atmosphere—has + never had a Christian friend who came with the authority of relationship. + If she had a good father the way would be made so plain. As it is, can't + you see how naturally she distrusts the rest of us, in favor of the man + who makes special professions of friendship? I am not surprised at Hester, + I am only sorry for her.” + </p> + <p> + Had the doctor been carefully informed as to all the circumstances + connected with Gracie's intimacy with the professor, he could not have + chosen words which would have touched her conscience more. Had not her + good father tenderly and patiently warned her? and had she not chosen to + blind her eyes to all his words, and believe rather in Professor Ellis + than in him? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — “PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD.” + </h2> + <p> + “I must call at this house,” the doctor said, suddenly drawing rein before + a quiet little house at the foot of a wide lawn. “The gatekeeper of this + American castle has a sick child whom I have promised to see. Can you hold + the horses, Miss Dennis, or shall I tie them? This is a quiet spot, and + they are gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid of anything,” Gracie said, eyes aglow as well as cheeks. + And the doctor went into the house wondering whether Professor Ellis, if + he could see her now, would not be afraid of her. + </p> + <p> + Once inside he gave a start of surprise, almost of dismay, for the face + which appeared at the open door of the sick-room belonged to Joy Saunders. + </p> + <p> + “You here?” he said, trying to control the disturbed element in his voice. + </p> + <p> + She answered quietly:— + </p> + <p> + “I came out by street-car. Did you drive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,”' he said, abruptly, “but I am not alone. How is the child?” and he + went forward at once to his professional duties, leaving her to wonder + over his manner. + </p> + <p> + It was peculiar, certainly. Joy Saunders was used to abruptness from this + man, but there was a quality in it to-day that she did not recognize. She + went and looked out of the window, and saw Gracie Dennis holding the + horses, saw her red, red cheeks, and flashing eyes, and the peculiar, + haughty poise of her head, with which the stepmother at home was well + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + She did not know this Gracie Dennis save by reputation. Once Dr. Everett + had asked her to call at Mrs. Roberts', and had made her feel as though + she were foolishly conventional in declining to do so. “How is she ever to + know you, according to the rules which trammel society? There ought to be + some way arranged for Christians to be free from trammels.” This had been + his comment; but he had not asked her again, and she had never met Mrs. + Roberts, nor yet Gracie Dennis. Yet she knew her very well, and had + watched her often as she passed. She knew instantly who she was now, as + she sat there in her haughty beauty, checking with determined hand the + impatience of those horses. Oh, she knew more than this! It was very + apparent now why Dr. Everett was peculiarly abrupt, and—well, yes—embarrassed. + She had almost thought that was the name of the feeling, only it had + seemed so absurd. And then Joy Saunders held her meek little head high, + and told herself that he need not fear her presence; she could go as she + had come, in the street-car. + </p> + <p> + The doctor came towards her now, speaking rapidly, as usual:— + </p> + <p> + “Joy, the child is very sick. There ought to be an experienced person here + to-night. Not you; I am sorry you came up. Do you think your mother would + come? Will you ride down with me? I have Miss Dennis in the carriage, but + it is quite large enough for three, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Then Joy had turned away her head, holding it high, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you; I am going down in the street-car.” + </p> + <p> + And that blundering doctor drew on his gloves, saying to himself, “I don't + know but that is best,” and went out, only waiting to say to Joy:— + </p> + <p> + “Will you ask your mother about it? I will see her as soon as I can get + around. I wish you would go directly home from here—will you?” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted his hat to her, and sprang into his carriage and rode away + with Gracie Dennis; and Joy Saunders waited for the next yellow car, and + climbed into it, and told herself all the way down town that she wished + she had stayed at the little house and watched all night by the sick + child. + </p> + <p> + The thoughts that Dr. Everett had given to the entire matter were few. + They ran somewhat after this fashion:— + </p> + <p> + “Joy here! and I'm afraid of the fever, from all I have heard. I shall + take her home as soon as possible. How will that poor little girl in the + carriage manage with a new acquaintance just now, I wonder? + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it will be quite a strain. Still, I can do the talking, and + let her be quiet. The main point is that I hoped she might have a + suggestion to make about Hester. If she could rouse herself to try to save + that girl it would be the best thing she could do. If she only knew it, + Joy is the one who could help her in that direction or any other.” + </p> + <p> + As they dashed down the avenue, he was still occupied in wishing that he + had urged Joy to ride, and thus forced an acquaintance between her and the + pretty girl at his side. He was not very patient with what he called the + “trammels” of society. When there were two people so fitted to enjoy and + help one another, as were Joy Saunders and Gracie Dennis, he held it to be + a waste in Christian economy that they should not know each other. + </p> + <p> + Too much occupied with his thoughts and his driving to give heed to + passers-by, he lost the careful bow that young Ried had for them as they + drew near the city's whirl again. Gracie did not; she returned it, with a + slightly-heightened color in her cheeks, and wondered if that young man + knew Professor Ellis, and what he thought of him, and what he thought of + her for being acquainted with him. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes it seems to me a real pity that on occasion there could not be + some way of looking into one another's thoughts. So many misunderstandings + might thus be saved. For instance, there was Ried, who went on his way + with a clouded brow. Where had Dr. Everett been? and why was Gracie Dennis + with him? Was it probable that he had been riding for pleasure? The bare + suggestion astonished the young man. He found that he had never before + given room to the thought that Dr. Everett took time for pleasure! + Allowing this to be the case, why had he not taken Joy Saunders with him? + Such a proceeding would have seemed altogether natural, though the + honest-hearted young fellow admitted to himself that, had he been taking a + ride for pleasure, the companion of his choice would not have been Joy + Saunders. It was certainly a bewildering world. So trying did young Ried + find his thoughts on that evening that he actually set himself + deliberately to learn whether the ride was the result of chance or design. + The consequence was that he learned not only of the ride, but of the + afternoon entertainment at Seltzer Hall, with glass goblets for + instruments. This increased his astonishment, and did not lessen the gloom + on his face. + </p> + <p> + But the two in the carriage, unconscious of the gloomy young man, or of + the sad-hearted young girl riding in a street-car, were almost silent + during the homeward ride, until just as they turned into the avenue that + led to Mr. Roberts' door. Then Grace said:— + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, I should like to know that girl. There are some things that + I ought to say to her, and if I had a chance I would try to say them in a + way to help her.” + </p> + <p> + “I will manage it,” said Dr. Everett, speaking in a quick, relieved tone. + He felt encouraged for Hester now, and greatly relieved about Gracie. She + might be wounded, but she was made of the material of which he had hoped. + She was not going to die herself, nor fold her hands and see others + ruined, merely because she had been deceived. + </p> + <p> + He bade her a cheery “Good afternoon!” and drove away, feeling that, + although he had been obliged to give up Sewell Alley, good work had been + accomplished. He believed now that he understood the situation. + </p> + <p> + He was right about one thing: Gracie Dennis had not the slightest idea of + dying. Her mood was better expressed, half an hour later, when she stood + at the parlor window, and returned a low, lingering bow from Professor + Ellis, with a haughty stare from flashing eyes, looking out from an erect + and motionless head. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Dirk Colson's brain was in a whirl. He had an important question to + settle. In his pocket were two blue tickets, promising to admit him to the + largest and finest hall in the city to hear the great temperance orator. + Dirk knew very little about orators, but he had heard of John B. Gough, + and everything he had heard made him wish to have a glimpse of him. You + will remember that Dirk was an imitator. He had heard that Mr. Gough was + also, and down deep in his heart the boy had an ambition to hear the man. + Now was his unexpected opportunity. Of course, he was going, but the + perplexing thing was, what to do with that other ticket. + </p> + <p> + There was Mart? Oh, yes, to be sure, he had not forgotten her; but what a + strange thing it would be to take her to a lecture! He had never taken her + anywhere in his life. She had nothing to wear, though he remembered at + that moment that the mother had, by earnest effort, succeeded in getting + her shawl out of pawn. + </p> + <p> + There was one incentive for taking her; it would please Mrs. Roberts. Dirk + studied the thing for some time, to try to discover why she should care, + and had finally given up the problem as too great for him. Yet he was sure + she cared; there had been a wistful light in her eyes when she said, “I + thought possibly you might like to take that sister with the golden hair,” + that he saw and interpreted. It took him three days to decide what he + should say, supposing he made up his mind to ask her. + </p> + <p> + Several people were at work helping him, though he knew nothing about + that. Mrs. Roberts remarked one evening to young Ried that she wished she + knew a way to induce Dirk Colson to take his sister, without actually + asking him to do so. She fancied that, besides the advantage which might + possibly directly follow an evening spent in that way, it would suggest + new thoughts to the brother. + </p> + <p> + The young man caught at the suggestion, and wanted to help carry it out. + It was not an easy thing to do. He had not grown intimate with Dirk + Colson; in fact, that misguided young fellow rather resented any attempt + at intimacy. He was, however, acquainted with Sallie Calkins; the numerous + trips he had made to their room during Mark's illness had brought him into + such constant and pleasant contact with Sallie and her brother that they + looked upon him as a tried friend. Sallie, he knew, was a friend of the + shy, golden-haired sister. So one evening he went to call at the Calkins + room, with a vague hope of helping indirectly in bringing to pass Mrs. + Roberts' desires. + </p> + <p> + To Sallie he made known the wish that Dirk would take his sister to the + lecture, and secured from her a promise to help the scheme along, provided + it developed. + </p> + <p> + After he went away, Sallie sat long at her sewing, making all alone, by a + dim light, one of the most heroic little sacrifices that was ever offered + “in His name.” To fully understand it, you must know that Mark Calkins had + recovered sufficiently to take his place in the office where Dr. Everett + had secured him an opening, and an employment that would enable him to + sit, most of the time, thereby giving his injured limb a chance to rest. + Also, Mark had been admitted to the Monday evening gatherings, and was + distinguishing himself there by his skill in reading and writing. Of + course, he had received two tickets, and equally of course, being the boy + he was, he had planned to take Sallie with him to the lecture. Great was + Sallie's prospective pleasure! The event of her lifetime it was to be. To + walk with Mark through the crowded streets, both neatly dressed; to walk + boldly forward with the throng, and present their tickets of admittance to + the great hall; hitherto seen only from the outside; to move down the long + aisles as those who had a right, and select their seats unquestioned by + police; in short, to be like other people—part of the great + well-to-do world,—this was Sallie's joy! + </p> + <p> + She had washed and mended her best calico dress; she had sewed buttons on + the pretty cape, according to Mrs. Roberts' directions; she had tried on + the neat bonnet which had been manufactured for her by Mrs. Roberts' own + fingers, and, altogether, Sallie had probably gotten, during these two + days, more enjoyment out of Gough's lecture than many others, who had + heard him a dozen times, ever secured. I do not think it any wonder that, + as she rocked and sewed, and thought out her great thought, there fell + tears on the work she was doing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — “FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME.” + </h2> + <p> + This was the thought: Suppose Dirk Colson should want to take his sister. + Sallie did not believe it in the least probable; she had not that amount + of faith in Dirk Colson; but suppose he should, Mart could not go, for the + reason that she would have nothing to wear. + </p> + <p> + And here was Sallie's pretty cape, which would cover the worst of her + dress, and her pretty bonnet, which she knew would make a picture of Mart; + but if she lent them it meant staying at home to Sallie. <i>Could</i> she + do it? Could she bear to think of such a thing? What would Mark say? What + would he do with his other ticket? + </p> + <p> + Would she be likely ever to have another chance to go to that wonderful + hall, and be like other folks? + </p> + <p> + But <i>Mart</i> had never been anywhere in her life. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said poor Sallie, catching her breath with a sob, “have been + often for a walk on the brightest streets, and looked in at the shop + windows, and everything. I 'most know I will help her to go if I can.” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried had no conception of the sacrifice for which he had asked. + </p> + <p> + It is little wonder, surely, that Sallie's voice faltered that same + evening, as she explained to Mart, who had slipped in for a bit of talk, + that if ever she wanted to go anywhere very bad, she was to let Sallie + know, and she should have her cape and bonnet to wear. Then she had + anxiously planned for her a way to mend her dress, so that it would look + quite well under the cape, and she had even urged:— + </p> + <p> + “Now do, Mart, if anybody should want you to go don't say you won't; but + take your chance, for you don't know what may come.” + </p> + <p> + Also she bore with patience Mart's scornful laugh, and emphatic statement + that no chances ever came to her, and nobody ever wanted her to go + anywhere. As she talked she grew interested and eloquent; urged earnestly + that Mart should embrace the first opportunity to go somewhere, and wear + her new cape and bonnet. At the same time she was silent about the + lecture. Suppose no chance should come? Then it would be doubly hard to + Mart to have had the possibility suggested. The same delicate reasoning + had held her from dwelling on her own prospects. Some people would have + been very much astonished over the amount of delicate consideration for + the feelings of others which could be found in that little room. + </p> + <p> + Dirk loitered strangely over his meagre dinner the next afternoon. It was + late, for he had secured a position at last in one of the printing + offices, and was apt to take his meals at any hour when it happened to be + convenient to do without him at the office. He had only been three days at + work, and Mart had taken little notice of the new departure, except to + remark grimly that it would not last; but to Sallie she had boasted that + Dirk had gone to work as hard as anybody. If somebody could only have told + Dirk that his sister ever boasted of him it might have helped him much + during these days. + </p> + <p> + “What are you hanging around for? You've got all there will be to eat in + this house to-day, and it is time you were off.” This was the ungracious + manner in which the sister took note of his lingering. She was painfully + afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the fear + made her voice gruffer than usual. + </p> + <p> + His reply amazed her; in fact, it amazed himself:— + </p> + <p> + “Mart, I've got tickets to a show,—a nice place,—and I want + you to go along.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Mart, “that is a likely story!” + </p> + <p> + Then he grew earnest, displayed his treasures, and urged her acceptance—quite + astonished with himself the while. <i>Did</i> he really want her to go, he + wondered, or did he want to please Mrs. Roberts? + </p> + <p> + You would have been interested, an hour later, to have seen Mart skip up + the rickety stairs leading to the Calkins abode. You would probably have + thought that she endangered life or limb by her rapid movements; but Mart + was used to such staircases, and the news she had to communicate required + haste. + </p> + <p> + “There's a chance!” she said, breathless with speed and eagerness; “Sallie + Calkins, there's a chance, and you'd never guess how. Dirk he wants me to + go to a show with him this very night! He's got tickets. It is a big show,—where + all the grand folks go. It is in the very biggest hall in this city, and + Dirk he says I am to go. Sallie Calkins, do you mean it, truly, that I am + to wear your lovely new bonnet and cape? Do you suppose I can really go + anywhere? I don't known why Dirk wants me to so bad, but he coaxed and + coaxed.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Sallie! She stooped quickly to pick up a pin from the floor, so that + Mart might not get a glimpse of her eyes with the sudden tears in them. + Yet, as she stooped, she made her final, grand sacrifice—Mart should + go! + </p> + <p> + Then she entered with entire abandon into the preparations. Not only her + bonnet and cape, but her shoes—new ones that Mark had bought her + with his first earnings after his illness—were to attend the + lecture. + </p> + <p> + She rejoiced over the excellent fit of the shoes. She did more than this. + As Mart watched the process of buttoning them, and remarked complacently + that she shouldn't wonder if Dirk would buy her a pair some day, when he + earned money enough, she kept her lip from curling with an incredulous + sneer. You will remember that she had not the slightest faith in Dirk. + </p> + <p> + Neither must I forget that there was another thing to lend—her comb, + in order that Mart's wonderful yellow hair might be for once reduced to + something like order. And at the risk of leading you to think that Sallie + was altogether too “aesthetic” for her position in life, I shall have to + confess that this was her hardest bit of sacrifice; her comb was so new + and so pretty! + </p> + <p> + However, it did its duty on Mart's tawny locks, and the transforming + effect was marvellous. In fact, when all was ready, the cape adjusted, the + hat which Mrs. Roberts had shown her how to wear set on the yellow head, + Sallie said not a word, but went to the packing-box in the corner which + served as a treasure cupboard, and drew forth the one possession about + which she had been utterly silent—a little hand-glass which Mark had + brought her one winter evening just before he was hurt. A cheap, little, + ugly glass, which you would have turned from in disgust, saying that it + made your nose awry, and your chin protrude and your eyes squint, and was + altogether horrid; but, held before Mart's glowing face, what a secret did + it reveal! Mart looked, and was silent, too; and went home in a hushed + frame of mind to wait for Dirk. Home was deserted. The mother had dragged + her wearied body out for a day of “light” work. The time had gone by when + she was able to do any that people called heavy. Where the father was, + none of the family knew, and their chief hope concerning him was that he + would stay away as long as possible. + </p> + <p> + I find myself longing to give you an idea of what that elegant, + brilliantly lighted hall, with its brilliant audience, was to this girl, + and being unable to do it. + </p> + <p> + When people live so far below us that our every-day experiences are to + them like a day at the World's Fair, it is very hard indeed to describe + how our special treats affect them. + </p> + <p> + It is a treat to everybody to hear Gough. How then can I tell you what it + was to this girl and her brother? Dirk listened; he must have listened + well, for long afterward he was able to repeat entire paragraphs, and to + imitate the manner of the great orator with remarkable skill;—yet at + the time he would have seemed to a close watcher to have been absorbed in + another way. He looked at Mart somewhat as he had on that Sabbath when his + acquaintance with Mrs. Roberts began. But the thought which had dimly + haunted him that day blossomed on this evening. Certainly Mart looked like + Mrs. Roberts! It might be folly to think so; doubtless the fellows would + make no end of fun of him if he should ever tell them so, which he meant + to take excellent care not to do; but the fact remained, that in Sallie's + bonnet and cape, and, above all, with the waves of hair floating about + her, there was a look which instantly and strongly reminded him of that + lady. + </p> + <p> + There was another listener at the lecture who was unexpectedly present. + Part of poor Sallie's trial had been to tell her brother, who had been + radiant for a week over the prospect of taking her, that she had with her + own hand put away the blessing. How would Mark take it? Dirk's + forlorn-looking sister was no favorite of his. I think it would have been + very difficult to have convinced him that there was a trace of Mrs. + Roberts in her face. + </p> + <p> + But such curious creatures are we that it actually hurt Sallie to see how + quietly he took the great sad news of her sacrifice. After the first start + of surprise, he seemed preoccupied, and she could almost have thought that + he did not hear her explanation. She had much ado to keep back the tears, + but she had made a special little feast for him that evening, with a white + cloth on the table, and a cup of actual tea, and the cup set in a saucer. + She was not going to spoil the scene with tears; so after a little she + said, cheerily:— + </p> + <p> + “Now you have a chance to do something nice for somebody. Who will you + take on your ticket?” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking,” he answered, slowly. “You know it is a temperance + lecture, and it is by a wonderful man. The fellows in the shop have been + talking about him all day, and they say you just can't help <i>thinking</i> + when he gets agoing; and I was just thinking, What if we could get <i>him</i> + to go, and he would listen, and get to thinking.” + </p> + <p> + There are no italics that will give you an idea of the peculiar emphasis + which the boy put on the pronouns. Sallie understood; that “he” could mean + but one person in the world. But her brother must have answered the look + on her face, for she spoke no word. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes they <i>do</i>, Sallie. There was old Pete, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, yes, Sallie knew old Pete; every body in that alley knew him; a + notorious drunkard once, of the sort which people, even good Christian + people, are apt to pronounce hopeless; yet now he wore a neat suit of + clothes every day, and brought home twenty pounds of flour at one time in + a sack, and bought his coal by the barrel. Wonderful things occasionally + happened in that alley. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sally, “that is true; and old Pete wasn't much like him.” + </p> + <p> + The tone spoke volumes. It would have almost angered her, even now, to + have had it hinted that old Pete was superior to that father, though + hardly a person acquainted with the two but would have said that there was + more hope for old Pete, even in his miserable past, than for this one. + </p> + <p> + How they managed it, those two: the difficult task of getting him + persuaded to go, find then the more difficult task of keeping him + sufficiently sober to get there, would make a story in itself. I fancy + there are many such stories in real life which will never get told. The + probabilities are, if they were, some wise critic would pronounce them + unnatural and sensational. + </p> + <p> + Suffice it to say that the task was accomplished, and among the most + attentive listeners to the great speaker that evening was Sallie's father, + while she sat at home and mended a badly torn jacket, and cried now and + then, and was glad and sorry and proud and frightened and hopeful by turns + all that long evening. + </p> + <p> + I am not sure but it was better for her that she sat at home. I don't know + just what she might have done had she been in the hall to see her father, + at the close of the meeting, shamble forward with the crowd, and sign his + name to the total abstinence pledge. + </p> + <p> + She might have screamed out in her excitement, or she might have fainted; + for although there were those who said—some with a sneer, and some + with a sigh—that “signing the pledge would not amount to anything; + the miserable fellow could not keep a pledge to save his life!” Sally + would have thought nothing of the kind. She had faith in her father's + word. + </p> + <p> + It is a wonderful stimulus to have some one who believes in us. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — “WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?” + </h2> + <p> + “Do you know,” said Mrs. Roberts, addressing Gracie Dennis, who, with + young Ried, had waited in the hall for her to join them (they were ready + for the lecture, and were to take up Mr. Roberts on the way): “Do you know + that I have a desire which I see no way of realizing? If Mr. Colson should + bring his sister with him to-night I should like so much to get possession + of her and bring her home with me! But I have been planning all day, and + see no possible excuse for such an apparently wild proceeding.” + </p> + <p> + I want you to notice how naturally Mrs. Roberts said “Mr. Colson”; she + never talked about Dirk under any other name; she even taught herself to + <i>think</i> of him as “Mr. Colson.” Consequently, when she spoke the name + in his presence, there was not a trace of unnaturalness in tone or manner. + The others tried in vain to follow her example. Dr. Everett could not + speak of him in this way without slight hesitation and a touch of + embarrassment. “The truth is,” said he, “I think <i>Dirk</i> all the week, + and on the Sabbath I find it impossible to reach up to 'Mr. Colson' + without an effort.” There was no touch of “reaching up” or reaching down, + about Mrs. Roberts' talk with her pupils. It is possible that this is one + link in the chain of influence which she was weaving around them. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis' face expressed curiosity, and when they were seated in the + carriage, she referred to the cause:— + </p> + <p> + “But Flossy, I cannot imagine why you should want to do such a thing. It + will certainly be too late to-night to try to get acquainted with her. I + should think some time when you could have an unbroken evening would be + the better for experimenting.” + </p> + <p> + “For some sorts of experimenting it would,” Mrs. Roberts answered, smiling + quietly; “my experiment, in part at least, was to see how the pink room + might impress her.” + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!” + </p> + <p> + When Gracie took refuge in that name her hostess knew she was not only + much excited, but a trifle disapproving; at such times she made haste to + change the subject. + </p> + <p> + It happened that the thing for which she had been planning, shaped itself + so naturally as to give not the slightest color or premeditation to the + act. + </p> + <p> + When Dirk and his sister worked their way through the dense crowds to the + open air they discovered that it was raining heavily. For almost the first + time in her life the fact struck terror to Mart Colson's soul! Ordinarily + no duck could have been more indifferent to a rain storm than herself. On + this evening she gave vent to her dismay in short, expressive words: + </p> + <p> + “Sallie's bonnet!” “And cape!” This last, after a moment's thought. “And + shoes!” she added, as the magnitude of her troubles grew upon her. + </p> + <p> + Drawn up close to the sidewalk stood a carriage and a pair of horses that + Dirk could not help giving admiring attention to, despite the rain. A fine + horse always held his attention. No thought of the occupants of the + carriage came to him, not even after a head leaned forward and a hand + beckoned; of course it was beckoning to somebody else. Then a clear voice + spoke:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Colson!” + </p> + <p> + He started quickly forward; there was but one person who ever said “Mr. + Colson,” and besides, that voice belonged only to one. + </p> + <p> + “I want your sister to go home with me. It is raining so hard that she + ought not to walk, and I should like very much to have her stay with me + to-night. Won't you ask her to, please?” + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Roberts had been asking a favor, instead of conferring one, her + voice could not have been sweeter and more winning. + </p> + <p> + Dirk went back to his sister, too much bewildered by the state of affairs + even to express surprise. “Mart,” he said, “she wants you.” + </p> + <p> + A quick spring to the sidewalk, and young Ried was standing beside Mart. + “It is raining so hard,” he explained, “Mrs. Roberts would be very glad if + you would come.” + </p> + <p> + And Mart, thinking of nothing at all, save Sallie's bonnet and cape and + shoes, turned toward the waiting carriage. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ried had his umbrella raised, and carefully shielded the bonnet, + assisting its wearer to enter the carriage with as much courtesy as he had + bestowed on Gracie Dennis but a few moments before. Not a movement was + lost on the watching Dirk. + </p> + <p> + When the door was closed and the goodnights had been said,—Mrs. + Roberts leaning from the carriage again for that purpose,—and when + the horses had dashed around the corner, he still occupied his position on + the curbstone, gazing down the street, gazing at nothing unless he saw a + reflection of his own bewildered thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” said a policeman who knew him, and was therefore suspicious, “What + are you hanging about here for? Move on!” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Dirk, as he slowly took his hands out of his pockets, eyes + still fixed on the corner where the carriage had turned, “what if I + should?” + </p> + <p> + Something in his eye would have told Mrs. Roberts, had she been there, + that he meant more than moving down the street; though that he presently + did, regardless of wind and rain. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the bonnet and cape in the carriage stepped somewhat into the + background, and the girl who wore them allowed herself once more to think + of her individuality, and to wonder at her position. She sat bolt upright + on the edge of the soft, gray seat, and gazed about her as well as she + could by the glimmer of the street lamps. She in a carriage! Mart Colson + sitting on a back seat, beside a grand lady, and rolling down the avenue! + Who would have supposed that such a thing could have happened to Sallie + Calkins' bonnet? Mrs. Roberts recognized the bonnet and cape with a smile + of satisfaction. She had studied much over the possibilities of this + girl's costume. Was it probable that she had anything suitable to wear to + a lecture? She had passed the cellar where the girl lived but once, and + had had but one glimpse of her; yet these glimpses had been enough to + render it highly improbable that she had any street costume. Then, had + Mrs. Roberts canvassed the possibilities of getting a street-suit for her, + there were apparently insurmountable difficulties in the way. She was too + utterly unacquainted with the ground to venture. Besides, there were + reasons for believing that anything of value would find its way from that + cellar to a pawnbroker's in a very short space of time. + </p> + <p> + Having spent hours over many different schemes, and rejected each one as + liable to bring disaster, Mrs. Roberts was obliged to betake herself to + prayer. If the watching Saviour wanted her to work through the medium of + this lecture on this particular child of His, He could certainly see that + she was present; could furnish her with clothes to wear, either through + herself or some other of His servants. She would wait and watch. + </p> + <p> + Not once had she thought of Sallie Calkins and the new bonnet that her own + fingers had helped to fashion; yet here it was beside her on the head of + this girl, toward whom she was drawn! The fact made Mrs. Roberts radiant. + </p> + <p> + She said almost nothing to the startled prisoner at her side, beyond a + murmured, “So glad you let me carry you home with me!” Then she drew a + bright-colored wrap about her, and left her to her amazement, while the + eager tongues of the rest of the party talked continuously. + </p> + <p> + By the way, you are not acquainted with the pink room, I think? You should + see it before it is invaded for the night. Large, it is. I think little + people sometimes have a peculiar fondness for large rooms; Mrs. Roberts + had. The walls were tinted with what might be called a suggestion of pink, + with just a touch of sunset gold about the mouldings. + </p> + <p> + The carpet was soft and rich; it gave back no sound of footfall. It was + strewn with pink buds; some just opening into beauty, some half-blown. + Accustomed to the sight of elegant carpets as you are, you would almost + have stooped to pick one of these buds, they looked so real. The curtains + to the windows were white, but lined with rose pink; they were looped back + with knots of pink ribbons. The bed was a marvel of pink and white + drapery; so was the dressing-bureau. The easy-chairs were upholstered in + soft grays with a pinkish tinge; and the tidies, lavishly displayed, were + all of pink and white. There was nothing conventional about the room. A + professional would have been shocked by some of its appointments. Many a + lady of wealth, accustomed to having things as “they” decree, would have + been more than doubtful over the pink ribbons and the profusion of white + drapery. Aside from the carpet, and a choice picture or two, there was + nothing especially expensive about the furnishings. It was simply a room + in which Mrs. Roberts had allowed her own sweet little fancies to take her + captive. + </p> + <p> + The gas was lighted; the door was ajar into a toilet-room; a lavish + display of great, beautiful towels could be seen as you peeped in, and + various touches told of an expected guest. Flowers were blossoming on the + mantel, and a tiny vase which stood on a bracket near the toilet-stand + held a single rose of a peculiar hue and perfume, which had blossomed for + this hour. At least, Mrs. Roberts thought so. + </p> + <p> + Into this room, in all its purity and beauty, went Sallie Calkins' bonnet + and cape and her strong, new, thick shoes; and the wearer thereof pushed + the bonnet away from her flushed face, and stood and looked about her. + </p> + <p> + Down stairs they discussed in curious tones—not her, but the + mistress of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy, I do think you are too queer for anything! Why don't you have her + go to Katy's room? Katy is away for the night, you know, and I'm sure her + room is as neat and pretty as can be. Imagine what a contrast it would be + to anything that she has ever seen! Mr. Ried, you ought to see the room + into which she has been put. There isn't a more elegant one in the house. + Some of its furnishings are so delicate that I hardly like to touch them. + What sort of a disease is it that has taken Mrs. Roberts, do you suppose, + to send her there? Flossy, she will get no rest to-night; she will be + afraid of that immaculate bed.”' + </p> + <p> + This, of course, was Gracie Dennis. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts looked from her to his wife,—his face smiling, curious, + yet with a sort of at-rest expression. + </p> + <p> + “What do you hope to accomplish, Flossy?” He asked the question as one who + was pleased to watch a new experiment, yet felt sure that the experimenter + had an end to attain which would justify any measures that she might take. + Mr. Roberts had believed in his wife when he chose her from all others; + but he was learning to believe in her in a peculiar sense, as one led by a + hand that made no mistakes. + </p> + <p> + She turned to answer his question; her face bright, yet half puzzled:— + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure that I can explain to you what I hoped for,” she said; “I + caught the idea from Mr. Ried.” + </p> + <p> + “From me!” and the young man thus mentioned looked so astonished and + incredulous that Gracie laughed. + </p> + <p> + “He is sure he never thought of anything so wild,” she said, gayly. + “Flossy, you must find a better excuse than that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it was something that he said. Do you remember telling me, not long + ago, about your sister's idea that all the world had lost its place + because of sin; that God intended everything here to be beautiful, and all + life to be bright with joy, and that Satan had gotten hold of men's lives, + and was trying to ruin them, and that every beautiful creation was God's + picture to the world of what his intention had been? I'm telling it + poorly; but it made a very deep impression. This girl's face, you know, is + beautiful. It is what God meant some faces to be; at least, I mean he has + given her the frame for a face of beauty. I have a vague, half-understood + sort of wish to give her a glimpse of harmony; something that will fit her + golden hair and lovely complexion; and see what she will think of God's + idea, and whether she will understand that it is sin which has spoiled it, + and whether she is willing to serve the author of her ruin. I don't + believe I am making myself plain, but I know what I mean, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “If we do not, I think it must be because you have caught a thought from + God, that we are not able to reach up to.” + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Roberts who made this reply. Something in his wife's experiment + had deeply moved him. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Ried, his face lighted, as it always did, at the mention of his + sister's name. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes I almost think that it is Ester still at work, and that He lets + her work through this woman.” + </p> + <p> + It was what he said to Gracie Dennis in an aside. Mrs. Roberts had already + gone to see in person to the comfort of her guest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — “O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!” + </h2> + <p> + She found her standing before the mirror. By reason of the fact that she + understood no pretty trick of braid or curl, her long yellow hair hung + just as Nature had made it, with no waves or ripples save those which had + grown with its growth. It fell about her now like a sunset cloud. She had + taken from the vase near at hand a rose, which she had pushed in among the + masses of hair, with no knowledge as to how it should be arranged, or, + indeed, thought; yet the effect was something which made Mrs. Roberts give + an involuntary start of admiration. + </p> + <p> + Still it was evident that, though apparently gazing at herself, she was + thinking away beyond herself. It is doubtful if at that moment she saw the + flower, or her own reflection, or knew that she was looking. Her eyes had + the faraway expression which one sometimes sees in great power on faces + like hers. She turned as Mrs. Roberts, having softly knocked and received + no answer, softly entered, and her first words indicated the intensity of + her thought, whatever it was:— + </p> + <p> + “Dirk has <i>got</i> to go there!” + </p> + <p> + “Go where?” asked Mrs. Roberts, startled out of the words she meant to + speak; startled by the hint of power in the voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + “Of whom are you thinking, my dear girl? and where do you want him to go?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm thinking about Dirk, ma'am; I thought about him all the evening; the + man made me; and I've made up my mind; he's <i>got</i> to go to heaven!” + </p> + <p> + I suppose I cannot give you an idea of the force in her voice. It was as + though a resolution, from which there could be no appeal, had been taken, + and the person resolving felt her own power to accomplish. It was + altogether an unexpected answer to Mrs. Roberts. She did not know whether + to be half-frightened or to laugh. + </p> + <p> + She sat down in one of the easy-chairs to study the girl, and consider + what answer to make. Mart, meantime, turned back to the survey of herself + in the mirror, or to the survey of whatever she saw there, and continued + talking:— + </p> + <p> + “I never knew much about heaven. You may guess that, if you have ever been + in our alley. Only lately, Sallie Calkins she's been telling me what you + told her; and I had a kind of notion that you must know what you was + talking about, and that it was for rich folks and grand folks like you; + but the man told about that Madge, you know, to-night—an awful + drunkard and swearer, and all that—how she reformed and went to + heaven. Dirk ain't no drunkard; but he will be. Everybody says he will, + because father is such an awful one. Mother, she's never had no hope of + him. She says father didn't drink till he was most twenty, and then he + begun; and she's looking for Dirk to begin, and I haven't thought he could + help it either. What if he doesn't care for it much yet? He will, it's + likely. I've never told nobody that, not even Sallie, and I've been mad at + mother every time she said any such thing; but all the time I've been + expecting him to begin; and I know well enough, when once they <i>begin</i>, + how it goes on. But that man to-night told things that made a difference. + He says that God can keep them from wanting to drink, and help them right + straight along; and that they can go to heaven as well as the next one. + I've wanted nice things for Dirk all my life; but I never saw no way to + get them, and it made me mad. To-night I saw a way, but I never had no + kind of a notion how heaven looked till I come into this room, and see the + light and the flowers and the shine, and another room spread out there in + the glass: and now I know, and Dirk shall go!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was in no mood for laughing, the tears were dropping slowly + on the flower she held in her hand. Mart saw in the glass just then a + sight which seemed to add to her surprise. She turned wondering eyes on + her hostess. + </p> + <p> + “What are you crying for?” she asked. “Don't spoil the flower; it is like + the one Dirk bought me once. He said you sent it to me. I kept it most a + week. I took it over to Sallie's, and she got fresh water for it every + day, somehow; and it was then she begun to tell me what you said about + heaven, and I thought if God had made such flowers as that for you, it was + likely he had made a heaven for you; but I didn't believe it was for Dirk + till to-night, and I didn't have no kind of a notion how it looked till + just now. Do you <i>believe</i> what that man said—that folks like + Dirk can go? Of course, if Madge went, why Dirk would have a <i>right</i>. + He is bad just because he <i>has</i> to be. He never had no chance to be + anything else; and he ain't very bad, anyhow—nothing to compare with + some.” Her voice was almost fierce in its earnestness; she was beginning + to resent the creeping doubt that Mrs. Roberts' silence suggested. + </p> + <p> + Careful words must be spoken now. What if this awakening soul should be + turned aside! No wonder that the unspoken words were prayers. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk has a <i>right</i> to go to heaven,” she said, steadily, sweetly; + “there is not the shadow of a doubt as to his right. No one in the world—not + Satan himself—can deprive him of it; and it is not only his <i>right</i>, + but his duty to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he shall!” + </p> + <p> + I wish I could give you an idea of the strength in the girl's voice. It + almost carried conviction with it to Mrs. Roberts' heart. + </p> + <p> + “Come and sit down,” she said, and she drew her towards one of the low + cushions. If Mart sat on that, her head would be just where a gentle hand + could stroke the masses of hair. + </p> + <p> + “Let me talk with you about this. You are mistaken in one thing. Dirk is + very bad. He is bad enough to shut him out of heaven forever.” + </p> + <p> + The girl started, and tried to fling off the caressing hand. + </p> + <p> + “So are you,” said the gentle voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, <i>me</i>! Don't talk about me! Whoever said I wasn't bad? Let me go; + I want to go home. I don't care how hard it rains.” + </p> + <p> + “And so am I,” continued the gentle voice. + </p> + <p> + The girl on the cushion ceased struggling to free herself from the + caressing touch, and remained motionless. + </p> + <p> + “Let me tell you of something that we have each done a great many times. + We have been asked and urged and coaxed day after day, and year after + year, to accept an invitation to go to this very heaven, and we have paid + no attention at all; and this, after Jesus Christ had given His life to + make a way for us to go. Is not that being bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Dirk he never had no invitation—never heard anything about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has,” speaking with quiet firmness. “The Lord Jesus Christ told + me to invite him, and I have done so a great many times, and he has made + no answer; and Sallie Calkins has invited you, and you have treated it in + just the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't that being bad? What has He ever done that you should refuse to + believe His word, when He died an awful death to prove to you that He was + in earnest?” + </p> + <p> + “You said Dirk had a <i>right</i> to go.” + </p> + <p> + “So he has. Jesus Christ has given him a right, if he will. I have invited + you to my house, and asked you to spend the night in this room, and sleep + in this bed. Has any person a right to keep you from doing so?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” An emphatic nod of the head, and a lingering, almost loving look at + the white bed behind her. + </p> + <p> + “Then cannot you truthfully say that you have a <i>right</i> to be here? + My dear girl, it is so faint an illustration of what Jesus Christ has done + to give you a right to heaven, that I almost wonder at your understanding + it. But can you imagine something of how I should have felt had I urged + you to come to me night after night, for weeks and years, and you had + turned from me with no answer, or else with scorn?” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't have kept on asking me.” Mart spoke with the assurance of + one who had firm faith in her statement. + </p> + <p> + “No, I presume I should not. I would have said after the third or fourth + invitation, 'If she really will not have anything to do with me I cannot + help it,' and I should have tried to forget you. This is one of the many + differences between Christ and me. He waits, and asks, and <i>asks</i>. + How long will you keep Him waiting?” + </p> + <p> + I have given you only the beginning of the conversation. It was long ere + it was concluded. + </p> + <p> + Down stairs Mr. Ried waited as long as he could, curious to know the + result of Mart's first impressions. Then he went away, and Gracie went to + her room, and the house settled into quiet, and Mr. Roberts, in the + library, waited for his wife, while she told over again, with tender words + and simple illustrations, the “old, old story,” so fitted to the wants of + the world. + </p> + <p> + How many times has there been a like result. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when they knelt together, the fair child of luxury and the + child of poverty; but the Saviour, who intercedes for both, bent His ear, + and heard again the cry of a groping soul, seeking Him out of darkness, + and held out His loving, never-failing arms, able to reach down to her + depth, and received her to himself. Who can tell that story? Who can + describe how heaven seemed to the girl just then? + </p> + <p> + It was not what Mrs. Roberts had expected. I cannot even say that it was + what she had hoped for. Her faith had not reached to such a height at all. + She could hardly have put into words what she hoped. When she ventured to + try to tell it to the friends in the parlor, and to you, I doubt whether + you understood. She thought to get a hold on the girl; to show her + something of God's beauty and love, as it shone through herself; to make + her long after something her life did not give, and to gradually lead her + to seek after satisfaction in Christ. A long process—something that + should unfold gradually, with many discouraging drawbacks, and some days + that would look like utter failures. She had schooled herself to be + prepared for this, but she had not looked for Him to exert His mighty + power to save in a moment. How it had touched her to find a soul, hungry, + not for itself, but for a brother, I shall not attempt to tell. The first + words she said, after she went back to her waiting husband, a little after + midnight, were these:— + </p> + <p> + “He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. I + think that is what is the matter with the world to-day. I wonder if He + would not be pleased with one who could throw herself at His feet with a + childlike abandon of faith, and expect wonders, yes, and impossibilities, + just as a child feels that <i>anything</i> can be done by father? God has + shamed my faith to-night. It is as though I had asked for a crumb of + bread, and he gave me the entire loaf. That girl up-stairs has not heard + of Him before as a Saviour for <i>her</i>; has never thought of such a + thing, or, at least, dreamed of its possibility, and yet she has given + herself to Him. And Evan, what do you think were the first words she said? + 'O Lord, take Dirk, too!' She is on her knees at this moment praying for + him. If you could have seen her face when it first dawned upon her that + she could tell God about him, and ask for His mighty power to be exerted + in his behalf, it would have been a picture for your lifetime. Oh, Evan, + Evan, why can we not expect great things of God?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — “AN AWFUL PROBLEM” + </h2> + <p> + Isn't it strange, the ways the Lord takes to answer prayers? + </p> + <p> + Much prayer had been made for Dirk Colson, but few had thought of his + sister. Sallie Calkins, it is true, had come with trembling steps into the + light of Christ's love, and had immediately desired to have Mart enjoy it + with her, but was very trembling and doubting as to her ability to reach + Mart, or to influence her in the right direction. She sent the bonnet and + cape to the lecture with a prayer, but she did not look for the prayer to + be answered. Verily, He has to be content with faith “less than a grain of + mustard-seed.” + </p> + <p> + Was the rest of the story an answer to prayer? We are to remember that He + has strange ways. Events startling enough in their import followed each + other in rapid succession. In the first place, Dirk's father, poor, + wrecked man, returned no more. Whether he had wandered among the network + of railroads which lined the southern portion of the city, and lost his + life there, or whether he had fallen into the river, or just how he had + disappeared, could not be discovered. There were three men killed by an + accident on the road one night, but their disfigured bodies were buried + before Dirk heard of it. There was a man seen struggling in the water off + the lower wharf one evening, but he sank before help could reach him, and + his body was not recovered. There were half a dozen men killed by a boiler + explosion, but that was not heard of in time to look into it. There were + so many ways in which the wreck might have gone out of life and left no + sign. They were safe in supposing that he was intoxicated, and that was + about all they could be perfectly sure of, concerning him; that, and the + fact that he came no more. Of course, there was no such search for him as + is made for the man of respectability and position. To one who had some + idea of the worth of a soul, it was pitiful to see what a tiny ripple this + disappearance made on the surface of life. + </p> + <p> + A moment of startled questioning by those who lived in the immediate + neighborhood; a few women with aprons thrown over their heads congregating + in groups around the pump, or before the door of the bakery; a crowd of + dirty children, stopping their play for a moment, and speaking lower;—then + the tide of noisy, fighting, swearing life went on. + </p> + <p> + One was gone out from it. Whither? None knew, few cared; and there were + such crowds and <i>crowds</i> left, how could he be missed? + </p> + <p> + One missed him,—an abused, insulted, downtrodden woman. One whom, + years before, he had promised to love and cherish until death parted them, + and had broken the vows almost as soon as taken, and never renewed them + again. Yet that woman wept bitter tears over his absence; watched for him, + listened nightly for his staggering footsteps; rose up from her heap of + straw in the corner in the middle of the night, and set wide open the + cellar door, and listened to the angry voices floating down to her from + some drunken brawl further up the street, if, perchance, she might hear <i>his</i>; + listened, and held her breath, and quivered all over with hope and fear: + then crept back to her miserable bed, covered her head with the ragged + quilt, and cried herself into a few hours of forgetfulness. + </p> + <p> + “She is crying herself to death about him!” Mart said. There was surprise + mingled with awe in her voice. + </p> + <p> + She told it to Dirk, and the two stood thoughtfully for a moment looking + out at the one window. They carefully avoided looking at each other. They + did not understand. To them there was simply relief in the father's + absence. They had no trace of love for him in their hearts. The word + “father” meant nothing to them but misery. Still there was that in them + which respected the mother's grief; they tried to shield her. Dirk, of his + own thoughtfulness, brought home a bit of tea in a paper, and bought half + a pint of milk at the corner bakery; and Mart took lessons of Sallie, and + made a delicate slice of toast, and borrowed Sallie's one cup and saucer + to serve the tea in. She was disappointed that the mother cried, and could + hardly drink the tea. She was even almost vexed that the mother said with + tears that “poor Jock always did like tea so <i>much</i>, and she had + always thought that maybe if he could have had it hot and strong he would + not have taken to the drink.” + </p> + <p> + Mart had no faith in this, no belief that anything in her father's past + life could have kept him from the drink; but she held herself silent, and + let the tears have their way. All the time she had in her heart one great + solemn regret. There was one who would have helped her father; would and + could have saved him, even from rum. What if she, his daughter, had known + the Lord Jesus, and could have taken the miserable father to Him and had + him transformed! Mart had no doubt about <i>His</i> power to do it. An + unanswerable argument had been given her. No infidel need try to assail + her now. + </p> + <p> + But the father! Why had everybody kept silence, and let him sink away? + </p> + <p> + Awful! + </p> + <p> + Why had not she known Christ? Why had she not listened to Sallie but a + week before? Why had not Dirk learned the way and saved his father? An + awful problem! Mart's life must henceforth be shadowed by it. + </p> + <p> + Meantime what was Mrs. Roberts to do for this new-born soul? How was she + to help her, and, through her, to help her brother? + </p> + <p> + She, in her elegant home, sat down to study this problem. + </p> + <p> + Life at East Fifty-fifth Street was so far removed from life in the alley + that she knew nothing about the missing father. Days passed, and, busy + with many claims of society, she had made no movement toward helping the + girl, and knew as yet no way to do it; yet she carried her on her heart. + Monday evening came and went, and still she had been detained from any + effort. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon her thoughts shaped themselves into action. She would go and + see Mart. She would get Dirk to protect her in her journey down the alley; + also, in accomplishing this, she would accomplish another thing. She would + call on Dirk at his place of business. The chief of the office was a + Christian man; yet she had reason to believe that he knew less about Dirk, + and cared much less for him, than he did for his little dog, who sat in + the window and barked at passers-by. + </p> + <p> + She had no difficulty in securing attention. Ladies were not often + admitted, but a card bearing the name “Mrs. Evan Roberts” was sufficient + passport among any of the business men of the city. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stone was more than ready, he was eager to serve her. What could he do + for the elegantly-dressed lady whose carriage waited at the door, while + she came in person among the bales and boxes? Her business must be urgent. + </p> + <p> + It was. Could she speak with Mr. Colson just for a moment? She would not + detain him long; but she wished to make an appointment with him for the + next day. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Colson!” The chief and his perplexed assistant looked at each other + thoughtfully, and shook their heads. There was no such person connected + with their establishment. She must have the wrong number. + </p> + <p> + No; she was positive. + </p> + <p> + “He told me only three days ago that he was in your employ. He is on the + third floor, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen looked at each other again. + </p> + <p> + “Colson!” repeated Mr. Stone. “There is certainly a mistake. Briggs is in + charge on the third floor front, and Dickson has the back rooms. No, Mrs. + Roberts, we have no such name among our men, I am positive.” + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts gently held her ground. She was sure she was not + mistaken, for she had talked with him about his work and the different + men. He was in Mr. Briggs' department, she felt quite sure. He was not a + foreman, she explained, but quite a young man; had been there but a few + weeks, and Dr. Everett was the one who had interested himself in securing + the place. + </p> + <p> + Light of some sort began to dawn on the perplexed faces of the gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + “Can she mean black Dirk, do you suppose?” questioned the elder, looking + hard at his associate. + </p> + <p> + Then came the sweet voice of the visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; he is not a colored gentleman. His name is Colson,—Mr. + Derrick Colson.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the one,” said the gentleman, quickly. Should he laugh or be + annoyed? + </p> + <p> + It took but a moment after that to summon “Mr. Derrick Colson.” Black he + was, certainly, not only by reason of his naturally dark skin, but because + of the grimy work, whatever it was, which fell to his lot. His big apron + was soiled with ink and oil, and daubed with bits of dark color which + seemed not to be either. + </p> + <p> + He came forward with his usual shambling gait, and an additional shade of + sullenness apparent on his face, but it glowed a swarthy red when he + recognized the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Good afternoon, Mr. Colson,” she said, and she held forth her + delicately-gloved hand. + </p> + <p> + His own went forward to meet it; then drew suddenly back. + </p> + <p> + “It is not clean enough,” he said; “there's ink or something on it.”' + </p> + <p> + But the lavender kids were not withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the ink; a little honest soil never hurt anybody,” and the + rough, dark hand was taken in her own. + </p> + <p> + Then occurred a few moments' chat; at least the lady chatted with easy + familiarity. She referred to the “Social Parlors,” to the “Monday + Evenings,” to Miss Dennis' “Musicale,” to half a dozen themes about which + the bewildered gentlemen within hearing knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + Could it be that the low-voiced, gentle lady was trying to give <i>them</i> + a lesson as well as to talk with Dirk? Finally she made an appointment for + the next afternoon. Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for an + hour, if convenient? Certainly, it would be convenient to please Mrs. Evan + Roberts. + </p> + <p> + Dirk was very much embarrassed. He blushed and stammered, and did not know + how to answer any of the kindnesses; but there were two things during the + interview which gave Mrs. Roberts more pleasure than you, perhaps, are + able to understand. + </p> + <p> + One was, that at sight of her he had suddenly snatched off the paper cap + which he wore, and the other, that having set it again on his head as he + turned from her, he glanced back from the door, and, in answer to her bow + and smile, lifted the ugly little cap with an air that was an exact + imitation of young Ried, and yet so well done that you would not have + thought of it as an imitation. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts could have clapped her hands; but she did not. Instead she + said, sweetly:— + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad that Mr. Colson is in the employ of a Christian gentleman. + He is greatly in need of help from all Christian sources, and I am sure + there is that in him which will respond to judicious effort.” + </p> + <p> + Then she let the bewildered man attend her to her carriage, and went her + way rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + But there were plans being laid for her at that moment of which she knew + nothing. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow she would go and see the golden-haired girl. In a neatly-packed + basket she had certain things, among them a bonnet and a sack that she + knew would fit the hair and face, and she believed would give Mart + pleasure. If only she could contrive a natural way to give them to her, + and there could be planned ways of keeping them safe from the pawnbroker's + grasp. All this time she knew nothing of the fact that the hand which had + grasped for years to furnish the pawnbroker was stilled forever. It had + not once occurred to Dirk to tell her. It is a solemn fact that in this + greater excitement he had actually forgotten it! As for the “Christian + employer,” he did not know of it to tell. He had not so much as known + whether black Dirk had a father or not. He was simply a street rough, whom + Dr. Everett was trying experiments with; and because there was an unusual + pressure on the office, and poor help was better than none, he was helping + the experiment. + </p> + <p> + However, when Dirk went home from the office that night he remembered that + the father was gone. + </p> + <p> + Mart met him at the door, a look of solemn determination on her face. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk,” she said, “<i>she's</i> going; as sure as you live, she's going. + She's been bad all the afternoon. Sallie says that Mark's doctor will come + to see her,—she knows he will, and Mark shall go for him as soon as + he comes home; but I don't mean to wait for no doctor. I want <i>her</i> + to come. <i>She</i> knows the way, and I want mother to be told it right, + so there won't be no mistake. You go for her, Dirk, right off straight. + There ain't any time to lose, for I tell you now she's <i>going</i>. She's + been failing all along, you know, and she has just cried herself down. + Dirk, will you go for <i>her</i> as fast as you can?” + </p> + <p> + The confusion of pronouns might have bewildered you. They did not Dirk. “<i>Her</i>” + meant to him exactly what it did to Mart. He could not think how it could + possibly mean any other person. But this was astounding news about his + mother! It was one thing to have a father disappear, whom he had simply + feared, until he had learned to hate; it was quite another thing to talk + about the going away of the only one who had ever tried to mend his + clothes, and who had sat up nights to wash them when she could. + </p> + <p> + He strode past Mart into the wretched room, and looked at the bed in the + corner. + </p> + <p> + The mother was asleep, but on her face was a strange change—a + something that he had never seen there before, worn and sunken as it + always was. It made him understand Mart's fears. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go,” he said huskily, and rushed from the house. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Her</i>” carriage was just rolling down the avenue as his swift feet + cleared the alley. He knew the horses. He was a little ahead of them; but + it was not probable that the driver would stop for him. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you stop that carriage?” he said in breathless haste to a policeman + at the corner; “I've got to speak to the lady that's in it.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be quite likely to, no doubt!” said the policeman, in quiet irony. + “What rascality are you up to now, Dirk? <i>Can't</i> you be decent for a + few days?” + </p> + <p> + But Dirk was trying to free himself from the detaining hand, and threw up + one arm in a sort of despairing gesture to the coachman. Mr. Roberts + caught the signal, recognized the face, and in another moment the horses + stood restlessly by the curb-stone, and Dirk, his embarrassment gone, told + his brief story rapidly. + </p> + <p> + “Father went off a spell ago, and never came back; and mother, she is + sickly, and it set her crying; and she's <i>going</i>, Mart thinks, and I + guess it's so; and Mart wants you to come and show her the way. She said + you knew how, and you would come.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — “MAY SHE GO WITH ME?” + </h2> + <p> + Of course she went. And, of course, now that the truth was known, much was + done. Dr. Everett was summoned. The wretched bed, with its distressing + rags, were turned out together, and a comfortable one took its place. + Broths and teas and jellies and physical comfort of every kind were + furnished, and the doctor did his best to battle with the disease that + long years of want and misery had fastened upon their victim. It was all + too late, of course. It was true, what Mr. Roberts sadly said, that half + of the effort, expended years or even months before, might have saved the + poor, tortured life; but now! + </p> + <p> + How awful those “too lates” are! Isn't it a wonder that we ever take the + risk of having one ring in our ears forever? There was one thing over + which some of these Christian workers shed tears of joy. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> am too late,” said Dr. Everett, “but my Master has as much power + to-day as ever. He can save her.” + </p> + <p> + And He did. The poor, tired woman, who years before had remembered an old + story well enough to name her one daughter “Martha,” in memory of the one + who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” roused her dull heart at + the mention of His name, and listened while the wonderful story was told + her that He loved not only Martha and her sister, but her own poor, + sinful, wrecked self; loved her enough to reach after her, and call and + wait, and prepare for her a home in His glory. + </p> + <p> + Dear! Why has not some one come with the news before? Surely she would + have listened during these long, sad years. Well, they made the way plain. + Neither was it a difficult thing to do. The woman was weary and + travel-stained and afraid, and longed for nothing so much as a place of + refuge. She knew that she was a sinner; she knew that she was, and had + been for many a year, powerless to help herself. Why should she not hail + with joy the story of a great and willing Helper? + </p> + <p> + “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” She opened her eyes + with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words. “Weary?”' Yes, indeed! “Heavy + laden?” Who more so? If the call was not for her, whom <i>could</i> it + mean? What else? Why, what, but the glorious old story, “I will give you + rest?” What wonder that she closed her eyes and smiled! What wonder that + the first words after that were: “I'll come; show me how.” And He showed + her how. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk,” the sister said, when the mother had gone the last and only + restful journey of her life, “Dirk, <i>she</i> went to heaven; and I'm + going. I've been wanting to tell you for more than a week, but I didn't + know how. <i>He</i> asked me to, and I'm going. Now <i>you</i> must. + 'Cause we never had a good time here, and she'll kind of expect it in + heaven, and be looking out for you; she always looked out for you, Dirk.” + </p> + <p> + Then did Dirk lose his half-sullen self-control, and great tears rolled + down his dark cheeks. + </p> + <p> + But the sister shed no tears. She had serious business to attend to. Dirk + must go to heaven now without fail. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + One day there was an unusual scene in the alley. It was no uncommon thing + to see a coffin carried out from there, but on this day there was a + hearse, and a minister in Dr. Everett's carriage, and Dirk and his sister, + in neat apparel, came out together and were seated in Mr. Roberts' + carriage; and all the boys of the Monday-evening Class walked arm in arm + after the slow-moving carriages; and the children of the alley stopped + their placing and their fighting, and the women stood silent in doorways, + and took, most of them, their very first lesson in the proprieties of + life. + </p> + <p> + “She's got a ride in a carriage at last, poor soul!” said one, thinking of + the worn-out body in the coffin; and another said: “I wonder what poor old + Jock would think of all this?” + </p> + <p> + But the scene made its impression, and left its lesson. I think the voices + of some of them were lower during the rest of the day because of it. + </p> + <p> + What next? It was the question that filled Mrs. Roberts' thoughts. + Something must be done for Dirk and Mart. That fearful alley was no place + for human beings; certainly not for these two. But what to do with them + was a question not easily answered. + </p> + <p> + Various plans were proposed. Sallie Calkins' two rooms were much better + than the cellar in which the Colson family had lived; and there was a + chance to rent a room next to Sallie's, with a closet opening from it for + Dirk. How would it do to have them board with Sallie? The suggestion came + first from Gracie Dennis, and sounded reasonable. Mrs. Roberts was almost + ashamed to dislike it as much as she did. Sallie's neat rooms were <i>home</i> + now. The father, for this length of time at least, held to his pledge; and + son and daughter were radiant over him. He had gone to work, and already + the two rooms were taking on an air of greater comfort because of the + little things that he proudly brought home. + </p> + <p> + Sallie was doing her part wisely. The table was regularly laid now, with a + white cloth and knives and forks; and two new cups and plates had been + added to the dishes. Would it be wise to invade this home just at this + juncture and introduce boarders? Mrs. Roberts did not believe that it + would. It was not as though the father had an established character, and + stood ready to shield his children; they were still acting the protective, + and he had but too recently risen from the depths where Dirk and Mart had + laughed and jeered at him. Besides, the rooms were located in that + dreadful alley; and, do what she would, Mrs. Roberts could not feel that + that dangerously-beautiful face could find a safe abiding-place in that + alley. Some other way must be thought of. + </p> + <p> + Their immediate future was arranged through the intervention of a house + agent; for even that dreary and desolate cellar had its agent, who was + eager to secure his rent. He was unwise enough to undertake to interview + Mrs. Roberts as she descended from her carriage, not long after it had + followed Mart's mother to the grave. + </p> + <p> + He considered this effort of his a special stroke of business energy. He + wanted to be patient with the poor, he said; there wasn't an agent in the + city who waited for them oftener than he did; but business was business, + and it stood to reason that he could not depend on a fellow like Dirk. It + had been bad enough when the mother was there, but he couldn't think of + such a thing as risking it now. What was he to understand? Did she mean to + rent the room for them, and for how long? Because it was his duty to look + out for the future. + </p> + <p> + What would be more natural than for Mrs. Roberts, with those two young + things looking on, to say that of course she would be responsible for the + rent as long as they lived in the room? Thus reasoned the house agent. + </p> + <p> + Instead of which, Mrs. Roberts turned toward Dirk, her face flushed over + the hardness of a man who could stop a boy and girl on such business on + their way from their mother's grave, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “If I were in your place, Mr. Colson, I should not rent these rooms at + all. They are not suited to your sister's needs. I am sure you can do + better.” + </p> + <p> + The agent was disgusted. “<i>Mr.</i> Colson,” indeed! The disreputable + young scamp whom nobody trusted. He would show this silly woman a fact or + two. + </p> + <p> + “Business is business” he repeated, doggedly. “Either they must take the + room, and pay the rent in advance, or else they must hustle out this very + night.” He had waited now three days after time for decency's sake, and + more than that he couldn't and wouldn't do. + </p> + <p> + Dirk stood looking from one to the other; the red coming and going on his + swarthy face. Here was responsibility! He had not thought of it before. + The mother was not there to count out the hoarded rent with trembling + fingers, and save the wretched home to them for another month. She would + never be there again. He had nothing with which to pay rent; he had + nowhere to move. Yet <i>she</i> had called him Mr. Colson, and seemed to + expect him to act for himself and Mart. + </p> + <p> + It was she who answered the agent, but she spoke to Dirk. + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I suppose you are quite as willing to leave here to-night as + at any time? If I were you, I would leave immediately. Let your sister + come home with me for the night, and until you have time to make other + arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts had been summoned to a bank meeting, and had sent Ried to + attend his wife. He came forward now, from the carriage where he had stood + waiting, and laid a hand on Dirk's arm. + </p> + <p> + “And you come home with me to-night, Colson,” he said in a cordial tone, + such as he might have used with any young friend; “then we shall have a + chance to talk things over and make plans.” + </p> + <p> + “That is nice,” Mrs. Roberts said, quickly, rejoicing in her heart over + Ried's promptness to act. “Then you can get away from this wretched place + at once. Mr. Roberts will see to the removal of your goods, whatever you + need, and the agent can call on him in the morning. That will be the + simplest way to settle it all. May she go with me?” + </p> + <p> + A slight, caressing movement of a gloved hand on the girl's arm + accompanied this question. + </p> + <p> + Mart was silent with bewilderment. When had Dirk ever before been asked + what <i>she</i> might do, or might not do? At first she was half inclined + to scorn the suggestion. Then, suddenly, it came to her with a sense of + relief and protection: she was not alone; it was Dirk's business to think + of and care for her. Would he do it? + </p> + <p> + As for Dirk, no wonder that his face was deeply flushed. New thoughts were + struggling in his heart. <i>He</i> was to decide for Mart; he was the head + of the home now. Mrs. Roberts waited anxiously. She longed exceedingly to + rouse in the boy, who was already grown to the stature of a man, a sense + of responsibility. + </p> + <p> + A moment more, and he had shaken himself free from the spell which seemed + to bind him. + </p> + <p> + “We'll do as you say.” He spoke with the air of a man who had assumed his + proper place and taken up his duties. “Mart, you go along with her, and + I'll see about things to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + And Mart, for the first time in her life, received and obeyed in silence a + direction from her brother. + </p> + <p> + Possibly Mrs. Roberts may have been mistaken, but she thought that much + had been accomplished that day. + </p> + <p> + Yet none of them realized whereunto this thing would grow. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, when she ushered Mart that evening into the pink room again, + and showed her how to manage the hot and cold water, and which bell to + ring if she needed anything, and in every imaginable way treated her as a + guest, whom it was pleasant to serve, had really no plans just then—no + hobby to ride—but simply acted out the dictates of her heart. You + will remember that her Christian life had been always unconventional. The + very fact that during her early girlhood she had been painfully trammelled + by what “they” would say or think, seemed to have had its influence over + her later experiences. Since she had been made free, she would be free, + indeed; that is, with the liberty with which Christ makes us free. What + would please <i>Him</i> she resolved should be the one thought to which + she would give careful attention. Now, it is perhaps worthy of mention, + that this closely following disciple did not once stop to determine + whether it would please Him to give such tender care to this stray child + of His, or whether she would be considered doing not just the thing, in <i>His</i> + eyes, if she entertained her in the pink room. + </p> + <p> + About what He could have her do next, she gave much thought. And it was + not for days, or rather weeks, that she caught the possibility of His + meaning that the pink room should really be the girl's own. + </p> + <p> + It was just this way. The weeks went by, and no plan for settling Mart + comfortably elsewhere met Mrs. Roberts' approval. There was constantly + some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do. + </p> + <p> + Meantime they became, she and Gracie Dennis, more and more deeply + interested in Mart. In her wardrobe first. “Wherever she lives she should + have respectable clothing; thus much is easily settled.” So the matron + decreed, and Gracie did not gainsay it. She became absorbed in preparing + it. Such fascinating work! So many things were needed, and her skin was so + delicate, and her eyes so blue, and Gracie's choice of shades and textures + fitted her so precisely. Then, when dressed, simple though her toilet was, + her remarkable beauty shone out so conspicuously as to alarm Mrs. Roberts + whenever she thought of her in shop or store. + </p> + <p> + Several times during the weeks, she visited Sallie Calkins, and looked + about her with a thoughtful air, and came away feeling that it would not + do. There was Mark, growing into manhood, a good boy, hard-working, + respectable, proud of his good, homely sister, and of his reformed father. + The two rooms were taking on every sort of homely comfort that Sallie's + skill, helped by Mrs. Roberts' suggestions, could devise. It was growing + into a model little home in its way, but there was not a corner in it + where Mart would fit. + </p> + <p> + Then, as the days passed, a subtle, fascinating change began to come over + Mart. She slipped quietly into certain household duties. She showed + marvellous skill with her needle; such skill, indeed, that Gracie Dennis + said more than once: “I'll tell you, Flossy, what to do with her: put her + in a good establishment, and let her learn the dressmaking trade. She + could make her fortune in time.” And Mrs. Roberts smiled, and assented to + the statement, but not to the proposition. There was no dressmaking + establishment known to her where she was willing to place so young and + pretty and ignorant a girl. But she was quite willing that Mart should + learn the looping of dresses, and the fitting of sacks and collars and + ruffles; and take many a stitch for her, as well as for Gracie. She was + willing to have her do a dozen little nameless things, the ways of doing + which she had caught up; until at last the touch of her fingers began to + be felt about the rooms, and Mrs. Roberts began to notice that she should + miss Mart when she went away. Still, from the first time she said this, + the thought came afterward with a smile of satisfaction, and it was but a + week afterward that she caught herself phrasing it, that she should miss + her <i>if</i> she went away. + </p> + <p> + What about Dirk? Young Ried could have told you more of him during these + days than anybody else. He still stayed at the boarding-house. Mrs. + Saunders, the mistress of it, was one whom, if you had known her, you + would feel sure could interest herself heartily in such as he. There was a + bit of a room next to Ried's. To be sure, it had been used for a + clothes-press, and it took the busy housekeeper half a day to plan how she + could get along without it; but she planned, and offered it to Ried for + his <i>protégé</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Just for the present, you know, until he sees what he can do, poor + fellow,” she said, and Ried accepted the little room joyfully, and helped + fit it up. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — “WHAT IF I BELONGED?” + </h2> + <p> + You think things are taking very rapid strides? Well, don't you know that + there come periods when they do just that thing, or appear to? Why, even + the buds on the trees teach us the lesson. How many springtimes have you + gone to your bed feeling that the season was late, and the trees were + bare, and the fruits would all be backward, and Nature was dawdling along + in a very wearisome fashion; and awakened in the morning to find that + there had in the night been a gentle rain, and a movement of mysterious + power among the buds and the grasses, and that now, in the morning + sunshine, the world had burst into bloom? Yet, did you really suppose, + after all, that the <i>work</i> was done in one night? + </p> + <p> + There was progress of several sorts in the class at the South End. Even a + casual observer could have seen a change in the boys that first Sunday + after they had attended Dirk's mother to the grave. The dignity of that + hour of sorrow was still upon them. Even the very reckless and + world-hardened will offer a certain degree of respect to death. On + ordinary occasions, the boys might have been merry at Dirk's expense, for + they saw changes in him; but the memory of his mother's coffin kept them + silent, and let his changed manner have its effect. + </p> + <p> + That Sunday was full of small events to Dirk; at least they are small + enough when one puts them on paper, though I admit that they looked large + to him. Several people interested themselves in his welfare. + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” said Mrs. Saunders, “I suppose his mother tried to do for + him. Just as likely as not she had a clean shirt for him of a Sunday + morning.”' + </p> + <p> + You will perceive that Mrs. Saunders, though all her life a resident of a + large city, was not very well-acquainted with the abject poor. In point of + fact, Dirk Colson had had no extra clothing for his mother to make clean. + But Mrs. Saunders, full of the motherly thought, yet finding no trace of a + shirt in the bundle of rags that Dirk had brought with him, went down one + day into the depths of an old trunk, and brought to light and mended and + washed and ironed a shirt that had long been laid aside. + </p> + <p> + It lay in its purity on a chair at the foot of Dirk's bed on Sabbath + morning. He lay still and looked at it for a while, then arose and gave + such careful attention to the soap and water as was new to him, and + arrayed himself in the clean linen. + </p> + <p> + His clothes were whole and clean. Mr. Roberts had seen to it that he went + respectably dressed to his mother's funeral. + </p> + <p> + A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush and + blacking-box in hand. + </p> + <p> + “Want to borrow?” he said, in the careless tone of one who might have + supposed that the blacking of his boots was an every-day matter to this + boy. “I always keep my own; it is cheaper than to depend on the street + boys.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk said nothing at all, but reached forth his hand, and took the offered + tools, and the hint which came with them. When he went down to breakfast + his boots shone, and his fresh paper collar was neatly arranged; + altogether he was not the boy to whom I first introduced you. I am not + sure that Policeman Duffer would have recognized him. A collar and a + necktie make a great difference in some people's personal appearance. Dirk + wondered a little as to where the box of paper collars came from. The + necktie he had just found lying in the bottom of the box. It was the mate + of the one young Ried wore, but that told nothing, for both were simple + and plain, and could be bought by the dozens in any furnishing store. + </p> + <p> + It is small wonder that the boys in the class looked at him. Nimble Dick + wore at first a roguish air, but a sudden memory of Dirk's face when he + turned away from his mother's grave came in time. Open graves are not easy + things to forget. + </p> + <p> + Dirk went to the church that day; went with young Ried by invitation, and + sat in the pew behind Mr. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + By the way, the seat which he occupied was another of Mr. Roberts' + peculiarities. Three seats were rented by him in a central part of the + large church. One of these seats he and his wife regularly occupied. The + others were almost as regularly occupied by the clerks from the store who + chose to make that their church home. Six sittings to a pew. When a young + man chose, Mr. Roberts was ready to enter into a business engagement with + him, whereby the sitting should be considered his own; Mr. Roberts + considering it to be no part of any one's concern that the sum for which + he thus sub-let the sittings was not a tenth of what the first rental + cost. It was in this way that Mr. Ried owned sittings in the pew just back + of that occupied by Mr. Roberts; and brought with him constantly one and + another young man. Today the young man was Dirk Colson. + </p> + <p> + It was all a strange world to him. He had wandered into the gallery of the + Mission Chapel, and looked down from his perch on the crowd of + worshippers; but this morning he was in the very centre of things, as if + he were one of them. Perhaps it is not strange that the startled inquiry + came to his heart: What if I belonged? Where did he belong now? He had + lost his place; he must make another. What if it should be in this + neighborhood, among these surroundings? Such thoughts did not take actual + shape to him, so that he could have put them into words; they merely + hovered in his atmosphere. Mrs. Roberts sat so that he could look at her, + which thing he liked to do. It had long since been settled in his mind + that he had one friend, and that one was Mrs. Roberts. He admired Gracie + Dennis, too, with a different sort of admiration from that which he gave + to the matron. She might be all very well; and she was a splendid reader; + and he knew that he could imitate her on certain sentences, at least. And + she had taught him to use the type-writer—an accomplishment which he + meant to perfect himself in as soon as he had a chance. In fact, his + ambition reached higher than that: one of these days he meant to make one + of his own with certain improvements! Who shall say that Dirk was not + growing? + </p> + <p> + On this particular day there sat beside Mrs. Roberts a lady,—a + stranger. He could not see her face, but for some reason, which he did not + understand, Dirk liked to look at her. She suggested something to him that + seemed like a familiar dream. He thought much about her, and resolved to + see if in her face she looked like any one he ever saw. As she turned at + the close of the service he was looking at her steadily. Lo! it was Mart. + </p> + <p> + Now the possibility had not once suggested itself to his mind. If you + think this doubtful, you merely show that you know nothing about the + transforming effect of a becoming dress, no matter how simple it may be. + Remember, Dirk had never but twice seen his sister in a bonnet. The first + time it was Sallie's, and though the effect was sufficiently startling, + yet Sallie's bonnet did not fit her face, as this creation of Gracie + Dennis' fingers did. The second time the bonnet had been a hideous black + one, proffered by an old woman who lived in the story above them, and + whose thoughtfulness Mrs. Roberts would not mar by making any mention of + the neat one which she had brought in a box that day. The black bonnet had + been like a mask, hiding Mart's beauty. + </p> + <p> + The bonnet that she wore now was not of that character. It told a + wonderful story to Dirk's astonished gaze. Now, indeed, the likeness was + plain; without doubt, the girl whose face lighted with a curious smile at + sight of him, bore a striking likeness to the woman who had smiled at him + whenever she met him! + </p> + <p> + A curious effect this had on Dirk. There was that in his sister which made + it possible for her to be something like the woman who had won his heart; + and that sister was in his care: she had said so; he must work for her, + and watch over her! + </p> + <p> + I suppose that Sabbath was really the beginning of the surface changes in + Mrs. Roberts' class. Not the beginning to the teacher, but to those people + who only have eyes for strongly marked things. + </p> + <p> + I know that it was but a few weeks afterward that Mrs. Roberts came home + with such an unusual light in her eyes, and with her face so full of + brightness, that her husband said, inquiringly:— + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + She turned to him, eagerly, ready to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It is what you will understand, but a great many people wouldn't. It is + so nice that you understand things! I feel just like saying, 'Thank the + Lord.'” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to convey the idea that only a very few favored people feel + like that? I don't know of a person who has not great occasion. What is + your special one?” + </p> + <p> + “Evan, the last boy had his boots blacked, and a fresh paper collar on!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts threw back his head and laughed,—a genial, hearty laugh. + His wife looked on, smiling. There is a great deal of character in a + laugh, remember; you would have known that this was a sympathetic one. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts was entirely capable of realizing what this said to his wife + about the future of her boys. It was becoming certain that their + self-respect was awakened. + </p> + <p> + A few days thereafter occurred another of those little things which mark + some characters. + </p> + <p> + Dirk, at Mrs. Saunders' breakfast-table on Sabbath morning, heard talk + that on Monday he recalled. By the way, I should have told you of one + other way in which the Sabbath became a marked day to him. He slept in the + little room which opened from Ried's, but his meals were picked up at a + restaurant, as occasion offered,—a much nicer and surer method of + living than he had ever known before. Even the commonest restaurant had + great respectability to him. Yet you will remember that he had by this + time taken several suppers in Mrs. Roberts' dining-room. He knew that + there was a difference in things; in fact, his experience now stretched + over infinite differences; but the first time he sat down to Mrs. + Saunders' breakfast-table, on a Sabbath morning, he discovered another + grade: this by no means belonged to the restaurant class? The Sunday + breakfasts and dinners were some of Mrs. Saunders' quiet ways of helping + along the work of the Christian world. Many a young man appeared at her + table as the guest of Ried or of Dr. Everett, or of some other of the + boarders, who was unaware that he owed the pleasant experience to the + landlady. + </p> + <p> + Well, Dirk at the Sabbath-table heard talk of one General Burton, famous + as a soldier, a scholar, and an orator. General Burton was in the city, + the guest of a prominent man; he was to speak on the following evening in + one of the great halls, and much eager talk was had concerning him; great + desire was expressed to hear him, to get a glimpse of him. Dirk listened + in silence, but had his own thoughts about what it must be to have people + talking about one, wanting to get a glimpse of one, and next, what it must + be to be intimate with such people. Did Mrs. Roberts know the great man? + he wondered. And then Dirk smiled as he thought how queer it was that he + should know Mrs. Roberts; that he might, in fact, be called intimately + acquainted with her! + </p> + <p> + Remembering this reverie of his, you will better understand how he felt on + Monday morning, as he made his way in haste down a quiet part of one of + the up-town streets, intent on an errand that required promptness, to hear + his name called by Mrs. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning!” she said. “Are you in too great haste to recognize your + friends? I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. General Burton, Mr. + Colson. General, this is one of my young men, of whom I told you.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the famous general, hero of many battles, held out his honored + hand, and took Dirk's in a cordial grasp. I don't suppose I could explain + to you what an effect this action had on a boy like Dirk. + </p> + <p> + There is this comfort: you may be a student of human nature, and therefore + may understand it all without explanation. + </p> + <p> + This is only one of many so-called trifles which occurred during the + weeks, to make their indelible impress on the characters of the boys. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the Monday Evenings prospered. Reading-lessons and + writing-lessons, and, as time passed, lessons of all sorts made good + progress. + </p> + <p> + Neatly-blackened boots, carefully-arranged hair, and fresh collars became + the rule instead of the exception. + </p> + <p> + Other avenues for improvement opened. It became noised abroad in Christian + circles that great transformations were being worked among a certain set + of hard young fellows who had hitherto been best known to the police. Mr. + Roberts was interviewed by one and another, and one outgrowth of the talks + was that tickets for a course of expensive and valuable and attractive + lectures on popular subjects were placed in large numbers in Mr. Roberts' + hands for him to use at discretion. Moreover, seats were rented in the + church towards which most of the boys gravitated—the one connected + with their Mission; seats re-rented after Mr. Roberts' plan, so that as + often as there appeared a young man who cared to have a spot in the church + which belonged to him, it could be had for a very small sum; in fact, as + pews rented in that church, a ridiculously small sum. + </p> + <p> + These are only hints of the channels which time and patience and thought + opened for these young men, on whom, but a short time before, Satan + believed himself to have so firm a grip. + </p> + <p> + One feature of the “Monday Evenings” had, in the course of time, to be + changed. The young teacher of elocution went home. + </p> + <p> + “I want to go,” she said at last, in answer to her hostess' pleading. “I + think it quite likely that papa would let me stay and attend school here; + but I am in haste to get home. You need not look sober, Flossy. I have had + a happier time than I have ever had in my life before; and I have found + here a sort of happiness that will last. It almost breaks my heart to + think of leaving those boys,—especially my dear Dick Bolton; but + really, I need to go home and undo certain things that I left badly done. + You don't half know me, Flossy Shipley. When I came here I was a regular + goose. If you had known what a simpleton I was, and how hateful I had been + about some things at home, you would never have invited me. + </p> + <p> + “Among other things that were hateful about me, I was a real horror to my + mother. I thought I had reason to distrust and dislike her; when the truth + is that I have cause to go down on my knees and thank her for keeping me + from some things. I'm in a real hurry to get home, and show that young + mother of mine what a perfectly angelic daughter I can be.” + </p> + <p> + And Mrs. Roberts smiled and kept her own counsel; and this was all that + she was supposed to know about her young guest. She never knew the whole + story about Professor Ellis; though there was a girl, Hester Mason by + name, in Dr. Everett's Sabbath-school, who could have told her a good deal + about him, and about Gracie Dennis' helping to break the net that Satan + had woven for her unwary feet. The fact is, there is a great deal + concerning all these people—Hester Mason and Dr. Everett and Joy + Saunders and Joy Saunders' mother—which I should have liked to tell + you if I could have found room. You may read of them any time, however, if + you choose, in a book called “An Endless Chain.” Of course, the story of + their lives does not end even <i>there</i>, because the chain is, as I + said, <i>endless</i>; but there are many of the links presented to view. + </p> + <p> + So Grace Dennis went home. And neither then, nor afterward, did Mrs. + Roberts hear in detail the story of Professor Ellis. What matter? She had, + however, a short added chapter. It came in a letter from Mrs. Marion + Dennis not long after Gracie's return. It read thus.— + </p> + <p> + Oh, Flossy Shipley Roberts! blessed little scheming saint that you are! + What did you do? How did you do it! Ah! I know more about it than those + sentences would indicate. The dear Lord did it, working through you, His + servant. He has called our Gracie to higher ground, filled her heart with + that which has made insignificant things take their true place, and wrong + things show for what they are. + </p> + <p> + You know, of course, that it is all right about Professor Ellis;—or + no! I fear it is all wrong about him, but right with our Gracie. I hear + that he has permanently located in your city. Perhaps your Christian + charity can reach him. He sent Gracie a letter, trying to explain certain + affairs about that Mason girl, with which I presume you are familiar. She + showed me the letter and her answer. He will not write her another! + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> don't know any Mason girl,” said Mrs. Roberts to her husband, + “but it doesn't matter. I don't want to know the story if there is nothing + to be done through it. There are stories enough that one <i>must</i> + know.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — “IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR” + </h2> + <p> + It was Monday evening, and there was company at Mr. Roberts' home; not the + usual Monday evening gathering, but quite a large party of well-dressed + men and women, many of them young, yet some were middle-aged. The pretty + room opposite the conservatory was thrown open, and aglow with lights and + flowers; and groups were continually passing in and out, admiring the + paintings and the flowers, and the type-writers of different patterns, and + the books and magazines, of which there were many. But interest was not + confined to this room. The parlors were thrown open and the music-room + beyond; even the cosy little library was public property for this one + evening. The company was large, and their tastes were varied; so no pains + had been spared to give them variety. + </p> + <p> + You are acquainted with quite a number of the guests; yet I am by no means + sure that you would recognize them all. Even in so short a period of time + as three years, great changes may be elicited! + </p> + <p> + For instance, do you know the young man in unnoticeable, and therefore + appropriate, evening dress, who is doing duty at the piano, watching with + practiced eye the course of the player, and turning the leaf with skilful + hand at just the right moment? It is a somewhat embarrassing position; but + his manner leads you to suppose that he has been accustomed to it all his + life, and that he reads music well. In the latter belief you are correct; + but as to being accustomed to it—three years ago Nimble Dick could + have told you a different story! + </p> + <p> + You can't believe that it is he? I do not wonder. The change is certainly + a great one; but he does not feel it. To tell you the truth, he almost + forgets, when he becomes absorbed in his work, that this sort of society + was not always open to him. Three years means a long time to the young; + and Richard Bolton has so long been accustomed to the freedom of Mrs. + Roberts' parlors, and to the sort of people whom one finds there, that + none of the refinements of polite life are strange to him; and as to + turning music, has he not done it for his hostess numberless times? + </p> + <p> + If your eyes are now opened, it is possible that you may be trying to spy + out other young men. The rooms are full of them, elegantly-dressed, + fashionable young men; but a few are noticeable by the air which they have + of being in a sense responsible for the comfort of the others. They are on + the alert; they are taking care that no young guest shall appear for a + moment to be forgotten or neglected. They appear to be entirely familiar + with the house and all its appointments. They can be appealed to for a + glass of water or an ice, or to know what special scene this landscape + hanging over the mantel represents, or whose bust this is in the niche at + the left, or in what portion of the library a certain book will be found, + or from what part of the foreign world that strangely-shaped shell came, + and they are all equally at home. In short, it is like having a dozen or + twenty young hosts to look after your comfort and pleasure. In point of + fact, there are seventeen of them. The original seven has thus increased. + Two months ago there were twenty, but one has secured an appointment as + telegraph operator in a distant city, and as Stephen Crowley occupies a + similar position in one of the offices in this city, some very interesting + conversations are held, and many important items connected with the + “Monday Evenings” and the South End School and the “Library Association,” + etc., are transmitted when the lines are not otherwise employed. Young + Haskell, too, has gone with one of the partners from the store where he + was first employed, to set up a branch store in a not distant town; and + his old Sabbath-school teacher has already received letters from him, + saying that they have started a branch Sunday-school in the south part of + the town, and that he has picked seven little wretches out of the streets, + from eight to twelve years of age, and gone to work. “And, dear Mrs. + Roberts, I wish you would pray for me, that I may be able to bring every + one of them to Christ.” + </p> + <p> + So the letter ran; and that tells volumes to the initiated about young + Haskell. + </p> + <p> + But although the changes among these young men have been great almost to + bewilderment, only one of the number has been promoted to a dazzling + height. The others are without exception earning good, honest livings for + themselves; securing good, substantial educations through the evening + classes which have grown out of that first effort; bidding fair to become + leading and honored citizens when they actually take their places as men. + But Mark Calkins, faithful, plodding, good-hearted, patient Mark, has + surpassed them all! The truth is “that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, + neither hath entered into the heart,” what sort of magnificence surrounds + him now. He has gone to court. The chief Ruler of the realm has sent for + Mark to be always in his immediate presence in the palace; and with what + joy he went I cannot tell you. Nor how often they speak of him, and try to + let their hearts conceive of the glory which surrounds him, and dwell on + the day when they will be called, one after another, to share the same + glory; for this is the ambition of more than half of them. + </p> + <p> + Now, in that sentence is unveiled the most curious part of my curious + story; and that it is curious, I frankly admit. It is no made-up affair. I + am not responsible for the strangeness of it. You are to remember that + “truth is stranger than fiction,” and then to understand that I am telling + you the truth. It is, then, a fact, that these young men have each + received conditional appointments to serve in the palace, high in power + and splendor and dignity. The conditions are that they are to be willing + to be guided in all things by the will of their King, whom they each admit + to be wise above all wisdom, and to be kind above all their conceptions of + kindness. It is true that nine of the number have accepted their + appointments, donned their uniform, assumed their positions as He has + directed, and are waiting for the summons to appear in person at court. It + is also true that the others are still in a state of indecision; they do + not know whether to accept the appointment or not. It is true that they + feel themselves honored; that they believe this to be the only path of + honorable and safe promotion. It is true that they have full faith in + those who will tell with joy, that, having enlisted, they find the service + even in this ante-room sweet, and the rewards great. It is true that they + severally visited Mark, just as the door was opening to admit him to the + palace, and heard him speak of the glimpses of its glory, and heard that + his last words before he went away were, “Oh, mine eyes see the King in + his beauty!” and that his voice was jubilant as that of a conqueror, and + his face radiant as with a reflection of unseen glory; and yet they + hesitate, and dally with the call, and mean, some time, to have such an + inheritance deeded to them, but not now! Remember, I am not responsible + for this. Were I writing fiction I should hesitate to set down such + idiotic folly, expecting you to call it unnatural or absurdly overdrawn; + but I do solemnly declare to you that this is fact. Account for the folly + of their behavior as best you can. + </p> + <p> + Well, Sallie and her father are left behind. But, mind you, they are not + among the doubtful ones. They both as much expect to serve at court as + they expect to live through all eternity. But while they wait they are + busy. They have moved from the alley; the surroundings were not such as + they liked. Did you notice that bit of a house landing modestly back from + the road, at the further corner of those ample grounds that surround the + South End Church? It is the sexton's house, and that church, and those + Sunday-school rooms, and those grounds, and everything pertaining to them, + are under his care. The father is the sexton, it is true, and attends the + furnace and rings the bell; but it is Sallie's care that keeps seat and + desk and window so beautifully free from dust or stain. Oh, they live busy + lives, and happy ones. Sallie trusted not in vain in her father's promise + that night, when he put his weak will into the pledge; but you are to + understand that it was but a few days thereafter when he planted his weak + and wavering feet on the Rock of Ages. Then did Satan angle for him in + vain. + </p> + <p> + So, on this Monday evening, there were but seventeen at the gathering. I + hesitate over what to name the gathering. I would call it a party, but + that in many respects it was so totally different from anything with which + you are probably acquainted by that name. + </p> + <p> + The young man who stands by the door of the conservatory, eagerly + describing to Miss Henderson a rare and curious flower, which has been + sent to Mrs. Roberts from California, is “black Dirk.” Really, I hope you + are sufficiently astonished; for he looks so utterly unlike the scamp who + used to be the special torment of the South End Mission that I should be + disappointed if you were not impressed by it. “Mr. Colson” almost + everybody calls him now. The name has long since lost its strangeness. He + is in the employ of the great firm of Bostwick, Smythe, Roberts & Co., + and although Mr. Roberts has never found it convenient to do so before, + there were reasons why he thought it would be well to have a clerk within + call; so Mr. Colson boards with what was the junior partner of the firm. + He is so no more, by the way, for Mr. Ried has been received as a member, + and is decidedly a junior partner. Probably Mr. Roberts could tell you, if + he chose, why one so young, and without capital, had been elected to + partnership; but, as a rule, he keeps his own counsel, only remarking that + the young man developed remarkable business faculties which were patent to + the whole firm. To his wife he said:— + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Flossy, I believe a consecrated life will be honored by the + Lord, in whatever channel he gives it talents to develop. 'Whatsoever he + doth shall prosper.' That young man is going to have a career in business. + I shouldn't be surprised if the Master meant him to show the world how a + Christian can use money to his glory.” + </p> + <p> + It is early yet to prophesy what Mr. Colson will do. Doubtless he will be + a merchant; certainly he will be a Christian; possibly he will be an + orator, of whom the world will yet hear,—a temperance orator, for + instance. I know you would like to hear him read a poem. He is not + confined to Will Carleton's style now, though he still reads with power + some of those inimitable delineations of life; but Gracie Dennis offers no + more criticisms when he reads. In fact, I have heard her defer to him, + when a question arose, as one who had probably studied the passage, and + caught its best. I am willing to confess that my poor black Dirk was a bit + of a genius. The thought I desire you to catch is that so many of those + poor fellows, who of necessity live by their wits in the city slums, are + diamonds which could be fitted to shine. You take a diamond and throw it + down in the dirt and filth, and put your foot on it and grind it in, and + leave it there, sinking and soiling, day after day, year after year, and + when somebody comes along and picks it out, how much will it gleam for him + at first? Yet the diamond is there. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt be a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” Mrs. Roberts had + been at work hunting diamonds for His diadem. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Colson stood there chatting freely with Miss Henderson, there was + nothing about the association that looked incongruous, neither did it + occur to any. There was not a trace of embarrassment about this boy from + the slums; he had forgotten the slums, and stood talking with one of the + aristocrats of the city. + </p> + <p> + How came she to talk with him, to allow herself to be entertained by him? + Let me tell you: thereby hangs a tale. Some time before this evening—in + fact, nearly two years before—Mrs. Roberts had come to a puzzle, and + stood and looked at it doubtfully. Then she presented it to the others:— + </p> + <p> + “They are growing easy in their manners with me, learning to be + gentlemanly without embarrassment, and thoughtful over little things + without being ashamed of it; but I am afraid that with other ladies they + would be sadly frightened and awkward. When Mrs. Delaney came in this + evening I could but notice how utterly silent Mr. Colton became; he had + been talking well before. It seems as though there was a great gulf + between them and social advancement. How can we bridge it?” + </p> + <p> + Then young Ried ventured his thought:—“My sister Ester had a class + in the Center Street Sabbath-school—nice little girls, who wore + pretty dresses, and had their hair curled, and came from the best + families. After she was taken sick, she told me one of her regrets was + that she had not stayed well long enough to try a plan which she had. She + meant to take a class of rough little boys in the mission-school, and she + meant to ask the mothers of the little girls to let them come, once a + month, and play with the little boys from the streets—she to play + with them, and watch over them every moment; but to try to interest the + girls in teaching the boys gentleness and good manners. I don't know how + it would have worked. Ester was never well enough to undertake it; nor + could she seem to enlist any one else in such service. It has grave + objections, I suppose; but I have always thought that I should like to see + something of the kind carefully tried.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, before this little story was half-concluded, had turned + those eager eyes of hers on the speaker—eyes that always had a + peculiar light in them whenever her soul took in a new suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” she said. “I see, oh! a great many things. I ought to have + called in that dear sister Ester to help on this phase of the question + before. It has always seemed to me as though we were doing her work.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — “THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM” + </h2> + <p> + That was the beginning of a new effort. There were certain young ladies + becoming well-known to Mrs. Roberts, by reason of a similarity of tastes + which drew them to her. + </p> + <p> + She sat down one day and wrote out their names with great care on her + tablets. + </p> + <p> + Miss Henderson's name headed the list. She was one of the aristocrats. I + use the word in its highest sense. The accidents of wealth and position + were hers; at least, that is the way we talk, though I suppose we all + believe that the Lord is the giver of both, and will require an account of + the same at our hands. + </p> + <p> + If this be so, Miss Henderson will be more ready than some with her + rendering; for she is of royal blood, and guards well the honor of the + Christian name she bears. + </p> + <p> + Without hesitation, Miss Henderson headed the list. The others were chosen + more slowly; ten of them, picked soldiers, to do special duty “in His + name.” + </p> + <p> + It required much explanation, much care to plan wisely. + </p> + <p> + But the girls caught at the idea. + </p> + <p> + In the course of weeks they formed a band, with Miss Henderson for + president. Ostensibly they were a literary society; really they were + diamond polishers. + </p> + <p> + They met one evening by invitation, with Mrs. Roberts, and made the + acquaintance of the “Monday Club.” They sang for them, read for them, + heard them read; chatted with them on the various topics of the hour, the + last lecture of the course, which all had attended; a certain book + carefully read and criticised by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Dr. Everett in + the Monday Club,—not so carefully read by the young ladies; + therefore, it came to pass that they were somewhat worsted in an argument + concerning it, which was bad neither for the young ladies nor the Monday + Club. + </p> + <p> + Finally, they were taken out to supper by these young men, who had so far + come under Mrs. Robert's' influence that they were willing to endure + torture for the sake of pleasing her. + </p> + <p> + It is a long story. I could write another book about it just as well as + not. + </p> + <p> + The main difficulty would be that the critics would pronounce the story + overdrawn. They always do when one revels in facts. It is only when an + author keeps within the range of sober fiction that he may feel + comparatively safe from this charge. + </p> + <p> + These young ladies represented other parlors and other dining-rooms. They + arranged for little graceful entertainments, to which the Monday Club was + invited. Gradually others were invited too—good, solid men, and + wise-hearted, motherly women. The invitations were select, the “polishers” + were chosen with care; but it was surprising to these workers to find how + large the Christian world is, and how many stood ready to help if they + were shown love. + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the best suggestions that that dear Ester has given us.” + This Mrs. Roberts said one evening when the Young Ladies' Band and the + Monday Club combined their forces and gave an entertainment to some of the + best people on the avenue. + </p> + <p> + I have given you hints of how they did it. They were every one Christians, + these young ladies; none others were chosen. They worked with a single aim + in view—His glory. They took no step that was not paved with prayer. + Do you need to be told that they succeeded? + </p> + <p> + This was one of the reasons why Mr. Colson chatted with Miss Henderson + with perfect freedom, and why his bow was graceful and easy when she + introduced him to her friend Miss Fanshawe, of Philadelphia. He was + accustomed to being introduced to her friends. + </p> + <p> + I'm sure I hope you wish I would tell you somewhat of Mart Colson. If you + are not deeply interested in her I am disappointed in you. She has been + such an object of interest to me since that time when I caught a glimpse + of her once through the cellar-window, with a gleam of sunset making her + hair into gold. + </p> + <p> + It is a summer evening of which I tell you, and she is all in white—except + her eyes; nothing can be bluer than they are to-night,—and except + the flowers about her. She is always among the flowers. + </p> + <p> + I hesitate, after all, to tell you about Mart. Hers is one of those + stories hard to tell. Besides, her friend and patron has suffered much + criticism because of her, and though Mrs. Roberts does not care in the + least, I find that I am sensitive. + </p> + <p> + “Has she really kept that Colson girl with her all these years?” Yes, she + has. I speak it meekly, but she has! “And never had her learn a trade, or + work in a factory, or learn to support herself in any way?” She has never + sent her anywhere to learn a trade or to work in a factory or to stand + behind a counter. It is too true. + </p> + <p> + No, I was almost sure you did not approve of it. But, for all that, I + don't mean to argue Mrs. Roberts' cause. “To her own Master she standeth + or falleth.” + </p> + <p> + Not but what Mrs. Roberts has argued, on occasion,—with Gracie + Dennis, for instance, who paid her a few weeks' visit, less than three + months after she first went home. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy,” she would say, “what are you going to do—with the girl? Do + you really mean to keep her here?” + </p> + <p> + “She has no mother, my child, nor father; and her brother is not able to + care for her yet. Where would you have me send her?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Flossy, there are places.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear, I know it, and this is one of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but she ought to be learning things. How is she going to support + herself?” + </p> + <p> + “She is studying arithmetic with me, you know, and writing and reading + with the dining-room girls; and I am teaching her music, and Mr. Roberts + proposes to have her join the history class as soon as she is sufficiently + advanced in the more common studies.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Flossy Shipley, that is great nonsense! You know what I mean. You + cannot turn the world upside down in that fashion, or make an orphan + asylum of your house or a charity school.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, do you really think the house is in danger? Does it look like an + orphan asylum or feel like a charity school?” + </p> + <p> + Then would Gracie Dennis laugh, but look a trifle vexed, nevertheless, and + mutter that people couldn't do things that way in this world. + </p> + <p> + Then would Flossy be ready with her gentle drops of oil to soothe the + ruffles. + </p> + <p> + “Gracie, dear, I am not trying to reform the world. There are a great many + girls left destitute I know, and I will do at wholesale all I can for + them; but this one is peculiar. You have admitted that it was unusual to + see such dangerous beauty, and she is unusual in her mental development. + She could be fierce and wicked; she is ignorant and bitter about many + things; I am afraid for her. I have not been able to think of a place + where the Lord Jesus would have me take her. I must see to it that <i>He</i> + is pleased, you know, at all hazards. If He does not mean us to keep her + in the shelter of our home for the present, we do not know what He means. + </p> + <p> + “We cannot 'mother' the whole race: He has not even suggested it to our + hearts. He has simply said, 'Here, take this one; there is room for her; + keep her until I plainly tell you that her place is elsewhere.' Gracie, + would you have me tell Him we cannot?” + </p> + <p> + By this time Gracie would be humble and sweet. + </p> + <p> + “It is very good of you,” she would say, meekly, “and I was not thinking + of such a thing as finding fault. I was only wondering whether—whether—well, + you know—whether such a life as she is leading in your house would + not unfit her for her proper sphere?” + </p> + <p> + But a sentence like that was always liable to put little Mrs. Roberts on + all the dignity she possessed. Her husband had ideas on that subject, and + had imbued her with them. Her voice could even sound almost haughty as she + said:— + </p> + <p> + “As to that, Gracie, we must remember that the 'sphere' of an American + woman is the one that she can fill acceptably in God's sight. He may call + her to the highest; I don't know. Since she is the daughter of a King, + there may be no spot on His footstool too high for His intentions + concerning her.” + </p> + <p> + There was outside criticism, of course. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was + sufficiently peculiar in many respects to call for much criticism from the + world. They talked much about “that girl” she had picked up. Gradually + they said “that Colson girl”; then one day some daughter asked, “Is she + really a sister of that handsome Mr. Colson in the store?” And by-and-by + there were some who spoke of her as “Mattie Colson.” That was the name + which Mrs. Roberts always called her. It began gradually to be known also + that “Mattie Colson” knew a great deal which was worth knowing. Three + years of companionship with a lady like Mrs. Roberts, and such as she + gathers about her, can do much for a girl who wishes much done for her. + </p> + <p> + As to “earning her living,” I am not sure but she was learning to do it in + several ways. Mrs. Roberts struggled against all false ideas of life, + therefore taught her none. + </p> + <p> + She was not the cook, but she could, and had on occasion, served up a most + enjoyable breakfast. + </p> + <p> + She was not the second-girl, yet her fingers were undeniably skilful in + the arrangement of rooms and tables. She was not the sewing-girl, yet + constant were the calls on fingers that had become wise in these + directions. She was by no means the nurse, yet there was a little + golden-haired “Flossy” in the sunny room upstairs whose devoted slave she + was, and whose mother felt that Mattie's loving, watchful care over her + darling was only second to her own, and was so to be relied upon, by day + and night, as to repay tenfold whatever she might have done for the girl. + </p> + <p> + In fact, it would perhaps be difficult to define “Mart” Colon's position + in the house. Yet she was, as I said, becoming known among the young + ladies outside as “Mattie Colson, that handsome young Colson's sister; as + pretty as a doll, and a <i>protégé</i> of that lovely Mrs. Roberts, you + know.” As for the Young Ladies' Band,—I do not include them when I + talk of the girls “outside,”—what they had done for Mattie Colson + she could not have told you though she tried, her eyes shining with tears. + </p> + <p> + The days had come wherein the very matrons who had said that it was a + strange thing for Mrs. Roberts to take a girl from the slums into her + family—that it was “tempting Providence to attempt such violent + wrenches”—now said one to another, that “it must be a great relief + to Mrs. Roberts to have that Mattie Colson always at her elbow to see that + everything about the home was just as it should be;” and they added, with + a sigh, that “some people were very fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + Now, dear critic, you stand all ready to say that this is a very nice <i>paper</i> + story, but that in actual life attempts at doing good do not result so + smoothly; that to be “natural,” Mrs. Roberts ought, at least, to have + tried in vain to reclaim half of her boys. + </p> + <p> + It is true, I have said nothing to you about two or three whom she has not + as yet reached, though she is still trying. My story was not of them, but + of the twenty whom she <i>did</i> reach. Concerning your verdict, there + are two things that I want to say: First, go into the work, and give the + time and patience and faith and prayer that Mrs. Roberts and her + fellow-workers gave, before you decide that it is vain. + </p> + <p> + And secondly, will you kindly remember that, whether this be natural or + not, it is true? + </p> + <p> + I do not think I have told you the immediate occasion of this particular + gathering. It was, in fact, a reception given to Mrs. Ried. It is not + likely that I need tell you at this late day that her name was <i>Gracie + Dennis</i> Ried. I could have told you much about it, had I been writing a + story of that sort. + </p> + <p> + In fact, there is a chance for considerable romancing. There are matters + of interest that I might tell you, about “Mr. Colson” himself, young as he + is; and about Mattie, who wears to-night a rose that she did not pick from + the conservatory; but I don't mean to tell it. + </p> + <p> + I have just one other bit of history to give you. They stood together for + a moment—the young bridegroom and the lady with whom he had + faithfully worked ever since that rainy afternoon in which he had confided + his gloom to her. + </p> + <p> + Both were looking at the two young men who stood near the piano, waiting + to join in the chorus. Both had known these young men as “Nimble Dick” and + “Black Dirk.” + </p> + <p> + Still another of the original seven stood in the immediate vicinity. The + glances of the two workers took them all in; then they looked at each + other, and smiled meaningly. + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking of that first Sunday afternoon,” said Mrs. Roberts. + “I asked them to pick up my handkerchief, which had dropped, and 'Nimble + Dick' said, 'Pick it up yourself, mum! you're as able to as we be!' I + wonder if they would remember it? What if I should tell them!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the bit of cambric in her hand designedly dropped almost at + the feet of Dirk Colson. He stooped for it instantly, but “Nimble Dick” + was too quick for him, and presented it to the owner with a graceful bow, + and a slightly triumphant smile. + </p> + <p> + But the chorus was commencing, and the bass and tenor were at once + absorbed in their work; so Mr. Ried and Mrs. Roberts had the memorial + laugh all to themselves. None but they understood what the white + handkerchief said. + </p> + <p> + Despite the laughter there was a suspicious mist in Mr. Ried's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How far is mirth removed from tears?” he asked his hostess. And then: “Do + you know, when I look at these young men, moving about your rooms at their + ease, really ornaments to society, and think of the places in the world + that they will be likely to fill, and think of what they were when you + first saw them, the overwhelming contrast brings the tears!” + </p> + <p> + Said Mrs. Roberts:— + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you something that will do your heart good. + </p> + <p> + “Did you know that our young lady helpers had reorganized in larger force, + and with certain fixed lines of work, which they feel certain they can do? + </p> + <p> + “The effort has passed out of the realm of mere experiment. + </p> + <p> + “They have chosen a name. They are henceforth to be known as THE ESTER + RIED BAND. + </p> + <p> + “They came to me for a motto to hang in their rooms, below the name; and I + gave them this:— + </p> + <p> + “'And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write. Blessed are the + dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that + they may rest from their labors: and their works do follow them.'” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + +***** This file should be named 9091-h.htm or 9091-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/9/9091/ + + +Text file produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. 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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: Ester Ried Yet Speaking + +Author: Isabella Alden + + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9091] +This file was first posted on September 4, 2003 +Last Updated: May 20, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + + + + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + + + + + +ESTER RIED + +YET SPEAKING. + +By Pansy + + +Author Of "Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On," "Hall In The Grove," "A New +Gift On The Family Tree," "Five Friends," "Mary Burton," "The Pocket +Measure," "Ester Ried," Etc., Etc. + + + + +CONTENTS. + +CHAPTER I. IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL + +CHAPTER II. WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW? + +CHAPTER III. ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME? + +CHAPTER IV. I DON'T BLAME THEM + +CHAPTER V. A CHRISTIAN HOME + +CHAPTER VI. SATAN HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK + +CHAPTER VII. WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS + +CHAPTER VIII. WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR? + +CHAPTER IX. "TREMENDOUS FACTS!" HE SAID + +CHAPTER X. AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED + +CHAPTER XI. I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN + +CHAPTER XII. I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS + +CHAPTER XIII. LET US BE FASHIONABLE + +CHAPTER XIV. "SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!" + +CHAPTER XV. WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT? + +CHAPTER XVI. HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY + +CHAPTER XVII. I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER + +CHAPTER XVIII. YOURN'S THE WAY + +CHAPTER XIX. WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS + +CHAPTER XX. OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT! + +CHAPTER XXI. HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE? + +CHAPTER XXII. SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN + +CHAPTER XXIII. PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD + +CHAPTER XXIV. FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME + +CHAPTER XXV. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH? + +CHAPTER XXVI. "O LORD, TAKE DIRK TOO!" + +CHAPTER XXVII. AN AWFUL PROBLEM + +CHAPTER XXVIII. MAY SHE GO WITH ME? + +CHAPTER XXIX. WHAT IF I BELONGED? + +CHAPTER XXX. IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR + +CHAPTER XXXI. THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +"IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL." + + +It was raining drearily, and but few people were abroad--that is, few, +comparatively speaking, though the streets seemed full of hurrying, +dripping mortals. In the large dry-goods store business was by no means +so brisk as on sunny days, and one of the younger clerks, whose station +was near a window looking out upon the thoroughfare, had time to +stand gazing at the passers-by. They did not seem to interest him +particularly, or else they puzzled him. His young, handsome face wore +a thoughtful look, almost a troubled expression about the eyes, which +seemed to be gazing beyond the passers-by. Just across the aisle from +him, a lady, seated in one of the easy chairs set for the accommodation +of shoppers, waited and watched him,--a young and pretty woman, +tastefully, even elegantly dressed, yet her costume was quite in +keeping with the stormy day. The young man's face seemed to have special +interest for her, though he apparently was unaware of her existence. +A close observer would have discovered that she was watching him with +deeply interested eyes. Whatever served to hold the thoughts of +the young man apparently grew in perplexity, for the troubled look +continually deepened. At last, forgetting the possible listener, he +addressed the dripping clouds, perhaps,--at least, he was looking at +them:-- + +"I don't know how to do it; but something ought to be done. It is worse +than folly to expect good from the way that things are now managed. +Ester would have known just what, and how; and how interested she would +have been! I try to do her work, and to 'redeem the time;' but the +simple truth is, I don't know how, and nobody else seems to." + +These sentences were not given all at once, but murmured from time to +time at his unsympathetic audience outside. + +Patter, patter, patter, drip, drip, drip! steady, uncompromising +business. It was all the answer the clouds vouchsafed him. + +With the listener inside it was different. The interested look changed +to an eager one. She left her seat and moved toward the absorbed young +man, breaking in on his reverie with the clearest of voices:-- + +"I beg your pardon,--but are you thinking of your sister? You are +Mr. Ried, I believe? I have heard of your sister's life, and of her +beautiful death, through a dear friend of my husband, who loved Ester. +I have always wanted to know more about her. I wanted to get acquainted +with you, so I might ask you things about her. I am waiting now for my +husband to come and introduce us. But perhaps it isn't necessary. Do you +know who I am?" + +"It is Mrs. Roberts, I believe?" the young man said, struggling with his +astonishment and embarrassment. + +"Yes, and you are Mr. Alfred Ried. Well, now we know each other without +any further ceremony. Will you tell me a little about your sister, Mr. +Ried? You were thinking of her just now." + +"I was missing her just now," said he, trying to smile, "as I very often +am. I was a little fellow when she died; but the older I grow the more +difficult I find it to see how the world can spare her. She was so full +of plans for work, and there are so few like her." + +"It may be that she is working still, in the person of her brother." + +He shook his head energetically, though his face flushed. + +"No, I can only blunder vaguely over work that I know she, with her +energetic ways and quick wits, could have done, and done well. It +happens that she was especially interested in a class of people of whom +I know something. They need help, and I don't know how to help them. It +seems to me that she could have done it." + +"Will you tell me who the people are?" + +"It is a set of boys for whom nobody cares," he said, speaking sadly; +"it hardly seems possible that there could ever have been a time when +anybody cared for them, though I suppose their mothers did when they +were little fellows." + +Thus spoke the ignorant young man,--ignorant of the depths to which sin +will sink human nature, but rich in the memory of mother-love. + +"I think of my sister Ester in connection with them," he said, speaking +apologetically, "because she was peculiarly interested in wild young +fellows like them; she thought they might be reached,--that there might +be ways invented for reaching them, such as had not been yet. She had +plans, and they were good ones. I thought so then, little fellow that I +was, and I think so now, only nobody is at work carrying them out; and I +wonder sometimes if Ester could have been needed in heaven half as much +as she is needed on earth. She used to talk to me a great deal about +what might be done. I think now that she wanted to put me in the way of +taking up some of the work that she would have done; but she mistook her +material. I can't do it." + +"Are you sure? You are young yet, and besides, you may be doing more +than you think. Couldn't I help? What is there that needs doing for +these particular young men?" + +"Everything!" he said, excitedly. "If you should see them you would get +a faint idea of it. They come occasionally down to the Sabbath-school +at the South End; in fact, they come quite frequently, though I'm sure +I can't see why. It certainly isn't for any good that they get. Their +actions, Mrs. Roberts, surpass anything that I ever imagined." + +"Who is their teacher?" + +"That would be a difficult question to answer. They have a different +teacher every Sabbath. No one is willing to undertake the class twice. +They have tried all the teachers who attend regularly, and several who +have volunteered for once, and never would attempt it a second time. +Just now, there is no one who will make a venture." + +"Have you tried?" + +He shook his head emphatically. + +"I know at least so much. Why, Mrs. Roberts, some of them are as old as +I, and, indeed, I think one or two are older. No; we have secured the +best teachers that we could for them, but each one has been a failure. I +suppose they must go." + +"Go where?" + +He shrugged his shoulders. + +"What an awful question! Where _will_ they go, Mrs. Roberts, if we let +them slip now?" + +He was tremendously in earnest. One could not help feeling that he had +studied the possibilities, and felt the danger. + +"Suppose I try to help! Shall I come and take that class next Sabbath?" + +This simple, directly-put question brought the young man suddenly from +the heights of his excitement into visible embarrassment. He looked down +on the small, fair lady, reaching hardly to his shoulder, attired in +that unmistakable way which bespeaks the lady of wealth and culture, and +could imagine nothing more incongruous than to have her seated before +that class of swearing, spitting, fighting boys. Not that her wealth or +her culture was an objection, but she looked so utterly unlike what he +had imagined their teacher must be,--she was so small, so frail, so +fair and sweet, and ignorant of the ways of the great wicked world, and +especially of those great wicked boys! What could he say to her? + +He was so manifestly embarrassed that the small lady laughed. + +"You think I cannot do it," she said, almost gayly. + +He hastened to answer her. + +"Indeed, you have no idea of the sort of class it is. I have given you +no conception of it; I cannot. You would think yourself before a set of +uncaged animals." + +"Yes, and in case of failure I should only be where the others are, who +have tried and failed. If you will introduce me, and your superintendent +will let me, I mean to try; and that will relieve you of the dilemma of +being entirely without a teacher for them." + +Young Ried had nothing to say. He thought the attempt a piece of +folly,--a worse than useless experiment; but how was he to say so to the +wife of his employer? + +That gentleman appeared just then, making haste. + +"I was unavoidably detained," he explained; "I feared you would grow +weary of waiting. Ah, Ried, my wife has introduced herself, I see. Is he +the young man you were speaking of, Mrs. Roberts?" + +"The very young man,--Ester Ried's brother. He doesn't know how glad +I am to have met him. Some day when we are better acquainted, and you +trust me more fully, I am going to tell you how I became so deeply +interested in your dear sister. Meantime this little matter should be +definitely settled. Mr. Roberts, I have invited myself to take a class +to-morrow down at the South End Mission." + +"Have you, indeed?" + +Mr. Roberts spoke heartily, and seemed by no means dismayed,--only a +trifle perplexed as to details. + +"How can we manage it, Flossy? My prison class takes me in an opposite +direction at the same hour, you know." + +"Yes, I thought of that; I propose to ask Mr. Ried to call for me, and +show me the way, and vouch for my good intentions after I reach there. +Do you suppose he will do it?" She looked smilingly from her husband to +young Ried, and both waited for his answer. + +"I obey directions," he said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Roberts. "Am I +to have the honor of being detailed for that service to-morrow?" + +"So Mrs. Roberts says," was the good-humored reply, and then the +merchant took his wife away to their waiting carriage that had drawn up +before the door, leaving Alfred Ried, if the truth must be told, in a +fume. + +"Much she knows what she is talking about!" he said, jerking certain +boxes out of their places on the shelves, and then banging them back +again, seeming to suppose that he was by this process putting his +department in order for closing. "Little bit of a dressed-up doll! They +will tear her into ribbons, metaphorically, if not literally, before +this time to-morrow! She thinks, because she is the wife of Evan +Roberts, the great merchant, she can go anywhere and do anything, and +that people will respect her. She has never had anything to do with +a set of fellows who care less than nothing about money and position, +except to be ten times more insolent and outrageous in their conduct +than they would if she had less of it! I shall feel like a born idiot in +presenting this pretty little doll to teach that class! Mr. Durant will +think I have lost what few wits I had! What can possess the woman to +want to try? It is just because she has no conception of what she is +about! But Mr. Roberts must know--I wonder what he means by permitting +it?" + +In very much the same state of mind did our young man pilot his new and +unsought-for recruit into the crowded mission rooms of the South End on +the following Sabbath afternoon. She looked not one whit less able to +compete with the terrors which awaited the teacher of the formidable +class. + +Her dress was simplicity itself, according to Mrs. Roberts' ideas of +simplicity; yet, from the row of ostrich tips that bobbed and nodded at +each other, all around the front of her velvet hat, to the buttons of +her neat-fitting boots, she seemed to bring a new atmosphere into the +room. + +Yesterday's rain was over, and the pleasant south windows were aglow +with sunshine. As Mrs. Roberts sat down the sunbeams came and played +about her face, and she seemed in keeping with them, and with nothing +else around her. + +The superintendent bestowed curious glances on her during the opening +exercises. He had seen the shadow on young Ried's face when he seated +her, and had found time to question. + +"Whom have we here?" + +"Mrs. Evan Roberts. She wants to try the vacant class! _I_ did not ask +her, Mr. Durant; she invited herself." + +Mr. Durant looked over at her, and tried to keep his eyes from smiling. + +"She looks very diminutive in every way for such an undertaking. They +will frighten her out before she commences, will they not?" + +"I presume so; but I didn't know what to do. She wanted to come, and I +could not tell her she must not." + +"No, of course,--the occasion is too rare to lose. Very few people ask +the privilege of trying that class. There is no teacher for them to-day; +and your Mrs. Roberts must learn by experience that some things are more +difficult than others. I will let her try it." + +Meantime, "the boys" of the dreaded class were studying the new face. +She was the only person not already seated before a class, and they +naturally judged that she was to be their next victim. They looked at +her and then at one another, and winked and coughed and sneezed and +nudged elbows and giggled outright, every one of them,--meantime chewing +tobacco with all their might, and expectorating freely wherever he +judged it would be most offensive. + +Alfred Ried watched them, inwardly groaning. Being used to their faces, +he could plainly read that they anticipated a richer time than usual, +and rejoiced greatly over the youth and beauty of their victim. + +But young Ried was not the only one who watched. Mrs. Roberts, without +seeming to be aware of their presence, lost not a wriggle or a nudge. +She was studying her material; and it must be confessed that they +startled her not a little. They represented a different type of +humanity from her Chautauqua boys, or her boys in the old church at +home,--rather, an advanced stage of both those types. + +When Mr. Durant came toward her, the look on his face was not +reassuring, it so plainly said that he expected failure, and was sorry +for her as well as for himself. However, with as good grace as he could +assume, he led her to the seat prepared for the teacher, and gave her a +formal introduction. + +"Boys, this is Mrs. Roberts, who is willing to try to teach you to-day. +I _wish_ you would show her that you know how to behave yourselves." + +Mrs. Roberts wished that he had left her to introduce herself, or that +he had said almost anything rather than what he did; the mischievous +gleam in several pairs of eyes said that they meant to show her +something that they considered far more interesting than that. + +Many were the sympathetic glances that were bestowed on the young and +pretty lady as she went to her task. As for Alfred Ried, there was more +than sympathy in his face. He was vexed with the young volunteer and +vexed with himself. + +He told himself savagely that this was what came of his silly habit of +thinking aloud. If only he had kept his anxieties about that class to +himself, Mrs. Roberts would never have heard of it, and been tempted to +put herself in such a ridiculous position; and if this episode did not +break him of the habit, he did not know what would. + +He was presently, however, given a class of small boys, with enough +of original and acquired depravity about them to keep him intensely +employed, and the entire school settled to work. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +"WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW?" + + +Settled, that is, so far as the class of boys in the corner would permit +the use of that term. _They_ had not settled in the least. Two of them +indulged in a louder burst of laughter than before, just as Mrs. Roberts +took her seat. Yet her face was in no wise ruffled. + +"Good afternoon," she said, with as much courtesy as she would have used +in addressing gentlemen. "I wonder if you know that I am a stranger in +this great city? You are almost the first acquaintances that I am making +among the young people, and I have a fancy that I would like to have you +all for my friends. Suppose we enter into a compact to be excellent and +faithful friends to one another? What do you say?" + +What were they to say? They were slightly taken back, surprised into +listening quietly to the close of the strange sentence, and then giving +no answer beyond violent nudges and aside-looks. What did she mean? +Was she "chaffing" them? This was unlike the opening of any lesson! It +certainly could not be the first question on the lesson-paper; nor did +it sound like certain well-meant admonitions to "try to improve the +opportunity" and "learn all that they could." With each of these +commencements they were entirely familiar; but this was something new. + +"Do you agree to the compact?" she asked, while they waited, her face +bright with smiles. + +"Dunno about that," said one whom she very soon discovered occupied the +position of a ringleader; "as a general thing, we like to be kind of +careful about our friendships; we might strike something that wasn't +quite the thing with people in our position. You can't be too careful in +a big city, you know." + +It is impossible to give you an idea of the impishness with which this +impudent answer was jerked out, to the great amusement of the others, +who laughed immoderately. + +It suited Mrs. Roberts to treat the reply with perfect seriousness and +composure. + +"That is very true," she said, courteously; "but at the same time I +venture to hope that since you know nothing ill of me as yet, you will +receive me into a sort of conditional friendship, with the understanding +that I remain your friend until I am guilty of some conduct that ought +to justify you in deserting me. I am sure you cannot object to that; and +now, if we are to be friends, we should know each other's names. I am +Mrs. Evan Roberts, and I live at No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street. I shall +be glad to see you at my house whenever you would like to call on me. +Now, will one of you be kind enough to introduce himself and the class? +Perhaps you will introduce me to your friends?" + +She looked directly at the ringleader. + +"Certainly! certainly, mum!" he replied, briskly. "This is Mr. Carrot +Pumpkins, at your service, mum--this fellow on my left, I mean; rather +a queer name, I dare say you think. It all came of his being fond of +sitting astride of a pumpkin when he was a little shaver, and of his +hair being exactly the color of carrots as you can see for yourself. And +this fellow on my right is Mr. Champion Chawer, so called because he can +make the biggest run on tobacco of any of the set, taking him day in and +day out. That fellow at your elbow is 'Slippery Jim.' We don't call him +'Mister,' because he doesn't stay long enough in one place to have it +tacked on to him. He is such a slippery scamp that an eel is nowhere, +compared to him." + +During this rapid flow of words the listeners, who evidently admired +their leader, became so convulsed with laughter as to lose all vestige +of respectability, and Mr. Durant's disturbed face appeared in view. + +"Boys, this is perfectly disgraceful!" he said, speaking in sharp and +highly-excited tones,--"perfectly disgraceful! I don't know why you wish +to come here to disturb us in this way Sabbath after Sabbath! But we +have really endured enough. There is a policeman at the foot of the +stairs, and he can easily call others to his help; so now if you wish to +remain here you must behave yourselves." + +During the deliverance of this sentence some of the boys gave mimic +groans, one of them whistled, and others kept up a running comment:-- + +"A policeman! oh good! that's little Duffer, I know! We've seen him +before! Wouldn't mind giving him a chase to-day, just for exercise, you +know, mum." + +"I say, boys, let's cut and run, the whole caboodle of us. We can +jump these seats at one bound, and take the little woman along on our +shoulders for a ride! Shall we do it?" This from the leader, who in time +came to be known as "Nimble Dick." + +"Bah! no!" replied a third; "let's stick it out and see what she's got +to say; she's a new party. Besides, we can't give her the slip in that +way; we're friends of hers, you know." + +"Mrs. Roberts," said the distressed Mr. Durant, in a not very good +undertone, "I think you will have to give it up. They are worse than +usual this morning. We have endured much from them, and I must say that +my patience is exhausted. Will you not take the seat at the other end of +the room?" + +"Not unless they wish me to." + +The people who had known Flossy Shipley well would have detected a +curious little quiver in her voice, which meant that she was making a +strong effort at self-control; but a stranger would hardly have observed +it. + +"Do you wish me to go away, young gentlemen?" + +The scamps thus appealed to, looked at one another again, as if in doubt +what to say. This again was new ground to them. Policemen they were +accustomed to. At last Nimble Dick made answer:-- + +"No, I'm bound if we do; it comes the nearest to looking like a lark of +anything that we have had in a long time. I say, Parson, go off about +your business and let us alone. We was having a good time getting +acquainted till you come and spoiled it. We'll be as sober as nine +deacons at a prayer-meetin'. And look out how you insult this young +woman; she's a friend of ours, and we're bound to protect her. No asking +of her to change her seat; she's going to sit right here to the end of +the chapter." + +Mr. Durant looked his willingness to summon the police at once, but Mrs. +Roberts' voice, evenly poised now, took up the story:-- + +"Thank you; then I will stay. And since it is getting late, suppose we +lose no more time. There was something about which I wanted to tell +you. But a few evenings ago I attended a gathering where I saw some very +singular things. A gentleman in the party was tied with a strong rope, +hands and feet, as firmly as two men could tie him,--people who knew how +to tie knots, and they did their best; yet while we stood looking at him +he shook his hand free and held it out to them. How do you think it was +done?" + +"Sham knots!" said one. + +"No, for my husband was one of the gentlemen who tied him, and he +assured me that he tied the rope as firmly as he could. Besides, more +wonderful things than that were done. I tied my own handkerchief into at +least a dozen very hard knots, and gave it to him, and I saw him put it +in a glass of water, then seize it and shake it out, and the knots were +gone. I saw him take two clean glasses, and pour water from a pitcher +into one, and it seemed to turn instantly to wine; then he poured that +glass of wine into the other empty glass, and immediately it turned back +to water, or seemed to. Dozens of other strange things he did. I should +really like to tell you about them all. I will, at some other time; but +just now I think you would like to know _how_ he did them." + +"_How_ he did them!" "As if you could tell!" "_Can_ you tell?" "Pitch +in, mum; I'd like to hear that part myself!" These were some of the +eager answers. + +Had the little teacher, under the embarrassments of the occasion, taken +leave of her senses? Actually she was bending forward, opened Bible +turned face downward on her knee, engaged in describing in somewhat +minute detail the explanations of certain slight-of-hand performances +which she had recently seen! What idea of the sacredness of the office +of teacher, and the solemnity of the truths to be taught, had she? + +The boys were listening, their heads bent forward all around her. What +of that? They would have listened equally well to a graphically-told +story of a Fourth Avenue riot, and been equally benefited, you think? +They did not know just when the speaker slipped from the events of last +week to the events of more than three thousand years ago. Indeed, so +ignorant were they of all past history, that they were not even aware +that she went back into the past; for aught they knew, she might have +gone, on Wednesday of last week to see the man who could untie knots by +magic, and on Thursday to see the men who could drop canes on the ground +that would appear to turn into wriggling serpents. But there was one +statement that proved too much for their credulity. + +"You could not imagine what occurred next," said the bright-faced +teacher. "The cane or rod that the first man had dropped, actually +opened its mouth and swallowed the other rods that seemed to be +serpents, and was left there alone in its triumph!" + +"Oh, bosh!" said Nimble Dick, contempt expressed in the very curve of +his nose, "that's too steep; I don't believe a word of it! These fellows +can do lots of queer things; I've seen 'em perform, myself; but they +never made a live thing yet; I've heard folks that know, say so." + +"Precisely what I wanted to reach," said Mrs. Roberts, with animation. +"You are right, they never did; and you have discovered just the +difference between them and the one man of whom I have been telling you. +_He_ worked by the power of God; he distinctly stated that he did; and +that God really turned his rod into a serpent, and allowed it to swallow +the imitations of life, and then turned it back again into a rod, to +show that nothing was beyond his power." + +"Did you see the thing done?" questioned a young skeptic, running his +tongue into his cheek in a skillful way, and distorting his whole face +with a disagreeable leer. He began to suspect that he was being cheated +into listening to a Bible story. + +Mrs. Roberts was prompt with her answer:-- + +"Oh, no, I did not, neither did I see the great fire that you had in +this city about a year ago. At that time I was a thousand miles away; +and it so happens that I have never talked with any person who did see +it, yet I know there was a great fire, and many buildings were burned, +and lives lost. It has been proved to me." + +"Oh, well," said skeptic number two, while number one retired into +silence to speculate over this answer, "fires are common enough things; +anybody can know that they happen; but it ain't such a common affair to +see a stick turn into a serpent and swallow up other serpents. I've seen +them fellows make things that looked like snakes, myself; I could +most swear to it that I'd seen them wriggle; but they never did no +_swallowing_." + +"That is, they did not give unmistakable signs that they were alive. But +do you think it too strange a thing for God to do? Surely he can make +life! How is it that you are here, breathing, talking, thinking, if +there is no power anywhere to make life?" + +"Oh, I came from a tadpole," said the boastful young scientist, putting +his thumbs under his arms, and affecting an air of great wisdom. "I know +all about that; I was there, and see the things wriggle." + +Evolution staring her in the face in a corner class in a mission +school;--a class that had been gathered from the slums! Mrs. Roberts did +not know that these are the very places in which to find it in all its +coarseness. Yet she made haste to meet the boy on his own ground. + +"Very well, if you choose to take that view of it. Was not the tadpole +alive? Where did the _life_ come from? You insist that the story I +have been telling you is untrue because you know that none of these +sleight-of-hand performers have ever, or _can_ ever make actual life! +That it is an impossible thing for human beings to do. Yet when I tell +you that _God_ did it you refuse the statement. How are you going to +account for life? If, in its very lowest forms, it cannot be made by men +who have given all their time to the study of the marvellous, how is +it that it is everywhere about us, unless I am correct, and there is a +Power that can produce life?" + +Not a boy among them had heard the term "evolution;" knew anything +about "the survival of the fittest." They were entirely ignorant of +"protoplasm" or "bioplasm;" yet not one of them but had caught the +meaning of some of these terms as they had been translated for them into +the vernacular of the city slums; not one in the class but perceived +that their champion arguer had been met on his own ground and +vanquished. Not with an outburst of horror; he had not even been +informed that he was irreverent. Nimble Dick delighted in making each +teacher tell him this; he had merely been replied to in the calmest of +argumentative tones, and called upon to account for the facts in his +own statements, and had been unable to do so. The crowd broke into a +derisive laugh, and were noisy, it is true, and brought troubled frowns +to the face of their superintendent, and made the flush on Alfred Ried's +face deepen; yet if both these anxious watchers had known it, it was +worthy of note that the laugh had been at the expense of one of their +number, and not at their teacher. + +"Well, go on," interposed the youngest and quietest of the group. "Tell +us some more about your old fellow with his serpents. Did they stay +swallowed, and what did it all amount to, anyhow?" + +Thus challenged, Mrs. Roberts gave her whole heart to the business of +giving, in as dramatic a manner as she could, the closing scenes in the +act performed in Egypt so long ago, carefully avoiding any reference +to time, and mentioning no names, using only modern terms, and an +exceedingly simple conversational form of language. She was, however, +presently interrupted with a question:-- + +"When did all this happen? And why don't somebody do something like it +nowadays?" + +Ignoring the first question, Mrs. Roberts adroitly gave herself to the +second. + +"Why don't you find your pleasure in tumbling around on the floor, +playing with a bright-colored marble or two as you did when a child? The +world was in its childhood when God taught the people in this way. He +has given them just as wonderful lessons since, but lessons more suited +to men and women who have learned to think and reason. We don't like to +be always treated as children." + +Whether they really dimly understood the meaning or not is possibly +doubtful, yet it appealed to their sense of dignity in so indirect a +way, that they did not themselves realize what inclined them to quiet +for a moment, while she finished her sentence earnestly. In the midst +of the quiet the closing-bell rang, and the seven young scamps seemed +at once to take into their hearts seven other spirits worse than +themselves, and behaved abominably during the closing exercises, and +tumbled out of the door over each other, in the wildest fashion, the +moment the signal was given, halting only to say, in the person of their +leader:-- + +"You be on hand next Sunday; we like your yarns first rate." + +Mrs. Roberts, with glowing cheeks, and eyes behind which there were +unshed tears, made her way to the desk where Mr. Durant was standing, +and spoke quickly: + +"There is a difference between others who have tried it and myself, Mr. +Durant. The sentence in Mr. Ried's account that gave me courage was, +'Every one has failed, so far; people are unwilling to take the class a +second time.' I have failed, but I want to try again." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +"ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME?" + + +Though they rushed out with even more noise than usual, every boy +of them knew that the noise was to cover a certain sense of +shame-facedness, because they had actually been beguiled into listening +quietly for a few minutes to earnest words. + +Directly they had reached the privacy of the street they became quieter. + +"I say, boys," said Nimble Dick, "is that an awful green one, or a new +kind?" + +"New, I should say," replied one of the younger boys; "she ain't like +anything that's been in that room since we got acquainted with it. I +don't know her style, myself." + +"What do you take it she meant by that stuff about being friends, and +telling us where she lived, and all that?" + +"Dunno what she meant; but she ain't _green_, you may bet your head on +that. I'll tell you what I think, boys: I b'lieve she knows what she is +about, every time." + +What this sage conclusion amounted to, one not acquainted with the +dialect of the street might have been at a loss to understand, but the +rest of the party received it in grave silence and nods of the head, as +though it were a thought that needed careful investigation. In common +parlance, Jerry Tompkins had expressed the opinion that Mrs. Roberts had +some point to gain in being so uncommonly polite and attentive to them, +and they were curious to know what the motive could possibly be. + +They considered the important question in silence until they reached +the next corner; then Nimble Dick, tossing back his head as one who had +thrown off an abstruse problem, and would have none of it, said:-- + +"Well, what next? We've got through with that fun for to-day. What are +you going to do, boys? Say we go around to Poke's, and see what is going +on there?" + +To this proposition there was eager agreement from all the party save +one; he maintained a somewhat moody silence. + +"What say, Dirk?" the leader asked, addressing him; "are you ready for +Poke's?" + +"No; I don't think I'll go around, just now." + +"What, then? If you've got something better on hand, why don't you let a +fellow know? We're not dying for Poke's place." + +"I haven't got a thing on hand; only I don't care about going there." + +"Where, then?" + +"Nowhere." + +"Nowhere! Mean place. Too cold weather to stop in the streets. There'll +be a good fire at Poke's. You come along; don't go to getting the sulks; +it ain't becoming, just after you've been to Sunday-school." + +But the young fellow persisted in gloomily refusing to join them, and +presently they began to tease, in what they meant to be a good-natured +way. + +"Dirk's struck," said one. "That yellow-haired party has got him by +the throat; I saw her looking at him most uncommon sharp, when she was +telling that biggest story of hers, about the serpent that swallowed. +Dirk he thinks he's been swallowed by one of 'em; he feels it choking in +his throat." + +"No," said another, "that ain't it; Dirk's a-going to get pious. That's +his last dodge; I've seen the spell coming on, for some time. Didn't +you see him pick up that there Bible and lay it on the seat the other +Sunday, after Jerry's elbow knocked it off by mistake? I've been scared +about Dirk ever since; and now he won't go to Poke's! It's a bad sign. I +say, Dirk, maybe there's going to be a prayer-meeting down your way, and +you wouldn't mind letting us come?" + +They expected him to laugh, but his face grew blacker than before, and +at last he said, in very significant tones:-- + +"You better hold up there, Scrawly, if you don't want to try the depth +of that gutter." + +"Leave him be," said Nimble Dick, quickly; "he's going into one of +his tantrums. When he begins like that, there's no end to the fighting +that's in him; and I don't want a row now,--it's too early in the day; +besides, I know something that's better fun. You fellows come along with +me, and let him go." + +As this was said in a sort of undertone as Dirk strode on ahead; and +when, at another corner, he dashed down it, leaving them all, there was +no call after him. He was free to go where he would, and for reasons +that he himself could not have explained he chose that it should be +home,--that is, the place which he called home. It might not meet your +ideas of what a spot so named should be. The road to it led through one +of the meanest portions of the city. Each foot of the way the houses +seemed to grow more squalid looking, and the streets filthier. The +particular alley down which he dived at last was narrower and blacker +than any yet passed, and the cellar door which he pushed open let him +into the meanest-looking house in the row,--a long, low, dark room. In +one corner there was the remnant of a stove, braced up by bricks and +stones, but no fire was burning therein, though the day was cold. +Furniture there was none, unless the usual rickety table and two broken +chairs could be called by that name. A door was ajar that led into an +inner cellar, and a glimpse of piles of offensive looking rags, that +were called "bed-clothes" by the family, might have given you an idea of +what their home life was, as hardly any other phase of it can. The rags +were not all in the further cellar, however; a gay patch-work quilt, or +at least one that had once been gay, but from which bits of black cotton +now oozed in every direction, seemed to have curled itself in a heap +against the one window. However, it moved soon after Dirk opened the +door, and showed itself to be more than a quilt. Inside was a young +girl, the quilt wrapped around her closely, drawn up about her face and +head, as if she would hide all but her eyes within, and try to get rid +of shivering. + +"You home?" she said, her tones expressing surprise, but at the same +time indifference. "What is it for?" + +"Because I wanted to come. Hasn't a fellow a right to come home if he +wants to?" + +"Of course; and it's such a lovely home, and you are so fond of it, no +one need wonder at your coming in the middle of the day." + +The sentence was sarcastic enough, but the tones were hardly so; they +expressed too much indifference even for sarcasm. + +Dirk surveyed her thoughtfully; he seemed to have no answer ready. In +fact, his face wore almost a startled air, and really the thought which +presented itself for consideration was startling. Something about the +face of the girl, done up so grotesquely in her ragged quilt, suggested +the lady who had been his teacher at the Mission! Could one find a +sharper contrast than existed between these two? Yet Dirk, as he looked, +could not get away from it. + +"What are you staring at?" the girl asked, presently, growing uneasy +over the fixedness of his gaze. "Do you see anything uncommon about me?" + +"Where's mother?" he asked, dropping his eyes, and turning from her. + +"In there, asleep. You needn't talk quite so loud; it won't hurt her to +get a bit of rest. She sat up till morning, poking at your old coat." + +Dirk looked down at it thoughtfully. There had been an attempt to make +it decent, although the setting of the patches showed an unpractised +hand, and they were of a strikingly different color from the coat +itself. + +"You might have done it for her, then, in the daytime," he said, +briefly, and added, "Where's father?" + +The girl shrugged her shoulders. + +"How should I know? Where he is most of the time; you know more about it +than I do, or ought to; you live on the street." + +He gave her an answer which seemed to surprise her:-- + +"I say, Mart, what is the use in being so horrid cross all the time?" + +"You are so good-natured," she said, "and everything is so nice and +pleasant around me, it is a wonder that I should ever be cross!" + +"That's all lost, Mart, for I never said I was good-natured, nor thought +I was; and if I don't know just how hateful things are, I should like +to know who does! But, after all, what good does it do to snarl? Why +couldn't you and me say a good-natured word once in a while, just for a +change?" + +"Try it," she said; "I wish you would! I'm so tired of things as they +now are, that most any change would be fine. But I'll risk your doing +much in that line; it isn't in you." + +What was there in this cross girl to remind any one in his senses of +Mrs. Evan Roberts? Yet even as she spoke that last ungracious sentence, +she turned a little, so that a slant beam of sunshine--one of the few +that ever found its way into this dreary room--laid a streak of light +just across her hair, yellowing it until it was almost the shade that he +had noted in the lady at the Mission; and he thought of her again, and +wondered curiously whether, if Mart were dressed in the shining black +dress, and fur wraps and feather-decked bonnet that the lady had worn, +she would really resemble her. How would Mart look dressed up, he +wondered; even decently dressed, as the girls were whom he met on the +streets. He had never seen her in anything much more becoming than the +ragged quilt. He was studying her in a way that Mart did not in the +least understand. She broke the spell suddenly again:-- + +"Have you had any dinner?" + +"Dinner? Why, no! of course not! Where would I find that sort of thing? +I looked all up and down the streets, and smelled plenty of it, but not +a bite did I get." + +"Where have you been?" + +"Oh, around in several places; not much of anywhere." + +"I know where you've been,"--a severe light coming into her eyes; +"you've been down to the South End, and if I was you I'd be ashamed of +myself! I know how you fellows go on down there. Sallie Calkins goes, +and she told me all about it. She said that she was ashamed to live +on the same street with any of you, and that none of the folks in the +Mission knew what to do with you, and the next thing you knew you would +all be marched off to the lockup." + +"Let them try it," muttered Dirk, his face growing darker; "we'd make +that street too hot to hold them in short order if they played at any +such game as that, and I guess they know it." + +"Well, anyhow, I wouldn't be meaner and lower down than I had to be, +Dirk Colson! It is bad enough as it is,--a drunkard for a father, and we +nothing more than beggars! But I'd behave myself half-way decent when I +went among folks that wanted to be good to me, or else I'd stay away." + +"Look here, you keep your preaching for them that wants to hear it; I +don't. A fellow can't come home without having a row; if it isn't of one +kind, it's another. I wonder I ever come home at all." + +Dirk was angry now, and his dark, thin face looked fierce with passion. +His sister kept the curiously composed tone and manner with which she +had said all her exasperating things. + +"I wonder you do," she said. "I suppose you get starved, and can't help +it, now and then. There's some dinner I saved for you. If you want it, +eat it, and then take yourself to some place that suits you better." + +As she spoke, she jerked open the door of a little cupboard near which +she stood, and brought therefrom a much-cracked plate, on which lay +a baked potato, with one end broken or bitten off, then carefully +replaced, as if the owner might have had a second thought as to its +disposal; there was also a bit of corn-bread, somewhat burned, and half +of a roasted apple. + +Meagre as the fare was for a hungry boy, there was more variety than he +had expected, and something in the simple preparation touched him, and +quieted his anger. + +"Where did this come from?" he asked, taking in the unaccustomed morsel +of apple with two eager bites. "I tell you, that is good!" + +"Sally Calkins gave it to me last night. She got one give to her +somewhere." + +Just as the last bite was gone, it occurred to Dirk, first to wonder, +and then to be almost certain, that his sister, having shared the apple, +had saved her entire share for him. It was not the first time he had +known of such an effort on her part to supply him with food. Had he +thought of it sooner he would certainly have left a bit of the dainty +for her; but no thought of telling her so, for an instant crossed his +mind. Neither had she, on her part, the slightest idea of describing to +him with what care and patience she and Sallie had roasted the choice +morsel before Sallie's fire, only last night,--Sallie's father being +fortunately late in coming, and so giving them a chance; then she had +borne hers home in a bit of paper, and carefully guarded it all day, +just for this hour. Also, she might have told him that she bit the end +from the potato before she remembered that there would be none left for +him, and then fitted it on again as best she could, and went without. +She would not have told him for worlds. Why? She could not have +explained why. Something within her shrank from letting him know, not +that she sacrificed for him, but that she _cared_ enough for him to want +to do it! + +Potato and corn-bread were gone, to the last crumb; it seemed to Dirk +that there had been only enough of them to show him how hungry he was. + +"I suppose there isn't anything more?" he said, wistfully, with the +rising inflection, indeed, but not as one who had any idea of receiving +an affirmative answer. + +"I should think there wasn't!"--defiance in the tone--"there's a piece +of bread that I kept for mother's supper, and I mean she shall have it." + +"Well, don't bite me! I'm perfectly willing that she shall. Isn't there +anything for a fire?" + +"Only some chips that I'm saving till mother has her nap out." + +"You better go to bed yourself, then; it's awful cold here." + +"I ain't going to stir from this corner so long as this streak of light +lasts. It isn't so very often I see it that I can afford to lose it." + +Her brother turned and looked at her. She had gathered the folds of the +ragged quilt about her again, and was crouching at the low window, and +the very last gleam that the sunshine would vouchsafe them came and +glimmered in her hair. + +There it was again,--that mysterious, haunting resemblance! What would +Mart think if he told her of it? Probably that he was trying to poke +fun at her. At least, he should not experiment. Yet he could not help +wondering again, how Mart would look if she were dressed like other +people. + +"I say, Mart," he began, suddenly, breaking the stillness, "let's you +and I get out of this, where it is warmer. Come and take a walk down on +the avenue; the sun will shine yet for half an hour, and it is real warm +and bright." + +"In this quilt?" she asked, significantly, looking down at it. + +The boy's face darkened. + +"Hasn't your shawl got out of pawn yet?" + +"How should it?" + +He flung himself angrily out of the broken chair, picked up his ragged +cap, and strode angrily and noisily across the room, out at the door, +stumbling up the steps, like one half-blind with disgust or rage, and +went on swift feet down the street out of sight. And Mart, poor Mart, +left thus to solitude, let the last beam of the sun go without watching, +and buried her face in the ragged quilt and cried. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +"I DON'T BLAME THEM." + + +It was not a "pet" name. Poor Mart Colson would not have known what to +do with a pet name. Her life had not taught her how to use such phrases; +how she came to be named Martha, she did not know; but a hollow-eyed, +sad-voiced woman could have told her of a country home, long ago, where +there were daffodils blowing in the early spring, almost under the snow; +where, later, the earth was turned into sky, or the stars came down and +gleamed all over her father's fields, so plentiful were the dandelions; +and the breath of the clover came in at all the open windows, and the +cows--her father's cows--coming home from pasture, and the tinkle of +their bells were sights and sounds familiar to her ear. She sat there +one summer evening, in the back-door, watching the glory and the peace, +and studying, between times, her Sabbath lesson. Often and often the +words came back to her in future years. "Now Jesus loved Martha and her +sister and Lazarus." That was one of the verses. Was it a dim memory of +the words, and a sort of blind reaching out after their fulfilment, that +led her to name her poor little two-days-old baby, Martha? The old home +had vanished, the sweet-scented meadows, the tinkling bells, the peace +and the plenty, were as utterly things of the past as though they had +not been. Mother, and father, and one brother, were gone, lying in +grass-grown, neglected graves; and she--why the two-days-old +baby's father was _drunk_; and had been for three weeks! A hard, +hateful-sounding word,--coarse, almost. Why don't I say intoxicated? Oh, +because I can't! I've no desire to find smooth-sounding words with which +to cover the sin of that baby's father. But the mother named her Martha. +She never told her why, if, indeed, she herself fully knew; it was not +a family name. Gradually, after the fashion of the times, she sought to +shorten the name; and because they had not sweet, short words, as "Pet," +and "Dear" and "Sweet,"--all such belong to happy homes,--they grew to +calling her Mart. And now even she herself hardly realized that she had +ever owned to any other call. Poor Mart! I find myself wanting to use +the adjective over and over again when I speak of her. Such a desolate, +loveless life! Always a drunken father,--she had never known any other; +always a sharp-toned, weary-eyed, disheartened mother, who shut her +tenderness for the child within herself, as one who could not afford to +show it. Then Dirk, the one brother, going astray almost as soon as +he was born. What wonder, from such a home? Yet Mart wondered and felt +bitter over it. Why could not Dirk be like some others of whom she knew? +Like Sallie Calkin's brother, for instance, who worked day and night, +and brought home, often and often, an apple, or a herring, or sometimes +even a picture paper for Sallie! Mart was sharp-tongued; all her life +had taught her to be so. She spoke sharp words out of the bitterness of +her heart at Dirk, and of late rarely anything but sharp words, yet--and +this was Mart's secret, hidden away as if it were something of which to +be ashamed--she _loved_ Dirk, loved him fiercely, with all the pent-up +wealth of her young heart; and often, _because_ she loved him, she was +harsh and bitter towards him, though she did not herself understand why +this should be. + +As for Dirk, he walked rapidly but for a few blocks; his dinner had been +too insufficient to give him strength, after the first aimless anger had +subsided. Then came the question what to do with himself. Why hadn't he +gone with the fellows? More than likely some of them had contrived a way +to get a dinner. Why had he persisted in sullenly leaving them all and +going home? + +He had not the least idea why he had been impelled to go home. Now +that he was fairly away from home again, he had no idea what to do with +himself. A place where he could warm his feet and his hands, where +he could get a bite to eat, possibly,--this last would be an immense +attraction, but was not a necessity, and he did not expect it,--but +warmth, at least, he felt that he must have. Where would he find it? +What place had been provided for such as he? He ought by this time to +have been earning his own living, to have had a corner which he could +call home, earned by himself, where some of the decencies of life were +gathered. Of course he ought; but the painful fact to meet just now, was +that he had not done his duty. He had gone astray; not so far but that +there were plenty of chances to go farther, greater deeps to which he +might yet reach, but far enough to all but break any watchful mother's +heart; only that _his_ mother's heart was broken before he was born. The +simple question waiting to be solved was this: Having done as poorly for +himself as under the circumstances he well could, what was Dirk Colson +to do next? He had no idea; neither, apparently, had multitudes of +Christian people engaged in praying that the Father's will might be done +on earth, even as it was in heaven. The young man walked six blocks down +the respectable avenue, lined with pleasant homes, where the people went +to church, and read their Bibles, and had family prayers, and kept holy +the Sabbath day. Not a door among them all opened and held out a winning +signal to arrest his heedless feet. Not so Satan! Is he ever caught +idling at his post? + +Just around the corner from the respectable avenue (and around the +corner Dirk presently turned, still uncertain what to do, where to find +the warmth he craved) then the winning invitations for such as he began +to present themselves. Saloons, and saloons, and saloons! How many of +them were there? Far outnumbering the churches! Pleasant they looked, +too; opening doors, ever and anon, revealing brightness and warmth +within. They would like to see him inside. Of this Dirk was sure; not +that he had money, but he had something that in such places often served +him well,--a decided and dangerous talent for imitating any and every +peculiarity of voice or manner that had chanced to come under his +notice. He could make the fellows in these saloons roar with laughter. +If he did particularly well, they were willing to order for him a glass +of beer, or a fairly good cigar; in any case he had a chance to get +warm. This was actually Dirk's only present source of income! Yet he +shrank from it; he could not have told you why, but on this particular +Sabbath he was averse to earning his coveted warmth in this way. He +walked resolutely by two or three places where he had reason to think he +might be welcomed, wondering vaguely whether there wasn't something +else a fellow could do to keep himself from freezing. Oddly enough there +seemed to be something about the glimmer of sunshine as he saw it in +Mart's hair that kept him from halting before any of the places open to +him. What if she had come out with him to take a walk; he could not +have taken her into one of them! Then, poor fellow, he set himself to +wondering where the place was, open and warmed, to which he could take +Mart. There were places, several of them, in the large city; but Dirk +knew nothing about them, and he was acquainted with the saloons. He +thought of another thing; he had been invited to call at a house on East +Fifty-fifth Street. Suppose he should walk up there this very afternoon +and ring the bell, and say that he had come to call! What would happen +then? Whereupon he laughed aloud. The fancy seemed to him so utterly +preposterous. The idea of _his_ making a call! The utter improbability +of his ever seeing the inside of one of the East Fifty-fifth Street +mansions! + +Still remained that hopeless question: What should he do with himself? +The sun was quite gone now, and a cold wind was blowing up freshly +from the north. It blew directly through Dirk's threadbare garments. He +turned suddenly and slipped inside one of the worst of the many saloons +which literally lined this end of the street. He had refused to go with +the boys to Poke's, an hour or two before, and this was several grades +below Poke's in decency! But it was growing dark, and he was cold. + +There was one young man who saw him dash down those cellar stairs, +who stood still and looked at him, his face darkening the while with +discouragement. This, then, was all the afternoon's Sabbath-school had +accomplished for him. To be sure he was not disappointed at the result; +it was no more than he had expected; but it was so discouraging to be an +eye-witness to the degradation to which these young wretches had fallen! +Of course the young man was Alfred Ried, and he went home, and +was dreary, over all sorts of failures in Christian work, mission +Sabbath-schools especially; and their own, more especially than any +other. + +Among the early shoppers on Monday morning came Mrs. Evan Roberts. +Shopping, however, seemed to be a small part of her business. She came +directly to young Ried's counter, and addressed him very much as though +she had ceased talking with him but a moment before:-- + +"Mr. Ried, what can you and I do for those boys during the week?" + +But Alfred was at his gloomiest. + +"I don't see that we can do anything for them at any time," he said, +dismally. "What is an hour on Sunday, set against all the rest of the +time? They go from the school-room to the rum saloons, and dawdle away +the rest of the day. Yesterday I met that young Colson going into one +of the worst saloons on Dey Street. They are not to blame, either." This +last in a fiercer tone, after a slight pause. "I don't blame them; +they have nowhere else to go, and nothing to do; and it is cold on the +streets, and warm in the saloons." + +If he expected the small lady, who was regarding him so steadily, to +take the other side of this question, he was disappointed. She spoke +quietly enough, but with the earnestness of conviction. + +"Those are startling facts. I do not see how one could be surprised that +the results are they are; and the practical question forces itself upon +us, What are we to do under the circumstances? Mr. Ried, you have had +your eyes open in regard to this subject for some time; what have you +thought out?" + +Now was Mr. Alfred Ried embarrassed. It was true that his eyes had been +long open to the subject; it was true that he had given it a great deal +of what he had called thought. But with those alert eyes fixed on his +face, her whole manner indicating intense earnestness, he suddenly +realized that all his thought had been to no purpose, had accomplished +nothing, unless it had served to give him a feeling almost of irritation +against the boys, and their teachers who made failures, and the people +who folded their hands and let things go to ruin. Here confronted him +one, whose hands were not folded, though they rested quietly enough +on the counter before him. He began to feel that there might be latent +power in them. + +"I have nothing to say," and he said it at last with flushed face and +embarrassed voice; "I have thought out nothing. The whole thing seemed +hopeless to me with my utter lack of resources. My sister had schemes, +many of them, and they seemed to me good ones, even then; they seem +better now, only I cannot carry them out." + +She caught at the name. + +"Your sister? Ester Ried? Good! Let us carry them out, you and I, and as +many more as we can get to help us. She is at work yet,--don't you see? +What is that prophecy about her?--that voice which the prophet heard, +you know, 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.'" + +How strangely the words sounded, repeated in her low, clear voice, amid +the hum of business on every side! Alfred Ried felt singularly moved. +He had been a highly strung, imaginative child. He had been his sister +Ester's almost constant companion during those last months in which +she was slowly fading out of sight. While Julia held steadily to her +mother's side, and learned to do many helpful things, he had been +stationed chief nurse in Ester's room, to see that she lacked for no +tender care during the hours when others must be away from her. And +those hours she had tenderly improved. He remembered to this day just +how she looked, with a pink flush all over her cheeks, and a bright +light in her eyes, as she talked to him of the things that she and Dr. +Douglass had meant to do for boys,--neglected, homeless, friendless +boys. Oh, the plans they had carefully thought out, to reach after these +forsaken ones! He remembered that his own cheeks had grown hot while he +listened, and the blood had seemed to race like fire through his veins +when she said, "God wants _me_ for something else, Alfred; but you will +do my work when you get to be a man; you will find helpers, and carry +it on as I wanted to do." He had made no audible answer, but he had told +himself sturdily again and again that he certainly would. Yet here +he was, barely of age, and almost soured by disappointments. Certain +well-meant attempts having proved failures, and having not found +the helpers whom he had eagerly expected, the magnitude of the work +impressed itself upon him more remorselessly each hour. Yet now he +seemed to feel again the thrill in his veins, and he felt almost under +the power of his sister's eye while those words were in his ears: +"They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." Might +it possibly be that this was one of the "helpers" of whom Ester used to +talk, sent by God himself to take up her planned work and follow it out? +Yet she was so utterly unlike his memory of Ester! She had seemed to +him a self-reliant, strong-toned woman; Mrs. Roberts was so small and +frail-looking, and so fashionably dressed, and how those boys had acted +with her only yesterday! What could she possibly do? + +Customers came just then, to change the current of his thoughts. They +wanted round collars, and deep collars, and fichus, and edges, and a +hundred little irritating things. Young Ried, usually so gracious +and patient, had much ado to keep from showing his annoyance over the +smallness of all their wishes. + +Meantime Mrs. Roberts, who had taken a seat, entered apparently with +absorption into the relative merits of round or pointed collars with a +young lady acquaintance. She patiently measured to discover whether the +turned-down corner of one was a quarter of an inch deeper than the other +or not; she gave, with due deliberation, her opinion as to whether the +points were more becoming to the young lady's style of beauty than the +rolling fronts, and even went to the trouble of unfastening her furs to +show still another style that she liked better than either; sending +the disgusted Alfred to an entirely different box in search of a like +pattern. As he went, his lip curled visibly. What a fool he had been +to allow himself to get momentarily excited over this doll! How +preposterous in him to mention his dead sister's name to her! She had +already forgotten the entire matter, and was deep in the merits of +collars! His first estimate of her had been the correct one. Her +mind was just about as deep, he believed, as the tiny collar she was +measuring. What a farce it was to talk to her about helping those poor +fellows! She probably thought a few soup tickets, and a chance for a +good Christmas dinner at some of the public charity halls, was the way +to reach and reform them. _He_ shouldn't help her; she mustn't expect +it. Doubtless she did not. Probably she had by this time forgotten that +she had suggested it. Why need she putter here about a few collars for a +young lady in her own circle to wear with her morning dresses? That was +just it, he told himself. It was because she _was_ in her circle, and +because the collars were to be honored by being worn by such as she, +that they became important, and the boys and their desperate needs sunk +into insignificance. Well, he wished they would both go, and leave him +to himself; give him a chance to rally from his momentary excitement, of +which he was now ashamed. + +At last the collars were bought,--but not until the counter was strewn +with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little nothings +for last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. Roberts +whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and said: + +"What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?" + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +"A CHRISTIAN HOME." + + +"I don't suppose you can go into detail just now," she added, noting +young Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; "but I was wondering if you +could give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought +could be done." + +"There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe she +thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world very +well," said this aged cynic. "She judged everybody from the standpoint +of her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy with +soup-houses, and dinner-tickets, and great public charities of that +sort. Or, I don't know that I should say she was not in sympathy +with them. I mean, rather, that those would not have been her ways of +working. She was thinking of young people, and to give them a dinner +now and then, she would not have considered a very great step toward +elevating them morally and spiritually. Mrs. Roberts, it was just +that which she wanted to do,--lift them up. She thought there could be +invented ways of reaching them, so that they would want helping, want +teaching,--_crave_ it, I mean; and she thought that Christian homes of +wealth and culture could be opened to them, and they gradually toled +in,--made to feel on a level with others, in the social scale; in +short, she believed that instead of people going down to them in a +condescending spirit, they could be drawn up to the level of others, +so that they would realize their manhood, and be led to make earnest +efforts to take their rightful places in the world. I know I am bungling +dreadfully; I don't know how to tell you her plans, only that they were +splendid. But I am afraid the world will have to be made over, before +they can be carried out." + +"Perhaps so. Christ is at work making the world over, you know." The +lady before him, whose eyes never for an instant moved from his face, +spoke with exceeding sweetness and gravity. Neither by word nor glance +did she give him to understand that she thought his schemes wild. "But I +find that, after all, I want details. I catch a glimpse of the grandness +of your sister's meaning. What were some of the steps,--the little +steps, such as you and I could take, toward accomplishing? Yet, even +while I ask the question, I see something of what the answer must be. +'Christian homes opening to receive them!' That is a new thought to me, +and in the plural number I do not see how just now, it could be done, +but _one_ Christian home,--I ought to be able to manage that. Mr. Ried, +that is the way to begin it, you may depend. Indeed, I suppose you have +tried it? The city is full of boys, and many of them are away down. +Since we cannot reach all of them this week, we must try to reach seven; +and failing in that, suppose we say one? For which one have you been +working? Just who, at this moment, specially interests you? I hope it +is one of my boys, because, you see, they appeal to me, just now, as +no others can. Which is it, Mr. Ried? and what have you tried to do for +him? and to what extent have you succeeded?" + +There were never any hotter cheeks than young Ried's just at that +moment. This was the most extraordinary person with whom he had ever +talked. It was impossible to generalize with her. Not that he wanted to +generalize; on the contrary, he at once saw the possibilities growing +out of individual effort, and caught at the idea of undertaking +something. But the question was, Why had he not thought of it before? +One person to reach after, and try for!--surely, he might have attempted +it, instead of trying to carry the hundreds that he stumbled against, +and so accomplish nothing for any of them. It was humiliating, the +confession that he had to make:-- + +"Indeed, Mrs. Roberts, I have not one in mind. If you asked me what one +hundred I was most anxious about, I might possibly be able to answer; +but I see that there has been no individuality about it, unless, +perhaps, the half-dozen or more boys who compose that class are taking +a little stronger hold on me than any of the others; but even for them +I have tried to do nothing, unless two or three attempts to secure a +permanent teacher for them--which have ended in failure--may count for +effort. I don't blame myself as much as I might, because, now that you +suggest personal work to me, I realize that there is nothing for one +situated as I am to do. I have no Christian home at my command." + +"Ah, but we are to come down to very small numbers, you know,--to +fractions, if need be. You have a piece of Christian home at command, I +trust?" + +But he looked at her inquiringly, and she explained:-- + +"Why, you have the privacy of your own room, which is, of course, your +corner of home just now, and it is a Christian corner. Is there not room +in it sometimes for two?" + +He smiled faintly over that. + +"Mrs. Roberts, there is one thing with which you evidently are not +familiar, and that is the corner which a poor clerk in the city has +to call home. Mine is the fourth story back of a fourth-rate +boarding-house, where the thermometer drops often below the +freezing-point, and this place I share with as uncongenial a fellow as +ever breathed. What would you think of labelling such accommodations +'home?' and what can I do in it for others?" + +"Not much, perhaps," smiling, "unless for the uncongenial fellow. I +should think there might be a chance in this direction." + +"Ah, but," he said, eagerly, "he is a Christian. My sympathies do not +need to be drawn out in that direction." + +The smile was a peculiar one now, but the tone was very quiet in which +the little lady said that some time, when they had leisure to talk, she +should like to ask him whether his experience with Christians had been +so exceptionally bright that he thought there was no work to do in that +direction. + +"But just now," she added, earnestly, "I want to know, since you are +shut away from home effort, for which of these boys you are praying +especially, and which of them do you carry about on your heart, with the +hope of a chance meeting, an unexpected, opportunity to speak a word, +or do a kindness, or look a kindness that shall give you possible +future influence? Don't you have to work in those ways? Two people +never equally interest me at the same moment. I find I must be intensely +individual, not to the exclusion of others, but in praying. For +instance, yesterday I prayed, and this morning I prayed, for my entire +class, but there was one all the time who was uppermost. I find myself +questioning, What can I do for them all, but especially for him? Do you +know, I fancy that most Christians feel the same; individual effort +is so necessary that I have thought perhaps the Holy Spirit turns our +thoughts most directly toward one person at a time, so that we may +concentrate our efforts. Do you think this is so?" + +Young Ried did not answer promptly; he had no answer ready that suited +him. His strongest feeling just then was one of self-reproach, mingled +with humiliation. How had he looked down on this fair and beautiful +little woman,--her very beauty being, he had fancied, an element against +her when it came to actual effort. How had he allowed himself to sneer +over her attempts at teaching that class of boys! How actually irritable +he had been over it! How almost angrily he had questioned why it was +that a teacher was not found for them fitted to their needs; when he had +prayed about it so much; determined not to believe that the prayer had +been answered, and the teacher found; yet here she was, the one whose +efforts he had despised, talking already about individual prayer for +them, while he, who had done a great amount of fretting for them, had +not once presented them as individuals to Christ, and asked a definite +blessing for each! His answer, when it came, was low and full of +feeling:-- + +"I have concentrated my desires in praying for the coming of such a +teacher as might get hold of them; and I begin to think that I have an +answer to my prayers." + +But she was absolutely proof against compliments. She wasted not a +moment's thought on that, but said:-- + +"Mr. Ried, who are they? I tried to get their names yesterday, but soon +saw that they were not in the mood to help me. I don't think I have one +correct name. Can you give me a list?" + +No, he could not--which admission did not lessen the glow on his cheek. +Possibly he could mention the names of two, and guess at a third, but of +the others he knew nothing. + +"To whom, then, can I go? Mr. Durant would know, of course. Where shall +I find him?" + +So much Alfred knew. Mr. Durant was to be found at the Fourth National +Bank; but, as for giving information in regard to that class, he was +sure it was beyond him. He (Alfred) had asked only last Sabbath who the +boy was who behaved so wretchedly, and also who was the fellow next him, +but Mr. Durant had not known. + +Well, then, Mrs. Roberts said, nothing daunted, not even a shadow +appearing on her quiet face, she must just study it out with his help. + +"There is immediate work for you," she said, "for of course I want +to know their names. Who are the two? This Dirk Colson, whom you +mentioned,--which was he?" + +Alfred described him as well as his bewilderment would allow, and was +interrupted-- + +"Oh, the small dark one. I know,--he interested me. Where does he live?" + +But to this question no clear answer could be given. Down in one of the +alleys towards the South End; but just which alley, or how far down it, +Alfred did not know. He knew it was a disreputable alley, and that there +wasn't a decent home anywhere about it, and that was all. + +"What does Dirk do for a living?" + +This question was quite as difficult to answer as the other. Nothing, +young Ried believed; at least nothing regular; odd jobs he doubtless +picked up occasionally, but as for regular employment, Alfred was sure +he had none. + +"Is that his fault? I mean, doesn't he desire work, and make an effort +to secure it?" + +But this young Ried could not even pretend to answer. Work, for such as +he, was scarce; boys with better habits, brought up to be industrious, +were at this present time out of work. Possibly the fellow was not to +blame for being an idler. + +Many other questions were asked, and many attempts were made at answers; +but when the shoppers began to press in, to such a degree that their +conversation was broken, and the energetic seeker after information felt +herself obliged to retire, one thing had been accomplished: Alfred Ried +had been made to realize that he knew much less than he had supposed he +did about the seven boys who had seemed to be filling his thoughts for +several weeks; and also, in his eager, passionate desire that everything +should be done for all of them, he had overlooked the chances for doing +here and there some little thing for one of them. + +"Good morning," Mrs. Roberts had said, turning cordially to a +fashionably-dressed lady. "Collars? Oh, yes, this is the counter for +them to be found in endless variety. They have a new pattern that I have +been admiring. Mr. Ried, please show Mrs. Emory the curtain collars, +with embroidered points." + +Which thing Mr. Ried proceeded to do with alacrity and respect, no trace +of the earlier contemptuous feeling shadowing his face. Here was a woman +who knew stylish collars when she saw them, and who also knew several +other things, and had taught him a lesson this very morning that he +would not be likely to forget. + +But Mrs. Roberts, as she made her way out from the fast-filling store, +felt that she had not made great progress toward getting acquainted with +her class. + +Still it must be admitted that if young Ried had gotten some new ideas, +so also had she. "A Christian home!" She found herself repeating the +phrase, lingering over it, wondering if her new home, in every sense of +the word, merited that title. "It cannot simply mean a home where Christ +is honored," she said to herself. "I surely have that. It rather means +a home where everything pertaining to it serves His cause. The very +furniture and the light and the brightness are made to do duty for Him, +else they have no place there; and I, labelled Christian, have no right +to them. Can they bear the test, I wonder? What is there that I can do +with all the beauties of my parlors? There are things that I have not +done. I can see some to do; but how can my Christian home serve these +boys? When I get them into it, of course it will work for me; but how to +get them in! Who are they? I wonder what spring I can touch to give me +even this meagre bit of information?" + +As if in answer to her mental query, she came just then full upon +Policeman Duffer. She recognized him instantly: a man who, though by +no means small, was so far from having the majestic presence of most +policemen that, in the estimation of the boys, he merited the name +"Little Duffer." Mrs. Roberts carried to her new work one talent +not always to be found among even efficient workers,--the ability to +remember both names and faces. Especially did a name seem, without any +effort on her part, to fasten itself upon her memory; and not only that, +but it brought with it a train of memories enabling her to locate +when and where, and under what circumstances, she heard the name; and, +therefore, generally whom the name fitted. Recognizing the features of +the policeman whom she had seen at the door of the South End Mission, +she connected him at once with the term "Little Duffer," heard in her +class, and addressed him:-- + +"Mr. Duffer, I believe." + +It is safe to say that Policeman Duffer, entirely accustomed as he was +to hearing himself addressed officially a hundred or a thousand times a +day, was yet utterly unaccustomed to the prefix of "Mr.", and started in +surprise. + +"Are you not the gentleman whom I saw at the South End last Sabbath?" + +The policeman admitted that he probably was. He was detailed for duty +there. Then she plunged at once into business. Did he know the boys who +attended that school? Some of them he did, better than he wanted to; and +a precious set they were, in Policeman Duffer's opinion. + +"Might as well go out to the Zoo," he declared, "and get a set of +animals and try to tame 'em." + +Mrs. Roberts was not in the mood to argue; she was bent on information. +Did he know, she wondered, the boys who composed her class? She had just +taken the class, and was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted +with their names. One was Dirk Colson, and another she had heard was +Haskell--Timothy Haskell, perhaps, though of that she was not certain. +Did that give Mr. Duffer any clue? + +"Plenty of clue," he said, shaking his head. "So you've taken that +class, ma'am?"--a curious mixture of amazement and credulity in his +voice. "What possessed you, if I may be so bold? They're a hard lot, +ma'am. I know them, as I said, altogether too well. I've had enough to +do with some of them; and I expect more work from them. They gain in +wickedness in a most surprising way. Their names, yes; there's Scrawley +and Sneaking Billy, and Black Dirk,--him you know." + +Mrs. Roberts interrupted him. She begged his pardon, but could those +really be the boys names? Were they not rather some unfortunate street +names that had been fastened upon them? + +Thus brought back to his senses, Policeman Duffer laughed, and admitted +that he supposed Sneaking Billy was properly named Sneyder; but he was +once caught in a mean trick, from which he tried in so many ways to +squirm out, that the boys had themselves named him Sneaking Billy, and +the name had stuck. + +As for "Scrawley," his real name was Stephen Crowley. How it became +contracted into "Scrawley" the boys could tell better than anybody else. +They always called him that, and so did other people; and Policeman +Duffer was inclined to doubt whether the fellow remembered that he had +any other name. + +"You can see yourself, ma'am," he added, "how Black Dirk came by his +name. He is the blackest white fellow as ever I saw, and I've seen +crowds of 'em." + +The streets were full, and Policeman Duffer was being interviewed by +a great many people in regard to all the questions that policemen are +expected to answer. But by dint of patient waiting, one foot poised on +a curbstone to keep it out of the mud, making hurried little memoranda +while Policeman Duffer was engaged, and earnestly plying her questions +when he was at leisure, Mrs. Roberts learned the names of her seven +boys, and where several of them lived. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +"SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK." + + +"That Black Dirk is a case," said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away +from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where +a certain street was. "He is the worst of the lot, _I_ believe. +Jerry Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at +mischief; Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he +does the rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all +for evil. The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that +they are after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, +nor when he may burst out on you. He's dangerous. I am always looking +out for something awful that he will do." + +Poor Dirk! Yet he was the boy to whom Mrs. Roberts' desires had gone +out the most anxiously. It was over his image that she had lingered +that morning in her closet. Policeman Duffer would have been greatly +astonished had he known there was that in his words which gave her +courage. "Perhaps," she said to herself, with quickening breath, "oh, +perhaps the poor boy is the most in danger of them all, and the Saviour, +knowing it, sees ways in which I may reach him, and so presses his poor, +sullen face on my memory." + +"What does he do for a living?" she hastened to ask. + +"Well, to the best of my knowledge, he loafs for a living. That's all +I've ever known him guilty of doing. He's got a drunken father,--one +of the meanest kind of drunkards. If he would go and stay drunk all +the time and leave them alone they might manage; but he has spells +of getting half over it, and coming home and tearing around like all +possessed. Then they have times! I've been in there when it took all my +strength to manage him. If he would get killed in one of his rows I'd +have some hope of the rest of 'em; but he won't. That kind of folks +never do get killed; it's the decent ones. A fellow was carried by here +just with a broken leg,--a nice, decent boy; works hard to help his +sister. He's the sort now that gets his leg broken and gets laid up for +the rest of the winter. How do you account for that? He lives pretty +near Black Dirk's. Of course, he's got a drunken father; they all have +in that row; but if I was going in for benevolence I'd twice as soon do +something for young Calkins as for any of your set; they're a bad lot. +They aren't worth lifting a finger for. Now, that's a fact." + +"And yet," said Mrs. Roberts, her voice tremulous with a feeling that +just then surged over her, "how can I help remembering that if the Lord +Jesus had said that of us, and stayed up there in his glory, we should +have been utterly without help or hope to-day?" + +Very much astonished was Policeman Duffer. Ladies on all sorts of +errands had consulted him. He had been presented with many tracts in +his day; but rarely had a clear-voiced, earnest-eyed woman quietly +confronted him with that name, as if it contained an unanswerable +argument. However, he was not embarrassed; it took a great deal to +embarrass him. + +"I don't take much stock in him," he said, with a lofty toss of his +head, and a careless tone, as though the question were one easy to +dispose of. "I don't believe in him myself." + +"Do you know him?" + +Earnest eyes, raised to his face, fixed steadily on his face, while the +questioner waited quietly for an answer. + +Policeman Duffer was embarrassed now; he was not used to being +confronted with such matter-of-fact questions. + +"Do I know him?" with a confused little laugh. "Why, I reckon not, +ma'am; according to the popular notion he is too far away for folks to +be well acquainted." + +"Then popular notion is mistaken, for I know him very well indeed; and +he is by no means far away. But what I meant was, Have you studied +his life and character, and do you fully understand the arguments for +believing in him?" + +"I study the folks who profess to belong to him, ma'am, and I find that +about as much as I can stand." + +This was said with a saucy little laugh, and with the air of a man who +believed he had produced an unanswerable argument. The steady eyes did +not move from his face, and the voice which answered him had lost none +of its quietness:-- + +"But do you think it is wise to spend your time in studying the +imperfect copies, without looking at the perfect pattern? You would not +take the child's careless imitation as a proof that his teacher could +not write. I thank you for helping me to-day. I wish you would help my +boys when you can; and I wish you would study my Master instead of me. +Good morning." + +"That's a queer party!" did Policeman Duffer exclaim, as he watched her +far down the street. "I'm blessed if I wouldn't like to know who she is; +she ain't like the rest, somehow. _Her_ boys! Much she knows about 'em! +Her _bears_ she might as well call 'em! What does she think she can do +with that set in her little hour, Sunday afternoon? Satan, he has 'em +all the week, and looks after 'em sharp; and then these Christians come +in of a Sunday, and mince a little, and think they can upset his doings +by it. Shows their sense! But she's a curious little party; sharp, +without knowing it. I'm blessed if I don't keep an eye on her, and save +her from scrapes, if I can." + +Meantime, all unconscious of his good intentions, Mrs. Roberts pursued +her way down the thronged avenue, and presently turned from it entirely, +and moved down one of the side-streets with resolute steps. A daring +thought had come into her mind; she would try to find the alley where +one at least of her boys lived. It couldn't be worse than some of +the alleys at home which she had penetrated. She felt certain that +by following the policeman's directions she could find the place, and +possibly be able to minister to the boy with a broken limb. At all +events, it was necessary for her to know how her boys lived, and +where they lived, if she were to reach them. But there are alleys, and +_alleys_, as the venturesome lady found to her cost. This one into +which she was plunging excelled anything in that line which she had ever +imagined,--swarming with life in its most repulsive forms, and growing +every moment more terrifying to a well-dressed woman braving its horrors +alone. + +She stopped in dismay at last, admitting, reluctantly, that the +wisest thing she could do was to turn around and go home. Possibly the +_wisest_, but not, it appeared, practicable. Where _was_ home? Down +which of the cross-streets had she come? Did this one where she stood +lead to it, or did it lead, as it appeared to her, in an entirely +opposite direction? She looked up and down and across for some familiar +landmark, and looked in vain, growing momentarily more frightened at +the attention she was attracting by standing irresolutely there. Flossy +Shipley, in her girlhood days, had been almost a hopeless coward; and +Flossy Roberts felt, by the throbbing of her heart, that she had not yet +outgrown her girlish character. Suddenly she gave a little exclamation +of delight, and with a spring forward laid her hand on the arm of one +whom she recognized, none other than "Nimble Dick" himself. + +"I am so glad," she said to the amazed young scamp, a little quiver of +satisfaction in her voice, "so glad to have met you. Do you know you are +a friend in need? I have lost my way. I cannot decide which way to turn +to reach Fifth Avenue again. Will you help me, please?" + +When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of +another? Here was a chance for a jolly lark! A woman scared to death +because she was on Green alley. What would she think of Burk Street! +Suppose he should send her there? Only three blocks away, through a +lovelier part of the city than she had seen yet, he would venture! +If the crowds here showed her too much attention, it would be worth +something to see how she got through Burk Street. + +"Oh, yes," he said, briskly, "I can show you the way in a twinkling. You +just go down this alley till you come to the big house on the corner, +that has the windows all knocked out of it; then you turn and go down +that street till you get to the third crossing; then turn again to the +right, and you'll be on Fifth Avenue before you know it." + +Had Mrs. Roberts been looking at his face, she would have seen the +wicked light dancing in his eyes over the thought that he had thus +mapped out for her a walk through the very worst portion of the city, +every step, of course, leading her further and further away from Fifth +Avenue. The sights that she might see, and the mishaps which might occur +to her,--a handsomely-dressed woman alone,--before she made her way +through the horrors of these streets were too much even for Nimble +Dick's imagination, who knew the locality well. He did not try to +calculate them, but gave himself up to the enjoyment of imagining +how long it would be before she would reach home if she followed his +directions. "She won't see no swallowing serpents that I knows of," he +reflected, gleefully; "but I'll miss my reckoning if she don't see what +will scare her worse than they would." + +But Mrs. Roberts was already "scared." She felt her heart beating hard, +and knew that her cheeks were aglow with excitement and vague terror. +She was not used to walking such streets alone. She looked ahead at the +way pointed out, and could see that the swarming life grew more turbid +as far as her eye could reach. She felt that she could not brave its +terrors unprotected. Suddenly she turned from looking down the alley, +and her hand, a small, delicately-gloved hand, was again laid on Nimble +Dick's arm; he could feel it trembling. + +"I suppose I shall seem very foolish to you," she said, gently; "but I +am afraid to walk down there alone. Would you mind going along with +me to protect me? I am only a woman, you know, and we are apt to be +cowards." + +A very curious sensation came over Nimble Dick. He looked up the alley, +and down the alley, and was glad that not one of the "fellows" was in +sight. What was to become of his lark? But there was that hand still +resting on his arm, with a persuasive touch in it; and he had never been +appealed to for protection before,--never in his life! Was it possible +that with _him_ she would not be afraid? He turned and looked at her, +searchingly, a scowl on his face,--no, she was not "shamming;" her eyes +were full of anxious fear, and also of petition. Nimble Dick was amazed +at himself and ashamed of himself; he did not know how to account for +his sudden change of intention. But he suddenly turned in an opposite +direction from the one which he had pointed out, and said, "Come on, +then; I'll show you a shorter way," and strode forward. + +"Oh, thank you!" she said, relief and gratitude in her voice. "I shall +be so much obliged to you for coming with me; I am quite bewildered; +cannot decide which way I came, or anything about it. I was trying to +find the house of a young man who has been hurt. A policeman told +me that he lived on this street, and that his name is Calkins. I was +thinking about him, and walked on without noticing, until I did not know +where I was. Do you know anything of the young man?" + +"You are too far down for him," said Nimble Dick. "He's quality, and +lives at the upper end of the alley. That's his house, away up there. +He's hurt bad, they say; but I s'pose he'll get well. He's got a quality +doctor,--a regular swell, who never come into these alleys before. He +was going along when they brought Mark home, and he followed them in, +and he come there again last night and this morning. I dunno what for, +I'm sure. Mark Calkins can't pay no doctor's bills, if he does work +regular, and pay more rent than the rest of folks." + +There was a curious mixture of complaint and satisfaction in Dick's +tone. Mrs. Roberts gathered from it that the young man, Mark Calkins, in +whom the policeman had tried to interest her, was superior to the rest +of the miserable people in the alley, and that they resented it as an +insult to themselves; but that, at the same time, the reflected honor +of having a "swell" doctor come into their midst, attendant upon one who +really belonged to their class, was very great. Could she possibly get +a little influence over them by following up the injured young man, +and giving what help was needful? She had hardly meant to call, though +trying to find the house. Her method of reasoning had been something +like this: "The policeman said he lived about two blocks from my poor +Dirk's home. Since there has so recently been an accident, there may +be something to mark the house,--a doctor passing in, possibly, or +something that shall give me a landmark, and I can have a glimpse of the +outside of one of the homes." In her ignorance of life at that end of +the social scale she did not know that a doctor passing in and out, even +after an accident, was a sufficiently rare occurrence to make much more +of a mark than she was looking for. So absorbed had she been over the +boys belonging to her class that she had rather ignored the policeman's +manifest hint to add this one to her list. Yet, was it possibly an +answer to her prayer, an entering-wedge of some sort, that might open +the way to influence? + +"Who is the doctor?" she asked her guide, as the possibility of making +an entrance through him occurred to her. "Do you know his name?" + +Oh yes, Dick knew his name and where he lived, and even the names of +some of his "swell" patients;--trust him for gaining information about +anything that came into the alley. + +"It's Dr. Everett," he said promptly, that curious touch of +pride appearing again in his voice. "He lives away up among the +Twenty-thirders, and he goes to Cady's house to doctor, and lots of them +places where the big ones lives. I dunno how he happens to come here." + +Mrs. Roberts had never heard the name, but she reflected that she was a +new-comer, and wisely desisted from taking from the glory of Dr. Everett +by admitting that he was not known to all the world. He might be a good +doctor and a philanthropic one; his visits to this region looked like +it. + +"Do you know where any of the boys in our class live?" + +This was her next carefully-worded question. She did not know whether to +hint that she had heard of one who lived in that alley, or whether this +would be considered an insult. + +"Well," said Nimble Dick, the sly twinkle coming back to his eyes +that the strangeness of the situation had driven away for a moment, "I +calculate that I know where I live _myself_; sometimes I do, anyhow." + +"To be sure!" she said, laughing at his humor. "I should have said, +where any of the others live. Of course you will give me your address, +after being so kind as to see me to--some point where I am acquainted." + +She had nearly said a place of safety, but checked herself in time. I +am not sure, though, that Dick would have noticed it; he was lost in +astonishment over the idea of giving anybody his address! + +"This is Dirk Colson's house," he said, suddenly, "and he is one of our +fellows." + +Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation. The house was one of the most +forlorn in the row, seeming, if the miserable state of the buildings +would admit of comparison, to be more out of repair than the others. It +came home to her just then, with a sudden, desolating force, that human +beings, such as she was trying to reach, and such as she hoped would +live in heaven forever, called such earthly habitations as these homes. +What possible idea could they ever get of heaven by calling it "home"? + +"Do they have the whole of the house?" + +She asked the question timidly, for the building looked very large, but +she was utterly unused to city tenement life. + +"The _whole_ of that house?" Dick fairly shouted the sentence, and bent +himself double with laughter. "Well, I should say not, mum! As near as I +can calculate, about thirty-five different families have that pleasure. +The whole of the house! Oh, my! What a greeny!" And he laughed again. + +Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was +horror-stricken. Thirty-five families in one house! How could they be +other than awful in their ways of living? + +"I know almost nothing about great cities," she said; "my home was in a +much smaller one." + +This was the truth, but not the whole truth. Instinct kept this +veritable lady, in the truest sense of the word, from explaining that +she knew nothing about the abject poor, when she was speaking to one of +their number. Just at this moment occurred a diversion; they had been +making swift progress through the alley, Dick's long strides requiring +effort on his companion's part to keep by his side, but just ahead the +way was obstructed. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +"WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS." + + +A riot! Not among men, which is sufficiently terrifying; nor yet among +women, which is worse; but that most awful of all sights and sounds +of sin,--a riot among the children. Swearing, spitting at one another, +tearing one another's hair, scratching like tigers, growling like wild +beasts, throwing garbage at one another! This was the sort of crowd upon +which Mrs. Roberts, in her black silk walking-suit, with her velvet hat +and seal furs, presently came. She grasped at Dick's arm in horror, but +a feeling that was more than terror was taking her strength away. + +"Oh!" she said, and the agony in her voice really suggested more than +terror to the young fellow beside her. "And they are little children! +They cannot be more than seven or eight! Oh, what can I do?" + +"You needn't be scared, mum!" There was a little hint of something like +pity in Dick's voice. She clung to him so that he could not help feeling +himself her protector. "It ain't an uncommon row at all; they mostly act +like this; most likely one of 'em's found a bone and t' other one wants +it, and then they're gone in for a row, and all the young ones crowd +around and fight, on one side or t' other." + +Did this fearful explanation make the situation less terrible? + +There was a lull, however, in the quarrel. The elegantly-dressed lady +was seen approaching,--an unusual sight in that alley,--and both parties +paused to get a view. Paused in their attentions to each other, that is; +but at Mrs. Roberts they hooted and jeered, and one threw a handful of +mud. + +Then did Nimble Dick rise to his position as protector. + +"Shut up, there! Stand aside, Pluck, and let us pass! Look out there, +you Smirchy! Don't you throw that over here unless you want your head +broke for you when I get back!" + +This threat was thrown at a wretched little girl, who had dived her hand +deeply into a box or cask of garbage, and brought it forth reeking with +rotten apples, pork fat, and any liquid horror which the name suggests +to you. She had her hand uplifted ready to throw, and was evidently +intending to give the strange lady the benefit of what she had prepared +for one of the rioters. + +The assured tone in which Nimble Dick spoke had its effect; the +combatants were all small, and he was large, and was evidently +recognized as a power. There were some defiant glances thrown at him, +but the motley crowd gave way, and allowed him to pass uninjured. Still +he kept an alert watch of them until quite out of reach, and was not +sparing of his admonitions. + +"Hold on there, Bill,--I see that! Look out, Sally! You'll be sorry if +you throw anything,--mind you that!" + +And at last they were through the crowd. Not out of danger, it seemed; +for there, directly in their narrow path, was a drunken man, swaying +from side to side in the way which is so terrible to one unused to such +sights. Dick felt the hold on his arm tighten, and was astonished at the +sound of his own voice as he said, soothingly:-- + +"You needn't be scared at him, mum; that's only old Jock; he's as ugly +as old Nick himself, but he knows better than to be very ugly to me. I +can throw him in the gutter as easy as I could them young ones, and he +knows it. That's Dirk's father, that is! Ain't he a beauty?" + +And again Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation of dismay, and part of her +terror went out in sorrow over the wrongs of a boy who had such a home +and such a father. What ought to be expected of him? + +That interminable alley was conquered at last, and they emerged into +respectability on the broad avenue. Mrs. Roberts released her hold of +her protector's arm, and his new character vanished on the instant. + +"You're here, mum," he said, with a saucy twinkle in his eye and a saucy +leer on his face. "Can you get yourself home from this spot, or shall I +borrow a wheelbarrow and tote you there?" + +Much shaken with various emotions though she was, Mrs. Roberts forced +herself to laugh. She would not frown on his fun when it was not +positively sinful; he might not be aware that it was disrespectful; he +might never have heard the word. + +"I know the way now, thank you; at least I think I do. Can you tell me +whether I take a green car or a yellow one to get to East Fifty-fifth +Street?" + +"You take a green one," he said, quietly, his character of protector +having returned to him with the question, which still showed her +dependence on him. + +"Thank you," she said again, with great heartiness. "I shall never +forget your care of me." Her hand was in her pocket, and a bright coin +was between her fingers. She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had +saved her from so much this morning. And he was so miserably clad, +surely he needed help. A moment's reflection, and she resolutely +withdrew her hand. He should be paid by a simple hearty, "Thank you!" +this morning, for kindness rendered. He might not consider it a current +coin, but possibly it would be his first lesson in the courtesies of +life. + +Later in the day, when Mrs. Roberts was somewhat rested from her +morning's campaign, young Ried received a little note:-- + +Dear Mr. Ried,--I know the names of all the boys, and inclose you a +list. It is possible that you may fall in with some one during the day +who can impart knowledge concerning them. Anyway, I thought you would +like to know their names. Keep me posted, please, as to your success in +making their acquaintance. We are allies, remember. + +Yours for the Master, + +Mrs. E.L. Roberts. + +Alfred Ried twisted the delicate note-paper thoughtfully in his hand, +a look of perplexity on his face. He felt committed for labor; glad was +he, very, yet perplexed. He did not in the least know where to commence. +Well, neither had this little lady; yet she had accomplished more in her +one day's acquaintance than he after a lapse of weeks. Either she had +found opportunities, or had made them. There must be chances; he would +be sure to keep his eyes open after this. + +In the handsome house on East Fifty-fifth Street, where Mr. Roberts had +settled his bride, after a somewhat extended business tour, involving +months of absence, matters were in train for a cosy evening in the +library. That was the name of the beautiful room where the husband +and wife sat down together; but it was quite unlike the conventional +library. Books there were in lavish abundance, but there were also +pictures and flowers and a singing-bird or two, and an utter absence of +that severe attention to business details which characterizes most rooms +so named. Little prettinesses, which Mr. Roberts smilingly admitted +did not belong to a library, were yet established there, with an air of +having come to stay. "We will call it the library for convenience," +the master of the house said, "and then we will put into it whatever +we please. It shall be a conservatory, and a sewing-room and a +lounging-room and anything else that you and I choose to make it." +And Mrs. Roberts gleefully assented, and gave free rein to her pretty +tastes. Flossy Shipley had been wont to be much trammelled with the ways +in which "they" did everything; but Mrs. Evan Roberts was learning +that, in unimportant matters at least, they had a right to be a law unto +themselves. Perhaps it helped her, to be aware that a large class of +people were all ready to quote "Mrs. Evan Roberts" as authority on +almost any point of taste. + +On the evening in question Mr. Roberts, in dressing-gown and slippers, +had drawn his lounging-chair to the drop-light, preparatory to a +half-hour of reading aloud. But it transpired that there was something +preparatory to that, or at least that must take the precedence. Certain +business telegrams followed him home, which required the writing of two +or three business letters. + +"It will not take me long," he explained to his wife, "and they are +not complicated affairs, so I give you leave to talk right on while I +dispatch them." She laughed at this hint about her fondness for talk, +but presently made use of the privilege. + +"Evan, what sort of a young man do you consider Mr. Ried?" + +"Ried? Who? Oh, my clerk? The very best sort; a most estimable +fellow,--one of a thousand. By the way, did you tell him how you became +interested in that sister of his?" + +"Not yet; I want to get better acquainted. But, Evan, do you know where +he boards?" + +"Hardly; on Third Avenue somewhere, I believe; or possibly Second. The +store register would show. Do you want his address!" + +"Oh, I know _where_ it is; but I mean what sort of a place is it?" + +Mr. Roberts slightly elevated his shapely shoulders. + +"It is a boarding-house, where many clerks board; that tells a doleful +story to the initiated, I suspect. Poor fare and dismal surroundings; +still, it is eminently respectable." + +"Where does he spend his Sabbaths?" + +The rapidly-moving pen executed nearly two lines of handsome writing +before Mr. Roberts was ready to respond to this question. + +"Why, at church, principally, I fancy. He is very regular in his +attendance at morning service, and the South End Mission absorbs his +afternoons. I suppose he goes to church in the evening; but since we +have been giving our attention to that evening mission I have not seen +him." + +"Ah, but, Evan, I mean the rest of the time; those little bits of +Sabbath time that are sacred to home. The twilight, for instance, or +for an hour in the morning. Do you know what sort of a place he has for +those times?" + +Nearly three more lines added to the paper; then Mr. Roberts raised his +head:-- + +"No, my dear, I don't. Now that you bring me face to face with the +question, it seems a surprising thing to say that I should not know +where a young man who has been for more than a year in our employ spends +his choice bits of time, but I don't." + +"Then I want to tell you something about it. He has a dingy, +fourth-story back room; small, I fancy, from the way in which he spoke +of it, and not a speck of fire over! In such weather as this, how can a +young man read his Bible, or even pray, under such circumstances?" + +Mr. Roberts laid down his pen and sat erect, regarding his wife with a +thoughtful, far-away air. + +"Flossy," he said at last, "it is an immense question! You open a +perfect mine of anxiety and doubt. I have hovered around the edges for +some time, but have generally contrived to shut my eyes and refuse to +look into it, because I was afraid of what I might see; and because I +did not know--what to do with my knowledge. I have not been the working +member of the firm very long, you know, and my special field, until +lately, has been the other side of the ocean; but I have been at home +long enough to know that there are several hundred young men in our +employ who are away from their homes; and knowing, as I do, the price of +board in respectable houses, and knowing the salaries which the younger +ones receive, it does not require a great deal of penetration to +discover that they must have rather dreary homes here, to put it mildly. +The fact is, Flossy, I haven't wanted to look into this thing very +closely, because I do not see the remedy. Look at our house, for +instance, with its three hundred clerks, we'll say, who are away +from their friends; suppose one-half, or even one-third, of them are +miserably situated, what can I do?" + +"Are they not sufficiently well paid to have the ordinary comforts of +life?" + +"Doubtful. The truth is, what you and I call the ordinary comforts of +life takes a good deal of money; and in the city, rents are high, +and the boarding-house keepers have hard struggles to make their +expenditures meet their income, and they carry economy to the very verge +of meanness,--some of them fairly over the verge, I presume; and the +result is cheap food, badly cooked,--because well-cooked food means +high-priced help,--and cold rooms and dreariness and discomfort +everywhere. Now what can be done about it? Then our house is only one of +hundreds, and in many of these hundreds they employ more help and give +less wages than we; in fact, I know that some of our clerks are looked +upon with envy by a great many young men. We never have any trouble +in supplying vacancies. People swarm around us, because we have the +reputation of being liberal. We are not liberal, however; sometimes I am +inclined to think we are hardly fair, yet there is nothing I can do. +I am a junior partner, with a great deal of the responsibility, and a +third of the voting power, and I can't get salaries raised. I've been +working at that problem at intervals for a year, and have accomplished +very little. Do you wonder that I keep my eyes as closely shut as I +can?" + +His wife's face wore a thoughtful, not to say perplexed look; she seemed +to have no answer ready; and, after waiting a moment for it, Mr. Roberts +bent himself again to the task of getting his business letters +answered. Before he had written one more line, her face had cleared. She +interrupted him:-- + +"Evan, when you talk about four hundred clerks, and multiply that by +hundreds of houses and more hundreds of clerks, I cannot follow you +at all. It is not that I am not impressed with the number,--I am,--it +appalls me; but I don't want to be appalled; I want to be helpful. +Perhaps just now there is nothing that I can do for the hundreds, so I +want to narrow my thoughts down to what, possibly, I can do. What, for +instance, can be done towards getting a good young man, like Alfred +Ried, into a place that will be just a little bit like a home; that will +give him a spot where he can study his Bible in comfort, and invite a +friend with whom he wants to pray, or whom he wants to reach and help in +any way? That isn't a huge problem. Can't it be solved?" + +Her husband smiled. + +"He is only one of thousands," he said. + +"Yes, I know; but he is _one_ of thousands. Since we cannot reach +thousands, shall we fail to reach one? Evan, I am only one of thousands, +but, but how would you argue about me?" + +Mr. Roberts laughed again. + +"You are one out of thousands and thousands!" he said, emphatically. + +A line more, and he signed the firm name with an unusually fine +flourish. + +"There! I've accomplished one letter. What do you want to do, Flossy?" + +"I want Mr. Ried to have a room where he can invite one of my boys +occasionally, and make him comfortable, and do for him what we cannot +with our rooms; do for him what only a young man can do for a young man. +I don't clearly know what I want further than that, but I see that one +thing as a stepping-stone. Remember, I want all your thousands to have +just as pleasant rooms, and I would like to help to bring it about, but +I don't just now see the way." + +"Do you see the way to this?" + +"No, but doesn't it seem as though we ought to be able to accomplish so +much?" + +"It does, certainly. What is your desire, Flossy? Do you want him to +have a room in our house?" + +She shook her head. + +"No, that would not further my plan for those boys. I would like to have +him here, and it would be a good thing for him,--at least I think it +would; but I can see things which he could accomplish for these young +men, set by himself, in a different part of the city. Besides, Evan, +I have other plans for our rooms, entirely different ones, and some of +them I am afraid you will think are very strange." + +He answered the doubt with a smile that said he had no fears of her or +her plans. + +"What a little schemer it is!" he said, looking down on her with fond, +proud eyes. "Who would have imagined that she could plot, and plot so +mysteriously? I used to think she was a very open-hearted woman." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +"WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?" + + +She joined in his laugh albeit, there was a tender look in her eyes. +After a moment, she said, gently:-- + +"It is not scheming, Evan; I am only trying to set about the work for +which I have been chosen. I'll tell you how it all came to me. I was +reading--my morning reading, you know--after you had gone; taking little +dips here and there in the fashion that you think is so unsystematic, +and I came upon this verse: 'He is a chosen vessel unto me,' you know, +about Paul? Well, it came to me with a sudden sense of awe and beauty, +the being chosen of God to do a great work. I stopped reading to think +it out; what a grand moment it must have been to Paul when he realized +it. And I began to feel almost sorry that we lived in such different +times, with no such opportunities! I stopped right in the midst of my +folly to remember that I was as certainly chosen of God as ever Paul +was; for assuredly I did not come to him of myself, nor begin to love +him of myself, and therefore he must indeed have chosen me; and I +wondered whether probably each Christian had not a work to do as +definite as Paul's--a work that would be given to no other, unless +indeed the chosen one failed. I did not want to fail, and I asked God +not to let me. Then, of course, I set to wondering what my work, or my +part of some other person's work, could be. It was the morning after you +had told me that about Ester Ried. You cannot think how that impressed +me. I could not get away from the wonderment as to how her work was +prospering, and whether there were chosen ones enough, or if there +might possibly be a little place for me. I couldn't settle anything, and +finally I decided to look at Paul's work a little while. Of course, it +was not reasonable to suppose that the duties of the great apostle had +anything in common with my bits of effort; still, I said, the directions +given him may help me a little. And Evan, what do you think was the +first thing I found? Why, this: 'The God of our fathers hath chosen +thee, that thou _shouldst know his will_.' Surely, so far, the things +for which both he and I were chosen were parallel. I looked further: +'And see that Just One.' That was the very next. Was not I, too, chosen +for that? 'Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.' I said over the +beautiful promise to assure myself that it was true, and went on: +'And shouldst hear the voice of his mouth.' Was it not strange, Evan? +Certainly I shall hear my King speak, often and often, when I get home. +Only think of it; so far Paul was not ahead of me. I hurried to find +another reference to Paul's work, and I found this; let me read it to +you." Her bit of dainty sewing was suddenly pushed one side, and up from +the depths of the rose-lined work-basket came a small, plainly-bound +Bible, much marked; a rapid turning of the leaves, and the eager +disciple read: "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee +a minister and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and +of those things in the which I will appear unto thee. Now, Evan, you +know the veriest child can be a witness if he knows anything about the +facts; and I do certainly know some wonderful things about Jesus to +which I could witness; and besides, isn't it reasonable to suppose that +he will appear to me every day with things for me to witness to? And +then I read this; Paul sent to the Gentiles, you know, but for what: 'To +open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the +power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and +inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith that is in me.' +Evan, was there ever a more wonderful work to do in the world than that? +And yet I cannot tell you how it made me feel to discover, or at least +to realize, that a great deal of it was my work! Of course, I naturally +began to ask myself, what Gentile was there for me to reach? Whose eyes +must I try to open? Do you know, that very afternoon I met Mr. Ried, and +heard of those boys? They interested me from the first, and what he told +me about his sister increased the interest. Then when I saw them!--Evan, +if ever boys were in the power of Satan they are; and to think that they +may have an inheritance among them which are sanctified! This morning +when I saw where some some of them lived, and imagined how they lived, I +fell stunned for a moment. It seemed to me impossible. What means +could possibly be found of sufficient power to fit them for such an +inheritance? And then directly came the closing words of the commission: +'Through faith that is in me.' Evan, God will save them; and I think he +will let me help." + +"Amen!" said Mr. Roberts, and his voice was husky. When his wife was in +one of her exalted moods he always admired her with a sort of reverence. +He had been for years an earnest worker. He carried business plans and +business principles into the work; he studied cause and effect, and +calculated and expected certain results to follow certain causes, like +a mathematical problem; not that he by any means forgot the power +of faith, or in any sense attempted to do his work alone. He was a +Christian who spent much time on his knees; but little Flossy brought +so much of the childlike, unquestioning spirit into her work, that +sometimes he stood in awe, not knowing whether he could follow her. It +was not so much a mathematical problem to be worked out, as it was the +faith that can remove mountains. + + "As a little child relies + On a strength beyond his own: + Knows he is neither strong nor wise, + Fears to stir a step alone--" + +Mr. Roberts often found himself quoting these lines when his wife gave +him glimpses of her heart; and at such times he had no hesitancy in +deciding that the steps she took were not alone, but the Lord was with +her. + +The postman's ring broke in on their quiet. + +"I hope there are letters from home to-night," Mrs. Roberts said, "real +long ones. It is a week since we have heard." + +"And I ought to hope that they would require a first reading in +private," her husband answered, as he seized his neglected pen. "It is +the only way in which these business letters will get answered. I find +the temptation to talk to you irresistible." + +One letter! but that was of comfortable dimensions and weight. + +"It is from Marion," Mrs. Roberts said, delight in her voice, after the +first glance at the familiar writing. She was presently lost in its many +pages, and the business of letter-writing went on uninterruptedly for +some time. + +Mrs. Marion Dennis had not forgotten her fondness for her pretty little +Flossy: nor forgotten that,--softly-innocent little creature though she +was, she possessed a wisdom far above those who are credited with having +keen insight; even a wisdom so subtle, and withal so tender, that its +source could only be Infinite Wisdom. So she, in company with many +others, was learning to turn to the friend so much younger than herself, +as one in whom she could safely confide. + +"Dear little Flossy," so the letter ran, "I suppose, though you should +live to be a white-haired old lady, sitting with placid face and fluted +cap and spectacles, in your high-backed arm-chair, in the most treasured +corner mayhap of some granddaughter's choicest room, I, writing to you, +would still commence 'Dear little Flossy.' That I have to cover it from +prying eyes by the dignified and respectable 'Mrs. Evan Roberts,' is +almost a matter of amusement to me. I fancy I can see you making +a journey through some of the Chautauqua avenues, picking your way +daintily towards Palestine, bending lovingly over the small white stones +that mark the village of Bethany,--a pink on your cheek, born, as I +thought, of the excitement of being among those tiny photographs of the +wonderful past, but born in part, I now believe, of the fact that Mr. +Evan Roberts joined us in our walk. Oh, little mousie, how quiet you +were! + +"Well, many things have since transpired. We are old married women, you, +and Ruth, and Eurie and I. I suppose the contrast in our lives,--the +outward portion of them, I mean,--is still as strongly marked, perhaps +more so, than it was when we were in Chautauqua together. We were girls +then; we are matrons now, and with the taking on of that title, Ruth and +I took special and great responsibilities. To-night it rains. Mr. Dennis +has been called to the upper part of the city,--away out to Springdale, +in fact,--to see a sick and dying man, and I am alone and almost lonely. +If I could summon any one of the three to my aid and comfort I would. +I am almost as lonely as I was on some of those evenings in the old +boarding-house. Still there are differences; the smoky old stove is not; +a summer warmth floats through the house, born of steam; no ill-smelling +kerosene lamp offends your aesthetic friend to-night, but the softest +of shaded drop-lights sheds a halo around me. Isn't that almost poetic? +Moreover, oh blessed thought! I have no examination papers to prepare, +no reports to make up; nothing to do but visit with you. Also, I will +admit just to you, that this is another and most blessed difference +between this and my lonely past. At almost any moment now I may hope +for Dr. Dennis' ring, and when he comes all sense of loneliness will +instantly depart. Ah! Flossy, dear Flossy, this is such a difference as +even you cannot appreciate! You had your mother and father, and all your +dear home friends, and I had no one; and besides,--here I hesitate, lest +you may be too obtuse to understand the reasoning,--you have only added +Mr. Roberts to your circle of treasures. He is grand and good, I know, +and I like him without even a mental reservation; but, my dear, I have +added Dr. Dennis! Can human language say more? + +"Nonsense aside, sweet little woman, God has been very good to you and +me. Yet, Flossy, do you remember how, during those last months in which +we were together, I fell into the habit of telling you a great deal +about the thorns, and admitted to you once that they pricked less when +they had felt your smoothing touch? I want to tell you something. Our +Gracie--I am so sorry for her, yet I don't know what to do. She is +living a most unhappy life, and of course she shadows our lives also. I +told you, dear, about Prof. Ellis. He is still trying to convince +poor Gracie, that I, being her step-mother, must be her natural enemy; +reminding her that before I came into the family her father was entirely +willing to receive his calls, and allowed her to accept his attentions. +Don't you see, it isn't strange at all that the poor little girl should +believe him, and turn from me? She has many judicious helpers in her +father's congregation. There are those who sigh over her almost in my +hearing. 'Poor Gracie' they say, 'how changed she is! She used to be so +bright and happy. There is something unnatural in these second-mother +relations; all high-spirited children rebel.' Imagine such talk helping +Gracie! Meantime, what do you suppose can be Prof. Ellis' motive? I +cannot think that he cares for her; I almost do not believe that there +is enough purity left in him even to admire a pure-hearted young girl; +certainly not one with such high ideals and earnest ambitions as Gracie +had. 'Why does she admire him?' I fancy I hear you asking. My dear, she +doesn't; she thinks she does, and at seventeen such thoughts sometimes +work irreparable mischief; but left alone, one of these days she would +make the discovery that she was flattered by his attentions, because +he is nearly fifteen years older than she, and is brilliant in +conversation, and quoted as the finest musician in the city. I wish I +knew more things about him; what I do know shows me plainly enough the +sort of man he is; but with these guileless young things it seems as +though one had to unmask wickedness very thoroughly before they will +believe that it is anything but gossip or misrepresentation. He has gone +away for a six weeks' vacation; I don't know where, nor does Dr. Dennis. +Gracie knows, but does not enlighten me. Flossy, dear, could you give me +a little wholesome advice, do you think? I wonder, sometimes, whether I +was not too complacent over my proposed duties. Such schemed as I had! +I was going to be the blessedest step-mother that girl ever had. That +would not be saying much, possibly. Don't we all incline to think that +the second mothers must be wrong, and the sons and daughters poor abused +darlings? But I loved Gracie, you know, and she seemed to love me, and +to be so happy over the thought of our near relationship. There is very +little happiness from any such source during these days. Gracie has +retired into dignity. She can be the most dignified young woman on +occasion that I ever beheld. She is not rude to me, on the contrary +she is ceremoniously polite; calls me Mrs. Dennis, and all that sort of +thing, when necessity compels her to call me anything; but she speaks +as little as possible; sits at table with us three times a day, when she +cannot secure an excuse for absence that her father will accept; says +'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir,' obediently to him, and 'No, ma'am, thank +you,' to me, and that is the extent of our conversation. Generally her +face is pale and her eyes red, and at the first possible moment she begs +to be excused, and retires to the privacy of her own room and locks her +door. Her father has stopped her music lessons; at least she preferred +to have them stopped rather than take lessons of any other person, so +she practices no more. She continues her German and French, and secures +good reports from the professors, but there is an air of weariness and +dreariness about everything she does that makes one alternate between a +feeling of deep pity for her, and a desire to box her ears or shut her +up in a corner until she can behave herself. As a rule, however, I am +sorry for her. I was young once myself. I was undisciplined, I had no +mother, and I had a thousand wild fancies, any one of which might have +ruined me. What do you think you would do, dear, if Mr. Roberts had a +daughter, and you were her mother? You are all in a flush, now, and have +lain down this sheet and said aloud: 'What an idea! Marion does say the +most absurd things!' Well, then, if you were Marion Dennis, and stood +before God in the place of mother to Grace Dennis, what do you imagine +you would do? I'll tell you my policy; I am uniformly cheerful in her +presence--gay, if I can make gayety out of anything; not toward her +father, you understand, because I can fancy that might irritate her. +I really try to be gay toward Gracie herself; but can you imagine an +attempt to be cheery with a tombstone? I study as much as I can, her +tastes, in the ordering of dinner and desserts, and arrange the flowers +that I know she likes best, and in short try to do all those little bits +of nice things that I feel certain you would do in my place; and just +here I may as well own that I learned these small prettinesses, studying +you; never should have thought them out for myself. Flossy, Dr. Dennis +is one of the most patient and long-suffering of men, but it is very +hard for him to be patient with poor Gracie; harder than it is for me; +first, because I know by personal experience just what a turbulent young +creature a miss of seventeen or eighteen can be, and secondly, because +it is upon me her displeasure falls most heavily, and that naturally he +resents. + +"Why am I writing all this to you? I don't, know, childie, really, save +that I remember what a curious way you have of telling Jesus all about +your friends and their trials, and I remember with great comfort that +you are my friend. Don't imagine me as miserable; I can never be that +so long as Christ is the present Helper that he is to me now; and you do +not need to be told that I daily thank him for giving me my husband. +But I think you will understand better than many would how earnestly +I desire to fill the place of mother, to my bright young motherless +Gracie, with her dangerous beauty and her dangerous talents and her +capacity for being miserable. Oh, I want to do more than my duty; I want +to love her with all my heart, and to have her love me. If it were not +for that man, who always hated me, and who, I believe in my heart, has +sought her out and is pressing his attentions upon her because he sees +a possibility of stinging me through her, I might hope to fill the place +in her heart that I thought I could." + +The letter closed abruptly at this point, and was finished a few days +afterwards in a different strain, giving plenty of home news, and being +full of the brightness which always sparkled in Marion's letters; but it +was the first two or three pages to which Mrs. Roberts turned back, and +which she thoughtfully re-read. Then she interrupted the busy pen:-- + +"Evan, are not the business letters nearly done? I want to read this to +you, and then I want to talk to you." + +"Delightful prospects, both of them," he said with energy, as he added +the last hurried line, signed and delivered to his wife to enclose in +its envelope, then pushed aside writing materials and sat back to enjoy. + +"It isn't all delightful," his wife said, shaking her head. "I did hope +that poor Marion was going to have a few years of rest. Her life has +been such a hard one." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +"TREMENDOUS FACTS!" HE SAID. + + +It is well that Mrs. Marion Dennis felt entirely safe in her friend +Flossy's hands, for her affairs were very thoroughly talked over that +evening, and sundry conclusions arrived at. + +One question Mrs. Roberts asked her husband, at the close of the +conference, which apparently had nothing to do with Marion Dennis' +affairs:-- + +"Evan, do you know Dr. Everett?" + +"Everett? Let me think--yes, I know of him; a young physician, +comparatively, who had not been here long, and has made his mark." + +"In what direction?" + +"Several, perhaps; but I have heard of him chiefly in the line of his +profession. He was accidentally called to attend a young lady belonging +to a very wealthy family out in Brookline. I say accidentally--that is +a reverent way we have of speaking, you know; of course, I mean +providentially. The nursery governess in the family was sick, and this +Dr. Everett, who had fallen in with her somewhere, volunteered to cure +her. He was calling on her one morning when the sick daughter, who, +by the way, had been given up by her physician, was taken suddenly and +alarmingly worse; in the emergency Dr. Everett was summoned, and while +they waited for the regular physician he succeeded in doing such good +service that he inspired the mother with confidence; she became anxious +to put the case entirely into his hands, which was done, and the young +lady recovered, and Dr. Everett's position, professionally, was assured. +Isn't that an interesting little item for you? He is said to have marked +success; and, of course, since the Brookline occurrence his practice is +largely among the wealthy. How has your attention been called to him?" + +"My protector this morning said he was a 'swell' doctor, who was +attending that Calkins boy. I wondered if he did it because he loved +Christ. He might be a helper. I want to call on that sick boy to-morrow +if I can arrange it. I think I must take some one with me." + +"You may take me with you," her husband said, emphatically. + +However much trips through alleys with Nimble Dick might be conducive to +that young man's moral development, Mr. Roberts felt that his wife had +experimented sufficiently. + +Thus it transpired that, dressed in the plainest, quietest garb which +her wardrobe would furnish, Mrs. Roberts went to the alley the next +morning accompanied by her husband. + +In one sense it was a mistake that the first call in the alley should +have been made on the Calkins family. It was calculated to give Mrs. +Roberts mistaken ideas as to the manner in which poor people lived. A +bare enough room, certainly, not even a bit of carpet laid before the +bed, but it was a clean room. Floor and window and cupboard-door were as +clean as water could make them; and the bed, while it looked hopelessly +hard and dreadful to Mrs. Roberts, was really a pattern of neatness and +purity to every dweller in that attic. There was a straw tick, covered +with a dark calico spread, which did duty as a sheet, and the boy who +lay on it was covered by a patched quilt that had been mended, and was +clean. Wonderful things these to say of such a locality! Mr. Roberts +suspected it, and Dr. Everett knew it. That gentleman was bending over +his patient when the two guests arrived, and vouchsafed them not even a +glance, while the dark-haired, dark-eyed, homely, decently-dressed girl +gave Mrs. Roberts a seat on the one chair which the room contained, and +set a stool for her husband that had been made of four old chair legs +and a square board. + +Sallie Calkins was somewhat flurried by this unexpected call. She had no +idea who the people were, nor for what they had come. A vague fear that +they might be in some way connected with her brother's "place" at the +printing-office, which he was in such fear of losing that his night had +been a restless one, made her hasten to say, in a tremulous voice:-- + +"The doctor thinks he will be well in a little while. It isn't a bad +break, he says, and Mark wants to keep his place. He thinks, maybe, some +of the alley boys would keep it for him, if you would be so kind." + +She was evidently addressing Mr. Roberts, but she looked at Flossy. The +fair, sweet face, that gave her such sympathetic glances, seemed the one +to appeal to. Mr. Roberts, however, discerned that he was mistaken for +the employer, and immediately dispelled the idea by asking where the boy +worked, and how the accident had happened. + +"It was the elevator, sir," she said, eagerly. "The chain broke, and it +went down with a bang, and Mark was on it, and he rolled off somehow, he +doesn't know how; and he has been that bad that he couldn't tell me +if he had. He was kind of wild, sir, all night, and talking about his +place." + +"Was there no one but you to be with him during the night?" Mrs. Roberts +asked. "Where is the mother?" + +"We've got no mother, ma'am; there is only Mark and me--and father," she +added, after a doubtful pause. "But father was not at home last night. +Oh, I didn't need no one to take care of Mark. I wouldn't have left +him." + +"And he likes to have you take care of him, I am sure. What do you give +him to eat? He will need nourishing food, I think; beef teas and broths, +and nice little tempting dishes, made with milk, perhaps. Are you his +cook, too? I wonder if you wouldn't like to have me show you how to make +good things for him? I've learned how to make some nice dishes that sick +people like." + +Before the bewildered girl could answer, the doctor turned abruptly +from his long examination of his patient, and gave the guests the first +attention he had vouchsafed them. The truth was this man had had some +unfortunate experiences with district visitors, and had perhaps an +unreasonable prejudice against them as a class. "I can't help it, +ma'am," he said to Mrs. Saunders, when she was taking him to task one +day. "There are exceptions, of course, at least we will hope there are; +but if you had seen some of my specimens, you would be the first to wish +an infusion of common sense could be introduced among them. As a rule, +they offer a tract where they should give a loaf of bread or a bowl +of broth; and wedge their advice and reproofs in with every helpful +movement. It is like so many doses of medicine to the patient; to be +endured because he is at their mercy, and can't help himself. They mean +well, the most of them; but the trouble is, we have a way of making +district visitors out of people who have nothing to do, and who have +never learned that 'all the nations of the earth were made of one +blood.'" + +Something in Mrs. Roberts' tones or words seemed to interest him, and he +turned toward her. + +"Does this alley belong to you?" he asked, abruptly, his mind still full +of the district visitor. + +She regarded him with a puzzled air for a moment, then answered +naively:-- + +"I don't think it does; if it did I would have some things ever so +different." + +Dr. Everett laughed; and Mr. Roberts came forward and introduced +himself. + +"My wife has hardly answered you fully," he said. "I am under the +impression that she desires to adopt a certain portion of this alley; at +least I have heard of little else since last Sabbath afternoon. She is +in search of some stray sheep who have been put under her care." + +"Ah," the doctor said, turning quickly to her, "a Sabbath-school +teacher? Is this young man one of your scholars?" + +"No," she explained; "but she had heard of him while inquiring where one +of her boys lived, and she had called to see if she could help in any +way. Dirk Colson was the boy who, they told her, lived near this place." + +The eyes of the trim sister brightened. + +"He lives on the next square," she said. "Oh, ma'am, are you his +teacher, and do you care for him? I'm so glad." + +"He is a favorite of yours, is he?" the doctor asked, looking from +one speaking face to another, and seeming immensely interested in the +matter. + +"No, indeed!" the girl said, quickly. "He's horrid! But I'm sorry for +his sister; and she wants Dirk to get on, and he never does get on; but +I thought maybe such a kind of a teacher could help him." + +There was such intense and genuine admiration in the girl's voice for +the vision of loveliness before her that Dr. Everett could not help +smiling. + +"It doesn't seem unlikely," said he, with significance; and added: "Who +is this Dirk Colson, who seems to be an object of interest?" + +"He is one of the worst boys in the alley, sir; sometimes I think he +is the very worst, because he is cross as well as hateful; but Mark is +always kind of sorry for him, and says he has such a bad father he can't +help it. And Mart--that's his sister--she is a friend of mine, and she +feels bad about Dirk, but she can't do nothing; he ain't a bit like Mark +there." + +The last words were spoken tenderly, and the sisterly eyes turned toward +the boy on the bed, and obeying a sign from his eyes she went over to +him. The doctor plied his questions:-- + +"Have you recently taken a class, madam? and is their general reputation +as encouraging as this special scamp of whom we are hearing?" + +His words almost jarred on Mrs. Roberts; she had already prayed enough +for her boys to have a sort of tender feeling for them--a half desire +to cover their faults from the gaze of the indifferent world. Did Dr. +Everett represent the indifferent world, or did he love her Master? She +wished she knew. + +"There is nothing encouraging about them," she said, with grave +earnestness, "save the facts that they are made in the image of God, and +that he wants them to 'turn from the power of Satan unto God, that they +may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are +sanctified.'" + +A rare flash of intelligence and appreciation greeted her now from those +fine eyes bent so scrutinizingly on her. + +"Tremendous facts!" he said. "Glorious possibilities! 'Himself hath said +it.' I claim kinship with you; I am an heir of the same inheritance." + +He held a hand to each, and they were cordially grasped. Then Dr. +Everett proceeded to business. + +"There is enough to do," he said; "everything is lacking here; there is +severe poverty, united to the most scrupulous tenderness and the most +tender love on the part of this brother and sister. I stumbled on the +case, and will do professionally all that is needed. And I have a friend +who would undoubtedly come to the rescue, but she is crowded just now. +I shall be rejoiced to report to her a helper. Do you know Joy Saunders? +Well, I wish you did; she is one whom you could appreciate. She is +young, though, and without a husband to guard her, and there are some +places to which she cannot come." + +"Has she learned that important fact?" asked Mr. Roberts, with a +significant smile. Then some explanation seemed necessary. "This lady," +he said, "tried the alley alone yesterday, and lost her way, and went +lower down,--quite near to Burk Street, I imagine." + +"And what happened?" The quick question and the doctor's tone suggested +possibilities not pleasant. + +"Oh, she met one of her new recruits,--as hard a boy, so one of the +policemen on this beat tells me, as there is in the row,--and pressed +him into service to escort her back to civilization; and strange to say, +the fellow did it without placing any tricks." + +The doctor turned on the small lady a curious glance. + +"I think you may be able to do something, even for Dirk Colson," he +said. + +"Do you know him?" + +He laughed over the eagerness of the question. + +"Never heard of him before. I was only thinking of our friend's +description of his awfulness. Ah, whom have we here?" + +For the door had opened abruptly, and a pair of great blue eyes, set +in a frame of tawny hair, all in a frizzle, had peered in on them. The +vision was clothed in garments so torn the wonder was that they stayed +on at all, and there was a general look of abject poverty about her to +which Sallie Calkins, with all the bareness of her lot, was a stranger. +She stood for just a moment, as if transfixed by astonishment at the +unwonted sight in the room, then turned and sped away as swiftly and +silently as she had come. + +"That is Dirk's sister," Sallie Calkins said, coming forward, her homely +face aglow with shame. "She isn't a bad girl, ma'am, she doesn't mean to +be, but she has a dreadful time. Her mother is sickly, and has to go out +washing, times when she isn't able to sit up; and there'll be days when +she can't hold up her head; and the father is bad, ma'am, and drinks, +and swears, and sells things for drink till there ain't nothing left to +sell; and Mart hasn't anything to mend her clothes with, and she doesn't +know how, anyway; and she hasn't even got a comb to comb her hair with, +her father he took it to sell; and everything there is horrid, and Dirk, +he's awful." + +It was strange, she could not herself account for it; but with every +added word of misery that set poor Dirk Colson lower and lower in the +scale of humanity, there seemed to come into this woman's heart, and +shine in her face, an assurance that he was to be a "chosen vessel unto +God." + +The doctor was watching her again, curious, apparently, to see how this +pitiful appeal for forbearance in judging of poor Mart affected her, and +something in his face made her say, speaking low, "an inheritance among +them which are sanctified." + +"Amen!" he said. And there came to Mrs. Roberts a feeling that this +earnest prayer, for the second time repeated by two men who prayed, was +a sort of seal from the Master. + +She turned away from both gentlemen then; the tears were very near the +surface. She must do something to tone down the beating of her heart. +Sallie was at hand, and she went with her to another corner of the room, +and a low-toned conversation was carried on, scraps of which floated +back to the gentlemen in the form of "sheets," "grape jelly," "mutton +broth," "a soft pillow," and the like. + +"I feel my patient growing better," the doctor said, with satisfaction. + +"Is there no father here?" Mr. Roberts asked. + +The doctor shook his head, but answered:-- + +"There is the most pitiful apology for a father that I ever saw,--a mere +wreck of a man! Spends his time in a sort of weak drinking, if I may +coin a phrase to describe him; he actually uses no energy even in that +business. Just staggers around and bemoans his lot; a most unfortunate +man, in his own estimation, with whom the world, through no fault of +his, has gone wrong. He is never downright intoxicated, and never free +from the effects of liquor. He is much like a wilted leaf in the hands +of this boy and girl. They could pitch him out of the window without +much difficulty, and if the fall did not kill him he would shed tears +and say it was a hard world. But now, what do we see, when the name of +father is so dishonored,--made a wreck, as it were? Why, the order of +nature is reversed, and these children take on the protective. They are +father and mother, and he is the weak, sinning child. The way that that +boy and girl have worked to keep their miserable father from starving or +freezing is something to astonish the very angels. They shield him, +too; nobody who wants to reach their hearts must blame him. They are a +study!--as different from the other inhabitants of the alley as the +sky is different from that mud-hole down there. It isn't a good simile, +either. There is no religion in their efforts. They are the veriest +heathen." + +"How do you account for the development?" + +The doctor shook his head:-- + +"I don't account for it; it is abnormal. There must have been a mother +who left her impress. I can't learn anything about the mother--she died +when the girl was an infant; but I would like to know her history. I +venture to assert that she belonged to Christ, and that a gleam of the +divine pity that she saw in him, and loved, left its impress on her +children. That is somewhat mystical," he added, smiling. "I rarely talk +in this way; it must have been your wife who set me off." + +"But she is the most practical and energetic of beings!" + +"Ay, so are the angels, I fancy; and make us think of heaven directly we +hear the rustle of their wings. Has your wife been a Christian long?" + +"Barely two years since she began to think of these things." + +"I thought as much. She impresses me as one who is being led; who +does not choose to go alone; has not learned how, indeed. A very few +Christians never learn how, and with them the Lord does his special +work. Well, sir; I must go. I'm glad to have met you, and glad to leave +you here. Good morning!" + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +"AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED." + + +Other business was transacted that morning which brought results. A +curious habit of Mrs. Roberts',--one which, perhaps, most strongly +marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other +people,--was that of appealing to the person at hand for information +on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the +time. + +Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the +one to ask about this matter! there is no reason for supposing that he +has any knowledge in this direction!" Mrs. Roberts would say: "I cannot +be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I +need. In any case, what harm will it do to try?" And she always tried. + +It was on this principle that she arrested Dr. Everett's speedy +departure with a question:-- + +"Dr. Everett, are you familiar with boarding-houses for young men?" + +Something like a vision swept instantly before the doctor, in which he +saw the long line of young men, and the long line of boarding-houses, +in the world, and he laughed with eyes and lips, the question seemed so +queerly put. + +"With how many of them, madam?" There was amusement in his voice, but +there was also curiosity,--he wanted to know what this original little +lady was in search of. + +"One would do, if it were of just the right stamp. I'll tell you what +I want,--a nice, quiet, comfortable _home_ sort of place, with a small +room, capable of being warmed, a single bedstead, with a passably +good bed, and a moderate rate of board. Are not those modest enough +requirements?" + +"Not at all! They are preposterous! A boarding-house to which one could +conveniently apply the word '_home!_' _Fire_ in a young man's room! +He is expected to enjoy freezing in a city; and if he come from the +country, he should be grateful for the privilege! But the idea of +calling for a good bed! That is the wildest suggestion of all! Has she +ever boarded, Mr. Roberts?" + +"Not at a boarding-house, at least," said that gentleman, enjoying the +fun. + +But Mrs. Roberts looked grave. + +"Are you serious?" she asked, gently. "Is there no chance in this great +city for a Christian young man to have the ordinary comforts of common +life; just a little quiet room where he can pray, and where he can +invite some tempted soul, and try to help him? Doesn't it seem all +wrong?" + +The laugh was gone from the doctor's face. There was a look of keen +interest and genuine respect. + +"How many young men are you thinking about? There are many Christians, I +believe, among that class,--poor young men, away from home,--and I have +reason to fear that their chances for comfortable retirement are very +scarce. I have thought about the problem somewhat how to help them. In +the concrete, I don't see the way. Of how many are you thinking?" + +"I am willing to think about them all," Mrs. Roberts said,--and now it +was her turn to laugh,--"but I am panning for just one. I cannot work in +great ways, but I thought I might help one." + +"Exactly! Mr. Roberts, if every Christian in our city would undertake +to help _one_, the problem would be solved. Well, there is one +boarding-house to which the word 'home' may properly be applied; and +there is one small room on the third floor vacated yesterday. I wonder +if the Master wants it for your young man? It seems to me if there is +any one thing more than another that we need in that house just now it +is a Christian young man. Of what type is your friend? Will he help or +hinder a gay young scamp much sought after by Satan?" + +"He will try hard to help," said both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. And before +they parted the doctor had taken Mr. Ried's address, and promised to +call on him and negotiate the matter. + +"That plan will work in two ways," said Mrs. Roberts, gleefully. "Mr. +Ried will be in the same home with, and somewhat under the influence of +that grand doctor. Isn't it splendid that we asked just him?" + +And her husband smilingly assented, and added that he should not have +thought of such a thing as asking him. + +On her way down town, Mrs. Roberts had dropped a letter in the mail, +which also brought results. It read thus:-- + +"DEAR MARION,--I have time for but a line, for I want to catch the +morning mail. I have such a nice plan. Suppose you let your Gracie come +and stay with me for a few weeks. You know she always liked me a little, +and Evan and I think we can make it pleasant for her. I will try to get +her so much interested in seven boys whom I know that she will forget +all about Professor Ellis. Mr. Barnwell a confidential clerk in the +store (old and gray-headed), will go to-morrow to transact some business +with papa. Evan will give him a letter of introduction to Dr. Dennis. He +expects to return on Saturday, and if you will trust Gracie to us, and +she is willing to come, she might travel in Mr. Barnwell's care, and +we would meet her at the depot. Dear Marion, we should like it ever +so much: and I have prayed about it all the morning, and cannot help +thinking that Jesus likes it too." + +Thus it came to pass that when Mrs. Roberts took her seat on the next +Sabbath afternoon before her seven boys at the South End Mission, a +vision of loveliness, such as the mission had not often seen, came in +with her, and looked with wide-open eyes on all the new and strange +sights and sounds about her. A very pretty creature was Gracie Dennis. +Her eyes had lost none of their brightness, although they had shed some +tears during her recent experiences. They were fairly sparkling to-day, +for the great city into which she had come for the first time was like +fairyland to her; albeit, she had passed through scenes that afternoon +which bore no resemblance to her idea of fairyland. What the boys +thought of her could only be determined from their stares. Let us hope +that her presence had nothing to do with their conduct, for never, +in all the annals of the South End Mission, had seven boys comported +themselves as did those before whom Mrs. Roberts sat that winter +afternoon. + +Nimble Dick, as if to be revenged for his unintentional courtesy of the +Monday before, placed his ill-kept feet on the seat in front of him, in +alarming proximity to Mrs. Roberts' shoulders, and chewed his tobacco, +and defiled the floor with its juice, and talked aloud, and was in +every sense disgusting. Neither was Dirk Colson one whit behind him. The +spirit of entertainment was upon him. He mimicked Mr. Durant's somewhat +hoarse tones, exaggerating the imitation, of course, until it was +ludicrous. He imitated the somewhat shrill tenor, and the nasal tones +of Deacon Carter, who was doing good work with a class of meek-looking +women. He even imitated Mrs. Roberts' soft, low voice, as she essayed to +interest them in Moses and some of the wonders which he performed. + +Vain hope! Struggle as she might to be intensely dramatic in her +narrative, she did not for a moment gain the ascendency. + +"Moses?" interrupted Nimble Dick in the very midst of one of her most +earnest sentences. "Let's see! that was the old fellow who swallowed the +serpents, wasn't it? I should have thought he would have been used up." + +"You don't know nothin'," interrupted Stephen Crowley, with a nudge at +Dirk that the latter pretended tipped him entirely off the seat, and +left him a limp heap at Mrs. Robert' feet. + +"He don't know nothin'!" repeated Stephen, addressing Mrs. Roberts in +a confidential tone. "'T was the serpents swallowed Moses, wasn't it? +Question is, How did he get around again?" + +"Quit that!" came at this point from Dirk Colson, in his fiercest tone. +"Look here, you Bill Snyder, if you try pinching on me again I'll pitch +you over the head of old Durant in less than a second!" + +What was the poor, pale little woman to do? With one boy crawling about +the floor and two others in a hand-to-hand fight, with the rest in a +giggle, of what use to try to talk to them about Moses? You should have +seen Gracie Dennis eyes by that time! Horror and disgust were about +equally expressed, and rising above them both, a look of actual fear. +Mr. Durant came over to attempt a rescue, his face distressed beyond +measure. + +"Mrs. Roberts, this is too much. I am sure that patience has ceased to +be a virtue. They have never gone so far before. I suspected mischief +to-day. I have heard from several of them during the week, and never +anything but evil. I am prepared for it; there is a full police force +on guard in the next room; what I propose is to have every one of these +fellows taken to the lock-up. It will be a lesson that they richly +deserve, and may do them good." + +Whispering was not one of Mr. Durant's strong points. He meant to convey +secret intelligence of carefully-laid plans to Mrs. Roberts alone. In +reality not a boy in the class but heard every word. They were startled +into silence. "A full police force!" They were not fonder of the lock-up +than are most boys who deserve that punishment. They were skilful in +escaping the hands of policemen. They had not believed that the South +End Mission would resort to any such means. They recognized in the +Mission an attempt to do them good; and, without any effort at reasoning +it out, they had by tacit consent decided that policemen and lock-ups +and Christian effort did not match. They had chuckled much over the +stationing of "little Duffer" at the door on guard. Any two of the +strong young fellows were a match for him, and in the event of a riot, +which they would like no better fun than to help get up, how many choice +spirits all about the room would join them if given the word, and in the +delightful confusion which would result how easy to escape from sight +and hearing while Policeman Duffer was summoning aid! They had felt +comparatively safe. But "a full police force" detailed for duty was +quite another thing. They felt caught in a trap. Nimble Dick got up in +haste from the floor and took his seat, and the boys looked from one to +another with ominous frowns. There were reasons why none of them cared +to come before the police court just now. What was to be done? + +While they waited and considered, Mrs. Roberts did it. Her hand was on +Mr. Durant's arm, and directly the loud whispering ceased, she spoke in +low, but distinctly emphatic tones:-- + +"I beg of you, Mr. Durant, do no such thing. I would dismiss every +policeman at once, with thanks, if I were you. We shall not need their +help. I give you my word of honor that the boys will be quiet during +the rest of the session, not because they are afraid of policemen, +but because they respect me, and do not want to see me frightened or +annoyed. Please don't let a policeman come near us." + +I am not sure which was the more astonished, the superintendent or +the boys. He returned to his desk with the bewildered air of one whose +deep-laid schemes had come to naught in an unexpected manner without +giving him time to rally; and the boys looked at one another in +perplexity, and were silent. + +Mrs. Roberts turned to them with quiet voice:-- + +"Boys," she said, "you have spoiled the story that I was going to tell +you. I have lost my place, and there isn't time to go back and find it. +I am sorry, for I think you would have liked the story. I spent a good +deal of time this week trying to make it interesting. But never mind +now, there is something else I want to say. Will you spend the hours +from eight to ten with me to-morrow evening at my house? I brought cards +with me for each of you, containing my address, that you might have no +trouble in finding the place." + +Whereupon she produced the delicate bits of pasteboard, with her name +and address handsomely engraved thereon. + +Nimble Dick took his between his soiled thumb and finger, turned it over +in a pretence of great interest, and finally endeavored to "sight" it +with his eye, as a workman does his board. + +"What'll you do with us if we come?" Stephen Crowley asked, fixing what +was intended as a wise look upon her, the leer in his eye hinting that +he was smart enough to see another trap, and meant not to fall into it. + +Mrs. Roberts laughed pleasantly. + +"It is an unusual question, when one invites company," she said; "but I +don't mind answering it. For one thing I thought we would have an oyster +stew and some good coffee together. Then, if any of you like music, I +have a friend with me who is a good singer; and I have a few pictures I +should like you to see, if you cared to; and--I don't know whether you +are fond of flowers, but some of you may have a mother, or sister at +home who is, and the greenhouse is all aglow just now. Oh, how can I +tell what I should do to entertain guests? Just what seemed to me to be +pleasant at the time. That is the way I generally do. May I expect you?" + +The boys stared. This was a new departure, indeed! How much of it +did she mean? What was she trying to do? Was it a trap? Still she had +rescued them from the police force, and they had not expected that, +for every boy of them knew that he had treated her shamefully. Timothy +Haskell was generally the quietest one of the group, and perhaps the +most straightforward. He went directly to the point of the question that +he saw in the eyes of the others. + +"What do you do it for?" + +"Yes, that's the talk," said Nimble Dick. "What do you want of us?" + +"Why, I want you to spend the evening with me. Didn't I tell you? If +you really mean to be friends with me of course I must invite you to my +home. What _could_ I want except to have a nice time? I'm trying to make +you like me. Of course I want you to like me. How can we have pleasant +times together unless you do?" + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +"I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN" + + +"Pleasant times like we've been having to-day?" said Nimble Dick, with a +wicked leer. + +If he meant to disconcert her, he missed his point. + +"No!" she said, promptly, "we haven't had a bit nice times to-day, and +as for liking you, I haven't done so to-day at all. If I had the least +idea that you meant often to treat me as you have this afternoon I +should know it was of no use. But I cannot think that you will continue +to treat a lady in such a manner, particularly when I am really trying +to make a pleasant time for you. There is no object, you see, in +spoiling it." + +This plain bit of truth, for the time being so commended itself to the +judgment of the boys that they regarded the speaker gravely, without +attempting a reply. She was not moralizing; at least it was unlike any +moralizing that they had ever heard. It seemed to be simply a bit of +practical common sense. Not a boy would have owned it, but each felt, +just at that moment, a faint hope that she would _not_ decide it was +of no use, and give them up. Straightforward Tim Haskell had one more +question to ask:-- + +"Why didn't you let them bring in their police and settle us?" + +Their teacher hesitated just a moment. Would the "whole truth" do to +speak in this case? Could she hope to make them understand that she saw +in it a step lower down, and that thus degraded before her eyes, she +feared her possible hold on them would be gone forever? No; it wouldn't +do! A little, a _very_ little piece of the truth was all that she could +treat them to. A faint sparkle in her bright eyes, which every one of +them saw, and she said:-- + +"I was afraid you might not be excused in time to keep your engagement +with me to-morrow evening." + +They all laughed, not boisterously, actually an appreciative laugh. They +were bright; there is hardly a street boy living by his wits who isn't. +They recognized the humor hidden in the answer, and enjoyed it. + +Then the superintendent's bell rang. That bell always did seem to have +an evil influence on those boys. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was known to +remark, a few Sundays afterwards, that if there _were_ no opening and +closing exercises in the Sabbath-school, her work would be easier; that +street boys did not seem to have one element of devotion in them, and +needed to be kept at high pressure, in order to be able to control +themselves. + +The thought is worthy of study, perhaps. It is just possible that our +opening and closing exercises are too long drawn out even for those who +are not street boys. + +Be that as it may, the little spell which Mrs. Roberts had been able for +a few minutes to weave around her boys on this particular Sabbath, was +broken by the sound of the bell. The boys returned to their memories of +insult, as they regarded the police force. They muttered sullenly among +themselves about "traps" and "sells," and "guessed they wouldn't get +caught here again;" and Mrs. Roberts, seeming not to hear, heard with a +heavy heart. + +How angry they looked! Even Nimble Dick's usually merry face was clouded +over. What a curious thing it was that even they had their ideas +of propriety, and felt themselves insulted! Was it an instinct, she +wondered--a reminder that there was in them material for manhood? + +Would they ever, any of them, be men--Christian gentlemen? It seemed +almost too great a stretch for even her imagination. As she moved in +her seat her delicately-embroidered, perfumed handkerchief fell to +the floor. Mrs. Roberts was used to young men--mere boys, even--whose +instinctive movement would be to instantly restore it to her. Not a boy +before her thought of such a thing. She had not expected it, of course. +Yet she wondered if the instinct were not dormant, needing but the +suggestion. It was a queer little notion, worthy of Flossy Shipley +herself, who, from being continually busy about little things, had come +to the conclusion that nothing anywhere was little; that the so-called +trifles, which make up many lives, had much to do with the happiness of +other lives. Was it worth her while to try to teach these street Arabs +to pick up fallen handkerchiefs? She differed from many Christian +workers, in that, in her simplicity, she really thought it was. + +There was a lull just at that moment. A hymn had been announced, but the +organist's note-book had been mislaid, and was being sought after. It +could disturb no one if Mrs. Roberts tried her little experiment. She +looked longingly at Dirk Colson, but his brows were black and his eyes +fierce; this was no time to reach him. Nimble Dick looked much more +approachable. She determined to venture him:-- + +"Mr. Bolton," spoken in her sweetest voice, "I have dropped my +handkerchief." + +"Anybody with half an eye could see that, mum; and a mighty dirty spot +you picked out for such a nice little rag to lie in." + +This was her only response. Then the discomfited experimenter told +herself that she was a blunderer. How could the poor fellow be expected +to know what she meant? Why had she not _asked_ the service from him? +She would try again. + +Would he be kind enough to pick it up for her? It was long afterwards +before Mrs. Roberts could think of his answer without a sinking heart. +Fixing bold, saucy eyes on her, he spoke in deliberate tones, loud +enough to be heard half-way across the room:-- + +"Why, pick it up yourself, mum! It is as near to you as it is to me, and +you don't look weakly." + +She picked it up, her poor cheeks burning, but she did not forget it. + +Various after-school conferences told their different stories. + +"Well!" Mr. Durant said, stopping in the act of mopping his hot forehead +to shake hands with her, "Mrs. Roberts, I honor your courage. Those boys +were simply fearful to-day; I really feared some outbreak that would be +hard to quell. I'm afraid we shall have to give them up. Yes, I know how +you feel: but you haven't been here to see what we have borne from +them. All sorts of teachers have been tried. We have given them the best +material we had, both men and women, and every one has failed. Then you +actually want to try it for another Sabbath! Well, I'm glad of it. Oh, +_I_ don't want to give them up; it makes my heart ache to think of it; +but if we can't keep them in sufficient order to get any benefit, nor +find a teacher who is willing to hold on to them, what else is there for +us to do? But that last complaint I needn't make so long as you 'hold +on,' need I?" This last with a genial smile. "Well, God bless you; I +couldn't begin to tell you how much I hope you will succeed." + +But his face said: "However, I know you won't." + +He turned from her and said as much to young Ried:-- + +"She is in earnest, Ried, and she has resources; but she won't catch +them, simply because they don't mean to be caught; they come here +to make trouble and for nothing else. Just look at the way they have +performed to-day--worse than ever, and they never had a better teacher. +I've watched her, and I believe she knows how. I'll tell you what it is, +Ried, we must hold on to her, and when she gives up those boys we must +secure her for that class of girls down by the door. I really think we +have a prize." + +Now, if he had but known it, Mrs. Evan Roberts meant to teach no other +class at the South End Mission save those boys. + +"Flossy Shipley!" This was Gracie Dennis' exclamation; when she was very +much excited, she went back to the old name. "What _are_ you trying to +do with those horrid boys? and how can you endure their impudence? I +never saw anything like their actions in my life, and I thought I had +seen bad boys. You look completely worn out, and no wonder. I shouldn't +think Mr. Roberts would let you do this. What good can you do such +creatures, Flossy?" + +"My dear Gracie, don't you think that Jesus Christ died to save them?" + +"Well!" said Gracie, hesitatingly. It was a favorite phrase with her, as +it is with many people when they don't know what to say next. + +"And don't you think he wants them saved? And will he not be pleased +with even my little bits of efforts if he knows that my sincere desire +is to save these souls for his glory?" + +"But what I mean is, what good can you do them so long as they act as +they do now? They didn't listen to a word you said, so as to get any +good out of it." + +"I don't know that, dear, nor do you. Don't you think the Holy Spirit +sometimes presses words on people that they do not seem to be heeding? +In any event, that is a part with which I have nothing to do. I tried; +and if I failed utterly I have but to try again. It isn't as though +there were some good teacher ready to take them. Nobody will make a +second effort. Now there is one thing I can certainly do. I can keep on +making efforts; who knows but some of them may bear fruit? By the way, +Gracie, I want ever so much of your help." + +"Mine?"' said Gracie, with wide-open eyes. "I don't know how to +help people; I'm not good." And her face darkened in a frown,--some +unpleasant memories that went far toward proving the truth of that +statement coming to mind just then. After a moment she spoke in a +somewhat more gentle tone: "Don't count on me, Flossy, for help about +those boys. They frighten me; I never saw such fellows. I couldn't help +wondering what--papa would have said to them." + +Between the "wondering" and the noun there had been an observable pause. +Mrs. Roberts suspected that the thought in Gracie's mind was rather what +Mrs. Dennis, who was supposed to have much knowledge of boys, would have +thought of them. But since her arrival Gracie had studiously avoided any +reference to her stepmother, and Mrs. Roberts had humored her folly. + +"Never mind, you can help them; and when you begin to realize that, you +will forget your fears." + +"Do you expect to see one of the creatures to-morrow evening? What in +the world would you do with them if they did come?" + +"I'm not sure that I _expect_ them. I only hope for them. As to what +to do with them, I trust to you to help answer that question. I want to +give them an idea of what a nice time is." + +"I cannot help," said Gracie again, but she was _interested_, and +referred again and again to the subject, cross-questioning Mrs. Roberts +as to her plans and hopes, until that lady gave a satisfied smile to the +thought that her seven boys had begun their work. + +The first part of this conversation was held while they waited in one of +the class-rooms for Mr. Ried to give in his report before joining them. +The waiting suggested to Gracie another question. + +"Who is this Mr. Ried, who seems to have us in charge?" + +"He is one of the clerks from the store, which accounts, in part, for +his attendance on us. But I am interested in him for other reasons. He +had a wonderful sister; that is, she was a wonderful Christian; she died +when quite young, but one might be ready to go to heaven early if +one had accomplished as much as she did. By one of those strange +arrangements, which I should think would go far toward making observing +people believe in a special Providence, her life, or I might almost say +her death, was the means of changing the current of my husband's life. +He says he was a gay young fellow; a member of the church, but giving +just as little attention to religion as many do whom you and I know. +An accident to one of his family held him for several weeks in the town +where this Ester Ried lived; and her physician, with whom he became +acquainted, introduced him to her. It seems she was very much interested +in young men, in their Christian development. He went to see her several +times; and, to use his own expression, she first made him realize that +there was such a thing as zeal, and then she set it on fire. What she +had begun in life she finished in her death. Evan attended her funeral +services, and the walls were hung with Bible texts of her selection. +The most wonderful texts! All about Christian work, and about being in +earnest, because the time was short. Evan says he began to understand, +then, that the service of Christ was first, best, and always. + +"Wasn't it a singular Providence that led him under the influence of +that young girl during the closing weeks of her life? Only think, he has +been doing her work ever since,--doing it, possibly, in ways that she +could not compass. That is one reason why I am so much interested in +those boys. It seems to me as though they were her boys. Did I tell you +that her heart went out especially after the neglected? I learned about +the boys through Mr. Ried. He was but a child when his sister died, and +yet she succeeded in so enthusing him with her ideas that he is all the +time trying to carry out her plans. She had some wonderful ones. This +idea of inviting the boys, socially, I had from her. Do you see how +plainly she is working yet, though she has been in heaven so long?" + +"Do you think," asked Gracie Dennis, a timid, gentle sound to her voice, +"that all Christians ought to put religion 'first, best, and always,' +as your husband said? I fancied that some were set apart to do a special +work." + +"We are all set apart, dear, don't you think? Given to Him to use as He +will. The trouble is that so many of us take back the gifts, and use our +time and our tongues as though they were our own." + +"Our _tongues_!" repeated Gracie, amazement in her voice. + +"Why, yes; didn't you give Him your tongue when you gave Him yourself? +And yet you are fortunate if you have not dishonored Him with it many a +time." + +Said Gracie, "What a queer way you have of putting things." + +Then came Alfred Ried in haste, and apologizing for the long delay. +Gracie Dennis, watched him curiously; listened critically to his words. +Was it to be supposed that this young man put religion "first, best, and +always"; and considered his tongue as given to the Lord? Alfred bore the +scrutiny well. He took very little notice of Miss Gracie, being entirely +absorbed with another matter. He had settled opinions about Mrs. Roberts +now, from which he would not be likely to waver. He had seen much of her +during the week, and he knew she had not been idle. She had given +him much valuable information concerning the boys in whom he had been +interested all winter; and whom she had known for a week. Also he was +aware that Sally and Mark Calkins had seen much of her, to their great +benefit. She had made him her messenger on one occasion, and he had seen +Sally Calkins take from the basket the clean, sweet-smelling sheets that +were to freshen her brother's bed, and bestow on them rapturous kisses, +while she murmured, "I'd walk on my knees in broad daylight through the +gutter to serve her,--that I would." + +"Sheets aren't much, I suppose," moralized the young man, as he walked +thoughtfully homeward. "People with much less money than she has +must have furnished them. It is thinking about things that makes the +difference between her and others." + +But he had not quite found the secret. The main difference between her +and many other people lay in the fact that she set steadily about doing +the things she thought of that would be nice to do. + +On the whole, young Ried was fully prepared to sympathize with Mr. +Durant's opinion, that the South End Mission had secured a prize. Not +that he was very hopeful over those boys. He felt that their conduct, +under the circumstances, showed a depth of depravity which was beyond +the reach of Mission schools; but it was a comfort to think that good +things were arranged for them if they had but chosen to receive. He +began at once to talk about them. + +"Mrs. Roberts, they are worse than I had supposed. I am afraid that your +patience is exhausted." + +Her answer was peculiar. + +"Mr. Ried, I want you to spend to-morrow evening with me. I have invited +my boys, and I depend on you and Gracie here to help entertain them." + +"Are you equal to such formidable work as that?" asked Gracie, with a +mischievous smile. + +He did not respond to the smile; he was looking at Mrs. Roberts, +studying her face as one bewildered with the rapidity of her moves. + +"I want to be," he said, with feeling; "I want to know how to work, +and I'm learning. Mrs. Roberts, I moved to my new boarding-house last +evening, and my room is a perfect little gem. There is an illuminated +text in it, and all around it is twined an ivy, growing,--don't you +think! Hidden, you know, behind the frame in a bottle; and the text is +one of my sister's treasures. Isn't that a singular coincidence?" + +"It is very nice," said Mrs. Roberts, with satisfied eyes. She still +made much use of that little word. + +"And, Mrs. Roberts, I asked one of your boys to come in this evening and +see my room." + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +"I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS." + + +"Those two people can think and talk of nothing but those dreadful +boys," said Gracie to herself, half annoyed and wholly interested. +She found herself that very evening turning over the music, with the +wonderment in her mind as to what she could sing that they would be +likely to care for, provided one of them appeared, which thing she did +not expect. + +But I have not told you of all the discussions had that day. The boys +went their various ways, their minds also busy with the events of the +afternoon. Dirk Colson and Stephen Crowley went off together; not that +they were special friends, but their homes lay near together. For the +distance of half a block they walked in silence; then Stephen Crowley +spoke his mind:-- + +"Nimble Dick wasn't near as smart to-day as he thinks he was, accordin' +to my way of thinkin'." + +"He was meaner than dirt!" burst forth Dirk, fiercely. "To go back on +her like that, after she had saved us from a row with the police, ain't +what I believe in. Why couldn't he have picked up the rag, seeing she +wanted him to? That's what _I_ say. I'd a done it myself if she had give +me the chance." + +"That there Dick Bolton can be too mean for anything when he sets +out," said Stephen, with a grave air of superiority. "I don't go in for +anything of that kind myself. We wasn't none of us much to boast of; +but Dick, he went too fur. I say, Dirk, what do you s'pose all that yarn +means about to-morrow night? And what be we goin' to do about it? Dick, +he said it was all a game to get hold of us somehow, and he wasn't goin' +to have nothin' to do with it." + +Had Stephen Crowley desired exceedingly to secure Dirk's vote in favor +to the proposed entertainment he could not, at that moment, have chosen +a better way. Dirk tossed his thick mat of black hair in a defiant +fashion and answered:-- + +"He needn't have a thing to do with it, so far as I care. I don't know +who'll miss him; but if he thinks he's got all the fellows under his +thumb, and they're goin' to do as he says, I'll show him a thing or two. +_I'm_ a goin' to-morrow night. I don't care what it is, nor what it is +for. She was nice and friendly to us to-day, and I'm willin' to trust +her to-morrow. I shall go up there and see what she does want. It can't +kill a fellow to do that much." + +"Then I'm a goin', too," declared Stephen, with decision. "Dick, he +thinks there won't none of us go if he don't; and I'd just like to show +him that he must get up early in the mornin' if he wants to keep track +of us." + +If Dirk Colson needed anything to strengthen his resolution, there was +material in that last sentence which supplied it. He had long +chafed under the control of Dick Bolton; here was a chance to assert +superiority. He even, just at that moment, conceived the brilliant idea +of supplanting Dick--running an opposition party, as it were. + +What if he should get every fellow in the class to promise to go, and +Dick, the acknowledged leader, should find himself left out alone in the +cold. The thought actually made his grim face break into a smile. Thus +it came to pass that the most efficient worker for the success of the +Monday evening entertainment, so far at least as securing the presence +of the guests, was Dirk Colson. + +In Mr. Roberts' mansion preparations for receiving and entertaining the +hoped-for guests went briskly forward. Preparations which astonished the +young guest already arrived. + +"Are you really going to let them come in here?" she asked, as she +followed Mrs. Roberts through the elegant parlors, and watched her +putting delicate touches here and there. + +"Certainly; why not? Don't you open your parlors when you receive your +friends?" + +"I don't think we have such peculiar friends on our list," Gracie said, +with a little laugh; and then, "Flossy, they will spoil your furniture." + +"If one evening in the Master's service will spoil anything it surely +ought to be spoiled," Mrs. Roberts answered, serenely. + +"But, Flossy,"--with a touch of impatience in her voice,--"what is the +use? Wouldn't the dining-room answer every purpose; be to them the most +elegant room they ever beheld, and be less likely to suffer from their +contact?" + +The busy little mistress of all the beauty around her turned to her +guest with a peculiar smile on her face, half mischievous and wholly +sweet, as she said:-- + +"I want them to get used to parlors, my dear; they may have much to do +with them, as well as with dining-rooms." + +"They are more likely to have to do with penitentiaries and prisons," +Gracie said; but she abandoned discussion, and gave herself to the +pleasure of arranging lonely flowers in their lovely vases. + +There was a divided house as to the probability of the guests +appearing,--Mr. Roberts inclining to the belief that some of them would +come, while Gracie was entirely skeptical. Mrs. Roberts kept her own +counsel, neither expressing wish nor fear, but steadily pushing her +preparations. + +As a matter of fact, the entire seven appeared together, promptly, as +the clock struck eight. + +At the last moment Dick Bolton, the usual leader, finding himself in +a minority of one, not to be outwitted, protested that he had not the +least notion of staying away; of course he was going, and good-naturedly +joined the group. + +I wonder if you have the least conception of how those boys looked? The +ideas of some people cannot get below nicely-patched clothes, carefully +brushed boots, clean collars, and neatly arranged hair. + +Clean collars! Not a boy of them owned a collar. No thought of brushing +their worn-out, unmended boots ever entered their minds. Their clothes +were much patched, but in many places needed it still. + +Stephen Crowley had made a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to put his mass +of hair in order. Most of the others had not thought even of that. Why +should they? Poor Dirk, you will remember, if he had thought of it, had +no comb with which to experiment. It is doubtful if many of the others +were any better off in this respect. + +Imagine the seven standing, a confused, grinning, heap, in the centre of +Mrs. Roberts' large and brilliantly-lighted hall! + +She came forward to welcome them, shaking hands, though they made no +attempt to offer a hand in greeting. She had to grasp after each. She +essayed to introduce Gracie; not one of them attempted a bow. + +"Come this way," Mrs. Roberts said, "and take seats." Then she led the +way into the long, bright, elegantly-furnished, flower-decked room. + +They followed her in a row. Midway in the room they made a halt. They +caught a view of themselves--full length at that--revealed by the great +mirrors. They had never seen themselves set in contrast before. They +could not sit in a row, for the easy chairs and sofas, though plentiful, +had the air of having been just vacated by people who had left them +carelessly just where they had chanced to sit. + +It required diplomacy to seat those boys. When at last Stephen Crowley +dropped into one of the great pillowy chairs, he instantly sprang up +again, and looked at it doubtfully. + +Was the thing a trap? How far down would it sink with him? This was +too much for Nimble Dick, even under the present overpowering +circumstances--he laughed. His hostess blessed him for that laugh. The +horrible stiffness was somewhat broken, and all were seated. + +Just at that moment came Alfred Ried, hurriedly, like one who had +intended promptness and missed it. + +"All here ahead of me!" he exclaimed, "Mrs. Roberts, I beg your pardon. +At the last moment I went in search of Dr. Everett; there was serious +illness in a house next door, and I happened to know just where he was." + +During this address he was shaking hands with his hostess, his manner +easy and graceful, as one used to it all. Then he crossed the room, that +wonderful room, treading down those flowers on the carpet as though he +had no fears of breaking their stems. + +"Good evening, Miss Dennis," he said, and he was bowing in a manner that +Dirk Colson was confident he could imitate. Then he turned to the boys, +shaking hands:-- + +"How are you, Haskell? By the way, Crowley, I called on you to-day at +the office; sorry not to find you in." + +"Mrs. Roberts, allow me?" And he wheeled one of the easy chairs to the +spot where that lady was standing. + +"How well he enters into the thing," said Gracie Dennis to herself, +looking on in admiration at this young man, who, still so young, was +adapting himself to circumstances that might well have embarrassed older +heads than his. He plunged into talk with the boys, making them answer +questions. He had come but a few moments before from Mark Calkins', +stopped there with a message from Dr. Everett; and these boys knew Mark +and Sallie and the worthless father, and all the more or less worthless +neighbors who ran in and out, and young Ried had a dozen questions to +ask. His quick-wittedness, and the ease with which he made talk to these +young men who lived in such an utterly different world from himself, +surprised his hostess very much. + +Even she did not know to what an exalted pitch his enthusiasm and +excitement reached; though he had flashed a pair of most appreciative +eyes on her when she gave him her invitation for the evening. Here was +actually his sister Ester's darling scheme being worked out before his +eyes! Not only that, but he was being called upon to help. Ester had +wanted him to grow up to undertake just such efforts as these; and only +last week they had seemed to him so altogether good and noble and so +impossible to try. Yet here he was helping try them! No wonder Alfred +Ried could talk. + +It had been determined in family council that Mr. Roberts must absent +himself. He was in the house, indeed--no further away than the library, +ready for call in event of an emergency; but it was judged that another +stranger, and such a formidable one as the head of the house, must be +avoided for this one evening. As for Mr. Ried, _would_ they remember +that he was not much older than some of them, and that he was not a +rich young man living on his income, but was earning his living by daily +work? and would they note the contrast between themselves and him? This +was what their hostess wondered. A few moments and then came a summons +to the dining-room. Seated at last, though one of the poor fellows +stumbled over a chair, and barely saved himself from falling. + +If you could have seen that dining-table, the picture of it would have +lingered long in your memory. The whitest and finest of damask table +linen; napkins so large that they almost justified Dick Bolton's +whisper, "What be you goin' to do with your sheet?" china so delicate +that Gracie Dennis could not restrain an inward shiver when any of the +clumsy fingers touched a bit of it, and such a glitter of silver as even +Gracie had never seen before. + +One thing was different from the conventional tea-party. Every servant +was banished; none but tender eyes, interested in her experiment, and +ready to help it on, should witness the blunders of the boys. So +the hostess had decreed, and so instructed Alfred and Gracie. The +consequence was that Alfred himself served the steaming oysters with +liberal hand, and Gracie presided over jellies and sauces, while Mrs. +Roberts sugared and creamed and poured cups of such coffee as those +fellows had never even _smelled_ before. If you think they were +embarrassed to the degree that they could not eat, you are mistaken. + +They were street boys; their lives had been spent in a hardening +atmosphere. Directly the first sense of novelty passed away, and their +poorly-fed stomachs craved the unusual fare served up for them, the +fellows grinned at one another, seized their silver spoons, and dived +into the stews in a fashion that would have horrified every servant in +the house. + +How they ate! Oysters and coffee and pickles and cakes and jellies! +There seemed no limit to their capacities; neither did they make the +slightest attempt to correct their table manners. None of them paid any +outward attention to their "sheets," although Alfred and Gracie spread +theirs with elaborate care; they leaned their elbows on the table, they +made loud, swooping sounds with their lips, and, in short, transgressed +every law known to civilized life. Why not? + +What did they know about civilized life? + +Nevertheless, not one movement of young Ried escaped the notice of some +of them. + +He tried still to carry on a conversation; though the business of +eating was being too closely attended to on all sides to let him be very +successful. + +Gracie studied _him_, and was not only interested in his efforts, but +roused to make some attempts herself. What could she talk about with +such people? School? The Literary Club? The last concert? The course +of lectures? The last new book that everybody was reading? No, not +everybody; assuredly not these seven. + +On what ground _was_ she to meet them? + +Yet talk she must and would. Mr. Ried should see that she at least +_wanted_ to help. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +"LET US BE FASHIONABLE." + + +One feature of the hour was not only entirely new to the boys, but gave +them a curious feeling, the name of which they did not understand. +When the last one sat back in his chair, thereby admitting himself +vanquished, Mrs. Roberts, looking at the young man who sat at the foot +of the table, said:-- + +"Will you return thanks?" + +What did that mean? To be sure they had heard of thanking people, but +even _they_ were aware that it was an unusual thing for persons to +demand thanks for themselves. They watched; behold, the young man bowed +his head, and these were the words he spoke:-- + +"Dear Saviour, we thank thee for the joys of this evening. We pray thee +to teach us so to live that we may all meet some day in our Father's +house. Amen." + +The boys looked at one another, then looked down at their plates. Their +sole experience of prayer was connected with the South End Mission. To +meet it at a supper-table was a revelation. Did the people who lived in +grand houses, and had such wonderful things to eat, always pray at their +supper-tables? This was the problem which they were turning over in +their minds. + +Returning to the parlor, Gracie went at once to the piano. She had spent +a good deal of Monday, settling the question of what to play, and had +chosen the most sparkling music she could find. I am anxious to have it +recorded, that, all uncultured as they were, these boys neither talked +nor laughed during the music, but appeared at least to listen. It was +Dirk Colton who sat nearest to the piano, and who listened in that +indescribable way which always flatters a musician. + +"Do you like it?" Gracie asked, running off the final notes in a tinkle +of melody. + +His dark face flushed a deep red. + +"I dunno," he said, with an awkward laugh; "it's queer sounding. I don't +see how you make so many tinkles. Do you make all your fingers go at +once on those black and white things?" + +"Not quite; but sometimes they have to dance about in a very lively +fashion. I have to keep my wits at work, I assure you." + +"Is it hard to do?" + +"Not very, nowadays. When I first commenced, the practising was horrid; +I hated it." + +"What made you do it, then?" + +"Oh, the same reason which makes people do a great many things that +they don't like," she said, lightly; "I wanted the results. I knew if I +worked at it steadily the time would come when I should not only enjoy +it myself, but be able to give pleasure to other people. Why? Don't you +ever do things that you don't particularly like?" + +He shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very wise look. + +"Often enough," he said fiercely, and he thought of his drunken father. +"But then I wouldn't if I could help it." + +"That would depend on whether you thought the thing would pay in the +end, would it not?" + +Then, without waiting for an answer, she asked "What is your business?" + +"My business?" with a curiously puzzled air. + +"Yes; how do you spend your time?" + +"Hunting up something to eat," he said, with a grim smile; visions of +his aimless loafing appearing before him as the only occupation he could +be said to have. It had not occurred to him to try to mislead her, but +she evidently did not understand. + +"Oh, yes," she said, seriously, "so I suppose. Isn't it queer how +busy men and women have to be day after day, and year after year, just +getting themselves and others something to eat? Do you have other +people to help get it for? Mother, for instance, and little brothers and +sisters?" + +"I've got a mother," he said, "and a sister." + +"And that makes work easier, does it not? I always thought it would be +stupid to work all the time just for one's self. But I meant, What do +you work at in order to get the something to eat,--there are so many +different ways?" + +"How do you know I work at all?" + +Dirk's voice was growing sullen; a consciousness that he would appear at +a disadvantage in admitting himself an idler in a busy world was dawning +upon him as an entirely new idea. At his question, Gracie turned on her +music-stool and regarded him with surprise. + +"Why, of course you work," she said; "people all do." + +She was not acting a part. Her experience among poor people was limited +to that outwardly respectable class who, however disreputable their +conduct might be on Sabbath, had, nevertheless a Monday occupation with +which they pretended to earn a living. + +Dirk shrugged his shoulders again. + +"Do they?" he said. + +Her evident ignorance of the world made him good-natured. She was not +trying to preach to him, he decided. A thing which Dirk hated, in common +with all persons of his class. + +But the lull in the music had started conversation in other parts of the +room. + +Dirk heard young Ried's question:-- + +"Mrs. Roberts, do you know of any young man looking for work? I heard of +a good situation this afternoon. Oh, there are plenty of applicants, but +the gentleman is an old friend of my brother-in-law, and I could speak a +helpful word for somebody." + +"I have no one in mind," Mrs. Roberts said, and she glanced eagerly at +the boys lounging in various attitudes in her easy chairs. Only three of +them she knew made any pretence of earning their living. Did Alfred +mean one of them? "Here is a chance for you, young gentlemen," she said, +lightly, "who bids for a situation?" + +"What is the place?" + +It was Dirk Colson who asked the question. Ever since he could remember +he was supposed to have been hunting for work, but I am not sure that he +ever felt quite such a desire to find it as at that moment. + +"It is at Gray's, on Ninth Street, a good chance; but the one who +secures it must have a fair knowledge of figures." + +"Oh, land!" said Dirk, sinking lower in his easy-chair. "No use in _me_ +asking about it." + +"Are figures your weak point?" Mrs. Roberts asked, smiling on him. "I +can sympathize with you; I had to work harder over arithmetic than at +any other study; but I learned to like it. Do you know I think it +should be a favorite study with you? It is so nice to conquer an +obstinate-looking row of figures, and fairly oblige the right result to +appear. What did you find hardest about the study, Mr. Colson?" + +The others chuckled, but Dirk glowered at them fiercely. + +"There's nothin' to laugh about as I see," he said. "I didn't find +nothin' hard, because I never had no chance to try. I never went to no +school, nor had books, nor nothin'; now that's the truth, and I'm blamed +if I ain't going to own it." + +"What a good thing it is that you are young." This was her animated +answer. "There is a chance to make up for lost time. Mr. Ried, I have +such a nice idea. I heard you and Dr. Everett speaking of the Literary +Club the other night. Why cannot we have a literary club of our own? A +reading circle, or something of that sort? Suppose we should meet once +a week and read aloud something interesting, and have talks about it +afterwards. Do you ever read aloud?" + +If Mrs. Roberts in all sincerity had not been one of the most +simple-hearted, and in some respects ignorant little creatures on the +face of the globe, she could never, with serious face, have addressed +such a question to Nimble Dick. + +Young Ried could not have done it, for he realized the folly of +supposing that Nimble Dick ever read anything. By just so much was Mrs. +Roberts ahead of him. She supposed that these boys had their literature, +and read it, and perhaps met somewhere on occasion and read together. +This made it possible for her to ask surprising questions with honest +face. + +"Bless me!" said Nimble Dick, startled into an upright posture; "oh, no, +mum, never." + +And even Dirk Colson laughed at the expression on his face. + +"Still I think you would enjoy it, after a little practice, and I can't +help fancying you would make a good reader." + +The boys were all laughing now, Nimble Dick with the rest. + +"You're in for an awful blunder there," he said, good-naturedly. "I'm +like Black Dirk, never had no chances, and didn't do nothin' worth +speakin' of with them that I had. Why, bless your body, mum! I can't +even read to myself! I make the awfulest work you ever heard of spellin' +out the show-bills. I have to get Black Dirk to help me; and him and me +is a team." + +By this time Dirk's face had lost its smile, and his fierce eyes were +flashing; but the hostess was serene. + +"That doesn't prove anything against my statement. I was speaking of +what _could_ be, not necessarily of what was. Let us have a club. The +more I think of the plan the more it pleases me. I'll tell you! The word +'club' doesn't quite suit me. Let us be fashionable. Gracie, don't you +know how fashionable it is becoming to have 'evenings' set apart for +special occasions? Mr. Ried, you know Mrs. Judson's 'Tuesday evenings,' +and Mrs. Symond's 'Friday evenings?' Very well, let us have our 'Monday +evenings,' in which we will do all sorts of nice things; sometimes +literary, sometimes musical, and sometimes--well, anything that we +please. What do you say, gentlemen; shall we organize? Mr. Ried, will +you give Monday evenings to us? Gracie, you are my guest, and cannot, of +course, refuse." + +It was a novel idea, certainly. Even Alfred, while trying to heartily +second her, was in doubt as to what she could hope to accomplish by it. +As for the boys, not one of them promised to attend; but neither +did they refuse. Mrs. Roberts presently left the subject, seeming to +consider her point carried, and proposed a visit to the conservatory. + +I think it very doubtful whether the boy lives who does not like +flowers. There are those who seem to consider it a mark of manliness to +affect indifference to them; but these, as they grow older--become real +men--generally lay this bit of folly aside. Then there are those, plenty +of them, who really do not know that they care for flowers. The boys, +ushered for the first time in their lives into the full bloom of a +conservatory, were, most of them, of this latter stamp. + +What a scene of beauty it was! Great white callas, bending their +graceful cups; great red and yellow roses, making the air rich with +their breath; vines and mosses and ferns and small flowers in almost +endless variety. Alfred and Gracie moved among the glories; the latter +exhausting all her superlatives in honest delight, although she had +visited the spot a dozen times that day; and Alfred, who had been less +favored, was hardly less eager and responsive than she. But Mrs. Roberts +watched the boys. + +It was all very well for those two to enjoy her flowers; of course they +would. But what language would the silent, lovely things speak to her +untutored boys? They said not a word; not one of them. They made no +exclamations; they had no superlatives at command. But Stephen Crowley +stooped before a lovely carnation, and smelled, and _smelled_, drawing +in long breaths, as though he meant to take its fragrance all away with +him; and Nimble Dick picked up the straying end of an ivy, and restored +it to its support again, in a way that was not to be lost sight of by +one who was looking for hearts; and Dirk Colson brushed back his matted +hair and stood long before a great, pure lily, and looked down into its +heart with an expression on his face that his teacher never forgot. + +She came over to him presently, standing beside him, saying nothing. +Then at last she reached forth her hand and broke the lily from its +stalk. He started, almost as if something had struck him. + +"What did you do that for?" And his voice was fierce. + +"I want you to take this for me to your sister--the girl with beautiful +golden hair; I saw her one day, and I shall remember her hair and eyes. +She will like this flower, and she will like you to bring it to her. + +"Gracie"--raising her voice--"gather some flowers will you, and make +into bouquets? These young gentlemen will like to carry them to some +one. There must be mothers at home who will enjoy bouquets brought by +their sons." + +Over this gently-spoken sentence Nimble Dick laughed a hard, derisive +laugh. It made the dark blood flow into black Dirk's indignant face. +Even Alfred Ried lost self-control for a moment, and flashed a glance at +him out of angry eyes. How could there be any hope of a boy who sneered +at his mother? Yet you need not judge him too harshly. + +He thought of his mother, indeed, when he laughed; but alas! he thought +of her as drunk. And he knew her scarcely at all, save as that word +described her. How _could_ "mother" mean to him what it meant to Alfred +Ried? what it meant even to Dirk Colson, whose mother, weak indeed in +body and spirit, full of complaining words, oftentimes weakly bitter +words to him, yet patched his clothes so long as she could get patches +and thread, and would have washed them if she could have got soap, and +been able to bring the water, and if her only tub hadn't been in pawn. +Oh, yes, there are degrees in mothers. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, broke off blossoms with lavish hand, and made +bouquets for Nimble Dick and for Dirk. He took the bright-hued ones with +a smile, but the lily he held by itself, and still looked at it. + +They went away at last noisily; growing almost, if not quite, rough +towards one another, at least, and directly they were out of the door, +Nimble Dick gave a whoop that would have chilled the blood of nervous +women. But matron and maiden looked at each other and laughed. + +"We have kept them pent up all the evening, and that is the escape-valve +being raised to avoid a general explosion." This was Mrs. Roberts' +explanation. + +They were quite alone. Alfred, on being invited in low tones to tarry +and talk things over, had shaken his head, and replied, significantly:-- + +"Thank you! no; I am one of them, and must stand on the same level." + +"You are right," Mrs. Roberts said, smilingly; "you must have been an +apt pupil, my friend. That dear sister taught you a great deal." + +He held up the bouquet which she had made for him. + +"I am going to put it before Ester's picture," he said; "her work is +going on." + +"Well," said Gracie, "it is over, and we lived through it. And they +_did_ all come! I am amazed over that! And how they _did eat_! I suppose +the next thing is to open all the windows and air out. Flossy Roberts, +I'm afraid you are going insane. The idea of your inviting that horde +here every Monday. What a parlor you would have! And they would breed +a pestilence! They won't come, to be sure; but just imagine it if +they should! I really think Mr. Roberts ought to send you home for Dr. +Mitchell to look after. Well, Flossy, what next?" + +"Next, dear, you must pray. Pray as you never have done before, for +the souls of these boys, and for the success of my 'Monday evenings.' +Gracie, we are at work for immortal _souls_. Think of it! they _must_ +live forever. Shall they, through all eternity, keep dropping lower and +lower, or shall they wear crowns?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +"SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!" + + +Sallie Calkins sat in a common little rocking-chair and rocked; and +while she rocked she sewed, setting neat stitches in a brown coat which +was already patched and darned and was threadbare in many places. There +was a look of deep content on Sallie's face. There were many reasons for +it. + +Dr. Everett had that morning pronounced Mark's broken limb to be healing +rapidly. He had also reported that Mark's place was to be held open for +him by his employers. At this present moment, Mark, arrayed in a clean +shirt, was resting on a very white sheet, his head reposing on a real +feather pillow dressed in white and frilled. Over him was carefully +spread another of those wonderful sheets, and to make the crowning +glory, a white quilt, warm and soft, tucked him in on every side. How +could Sallie but rejoice? All about the room there had been changes. A +neat little table stood at the bed's side. It was covered with a white +cloth, and a china bowl set thereon with a silver spoon beside it; a +delicate goblet and china pitcher also, both carefully covered with a +napkin. Did Mrs. Roberts know how homely Sallie gloried in the thinness +of that china and the fineness of that napkin? How does it happen that +some of the very poor seem born with such aesthetic tastes? Mrs. Roberts +had intuitions, and was given to certain acts, concerning which she +could not give to others satisfactory explanations. Therefore, she +sometimes left china where others would have judged the plainest +stoneware more prudent and sensible. + +A bit of bright carpet was spread at the side of the bed. A fire glowed +in the neatly-brushed stove. A white muslin curtain hung at the window; +and the chair in which Sallie rocked and sewed was new and gayly +painted. + +There were other traces of Mrs. Roberts. You might not have noticed +them, but it seemed to Sallie that her fingers had touched everywhere. +Yet the lady herself thought that she had done very little. She had held +her inclinations in check with severe judgment. + +The door opened softly, and a mass of golden hair, from out of which +peered great eyes, peeped cautiously in. + +"Alone?" it said, nodding first toward the figure on the bed, and +intimating that she was aware of Mark's presence, and did not mean him. + +"Yes," said Sallie, "come in; Mark's asleep, but you won't disturb +him; he don't disturb easy; he sleeps just like a baby since the doctor +stopped that pain in his knee. There's my new chair; just try it and see +how nice it is." + +Saying which, she got herself out of the little rocker in haste, and +pushed it toward her guest, meantime taking a plain wooden chair, also +new, and adding:-- + +"Did you ever hear of anybody like her before?" + +"Something's happened!" said Mart Colson, ignoring the reference to the +mysterious pronoun,--her voice so full of a new and strange meaning +that had Sallie been acquainted with the word she might have said it was +filled with awe. + +As it was, she only exclaimed, "What?" in an intensely interested tone. + +"Why, look here! I brought it along to show you." + +Whereupon she produced from under her piece of torn shawl a large +broken-nosed pitcher, a piece of brown paper carefully tied over the +top. She untied the bit of calico string with fingers that shook from +excitement. + +"Look in there!" she exclaimed at last, triumph in her tone, reaching +forward the pitcher. + +Sallie looked, and drew in her breath with a long, expressive "O-h!" + +There, reposing in stately beauty, lay the great white lily with its +golden bell. + +"Yes, I should think so!" Mart said, satisfied with the expression. +"Did you ever see anything like that before? It ain't made of wax nor +anything else that _folks_ ever made. It's alive! I felt of it. It looks +like velvet and satin and all them lovely store things; but it doesn't +feel so; it feels _alive_, and it _grew_. But, Sallie Calkins, if you +should live a hundred years, and guess all the time, you never could +guess where I got it. Sallie Calkins, if you'll believe it, Dirk gave it +to me!" + +"Dirk?" + +"Yes, he did!" + +Who would have supposed Mart Colson's voice capable of such a triumphant +ring? + +"You see the way of it was: Last night he didn't come for his supper +at all, and that always scares me dreadful. I'm expecting something to +happen, you know. Father, he didn't come either; for the matter of that, +he hasn't come yet; and mother, she was awful tired, and hadn't had no +dinner to speak of, and she just broke down and took on awful. Mother +don't often cry, and it's good she don't, for she just goes into it with +all her might when the time comes. It wasn't about father--she's used to +him, you know, and don't expect nothing else; but Dirk drives her wild +with what may happen to him. I was worried about him, too, but I was mad +at him; it seemed too awful mean in him to stay away and scare mother. +At last I got her to go to bed, and she was all tuckered out, and went +to sleep. + +"Then I wrapped myself in the quilt and sat down to wait; but I got +asleep, and I dreamed I saw _her_; she had wings to each side of her, +and she flew over the tops of all those houses and made them turn white +like the snow looks when it is coming down before it drops into the +gutters. Wasn't that queer? Well, some noise woke me up. I was sitting +flat on the floor by mother, and I sat up straight all of a tremble. +And there was the old stool, and the brown pitcher on it, half-full of +water, and this wonderful thing stood in it looking at me. And Dirk, he +stood off the other side looking at it. + +"'It's for you, and she sent it.' That's what he said to me; and I +wasn't real wide awake, you know. I suppose that's what made his voice +sound so queer; and what do you think I said? I was thinking of my +dream, and says I: 'Did she have her wings on?' Then Dirk made a queer +noise; it was a laugh, but it sounded most like a cry. 'I guess so,' +says he, and then he turned and went off to bed. And I can't get any +more out of him; he is as snarly when I ask any questions as though he +was mad about it all. If it hadn't been for this great white thing I +might have thought this morning that it all belonged to the dream. But +Dirk brought this home from somewhere, and put it in the pitcher, and +give it to me his own self; that's sure." + +The story closed in triumph. + +"It is beautiful!" said Sallie, the brown jacket slipping to the floor, +while she bent over the lily. "It is beautiful, all of it, and it looks +just like her, and sounds like her, wings and all; of course she sent +it." + +"And Dirk brought it." That part of the story Mart Colson did not +forget. + +Sometimes it seems to me a pity that hearts are not laid bare to the +gaze of others. What, for instance, might not this little incident have +done for Dirk Colson had he known how the starved heart of his sister +fed on the thought that he brought her the flower? + +Still, on the other hand, I don't know what the effect would have been +on Mart had she known what a tremendous amount of courage it had taken +to present the flower to her. A dozen times on the way home had Dirk +been on the point of consigning it to the gutter. _He_ carry home a +flower! If it had been a loaf of bread he thought it would be more +consistent. Someway he recognized a fine sarcasm in the thought that +he, who had never in his life contributed towards the necessities of the +family, should carry to that dreary home a flower! Yet the fair lily did +its work well during that long walk from East Fifty-fifth Street to the +shadow of the alley. It made Dirk Colson tell it fiercely that he hated +himself; that he was a brute and a loafer,--a blot on the earth, and +ought not to live. Why didn't he go to work? Why didn't he have things +to bring home to Mart every little while, as Mark Calkins did to Sallie? +Hadn't he seen Mark, only a few evenings before he was hurt, with a pair +of girl's shoes strung over his shoulder, and heard him whistle as he +ran, two steps at a time, up the rickety stairs? What would Mart think +if he should bring her home a pair of shoes? What would she think of +his bringing her a flower? She would sneer, of course: and, in the mood +which then possessed him, Dirk said angrily that she had a right to +sneer, and would be a fool not to; and yet he hated the thought of it. +There was nothing in life that Dirk hated more than sneers; and he had +been fed on them ever since he could remember. + +He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received. +That suggestion about wings, which seemed so apt, had brought the +"queer" sound to his voice that Mart had noticed. If only she had +understood, and not spoiled, next morning, the effect of her words. + +In the prosaic daylight, the illusion of "wings" being banished, she was +bent on knowing how Dirk came into possession of the lily. + +"Who sent it, Dirk? I don't believe anybody told you to give it to me. +Who would care about _my_ having a flower? Where did you get it?" + +"Where do you s'pose?" Dirk's voice was ominously gruff. It is a painful +truth that by daylight he was ashamed of his part of the transaction. +"I told you she sent it. It's noways likely that I'd take the trouble to +make up a lie about that weed. How do I know what she wanted you to have +it for? Maybe she thought it matched your looks." + +There was a bitter sneer in Dirk's voice, yet all the time he heard the +sweet, low voice saying, "That girl with the beautiful golden hair." +Suppose he should tell Mart that? Why not? Let me tell you that Dirk +Colson would not have repeated that sentence for the world! And yet he +did not know why. + +Mart's face burned red under his sneer. + +"How am I to know who 'she' is?" she said, in bitter scorn. "Some of +your bar-room beauties, for whom you dance and whistle, I suppose. You +can tell her I would rather have my shawl out of pawn, or some shoes for +my feet, enough sight. What do I care for a great flower mocking at me?" + +"Pitch it into the fire, then; and it will be many a long day before I +bring you anything else," said Dirk, pushing himself angrily back from +the table, where he had been eating bread dipped in a choice bit of pork +fat. + +"There isn't a bit of danger of my doing that," she called after him, +mockingly. "There isn't a spark of fire, nor likely to be to-day, unless +some of your admirers send me a shovel of coal. Mercy knows, I wish they +would." + +He mercifully lost part of this sentence, for the reason that before it +was concluded he was moving with long, angry strides up the alley. + +And then Mart took the broken-nosed pitcher away into the furthermost +corner, although she was alone in the room, and laid her face against +the cool, pure lily, and wept into it great burning tears. Poor, +ignorant soul! She wanted, oh, how she _wanted_ Dirk to be brave and +good like Mark Calkins--her one type of manhood. Yet she did not know +that she was crushing out the germ which might have grown in his +heart. True, she knew herself to be very different from Sallie, but the +thought, poor soul, that that was because Mark was so different from +Dirk. + +Isn't it a pity that the sweet-faced lily could not have told its tender +story to both these ignorant ones? + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +"WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?" + + +"I have heard a good deal about your sister that has interested me. Do +you like to talk of her?" + +This was the question which Gracie Dennis asked of young Ried as he +stood beside her at the piano. She had been playing, and had come to +the music alcove for the purpose of turning her music; but now she was +touching sweet chords here and there aimlessly, and waiting for his +answer. + +At the further end of the parlor Mrs. Roberts was entertaining a caller; +but the distance between them was so great that, in effect, the young +people were alone. + +"I like nothing better than to talk of her." Mr. Ried said, with +animation; "but I don't know so much about her as I wish I did. She went +away when I was quite young. I used to say 'she died,' but since I have +awakened to see her cherished plans being carried on all around me I +cannot think of her as dead." + +"That is what I want to talk about,--her work, or her plans for work. +What made her so different from other people, Mr. Ried. _Wasn't_ she +different?" + +The young man regarded the question thoughtfully before answering. + +"Not from all the people," he said at last; "but certainly very +different from some. I used to think that all Christians were like her, +of course; then, when I saw my mistake, I went to the other extreme, and +thought there were none like her on earth. I have discovered that the +medium position is the correct one." + +"But what I want to know is, what _made_ her different? It wasn't her +age. Mrs. Roberts thinks she was young?" + +"She was hardly nineteen when she died. Oh, no, it wasn't age; she +told me that she used to be very different. She was a Christian from +childhood, but she said that she was ashamed to claim the name. There +was nothing Christlike about her; still she was a member of the Church. +As I remember her, and as I look at other people, my judgment is that, +in her early Christian life, she was much like most of the Christians +with whom you and I are familiar." + +"And what made her different? Was it--that is--do you think it was +because she was to die so soon that she had a special experience?" + +"Not at all," he said, promptly; "it was before she realized anything +about her condition that the great change took place in her. My +brother-in-law says that she supposed herself to be in perfect health at +the time when she was most marked in her Christian life." + +"Ah! but you don't understand; I mean more than that. It is difficult to +tell what I mean; I mean--but you know, of course, _God_ knew that she +was soon to go to heaven. I thought, perhaps, he gave her a special +experience on that account." + +"No; oh, no," he said, speaking with great earnestness. "Ester +was particularly anxious that no one should suppose her experience +exceptional. Little fellow though I was, it seemed to be her desire that +I should fully understand this. Don't let anybody make you think that +because you are a little boy you must be a sort of half-way Christian,' +she used to say, and her eyes would glow with feeling. 'I tried that way +for years,' she said, 'and I want you to understand that it is not only +sinful, but there is not a particle of happiness to be gotten out of +it--not a particle; and I would give almost nothing for what such a +Christian can accomplish. The harm one does, more than overbalances all +effort for Christ.' I think, perhaps, she felt more deeply on that than +on almost any subject; and it was because she thought she had wasted so +many years." + +"Then do you think that there is, or rather that there should be, no +difference in Christians? Have all the same work to do?" + +"Not that, quite, of course,--or, I don't know, either. Isn't it all +different forms of the Master's work. The children of the home may +have each a different task, but each is needed to make the home what +it should be, and each worker needs the same spirit of love and +unselfishness to enable him to do his part. It isn't a perfect +illustration, Miss Dennis. I'm not skillful in that direction; but _I_ +know what I mean, and that is a comfort." + +"And I know what you mean," Gracie said, not joining in his laugh; "but +I am not sure that I believe it. Why, Mr. Ried, that would make a very +solemn thing of living." + +"Well, did you suppose it was other than solemn? I'm sure it makes a +triumphant thing of it, too; and without it we are only a lot of wax +figures, dancing to pass the time away." + +"But don't you really think that people have a right to have _any_ nice +times?" + +"Miss Dennis, did you ever see any person who had nicer times than your +friend, Mrs. Roberts?" + +"Well, Flossy is peculiar; her tastes all seem to lie in this direction; +though once they did not, I admit. Papa used to think that she had +no talent for anything but dancing. Something changed Flossy's entire +character. No one who knew her two years ago could possibly deny that." + +"She will serve as an illustration, then, to explain my meaning. I +believe, Miss Dennis, that religion should have sufficient power over +us to change all our tastes and plans in life, fitting them to the +Saviour's use." + +"But what would such a rule as that do with most of the Christians of +your acquaintance?" + +"Ah! I am old and experienced enough to warn you not to make shipwreck +of your happiness on that shoal. I hovered around it, and vexed my soul +over the whole bewildering question until I suddenly discovered that I +was held absolutely responsible only for my own soul, and that the Lord +would look after his own." + +For a time there was no answer to this. + +Gracie let her fingers wander with apparent aimlessness over the keys, +drawing out soft, sweet strains. Suddenly she said:-- + +"What do you expect Flossy will accomplish with that last scheme of +hers? I ought to beg her pardon for the familiar name, but I have known +her ever since I was a child. Don't you think her attempts for those +boys rather hopeless?" + +Instantly the young man's eyes filled with tears, and when he spoke his +voice indicated deep emotion. + +"I can hardly tell you how I feel about those boys. I have been anxious +for them so long and felt so hopeless. Do you remember how Elijah sat +under a juniper tree, discouraged, and said that he was the only one who +had not bowed the knee to Baal, and the Lord told him he was +mistaken, that there were five thousand others? It sounds ridiculously +egotistical, but I have felt at times something like that; as though I +was the only one who cared whether the poor fellows went to destruction +or not. But since I have met Mrs. Roberts, and seen how intense she is +and single-hearted, and since through her I have met Dr. Everett, and +seen how they are trying to work at the same problem, and since I have +come to know how Mr. Roberts is at work all the time for young men; and, +above all, since that wonderful evening here last Monday, when I saw how +two gifted ladies understood the art of turning their accomplishments +to account, in order to take those poor fellows captive for Christ, I +discovered that there were ways of solving this problem about which +I had known nothing, and people to carry it through. It was simply +glorious in you to give those fellows such music as you did, and to +accomplish by it what you did. My life has been narrow, Miss Dennis; I +never saw the piano used for Christ before." + +Gracie looked down at the keys, her face aglow. It was a new experience, +this being classed among the Christian workers of the world; making her +music for other purposes than to amuse the gay friends who chanced to +gather around her. She made the keys speak loudly for a few minutes, +then softening them, said:-- + +"You must not class me with Flossy, Mr. Ried. I only did what she wanted +done. I am not in the least like her, unselfish and gentle and all +that." + +But his reply, spoken low, was pleasant to her ears:-- + +"'By their fruits ye shall know them.'" + +He evidently looked upon her as a worker. She could not help feeling +that it was pleasant to be so classed. What an intense young man he +was! Not in the least like those with whom she had hitherto been most +familiar. + +There was another voice in the front parlor--a strong, vigorous voice +that carried a sense of power with it. + +"Ah!" said Ried, his eyes bright, his face eager; "that is Dr. Everett. +Just study him if you want another type of the sort of Christian about +whom we have been talking; the grandest man!" + +Gracie, shielded by the distance, turned on her stool and studied him. +Certainly he did not look much as though he were appointed for early +death. What a splendid physique it was! + +And how thoroughly wide awake and interested he was in the subject under +discussion. Bits of the talk floated back to the two at the piano. + +"Oh, he is young," Dr. Everett was saying; "I hope for returned vigor in +time; but there must be long weeks of patience before he will be ready +for his old employment." + +"Do you know of whom he is speaking?" Gracie asked. + +"I fancy it is that Calkins boy, the one with the broken limb. He is +deeply interested in the poor fellow, and is trying to plan employment +of some less wearing sort for him, I believe. Dr. Everett is always +intensely interested in somebody." + +"Is it always the very poor?" + +Alfred laughed. + +"Not always. I know several quite well-to-do fellows in whom he keeps +a careful oversight; but he is grandly interested in the poor. He is +taking rank as one of the most successful physicians in the city, and, +of course, he is pressed for time; yet he is so continually at the call +of the poor that people begin to speak of him as the poor man's doctor. +He told me he was proud of that title." + +At this point the musicians were appealed to to come to the front +parlor, and Gracie had opportunity for a nearer study of the man whom +she could not help but admire. He was not likely to suffer from a nearer +view; at least, not while Gracie was in the mood that then possessed +her. He greeted her cordially, and at once brought her into the +conversation by appealing to her for a decision, seeming to take it for +granted that she was of the same spirit with himself. + +This young lady was taking lessons of life that were designed to be +helpful to her if she would but let them. A thoroughly well-educated and +cultured gentleman, well fitted to take high rank in society, not in the +ministry, and yet thoroughly absorbed in what she had hitherto almost +unconsciously set down as ministers' work was a mystery to her. +Moreover, for the second time that evening, she felt a curious sense of +satisfaction in being classed among the energetic workers of the +world. The pretty school-girl, who had lived all her young life in a +neighborhood where she was "Gracie Dennis," looked up to, indeed, by +her set, and having a decided influence of her own, yet felt it to be a +novel experience to hear herself addressed in a clear, firm voice after +this manner:-- + +"Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of +young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them? +Of course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any +account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter." + +"It is something about which I have not thought at all," said Gracie, +her pretty face all in a flush. "But I should suppose the way would be +to take one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely +to interest and help _her_, and also to get such an influence over her +that she would read what I wanted her to." + +"First catch your hare, eh? Good!" said the doctor, with an approving +glance towards Mrs. Roberts. "The longer I live the more convinced am +I that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this +world." + +There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found +herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she +had supposed she knew nothing. + +Then occurred an interruption,--a ringing of the door-bell. + +"For Miss Dennis," said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs. +Roberts. + +There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently +studied the name, then she said, composedly:-- + +"This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this +evening?" + +Since I have known Mrs. Roberts well, I have studied her innocently +sincere manner, with not a little curiosity as to the probable effect on +the world, suppose it were possible for others to adopt her method. The +actual practical effect with her is that she succeeds often in wisely +deceiving, while intending to be perfectly sincere. For instance, her +question to Gracie after a moment of hesitation, during which she asked +herself, "What ought I to do?" and immediately answered herself, "There +is nothing for me to do, but to be perfectly straight-forward." + +Her question was intended to say to Gracie: "I trust you. What your +father has directed you to do, I feel sure you will obey." But it said +different things from that to Gracie. Ever since she had been told that +she might make her old acquaintance, Flossy, a visit, this highly-strung +young lady had been suspicious that this was a device of her stepmother +to get pleasantly rid of her for a few weeks. She surmised that a very +carefully elaborate account of her sins had been written out by this +same stepmother for the benefit of her young hostess, and that special +directions had been given for guarding her from the wolf, Professor +Ellis. She would have spoiled the entire scheme by haughtily refusing to +leave home had not the innocent delight of a young girl over the thought +of visiting a beautiful strange city gotten the better of her pride. The +gently-put question of her hostess disarmed a whole nest of suspicions. +It was hardly possible that it had been hinted to Flossy that her guest +might attempt to elope with this man, else she would not with serene +face be asking whether it was her wish to receive him. + +"If you please," she made haste to answer, her cheeks glowing the while, +and Mrs. Roberts gave instant direction that the gentleman be shown to +the parlor. + +There were several new lessons set for Miss Gracie Dennis to learn that +evening. One was that Professor Ellis, with his faultless dress and +excessive politeness, his finished bows and smiles, that would have done +credit to any ball-room in the land, his accurate knowledge of all the +printed rules of etiquette, yet in Mrs. Roberts' parlor, contrasted with +Dr. Everett, and even with young Ried, the dry-goods clerk, appeared at +a disadvantage. + +She was slow in learning the lesson: on that first evening she simply +stared at it in bewilderment. What did it mean? There was an attempt to +draw the professor into the circle, to continue the conversation that +had been so animated and interesting before his entrance. The effect +was much like that produced in striking a discordant note in a hitherto +faultless piece of music. Young men out of business needing help, +needing an encouraging word, an out-stretched hand! Professor Ellis had +words, and hands, but he might have been without either for all the help +they gave him in responding to efforts like these. Books to help uplift +the young, to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with +desires to live for a purpose! Truly he could only stare blankly at the +suggestion. What did he know of books written for such purposes? Yet +Gracie had supposed him to be literary in his tastes and pursuits. +Certainly he read French? Yes, French novels! He was quite familiar with +some of such a character that, had Gracie been a good French scholar and +ever likely to come in contact with a copy of them, he would not have +dared to mention their names in her presence. More than once of late had +the stepmother wished that her young daughter understood the language +well enough to be aware that the man whom she admired used frequently +smooth-sounding French oaths. But alas for Gracie, when he had so +poisoned her mother's influence over this dangerously pretty girl, that +she would have believed his word at any time rather than that mother's. +Well, he read other than French novels; Charles Reade, for instance, and +some of the more recent authors fashionable in certain circles. It is +true that Gracie was not acquainted with them, that her father would not +allow a copy of their books to come freely into his home, and Gracie +was much too honorable to read them in private. But it is also true that +while professing to admire this trait in her, as charming in a young +daughter, the professor had also, pityingly and gently, told this young +daughter that these things were her father's concessions to the narrow +age and trammelled profession to which he belonged; that the fact was, +free thought was discouraged, because there was that in every church +which would not bear its light; that her wise father was one of a +hundred in recognizing this, and trying to shield her while she was +young. + +You are also to remember that she _was_ young, and therefore forgive her +that she did not detect the contradictory sophistry in the professor's +words. He really understood how to sugar-coat poison as well as any man +of his stamp could. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +"HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY." + + +But the question which would keep forcing itself on Gracie Dennis was +this: "If he really knows of nice books, full of 'the beautiful' and +'the ennobling,' that would enlighten the race, as he has often told +me, why doesn't he mention some of them now? There is no minister here +'trammelled by long years of narrowing education.' How does he know but +that these people are as 'advanced' in their ideas as he is himself?" + +I do not mean that she was conscious of thinking these thoughts, but +that they hovered on the edge, as it were, of her mind, making her +feel ill at ease. Dr. Everett, on his part, seemed courteously bent on +securing an expression of the professor's opinion about matters of which +he either could not, or would not, talk. When at last the disturbed +gentleman resolved to violate what Gracie was sure was a law of good +breeding, and address her in French, what with her embarrassment lest +others should understand, and her own marked ignorance of the language, +she found great difficulty in making a free translation. "Upon my word, +I wish you understood French, or some other tongue, so that we could +escape from this boredom. Does the poor little prisoner have much of +this to endure? Cannot we escape to the music-room, and talk things +over?" + +Gracie cast a frightened glance about her to see if there were others +who understood better than herself this sentence, which, for aught she +knew, might contain something startling. But Alfred was busily engaged +in looking up the name of a book which he had vainly tried to recall, +and Dr. Everett was apparently serenely oblivious to any language but +his mother-tongue. Very soon after this Gracie managed to escape +with her caller to the music alcove; thus much of the French she had +understood, and at least Professor Ellis could play; which fact she +resolved that the people in the front parlor should speedily understand. +Ah, but he could play! and herein lay one of his strong fascinations +for the music-loving girl. For a time the most ravishing strains rolled +through the parlor hushing into rapt attention the group gathered there, +who had just been reinforced by the coming of Mr. Roberts. By degrees +the strains grew fainter and fainter, and at last ceased altogether, as +the professor, still on the music-stool, bent over Gracie, seated in a +low chair, and apparently found fluent speech at last. + +Mrs. Roberts, meantime, was ill at ease. What would Dr. Dennis and +Marion say, could they have a peep at this moment into her back parlor? +Was she being faithful to her trust? Yet what was there she could do? +She tried to sustain her part in the conversation, but her troubled +gaze, constantly wandering elsewhere, betrayed her. Dr. Everett's keen +eyes were upon her. + +"Are you particularly interested in that man?" he asked, abruptly. + +Mrs. Roberts smiled faintly. + +"I am particularly interested in that girl," she said. + +"How do you like her present companionship?" + +"Not at all," she answered, quickly. + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts began to question. + +"May I know, doctor, whether you have any other reason than that of +intuition for asking the question?" + +"Possibly not," said the doctor, guardedly. "It maybe a case of mistaken +identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something +that may be to his disadvantage?" + +Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:-- + +"There are reasons why it is specially important that such an +investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?" + +The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately +dropped. + +During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs. Roberts +well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a long, +bright, and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a sort +of second conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department should +outgrow their present bounds, but meantime other plants had taken root +and blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week the unused room +had been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive packages of various +shapes and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two young men from the +carpet store; and there followed soon after the sound of hammering. +Furniture-wagons halted before the door, leaving their burdens. Men and +women flitted to and fro, busy and important. + +It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were +invited in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least, +was prepared to appreciate its transformation. + +The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy +green, and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made +delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with +pictures and charts and maps. A study-table occupied the centre of +the room--one of those charming tables, full of mysterious drawers +and unexpected corners; paper and pens and inks in various colors were +disposed about this table in delightful profusion. + +Other tables, plenty of them, small and neat, each of a different shape +or design, were stationed at intervals, in convenient proximity to +comfortable chairs. Nothing could be further removed from one's idea of +a school-room than was that long, beautiful parlor; yet when you thought +of it, and took a second, deliberate survey, nothing that could have +contributed to the enjoyment of pupils was missing. A small cabinet +organ occupied an alcove, and music-books of various grades were strewn +over it. Toward this spot Mrs. Roberts smiled significantly as her eye +caught Alfred Ried's, and she said:-- + +"I have visions of sacred Sabbath evening half-hours, connected with +this corner, one of these days; meantime, is this a pleasant room for +our Monday evenings?" + +But Alfred could not answer her; his head was turned away, and there +was a suspicious lump in his throat, that made him know better than +to attempt speech. He was standing at that moment under one of the +wall-texts that the gaslight illumined until it glowed, and the words +stood out with startling clearness:-- + +"Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober." + +His sister's text; one that, perhaps more than any other, was on her +lips when she talked with him; one that hung at her coffin's head when +he, a little boy, stood beside the coffin and looked down at her face, +and looked up at that text, and took a mental photograph of both to live +in his heart forever. + +"This is your special chair," Mrs. Roberts said, smiling up at him; and +he understood her,--here was his opportunity to live out that text for +his sister. Wouldn't he try! + +"Well," said Gracie, drawing a long breath, "as a study it is certainly +a success. One can easily see, Flossy, why you were born with the +ability to tell at a glance what colors harmonized, and just where +things fitted in. I can't imagine anything prettier than this, and I +cannot imagine what you are going to do with it." + +Whereupon they sat down to talk that important question over: what they +were going to try to do. Sometimes I have wondered whether Ester, from +her beautiful home, could look down on it all, and whether she smiled +over the fact that her work was doing so much more than she had planned? +She had roused in her little brother an ambition that had grown with his +years, and that had helped to hold him away from many temptations: so +much, doubtless, she had foreseen; but what a blessed thing it was that +she had touched, in those long ago years, influences which had drawn her +brother, in his young and perilous manhood, into intimate relations with +such people as Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, so that they sat down familiarly to +talk over mutual interests! But for Ester's words, spoken long ago, but +for her strong desires transmitted to him, he might have sat with a very +different circle, and talked over widely different schemes. On the edge +of this circle Gracie Dennis hovered. She could not but be interested in +their talk, for she was a Christian, and her father was a Christian, and +she had, all her life breathed in the atmosphere of a Christian home. + +At the same time she could but imagine some of their ideas wild ones, +for she had never been associated with people who widely overstepped the +conventional ways of doing things; and she had, of late, been much with +Professor Ellis who had a sort of gentlemanly sneer for every phase of +Christian work, and, so far as could be discovered, believed in nothing. +He had not been outspoken, it is true, and herein lay one of the +dangers. He was too skillful to be outspoken; but the subtle poison had +been working, and although Gracie could not help being interested in +those queer boys, she could not help thinking Flossy's whole scheme +exceedingly visionary, and expected it to come to grief. The puzzling +question was, why did Mr. Roberts, being a keen-sighted man, permit it +all! Or was he so much in love with Flossy that he could not bear to +thwart even her wildest flights? It was strange, too, to see a young man +like Alfred Ried so absorbed; his sister must have had wonderful power +over him, Gracie thought. She went back to his sister's influence, +always, in trying to explain the matter, and never gave a thought to +Christ's influence. Meantime she listened to the various plans proposed +for the first Monday evening, and was sufficiently interested to gather +her pretty face in a frown when the distant peal from the door-bell +sounded through the house. + +"What a pity to be interrupted by a caller!" she exclaimed. "This room +is so much nicer than the parlor. Flossy, don't you hope it is some one +to see Mr. Roberts on business?" + +"No," said Mrs. Roberts, shaking her head, with a smile, "I feel in +special need of Mr. Roberts just now. Evan, I really think we must be +excused to callers for this one evening; there are so many things to +arrange." + +"Let us wait and see," answered Mr. Roberts "perhaps the Lord sent the +caller here to help us, or to be helped." + +At that moment came the card. + +"Oh, it is Dr. Everett!" was Mrs. Roberts' exclamation. "Let us have him +come directly here. Evan, please go and escort him. You were right,--the +Lord has sent him to help us. I don't know how, I'm sure; but he is just +the man to help everywhere." + +And the circle instantly widened itself to receive Dr. Everett. + +It took almost no time to speak the commonplace of the occasion, and +get back at once to the business of the hour. It was evident that Dr. +Everett needed no lengthy explanations, and there was apparently nothing +bewildering to his mind in the plan. True, it was new to him, but he +seemed to spring at once to the centre of their thoughts. His eyes +glowed for a moment, and he said with peculiar emphasis:-- + +"Ried, when the son of man cometh, he will surely find _some_ faith on +the earth!" + +Then he gave himself to intensest listening and questioning, and +presently followed his questions with suggestions which showed that +unconventional ways of working were not altogether new to him. + +As for Gracie, she had as much as she could do to listen intelligently; +she almost caught her breath over the rapidity with which the talkers +moved from one scheme to another. All the time there was a curious +process of comparison between this man and Professor Ellis going on in +her mind. Not that she wished to compare the two! She told herself that +it was absurd to do so; none the less she did it. For instance, +she reminded herself that she had mentally assented promptly to the +suggestion of inviting the doctor to this room to talk this strange +scheme over; she had recognized the fitness of the act. But suppose +Professor Ellis should call, would it not be simply absurd to think of +explaining to him the uses of this unique room? Who would for a moment +think of suggesting his name as a helper? + + * * * * * + +I do not know how to describe to you the appearance of that room on +Monday evening when the boys were in it. I do not know whether the sight +to you would have been pitiful or ludicrous. How can I tell--not knowing +you? There was a dreadful incongruity between the soiled, ragged clothes +and matted hair and unwashed hands and the exquisite purity which +prevailed around them. Of course you could have seen that, but the +all-important question, the answer to which would have stamped your +place in the world's workshop, would have been, Do you see any further +than that? and seeing further--which way? Do you see the possibilities, +or the certainties of failure? Oh, no, I am wrong; it would take more +than that to tell where you belong. Dr. Everett saw the possibilities +and gloried in them. Gracie Dennis thought she saw the certainty of +failure, and was sorry for it. But Professor Ellis would have seen the +certainty of failure, and would have met it with a sneer, if he had not +been too indifferent even for that. As for Mrs. Roberts, did she, or did +she not, represent a different and higher type than any of the others? +She thought not much about either success or failure, but pushed +steadily forward the plan that she believed she had gotten on her knees, +born of the Spirit. If it really were of God, nothing could make it +fail; but if she mistook, and the plan was only hers, mere failure in +that direction would signify nothing; she would have but to try again. +Something of this she felt, but did not reason out, for she was no +logician. + +What the boys saw was a great, splendid room, the like of which they had +never seen before, for they recognized, without being able to explain, +the difference between it and the parlors, and felt freer in it. They +all came, and they looked not one whit better than on the Monday evening +before. Over this fact Gracie Dennis, with all her public scoffing, was, +in private, a little disappointed. It is true she had not expected to +see them again; but if they came, she thought it possible that they +might have been tempted to appear with clean hands and faces. Possibly +some were so tempted, and but for the difficulties in the way, might +really have tried for this. But Gracie was not sufficiently enlightened +to dream of difficulties in the way of simply washing one's face and +hands. + +During the Saturday evening conference it had been decided that Mr. +Roberts must make acquaintance with his guests. It would never do to +have them come familiarly to his house, and he not be able to recognize +them on the streets. Several plans were suggested for introducing him +skilfully to them, but he disapproved of them all. + +"No," he said, "I'll tell you what we'll do. I will introduce myself. +You may receive them, Flossy, and then retire for a few minutes, +and I'll let myself in by the conservatory passage, and make myself +acquainted to the best of my abilities. In ten minutes, Flossy, I'll +give you leave to return. As for the rest of you, don't dare to venture +in until I have made good my claim as the head of the house. I am +jealous of you, perhaps." + +To this plan Mrs. Roberts readily assented, but the young clerk +looked doubtful. In common with the rest of his employees, he stood in +wholesome awe of the keen-eyed, thorough business man, who seemed to +know, as by a sort of instinct, when anything in any department of +the great store was not moving according to rule. His knowledge of Mr. +Roberts, outside of the store, was limited, and he expected to find the +boys, if not frightened, so awed that they would resolve never to be +caught inside that room again. + +However, he of course only looked his fears. He was too much afraid of +the great merchant to express them, and it had been understood, when +they separated, that this plan was to be carried out. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +"I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER!" + + +In the library waited Gracie and Mr. Ried, while Mrs. Roberts went +merrily to see whether the boys or their host had proved the stronger. + +"I don't believe this part of the programme will work," Alfred said, +confidently, the moment the door closed after Mrs. Roberts. "Those +fellows will all be afraid of Mr. Roberts, and we shall lose what little +hold we have on them." + +"They don't look to me as though it ever occurred to them to be afraid +of anything," Gracie said; but Alfred Ried, who had studied deeper into +this problem of the different classes of society, was ready with his +answer. + +"Yes they are; they can be awed, and made to feel uncomfortable to the +degree that they will resolve not to appear in that region again. +One cannot judge from their behavior in Sabbath-school. Some way they +recognize a mission school as being in a sense their property, and +behave accordingly; but in a man's own house, surrounded by things of +which they do not even know the name, he has them at a disadvantage, and +can easily rouse within them the feeling that they are 'trapped.' Than +which there is nothing those fellows dread so much, I believe." + +"But they were not afraid of Flossy last week, even surrounded by the +elegances of her parlors and dining-room." + +"Ah!" he said, his eyes alight, "she has a wisdom born of God, I think, +for managing these and all other concerns. She is unlike everybody +else." + +Whereupon Gracie Dennis laughed; not a disagreeable laugh, but there +came to her just then a sense of the strangeness of thinking that pretty +Flossy Shipley, whom she had known all her life, and half-scorned from +the heights of her childhood because she was a silly little thing, who +could not do her problems in class, should have a wisdom unlike any +others. Yet, almost immediately her laugh was stayed, because the change +in Flossy was so great that she, too, recognized it as born of God. +Sometimes it came with force to this proud young girl that if God could +do so much for Flossy, what might he not be willing to do with those +whom he had made intellectually her superior, if they were but ready to +be led? + +The young man, who was studying her, watched the grave look deepen on +her face, and wondered at its source. What a pretty face it was. Oh, +much more than pretty; there was great strength in it and sweetness, +too, of a certain sort, but he could not help comparing the sort with +that in some other faces, and he wondered over the difference. This +young lady was a Christian. Why should her Christian experience stamp +her with such a different expression from that which others wore? He +always finished this sort of sentence with a blank space first, as +though he did not choose to have himself tell himself any names. Yet he +spoke a name forcibly enough, still gazing earnestly at Gracie. + +"Did you ever meet Miss Joy Saunders?" + +Gracie turned toward him a laughing face. + +"No, but we are very anxious to, Flossy and I. We have both been told +that we ought to know her, and told so earnestly that we really think we +ought. Who is she? Is she, too, unlike anybody else?" + +"Very," he said, promptly. "I know her very little; she is the daughter +of our landlady; I meet her in the hall on rare occasions, and sometimes +catch glimpses of her just vanishing from some room as I enter; but as +for being acquainted with her, I suppose I am not. I think--though of +that I am by no means sure--that she is engaged to Dr. Everett. + +"Oh, then, of course he would think naturally that people ought to know +her. What is she like?" + +"Like nothing," said Alfred, with great promptness. "Did you ever know a +person named Joy?" + +"No;--what a singular name." + +"Well, it fits. She is very far removed from mirth, and she is not +what people call gay, and she is not outspoken apparently at any time, +though, as I say, I do not know her; but there is something in her face +that fits the name; I do not know what it is. Sometimes I think it is +the shining of Christ's face reflected in her; but the puzzle is, why do +not other faces have it? Faces which belong to him?" + +"Perhaps there is a difference in the degree of belonging." + +Gracie spoke the words very gently, wondering meanwhile at the way in +which this thought chimed in with hers about Flossy. + +"Oh, there is. But why should there be? If I belong to Christ, I +_belong_, don't I? There is no half-way service possible. Why do I not +so look that others take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus?" + +"How do you know but they do?" + +"Ah, I know. I know too well. They are more likely a great deal to take +knowledge that I have been with Satan. I feel the frown all over my face +a great deal of the time; and the world goes astray a great many times, +when I suppose it is just myself that is wrong. But, Miss Dennis, I +hunger for the shining of his face in me." + +"That must be the meaning of the beatitude which puzzled my childhood," +she answered trying to speak lightly, to hide feelings that were deeply +moved: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, +for they shall be filled." + +"Thank you," he said, smiling; "there is actually a promise! I had +not thought of it. And yet"--the thoughtful frown gathering almost +immediately--"do you suppose that a person who really hungered for a +certain thing could be satisfied with anything else? I often have an +hour of what at the moment seems to me like hunger for Him, but the hour +passes, and I get filled--with business, or with plans, or possibly with +annoyances, and feel nothing but a general irritation for everybody. Do +you think there can be anything genuine about such desires, so easily +turned aside?" + +"Oh, I do not know," said Gracie, hastily. "Why do you ask me such +things? Did not I tell you I was not good? Ask those people who are +unlike all others. Why don't you ask this Joy? She could tell you, I +presume. I can tell you nothing, save that this is a very strange world, +not half so nice as I once thought it, and I don't like to think about +things." + +How _different_ he was from other young men with whom she had spent +fifteen minutes many a time in gay banter! This was, after all, the +thought uppermost in her mind at the moment. Nice Christian men, of whom +her father spoke well, and who, people said, were young men to be proud +of. It seemed to her that she knew them by the dozens, yet with which +one of them had she ever carried on such a conversation as this? With +which one could she have attempted any thing of the kind, without +leading him to suppose that she was taking leave of her senses? + +She recalled some of the gay words that she had spoken with these +others, and tried, hurriedly, to decide why it would sound to her +perfectly absurd to talk with Alfred Ried in that way. However, she +did not want to talk with him; he was too full of questionings. "And +questions," said poor Gracie, "are all that I can ask myself. I want +somebody to talk with who is assured of the ground on which he stands, +and can tell me why he stands there." + +There was not time for further talk--they were summoned to the new room. +Bursts of laughter greeted their ears as they made their way eagerly +across the hall, and Gracie took time to remark that the boys were +certainly not awed into silence, before the opening door let them into +the brightly-lighted scene. Every boy was laughing, not quietly, but +immoderately, and the centre of attraction was evidently Mr. Roberts. + +"I have been giving our friends an account of an old army experience," +he said, in explanation to Gracie, "and we have been enjoying a laugh +together over the old memory. You are all acquainted with Miss Dennis, I +think, young gentlemen?" + +Clearly there was no need for any one to introduce Mr. Roberts to the +boys; apparently they knew him now better than they did any of the +others. Yet as Gracie, after shaking hands with each of the guests, +took a vacant seat by Nimble Dick, she was greeted with a confidential +whisper:-- + +"That's a jolly chap as ever I saw; and I never heard anything to beat +the yarn he told us, for cuteness. Who is he?" + +"Why, he is Mr. Evan Roberts, the owner of this house." + +"My eyes!" said Dick, gazing about him in a startled way. "Look here; he +ain't that Roberts from the big store on Fourth Street?" + +"Yes, he is; he is one of the partners in that store." + +Then did Nimble Dick give a low whistle,--suddenly cut short, as the +other boys looked at him,--and sat up straight in his chair, and for at +least a minute was awed; or else was bewildered. If his mind could have +been looked into for a moment something like this might have been seen +there: "And here I am sittin' in one of his chairs, and been laughin' to +kill over his funny story! If this ain't the greatest lark out! I wonder +what they're all after, anyhow!" + +Then the real business of the evening commenced. + +I should like to describe that evening; but it is really worse to +describe than the boys. It was designed to be one of those most +difficult evenings, where every act and almost every word has been +previously arranged, but arranged in such a manner as to appear like an +impromptu effort, the result of merely the happenings of the hour. + +For instance, Mrs. Roberts aimed at nothing less formidable than the +teaching of these boys to read and write; and know as well as ever I +know it, that to frankly own that she was ready and willing to give her +time and patience in so teaching them would be to outwit herself. They +did not belong to the class who can be beguiled into evening schools. +There are such; Mark Calkins would have seized such an opportunity +and rejoiced over it, but these were lower in the scale; they did +not realize their need, and they had what they in ignorance called +"independence"; they were not to be "trapped" by evening schools. +Therefore it required diplomacy; and no people can be more diplomatic, +on occasion, than certain most innocent-looking little women. Mrs. +Roberts had studied her way step by step. + +Therefore it was, that by the most natural passage possible, she led the +way to a discussion of different styles of writing, bringing forth to +aid her a certain old autograph album which had been to many places +of note, among others Chautauqua, and had the names of distinguished +persons, as well as of many who were not distinguished, except for +Christian endurance in consenting to write in an autograph album. Good +writers were talked about and selected, and poor writers were talked +about, and it was said by some one, accidentally of course, that a good +hand was really an accomplishment. + +"It is more than that!" declared Mr. Roberts. "A man's business life +often turns on it. I have myself had to turn away from several otherwise +suitable helpers in our business because they really could not write a +good, clear hand, that could be read without studying." + +"Are you a good writer, Miss Gracie?" + +This remark, coming suddenly to Gracie from her host, almost embarrassed +her, for you are not to suppose that the very words by which these +themes should be introduced had been planned, and it had not occurred to +Gracie that so personal a question might be asked her. But she rallied +quickly. + +"No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not. I write what papa calls a +mincing hand; all jumbled up together, you know, or running into each +other, the letters are, and so difficult to read that papa said when I +came away he hoped I would call on his friend, Dr. Stuart, every day, +and write a letter on his type-writer." + +"What is that?" interrupted Nimble Dick, his face curious. + +"What? A type-writer? Oh, it is a strange little machine used instead of +the pen--at least, a very few people use it. It is quite new, I think, +and must be very curious. I never saw one, but the writing looks just +like print. Dr. Stuart, a pastor in the city, is my papa's friend, and +writes to him on his, and papa reads the letter with great satisfaction, +saying to me, 'There, daughter, that is something like! People who +cannot write well enough for others to read should print.'" + +"They are not so very uncommon, Miss Dennis," explained Dr. Everett, +who saw the eagerness on Nimble Dick's face. "It is a comparatively new +invention, but is being caught up very promptly. I think nearly all +the leading lawyers use them, and those who do not own them are +getting their copying done at the rooms. They are very ingenious little +instruments." + +"Did you say you never saw one?" + +This question from Mr. Roberts to Gracie, and he added:-- + +"Mrs. Roberts, I believe you have never had other than the first glimpse +I showed you in the Parker Building. I have an idea. Suppose I rent one +of the little fellows to interest us? It would be pleasant to look into +it and see how it works. Did none of you ever see one? Well, now, we'll +try for that on next Monday evening. I'll have one sent up to-morrow, +and, Miss Gracie, we'll appoint you showman for the following Monday; so +it is to be hoped that you will employ your leisure in learning how to +manage the creature, and perhaps send your father a readable letter at +the same time." + +Now, as may readily be supposed, all this about machinery had not been +arranged for beforehand, but was a side issue, born of the fact that the +watchful servant of his Master saw an eager look in the eyes of the boy +Dick directly there was anything said that suggested machinery. One +of the great aims of these evenings was to study character, however +developed. + +Having turned his company from the regular channel, Mr. Roberts made +haste to put them skilfully back where they were before:-- + +"Still, it would be a pity to resort to machinery simply because one did +not know how to write well. I would rather set to work to correct the +error. I happen to know one of our number who can write a very enviable +hand. Do you know, Ried, that the letter you wrote me was the first +thing which attracted me to you? I remember I showed the note to one of +our senior partners, who was particularly disturbed by poor writing, and +he said: 'Engage him, Roberts, do! A young man who can write like that +will be a relief.' Mrs. Roberts, I move you that we resolve ourselves at +this moment into a writing-class, to be taught by Mr. Ried. My dear sir, +will you take us in hand?" + +Something of this kind had been planned--at least, it had been planned +that Ried should be asked to do this thing; but he found the actual +asking embarrassing, and struggled with it with flushing cheeks. Gracie +came to his aid:-- + +"I don't know whether I'll take lessons or not. Who wants to expose +one's ignorance? Will you teach? Must we each give a specimen of our +present attainments?" + +Instantly Ried divined the reason for the question. + +"No," he said, eagerly; "oh, no; I should begin with those horrors of +your childhood, pothooks or something of that sort; lines and curves, +you know. There are not many of them after all in our letters, and when +once a person has conquered them it is easy to put them together." + +There was more talk, easy and social. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the doctor, +and Gracie seemed equally interested in the project, and questioned +young Ried, until he assured them that he began to feel like a veritable +professor. Apparently the boys were forgotten. This very fact put them +at their ease, and they listened, interested and amused over the thought +that these ladies and gentlemen wanted to go to school! + +At first I do not think it occurred to one of them that he was included +in the proposal to form an writing-class. + +How was it done? I am not sure that any one of the eager group of +workers could have told you afterward, so excited did they become over +this first scheme. Nobody could remember just what words were said, nor +who said them, nor whether the boys all looked equally startled when +paper and pen were put into each hand. They remembered that some shook +their heads emphatically, and that Nimble Dick spoke plainly: "No you +don't! I can't write any more than a duck can, and I never expect to." +Mrs. Roberts knew that Dirk Colson's dark face turned a fierce red, and +he snapped the offered pen half-way across the table with his indignant +thumb and finger. But of these words and acts nobody apparently took any +notice. The writing began, and the first marks given as copies were +so simple, looked so easy to do, and the attempts of the ladies and +gentlemen fell so far short of what the teacher desired, and were so +unmercifully criticised by him, and the criticisms were so merrily +received by the writers, that at last the whole thing took the form of +a joke to Nimble Dick's mind, and he became possessed with a burning +desire to try. One by one the boys stealthily followed his example; +Alfred taking care to watch eagerly, to commend both Stephen Crowley +and Gracie Dennis in the same breath for some true stroke, and criticise +both Mrs. Roberts and Nimble Dick for not holding the pen aright. + +The entire party became so interested that only Mrs. Roberts knew just +when Dirk Colson stealthily filliped back his pen from the distance to +which it had been rolled, and, sitting upright that he might attract +the less notice, tried his hand on the curve which was giving even Dr. +Everett trouble. + +When the young teacher discovered it he made also another discovery, +which he proclaimed:-- + +"Upon my word, I beg the pardon of each of you, but Colson here has made +the only respectable _R_-curve there is in the company." + +Then if his sister Mart had seen the glow on Dirk's face, I am not sure +that she would have known him. There was a momentary transformation. + +As for Mrs. Roberts, she bowed low over the letter she was carefully +forming, but it was to say in soft whisper heard by one ear alone:-- + +"Thank God!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +"YOURN'S THE WAY!" + + +You are not to suppose, because this first Monday evening (which, by the +way, was concluded with sandwiches and coffee) was a success, pronounced +so by all concerned, that therefore the ones which followed were all +rose-color. + +Fortunately, not one of the workers expected this, and so were brave and +cheerful under drawbacks. + +These were numerous and varied. + +After the first novelty wore off, it took at times only the most trivial +excuses to keep the boys away. Sometimes when they called their conduct +was anything but encouraging. They lolled in the easy-chairs, smelling +strongly of tobacco and other bar-room odors, refused insolently to +apply themselves to any work at hand, audibly pronounced the whole +thing "slow," and in numberless ways severely tried the patience of both +Alfred and Gracie. + +For the others, they had counted the cost,--at least the gentlemen +had,--and expected to move slowly, even to appear to go backward some +of the time. As for Mrs. Roberts, I have told you that she worked in a +peculiar manner, with the motto, "This one thing I do," apparently ever +before her. + +Each evening was distinct in itself, with efforts to make and obstacles +to overcome; and at its close she had a way of laying it aside, as +something with which her part was done, not attempting even to calculate +results; then she was ready to turn to a new day, and work steadily for +that. + +The winter was slipping away and Gracie Dennis lingered. She could +hardly have told you why, yet there were many apparent reasons. Mrs. +Roberts wanted her, rejoiced in her, and coaxed irresistibly as often +as the thought of going home was mentioned. Then Gracie, laugh over the +peculiar work going on as she might, was undeniably interested in those +boys. She was working for them, therefore of course she was interested. + +"I don't see how you can go this week?" would young Ried say to her, +with a perplexed air; "you know we have that matter all planned for next +Monday evening. How can we carry out the scheme if you are not there to +do your part?" + +Then would Gracie laugh and demur and admit, to herself only, that it +was very pleasant to be needed--as she certainly was--for one night +more; and so the nights passed. + +Her work was to be "Professor of Elocution," as Mr. Roberts gaily called +her when the workers were alone together. It had been discovered that +she could read both prose and poetry with effect. So a reading-class was +organized, and they chose for the first evening, not one of Bryant's or +Whittier's gems, nor selections from Milton or Shakespeare, which would +have suited part of the company, nor yet the "Easy Readings" in some +standard spelling-book, which would have fitted the capacity of the +others, but with great care and much discussion, one of Will Carleton's +descriptive poems, full of homely, yet tender language, full of pathos +and of humor, was unanimously selected. + +The first evening reading had been commenced with nuts and apples. There +are those who can see no connection between this and the intellectual; +happily for the characters with whom she had to deal, Mrs. Roberts was +not one of them. While the others were still enjoying the refreshments +she took the book and read. This was her quiet little sacrifice. It was +not pleasant to her to become a public reader. It required courage +to get through with one verse, with Dr. Everett sitting opposite, and +Gracie Dennis on a low seat at her side, and her husband listening +intently. Mrs. Roberts was not a good reader, and was aware of it. She +pronounced the words correctly, it is true; but when you had said that, +you had said all that there was to offer in praise of her effort. She +had some exasperating faults. But she bravely read the two verses, and +some of the boys listened, and one of them laughed; he had caught a +gleam of the fun in the poem. This, of course, was Nimble Dick. + +Then Alfred Ried made the same effort on the same verses; his +performance was very little better, and he, too, knew it. He could +write, but he was by no means a public reader; this was his offering to +the general good. If those fellows, by reason of his mistakes, could +be induced to climb, he was willing to offer his pride on the altar. No +matter by what petty trials they were caught so that they were really +caught. + +Then followed Gracie Dennis, and her own father, acceptable preacher +though he was, might with credit to himself have taken lessons of her. +She was certainly, for one so young and so unprofessional, a magnificent +reader. So indeed was Marion Wilbur, and she had enjoyed teaching +Gracie. + +The poem blossomed in her hand. The crunching of nuts and apples +entirely ceased. The boys sat erect and listened and laughed and flushed +and swallowed suspiciously over some of the homely pathos. They had +never heard anything like that before, and they evidently appreciated +it. She read through to the end. + +Then were unloosed the tongues! They exclaimed in delight:-- + +"What an accomplishment it is!" said Mr. Roberts; "and how few possess +it. Doctor, how many really fine readers have you heard in your life?" + +"About three," said the doctor, laconically. + +"Well," said Mrs. Roberts, "let us all be exceptions. Gracie, teach us +how. I will try again." + +And she did, on the first verse of the poem; with better success than +before; but how sharp the contrast between her reading and Gracie's, she +knew! It was not easy for her to read. + +I don't know, possibly I am mistaken, but it seems to me that I have +known people ready for large sacrifices, who yet would shrink painfully +from these little ones. + +In discussing the programme for the evening, the question had been, when +each had done his part, How were they to influence the boys to join? +_Could_ they join? Was it probable that they knew enough about reading +to attempt to speak the words of the poem? With reference to this +obstacle a poem had been chosen full of simple, homely words, such as +are in common use; especially was the first verse free from what Mr. +Roberts called "shoals." Having heard the verse read several times, it +was hoped that some one of the seven might have courage to attempt it, +but Gracie did not believe that such would be the case. + +"I don't see how we can ask them, and do it naturally," said Dr. +Everett. "It is such an unheard-of thing, you know; and I am afraid, do +our best, it will present itself to them as a patronage, and that will +be fatal. The people who are low enough to need patronage are the very +ones who won't endure it." + +Whereupon various ways of managing the matter were discussed and +discarded; suddenly Mrs. Roberts turned to her young lieutenant, who had +been silent for some time, and said:-- + +"What are you thinking of, Mr. Ried? Do you see a way out?" + +"No," he said; "I have neither knowledge nor skill in such matters, +but my thoughts just then were far away; I was thinking how curiously, +certain apparently trivial instances of one's childhood will stand out +with almost startling prominence." + +"What sent you off in that direction?" questioned Dr. Everett. "There +must have been an association of ideas." + +"Oh, there was; I was thinking how vividly I remembered a discussion +between my mother and my sister, younger than Ester, in regard to some +matter which perplexed them; and when they could come to no satisfactory +conclusion they appealed to my sister Ester, who was resting as usual on +her lounge. I can seem to hear her voice as she said: 'We haven't to do +anything about it until to-morrow; perhaps to-morrow will have a light +of its own for our direction." + +"Thank you!" Mrs. Roberts said, her eyes lighting with an appreciative +smile; "we have not to do anything about this until Monday night, and +perhaps Monday night will see us wise." + +I don't know how many thought of this little conversation when Monday +evening came, but certainly Alfred Ried and Mrs. Roberts did, for +she glanced at him and smiled significantly when Dr. Everett, having +apparently forgotten that anything beyond their own pleasure was in +contemplation, challenged Gracie to a discussion as to the emphasis on +a certain word in the second line; he had never heard it so read, and he +called for an analysis that would sustain the reading, and received it, +and was not yet prepared to yield the point, but read the verse as he +had imagined it should be read, and then Gracie, at Mr. Roberts' call, +repeated it with her rendering, and I am not sure but all parties +concerned actually forgot their final object in the interest of the +discussion until they were suddenly called to it by an interrupting +voice:-- + +"Your'n's the way," it said, with an emphatic nod of a shock of matted +hair, "your'n's the way." + +It was Dirk Colson. He had forgotten for the moment that anybody was +listening to him, save the two readers. He was looking directly at +Gracie, and the nods were evidently intended for her. + +"Of course it is!" she said, eagerly, her face flushing with a triumph +that had nothing to do with the right emphasis; "you read it, won't you, +and show these people that we are right?" + +Afterward Mrs. Roberts confessed that she involuntarily placed her hand +on her heart with a dim idea of hushing its beating lest others would +hear, so important to her did the moment seem. Dr. Everett looked +dismayed. The least hopeful one of the seven seemed Dirk. None of them +knew of his dangerous talent for imitation. None of them believed that +he would make any attempt at reading, but thought he would shrink into +deeper sullenness. All of them were mistaken. He reached for the book, +glanced for a moment over the lines, and then read the verse, with so +complete an imitation of Gracie Dennis, and yet with a voice and manner +that so fitted the homely words and the homely scene described that the +effect was actually better than when Gracie read. + +Instinctively the cultured portion of his audience greeted the effort +with a clapping of hands. The blood, meantime, rolled in dark waves over +Dirk's face. He had been cheered before. None of his present applauders +could imagine what a set had often clapped their hands over his +successful imitations; but Dirk, who liked applause as well as other +human beings do, had never, in his wildest stretches of imagination, +placed himself before such people as listened now and received their +approval. + +Great was the excitement and satisfaction. The six companions, far from +feeling any emotion of jealousy, seemed greatly elated, believing that +one of their number had made a "hit," and increased their importance. + +No one else could be found to attempt the verse. Nimble Dick shook his +head good-naturedly, and declared that he would rather "undertake to run +an engine to Californy" than try it; and the others were of like mind. +Then came Gracie to the front again:-- + +"I'll tell you what you must all do. I have been experimenting with that +type-writer, Mr. Roberts, all the week. You know it will manifold, with +the use of carbon paper, and it chances that when I was seized with a +desire to try its powers in that direction I choose this very verse to +copy; so I have fifteen good copies in print. You must each take a copy +and make this verse a study until next Monday; then I shall challenge +you all to sustain me in my reading." + +This proposition was hailed with such satisfaction by the older members +that it immediately became popular, and each boy received his copy +mechanically and gazed at it curiously: but Dirk Colson's thoughts were +turned in a new channel. + +"Look here!" he said, detaining Gracie by an imperious inclination of +his head, as she handed him the copy; "how did you make these? didn't +you print them fifteen times? I didn't understand what you said." + +"Why no!" said Gracie, "the machine will _manifold_. I'll show you; come +over to the end window; it stands there waiting to be displayed, and it +is a little wonder." + +Then they crowded around the type-writer, and Gracie, really proud +of the skill she had acquired in a week's time, showed off the little +wonder to great advantage. + +The fact that the type-writer was new to most of the others, that they +were decidedly ignorant as to its working, increased the comfort of the +hour by doing away with the embarrassing feeling that any one of +them was playing a part. Dr. Everett was no more familiar with the +type-writer than was Dirk Colson, and was just as eager to know about +it. + +Also everybody, apparently, felt an equally strong desire to write his +name on the marvellous little creature, and each in turn sat down before +it and moved his awkward hands with nearly equal slowness over the keys, +picking out the magic letters. + +It was this episode that made the workers during their next conference +branch out in new lines. + +"We need something," said Dr. Everett, walking up and down the floor +in puzzled thought, "we need something that shall be a genuine +common interest, of which we are all, or all but one, equally +ignorant--something that we can take hold of with zest, on as low a +platform as the most ignorant of those seen. I was convinced of that +when I saw the abandon with which we all went into the type-writer +business, with a naturalness and equality that, in the matter of reading +and writing, it is impossible for us to feel. If the machine were +complicated, so that it would take us each three months or so to master +it, that would do. What can we take up that will place us on a level?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +"WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS." + + +"Well," said Mr. Ried, "we should want to have one of our number not 'on +a level.' How would it do to appoint you, sir, to give us a few lectures +in Hygiene? Popular lectures about air and exercise and ventilation +and bathing, and all sorts of every-day topics, about which people are +ignorant." + +"That's a capital idea, Ried. Those fellows could certainly be benefited +by a little attention to such questions; and I'm sure the rest of us +would like to hear of the principles which govern these important laws. +Such lectures put into popular form are decidedly interesting, I think. +Let us vote for them." This was Mr. Roberts' hearty seconding. + +But the doctor laughed. + +"There is a ludicrous side to it which you do not see," he said. +"Imagine me holding forth on the importance of ventilation, for +instance, to a poor follow who comes from a region where father and +mother, and a horde of children of both sexes and all ages, crowd +together in one room, and that a cellar, where the sun never penetrates +and the air that crawls in through the one small window is reeking with +even more impurities than can be found inside. Or talking about bathing, +to the poor wretches who have no clothing to change, and barely water +enough, by carrying it long distances, to satisfy their most pressing +needs! Still, Ried, I'm not quarrelling with your idea. There is a +sensible side to it; there are things that I could tell even those boys +which might interest them, and would certainly be to their advantage to +know. The subject is one which can be popularized to suit even such an +audience. I'll try for it occasionally if it shall seem best: but it +doesn't meet my demand. I want us all on a platform where we shall start +in equal ignorance and get on together. Of course you are all more or +less familiar with all the facts that I should have to present, and the +boys would know it. They are sharp fellows; it wouldn't take them an +hour to discover that we were fishing for them; and if there is any one +thing on which they are at present determined, it is, probably, that +they will not be benefited. What is there that one of us knows, of which +the others are ignorant? French won't do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted +with that language, I think, and so are you, Ried, are you not?" + +"Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a +native as you do." + +At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She +remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had +understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have +thought of the courtesy of her guest? + +Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face. + +"You are right," he said to the doctor; "we are not enough on a level; +I felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the +type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on +which all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could +turn professor?" + +Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:-- + +"If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I +really don't know what to do." + +The doctor turned to him quickly:-- + +"Out with it, man; if you are master of a profession or a trade or +a theory unknown to the rest of us, you are bound on your honor as a +member of this unique organization to present it." + +At the same moment Mrs. Roberts came to his aid. + +"Oh, Evan, teach us short-hand!" + +Whereupon Mr. Roberts heaved what was intended to appear as a relieved +sigh, and announced that his modesty was preserved. + +Upon this suggestion they seized with eagerness; not one of them knew +anything about phonetic writing save Mr. Roberts, and he was master of +the art. + +"It is the very thing!" the doctor said, with heartiness. "I should like +exceedingly to learn it, and Ried and the ladies may be able to make it +useful in a hundred ways; and as for the seven, if they really master +it, it may be the foundation of a fortune for some of them." + +So, without more ado, it was planned that at the very next Monday +evening the subject should be skilfully presented, its importance and +its fascinations discussed, and the boys be beguiled into taking a first +lesson, sandwiched in between the all-important reading and writing +lessons. + +Alas for plans! On the very next Monday the conspirators, with the +exception of young Ried, were together by seven o'clock. The faint aroma +of coffee floated through the room. A fruit-basket filled with oranges +occupied a conspicuous table, and everything waited for the guests. + +While they waited, instead of enjoying themselves as the four were +certainly capable of doing, they were noticeably restless; listened for +the shuffling of careless feet on the steps, and the sound of uncultured +voices in the hall, and waited expectantly whenever the bell pealed, +only to be obliged to send word to some caller that "Mr. and Mrs. +Roberts were engaged." + +The special occupation of the four seemed to be to look at their watches +and to remark that the doctor's was a trifle fast, and to wonder if +half-past seven would be a more suitable hour for the boys, and to +wonder what could be detaining Ried. + +At last it was half-past seven, and then it was fifteen minutes of +eight, and then it was ten minutes of eight! And then the door-bell rang +again. It was Ried, and he was alone! One glance at his distressed +face told the lookers-on that something was amiss, even before he +exclaimed:-- + +"You won't see a boy to-night!" + +"Why?" "What is the trouble?" "Where are they?" + +These were the various ways of putting the same question. + +"One of the McCullum partners has become interested in the boys, it +seems, and has concluded that he will try what he can do towards their +elevation; so he has commenced by presenting each one of them with a +ticket to the Green Street Theatre, and there they are at this moment!" + +This startling intelligence was variously received. Dr. Everett +exclaimed:-- + +"Is it possible?" + +Gracie Dennis remarked that it was something like what she had expected; +Mrs. Roberts said not a word, and Mr. Roberts added to the astonishment +of the moment by bursting into a laugh. + +Poor Ried seemed to feel the laugh more than anything; his face gathered +into heavier clouds than before, he bit his lip to hold back the vexed +words that were just ready to burst forth, and strode almost angrily to +the further corner of the room. + +An embarrassed silence seemed to fall upon the others. At least Gracie +felt embarrassed; the doctor looked simply expectant. + +At last Mr. Roberts drew himself up from his lounging attitude and broke +into the stillness. + +"Ah, now, good people, don't let us make serious mistakes! Come back +here, my dear young brother, and let us look this thing in the face, and +talk it over calmly. Are we children playing at benevolence that at +the first discouragement we should cry out, 'All is lost!' and retire +vanquished? Come, I laughed because really this does not seem such a +serious matter to me as it seems to present to the rest of you. + +"What did we expect? Here are seven boys, right from the gutters; +somehow we have had them laid on our hearts, and have enlisted to help +fight the battle that is going on about them in this world. Christ died +to save them, and Satan means that the sacrifice shall be in vain. He +is bringing all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied +powers. + +"Here comes into the scene a man benevolently inclined; not a Christian, +but in his way a philanthropist. By accident he has come in contact with +one of the boys; by accident he learns that something--he does not know +quite what--is being attempted to benefit them. Can't you give him the +credit of being honest? The only thing he thinks of that he can do to +help is to give them an evening's entertainment. At one of the decent +theatres there is being presented what seems to be known in their +parlance as a 'moral play!' So he presents each boy with a ticket. Now, +what did we expect of those boys? + +"Last week a lady and two gentleman who have been members of our church +for years, left the regular prayer-meeting, and went to the Philharmonic +concert. + +"Ought we to expect that it would even occur to our seven boys to give +up what to them is a rare treat for the pleasure of spending an evening +with us? As for the moral obligation, they have probably never so much +as heard the words. + +"Isn't it time we knew what we were about? What are we after? It is well +enough to teach the poor fellows to read and write, and to help lift +them up in other ways, but our efforts will amount to very little unless +we succeed in bringing them to the great Lever of human society; unless +Christ take hold of this thing we shall fail. Now, has He taken hold? Is +He, at least, as much interested in them as we are? Is His Holy Spirit +preceding and supplementing all our efforts? And, if this is the case, +is an evening at a theatre going to ruin His plans?" + +Long before these earnest sentences were concluded Ried had returned +from his distant corner, and taken a seat near his employer; his eyes +were full of tears, and his voice trembled:-- + +"I beg your pardon, Mr. Roberts; I'm an ignorant blunderer; I did feel +for the moment as though everything were lost." + +"We have begun backwards," said Mr. Roberts; "I was reading to-day that +a mistake the missionaries made for years in trying to _civilize_ the +Greenlanders; and what a perfect failure they made of it until one day +almost by accident, a man began to tell them about Christ on the cross, +and the story melted them. I don't think I have thought enough about Him +in this matter." + +"I stand convicted," Dr. Everett said; "I've made the same mistake, I +believe, in all my efforts for people. I have been praying for them, it +is true; but, after all, I feel now as though there had been too much +relying on human means, and not enough on God. It is a case of 'these +ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.'" + +"Well," said Mr. Roberts, looking at his watch, "we are in the same +condemnation; it is, I believe, the most common, and one of the most +fatal, mistakes that Christian workers make. But there is a way out. We +expected to spend until ten o'clock with those boys. It is nearly nine +now; suppose we spend the next hour with Christ, asking for the power of +the Holy Spirit on any and every effort that we may make for them in the +future? Our ultimate aim is to bring every one of them to Jesus and He +knows it; now if we have gone about in the wrong way, we have only to +ask Him forgiveness and look to Him steadily for guidance. What do you +say, friends, shall we spend the hour in taking them to the only One who +really can afford them lasting help?" + +I suppose that He who "maketh the wrath of man to praise Him" is equally +able to manage the folly of man. Could the injudicious philanthropist +have looked into that room that evening, and heard the prayers that +went up to God for those boys, and understood something of the power +of prayer, he would have had one illustration of how God manages the +foolishness of men. + +It was a very earnest prayer-meeting. These workers had each one bowed +in secret, and with more or less earnestness, asked for God's blessing +on their efforts; but it occurred to them that evening, as a very +strange thing, that they had never unitedly prayed for this before. +Therefore there was an element of confession in all the prayers that +moved Gracie Dennis strangely. Especially was this the case when she +heard her old acquaintance, Flossy, pour out her soul's longings. It +happened, so strange are the customs of Christians, that though this was +the daughter of a minister of the gospel, herself a Christian, she had +never before heard a lady pray in the presence of gentlemen. She had +heard of their doing so; heard them criticised with sharp sarcasm. Some +of the criticisms which had sounded full of keenness and wit when she +heard them, recurred to her at this time, and some way, with Flossy's +low, earnest voice filling her heart, they dwindled into shallowness and +coarseness. All the same, their baneful influence was on her, and +helped to hold her back from opening her lips, for the critic had been +Professor Ellis. + +When the hostess and her young guest were left alone together that +evening, the latter had a question to ask:-- + +"Flossy Shipley!"--the name you will remember which she always went back +to when excited--"I didn't know you believed in praying in _public_! +Have you changed in _everything_?" + +"In public, my dear!" with a quiet smile; "why, I am in my own house!" + +"Oh, yes; but you know what I mean--before gentlemen. Do you really +think it is necessary?" + +"As to that, Gracie, I don't believe I thought anything about it. I +wanted to pray for those boys, and so I prayed." + +"And didn't you really shrink from it at all? How very queer! Flossy, I +do believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been. +I don't see what makes the difference. I'm sure I think I'm a Christian, +but I could never do such a thing as that." + +"Not if you believed it to be your duty?" + +"But I don't believe it," said the fair logician, her face flushing; +"I think it is out of place. I beg your pardon, Flossy, I don't mean I +think it sounded badly in you; but only that for me it would be horrid, +and I couldn't do it." + +"Then what are you talking about, my dear? If you should never consider +it your duty, you would certainly never be called upon to do it." + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +"OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!" + + +This very calm view of the question gave Gracie time to recover from +her excitement, and to laugh at her folly. Then Mrs. Roberts said, still +speaking very gently:-- + +"I don't want to argue with you, dear, and I couldn't if I wished; you +know I am a dunce about all such things; but I just want to ask you a +little question; you need not answer me unless you choose; not now, that +is--perhaps some time we may want to talk about it. I would like to know +the reasons that people have for thinking that it is out of place for a +lady to kneel down with her Christian friends and speak to Jesus about a +thing that they unitedly desire, and that they believe He is able to do +for them? If it is not proper to speak before them, why is it proper to +speak _to_ them on the same subject?" + +This question Gracie carried to her room for thought. + +Meantime, as Dr. Everett and young Ried went homeward, they had a talk +together. + +"When I found out that those boys had gone to the theatre to-night I was +completely discouraged," declared Ried. "It seemed to me that our work +was a failure; I could almost see Satan laughing over the success of his +scheme. I never felt so about anything in my life. And now it seems to +me that perhaps the Lord will let it result in being the best thing that +ever happened to us." + +To all of which Dr. Everett made the apparently irrelevant answer:-- + +"Mr. Roberts and his wife are singularly well mated; how perfectly they +fit into each other's thoughts. Ried, you and I have a great deal to +learn from them." + +"I have," said Ried, meekly. + +Yet another bit of talk closed this evening: + +"McCullum has given me an idea," Mr. Roberts said to his wife as they +sat together reviewing the day. "Not a bad one, I fancy. I wonder when +we can act on it and watch results? There are tickets for other places +besides theatres. Why couldn't we furnish them for some entertainment, +lecture, or concert, or something of the sort, that would be really +helpful? The only difficulty is that there are few helpful places as yet +within reach of their capacities. It takes an exceptional genius to hold +such listeners." + +But his wife, her face aglow, clasped her hands in an ecstasy of +delight. + +"What a beautiful thought!" she said; "and how nice that it should come +to you just now, when there will be such a splendid opportunity to +put it in practice. Why, don't you know? Gough, next week, fifty cent +tickets; on temperance, too! how grand! And Evan, let us give them each +two tickets. I want that Dirk Colson to take his sister; perhaps he will +not, but then he may; one can never tell. Oh, Evan, won't it be nice?" + +"Ah!" said Mr. Roberts, "as usual you are ahead of me. I had not thought +of the two tickets apiece. That is a suggestion for their manliness. +Flossy, we'll try it." + +Yet another bit of talk. + +They shambled down the stairs, from the second-rate hall at a late hour +that evening--those seven boys; quiet for them, though the play had been +exciting, and not remarkably moral "viewed" from the standpoint of a +Christian. + +"After all," said Nimble Dick, breaking a silence with speech, as though +the subject of which he spoke had been under discussion among them, +"after all, it was rather sneaking to bolt and say nothing; I kind of +wish we hadn't done it." + +"That's what I told you all along," said Dirk Colson, with even unusual +sullenness, "but you would go and do it, and we was fools enough to +follow you." + +"And I'll bet she had oysters or something!" This from Jerry Tompkins; +you have probably no idea how hungry he was at that moment. + +"They was goin' to do somethin' new to-night; that there Dennis girl +told me so when I met her on the street yesterday; something that we +would like first rate, she said--a brand-new notion." This was Stephen +Crowley's contribution to the general discomfort. + +"Well," said Nimble Dick, and the sigh with which he spoke the word +would have gone to Mrs. Roberts' heart, "I s'pose it's all up now; I +shouldn't wonder if we never got another bid; I wouldn't if I was them, +I know that; and their old theatre wasn't no great shakes, after all. +We've been a pack of fools, and I don't mind owning it." + +Whereupon, having reached the corner, they separated and went glumly to +their homes. And this is gratitude! What a pity Mr. McCullum--who had +been smiling over his benevolence all the evening--could not have heard +them! + +The weeks that followed this night, were crowded with trifles on which +hung important and far-reaching results. This is a very trite saying, I +know. All weeks are crowded with eventful trifles; at least, we in our +blindness call them trifles, although we are constantly discovering +their importance, and being constantly astonished over them. + +Among other things, the seven boys became nine,--having taken to their +companionship two choice spirits, apparently worse than themselves, +and appeared at the South End Mission with all the bravado that boys +of their stamp are apt to put on when they feel somewhat ashamed of +themselves. The consequence was that the trials which Mrs. Roberts had +to endure from them, though a trifle less apparent to others, were not a +whit less distressing than usual. + +But before the session was concluded they were treated to a sensation +that held them in silent astonishment for nearly five minutes. Any +person well acquainted with Alfred Ried could have told that he had a +plan in view, and was trying to carry it in the face of some opposition. +He looked convinced, and Mr. Durant looked astonished and troubled; +there was much low-toned talk between them and some shaking of head. +Apparently, however, Mr. Ried came off victor, for his brow cleared, and +he presently made his way to Mrs. Roberts' side and said a few words, +and must have been gratified by the sudden lighting up of her face and +her eager:-- + +"Oh, what a nice thought! Even if it fails, apparently, it will not +utterly, for the suggestion will help them." + +In the course of time the new idea came to the front. There was to be +a festival, or a social, or an entertainment at the South End in the +course of a few weeks,--a sort of anniversary of the starting of the +Mission. Among other work that was in progress, the decoration of the +room, involving the hanging of pictures, banners, mottoes, wreaths, +etc., required some strong arms and willing hands. Committees were to be +formed. Two weeks before, teachers had been appointed to prepare a +list of committees. It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on +decoration. When he was called upon for his report, he came promptly +forward, like a man ready for action, and commenced:-- + +"A committee of four has been deemed amply sufficient for decoration, +and I appoint for the purpose the following: Richard Bolton, Morris +Burns, Miss Gracie Dennis, and Miss Annie Powell." + +The teachers, who had been long at the Mission, looked from one to +another with a bewildered air. Morris Burns they knew,--a clear-eyed +young Scotchman, with willing hands and feet ever ready to run of +errands for all workers; a boy of nineteen or so, whom everybody liked; +warm-hearted, unselfish, and thoroughly trustworthy. Annie Powell was +one of the older girls in Mr. Durant's Bible-class; a sweet-faced, +ladylike little factory girl, who would work in with Morris Burns +nicely. Miss Gracie Dennis was Mrs. Roberts' beautiful young friend; all +the teachers knew her, and all thought it very kind in her to throw her +strength and taste into the preparations as heartily as though she +were one of them. But who was Richard Bolton? Nobody knew. Yet their +knowledge of business etiquette told them that he was chairman of the +Decoration Committee. Where was he? Not a teacher, certainly, for they +were intimately acquainted with one another; and they knew no such name +in the one Bible-class made up of trustworthy helpers. + +Over in Mrs. Roberts' class, with the single exception of the teacher, +there was equal ignorance; the nine boys had stopped their restless +mischief to listen, because there is a sort of fascination to boys +in all the details of well-managed business; they liked to hear the +appointments; but who Richard Bolton might be seemed not to occur to one +of them. It is true that Jerry Tompkins nudged Nimble Dick in anything +but a quiet way with his elbow, and murmured, "You've got a namesake it +seem, in this 'ere job." Yet no light dawned on them. + +Mr. Durant, who, it is possible, has not appeared to you in a favorable +light, for the reason that he was being much perplexed by the entirely +new methods being introduced among the boys who had heretofore driven +him to the very verge of desperation, was really a quickwitted man, and +having succumbed to what he feared was a wild experiment, knew how to +help carry it out properly. He came briskly to the front,--Alfred's +committee being the last on the list,--and began his work. + +"The chairmen of these different committees will be kind enough to +report to me as rapidly as possible the time and place of their first +meeting for consultation, and I will make the announcements." Then he +stepped to Mrs. Roberts' class. "Bolton," he said, bending toward that +astonished scamp, and speaking as though this were an every-day affair, +"you are chairman, I believe, of the Decoration Committee; where and +when will you have them meet?" + +Imagine Nimble Dick's eyes! Nay, imagine the eyes and faces of the +entire nine! It would have been a study for an artist. + +For a moment Nimble Dick was speechless; then he managed to burst forth +with:-- + +"What in thunder are you talking about?" + +"Your committee," said Mr. Durant, politely ignoring the manner of the +questioner. "You must call them together, you know, to plan your work. +Where shall it be, and when?" + +"I ain't got no committee; and I ain't got no place to meet nobody; and +I don't know what in thunder you're after." + +Then came Mrs. Roberts to the rescue:-- + +"Why, Mr. Bolton, you can meet at our society parlor, you know; it is +the very place, and will be so convenient for Miss Dennis." + +"What's to meet, and what's to do?" said Dick, defiantly. "I ain't going +to meet nobody." + +"Why, it is just to hang mottoes and banners, and trim the room for the +Anniversary. Of course you'll help; I would have the meeting arranged +there by all means." + +"Very well," said Mr. Durant, quickly, as though he had received the +answer from the chairman himself. "Now as to time; you ought to come +together to-morrow evening if you could; there is a good deal to do." + +"Mr. Bolton, couldn't you come up at six o'clock for once? Then you +could get your work all done before the time for our social. I can +arrange for Annie Powell to be there at that time; and, Mr. Durant, +doesn't Morris Burns work for you? Could he be present at six o'clock? +Then I don't see but your meeting is nicely planned. You can be there at +six, can't you, Mr. Bolton?" + +"I tell you I don't know nothin' what you are talking about." + +Nimble Dick, who was rarely anything but good-natured, was surprised by +the bewilderments of the situation into being almost as fierce as Dirk +Colson was habitually; the gaping amazement of his boon companions +seeming to add to his irritation. + +"But you will," said his teacher, cheerily. "It is an easy matter to +explain; Miss Dennis knows all about such things; and I'm going to help, +though they haven't honored me with an appointment." + +At a sign from the lady, Mr. Durant stepped back to his platform and +announced:-- + +"The chairman of the Committee on Decoration desires me to say that +his committee is called together to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's +Social Parlors, No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street, at six o'clock, _sharp_, +as the chairman has another engagement at seven." + +"I had to coin a name for the place of meeting," he said to Mrs. Roberts +afterwards. "I beg your pardon if it was wrong; but Ried has been giving +me glowing accounts of that room, and you said something about its being +a social parlor, didn't you?" + +"It is a good name," said Mrs. Roberts. "We have awkwardly called it the +'new room.' I am glad it is christened. I will have some curtains hung +through the centre to-morrow, to make parlors instead of parlor of it; I +can see how a second room can be made useful in several ways." + +Thus was the bewildering committee willed into existence; the chairman +thereof being still so dumbfounded with his position that he did not +rouse until the laughing boys, by whom he was surrounded, began to take +in some of the fun of the situation, and to assault him right and left +with mock congratulations, ill-suppressed groans, hisses, and the like. +Then he turned towards them with new-born dignity that would have fitted +Dirk Colson, and said:-- + +"If you fellows don't shut up, and behave yourselves something like +decent for the rest of the time, I'll chaw half a dozen of you into +mincemeat as soon as we are out of this!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +"HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE?" + + +Dr. Everett was driving rapidly through the city; at least, as rapidly +as the crowded character of the street would permit. He was out on +professional duty, and had just been congratulating himself that his +regular calls were now made for the day, and unless something special +intervened he should have a couple of hours free for the alleys. + +That meant professional duty, too, and of the very hardest character, +one would suppose, as it brought him in contact not only with sickness +in some of its most repulsive forms, but with abject poverty as well, +and too often with loathsome forms of sin; yet he went about this +work with a zest that his regular practice did not furnish. This +was something done solely for Jesus' sake, and with an eye that was +manifestly single to His glory. + +He had already selected his alley, and was planning how, when his horses +were safely stabled, he could make a cross-cut to it, when his eyes were +held by two persons who were ascending together the stairway that led +to one of the public halls. His face darkened as he watched them. +Apparently they were engrossed with each other, and took no notice of +him; but there were reasons why he specially desired to keep them in +view. A network of carriages and wagons such as is common to crowded +thoroughfares blocked his path just then, and prolonged his opportunity +to watch the two. + +They made their way in a very leisurely manner up the long staircase, +letting others, more in haste, pass them continually; yet presently they +joined the group who were passing up tickets of entrance. + +The doctor signalled a policeman, and entered into conversation:-- + +"What is going on in Seltzer Hall?" + +"Well, sir, there's a kind of a concert, I guess. They play on goblets, +they say--just common glass goblets--and make fine music." + +"An afternoon entertainment?" + +"Yes, sir, as a kind of introduction, you know; they expect to get a +crowd for evening by the means." + +"Do you know where tickets are to be had?" + +The policeman indicated a bookstore at his left by a gesture from his +thumb, and said, "Right here," and offered to secure some at once. He +knew Dr. Everett; many of the policemen did. + +His offer was accepted with thanks, and the doctor presently wound his +way out from the network with two green tickets in his pocket. His plans +for the afternoon had been suddenly changed. Instead of spending the +time in Sewell alley, he had decided to attend a musical exhibition, the +instruments being goblets! + +He must make all speed now, so he left the crowded street and dodged +through several byways to the stables. + +No use to keep his horses. "She would be afraid to drive through such +crowds," he explained to himself, "and I should be afraid to leave the +carriage standing." + +Rushing out from the stables he caught just the right street-car, and in +a short space of time was ringing at Mr. Roberts' door. + +Gracie Dennis was in the hall, dressed for the street. + +"Ah," said the doctor, "I am either fortunate or unfortunate, I wonder +which? I had set my heart on having you for a companion to what I fancy +may be a unique entertainment. Is there another engagement in the way? I +know this is a most unconventional method, but a doctor is never sure of +his time." + +But Gracie Dennis felt too well acquainted with Dr. Everett, and was too +young and ready for enjoyment to be disturbed about conventionality. She +merrily declared her willingness to be taken to whatever entertainment +the doctor had to propose. Mrs. Roberts was out with her husband on +business connected with church matters, and she had only intended to +walk a square or two for her health. + +On the way the doctor was distrait, Gracie having most of the talking +to do herself. The truth was, he was trying to recall the faces of the +people he had seen crowding into the hall, to make sure that he was +not taking Gracie among people whom he would not care to have her meet. +Apparently the couple whose movements had changed all his afternoon +plans were not a sufficient guarantee of respectability. However, his +face cleared as he recalled one and another, as being in the crowd +seeking admission; they might not be of the class with whom Gracie was +accustomed to mingle, but they were respectable people. + +Gracie was in a merry mood. She understood enough of the doctor's busy +life to feel sure that this sudden resolve to be entertained was quite +out of his ordinary line, and that of itself served to mark the hour as +exceptional. + +"He feels the need of a little every-day fun," she told herself, "and +I'll help him to have it if I can. Poor man! it must be doleful to go +among sick and dying people all the time." + +They were late at the hall; the concert was well under way; but there +were plenty of vacant seats. Dr. Everett swept his eye over the room; +then indicated to the usher just which seat he would have. It was one +which commanded a view of the young man and woman who seemed to have +such a mysterious influence over his plans. + +He was relieved to find quite early in the entertainment that it really +was unique, and, in its way, well worth hearing. Had the surroundings +been agreeable he could easily have given himself up to enjoyment. +However, they had been seated but a few moments, when he saw by Gracie's +startled eyes that she had seen and recognized at least one of the +couple at their left. Professor Ellis, in his usual faultless attire, +lounged gracefully on the seat in such a manner that his side-face was +distinct; he rested a well-shaped arm on the back of the seat next +him, and his delicately gloved hand almost, if not quite, touched the +shoulder of his companion. + +Both he and the lady at his side gave extremely little attention to the +entertainment in progress. Apparently they had come thither for purposes +of conversation. They kept up a continuous murmur of talk, interspersed +at intervals with rippling laughter, and really seemed so entirely +absorbed in each other as to have at times forgotten that the hall was +public, and that the attention of many was being turned toward them. +The girl was pretty, extremely so, with an entirely different style of +beauty from Gracie Dennis; and a certain indescribable something in her +face and manner would have told even the most casual observer that she +moved in a different circle. It was not her dress, unless that was a +little too pronounced for the place and hour; but quite young ladies in +good society sometimes make a similar mistake. + +Neither was her manner objectionable to the degree that you could have +pointed to any one thing as offensive; yet you would have been sure, had +you watched her, that she was without the pale of what we call society. + +Gracie Dennis watched her with a kind of fascination;--becoming at last +so absorbed with the watching, and the apparently troubled thoughts +which grew out of it, that she gave but slight attention to Dr. +Everett's occasional remarks, nor seemed to observe that at last he +lapsed into total silence. + +Once, during the hour, the young woman glanced casually in their +direction, and the careless nod, and free and easy smile with she +acknowledged Dr. Everett's presence, drew a startled glance from Gracie +to rest on him for a moment. + +"Now I wish I had my horses," the doctor said, as at last they made +their way down the aisle. "I have a mile's drive up town to take, and I +think the exercise might be good for you." + +Gracie caught at the suggestion, and begged to be allowed to remain in +the bookstore below while he went for the horses. + +"I want a ride, and I want to talk with you," she said, simply. + +As this was precisely what he wanted, he went for the horses without +more delay. + +Meantime, Gracie, in one of the windows of the bookstore, was supposed +to be employed in examining a late book, but in reality gave much +attention to the couple who were crossing the street, or rather waiting +for an opportunity to do so. + +They seemed in no haste, but were conspicuous, even in the crowded +street, for their interest in each other. More than one policeman +regarded them narrowly, as Professor Ellis stood with head bent toward +the lady, engaged in eager and animated conversation. It was just the +attitude of absorbed interest with which he had so often listened to +Gracie; not on the street, it is true, but in some crowded parlor, and +it had flattered her. It made her frown to-day. They were starting now +to make the disagreeable crossing. He had taken his companion's hand, +preparatory to a leap over a muddy curbing; but Gracie could see that +there was a pressure of it that was unnecessary, and, for the street, +peculiar; his face, too, was distinctly visible, and the expression on +it was what Gracie had seen before, but certainly she supposed no other +person had. + +Altogether it was probably well for Professor Ellis' peace of mind that +he did not turn at that moment, and get a glimpse of the young lady in +the bookstore. Instead he took his lady away, and they were lost in the +crowd. + +Dr. Everett, making all haste with his horses, had still time for +anxious thought. Had his experiment been too severe on Gracie? Was it +possible that her interest in the man was such that the afternoon's +experience had been mixed with pain as well as with disgust? He could +not believe it possible that the pure-hearted young girl cared for such +a man as Professor Ellis! Yet there had been a look on her face when she +saw those two which startled and hurt him. + +When fairly seated in his carriage he did not speak until they had +threaded the maze of wagons and reached clear ground. Even then he only +said, "Now for speed," and gave the horses their desire, until crowds +and business were left behind, and they were driving down a broad +avenue, lined on either side with stately yet quiet-looking homes. +Then he drew rein, and obliged the horses to walk; he had by this time +resolved on probing the wound, if there was one. + +"I wish I knew just how much of a villain that man is." These were the +somewhat startling words which broke his silence. + +"What man?" Yet the very tones of Gracie's voice indicated that she knew +of whom he was speaking. + +"That man, Ellis! Professor, I think he is called. I have reason to +be very suspicious of him. By the way, Miss Gracie, I think he is an +acquaintance of yours. Have you confidence in him?" + +How promptly and indignantly such a question would have received an +affirmative answer two months before! What should she say now? + +"In what respect?" she faltered, more for the purpose of gaining time +than because she did not understand the question. + +"Well, in any respect I am almost prepared to say. I have not the honor +of the man's acquaintance; but whatever I hear about him, or see in +him, I dislike and distrust. Just at present his ways are specially +disturbing. You noticed him this afternoon, I think! The young girl in +his company belongs to my Sabbath-school. I have a deep interest in her, +partly because she is the sort of girl who is always more or less +in danger in this wicked world, and partly because she is capable of +strongly influencing another, who is a special _protege_ of mine." + +"Who is the girl?" Gracie's manner was abrupt, and her voice +constrained. It was evident that she was making great effort to control +herself, and appear indifferent to all parties. + +The doctor took no notice of her constraint. + +"Her name is Mason. Hester Mason. She attends the Packard Place +Sabbath-school, which you know I superintend. She is motherless, and +worse than fatherless; is a clerk in one of the Fourth Avenue stores, +and is, or was, inclined to be what is called gay. I do not know that +that term conveys any special meaning to you; in young men I think they +call the same line of conduct 'fast.' I hope and believe that you would +not well understand either term; yet, I think, possibly, that watching +her this afternoon in a public hall will give you some conception of the +stretch that there is between yourself and her." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +"SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN." + + +Had Dr. Everett desired in a few words to show Gracie the gulf between +herself and the man who had been the girl's companion for the afternoon, +perhaps he could not have formed his sentence better. + +She shivered visibly, and the doctor drew the carriage-wraps more +carefully about her, while he continued:-- + +"I would not want to give you a wrong estimate of Hester Mason, nor lead +you to imagine for a moment that I believe a girl who serves behind a +counter cannot be a true lady. I wanted, rather, to explain to you +that her opportunities had been limited. She means to be a good girl, +I think: in fact, I may say I have the utmost confidence in her +intentions. She is not a Christian, but a few weeks ago I had her name +on my note-book as one who was almost persuaded, She has been +fighting the question of personal religion for some time,--her special +stumbling-block being that she is quick-witted, and has quite a clear +idea of how Christians ought to live, and can find very few who seem to +her to be living what they profess. However, as I say, I have been very +hopeful of her until within a few weeks, when she came in contact +with this man, and I tremble for the result. He is constant in his +attentions, and she is evidently flattered and dazed." + +"How long has he known her? How did he become acquainted?" Abrupt +questions still, asked in that curiously repressed voice. + +The doctor's face was growing very grave and stern. He feared that there +was a real wound here. + +"Inadvertently, Miss Dennis, it seems that both you and I are to blame, +or, at least, are involved in the acquaintance. Do you remember a little +incident which occurred in a streetcar some six weeks ago? A young +woman, in leaving the car, dropped a package, which you noticing, called +our attention to, and pointed out the person crossing the street, and +Professor Ellis announced his willingness to overtake her and return the +package, as he was about to leave the car. Miss Mason was the person in +question, and Professor Ellis presumed on that very slight introduction +to cultivate an acquaintance. I have learned that he quoted my name in +connection with the incident, and since that day has been on terms of +exceeding intimacy with Hester." + +Gracie was surprised out of her reserve. + +"I remember the incident perfectly: but the girl I saw this afternoon +cannot be the one who was on the car." + +"Yes; she was in holiday attire to-day, and in her working garb when +you saw her momentarily on the car. I remember a feeling of regret that +Professor Ellis should have so promptly volunteered to do your errand: +yet I did not know what I dreaded. I simply shrank from the man, and +wanted others to do so." + +"Dr. Everett, what is his motive in showing her attention?" + +"I wish I knew. I can tell you what I greatly fear: That it is to play +with the human heart; to see to what extent he can gain power over it. +And in this case certainly it is a most cruel thing. The girl has no +friends, no father or mother to advise with or help her. She is bright +and pretty, and is being shown glimpses of a world that seems to her +like fairyland. She is dazzled, and one cannot blame her, for she has +neither carefully-formed judgment nor trustworthy friends to lean upon. +Miss Dennis, you can judge from her manner this afternoon what is her +knowledge of the customs of polite society. I do not think she has +an idea that she was conspicuous, save for her beauty and the fine +appearance of her attendant. She is not one to shrink from what she +would consider legitimate public admiration, and this you can see but +adds to her danger." + +"But, Dr. Everett, you do not think,--you cannot mean that he intends to +pay her special attention; that he means anything beyond the desire to +give her a little pleasure?" + +"Well," said the doctor, speaking slowly, but with firmness, "you may +judge, Miss Dennis, what I think,--what any honorable person thinks,--of +a man who bestows in public the sort of attentions which we saw this +afternoon, You would have been insulted by them. The only reason that +this poor girl was not, is because she does not know any better. + +"Did you observe the flashing of a peculiarly set ring on her finger? I +have reason to fear that it belongs to him and that she believes herself +specially honored in being asked to wear it." + +Poor Gracie's cheeks were flaming now. She had not observed the ring, +but she knew it well, and for one brief evening had worn it herself, and +then had returned it to the owner with the assurance that she could not +bring herself to wear it without her father's consent. She remembered +what a wound she had felt herself bestowing when he had looked at her +with those expressive, reproachful eyes, and replied that if she felt +toward him as he did to her, she would not allow even a _father_ to come +between them. And he had actually given that ring into the keeping of +this girl! + +They rode on in silence, the doctor giving a hint to the horses that +they might go as fast as they chose. He was in great doubt and pain of +heart. Could it be possible that this carefully-shielded young girl +was caught in the toils of a man whom he believed to be an unprincipled +villain? + +If so, had he been unnecessarily cruel in his revelations? Ought he to +take her home, or drive further, and give her time to recover herself? + +Could he have understood what was passing in her mind he would have +known better what next to say. The simple truth was this: Before she +came to Mrs. Roberts' the child had believed herself to be a martyr to +the unreasonable prejudices of her stepmother. She had been led to feel +that her father had turned against her, solely because of his wife's +influence over him, and that the wife was piqued because Professor Ellis +had not paid her sufficient attention in the days of her maidenhood. +This, the professor had succeeded in teaching Gracie to feel, was +the sole charge against him. He was, therefore, an ill-used man, and +therefore her heart went out towards him in sympathy. + +It had not been at first a stronger feeling than this; but flattered +by his attentions, so much more marked and polished than had ever been +offered to the young girl before, she had taught herself to believe +that, but for her father's bitterness, she could be to Professor Ellis +what he delicately and vaguely assured her no one else could, and fill +a place that hitherto in his lonely life had been left void. She had not +engaged herself to him; indeed, he had never, in actual words, asked +her to do so; but to the young and innocent and well-trained there is a +language which speaks as clearly as words, and is held as sacred. + +Gracie had allowed herself to be looked upon as one who was held by +_others_ from being more to Professor Ellis than she was; who might +always, perhaps, be held back,--for she had resolved in her own sad +heart that she would never marry against her father's consent, no, not +if she were twice of age. + +Of late, strange reflections had come to her. She had measured +Professor Ellis with other men, Christian men, and he had appeared at +a disadvantage. Also she had measured herself by the side of other +Christian workers, and herself had appeared at a disadvantage. A vague +unrest and dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on +her. Moreover, she was growing interested in those boys, as she had not +believed that it would be possible for her to be interested when she +first saw them. She began to believe that some of them, at least, +would be saved. She wanted to help save them, and to help others. Her +martyrdom dwindled rapidly into insignificance, until there would pass +entire days in which she did not once remember that she as an unhappy +girl. + +At last, but a week or two before this afternoon, she had taken her +affairs in hand, and tried to look steadily at them. The result of her +hours of thought and prayer was that she was bound to Professor Ellis. +That is, provided there should come a time in the dim and distant future +when her father should give his consent, it would be her duty and her +pleasure, because of what had passed between them, to marry him. Still, +she began to feel less amazed at her father's opinion of him, less angry +about it. She began to say to herself, softly and pitifully: "Poor, +lonely man! he has no one to be his friend. He is not a Christian, and +that is what makes so great a difference between him and others. It is +that which papa misses, but I must not desert him; I must pray for him +all the time, and work for his conversion; then he will grow to be the +sort of man whom papa can like, and everything will be right." And while +she said it, she was dimly conscious of a feeling of satisfaction over +the thought that she was very young, and that it would be a long, +_long_ time yet before anything could be settled; and that, meantime, +it certainly was not right for her to have anything to do with Professor +Ellis, only to pray for him; and that perhaps her father would allow +her to carry out a project that was under delightful discussion in the +Roberts family, namely, to remain in the city as a pupil in the famous +Green Lawn School. And she did not know, foolish little thing, that so +far even as her heart was concerned everything was wrong. + +Perhaps it would be difficult for me to explain to you--that is, if you +do not understand without explanation--what a turmoil she was thrown +into by this afternoon's experience. She was far from realizing as yet +that the uppermost feeling even now was not wounded love, but wounded +pride; of what poor stuff she had been making a hero! Nothing had ever +opened her eyes like this before. Was it possible that she had spent +entire evenings with a man who stooped to set in unpleasant, even +suspicious light, not his own character only, but that of an ignorant +young girl? + +It would not do to plead a lack of knowledge in excuse for him; he might +be ignorant of the ways of the Christian world, but no one understood +better the rules which governed society. During part of the afternoon +she had been very angry with the girl, but after listening to Dr. +Everett it began to dawn upon her that her friend had been playing +with the ignorance of a girl who probably trusted him fully. You are +to understand that Gracie Dennis was the sort of girl who would be +made very angry by such a suspicion. The glow on her cheeks was not all +caused by the fresh air of the spring day. + +"Dr. Everett," she said at last, breaking the silence, "what do you +think he means by asking the girl to wear that ring, or by letting her +wear it? Does he--do you suppose that he has engaged himself to her?" + +"I wish I knew what he meant!" Dr. Everett said again, a surge of +indignation rushing over him. "If he really meant anything so honorable +as that, it would be bad enough business for poor Hester; but, as I +said, I distrust the man utterly; and from my experience with the +world I have reason. From your knowledge of him, Miss Dennis, could you +suppose him to be honest and earnest in his attentions to that girl?" + +It was a very plain question. It meant more to Dr. Everett than even +Gracie saw, but she saw enough to know that she was admitting an +intimacy that made her blush; however, she answered steadily,-- + +"No, I cannot think that he is honest or honorable." + +"So I fear. Witness this afternoon. Gentlemen do not parade their +friendships before the public gaze, and that man knows it." + +The doctor's voice was _very_ stern. He was sure now that there was +a wound, and that it was being probed; he believed in making thorough +work, even with wounds; there would be more hope of genuine healing +afterward. + +Gracie's next question--if her companion had but known it--was a +singular one: "Why have not people who are her friends warned her +against him, and held her back from making such a false step, if she +does it in ignorance?" + +Oh, Gracie Dennis! How are warnings sometimes received, even by +carefully-trained girls, who have every reason to trust the love that +would shield them? + +"Some people are very hard to warn," said the doctor. "I have tried it, +and I have a friend who has tried to help her; but the poor girl, you +must remember, has not been brought up in a Christian atmosphere--has +never had a Christian friend who came with the authority of +relationship. If she had a good father the way would be made so plain. +As it is, can't you see how naturally she distrusts the rest of us, in +favor of the man who makes special professions of friendship? I am not +surprised at Hester, I am only sorry for her." + +Had the doctor been carefully informed as to all the circumstances +connected with Gracie's intimacy with the professor, he could not have +chosen words which would have touched her conscience more. Had not her +good father tenderly and patiently warned her? and had she not chosen to +blind her eyes to all his words, and believe rather in Professor Ellis +than in him? + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +"PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD." + + +"I must call at this house," the doctor said, suddenly drawing rein +before a quiet little house at the foot of a wide lawn. "The gatekeeper +of this American castle has a sick child whom I have promised to see. +Can you hold the horses, Miss Dennis, or shall I tie them? This is a +quiet spot, and they are gentle." + +"I am not afraid of anything," Gracie said, eyes aglow as well as +cheeks. And the doctor went into the house wondering whether Professor +Ellis, if he could see her now, would not be afraid of her. + +Once inside he gave a start of surprise, almost of dismay, for the +face which appeared at the open door of the sick-room belonged to Joy +Saunders. + +"You here?" he said, trying to control the disturbed element in his +voice. + +She answered quietly:-- + +"I came out by street-car. Did you drive?" + +"Yes,"' he said, abruptly, "but I am not alone. How is the child?" +and he went forward at once to his professional duties, leaving her to +wonder over his manner. + +It was peculiar, certainly. Joy Saunders was used to abruptness +from this man, but there was a quality in it to-day that she did not +recognize. She went and looked out of the window, and saw Gracie Dennis +holding the horses, saw her red, red cheeks, and flashing eyes, and the +peculiar, haughty poise of her head, with which the stepmother at home +was well acquainted. + +She did not know this Gracie Dennis save by reputation. Once Dr. Everett +had asked her to call at Mrs. Roberts', and had made her feel as though +she were foolishly conventional in declining to do so. "How is she ever +to know you, according to the rules which trammel society? There ought +to be some way arranged for Christians to be free from trammels." This +had been his comment; but he had not asked her again, and she had never +met Mrs. Roberts, nor yet Gracie Dennis. Yet she knew her very well, and +had watched her often as she passed. She knew instantly who she was now, +as she sat there in her haughty beauty, checking with determined hand +the impatience of those horses. Oh, she knew more than this! It was +very apparent now why Dr. Everett was peculiarly abrupt, and--well, +yes--embarrassed. She had almost thought that was the name of the +feeling, only it had seemed so absurd. And then Joy Saunders held +her meek little head high, and told herself that he need not fear her +presence; she could go as she had come, in the street-car. + +The doctor came towards her now, speaking rapidly, as usual:-- + +"Joy, the child is very sick. There ought to be an experienced person +here to-night. Not you; I am sorry you came up. Do you think your +mother would come? Will you ride down with me? I have Miss Dennis in the +carriage, but it is quite large enough for three, you know." + +Then Joy had turned away her head, holding it high, and said:-- + +"No, thank you; I am going down in the street-car." + +And that blundering doctor drew on his gloves, saying to himself, "I +don't know but that is best," and went out, only waiting to say to +Joy:-- + +"Will you ask your mother about it? I will see her as soon as I can get +around. I wish you would go directly home from here--will you?" + +Then he lifted his hat to her, and sprang into his carriage and rode +away with Gracie Dennis; and Joy Saunders waited for the next yellow +car, and climbed into it, and told herself all the way down town that +she wished she had stayed at the little house and watched all night by +the sick child. + +The thoughts that Dr. Everett had given to the entire matter were few. +They ran somewhat after this fashion:-- + +"Joy here! and I'm afraid of the fever, from all I have heard. I shall +take her home as soon as possible. How will that poor little girl in the +carriage manage with a new acquaintance just now, I wonder? + +"I am afraid it will be quite a strain. Still, I can do the talking, +and let her be quiet. The main point is that I hoped she might have a +suggestion to make about Hester. If she could rouse herself to try to +save that girl it would be the best thing she could do. If she only knew +it, Joy is the one who could help her in that direction or any other." + +As they dashed down the avenue, he was still occupied in wishing that he +had urged Joy to ride, and thus forced an acquaintance between her and +the pretty girl at his side. He was not very patient with what he called +the "trammels" of society. When there were two people so fitted to enjoy +and help one another, as were Joy Saunders and Gracie Dennis, he held it +to be a waste in Christian economy that they should not know each other. + +Too much occupied with his thoughts and his driving to give heed to +passers-by, he lost the careful bow that young Ried had for them as they +drew near the city's whirl again. Gracie did not; she returned it, with +a slightly-heightened color in her cheeks, and wondered if that young +man knew Professor Ellis, and what he thought of him, and what he +thought of her for being acquainted with him. + +Sometimes it seems to me a real pity that on occasion there could not +be some way of looking into one another's thoughts. So many +misunderstandings might thus be saved. For instance, there was Ried, who +went on his way with a clouded brow. Where had Dr. Everett been? and why +was Gracie Dennis with him? Was it probable that he had been riding for +pleasure? The bare suggestion astonished the young man. He found that +he had never before given room to the thought that Dr. Everett took time +for pleasure! Allowing this to be the case, why had he not taken Joy +Saunders with him? Such a proceeding would have seemed altogether +natural, though the honest-hearted young fellow admitted to himself +that, had he been taking a ride for pleasure, the companion of his +choice would not have been Joy Saunders. It was certainly a bewildering +world. So trying did young Ried find his thoughts on that evening that +he actually set himself deliberately to learn whether the ride was the +result of chance or design. The consequence was that he learned not only +of the ride, but of the afternoon entertainment at Seltzer Hall, with +glass goblets for instruments. This increased his astonishment, and did +not lessen the gloom on his face. + +But the two in the carriage, unconscious of the gloomy young man, or of +the sad-hearted young girl riding in a street-car, were almost silent +during the homeward ride, until just as they turned into the avenue that +led to Mr. Roberts' door. Then Grace said:-- + +"Dr. Everett, I should like to know that girl. There are some things +that I ought to say to her, and if I had a chance I would try to say +them in a way to help her." + +"I will manage it," said Dr. Everett, speaking in a quick, relieved +tone. He felt encouraged for Hester now, and greatly relieved about +Gracie. She might be wounded, but she was made of the material of which +he had hoped. She was not going to die herself, nor fold her hands and +see others ruined, merely because she had been deceived. + +He bade her a cheery "Good afternoon!" and drove away, feeling that, +although he had been obliged to give up Sewell Alley, good work had been +accomplished. He believed now that he understood the situation. + +He was right about one thing: Gracie Dennis had not the slightest idea +of dying. Her mood was better expressed, half an hour later, when she +stood at the parlor window, and returned a low, lingering bow from +Professor Ellis, with a haughty stare from flashing eyes, looking out +from an erect and motionless head. + + * * * * * + +Dirk Colson's brain was in a whirl. He had an important question to +settle. In his pocket were two blue tickets, promising to admit him to +the largest and finest hall in the city to hear the great temperance +orator. Dirk knew very little about orators, but he had heard of John +B. Gough, and everything he had heard made him wish to have a glimpse of +him. You will remember that Dirk was an imitator. He had heard that Mr. +Gough was also, and down deep in his heart the boy had an ambition to +hear the man. Now was his unexpected opportunity. Of course, he was +going, but the perplexing thing was, what to do with that other ticket. + +There was Mart? Oh, yes, to be sure, he had not forgotten her; but what +a strange thing it would be to take her to a lecture! He had never taken +her anywhere in his life. She had nothing to wear, though he remembered +at that moment that the mother had, by earnest effort, succeeded in +getting her shawl out of pawn. + +There was one incentive for taking her; it would please Mrs. Roberts. +Dirk studied the thing for some time, to try to discover why she should +care, and had finally given up the problem as too great for him. Yet he +was sure she cared; there had been a wistful light in her eyes when she +said, "I thought possibly you might like to take that sister with the +golden hair," that he saw and interpreted. It took him three days to +decide what he should say, supposing he made up his mind to ask her. + +Several people were at work helping him, though he knew nothing about +that. Mrs. Roberts remarked one evening to young Ried that she wished +she knew a way to induce Dirk Colson to take his sister, without +actually asking him to do so. She fancied that, besides the advantage +which might possibly directly follow an evening spent in that way, it +would suggest new thoughts to the brother. + +The young man caught at the suggestion, and wanted to help carry it +out. It was not an easy thing to do. He had not grown intimate with Dirk +Colson; in fact, that misguided young fellow rather resented any attempt +at intimacy. He was, however, acquainted with Sallie Calkins; the +numerous trips he had made to their room during Mark's illness had +brought him into such constant and pleasant contact with Sallie and her +brother that they looked upon him as a tried friend. Sallie, he knew, +was a friend of the shy, golden-haired sister. So one evening he went +to call at the Calkins room, with a vague hope of helping indirectly in +bringing to pass Mrs. Roberts' desires. + +To Sallie he made known the wish that Dirk would take his sister to +the lecture, and secured from her a promise to help the scheme along, +provided it developed. + +After he went away, Sallie sat long at her sewing, making all alone, +by a dim light, one of the most heroic little sacrifices that was ever +offered "in His name." To fully understand it, you must know that Mark +Calkins had recovered sufficiently to take his place in the office where +Dr. Everett had secured him an opening, and an employment that would +enable him to sit, most of the time, thereby giving his injured limb +a chance to rest. Also, Mark had been admitted to the Monday evening +gatherings, and was distinguishing himself there by his skill in reading +and writing. Of course, he had received two tickets, and equally of +course, being the boy he was, he had planned to take Sallie with him to +the lecture. Great was Sallie's prospective pleasure! The event of her +lifetime it was to be. To walk with Mark through the crowded streets, +both neatly dressed; to walk boldly forward with the throng, and present +their tickets of admittance to the great hall; hitherto seen only from +the outside; to move down the long aisles as those who had a right, and +select their seats unquestioned by police; in short, to be like other +people--part of the great well-to-do world,--this was Sallie's joy! + +She had washed and mended her best calico dress; she had sewed buttons +on the pretty cape, according to Mrs. Roberts' directions; she had tried +on the neat bonnet which had been manufactured for her by Mrs. Roberts' +own fingers, and, altogether, Sallie had probably gotten, during these +two days, more enjoyment out of Gough's lecture than many others, who +had heard him a dozen times, ever secured. I do not think it any wonder +that, as she rocked and sewed, and thought out her great thought, there +fell tears on the work she was doing. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +"FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME." + + +This was the thought: Suppose Dirk Colson should want to take his +sister. Sallie did not believe it in the least probable; she had not +that amount of faith in Dirk Colson; but suppose he should, Mart could +not go, for the reason that she would have nothing to wear. + +And here was Sallie's pretty cape, which would cover the worst of her +dress, and her pretty bonnet, which she knew would make a picture of +Mart; but if she lent them it meant staying at home to Sallie. _Could_ +she do it? Could she bear to think of such a thing? What would Mark say? +What would he do with his other ticket? + +Would she be likely ever to have another chance to go to that wonderful +hall, and be like other folks? + +But _Mart_ had never been anywhere in her life. + +"And I," said poor Sallie, catching her breath with a sob, "have been +often for a walk on the brightest streets, and looked in at the shop +windows, and everything. I 'most know I will help her to go if I can." + +Young Ried had no conception of the sacrifice for which he had asked. + +It is little wonder, surely, that Sallie's voice faltered that same +evening, as she explained to Mart, who had slipped in for a bit of talk, +that if ever she wanted to go anywhere very bad, she was to let Sallie +know, and she should have her cape and bonnet to wear. Then she had +anxiously planned for her a way to mend her dress, so that it would look +quite well under the cape, and she had even urged:-- + +"Now do, Mart, if anybody should want you to go don't say you won't; but +take your chance, for you don't know what may come." + +Also she bore with patience Mart's scornful laugh, and emphatic +statement that no chances ever came to her, and nobody ever wanted her +to go anywhere. As she talked she grew interested and eloquent; +urged earnestly that Mart should embrace the first opportunity to go +somewhere, and wear her new cape and bonnet. At the same time she was +silent about the lecture. Suppose no chance should come? Then it would +be doubly hard to Mart to have had the possibility suggested. The same +delicate reasoning had held her from dwelling on her own prospects. Some +people would have been very much astonished over the amount of delicate +consideration for the feelings of others which could be found in that +little room. + +Dirk loitered strangely over his meagre dinner the next afternoon. It +was late, for he had secured a position at last in one of the printing +offices, and was apt to take his meals at any hour when it happened to +be convenient to do without him at the office. He had only been three +days at work, and Mart had taken little notice of the new departure, +except to remark grimly that it would not last; but to Sallie she had +boasted that Dirk had gone to work as hard as anybody. If somebody could +only have told Dirk that his sister ever boasted of him it might have +helped him much during these days. + +"What are you hanging around for? You've got all there will be to eat in +this house to-day, and it is time you were off." This was the ungracious +manner in which the sister took note of his lingering. She was painfully +afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the +fear made her voice gruffer than usual. + +His reply amazed her; in fact, it amazed himself:-- + +"Mart, I've got tickets to a show,--a nice place,--and I want you to go +along." + +"Humph!" said Mart, "that is a likely story!" + +Then he grew earnest, displayed his treasures, and urged her +acceptance--quite astonished with himself the while. _Did_ he really +want her to go, he wondered, or did he want to please Mrs. Roberts? + +You would have been interested, an hour later, to have seen Mart skip up +the rickety stairs leading to the Calkins abode. You would probably have +thought that she endangered life or limb by her rapid movements; but +Mart was used to such staircases, and the news she had to communicate +required haste. + +"There's a chance!" she said, breathless with speed and eagerness; +"Sallie Calkins, there's a chance, and you'd never guess how. Dirk he +wants me to go to a show with him this very night! He's got tickets. It +is a big show,--where all the grand folks go. It is in the very biggest +hall in this city, and Dirk he says I am to go. Sallie Calkins, do you +mean it, truly, that I am to wear your lovely new bonnet and cape? Do +you suppose I can really go anywhere? I don't known why Dirk wants me to +so bad, but he coaxed and coaxed." + +Poor Sallie! She stooped quickly to pick up a pin from the floor, so +that Mart might not get a glimpse of her eyes with the sudden tears in +them. Yet, as she stooped, she made her final, grand sacrifice--Mart +should go! + +Then she entered with entire abandon into the preparations. Not only her +bonnet and cape, but her shoes--new ones that Mark had bought her with +his first earnings after his illness--were to attend the lecture. + +She rejoiced over the excellent fit of the shoes. She did more than +this. As Mart watched the process of buttoning them, and remarked +complacently that she shouldn't wonder if Dirk would buy her a pair some +day, when he earned money enough, she kept her lip from curling with +an incredulous sneer. You will remember that she had not the slightest +faith in Dirk. + +Neither must I forget that there was another thing to lend--her comb, +in order that Mart's wonderful yellow hair might be for once reduced +to something like order. And at the risk of leading you to think that +Sallie was altogether too "aesthetic" for her position in life, I shall +have to confess that this was her hardest bit of sacrifice; her comb was +so new and so pretty! + +However, it did its duty on Mart's tawny locks, and the transforming +effect was marvellous. In fact, when all was ready, the cape adjusted, +the hat which Mrs. Roberts had shown her how to wear set on the yellow +head, Sallie said not a word, but went to the packing-box in the corner +which served as a treasure cupboard, and drew forth the one possession +about which she had been utterly silent--a little hand-glass which Mark +had brought her one winter evening just before he was hurt. A cheap, +little, ugly glass, which you would have turned from in disgust, saying +that it made your nose awry, and your chin protrude and your eyes +squint, and was altogether horrid; but, held before Mart's glowing face, +what a secret did it reveal! Mart looked, and was silent, too; and went +home in a hushed frame of mind to wait for Dirk. Home was deserted. The +mother had dragged her wearied body out for a day of "light" work. The +time had gone by when she was able to do any that people called heavy. +Where the father was, none of the family knew, and their chief hope +concerning him was that he would stay away as long as possible. + +I find myself longing to give you an idea of what that elegant, +brilliantly lighted hall, with its brilliant audience, was to this girl, +and being unable to do it. + +When people live so far below us that our every-day experiences are to +them like a day at the World's Fair, it is very hard indeed to describe +how our special treats affect them. + +It is a treat to everybody to hear Gough. How then can I tell you +what it was to this girl and her brother? Dirk listened; he must +have listened well, for long afterward he was able to repeat entire +paragraphs, and to imitate the manner of the great orator with +remarkable skill;--yet at the time he would have seemed to a close +watcher to have been absorbed in another way. He looked at Mart somewhat +as he had on that Sabbath when his acquaintance with Mrs. Roberts began. +But the thought which had dimly haunted him that day blossomed on this +evening. Certainly Mart looked like Mrs. Roberts! It might be folly to +think so; doubtless the fellows would make no end of fun of him if he +should ever tell them so, which he meant to take excellent care not to +do; but the fact remained, that in Sallie's bonnet and cape, and, above +all, with the waves of hair floating about her, there was a look which +instantly and strongly reminded him of that lady. + +There was another listener at the lecture who was unexpectedly present. +Part of poor Sallie's trial had been to tell her brother, who had been +radiant for a week over the prospect of taking her, that she had with +her own hand put away the blessing. How would Mark take it? Dirk's +forlorn-looking sister was no favorite of his. I think it would have +been very difficult to have convinced him that there was a trace of Mrs. +Roberts in her face. + +But such curious creatures are we that it actually hurt Sallie to see +how quietly he took the great sad news of her sacrifice. After the first +start of surprise, he seemed preoccupied, and she could almost have +thought that he did not hear her explanation. She had much ado to keep +back the tears, but she had made a special little feast for him that +evening, with a white cloth on the table, and a cup of actual tea, +and the cup set in a saucer. She was not going to spoil the scene with +tears; so after a little she said, cheerily:-- + +"Now you have a chance to do something nice for somebody. Who will you +take on your ticket?" + +"I was thinking," he answered, slowly. "You know it is a temperance +lecture, and it is by a wonderful man. The fellows in the shop have been +talking about him all day, and they say you just can't help _thinking_ +when he gets agoing; and I was just thinking, What if we could get _him_ +to go, and he would listen, and get to thinking." + +There are no italics that will give you an idea of the peculiar emphasis +which the boy put on the pronouns. Sallie understood; that "he" could +mean but one person in the world. But her brother must have answered the +look on her face, for she spoke no word. + +"Sometimes they _do_, Sallie. There was old Pete, you know." + +Oh, yes, Sallie knew old Pete; every body in that alley knew him; a +notorious drunkard once, of the sort which people, even good Christian +people, are apt to pronounce hopeless; yet now he wore a neat suit of +clothes every day, and brought home twenty pounds of flour at one +time in a sack, and bought his coal by the barrel. Wonderful things +occasionally happened in that alley. + +"Yes," said Sally, "that is true; and old Pete wasn't much like him." + +The tone spoke volumes. It would have almost angered her, even now, to +have had it hinted that old Pete was superior to that father, though +hardly a person acquainted with the two but would have said that there +was more hope for old Pete, even in his miserable past, than for this +one. + +How they managed it, those two: the difficult task of getting him +persuaded to go, find then the more difficult task of keeping him +sufficiently sober to get there, would make a story in itself. I fancy +there are many such stories in real life which will never get told. The +probabilities are, if they were, some wise critic would pronounce them +unnatural and sensational. + +Suffice it to say that the task was accomplished, and among the most +attentive listeners to the great speaker that evening was Sallie's +father, while she sat at home and mended a badly torn jacket, and +cried now and then, and was glad and sorry and proud and frightened and +hopeful by turns all that long evening. + +I am not sure but it was better for her that she sat at home. I don't +know just what she might have done had she been in the hall to see her +father, at the close of the meeting, shamble forward with the crowd, and +sign his name to the total abstinence pledge. + +She might have screamed out in her excitement, or she might have +fainted; for although there were those who said--some with a sneer, and +some with a sigh--that "signing the pledge would not amount to anything; +the miserable fellow could not keep a pledge to save his life!" Sally +would have thought nothing of the kind. She had faith in her father's +word. + +It is a wonderful stimulus to have some one who believes in us. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +"WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?" + + +"Do you know," said Mrs. Roberts, addressing Gracie Dennis, who, with +young Ried, had waited in the hall for her to join them (they were ready +for the lecture, and were to take up Mr. Roberts on the way): "Do you +know that I have a desire which I see no way of realizing? If Mr. Colson +should bring his sister with him to-night I should like so much to get +possession of her and bring her home with me! But I have been planning +all day, and see no possible excuse for such an apparently wild +proceeding." + +I want you to notice how naturally Mrs. Roberts said "Mr. Colson"; she +never talked about Dirk under any other name; she even taught herself to +_think_ of him as "Mr. Colson." Consequently, when she spoke the name in +his presence, there was not a trace of unnaturalness in tone or manner. +The others tried in vain to follow her example. Dr. Everett could +not speak of him in this way without slight hesitation and a touch of +embarrassment. "The truth is," said he, "I think _Dirk_ all the week, +and on the Sabbath I find it impossible to reach up to 'Mr. Colson' +without an effort." There was no touch of "reaching up" or reaching +down, about Mrs. Roberts' talk with her pupils. It is possible that this +is one link in the chain of influence which she was weaving around them. + +Gracie Dennis' face expressed curiosity, and when they were seated in +the carriage, she referred to the cause:-- + +"But Flossy, I cannot imagine why you should want to do such a thing. It +will certainly be too late to-night to try to get acquainted with her. I +should think some time when you could have an unbroken evening would be +the better for experimenting." + +"For some sorts of experimenting it would," Mrs. Roberts answered, +smiling quietly; "my experiment, in part at least, was to see how the +pink room might impress her." + +"Flossy Shipley!" + +When Gracie took refuge in that name her hostess knew she was not only +much excited, but a trifle disapproving; at such times she made haste to +change the subject. + +It happened that the thing for which she had been planning, shaped +itself so naturally as to give not the slightest color or premeditation +to the act. + +When Dirk and his sister worked their way through the dense crowds to +the open air they discovered that it was raining heavily. For almost +the first time in her life the fact struck terror to Mart Colson's soul! +Ordinarily no duck could have been more indifferent to a rain storm +than herself. On this evening she gave vent to her dismay in short, +expressive words: + +"Sallie's bonnet!" "And cape!" This last, after a moment's thought. "And +shoes!" she added, as the magnitude of her troubles grew upon her. + +Drawn up close to the sidewalk stood a carriage and a pair of horses +that Dirk could not help giving admiring attention to, despite the rain. +A fine horse always held his attention. No thought of the occupants of +the carriage came to him, not even after a head leaned forward and a +hand beckoned; of course it was beckoning to somebody else. Then a clear +voice spoke:-- + +"Mr. Colson!" + +He started quickly forward; there was but one person who ever said "Mr. +Colson," and besides, that voice belonged only to one. + +"I want your sister to go home with me. It is raining so hard that she +ought not to walk, and I should like very much to have her stay with me +to-night. Won't you ask her to, please?" + +If Mrs. Roberts had been asking a favor, instead of conferring one, her +voice could not have been sweeter and more winning. + +Dirk went back to his sister, too much bewildered by the state of +affairs even to express surprise. "Mart," he said, "she wants you." + +A quick spring to the sidewalk, and young Ried was standing beside Mart. +"It is raining so hard," he explained, "Mrs. Roberts would be very glad +if you would come." + +And Mart, thinking of nothing at all, save Sallie's bonnet and cape and +shoes, turned toward the waiting carriage. + +Mr. Ried had his umbrella raised, and carefully shielded the bonnet, +assisting its wearer to enter the carriage with as much courtesy as he +had bestowed on Gracie Dennis but a few moments before. Not a movement +was lost on the watching Dirk. + +When the door was closed and the goodnights had been said,--Mrs. Roberts +leaning from the carriage again for that purpose,--and when the horses +had dashed around the corner, he still occupied his position on the +curbstone, gazing down the street, gazing at nothing unless he saw a +reflection of his own bewildered thoughts. + +"Come!" said a policeman who knew him, and was therefore suspicious, +"What are you hanging about here for? Move on!" + +"Humph!" said Dirk, as he slowly took his hands out of his pockets, +eyes still fixed on the corner where the carriage had turned, "what if I +should?" + +Something in his eye would have told Mrs. Roberts, had she been there, +that he meant more than moving down the street; though that he presently +did, regardless of wind and rain. + +Meantime the bonnet and cape in the carriage stepped somewhat into the +background, and the girl who wore them allowed herself once more to +think of her individuality, and to wonder at her position. She sat bolt +upright on the edge of the soft, gray seat, and gazed about her as well +as she could by the glimmer of the street lamps. She in a carriage! Mart +Colson sitting on a back seat, beside a grand lady, and rolling down the +avenue! Who would have supposed that such a thing could have happened to +Sallie Calkins' bonnet? Mrs. Roberts recognized the bonnet and cape with +a smile of satisfaction. She had studied much over the possibilities of +this girl's costume. Was it probable that she had anything suitable to +wear to a lecture? She had passed the cellar where the girl lived but +once, and had had but one glimpse of her; yet these glimpses had been +enough to render it highly improbable that she had any street costume. +Then, had Mrs. Roberts canvassed the possibilities of getting a +street-suit for her, there were apparently insurmountable difficulties +in the way. She was too utterly unacquainted with the ground to venture. +Besides, there were reasons for believing that anything of value would +find its way from that cellar to a pawnbroker's in a very short space of +time. + +Having spent hours over many different schemes, and rejected each one as +liable to bring disaster, Mrs. Roberts was obliged to betake herself to +prayer. If the watching Saviour wanted her to work through the medium +of this lecture on this particular child of His, He could certainly see +that she was present; could furnish her with clothes to wear, either +through herself or some other of His servants. She would wait and watch. + +Not once had she thought of Sallie Calkins and the new bonnet that her +own fingers had helped to fashion; yet here it was beside her on the +head of this girl, toward whom she was drawn! The fact made Mrs. Roberts +radiant. + +She said almost nothing to the startled prisoner at her side, beyond a +murmured, "So glad you let me carry you home with me!" Then she drew a +bright-colored wrap about her, and left her to her amazement, while the +eager tongues of the rest of the party talked continuously. + +By the way, you are not acquainted with the pink room, I think? You +should see it before it is invaded for the night. Large, it is. I think +little people sometimes have a peculiar fondness for large rooms; +Mrs. Roberts had. The walls were tinted with what might be called +a suggestion of pink, with just a touch of sunset gold about the +mouldings. + +The carpet was soft and rich; it gave back no sound of footfall. It was +strewn with pink buds; some just opening into beauty, some half-blown. +Accustomed to the sight of elegant carpets as you are, you would +almost have stooped to pick one of these buds, they looked so real. The +curtains to the windows were white, but lined with rose pink; they were +looped back with knots of pink ribbons. The bed was a marvel of pink +and white drapery; so was the dressing-bureau. The easy-chairs were +upholstered in soft grays with a pinkish tinge; and the tidies, lavishly +displayed, were all of pink and white. There was nothing conventional +about the room. A professional would have been shocked by some of its +appointments. Many a lady of wealth, accustomed to having things as +"they" decree, would have been more than doubtful over the pink ribbons +and the profusion of white drapery. Aside from the carpet, and a +choice picture or two, there was nothing especially expensive about the +furnishings. It was simply a room in which Mrs. Roberts had allowed her +own sweet little fancies to take her captive. + +The gas was lighted; the door was ajar into a toilet-room; a lavish +display of great, beautiful towels could be seen as you peeped in, and +various touches told of an expected guest. Flowers were blossoming +on the mantel, and a tiny vase which stood on a bracket near the +toilet-stand held a single rose of a peculiar hue and perfume, which had +blossomed for this hour. At least, Mrs. Roberts thought so. + +Into this room, in all its purity and beauty, went Sallie Calkins' +bonnet and cape and her strong, new, thick shoes; and the wearer thereof +pushed the bonnet away from her flushed face, and stood and looked about +her. + +Down stairs they discussed in curious tones--not her, but the mistress +of the mansion. + +"Flossy, I do think you are too queer for anything! Why don't you have +her go to Katy's room? Katy is away for the night, you know, and I'm +sure her room is as neat and pretty as can be. Imagine what a contrast +it would be to anything that she has ever seen! Mr. Ried, you ought to +see the room into which she has been put. There isn't a more elegant one +in the house. Some of its furnishings are so delicate that I hardly like +to touch them. What sort of a disease is it that has taken Mrs. +Roberts, do you suppose, to send her there? Flossy, she will get no rest +to-night; she will be afraid of that immaculate bed."' + +This, of course, was Gracie Dennis. + +Mr. Roberts looked from her to his wife,--his face smiling, curious, yet +with a sort of at-rest expression. + +"What do you hope to accomplish, Flossy?" He asked the question as +one who was pleased to watch a new experiment, yet felt sure that the +experimenter had an end to attain which would justify any measures that +she might take. Mr. Roberts had believed in his wife when he chose her +from all others; but he was learning to believe in her in a peculiar +sense, as one led by a hand that made no mistakes. + +She turned to answer his question; her face bright, yet half puzzled:-- + +"I am not sure that I can explain to you what I hoped for," she said; "I +caught the idea from Mr. Ried." + +"From me!" and the young man thus mentioned looked so astonished and +incredulous that Gracie laughed. + +"He is sure he never thought of anything so wild," she said, gayly. +"Flossy, you must find a better excuse than that." + +"Yet it was something that he said. Do you remember telling me, not +long ago, about your sister's idea that all the world had lost its place +because of sin; that God intended everything here to be beautiful, and +all life to be bright with joy, and that Satan had gotten hold of men's +lives, and was trying to ruin them, and that every beautiful creation +was God's picture to the world of what his intention had been? I'm +telling it poorly; but it made a very deep impression. This girl's face, +you know, is beautiful. It is what God meant some faces to be; at least, +I mean he has given her the frame for a face of beauty. I have a vague, +half-understood sort of wish to give her a glimpse of harmony; something +that will fit her golden hair and lovely complexion; and see what she +will think of God's idea, and whether she will understand that it is sin +which has spoiled it, and whether she is willing to serve the author of +her ruin. I don't believe I am making myself plain, but I know what I +mean, at least." + +"If we do not, I think it must be because you have caught a thought from +God, that we are not able to reach up to." + +It was Mr. Roberts who made this reply. Something in his wife's +experiment had deeply moved him. + +As for Mr. Ried, his face lighted, as it always did, at the mention of +his sister's name. + +"Sometimes I almost think that it is Ester still at work, and that He +lets her work through this woman." + +It was what he said to Gracie Dennis in an aside. Mrs. Roberts had +already gone to see in person to the comfort of her guest. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +"O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!" + + +She found her standing before the mirror. By reason of the fact that she +understood no pretty trick of braid or curl, her long yellow hair hung +just as Nature had made it, with no waves or ripples save those which +had grown with its growth. It fell about her now like a sunset cloud. +She had taken from the vase near at hand a rose, which she had pushed +in among the masses of hair, with no knowledge as to how it should be +arranged, or, indeed, thought; yet the effect was something which made +Mrs. Roberts give an involuntary start of admiration. + +Still it was evident that, though apparently gazing at herself, she was +thinking away beyond herself. It is doubtful if at that moment she saw +the flower, or her own reflection, or knew that she was looking. Her +eyes had the faraway expression which one sometimes sees in great power +on faces like hers. She turned as Mrs. Roberts, having softly knocked +and received no answer, softly entered, and her first words indicated +the intensity of her thought, whatever it was:-- + +"Dirk has _got_ to go there!" + +"Go where?" asked Mrs. Roberts, startled out of the words she meant to +speak; startled by the hint of power in the voice and manner. + +"Of whom are you thinking, my dear girl? and where do you want him to +go?" + +"I'm thinking about Dirk, ma'am; I thought about him all the evening; +the man made me; and I've made up my mind; he's _got_ to go to heaven!" + +I suppose I cannot give you an idea of the force in her voice. It was +as though a resolution, from which there could be no appeal, had been +taken, and the person resolving felt her own power to accomplish. It +was altogether an unexpected answer to Mrs. Roberts. She did not know +whether to be half-frightened or to laugh. + +She sat down in one of the easy-chairs to study the girl, and consider +what answer to make. Mart, meantime, turned back to the survey of +herself in the mirror, or to the survey of whatever she saw there, and +continued talking:-- + +"I never knew much about heaven. You may guess that, if you have ever +been in our alley. Only lately, Sallie Calkins she's been telling me +what you told her; and I had a kind of notion that you must know what +you was talking about, and that it was for rich folks and grand folks +like you; but the man told about that Madge, you know, to-night--an +awful drunkard and swearer, and all that--how she reformed and went to +heaven. Dirk ain't no drunkard; but he will be. Everybody says he will, +because father is such an awful one. Mother, she's never had no hope of +him. She says father didn't drink till he was most twenty, and then he +begun; and she's looking for Dirk to begin, and I haven't thought he +could help it either. What if he doesn't care for it much yet? He will, +it's likely. I've never told nobody that, not even Sallie, and I've been +mad at mother every time she said any such thing; but all the time I've +been expecting him to begin; and I know well enough, when once they +_begin_, how it goes on. But that man to-night told things that made a +difference. He says that God can keep them from wanting to drink, and +help them right straight along; and that they can go to heaven as well +as the next one. I've wanted nice things for Dirk all my life; but I +never saw no way to get them, and it made me mad. To-night I saw a way, +but I never had no kind of a notion how heaven looked till I come into +this room, and see the light and the flowers and the shine, and another +room spread out there in the glass: and now I know, and Dirk shall go!" + +Mrs. Roberts was in no mood for laughing, the tears were dropping slowly +on the flower she held in her hand. Mart saw in the glass just then a +sight which seemed to add to her surprise. She turned wondering eyes on +her hostess. + +"What are you crying for?" she asked. "Don't spoil the flower; it is +like the one Dirk bought me once. He said you sent it to me. I kept it +most a week. I took it over to Sallie's, and she got fresh water for it +every day, somehow; and it was then she begun to tell me what you said +about heaven, and I thought if God had made such flowers as that for +you, it was likely he had made a heaven for you; but I didn't believe it +was for Dirk till to-night, and I didn't have no kind of a notion how +it looked till just now. Do you _believe_ what that man said--that +folks like Dirk can go? Of course, if Madge went, why Dirk would have a +_right_. He is bad just because he _has_ to be. He never had no chance +to be anything else; and he ain't very bad, anyhow--nothing to compare +with some." Her voice was almost fierce in its earnestness; she was +beginning to resent the creeping doubt that Mrs. Roberts' silence +suggested. + +Careful words must be spoken now. What if this awakening soul should be +turned aside! No wonder that the unspoken words were prayers. + +"Dirk has a _right_ to go to heaven," she said, steadily, sweetly; +"there is not the shadow of a doubt as to his right. No one in the +world--not Satan himself--can deprive him of it; and it is not only his +_right_, but his duty to go." + +"Then he shall!" + +I wish I could give you an idea of the strength in the girl's voice. It +almost carried conviction with it to Mrs. Roberts' heart. + +"Come and sit down," she said, and she drew her towards one of the low +cushions. If Mart sat on that, her head would be just where a gentle +hand could stroke the masses of hair. + +"Let me talk with you about this. You are mistaken in one thing. Dirk is +very bad. He is bad enough to shut him out of heaven forever." + +The girl started, and tried to fling off the caressing hand. + +"So are you," said the gentle voice. + +"Oh, _me_! Don't talk about me! Whoever said I wasn't bad? Let me go; I +want to go home. I don't care how hard it rains." + +"And so am I," continued the gentle voice. + +The girl on the cushion ceased struggling to free herself from the +caressing touch, and remained motionless. + +"Let me tell you of something that we have each done a great many times. +We have been asked and urged and coaxed day after day, and year after +year, to accept an invitation to go to this very heaven, and we have +paid no attention at all; and this, after Jesus Christ had given His +life to make a way for us to go. Is not that being bad?" + +"Dirk he never had no invitation--never heard anything about it." + +"Yes, he has," speaking with quiet firmness. "The Lord Jesus Christ told +me to invite him, and I have done so a great many times, and he has made +no answer; and Sallie Calkins has invited you, and you have treated it +in just the same way." + +"I didn't believe it." + +"Isn't that being bad? What has He ever done that you should refuse to +believe His word, when He died an awful death to prove to you that He +was in earnest?" + +"You said Dirk had a _right_ to go." + +"So he has. Jesus Christ has given him a right, if he will. I have +invited you to my house, and asked you to spend the night in this room, +and sleep in this bed. Has any person a right to keep you from doing +so?" + +"No." An emphatic nod of the head, and a lingering, almost loving look +at the white bed behind her. + +"Then cannot you truthfully say that you have a _right_ to be here? My +dear girl, it is so faint an illustration of what Jesus Christ has +done to give you a right to heaven, that I almost wonder at your +understanding it. But can you imagine something of how I should have +felt had I urged you to come to me night after night, for weeks and +years, and you had turned from me with no answer, or else with scorn?" + +"You wouldn't have kept on asking me." Mart spoke with the assurance of +one who had firm faith in her statement. + +"No, I presume I should not. I would have said after the third or fourth +invitation, 'If she really will not have anything to do with me I cannot +help it,' and I should have tried to forget you. This is one of the many +differences between Christ and me. He waits, and asks, and _asks_. How +long will you keep Him waiting?" + +I have given you only the beginning of the conversation. It was long ere +it was concluded. + +Down stairs Mr. Ried waited as long as he could, curious to know the +result of Mart's first impressions. Then he went away, and Gracie went +to her room, and the house settled into quiet, and Mr. Roberts, in the +library, waited for his wife, while she told over again, with tender +words and simple illustrations, the "old, old story," so fitted to the +wants of the world. + +How many times has there been a like result. + +It was midnight when they knelt together, the fair child of luxury and +the child of poverty; but the Saviour, who intercedes for both, bent +His ear, and heard again the cry of a groping soul, seeking Him out of +darkness, and held out His loving, never-failing arms, able to reach +down to her depth, and received her to himself. Who can tell that story? +Who can describe how heaven seemed to the girl just then? + +It was not what Mrs. Roberts had expected. I cannot even say that it was +what she had hoped for. Her faith had not reached to such a height +at all. She could hardly have put into words what she hoped. When she +ventured to try to tell it to the friends in the parlor, and to you, I +doubt whether you understood. She thought to get a hold on the girl; +to show her something of God's beauty and love, as it shone through +herself; to make her long after something her life did not give, and +to gradually lead her to seek after satisfaction in Christ. A long +process--something that should unfold gradually, with many discouraging +drawbacks, and some days that would look like utter failures. She had +schooled herself to be prepared for this, but she had not looked for Him +to exert His mighty power to save in a moment. How it had touched her +to find a soul, hungry, not for itself, but for a brother, I shall not +attempt to tell. The first words she said, after she went back to her +waiting husband, a little after midnight, were these:-- + +"He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. I +think that is what is the matter with the world to-day. I wonder if He +would not be pleased with one who could throw herself at His feet with +a childlike abandon of faith, and expect wonders, yes, and +impossibilities, just as a child feels that _anything_ can be done by +father? God has shamed my faith to-night. It is as though I had +asked for a crumb of bread, and he gave me the entire loaf. That girl +up-stairs has not heard of Him before as a Saviour for _her_; has never +thought of such a thing, or, at least, dreamed of its possibility, and +yet she has given herself to Him. And Evan, what do you think were the +first words she said? 'O Lord, take Dirk, too!' She is on her knees at +this moment praying for him. If you could have seen her face when it +first dawned upon her that she could tell God about him, and ask for His +mighty power to be exerted in his behalf, it would have been a picture +for your lifetime. Oh, Evan, Evan, why can we not expect great things of +God?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +"AN AWFUL PROBLEM" + + +Isn't it strange, the ways the Lord takes to answer prayers? + +Much prayer had been made for Dirk Colson, but few had thought of his +sister. Sallie Calkins, it is true, had come with trembling steps into +the light of Christ's love, and had immediately desired to have Mart +enjoy it with her, but was very trembling and doubting as to her ability +to reach Mart, or to influence her in the right direction. She sent the +bonnet and cape to the lecture with a prayer, but she did not look for +the prayer to be answered. Verily, He has to be content with faith "less +than a grain of mustard-seed." + +Was the rest of the story an answer to prayer? We are to remember that +He has strange ways. Events startling enough in their import followed +each other in rapid succession. In the first place, Dirk's father, poor, +wrecked man, returned no more. Whether he had wandered among the network +of railroads which lined the southern portion of the city, and lost his +life there, or whether he had fallen into the river, or just how he had +disappeared, could not be discovered. There were three men killed by an +accident on the road one night, but their disfigured bodies were buried +before Dirk heard of it. There was a man seen struggling in the water +off the lower wharf one evening, but he sank before help could reach +him, and his body was not recovered. There were half a dozen men killed +by a boiler explosion, but that was not heard of in time to look into +it. There were so many ways in which the wreck might have gone out +of life and left no sign. They were safe in supposing that he was +intoxicated, and that was about all they could be perfectly sure of, +concerning him; that, and the fact that he came no more. Of +course, there was no such search for him as is made for the man of +respectability and position. To one who had some idea of the worth of a +soul, it was pitiful to see what a tiny ripple this disappearance made +on the surface of life. + +A moment of startled questioning by those who lived in the immediate +neighborhood; a few women with aprons thrown over their heads +congregating in groups around the pump, or before the door of the +bakery; a crowd of dirty children, stopping their play for a moment, and +speaking lower;--then the tide of noisy, fighting, swearing life went +on. + +One was gone out from it. Whither? None knew, few cared; and there were +such crowds and _crowds_ left, how could he be missed? + +One missed him,--an abused, insulted, downtrodden woman. One whom, years +before, he had promised to love and cherish until death parted them, +and had broken the vows almost as soon as taken, and never renewed them +again. Yet that woman wept bitter tears over his absence; watched for +him, listened nightly for his staggering footsteps; rose up from her +heap of straw in the corner in the middle of the night, and set wide +open the cellar door, and listened to the angry voices floating down to +her from some drunken brawl further up the street, if, perchance, she +might hear _his_; listened, and held her breath, and quivered all over +with hope and fear: then crept back to her miserable bed, covered +her head with the ragged quilt, and cried herself into a few hours of +forgetfulness. + +"She is crying herself to death about him!" Mart said. There was +surprise mingled with awe in her voice. + +She told it to Dirk, and the two stood thoughtfully for a moment looking +out at the one window. They carefully avoided looking at each other. +They did not understand. To them there was simply relief in the father's +absence. They had no trace of love for him in their hearts. The word +"father" meant nothing to them but misery. Still there was that in them +which respected the mother's grief; they tried to shield her. Dirk, of +his own thoughtfulness, brought home a bit of tea in a paper, and bought +half a pint of milk at the corner bakery; and Mart took lessons of +Sallie, and made a delicate slice of toast, and borrowed Sallie's one +cup and saucer to serve the tea in. She was disappointed that the mother +cried, and could hardly drink the tea. She was even almost vexed that +the mother said with tears that "poor Jock always did like tea so +_much_, and she had always thought that maybe if he could have had it +hot and strong he would not have taken to the drink." + +Mart had no faith in this, no belief that anything in her father's past +life could have kept him from the drink; but she held herself silent, +and let the tears have their way. All the time she had in her heart one +great solemn regret. There was one who would have helped her father; +would and could have saved him, even from rum. What if she, his +daughter, had known the Lord Jesus, and could have taken the miserable +father to Him and had him transformed! Mart had no doubt about _His_ +power to do it. An unanswerable argument had been given her. No infidel +need try to assail her now. + +But the father! Why had everybody kept silence, and let him sink away? + +Awful! + +Why had not she known Christ? Why had she not listened to Sallie but a +week before? Why had not Dirk learned the way and saved his father? An +awful problem! Mart's life must henceforth be shadowed by it. + +Meantime what was Mrs. Roberts to do for this new-born soul? How was she +to help her, and, through her, to help her brother? + +She, in her elegant home, sat down to study this problem. + +Life at East Fifty-fifth Street was so far removed from life in the +alley that she knew nothing about the missing father. Days passed, +and, busy with many claims of society, she had made no movement toward +helping the girl, and knew as yet no way to do it; yet she carried +her on her heart. Monday evening came and went, and still she had been +detained from any effort. + +One afternoon her thoughts shaped themselves into action. She would go +and see Mart. She would get Dirk to protect her in her journey down the +alley; also, in accomplishing this, she would accomplish another thing. +She would call on Dirk at his place of business. The chief of the office +was a Christian man; yet she had reason to believe that he knew less +about Dirk, and cared much less for him, than he did for his little dog, +who sat in the window and barked at passers-by. + +She had no difficulty in securing attention. Ladies were not often +admitted, but a card bearing the name "Mrs. Evan Roberts" was sufficient +passport among any of the business men of the city. + +Mr. Stone was more than ready, he was eager to serve her. What could +he do for the elegantly-dressed lady whose carriage waited at the door, +while she came in person among the bales and boxes? Her business must be +urgent. + +It was. Could she speak with Mr. Colson just for a moment? She would not +detain him long; but she wished to make an appointment with him for the +next day. + +"Mr. Colson!" The chief and his perplexed assistant looked at each other +thoughtfully, and shook their heads. There was no such person connected +with their establishment. She must have the wrong number. + +No; she was positive. + +"He told me only three days ago that he was in your employ. He is on the +third floor, I believe." + +The gentlemen looked at each other again. + +"Colson!" repeated Mr. Stone. "There is certainly a mistake. Briggs is +in charge on the third floor front, and Dickson has the back rooms. No, +Mrs. Roberts, we have no such name among our men, I am positive." + +But Mrs. Roberts gently held her ground. She was sure she was not +mistaken, for she had talked with him about his work and the different +men. He was in Mr. Briggs' department, she felt quite sure. He was not a +foreman, she explained, but quite a young man; had been there but a +few weeks, and Dr. Everett was the one who had interested himself in +securing the place. + +Light of some sort began to dawn on the perplexed faces of the +gentlemen. + +"Can she mean black Dirk, do you suppose?" questioned the elder, looking +hard at his associate. + +Then came the sweet voice of the visitor. + +"Oh, no; he is not a colored gentleman. His name is Colson,--Mr. Derrick +Colson." + +"That is the one," said the gentleman, quickly. Should he laugh or be +annoyed? + +It took but a moment after that to summon "Mr. Derrick Colson." Black +he was, certainly, not only by reason of his naturally dark skin, but +because of the grimy work, whatever it was, which fell to his lot. His +big apron was soiled with ink and oil, and daubed with bits of dark +color which seemed not to be either. + +He came forward with his usual shambling gait, and an additional shade +of sullenness apparent on his face, but it glowed a swarthy red when he +recognized the lady. + +"Good afternoon, Mr. Colson," she said, and she held forth her +delicately-gloved hand. + +His own went forward to meet it; then drew suddenly back. + +"It is not clean enough," he said; "there's ink or something on it."' + +But the lavender kids were not withdrawn. + +"Never mind the ink; a little honest soil never hurt anybody," and the +rough, dark hand was taken in her own. + +Then occurred a few moments' chat; at least the lady chatted with +easy familiarity. She referred to the "Social Parlors," to the "Monday +Evenings," to Miss Dennis' "Musicale," to half a dozen themes about +which the bewildered gentlemen within hearing knew nothing. + +Could it be that the low-voiced, gentle lady was trying to give _them_ a +lesson as well as to talk with Dirk? Finally she made an appointment for +the next afternoon. Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for +an hour, if convenient? Certainly, it would be convenient to please Mrs. +Evan Roberts. + +Dirk was very much embarrassed. He blushed and stammered, and did not +know how to answer any of the kindnesses; but there were two things +during the interview which gave Mrs. Roberts more pleasure than you, +perhaps, are able to understand. + +One was, that at sight of her he had suddenly snatched off the paper cap +which he wore, and the other, that having set it again on his head as +he turned from her, he glanced back from the door, and, in answer to her +bow and smile, lifted the ugly little cap with an air that was an exact +imitation of young Ried, and yet so well done that you would not have +thought of it as an imitation. + +Mrs. Roberts could have clapped her hands; but she did not. Instead she +said, sweetly:-- + +"I am very glad that Mr. Colson is in the employ of a Christian +gentleman. He is greatly in need of help from all Christian sources, and +I am sure there is that in him which will respond to judicious effort." + +Then she let the bewildered man attend her to her carriage, and went her +way rejoicing. + + * * * * * + +But there were plans being laid for her at that moment of which she knew +nothing. + +To-morrow she would go and see the golden-haired girl. In a +neatly-packed basket she had certain things, among them a bonnet and a +sack that she knew would fit the hair and face, and she believed would +give Mart pleasure. If only she could contrive a natural way to give +them to her, and there could be planned ways of keeping them safe from +the pawnbroker's grasp. All this time she knew nothing of the fact +that the hand which had grasped for years to furnish the pawnbroker was +stilled forever. It had not once occurred to Dirk to tell her. It is a +solemn fact that in this greater excitement he had actually forgotten +it! As for the "Christian employer," he did not know of it to tell. He +had not so much as known whether black Dirk had a father or not. He was +simply a street rough, whom Dr. Everett was trying experiments with; and +because there was an unusual pressure on the office, and poor help was +better than none, he was helping the experiment. + +However, when Dirk went home from the office that night he remembered +that the father was gone. + +Mart met him at the door, a look of solemn determination on her face. + +"Dirk," she said, "_she's_ going; as sure as you live, she's going. +She's been bad all the afternoon. Sallie says that Mark's doctor will +come to see her,--she knows he will, and Mark shall go for him as soon +as he comes home; but I don't mean to wait for no doctor. I want _her_ +to come. _She_ knows the way, and I want mother to be told it right, +so there won't be no mistake. You go for her, Dirk, right off straight. +There ain't any time to lose, for I tell you now she's _going_. She's +been failing all along, you know, and she has just cried herself down. +Dirk, will you go for _her_ as fast as you can?" + +The confusion of pronouns might have bewildered you. They did not Dirk. +"_Her_" meant to him exactly what it did to Mart. He could not think how +it could possibly mean any other person. But this was astounding news +about his mother! It was one thing to have a father disappear, whom he +had simply feared, until he had learned to hate; it was quite another +thing to talk about the going away of the only one who had ever tried to +mend his clothes, and who had sat up nights to wash them when she could. + +He strode past Mart into the wretched room, and looked at the bed in the +corner. + +The mother was asleep, but on her face was a strange change--a something +that he had never seen there before, worn and sunken as it always was. +It made him understand Mart's fears. + +"I'll go," he said huskily, and rushed from the house. + +"_Her_" carriage was just rolling down the avenue as his swift feet +cleared the alley. He knew the horses. He was a little ahead of them; +but it was not probable that the driver would stop for him. + +"Won't you stop that carriage?" he said in breathless haste to a +policeman at the corner; "I've got to speak to the lady that's in it." + +"I'll be quite likely to, no doubt!" said the policeman, in quiet irony. +"What rascality are you up to now, Dirk? _Can't_ you be decent for a few +days?" + +But Dirk was trying to free himself from the detaining hand, and threw +up one arm in a sort of despairing gesture to the coachman. Mr. Roberts +caught the signal, recognized the face, and in another moment the horses +stood restlessly by the curb-stone, and Dirk, his embarrassment gone, +told his brief story rapidly. + +"Father went off a spell ago, and never came back; and mother, she is +sickly, and it set her crying; and she's _going_, Mart thinks, and I +guess it's so; and Mart wants you to come and show her the way. She said +you knew how, and you would come." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +"MAY SHE GO WITH ME?" + + +Of course she went. And, of course, now that the truth was known, +much was done. Dr. Everett was summoned. The wretched bed, with its +distressing rags, were turned out together, and a comfortable one took +its place. Broths and teas and jellies and physical comfort of every +kind were furnished, and the doctor did his best to battle with the +disease that long years of want and misery had fastened upon their +victim. It was all too late, of course. It was true, what Mr. Roberts +sadly said, that half of the effort, expended years or even months +before, might have saved the poor, tortured life; but now! + +How awful those "too lates" are! Isn't it a wonder that we ever take the +risk of having one ring in our ears forever? There was one thing over +which some of these Christian workers shed tears of joy. + +"_I_ am too late," said Dr. Everett, "but my Master has as much power +to-day as ever. He can save her." + +And He did. The poor, tired woman, who years before had remembered an +old story well enough to name her one daughter "Martha," in memory of +the one who "loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus," roused her dull +heart at the mention of His name, and listened while the wonderful story +was told her that He loved not only Martha and her sister, but her own +poor, sinful, wrecked self; loved her enough to reach after her, and +call and wait, and prepare for her a home in His glory. + +Dear! Why has not some one come with the news before? Surely she would +have listened during these long, sad years. Well, they made the way +plain. Neither was it a difficult thing to do. The woman was weary and +travel-stained and afraid, and longed for nothing so much as a place of +refuge. She knew that she was a sinner; she knew that she was, and had +been for many a year, powerless to help herself. Why should she not hail +with joy the story of a great and willing Helper? + +"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden." She opened her +eyes with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words. "Weary?"' Yes, indeed! +"Heavy laden?" Who more so? If the call was not for her, whom _could_ it +mean? What else? Why, what, but the glorious old story, "I will give you +rest?" What wonder that she closed her eyes and smiled! What wonder that +the first words after that were: "I'll come; show me how." And He showed +her how. + +"Dirk," the sister said, when the mother had gone the last and only +restful journey of her life, "Dirk, _she_ went to heaven; and I'm going. +I've been wanting to tell you for more than a week, but I didn't know +how. _He_ asked me to, and I'm going. Now _you_ must. 'Cause we never +had a good time here, and she'll kind of expect it in heaven, and be +looking out for you; she always looked out for you, Dirk." + +Then did Dirk lose his half-sullen self-control, and great tears rolled +down his dark cheeks. + +But the sister shed no tears. She had serious business to attend to. +Dirk must go to heaven now without fail. + + * * * * * + +One day there was an unusual scene in the alley. It was no uncommon +thing to see a coffin carried out from there, but on this day there was +a hearse, and a minister in Dr. Everett's carriage, and Dirk and his +sister, in neat apparel, came out together and were seated in Mr. +Roberts' carriage; and all the boys of the Monday-evening Class walked +arm in arm after the slow-moving carriages; and the children of the +alley stopped their placing and their fighting, and the women stood +silent in doorways, and took, most of them, their very first lesson in +the proprieties of life. + +"She's got a ride in a carriage at last, poor soul!" said one, thinking +of the worn-out body in the coffin; and another said: "I wonder what +poor old Jock would think of all this?" + +But the scene made its impression, and left its lesson. I think the +voices of some of them were lower during the rest of the day because of +it. + +What next? It was the question that filled Mrs. Roberts' thoughts. +Something must be done for Dirk and Mart. That fearful alley was no +place for human beings; certainly not for these two. But what to do with +them was a question not easily answered. + +Various plans were proposed. Sallie Calkins' two rooms were much better +than the cellar in which the Colson family had lived; and there was a +chance to rent a room next to Sallie's, with a closet opening from it +for Dirk. How would it do to have them board with Sallie? The suggestion +came first from Gracie Dennis, and sounded reasonable. Mrs. Roberts was +almost ashamed to dislike it as much as she did. Sallie's neat rooms +were _home_ now. The father, for this length of time at least, held to +his pledge; and son and daughter were radiant over him. He had gone to +work, and already the two rooms were taking on an air of greater comfort +because of the little things that he proudly brought home. + +Sallie was doing her part wisely. The table was regularly laid now, with +a white cloth and knives and forks; and two new cups and plates had been +added to the dishes. Would it be wise to invade this home just at this +juncture and introduce boarders? Mrs. Roberts did not believe that it +would. It was not as though the father had an established character, +and stood ready to shield his children; they were still acting the +protective, and he had but too recently risen from the depths where Dirk +and Mart had laughed and jeered at him. Besides, the rooms were located +in that dreadful alley; and, do what she would, Mrs. Roberts could +not feel that that dangerously-beautiful face could find a safe +abiding-place in that alley. Some other way must be thought of. + +Their immediate future was arranged through the intervention of a house +agent; for even that dreary and desolate cellar had its agent, who was +eager to secure his rent. He was unwise enough to undertake to interview +Mrs. Roberts as she descended from her carriage, not long after it had +followed Mart's mother to the grave. + +He considered this effort of his a special stroke of business energy. +He wanted to be patient with the poor, he said; there wasn't an agent +in the city who waited for them oftener than he did; but business was +business, and it stood to reason that he could not depend on a fellow +like Dirk. It had been bad enough when the mother was there, but +he couldn't think of such a thing as risking it now. What was he to +understand? Did she mean to rent the room for them, and for how long? +Because it was his duty to look out for the future. + +What would be more natural than for Mrs. Roberts, with those two young +things looking on, to say that of course she would be responsible for +the rent as long as they lived in the room? Thus reasoned the house +agent. + +Instead of which, Mrs. Roberts turned toward Dirk, her face flushed over +the hardness of a man who could stop a boy and girl on such business on +their way from their mother's grave, and said:-- + +"If I were in your place, Mr. Colson, I should not rent these rooms at +all. They are not suited to your sister's needs. I am sure you can do +better." + +The agent was disgusted. "_Mr._ Colson," indeed! The disreputable young +scamp whom nobody trusted. He would show this silly woman a fact or two. + +"Business is business" he repeated, doggedly. "Either they must take +the room, and pay the rent in advance, or else they must hustle out this +very night." He had waited now three days after time for decency's sake, +and more than that he couldn't and wouldn't do. + +Dirk stood looking from one to the other; the red coming and going on +his swarthy face. Here was responsibility! He had not thought of it +before. The mother was not there to count out the hoarded rent with +trembling fingers, and save the wretched home to them for another month. +She would never be there again. He had nothing with which to pay rent; +he had nowhere to move. Yet _she_ had called him Mr. Colson, and seemed +to expect him to act for himself and Mart. + +It was she who answered the agent, but she spoke to Dirk. + +"Very well; I suppose you are quite as willing to leave here to-night as +at any time? If I were you, I would leave immediately. Let your sister +come home with me for the night, and until you have time to make other +arrangements." + +Mr. Roberts had been summoned to a bank meeting, and had sent Ried to +attend his wife. He came forward now, from the carriage where he had +stood waiting, and laid a hand on Dirk's arm. + +"And you come home with me to-night, Colson," he said in a cordial tone, +such as he might have used with any young friend; "then we shall have a +chance to talk things over and make plans." + +"That is nice," Mrs. Roberts said, quickly, rejoicing in her heart over +Ried's promptness to act. "Then you can get away from this wretched +place at once. Mr. Roberts will see to the removal of your goods, +whatever you need, and the agent can call on him in the morning. That +will be the simplest way to settle it all. May she go with me?" + +A slight, caressing movement of a gloved hand on the girl's arm +accompanied this question. + +Mart was silent with bewilderment. When had Dirk ever before been asked +what _she_ might do, or might not do? At first she was half inclined +to scorn the suggestion. Then, suddenly, it came to her with a sense +of relief and protection: she was not alone; it was Dirk's business to +think of and care for her. Would he do it? + +As for Dirk, no wonder that his face was deeply flushed. New thoughts +were struggling in his heart. _He_ was to decide for Mart; he was +the head of the home now. Mrs. Roberts waited anxiously. She longed +exceedingly to rouse in the boy, who was already grown to the stature of +a man, a sense of responsibility. + +A moment more, and he had shaken himself free from the spell which +seemed to bind him. + +"We'll do as you say." He spoke with the air of a man who had assumed +his proper place and taken up his duties. "Mart, you go along with her, +and I'll see about things to-morrow." + +And Mart, for the first time in her life, received and obeyed in silence +a direction from her brother. + +Possibly Mrs. Roberts may have been mistaken, but she thought that much +had been accomplished that day. + +Yet none of them realized whereunto this thing would grow. + +Mrs. Roberts, when she ushered Mart that evening into the pink room +again, and showed her how to manage the hot and cold water, and which +bell to ring if she needed anything, and in every imaginable way treated +her as a guest, whom it was pleasant to serve, had really no plans just +then--no hobby to ride--but simply acted out the dictates of her +heart. You will remember that her Christian life had been always +unconventional. The very fact that during her early girlhood she had +been painfully trammelled by what "they" would say or think, seemed to +have had its influence over her later experiences. Since she had been +made free, she would be free, indeed; that is, with the liberty with +which Christ makes us free. What would please _Him_ she resolved should +be the one thought to which she would give careful attention. Now, it is +perhaps worthy of mention, that this closely following disciple did not +once stop to determine whether it would please Him to give such tender +care to this stray child of His, or whether she would be considered +doing not just the thing, in _His_ eyes, if she entertained her in the +pink room. + +About what He could have her do next, she gave much thought. And it was +not for days, or rather weeks, that she caught the possibility of His +meaning that the pink room should really be the girl's own. + +It was just this way. The weeks went by, and no plan for settling Mart +comfortably elsewhere met Mrs. Roberts' approval. There was constantly +some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do. + +Meantime they became, she and Gracie Dennis, more and more deeply +interested in Mart. In her wardrobe first. "Wherever she lives she +should have respectable clothing; thus much is easily settled." So the +matron decreed, and Gracie did not gainsay it. She became absorbed in +preparing it. Such fascinating work! So many things were needed, and +her skin was so delicate, and her eyes so blue, and Gracie's choice of +shades and textures fitted her so precisely. Then, when dressed, simple +though her toilet was, her remarkable beauty shone out so conspicuously +as to alarm Mrs. Roberts whenever she thought of her in shop or store. + +Several times during the weeks, she visited Sallie Calkins, and looked +about her with a thoughtful air, and came away feeling that it would +not do. There was Mark, growing into manhood, a good boy, hard-working, +respectable, proud of his good, homely sister, and of his reformed +father. The two rooms were taking on every sort of homely comfort that +Sallie's skill, helped by Mrs. Roberts' suggestions, could devise. It +was growing into a model little home in its way, but there was not a +corner in it where Mart would fit. + +Then, as the days passed, a subtle, fascinating change began to come +over Mart. She slipped quietly into certain household duties. She showed +marvellous skill with her needle; such skill, indeed, that Gracie Dennis +said more than once: "I'll tell you, Flossy, what to do with her: put +her in a good establishment, and let her learn the dressmaking trade. +She could make her fortune in time." And Mrs. Roberts smiled, and +assented to the statement, but not to the proposition. There was no +dressmaking establishment known to her where she was willing to place +so young and pretty and ignorant a girl. But she was quite willing that +Mart should learn the looping of dresses, and the fitting of sacks and +collars and ruffles; and take many a stitch for her, as well as for +Gracie. She was willing to have her do a dozen little nameless things, +the ways of doing which she had caught up; until at last the touch of +her fingers began to be felt about the rooms, and Mrs. Roberts began +to notice that she should miss Mart when she went away. Still, from the +first time she said this, the thought came afterward with a smile of +satisfaction, and it was but a week afterward that she caught herself +phrasing it, that she should miss her _if_ she went away. + +What about Dirk? Young Ried could have told you more of him during these +days than anybody else. He still stayed at the boarding-house. Mrs. +Saunders, the mistress of it, was one whom, if you had known her, you +would feel sure could interest herself heartily in such as he. There +was a bit of a room next to Ried's. To be sure, it had been used for a +clothes-press, and it took the busy housekeeper half a day to plan how +she could get along without it; but she planned, and offered it to Ried +for his _protege_. + +"Just for the present, you know, until he sees what he can do, poor +fellow," she said, and Ried accepted the little room joyfully, and +helped fit it up. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +"WHAT IF I BELONGED?" + + +You think things are taking very rapid strides? Well, don't you know +that there come periods when they do just that thing, or appear to? Why, +even the buds on the trees teach us the lesson. How many springtimes +have you gone to your bed feeling that the season was late, and the +trees were bare, and the fruits would all be backward, and Nature was +dawdling along in a very wearisome fashion; and awakened in the morning +to find that there had in the night been a gentle rain, and a movement +of mysterious power among the buds and the grasses, and that now, in the +morning sunshine, the world had burst into bloom? Yet, did you really +suppose, after all, that the _work_ was done in one night? + +There was progress of several sorts in the class at the South End. Even +a casual observer could have seen a change in the boys that first Sunday +after they had attended Dirk's mother to the grave. The dignity of +that hour of sorrow was still upon them. Even the very reckless and +world-hardened will offer a certain degree of respect to death. On +ordinary occasions, the boys might have been merry at Dirk's expense, +for they saw changes in him; but the memory of his mother's coffin kept +them silent, and let his changed manner have its effect. + +That Sunday was full of small events to Dirk; at least they are small +enough when one puts them on paper, though I admit that they looked +large to him. Several people interested themselves in his welfare. + +"Poor fellow!" said Mrs. Saunders, "I suppose his mother tried to do +for him. Just as likely as not she had a clean shirt for him of a Sunday +morning."' + +You will perceive that Mrs. Saunders, though all her life a resident +of a large city, was not very well-acquainted with the abject poor. In +point of fact, Dirk Colson had had no extra clothing for his mother to +make clean. But Mrs. Saunders, full of the motherly thought, yet finding +no trace of a shirt in the bundle of rags that Dirk had brought with +him, went down one day into the depths of an old trunk, and brought to +light and mended and washed and ironed a shirt that had long been laid +aside. + +It lay in its purity on a chair at the foot of Dirk's bed on Sabbath +morning. He lay still and looked at it for a while, then arose and gave +such careful attention to the soap and water as was new to him, and +arrayed himself in the clean linen. + +His clothes were whole and clean. Mr. Roberts had seen to it that he +went respectably dressed to his mother's funeral. + +A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush +and blacking-box in hand. + +"Want to borrow?" he said, in the careless tone of one who might have +supposed that the blacking of his boots was an every-day matter to this +boy. "I always keep my own; it is cheaper than to depend on the street +boys." + +Dirk said nothing at all, but reached forth his hand, and took the +offered tools, and the hint which came with them. When he went down +to breakfast his boots shone, and his fresh paper collar was neatly +arranged; altogether he was not the boy to whom I first introduced you. +I am not sure that Policeman Duffer would have recognized him. A +collar and a necktie make a great difference in some people's personal +appearance. Dirk wondered a little as to where the box of paper collars +came from. The necktie he had just found lying in the bottom of the box. +It was the mate of the one young Ried wore, but that told nothing, for +both were simple and plain, and could be bought by the dozens in any +furnishing store. + +It is small wonder that the boys in the class looked at him. Nimble Dick +wore at first a roguish air, but a sudden memory of Dirk's face when he +turned away from his mother's grave came in time. Open graves are not +easy things to forget. + +Dirk went to the church that day; went with young Ried by invitation, +and sat in the pew behind Mr. Roberts. + +By the way, the seat which he occupied was another of Mr. Roberts' +peculiarities. Three seats were rented by him in a central part of the +large church. One of these seats he and his wife regularly occupied. The +others were almost as regularly occupied by the clerks from the store +who chose to make that their church home. Six sittings to a pew. When +a young man chose, Mr. Roberts was ready to enter into a business +engagement with him, whereby the sitting should be considered his own; +Mr. Roberts considering it to be no part of any one's concern that the +sum for which he thus sub-let the sittings was not a tenth of what the +first rental cost. It was in this way that Mr. Ried owned sittings in +the pew just back of that occupied by Mr. Roberts; and brought with +him constantly one and another young man. Today the young man was Dirk +Colson. + +It was all a strange world to him. He had wandered into the gallery +of the Mission Chapel, and looked down from his perch on the crowd of +worshippers; but this morning he was in the very centre of things, as if +he were one of them. Perhaps it is not strange that the startled inquiry +came to his heart: What if I belonged? Where did he belong now? He +had lost his place; he must make another. What if it should be in this +neighborhood, among these surroundings? Such thoughts did not take +actual shape to him, so that he could have put them into words; they +merely hovered in his atmosphere. Mrs. Roberts sat so that he could look +at her, which thing he liked to do. It had long since been settled +in his mind that he had one friend, and that one was Mrs. Roberts. He +admired Gracie Dennis, too, with a different sort of admiration from +that which he gave to the matron. She might be all very well; and she +was a splendid reader; and he knew that he could imitate her on certain +sentences, at least. And she had taught him to use the type-writer--an +accomplishment which he meant to perfect himself in as soon as he had +a chance. In fact, his ambition reached higher than that: one of these +days he meant to make one of his own with certain improvements! Who +shall say that Dirk was not growing? + +On this particular day there sat beside Mrs. Roberts a lady,--a +stranger. He could not see her face, but for some reason, which he did +not understand, Dirk liked to look at her. She suggested something to +him that seemed like a familiar dream. He thought much about her, and +resolved to see if in her face she looked like any one he ever saw. As +she turned at the close of the service he was looking at her steadily. +Lo! it was Mart. + +Now the possibility had not once suggested itself to his mind. If you +think this doubtful, you merely show that you know nothing about the +transforming effect of a becoming dress, no matter how simple it may +be. Remember, Dirk had never but twice seen his sister in a bonnet. +The first time it was Sallie's, and though the effect was sufficiently +startling, yet Sallie's bonnet did not fit her face, as this creation +of Gracie Dennis' fingers did. The second time the bonnet had been a +hideous black one, proffered by an old woman who lived in the story +above them, and whose thoughtfulness Mrs. Roberts would not mar by +making any mention of the neat one which she had brought in a box that +day. The black bonnet had been like a mask, hiding Mart's beauty. + +The bonnet that she wore now was not of that character. It told a +wonderful story to Dirk's astonished gaze. Now, indeed, the likeness was +plain; without doubt, the girl whose face lighted with a curious smile +at sight of him, bore a striking likeness to the woman who had smiled at +him whenever she met him! + +A curious effect this had on Dirk. There was that in his sister which +made it possible for her to be something like the woman who had won his +heart; and that sister was in his care: she had said so; he must work +for her, and watch over her! + +I suppose that Sabbath was really the beginning of the surface changes +in Mrs. Roberts' class. Not the beginning to the teacher, but to those +people who only have eyes for strongly marked things. + +I know that it was but a few weeks afterward that Mrs. Roberts came home +with such an unusual light in her eyes, and with her face so full of +brightness, that her husband said, inquiringly:-- + +"What is it, Flossy?" + +She turned to him, eagerly, ready to laugh. + +"It is what you will understand, but a great many people wouldn't. It is +so nice that you understand things! I feel just like saying, 'Thank the +Lord.'" + +"Do you mean to convey the idea that only a very few favored people feel +like that? I don't know of a person who has not great occasion. What is +your special one?" + +"Evan, the last boy had his boots blacked, and a fresh paper collar on!" + +Mr. Roberts threw back his head and laughed,--a genial, hearty laugh. +His wife looked on, smiling. There is a great deal of character in a +laugh, remember; you would have known that this was a sympathetic one. + +Mr. Roberts was entirely capable of realizing what this said to his +wife about the future of her boys. It was becoming certain that their +self-respect was awakened. + +A few days thereafter occurred another of those little things which mark +some characters. + +Dirk, at Mrs. Saunders' breakfast-table on Sabbath morning, heard talk +that on Monday he recalled. By the way, I should have told you of one +other way in which the Sabbath became a marked day to him. He slept in +the little room which opened from Ried's, but his meals were picked up +at a restaurant, as occasion offered,--a much nicer and surer method of +living than he had ever known before. Even the commonest restaurant had +great respectability to him. Yet you will remember that he had by this +time taken several suppers in Mrs. Roberts' dining-room. He knew that +there was a difference in things; in fact, his experience now stretched +over infinite differences; but the first time he sat down to Mrs. +Saunders' breakfast-table, on a Sabbath morning, he discovered another +grade: this by no means belonged to the restaurant class? The Sunday +breakfasts and dinners were some of Mrs. Saunders' quiet ways of helping +along the work of the Christian world. Many a young man appeared at her +table as the guest of Ried or of Dr. Everett, or of some other of the +boarders, who was unaware that he owed the pleasant experience to the +landlady. + +Well, Dirk at the Sabbath-table heard talk of one General Burton, famous +as a soldier, a scholar, and an orator. General Burton was in the city, +the guest of a prominent man; he was to speak on the following evening +in one of the great halls, and much eager talk was had concerning him; +great desire was expressed to hear him, to get a glimpse of him. Dirk +listened in silence, but had his own thoughts about what it must be +to have people talking about one, wanting to get a glimpse of one, and +next, what it must be to be intimate with such people. Did Mrs. Roberts +know the great man? he wondered. And then Dirk smiled as he thought how +queer it was that he should know Mrs. Roberts; that he might, in fact, +be called intimately acquainted with her! + +Remembering this reverie of his, you will better understand how he felt +on Monday morning, as he made his way in haste down a quiet part of one +of the up-town streets, intent on an errand that required promptness, to +hear his name called by Mrs. Roberts. + +"Good morning!" she said. "Are you in too great haste to recognize your +friends? I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. General Burton, +Mr. Colson. General, this is one of my young men, of whom I told you." + +Whereupon the famous general, hero of many battles, held out his honored +hand, and took Dirk's in a cordial grasp. I don't suppose I could +explain to you what an effect this action had on a boy like Dirk. + +There is this comfort: you may be a student of human nature, and +therefore may understand it all without explanation. + +This is only one of many so-called trifles which occurred during the +weeks, to make their indelible impress on the characters of the boys. + +Of course, the Monday Evenings prospered. Reading-lessons and +writing-lessons, and, as time passed, lessons of all sorts made good +progress. + +Neatly-blackened boots, carefully-arranged hair, and fresh collars +became the rule instead of the exception. + +Other avenues for improvement opened. It became noised abroad in +Christian circles that great transformations were being worked among a +certain set of hard young fellows who had hitherto been best known to +the police. Mr. Roberts was interviewed by one and another, and one +outgrowth of the talks was that tickets for a course of expensive and +valuable and attractive lectures on popular subjects were placed in +large numbers in Mr. Roberts' hands for him to use at discretion. +Moreover, seats were rented in the church towards which most of the boys +gravitated--the one connected with their Mission; seats re-rented after +Mr. Roberts' plan, so that as often as there appeared a young man who +cared to have a spot in the church which belonged to him, it could be +had for a very small sum; in fact, as pews rented in that church, a +ridiculously small sum. + +These are only hints of the channels which time and patience and thought +opened for these young men, on whom, but a short time before, Satan +believed himself to have so firm a grip. + +One feature of the "Monday Evenings" had, in the course of time, to be +changed. The young teacher of elocution went home. + +"I want to go," she said at last, in answer to her hostess' pleading. +"I think it quite likely that papa would let me stay and attend school +here; but I am in haste to get home. You need not look sober, Flossy. +I have had a happier time than I have ever had in my life before; and I +have found here a sort of happiness that will last. It almost breaks my +heart to think of leaving those boys,--especially my dear Dick Bolton; +but really, I need to go home and undo certain things that I left badly +done. You don't half know me, Flossy Shipley. When I came here I was a +regular goose. If you had known what a simpleton I was, and how hateful +I had been about some things at home, you would never have invited me. + +"Among other things that were hateful about me, I was a real horror to +my mother. I thought I had reason to distrust and dislike her; when +the truth is that I have cause to go down on my knees and thank her for +keeping me from some things. I'm in a real hurry to get home, and show +that young mother of mine what a perfectly angelic daughter I can be." + +And Mrs. Roberts smiled and kept her own counsel; and this was all that +she was supposed to know about her young guest. She never knew the whole +story about Professor Ellis; though there was a girl, Hester Mason by +name, in Dr. Everett's Sabbath-school, who could have told her a good +deal about him, and about Gracie Dennis' helping to break the net that +Satan had woven for her unwary feet. The fact is, there is a great +deal concerning all these people--Hester Mason and Dr. Everett and Joy +Saunders and Joy Saunders' mother--which I should have liked to tell you +if I could have found room. You may read of them any time, however, if +you choose, in a book called "An Endless Chain." Of course, the story of +their lives does not end even _there_, because the chain is, as I said, +_endless_; but there are many of the links presented to view. + +So Grace Dennis went home. And neither then, nor afterward, did Mrs. +Roberts hear in detail the story of Professor Ellis. What matter? She +had, however, a short added chapter. It came in a letter from Mrs. +Marion Dennis not long after Gracie's return. It read thus.-- + +Oh, Flossy Shipley Roberts! blessed little scheming saint that you are! +What did you do? How did you do it! Ah! I know more about it than those +sentences would indicate. The dear Lord did it, working through you, +His servant. He has called our Gracie to higher ground, filled her heart +with that which has made insignificant things take their true place, and +wrong things show for what they are. + +You know, of course, that it is all right about Professor Ellis;--or no! +I fear it is all wrong about him, but right with our Gracie. I hear that +he has permanently located in your city. Perhaps your Christian charity +can reach him. He sent Gracie a letter, trying to explain certain +affairs about that Mason girl, with which I presume you are familiar. +She showed me the letter and her answer. He will not write her another! + +"_I_ don't know any Mason girl," said Mrs. Roberts to her husband, "but +it doesn't matter. I don't want to know the story if there is nothing to +be done through it. There are stories enough that one _must_ know." + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +"IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR" + + +It was Monday evening, and there was company at Mr. Roberts' home; +not the usual Monday evening gathering, but quite a large party +of well-dressed men and women, many of them young, yet some were +middle-aged. The pretty room opposite the conservatory was thrown open, +and aglow with lights and flowers; and groups were continually passing +in and out, admiring the paintings and the flowers, and the type-writers +of different patterns, and the books and magazines, of which there +were many. But interest was not confined to this room. The parlors were +thrown open and the music-room beyond; even the cosy little library was +public property for this one evening. The company was large, and their +tastes were varied; so no pains had been spared to give them variety. + +You are acquainted with quite a number of the guests; yet I am by no +means sure that you would recognize them all. Even in so short a period +of time as three years, great changes may be elicited! + +For instance, do you know the young man in unnoticeable, and therefore +appropriate, evening dress, who is doing duty at the piano, watching +with practiced eye the course of the player, and turning the leaf with +skilful hand at just the right moment? It is a somewhat embarrassing +position; but his manner leads you to suppose that he has been +accustomed to it all his life, and that he reads music well. In the +latter belief you are correct; but as to being accustomed to it--three +years ago Nimble Dick could have told you a different story! + +You can't believe that it is he? I do not wonder. The change is +certainly a great one; but he does not feel it. To tell you the truth, +he almost forgets, when he becomes absorbed in his work, that this sort +of society was not always open to him. Three years means a long time to +the young; and Richard Bolton has so long been accustomed to the freedom +of Mrs. Roberts' parlors, and to the sort of people whom one finds +there, that none of the refinements of polite life are strange to him; +and as to turning music, has he not done it for his hostess numberless +times? + +If your eyes are now opened, it is possible that you may be trying to +spy out other young men. The rooms are full of them, elegantly-dressed, +fashionable young men; but a few are noticeable by the air which they +have of being in a sense responsible for the comfort of the others. They +are on the alert; they are taking care that no young guest shall appear +for a moment to be forgotten or neglected. They appear to be entirely +familiar with the house and all its appointments. They can be appealed +to for a glass of water or an ice, or to know what special scene this +landscape hanging over the mantel represents, or whose bust this is in +the niche at the left, or in what portion of the library a certain +book will be found, or from what part of the foreign world that +strangely-shaped shell came, and they are all equally at home. In short, +it is like having a dozen or twenty young hosts to look after your +comfort and pleasure. In point of fact, there are seventeen of them. The +original seven has thus increased. Two months ago there were twenty, but +one has secured an appointment as telegraph operator in a distant city, +and as Stephen Crowley occupies a similar position in one of the offices +in this city, some very interesting conversations are held, and many +important items connected with the "Monday Evenings" and the South End +School and the "Library Association," etc., are transmitted when the +lines are not otherwise employed. Young Haskell, too, has gone with one +of the partners from the store where he was first employed, to set up a +branch store in a not distant town; and his old Sabbath-school teacher +has already received letters from him, saying that they have started +a branch Sunday-school in the south part of the town, and that he has +picked seven little wretches out of the streets, from eight to twelve +years of age, and gone to work. "And, dear Mrs. Roberts, I wish you +would pray for me, that I may be able to bring every one of them to +Christ." + +So the letter ran; and that tells volumes to the initiated about young +Haskell. + +But although the changes among these young men have been great almost +to bewilderment, only one of the number has been promoted to a dazzling +height. The others are without exception earning good, honest livings +for themselves; securing good, substantial educations through the +evening classes which have grown out of that first effort; bidding fair +to become leading and honored citizens when they actually take their +places as men. But Mark Calkins, faithful, plodding, good-hearted, +patient Mark, has surpassed them all! The truth is "that eye hath not +seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart," what sort of +magnificence surrounds him now. He has gone to court. The chief Ruler +of the realm has sent for Mark to be always in his immediate presence in +the palace; and with what joy he went I cannot tell you. Nor how often +they speak of him, and try to let their hearts conceive of the glory +which surrounds him, and dwell on the day when they will be called, one +after another, to share the same glory; for this is the ambition of more +than half of them. + +Now, in that sentence is unveiled the most curious part of my curious +story; and that it is curious, I frankly admit. It is no made-up affair. +I am not responsible for the strangeness of it. You are to remember +that "truth is stranger than fiction," and then to understand that I am +telling you the truth. It is, then, a fact, that these young men have +each received conditional appointments to serve in the palace, high in +power and splendor and dignity. The conditions are that they are to be +willing to be guided in all things by the will of their King, whom they +each admit to be wise above all wisdom, and to be kind above all +their conceptions of kindness. It is true that nine of the number +have accepted their appointments, donned their uniform, assumed their +positions as He has directed, and are waiting for the summons to appear +in person at court. It is also true that the others are still in a state +of indecision; they do not know whether to accept the appointment or +not. It is true that they feel themselves honored; that they believe +this to be the only path of honorable and safe promotion. It is true +that they have full faith in those who will tell with joy, that, having +enlisted, they find the service even in this ante-room sweet, and the +rewards great. It is true that they severally visited Mark, just as the +door was opening to admit him to the palace, and heard him speak of the +glimpses of its glory, and heard that his last words before he went away +were, "Oh, mine eyes see the King in his beauty!" and that his voice +was jubilant as that of a conqueror, and his face radiant as with a +reflection of unseen glory; and yet they hesitate, and dally with the +call, and mean, some time, to have such an inheritance deeded to them, +but not now! Remember, I am not responsible for this. Were I writing +fiction I should hesitate to set down such idiotic folly, expecting you +to call it unnatural or absurdly overdrawn; but I do solemnly declare to +you that this is fact. Account for the folly of their behavior as best +you can. + +Well, Sallie and her father are left behind. But, mind you, they are not +among the doubtful ones. They both as much expect to serve at court as +they expect to live through all eternity. But while they wait they are +busy. They have moved from the alley; the surroundings were not such +as they liked. Did you notice that bit of a house landing modestly +back from the road, at the further corner of those ample grounds that +surround the South End Church? It is the sexton's house, and that +church, and those Sunday-school rooms, and those grounds, and everything +pertaining to them, are under his care. The father is the sexton, it +is true, and attends the furnace and rings the bell; but it is Sallie's +care that keeps seat and desk and window so beautifully free from dust +or stain. Oh, they live busy lives, and happy ones. Sallie trusted not +in vain in her father's promise that night, when he put his weak will +into the pledge; but you are to understand that it was but a few days +thereafter when he planted his weak and wavering feet on the Rock of +Ages. Then did Satan angle for him in vain. + +So, on this Monday evening, there were but seventeen at the gathering. +I hesitate over what to name the gathering. I would call it a party, +but that in many respects it was so totally different from anything with +which you are probably acquainted by that name. + +The young man who stands by the door of the conservatory, eagerly +describing to Miss Henderson a rare and curious flower, which has been +sent to Mrs. Roberts from California, is "black Dirk." Really, I hope +you are sufficiently astonished; for he looks so utterly unlike the +scamp who used to be the special torment of the South End Mission that +I should be disappointed if you were not impressed by it. "Mr. Colson" +almost everybody calls him now. The name has long since lost its +strangeness. He is in the employ of the great firm of Bostwick, Smythe, +Roberts & Co., and although Mr. Roberts has never found it convenient to +do so before, there were reasons why he thought it would be well to +have a clerk within call; so Mr. Colson boards with what was the junior +partner of the firm. He is so no more, by the way, for Mr. Ried has been +received as a member, and is decidedly a junior partner. Probably Mr. +Roberts could tell you, if he chose, why one so young, and without +capital, had been elected to partnership; but, as a rule, he keeps his +own counsel, only remarking that the young man developed remarkable +business faculties which were patent to the whole firm. To his wife he +said:-- + +"I tell you, Flossy, I believe a consecrated life will be honored by the +Lord, in whatever channel he gives it talents to develop. 'Whatsoever +he doth shall prosper.' That young man is going to have a career in +business. I shouldn't be surprised if the Master meant him to show the +world how a Christian can use money to his glory." + +It is early yet to prophesy what Mr. Colson will do. Doubtless he will +be a merchant; certainly he will be a Christian; possibly he will be +an orator, of whom the world will yet hear,--a temperance orator, for +instance. I know you would like to hear him read a poem. He is not +confined to Will Carleton's style now, though he still reads with power +some of those inimitable delineations of life; but Gracie Dennis offers +no more criticisms when he reads. In fact, I have heard her defer to +him, when a question arose, as one who had probably studied the passage, +and caught its best. I am willing to confess that my poor black Dirk was +a bit of a genius. The thought I desire you to catch is that so many +of those poor fellows, who of necessity live by their wits in the city +slums, are diamonds which could be fitted to shine. You take a diamond +and throw it down in the dirt and filth, and put your foot on it and +grind it in, and leave it there, sinking and soiling, day after day, +year after year, and when somebody comes along and picks it out, how +much will it gleam for him at first? Yet the diamond is there. + +"Thou shalt be a royal diadem in the hand of thy God." Mrs. Roberts had +been at work hunting diamonds for His diadem. + +As Mr. Colson stood there chatting freely with Miss Henderson, there was +nothing about the association that looked incongruous, neither did it +occur to any. There was not a trace of embarrassment about this boy from +the slums; he had forgotten the slums, and stood talking with one of the +aristocrats of the city. + +How came she to talk with him, to allow herself to be entertained +by him? Let me tell you: thereby hangs a tale. Some time before this +evening--in fact, nearly two years before--Mrs. Roberts had come to a +puzzle, and stood and looked at it doubtfully. Then she presented it to +the others:-- + +"They are growing easy in their manners with me, learning to be +gentlemanly without embarrassment, and thoughtful over little things +without being ashamed of it; but I am afraid that with other ladies they +would be sadly frightened and awkward. When Mrs. Delaney came in this +evening I could but notice how utterly silent Mr. Colton became; he +had been talking well before. It seems as though there was a great gulf +between them and social advancement. How can we bridge it?" + +Then young Ried ventured his thought:--"My sister Ester had a class in +the Center Street Sabbath-school--nice little girls, who wore pretty +dresses, and had their hair curled, and came from the best families. +After she was taken sick, she told me one of her regrets was that she +had not stayed well long enough to try a plan which she had. She meant +to take a class of rough little boys in the mission-school, and she +meant to ask the mothers of the little girls to let them come, once a +month, and play with the little boys from the streets--she to play with +them, and watch over them every moment; but to try to interest the girls +in teaching the boys gentleness and good manners. I don't know how it +would have worked. Ester was never well enough to undertake it; nor +could she seem to enlist any one else in such service. It has grave +objections, I suppose; but I have always thought that I should like to +see something of the kind carefully tried." + +Mrs. Roberts, before this little story was half-concluded, had turned +those eager eyes of hers on the speaker--eyes that always had a peculiar +light in them whenever her soul took in a new suggestion. + +"Thank you," she said. "I see, oh! a great many things. I ought to have +called in that dear sister Ester to help on this phase of the question +before. It has always seemed to me as though we were doing her work." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +"THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM" + + +That was the beginning of a new effort. There were certain young ladies +becoming well-known to Mrs. Roberts, by reason of a similarity of tastes +which drew them to her. + +She sat down one day and wrote out their names with great care on her +tablets. + +Miss Henderson's name headed the list. She was one of the aristocrats. I +use the word in its highest sense. The accidents of wealth and position +were hers; at least, that is the way we talk, though I suppose we all +believe that the Lord is the giver of both, and will require an account +of the same at our hands. + +If this be so, Miss Henderson will be more ready than some with her +rendering; for she is of royal blood, and guards well the honor of the +Christian name she bears. + +Without hesitation, Miss Henderson headed the list. The others were +chosen more slowly; ten of them, picked soldiers, to do special duty "in +His name." + +It required much explanation, much care to plan wisely. + +But the girls caught at the idea. + +In the course of weeks they formed a band, with Miss Henderson for +president. Ostensibly they were a literary society; really they were +diamond polishers. + +They met one evening by invitation, with Mrs. Roberts, and made the +acquaintance of the "Monday Club." They sang for them, read for them, +heard them read; chatted with them on the various topics of the hour, +the last lecture of the course, which all had attended; a certain book +carefully read and criticised by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Dr. Everett in +the Monday Club,--not so carefully read by the young ladies; therefore, +it came to pass that they were somewhat worsted in an argument +concerning it, which was bad neither for the young ladies nor the Monday +Club. + +Finally, they were taken out to supper by these young men, who had so +far come under Mrs. Robert's' influence that they were willing to endure +torture for the sake of pleasing her. + +It is a long story. I could write another book about it just as well as +not. + +The main difficulty would be that the critics would pronounce the story +overdrawn. They always do when one revels in facts. It is only when +an author keeps within the range of sober fiction that he may feel +comparatively safe from this charge. + +These young ladies represented other parlors and other dining-rooms. +They arranged for little graceful entertainments, to which the Monday +Club was invited. Gradually others were invited too--good, solid men, +and wise-hearted, motherly women. The invitations were select, the +"polishers" were chosen with care; but it was surprising to these +workers to find how large the Christian world is, and how many stood +ready to help if they were shown love. + +"It is one of the best suggestions that that dear Ester has given us." +This Mrs. Roberts said one evening when the Young Ladies' Band and the +Monday Club combined their forces and gave an entertainment to some of +the best people on the avenue. + +I have given you hints of how they did it. They were every one +Christians, these young ladies; none others were chosen. They worked +with a single aim in view--His glory. They took no step that was not +paved with prayer. Do you need to be told that they succeeded? + +This was one of the reasons why Mr. Colson chatted with Miss Henderson +with perfect freedom, and why his bow was graceful and easy when she +introduced him to her friend Miss Fanshawe, of Philadelphia. He was +accustomed to being introduced to her friends. + +I'm sure I hope you wish I would tell you somewhat of Mart Colson. If +you are not deeply interested in her I am disappointed in you. She has +been such an object of interest to me since that time when I caught a +glimpse of her once through the cellar-window, with a gleam of sunset +making her hair into gold. + +It is a summer evening of which I tell you, and she is all +in white--except her eyes; nothing can be bluer than they are +to-night,--and except the flowers about her. She is always among the +flowers. + +I hesitate, after all, to tell you about Mart. Hers is one of those +stories hard to tell. Besides, her friend and patron has suffered much +criticism because of her, and though Mrs. Roberts does not care in the +least, I find that I am sensitive. + +"Has she really kept that Colson girl with her all these years?" Yes, +she has. I speak it meekly, but she has! "And never had her learn a +trade, or work in a factory, or learn to support herself in any way?" +She has never sent her anywhere to learn a trade or to work in a factory +or to stand behind a counter. It is too true. + +No, I was almost sure you did not approve of it. But, for all that, I +don't mean to argue Mrs. Roberts' cause. "To her own Master she standeth +or falleth." + +Not but what Mrs. Roberts has argued, on occasion,--with Gracie Dennis, +for instance, who paid her a few weeks' visit, less than three months +after she first went home. + +"Flossy," she would say, "what are you going to do--with the girl? Do +you really mean to keep her here?" + +"She has no mother, my child, nor father; and her brother is not able to +care for her yet. Where would you have me send her?" + +"Why, Flossy, there are places." + +"Yes, my dear, I know it, and this is one of them." + +"Well, but she ought to be learning things. How is she going to support +herself?" + +"She is studying arithmetic with me, you know, and writing and reading +with the dining-room girls; and I am teaching her music, and Mr. +Roberts proposes to have her join the history class as soon as she is +sufficiently advanced in the more common studies." + +"But, Flossy Shipley, that is great nonsense! You know what I mean. You +cannot turn the world upside down in that fashion, or make an orphan +asylum of your house or a charity school." + +"My dear, do you really think the house is in danger? Does it look like +an orphan asylum or feel like a charity school?" + +Then would Gracie Dennis laugh, but look a trifle vexed, nevertheless, +and mutter that people couldn't do things that way in this world. + +Then would Flossy be ready with her gentle drops of oil to soothe the +ruffles. + +"Gracie, dear, I am not trying to reform the world. There are a great +many girls left destitute I know, and I will do at wholesale all I +can for them; but this one is peculiar. You have admitted that it was +unusual to see such dangerous beauty, and she is unusual in her mental +development. She could be fierce and wicked; she is ignorant and bitter +about many things; I am afraid for her. I have not been able to think +of a place where the Lord Jesus would have me take her. I must see to it +that _He_ is pleased, you know, at all hazards. If He does not mean us +to keep her in the shelter of our home for the present, we do not know +what He means. + +"We cannot 'mother' the whole race: He has not even suggested it to our +hearts. He has simply said, 'Here, take this one; there is room for her; +keep her until I plainly tell you that her place is elsewhere.' Gracie, +would you have me tell Him we cannot?" + +By this time Gracie would be humble and sweet. + +"It is very good of you," she would say, meekly, "and I was not +thinking of such a thing as finding fault. I was only wondering +whether--whether--well, you know--whether such a life as she is leading +in your house would not unfit her for her proper sphere?" + +But a sentence like that was always liable to put little Mrs. Roberts +on all the dignity she possessed. Her husband had ideas on that subject, +and had imbued her with them. Her voice could even sound almost haughty +as she said:-- + +"As to that, Gracie, we must remember that the 'sphere' of an American +woman is the one that she can fill acceptably in God's sight. He may +call her to the highest; I don't know. Since she is the daughter of a +King, there may be no spot on His footstool too high for His intentions +concerning her." + +There was outside criticism, of course. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was +sufficiently peculiar in many respects to call for much criticism +from the world. They talked much about "that girl" she had picked up. +Gradually they said "that Colson girl"; then one day some daughter +asked, "Is she really a sister of that handsome Mr. Colson in the +store?" And by-and-by there were some who spoke of her as "Mattie +Colson." That was the name which Mrs. Roberts always called her. It +began gradually to be known also that "Mattie Colson" knew a great deal +which was worth knowing. Three years of companionship with a lady like +Mrs. Roberts, and such as she gathers about her, can do much for a girl +who wishes much done for her. + +As to "earning her living," I am not sure but she was learning to do it +in several ways. Mrs. Roberts struggled against all false ideas of life, +therefore taught her none. + +She was not the cook, but she could, and had on occasion, served up a +most enjoyable breakfast. + +She was not the second-girl, yet her fingers were undeniably skilful in +the arrangement of rooms and tables. She was not the sewing-girl, +yet constant were the calls on fingers that had become wise in these +directions. She was by no means the nurse, yet there was a little +golden-haired "Flossy" in the sunny room upstairs whose devoted slave +she was, and whose mother felt that Mattie's loving, watchful care over +her darling was only second to her own, and was so to be relied upon, by +day and night, as to repay tenfold whatever she might have done for the +girl. + +In fact, it would perhaps be difficult to define "Mart" Colon's position +in the house. Yet she was, as I said, becoming known among the young +ladies outside as "Mattie Colson, that handsome young Colson's sister; +as pretty as a doll, and a _protege_ of that lovely Mrs. Roberts, you +know." As for the Young Ladies' Band,--I do not include them when I talk +of the girls "outside,"--what they had done for Mattie Colson she could +not have told you though she tried, her eyes shining with tears. + +The days had come wherein the very matrons who had said that it was a +strange thing for Mrs. Roberts to take a girl from the slums into +her family--that it was "tempting Providence to attempt such violent +wrenches"--now said one to another, that "it must be a great relief to +Mrs. Roberts to have that Mattie Colson always at her elbow to see that +everything about the home was just as it should be;" and they added, +with a sigh, that "some people were very fortunate." + +Now, dear critic, you stand all ready to say that this is a very nice +_paper_ story, but that in actual life attempts at doing good do not +result so smoothly; that to be "natural," Mrs. Roberts ought, at least, +to have tried in vain to reclaim half of her boys. + +It is true, I have said nothing to you about two or three whom she has +not as yet reached, though she is still trying. My story was not of +them, but of the twenty whom she _did_ reach. Concerning your verdict, +there are two things that I want to say: First, go into the work, and +give the time and patience and faith and prayer that Mrs. Roberts and +her fellow-workers gave, before you decide that it is vain. + +And secondly, will you kindly remember that, whether this be natural or +not, it is true? + +I do not think I have told you the immediate occasion of this particular +gathering. It was, in fact, a reception given to Mrs. Ried. It is not +likely that I need tell you at this late day that her name was _Gracie +Dennis_ Ried. I could have told you much about it, had I been writing a +story of that sort. + +In fact, there is a chance for considerable romancing. There are matters +of interest that I might tell you, about "Mr. Colson" himself, young as +he is; and about Mattie, who wears to-night a rose that she did not pick +from the conservatory; but I don't mean to tell it. + +I have just one other bit of history to give you. They stood together +for a moment--the young bridegroom and the lady with whom he had +faithfully worked ever since that rainy afternoon in which he had +confided his gloom to her. + +Both were looking at the two young men who stood near the piano, waiting +to join in the chorus. Both had known these young men as "Nimble Dick" +and "Black Dirk." + +Still another of the original seven stood in the immediate vicinity. The +glances of the two workers took them all in; then they looked at each +other, and smiled meaningly. + +"I have been thinking of that first Sunday afternoon," said Mrs. +Roberts. "I asked them to pick up my handkerchief, which had dropped, +and 'Nimble Dick' said, 'Pick it up yourself, mum! you're as able to as +we be!' I wonder if they would remember it? What if I should tell them!" + +As she spoke the bit of cambric in her hand designedly dropped almost at +the feet of Dirk Colson. He stooped for it instantly, but "Nimble Dick" +was too quick for him, and presented it to the owner with a graceful +bow, and a slightly triumphant smile. + +But the chorus was commencing, and the bass and tenor were at once +absorbed in their work; so Mr. Ried and Mrs. Roberts had the memorial +laugh all to themselves. None but they understood what the white +handkerchief said. + +Despite the laughter there was a suspicious mist in Mr. Ried's eyes. + +"How far is mirth removed from tears?" he asked his hostess. And then: +"Do you know, when I look at these young men, moving about your rooms at +their ease, really ornaments to society, and think of the places in the +world that they will be likely to fill, and think of what they were when +you first saw them, the overwhelming contrast brings the tears!" + +Said Mrs. Roberts:-- + +"I will tell you something that will do your heart good. + +"Did you know that our young lady helpers had reorganized in larger +force, and with certain fixed lines of work, which they feel certain +they can do? + +"The effort has passed out of the realm of mere experiment. + +"They have chosen a name. They are henceforth to be known as THE ESTER +RIED BAND. + +"They came to me for a motto to hang in their rooms, below the name; and +I gave them this:-- + +"'And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write. Blessed are the +dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that +they may rest from their labors: and their works do follow them.'" + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + +***** This file should be named 9091.txt or 9091.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/9/9091/ + +Produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + + +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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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: Ester Ried Yet Speaking + +Author: Isabella Alden + + +Release Date: October, 2005 [EBook #9091] +This file was first posted on September 4, 2003 +Last Updated: March 14, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + + + + +Text file produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. Trapaga and +Distributed Proofreaders + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + ESTER RIED + </h1> + <h3> + YET SPEAKING. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Pansy + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="middle"> + <p> + Author Of “Mrs. Solomon Smith Looking On,” “Hall In The Grove,” “A New + Gift On The Family Tree,” “Five Friends,” “Mary Burton,” “The Pocket + Measure,” “Ester Ried,” Etc., Etc. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — “IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING + STILL.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — “WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, + ANYHOW?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — “ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT + ME?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — “I DON'T BLAME THEM.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — “A CHRISTIAN HOME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE + WEEK.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — “WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT + IS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — “WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — “TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — “AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — “I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — “I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO + PARLORS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — “LET US BE FASHIONABLE.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — “SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — “WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — “HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — “I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL + AFTER!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — “YOURN'S THE WAY!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — “WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS.” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — “OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — “HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO + SEVERE?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — “SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO + WARN.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — “PART OF THE GREAT + WELL-TO-DO WORLD.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — “FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT + MAY COME.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — “WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO + ACCOMPLISH?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — “O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — “AN AWFUL PROBLEM” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — “MAY SHE GO WITH ME?” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — “WHAT IF I BELONGED?” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — “IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — “THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW + THEM” </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — “IT MAY BE THAT SHE IS WORKING STILL.” + </h2> + <p> + It was raining drearily, and but few people were abroad—that is, + few, comparatively speaking, though the streets seemed full of hurrying, + dripping mortals. In the large dry-goods store business was by no means so + brisk as on sunny days, and one of the younger clerks, whose station was + near a window looking out upon the thoroughfare, had time to stand gazing + at the passers-by. They did not seem to interest him particularly, or else + they puzzled him. His young, handsome face wore a thoughtful look, almost + a troubled expression about the eyes, which seemed to be gazing beyond the + passers-by. Just across the aisle from him, a lady, seated in one of the + easy chairs set for the accommodation of shoppers, waited and watched him,—a + young and pretty woman, tastefully, even elegantly dressed, yet her + costume was quite in keeping with the stormy day. The young man's face + seemed to have special interest for her, though he apparently was unaware + of her existence. A close observer would have discovered that she was + watching him with deeply interested eyes. Whatever served to hold the + thoughts of the young man apparently grew in perplexity, for the troubled + look continually deepened. At last, forgetting the possible listener, he + addressed the dripping clouds, perhaps,—at least, he was looking at + them:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how to do it; but something ought to be done. It is worse + than folly to expect good from the way that things are now managed. Ester + would have known just what, and how; and how interested she would have + been! I try to do her work, and to 'redeem the time;' but the simple truth + is, I don't know how, and nobody else seems to.” + </p> + <p> + These sentences were not given all at once, but murmured from time to time + at his unsympathetic audience outside. + </p> + <p> + Patter, patter, patter, drip, drip, drip! steady, uncompromising business. + It was all the answer the clouds vouchsafed him. + </p> + <p> + With the listener inside it was different. The interested look changed to + an eager one. She left her seat and moved toward the absorbed young man, + breaking in on his reverie with the clearest of voices:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,—but are you thinking of your sister? You are Mr. + Ried, I believe? I have heard of your sister's life, and of her beautiful + death, through a dear friend of my husband, who loved Ester. I have always + wanted to know more about her. I wanted to get acquainted with you, so I + might ask you things about her. I am waiting now for my husband to come + and introduce us. But perhaps it isn't necessary. Do you know who I am?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Mrs. Roberts, I believe?” the young man said, struggling with his + astonishment and embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and you are Mr. Alfred Ried. Well, now we know each other without + any further ceremony. Will you tell me a little about your sister, Mr. + Ried? You were thinking of her just now.” + </p> + <p> + “I was missing her just now,” said he, trying to smile, “as I very often + am. I was a little fellow when she died; but the older I grow the more + difficult I find it to see how the world can spare her. She was so full of + plans for work, and there are so few like her.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be that she is working still, in the person of her brother.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head energetically, though his face flushed. + </p> + <p> + “No, I can only blunder vaguely over work that I know she, with her + energetic ways and quick wits, could have done, and done well. It happens + that she was especially interested in a class of people of whom I know + something. They need help, and I don't know how to help them. It seems to + me that she could have done it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me who the people are?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a set of boys for whom nobody cares,” he said, speaking sadly; “it + hardly seems possible that there could ever have been a time when anybody + cared for them, though I suppose their mothers did when they were little + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the ignorant young man,—ignorant of the depths to which + sin will sink human nature, but rich in the memory of mother-love. + </p> + <p> + “I think of my sister Ester in connection with them,” he said, speaking + apologetically, “because she was peculiarly interested in wild young + fellows like them; she thought they might be reached,—that there + might be ways invented for reaching them, such as had not been yet. She + had plans, and they were good ones. I thought so then, little fellow that + I was, and I think so now, only nobody is at work carrying them out; and I + wonder sometimes if Ester could have been needed in heaven half as much as + she is needed on earth. She used to talk to me a great deal about what + might be done. I think now that she wanted to put me in the way of taking + up some of the work that she would have done; but she mistook her + material. I can't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure? You are young yet, and besides, you may be doing more than + you think. Couldn't I help? What is there that needs doing for these + particular young men?” + </p> + <p> + “Everything!” he said, excitedly. “If you should see them you would get a + faint idea of it. They come occasionally down to the Sabbath-school at the + South End; in fact, they come quite frequently, though I'm sure I can't + see why. It certainly isn't for any good that they get. Their actions, + Mrs. Roberts, surpass anything that I ever imagined.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is their teacher?” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a difficult question to answer. They have a different + teacher every Sabbath. No one is willing to undertake the class twice. + They have tried all the teachers who attend regularly, and several who + have volunteered for once, and never would attempt it a second time. Just + now, there is no one who will make a venture.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you tried?” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “I know at least so much. Why, Mrs. Roberts, some of them are as old as I, + and, indeed, I think one or two are older. No; we have secured the best + teachers that we could for them, but each one has been a failure. I + suppose they must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go where?” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “What an awful question! Where <i>will</i> they go, Mrs. Roberts, if we + let them slip now?” + </p> + <p> + He was tremendously in earnest. One could not help feeling that he had + studied the possibilities, and felt the danger. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I try to help! Shall I come and take that class next Sabbath?” + </p> + <p> + This simple, directly-put question brought the young man suddenly from the + heights of his excitement into visible embarrassment. He looked down on + the small, fair lady, reaching hardly to his shoulder, attired in that + unmistakable way which bespeaks the lady of wealth and culture, and could + imagine nothing more incongruous than to have her seated before that class + of swearing, spitting, fighting boys. Not that her wealth or her culture + was an objection, but she looked so utterly unlike what he had imagined + their teacher must be,—she was so small, so frail, so fair and + sweet, and ignorant of the ways of the great wicked world, and especially + of those great wicked boys! What could he say to her? + </p> + <p> + He was so manifestly embarrassed that the small lady laughed. + </p> + <p> + “You think I cannot do it,” she said, almost gayly. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to answer her. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you have no idea of the sort of class it is. I have given you no + conception of it; I cannot. You would think yourself before a set of + uncaged animals.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and in case of failure I should only be where the others are, who + have tried and failed. If you will introduce me, and your superintendent + will let me, I mean to try; and that will relieve you of the dilemma of + being entirely without a teacher for them.” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried had nothing to say. He thought the attempt a piece of folly,—a + worse than useless experiment; but how was he to say so to the wife of his + employer? + </p> + <p> + That gentleman appeared just then, making haste. + </p> + <p> + “I was unavoidably detained,” he explained; “I feared you would grow weary + of waiting. Ah, Ried, my wife has introduced herself, I see. Is he the + young man you were speaking of, Mrs. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “The very young man,—Ester Ried's brother. He doesn't know how glad + I am to have met him. Some day when we are better acquainted, and you + trust me more fully, I am going to tell you how I became so deeply + interested in your dear sister. Meantime this little matter should be + definitely settled. Mr. Roberts, I have invited myself to take a class + to-morrow down at the South End Mission.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, indeed?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts spoke heartily, and seemed by no means dismayed,—only a + trifle perplexed as to details. + </p> + <p> + “How can we manage it, Flossy? My prison class takes me in an opposite + direction at the same hour, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I thought of that; I propose to ask Mr. Ried to call for me, and + show me the way, and vouch for my good intentions after I reach there. Do + you suppose he will do it?” She looked smilingly from her husband to young + Ried, and both waited for his answer. + </p> + <p> + “I obey directions,” he said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Roberts. “Am I to + have the honor of being detailed for that service to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “So Mrs. Roberts says,” was the good-humored reply, and then the merchant + took his wife away to their waiting carriage that had drawn up before the + door, leaving Alfred Ried, if the truth must be told, in a fume. + </p> + <p> + “Much she knows what she is talking about!” he said, jerking certain boxes + out of their places on the shelves, and then banging them back again, + seeming to suppose that he was by this process putting his department in + order for closing. “Little bit of a dressed-up doll! They will tear her + into ribbons, metaphorically, if not literally, before this time + to-morrow! She thinks, because she is the wife of Evan Roberts, the great + merchant, she can go anywhere and do anything, and that people will + respect her. She has never had anything to do with a set of fellows who + care less than nothing about money and position, except to be ten times + more insolent and outrageous in their conduct than they would if she had + less of it! I shall feel like a born idiot in presenting this pretty + little doll to teach that class! Mr. Durant will think I have lost what + few wits I had! What can possess the woman to want to try? It is just + because she has no conception of what she is about! But Mr. Roberts must + know—I wonder what he means by permitting it?” + </p> + <p> + In very much the same state of mind did our young man pilot his new and + unsought-for recruit into the crowded mission rooms of the South End on + the following Sabbath afternoon. She looked not one whit less able to + compete with the terrors which awaited the teacher of the formidable + class. + </p> + <p> + Her dress was simplicity itself, according to Mrs. Roberts' ideas of + simplicity; yet, from the row of ostrich tips that bobbed and nodded at + each other, all around the front of her velvet hat, to the buttons of her + neat-fitting boots, she seemed to bring a new atmosphere into the room. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday's rain was over, and the pleasant south windows were aglow with + sunshine. As Mrs. Roberts sat down the sunbeams came and played about her + face, and she seemed in keeping with them, and with nothing else around + her. + </p> + <p> + The superintendent bestowed curious glances on her during the opening + exercises. He had seen the shadow on young Ried's face when he seated her, + and had found time to question. + </p> + <p> + “Whom have we here?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Evan Roberts. She wants to try the vacant class! <i>I</i> did not + ask her, Mr. Durant; she invited herself.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant looked over at her, and tried to keep his eyes from smiling. + </p> + <p> + “She looks very diminutive in every way for such an undertaking. They will + frighten her out before she commences, will they not?” + </p> + <p> + “I presume so; but I didn't know what to do. She wanted to come, and I + could not tell her she must not.” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course,—the occasion is too rare to lose. Very few people + ask the privilege of trying that class. There is no teacher for them + to-day; and your Mrs. Roberts must learn by experience that some things + are more difficult than others. I will let her try it.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, “the boys” of the dreaded class were studying the new face. She + was the only person not already seated before a class, and they naturally + judged that she was to be their next victim. They looked at her and then + at one another, and winked and coughed and sneezed and nudged elbows and + giggled outright, every one of them,—meantime chewing tobacco with + all their might, and expectorating freely wherever he judged it would be + most offensive. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Ried watched them, inwardly groaning. Being used to their faces, he + could plainly read that they anticipated a richer time than usual, and + rejoiced greatly over the youth and beauty of their victim. + </p> + <p> + But young Ried was not the only one who watched. Mrs. Roberts, without + seeming to be aware of their presence, lost not a wriggle or a nudge. She + was studying her material; and it must be confessed that they startled her + not a little. They represented a different type of humanity from her + Chautauqua boys, or her boys in the old church at home,—rather, an + advanced stage of both those types. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Durant came toward her, the look on his face was not reassuring, + it so plainly said that he expected failure, and was sorry for her as well + as for himself. However, with as good grace as he could assume, he led her + to the seat prepared for the teacher, and gave her a formal introduction. + </p> + <p> + “Boys, this is Mrs. Roberts, who is willing to try to teach you to-day. I + <i>wish</i> you would show her that you know how to behave yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts wished that he had left her to introduce herself, or that he + had said almost anything rather than what he did; the mischievous gleam in + several pairs of eyes said that they meant to show her something that they + considered far more interesting than that. + </p> + <p> + Many were the sympathetic glances that were bestowed on the young and + pretty lady as she went to her task. As for Alfred Ried, there was more + than sympathy in his face. He was vexed with the young volunteer and vexed + with himself. + </p> + <p> + He told himself savagely that this was what came of his silly habit of + thinking aloud. If only he had kept his anxieties about that class to + himself, Mrs. Roberts would never have heard of it, and been tempted to + put herself in such a ridiculous position; and if this episode did not + break him of the habit, he did not know what would. + </p> + <p> + He was presently, however, given a class of small boys, with enough of + original and acquired depravity about them to keep him intensely employed, + and the entire school settled to work. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — “WHAT DID IT ALL AMOUNT TO, ANYHOW?” + </h2> + <p> + Settled, that is, so far as the class of boys in the corner would permit + the use of that term. <i>They</i> had not settled in the least. Two of + them indulged in a louder burst of laughter than before, just as Mrs. + Roberts took her seat. Yet her face was in no wise ruffled. + </p> + <p> + “Good afternoon,” she said, with as much courtesy as she would have used + in addressing gentlemen. “I wonder if you know that I am a stranger in + this great city? You are almost the first acquaintances that I am making + among the young people, and I have a fancy that I would like to have you + all for my friends. Suppose we enter into a compact to be excellent and + faithful friends to one another? What do you say?” + </p> + <p> + What were they to say? They were slightly taken back, surprised into + listening quietly to the close of the strange sentence, and then giving no + answer beyond violent nudges and aside-looks. What did she mean? Was she + “chaffing” them? This was unlike the opening of any lesson! It certainly + could not be the first question on the lesson-paper; nor did it sound like + certain well-meant admonitions to “try to improve the opportunity” and + “learn all that they could.” With each of these commencements they were + entirely familiar; but this was something new. + </p> + <p> + “Do you agree to the compact?” she asked, while they waited, her face + bright with smiles. + </p> + <p> + “Dunno about that,” said one whom she very soon discovered occupied the + position of a ringleader; “as a general thing, we like to be kind of + careful about our friendships; we might strike something that wasn't quite + the thing with people in our position. You can't be too careful in a big + city, you know.” + </p> + <p> + It is impossible to give you an idea of the impishness with which this + impudent answer was jerked out, to the great amusement of the others, who + laughed immoderately. + </p> + <p> + It suited Mrs. Roberts to treat the reply with perfect seriousness and + composure. + </p> + <p> + “That is very true,” she said, courteously; “but at the same time I + venture to hope that since you know nothing ill of me as yet, you will + receive me into a sort of conditional friendship, with the understanding + that I remain your friend until I am guilty of some conduct that ought to + justify you in deserting me. I am sure you cannot object to that; and now, + if we are to be friends, we should know each other's names. I am Mrs. Evan + Roberts, and I live at No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street. I shall be glad to + see you at my house whenever you would like to call on me. Now, will one + of you be kind enough to introduce himself and the class? Perhaps you will + introduce me to your friends?” + </p> + <p> + She looked directly at the ringleader. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! certainly, mum!” he replied, briskly. “This is Mr. Carrot + Pumpkins, at your service, mum—this fellow on my left, I mean; + rather a queer name, I dare say you think. It all came of his being fond + of sitting astride of a pumpkin when he was a little shaver, and of his + hair being exactly the color of carrots as you can see for yourself. And + this fellow on my right is Mr. Champion Chawer, so called because he can + make the biggest run on tobacco of any of the set, taking him day in and + day out. That fellow at your elbow is 'Slippery Jim.' We don't call him + 'Mister,' because he doesn't stay long enough in one place to have it + tacked on to him. He is such a slippery scamp that an eel is nowhere, + compared to him.” + </p> + <p> + During this rapid flow of words the listeners, who evidently admired their + leader, became so convulsed with laughter as to lose all vestige of + respectability, and Mr. Durant's disturbed face appeared in view. + </p> + <p> + “Boys, this is perfectly disgraceful!” he said, speaking in sharp and + highly-excited tones,—“perfectly disgraceful! I don't know why you + wish to come here to disturb us in this way Sabbath after Sabbath! But we + have really endured enough. There is a policeman at the foot of the + stairs, and he can easily call others to his help; so now if you wish to + remain here you must behave yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + During the deliverance of this sentence some of the boys gave mimic + groans, one of them whistled, and others kept up a running comment:— + </p> + <p> + “A policeman! oh good! that's little Duffer, I know! We've seen him + before! Wouldn't mind giving him a chase to-day, just for exercise, you + know, mum.” + </p> + <p> + “I say, boys, let's cut and run, the whole caboodle of us. We can jump + these seats at one bound, and take the little woman along on our shoulders + for a ride! Shall we do it?” This from the leader, who in time came to be + known as “Nimble Dick.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! no!” replied a third; “let's stick it out and see what she's got to + say; she's a new party. Besides, we can't give her the slip in that way; + we're friends of hers, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts,” said the distressed Mr. Durant, in a not very good + undertone, “I think you will have to give it up. They are worse than usual + this morning. We have endured much from them, and I must say that my + patience is exhausted. Will you not take the seat at the other end of the + room?” + </p> + <p> + “Not unless they wish me to.” + </p> + <p> + The people who had known Flossy Shipley well would have detected a curious + little quiver in her voice, which meant that she was making a strong + effort at self-control; but a stranger would hardly have observed it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish me to go away, young gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + The scamps thus appealed to, looked at one another again, as if in doubt + what to say. This again was new ground to them. Policemen they were + accustomed to. At last Nimble Dick made answer:— + </p> + <p> + “No, I'm bound if we do; it comes the nearest to looking like a lark of + anything that we have had in a long time. I say, Parson, go off about your + business and let us alone. We was having a good time getting acquainted + till you come and spoiled it. We'll be as sober as nine deacons at a + prayer-meetin'. And look out how you insult this young woman; she's a + friend of ours, and we're bound to protect her. No asking of her to change + her seat; she's going to sit right here to the end of the chapter.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant looked his willingness to summon the police at once, but Mrs. + Roberts' voice, evenly poised now, took up the story:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; then I will stay. And since it is getting late, suppose we + lose no more time. There was something about which I wanted to tell you. + But a few evenings ago I attended a gathering where I saw some very + singular things. A gentleman in the party was tied with a strong rope, + hands and feet, as firmly as two men could tie him,—people who knew + how to tie knots, and they did their best; yet while we stood looking at + him he shook his hand free and held it out to them. How do you think it + was done?” + </p> + <p> + “Sham knots!” said one. + </p> + <p> + “No, for my husband was one of the gentlemen who tied him, and he assured + me that he tied the rope as firmly as he could. Besides, more wonderful + things than that were done. I tied my own handkerchief into at least a + dozen very hard knots, and gave it to him, and I saw him put it in a glass + of water, then seize it and shake it out, and the knots were gone. I saw + him take two clean glasses, and pour water from a pitcher into one, and it + seemed to turn instantly to wine; then he poured that glass of wine into + the other empty glass, and immediately it turned back to water, or seemed + to. Dozens of other strange things he did. I should really like to tell + you about them all. I will, at some other time; but just now I think you + would like to know <i>how</i> he did them.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>How</i> he did them!” “As if you could tell!” “<i>Can</i> you tell?” + “Pitch in, mum; I'd like to hear that part myself!” These were some of the + eager answers. + </p> + <p> + Had the little teacher, under the embarrassments of the occasion, taken + leave of her senses? Actually she was bending forward, opened Bible turned + face downward on her knee, engaged in describing in somewhat minute detail + the explanations of certain slight-of-hand performances which she had + recently seen! What idea of the sacredness of the office of teacher, and + the solemnity of the truths to be taught, had she? + </p> + <p> + The boys were listening, their heads bent forward all around her. What of + that? They would have listened equally well to a graphically-told story of + a Fourth Avenue riot, and been equally benefited, you think? They did not + know just when the speaker slipped from the events of last week to the + events of more than three thousand years ago. Indeed, so ignorant were + they of all past history, that they were not even aware that she went back + into the past; for aught they knew, she might have gone, on Wednesday of + last week to see the man who could untie knots by magic, and on Thursday + to see the men who could drop canes on the ground that would appear to + turn into wriggling serpents. But there was one statement that proved too + much for their credulity. + </p> + <p> + “You could not imagine what occurred next,” said the bright-faced teacher. + “The cane or rod that the first man had dropped, actually opened its mouth + and swallowed the other rods that seemed to be serpents, and was left + there alone in its triumph!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bosh!” said Nimble Dick, contempt expressed in the very curve of his + nose, “that's too steep; I don't believe a word of it! These fellows can + do lots of queer things; I've seen 'em perform, myself; but they never + made a live thing yet; I've heard folks that know, say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely what I wanted to reach,” said Mrs. Roberts, with animation. + “You are right, they never did; and you have discovered just the + difference between them and the one man of whom I have been telling you. + <i>He</i> worked by the power of God; he distinctly stated that he did; + and that God really turned his rod into a serpent, and allowed it to + swallow the imitations of life, and then turned it back again into a rod, + to show that nothing was beyond his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see the thing done?” questioned a young skeptic, running his + tongue into his cheek in a skillful way, and distorting his whole face + with a disagreeable leer. He began to suspect that he was being cheated + into listening to a Bible story. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was prompt with her answer:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, I did not, neither did I see the great fire that you had in this + city about a year ago. At that time I was a thousand miles away; and it so + happens that I have never talked with any person who did see it, yet I + know there was a great fire, and many buildings were burned, and lives + lost. It has been proved to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” said skeptic number two, while number one retired into silence + to speculate over this answer, “fires are common enough things; anybody + can know that they happen; but it ain't such a common affair to see a + stick turn into a serpent and swallow up other serpents. I've seen them + fellows make things that looked like snakes, myself; I could most swear to + it that I'd seen them wriggle; but they never did no <i>swallowing</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, they did not give unmistakable signs that they were alive. But + do you think it too strange a thing for God to do? Surely he can make + life! How is it that you are here, breathing, talking, thinking, if there + is no power anywhere to make life?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I came from a tadpole,” said the boastful young scientist, putting + his thumbs under his arms, and affecting an air of great wisdom. “I know + all about that; I was there, and see the things wriggle.” + </p> + <p> + Evolution staring her in the face in a corner class in a mission school;—a + class that had been gathered from the slums! Mrs. Roberts did not know + that these are the very places in which to find it in all its coarseness. + Yet she made haste to meet the boy on his own ground. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, if you choose to take that view of it. Was not the tadpole + alive? Where did the <i>life</i> come from? You insist that the story I + have been telling you is untrue because you know that none of these + sleight-of-hand performers have ever, or <i>can</i> ever make actual life! + That it is an impossible thing for human beings to do. Yet when I tell you + that <i>God</i> did it you refuse the statement. How are you going to + account for life? If, in its very lowest forms, it cannot be made by men + who have given all their time to the study of the marvellous, how is it + that it is everywhere about us, unless I am correct, and there is a Power + that can produce life?” + </p> + <p> + Not a boy among them had heard the term “evolution;” knew anything about + “the survival of the fittest.” They were entirely ignorant of “protoplasm” + or “bioplasm;” yet not one of them but had caught the meaning of some of + these terms as they had been translated for them into the vernacular of + the city slums; not one in the class but perceived that their champion + arguer had been met on his own ground and vanquished. Not with an outburst + of horror; he had not even been informed that he was irreverent. Nimble + Dick delighted in making each teacher tell him this; he had merely been + replied to in the calmest of argumentative tones, and called upon to + account for the facts in his own statements, and had been unable to do so. + The crowd broke into a derisive laugh, and were noisy, it is true, and + brought troubled frowns to the face of their superintendent, and made the + flush on Alfred Ried's face deepen; yet if both these anxious watchers had + known it, it was worthy of note that the laugh had been at the expense of + one of their number, and not at their teacher. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on,” interposed the youngest and quietest of the group. “Tell us + some more about your old fellow with his serpents. Did they stay + swallowed, and what did it all amount to, anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + Thus challenged, Mrs. Roberts gave her whole heart to the business of + giving, in as dramatic a manner as she could, the closing scenes in the + act performed in Egypt so long ago, carefully avoiding any reference to + time, and mentioning no names, using only modern terms, and an exceedingly + simple conversational form of language. She was, however, presently + interrupted with a question:— + </p> + <p> + “When did all this happen? And why don't somebody do something like it + nowadays?” + </p> + <p> + Ignoring the first question, Mrs. Roberts adroitly gave herself to the + second. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you find your pleasure in tumbling around on the floor, playing + with a bright-colored marble or two as you did when a child? The world was + in its childhood when God taught the people in this way. He has given them + just as wonderful lessons since, but lessons more suited to men and women + who have learned to think and reason. We don't like to be always treated + as children.” + </p> + <p> + Whether they really dimly understood the meaning or not is possibly + doubtful, yet it appealed to their sense of dignity in so indirect a way, + that they did not themselves realize what inclined them to quiet for a + moment, while she finished her sentence earnestly. In the midst of the + quiet the closing-bell rang, and the seven young scamps seemed at once to + take into their hearts seven other spirits worse than themselves, and + behaved abominably during the closing exercises, and tumbled out of the + door over each other, in the wildest fashion, the moment the signal was + given, halting only to say, in the person of their leader:— + </p> + <p> + “You be on hand next Sunday; we like your yarns first rate.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, with glowing cheeks, and eyes behind which there were unshed + tears, made her way to the desk where Mr. Durant was standing, and spoke + quickly: + </p> + <p> + “There is a difference between others who have tried it and myself, Mr. + Durant. The sentence in Mr. Ried's account that gave me courage was, + 'Every one has failed, so far; people are unwilling to take the class a + second time.' I have failed, but I want to try again.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — “ANYTHING UNCOMMON ABOUT ME?” + </h2> + <p> + Though they rushed out with even more noise than usual, every boy of them + knew that the noise was to cover a certain sense of shame-facedness, + because they had actually been beguiled into listening quietly for a few + minutes to earnest words. + </p> + <p> + Directly they had reached the privacy of the street they became quieter. + </p> + <p> + “I say, boys,” said Nimble Dick, “is that an awful green one, or a new + kind?” + </p> + <p> + “New, I should say,” replied one of the younger boys; “she ain't like + anything that's been in that room since we got acquainted with it. I don't + know her style, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you take it she meant by that stuff about being friends, and + telling us where she lived, and all that?” + </p> + <p> + “Dunno what she meant; but she ain't <i>green</i>, you may bet your head + on that. I'll tell you what I think, boys: I b'lieve she knows what she is + about, every time.” + </p> + <p> + What this sage conclusion amounted to, one not acquainted with the dialect + of the street might have been at a loss to understand, but the rest of the + party received it in grave silence and nods of the head, as though it were + a thought that needed careful investigation. In common parlance, Jerry + Tompkins had expressed the opinion that Mrs. Roberts had some point to + gain in being so uncommonly polite and attentive to them, and they were + curious to know what the motive could possibly be. + </p> + <p> + They considered the important question in silence until they reached the + next corner; then Nimble Dick, tossing back his head as one who had thrown + off an abstruse problem, and would have none of it, said:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what next? We've got through with that fun for to-day. What are you + going to do, boys? Say we go around to Poke's, and see what is going on + there?” + </p> + <p> + To this proposition there was eager agreement from all the party save one; + he maintained a somewhat moody silence. + </p> + <p> + “What say, Dirk?” the leader asked, addressing him; “are you ready for + Poke's?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I don't think I'll go around, just now.” + </p> + <p> + “What, then? If you've got something better on hand, why don't you let a + fellow know? We're not dying for Poke's place.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got a thing on hand; only I don't care about going there.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere! Mean place. Too cold weather to stop in the streets. There'll be + a good fire at Poke's. You come along; don't go to getting the sulks; it + ain't becoming, just after you've been to Sunday-school.” + </p> + <p> + But the young fellow persisted in gloomily refusing to join them, and + presently they began to tease, in what they meant to be a good-natured + way. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk's struck,” said one. “That yellow-haired party has got him by the + throat; I saw her looking at him most uncommon sharp, when she was telling + that biggest story of hers, about the serpent that swallowed. Dirk he + thinks he's been swallowed by one of 'em; he feels it choking in his + throat.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said another, “that ain't it; Dirk's a-going to get pious. That's + his last dodge; I've seen the spell coming on, for some time. Didn't you + see him pick up that there Bible and lay it on the seat the other Sunday, + after Jerry's elbow knocked it off by mistake? I've been scared about Dirk + ever since; and now he won't go to Poke's! It's a bad sign. I say, Dirk, + maybe there's going to be a prayer-meeting down your way, and you wouldn't + mind letting us come?” + </p> + <p> + They expected him to laugh, but his face grew blacker than before, and at + last he said, in very significant tones:— + </p> + <p> + “You better hold up there, Scrawly, if you don't want to try the depth of + that gutter.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave him be,” said Nimble Dick, quickly; “he's going into one of his + tantrums. When he begins like that, there's no end to the fighting that's + in him; and I don't want a row now,—it's too early in the day; + besides, I know something that's better fun. You fellows come along with + me, and let him go.” + </p> + <p> + As this was said in a sort of undertone as Dirk strode on ahead; and when, + at another corner, he dashed down it, leaving them all, there was no call + after him. He was free to go where he would, and for reasons that he + himself could not have explained he chose that it should be home,—that + is, the place which he called home. It might not meet your ideas of what a + spot so named should be. The road to it led through one of the meanest + portions of the city. Each foot of the way the houses seemed to grow more + squalid looking, and the streets filthier. The particular alley down which + he dived at last was narrower and blacker than any yet passed, and the + cellar door which he pushed open let him into the meanest-looking house in + the row,—a long, low, dark room. In one corner there was the remnant + of a stove, braced up by bricks and stones, but no fire was burning + therein, though the day was cold. Furniture there was none, unless the + usual rickety table and two broken chairs could be called by that name. A + door was ajar that led into an inner cellar, and a glimpse of piles of + offensive looking rags, that were called “bed-clothes” by the family, + might have given you an idea of what their home life was, as hardly any + other phase of it can. The rags were not all in the further cellar, + however; a gay patch-work quilt, or at least one that had once been gay, + but from which bits of black cotton now oozed in every direction, seemed + to have curled itself in a heap against the one window. However, it moved + soon after Dirk opened the door, and showed itself to be more than a + quilt. Inside was a young girl, the quilt wrapped around her closely, + drawn up about her face and head, as if she would hide all but her eyes + within, and try to get rid of shivering. + </p> + <p> + “You home?” she said, her tones expressing surprise, but at the same time + indifference. “What is it for?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I wanted to come. Hasn't a fellow a right to come home if he + wants to?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; and it's such a lovely home, and you are so fond of it, no one + need wonder at your coming in the middle of the day.” + </p> + <p> + The sentence was sarcastic enough, but the tones were hardly so; they + expressed too much indifference even for sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + Dirk surveyed her thoughtfully; he seemed to have no answer ready. In + fact, his face wore almost a startled air, and really the thought which + presented itself for consideration was startling. Something about the face + of the girl, done up so grotesquely in her ragged quilt, suggested the + lady who had been his teacher at the Mission! Could one find a sharper + contrast than existed between these two? Yet Dirk, as he looked, could not + get away from it. + </p> + <p> + “What are you staring at?” the girl asked, presently, growing uneasy over + the fixedness of his gaze. “Do you see anything uncommon about me?” + </p> + <p> + “Where's mother?” he asked, dropping his eyes, and turning from her. + </p> + <p> + “In there, asleep. You needn't talk quite so loud; it won't hurt her to + get a bit of rest. She sat up till morning, poking at your old coat.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk looked down at it thoughtfully. There had been an attempt to make it + decent, although the setting of the patches showed an unpractised hand, + and they were of a strikingly different color from the coat itself. + </p> + <p> + “You might have done it for her, then, in the daytime,” he said, briefly, + and added, “Where's father?” + </p> + <p> + The girl shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “How should I know? Where he is most of the time; you know more about it + than I do, or ought to; you live on the street.” + </p> + <p> + He gave her an answer which seemed to surprise her:— + </p> + <p> + “I say, Mart, what is the use in being so horrid cross all the time?” + </p> + <p> + “You are so good-natured,” she said, “and everything is so nice and + pleasant around me, it is a wonder that I should ever be cross!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all lost, Mart, for I never said I was good-natured, nor thought I + was; and if I don't know just how hateful things are, I should like to + know who does! But, after all, what good does it do to snarl? Why couldn't + you and me say a good-natured word once in a while, just for a change?” + </p> + <p> + “Try it,” she said; “I wish you would! I'm so tired of things as they now + are, that most any change would be fine. But I'll risk your doing much in + that line; it isn't in you.” + </p> + <p> + What was there in this cross girl to remind any one in his senses of Mrs. + Evan Roberts? Yet even as she spoke that last ungracious sentence, she + turned a little, so that a slant beam of sunshine—one of the few + that ever found its way into this dreary room—laid a streak of light + just across her hair, yellowing it until it was almost the shade that he + had noted in the lady at the Mission; and he thought of her again, and + wondered curiously whether, if Mart were dressed in the shining black + dress, and fur wraps and feather-decked bonnet that the lady had worn, she + would really resemble her. How would Mart look dressed up, he wondered; + even decently dressed, as the girls were whom he met on the streets. He + had never seen her in anything much more becoming than the ragged quilt. + He was studying her in a way that Mart did not in the least understand. + She broke the spell suddenly again:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you had any dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Dinner? Why, no! of course not! Where would I find that sort of thing? I + looked all up and down the streets, and smelled plenty of it, but not a + bite did I get.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, around in several places; not much of anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “I know where you've been,”—a severe light coming into her eyes; + “you've been down to the South End, and if I was you I'd be ashamed of + myself! I know how you fellows go on down there. Sallie Calkins goes, and + she told me all about it. She said that she was ashamed to live on the + same street with any of you, and that none of the folks in the Mission + knew what to do with you, and the next thing you knew you would all be + marched off to the lockup.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them try it,” muttered Dirk, his face growing darker; “we'd make that + street too hot to hold them in short order if they played at any such game + as that, and I guess they know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, I wouldn't be meaner and lower down than I had to be, Dirk + Colson! It is bad enough as it is,—a drunkard for a father, and we + nothing more than beggars! But I'd behave myself half-way decent when I + went among folks that wanted to be good to me, or else I'd stay away.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, you keep your preaching for them that wants to hear it; I + don't. A fellow can't come home without having a row; if it isn't of one + kind, it's another. I wonder I ever come home at all.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk was angry now, and his dark, thin face looked fierce with passion. + His sister kept the curiously composed tone and manner with which she had + said all her exasperating things. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you do,” she said. “I suppose you get starved, and can't help + it, now and then. There's some dinner I saved for you. If you want it, eat + it, and then take yourself to some place that suits you better.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she jerked open the door of a little cupboard near which she + stood, and brought therefrom a much-cracked plate, on which lay a baked + potato, with one end broken or bitten off, then carefully replaced, as if + the owner might have had a second thought as to its disposal; there was + also a bit of corn-bread, somewhat burned, and half of a roasted apple. + </p> + <p> + Meagre as the fare was for a hungry boy, there was more variety than he + had expected, and something in the simple preparation touched him, and + quieted his anger. + </p> + <p> + “Where did this come from?” he asked, taking in the unaccustomed morsel of + apple with two eager bites. “I tell you, that is good!” + </p> + <p> + “Sally Calkins gave it to me last night. She got one give to her + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + Just as the last bite was gone, it occurred to Dirk, first to wonder, and + then to be almost certain, that his sister, having shared the apple, had + saved her entire share for him. It was not the first time he had known of + such an effort on her part to supply him with food. Had he thought of it + sooner he would certainly have left a bit of the dainty for her; but no + thought of telling her so, for an instant crossed his mind. Neither had + she, on her part, the slightest idea of describing to him with what care + and patience she and Sallie had roasted the choice morsel before Sallie's + fire, only last night,—Sallie's father being fortunately late in + coming, and so giving them a chance; then she had borne hers home in a bit + of paper, and carefully guarded it all day, just for this hour. Also, she + might have told him that she bit the end from the potato before she + remembered that there would be none left for him, and then fitted it on + again as best she could, and went without. She would not have told him for + worlds. Why? She could not have explained why. Something within her shrank + from letting him know, not that she sacrificed for him, but that she <i>cared</i> + enough for him to want to do it! + </p> + <p> + Potato and corn-bread were gone, to the last crumb; it seemed to Dirk that + there had been only enough of them to show him how hungry he was. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there isn't anything more?” he said, wistfully, with the rising + inflection, indeed, but not as one who had any idea of receiving an + affirmative answer. + </p> + <p> + “I should think there wasn't!”—defiance in the tone—“there's a + piece of bread that I kept for mother's supper, and I mean she shall have + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't bite me! I'm perfectly willing that she shall. Isn't there + anything for a fire?” + </p> + <p> + “Only some chips that I'm saving till mother has her nap out.” + </p> + <p> + “You better go to bed yourself, then; it's awful cold here.” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't going to stir from this corner so long as this streak of light + lasts. It isn't so very often I see it that I can afford to lose it.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother turned and looked at her. She had gathered the folds of the + ragged quilt about her again, and was crouching at the low window, and the + very last gleam that the sunshine would vouchsafe them came and glimmered + in her hair. + </p> + <p> + There it was again,—that mysterious, haunting resemblance! What + would Mart think if he told her of it? Probably that he was trying to poke + fun at her. At least, he should not experiment. Yet he could not help + wondering again, how Mart would look if she were dressed like other + people. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Mart,” he began, suddenly, breaking the stillness, “let's you and + I get out of this, where it is warmer. Come and take a walk down on the + avenue; the sun will shine yet for half an hour, and it is real warm and + bright.” + </p> + <p> + “In this quilt?” she asked, significantly, looking down at it. + </p> + <p> + The boy's face darkened. + </p> + <p> + “Hasn't your shawl got out of pawn yet?” + </p> + <p> + “How should it?” + </p> + <p> + He flung himself angrily out of the broken chair, picked up his ragged + cap, and strode angrily and noisily across the room, out at the door, + stumbling up the steps, like one half-blind with disgust or rage, and went + on swift feet down the street out of sight. And Mart, poor Mart, left thus + to solitude, let the last beam of the sun go without watching, and buried + her face in the ragged quilt and cried. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — “I DON'T BLAME THEM.” + </h2> + <p> + It was not a “pet” name. Poor Mart Colson would not have known what to do + with a pet name. Her life had not taught her how to use such phrases; how + she came to be named Martha, she did not know; but a hollow-eyed, + sad-voiced woman could have told her of a country home, long ago, where + there were daffodils blowing in the early spring, almost under the snow; + where, later, the earth was turned into sky, or the stars came down and + gleamed all over her father's fields, so plentiful were the dandelions; + and the breath of the clover came in at all the open windows, and the cows—her + father's cows—coming home from pasture, and the tinkle of their + bells were sights and sounds familiar to her ear. She sat there one summer + evening, in the back-door, watching the glory and the peace, and studying, + between times, her Sabbath lesson. Often and often the words came back to + her in future years. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” + That was one of the verses. Was it a dim memory of the words, and a sort + of blind reaching out after their fulfilment, that led her to name her + poor little two-days-old baby, Martha? The old home had vanished, the + sweet-scented meadows, the tinkling bells, the peace and the plenty, were + as utterly things of the past as though they had not been. Mother, and + father, and one brother, were gone, lying in grass-grown, neglected + graves; and she—why the two-days-old baby's father was <i>drunk</i>; + and had been for three weeks! A hard, hateful-sounding word,—coarse, + almost. Why don't I say intoxicated? Oh, because I can't! I've no desire + to find smooth-sounding words with which to cover the sin of that baby's + father. But the mother named her Martha. She never told her why, if, + indeed, she herself fully knew; it was not a family name. Gradually, after + the fashion of the times, she sought to shorten the name; and because they + had not sweet, short words, as “Pet,” and “Dear” and “Sweet,”—all + such belong to happy homes,—they grew to calling her Mart. And now + even she herself hardly realized that she had ever owned to any other + call. Poor Mart! I find myself wanting to use the adjective over and over + again when I speak of her. Such a desolate, loveless life! Always a + drunken father,—she had never known any other; always a sharp-toned, + weary-eyed, disheartened mother, who shut her tenderness for the child + within herself, as one who could not afford to show it. Then Dirk, the one + brother, going astray almost as soon as he was born. What wonder, from + such a home? Yet Mart wondered and felt bitter over it. Why could not Dirk + be like some others of whom she knew? Like Sallie Calkin's brother, for + instance, who worked day and night, and brought home, often and often, an + apple, or a herring, or sometimes even a picture paper for Sallie! Mart + was sharp-tongued; all her life had taught her to be so. She spoke sharp + words out of the bitterness of her heart at Dirk, and of late rarely + anything but sharp words, yet—and this was Mart's secret, hidden + away as if it were something of which to be ashamed—she <i>loved</i> + Dirk, loved him fiercely, with all the pent-up wealth of her young heart; + and often, <i>because</i> she loved him, she was harsh and bitter towards + him, though she did not herself understand why this should be. + </p> + <p> + As for Dirk, he walked rapidly but for a few blocks; his dinner had been + too insufficient to give him strength, after the first aimless anger had + subsided. Then came the question what to do with himself. Why hadn't he + gone with the fellows? More than likely some of them had contrived a way + to get a dinner. Why had he persisted in sullenly leaving them all and + going home? + </p> + <p> + He had not the least idea why he had been impelled to go home. Now that he + was fairly away from home again, he had no idea what to do with himself. A + place where he could warm his feet and his hands, where he could get a + bite to eat, possibly,—this last would be an immense attraction, but + was not a necessity, and he did not expect it,—but warmth, at least, + he felt that he must have. Where would he find it? What place had been + provided for such as he? He ought by this time to have been earning his + own living, to have had a corner which he could call home, earned by + himself, where some of the decencies of life were gathered. Of course he + ought; but the painful fact to meet just now, was that he had not done his + duty. He had gone astray; not so far but that there were plenty of chances + to go farther, greater deeps to which he might yet reach, but far enough + to all but break any watchful mother's heart; only that <i>his</i> + mother's heart was broken before he was born. The simple question waiting + to be solved was this: Having done as poorly for himself as under the + circumstances he well could, what was Dirk Colson to do next? He had no + idea; neither, apparently, had multitudes of Christian people engaged in + praying that the Father's will might be done on earth, even as it was in + heaven. The young man walked six blocks down the respectable avenue, lined + with pleasant homes, where the people went to church, and read their + Bibles, and had family prayers, and kept holy the Sabbath day. Not a door + among them all opened and held out a winning signal to arrest his heedless + feet. Not so Satan! Is he ever caught idling at his post? + </p> + <p> + Just around the corner from the respectable avenue (and around the corner + Dirk presently turned, still uncertain what to do, where to find the + warmth he craved) then the winning invitations for such as he began to + present themselves. Saloons, and saloons, and saloons! How many of them + were there? Far outnumbering the churches! Pleasant they looked, too; + opening doors, ever and anon, revealing brightness and warmth within. They + would like to see him inside. Of this Dirk was sure; not that he had + money, but he had something that in such places often served him well,—a + decided and dangerous talent for imitating any and every peculiarity of + voice or manner that had chanced to come under his notice. He could make + the fellows in these saloons roar with laughter. If he did particularly + well, they were willing to order for him a glass of beer, or a fairly good + cigar; in any case he had a chance to get warm. This was actually Dirk's + only present source of income! Yet he shrank from it; he could not have + told you why, but on this particular Sabbath he was averse to earning his + coveted warmth in this way. He walked resolutely by two or three places + where he had reason to think he might be welcomed, wondering vaguely + whether there wasn't something else a fellow could do to keep himself from + freezing. Oddly enough there seemed to be something about the glimmer of + sunshine as he saw it in Mart's hair that kept him from halting before any + of the places open to him. What if she had come out with him to take a + walk; he could not have taken her into one of them! Then, poor fellow, he + set himself to wondering where the place was, open and warmed, to which he + could take Mart. There were places, several of them, in the large city; + but Dirk knew nothing about them, and he was acquainted with the saloons. + He thought of another thing; he had been invited to call at a house on + East Fifty-fifth Street. Suppose he should walk up there this very + afternoon and ring the bell, and say that he had come to call! What would + happen then? Whereupon he laughed aloud. The fancy seemed to him so + utterly preposterous. The idea of <i>his</i> making a call! The utter + improbability of his ever seeing the inside of one of the East Fifty-fifth + Street mansions! + </p> + <p> + Still remained that hopeless question: What should he do with himself? The + sun was quite gone now, and a cold wind was blowing up freshly from the + north. It blew directly through Dirk's threadbare garments. He turned + suddenly and slipped inside one of the worst of the many saloons which + literally lined this end of the street. He had refused to go with the boys + to Poke's, an hour or two before, and this was several grades below Poke's + in decency! But it was growing dark, and he was cold. + </p> + <p> + There was one young man who saw him dash down those cellar stairs, who + stood still and looked at him, his face darkening the while with + discouragement. This, then, was all the afternoon's Sabbath-school had + accomplished for him. To be sure he was not disappointed at the result; it + was no more than he had expected; but it was so discouraging to be an + eye-witness to the degradation to which these young wretches had fallen! + Of course the young man was Alfred Ried, and he went home, and was dreary, + over all sorts of failures in Christian work, mission Sabbath-schools + especially; and their own, more especially than any other. + </p> + <p> + Among the early shoppers on Monday morning came Mrs. Evan Roberts. + Shopping, however, seemed to be a small part of her business. She came + directly to young Ried's counter, and addressed him very much as though + she had ceased talking with him but a moment before:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, what can you and I do for those boys during the week?” + </p> + <p> + But Alfred was at his gloomiest. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see that we can do anything for them at any time,” he said, + dismally. “What is an hour on Sunday, set against all the rest of the + time? They go from the school-room to the rum saloons, and dawdle away the + rest of the day. Yesterday I met that young Colson going into one of the + worst saloons on Dey Street. They are not to blame, either.” This last in + a fiercer tone, after a slight pause. “I don't blame them; they have + nowhere else to go, and nothing to do; and it is cold on the streets, and + warm in the saloons.” + </p> + <p> + If he expected the small lady, who was regarding him so steadily, to take + the other side of this question, he was disappointed. She spoke quietly + enough, but with the earnestness of conviction. + </p> + <p> + “Those are startling facts. I do not see how one could be surprised that + the results are they are; and the practical question forces itself upon + us, What are we to do under the circumstances? Mr. Ried, you have had your + eyes open in regard to this subject for some time; what have you thought + out?” + </p> + <p> + Now was Mr. Alfred Ried embarrassed. It was true that his eyes had been + long open to the subject; it was true that he had given it a great deal of + what he had called thought. But with those alert eyes fixed on his face, + her whole manner indicating intense earnestness, he suddenly realized that + all his thought had been to no purpose, had accomplished nothing, unless + it had served to give him a feeling almost of irritation against the boys, + and their teachers who made failures, and the people who folded their + hands and let things go to ruin. Here confronted him one, whose hands were + not folded, though they rested quietly enough on the counter before him. + He began to feel that there might be latent power in them. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say,” and he said it at last with flushed face and + embarrassed voice; “I have thought out nothing. The whole thing seemed + hopeless to me with my utter lack of resources. My sister had schemes, + many of them, and they seemed to me good ones, even then; they seem better + now, only I cannot carry them out.” + </p> + <p> + She caught at the name. + </p> + <p> + “Your sister? Ester Ried? Good! Let us carry them out, you and I, and as + many more as we can get to help us. She is at work yet,—don't you + see? What is that prophecy about her?—that voice which the prophet + heard, you know, 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Write, Blessed are + the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, + that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.'” + </p> + <p> + How strangely the words sounded, repeated in her low, clear voice, amid + the hum of business on every side! Alfred Ried felt singularly moved. He + had been a highly strung, imaginative child. He had been his sister + Ester's almost constant companion during those last months in which she + was slowly fading out of sight. While Julia held steadily to her mother's + side, and learned to do many helpful things, he had been stationed chief + nurse in Ester's room, to see that she lacked for no tender care during + the hours when others must be away from her. And those hours she had + tenderly improved. He remembered to this day just how she looked, with a + pink flush all over her cheeks, and a bright light in her eyes, as she + talked to him of the things that she and Dr. Douglass had meant to do for + boys,—neglected, homeless, friendless boys. Oh, the plans they had + carefully thought out, to reach after these forsaken ones! He remembered + that his own cheeks had grown hot while he listened, and the blood had + seemed to race like fire through his veins when she said, “God wants <i>me</i> + for something else, Alfred; but you will do my work when you get to be a + man; you will find helpers, and carry it on as I wanted to do.” He had + made no audible answer, but he had told himself sturdily again and again + that he certainly would. Yet here he was, barely of age, and almost soured + by disappointments. Certain well-meant attempts having proved failures, + and having not found the helpers whom he had eagerly expected, the + magnitude of the work impressed itself upon him more remorselessly each + hour. Yet now he seemed to feel again the thrill in his veins, and he felt + almost under the power of his sister's eye while those words were in his + ears: “They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.” Might + it possibly be that this was one of the “helpers” of whom Ester used to + talk, sent by God himself to take up her planned work and follow it out? + Yet she was so utterly unlike his memory of Ester! She had seemed to him a + self-reliant, strong-toned woman; Mrs. Roberts was so small and + frail-looking, and so fashionably dressed, and how those boys had acted + with her only yesterday! What could she possibly do? + </p> + <p> + Customers came just then, to change the current of his thoughts. They + wanted round collars, and deep collars, and fichus, and edges, and a + hundred little irritating things. Young Ried, usually so gracious and + patient, had much ado to keep from showing his annoyance over the + smallness of all their wishes. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mrs. Roberts, who had taken a seat, entered apparently with + absorption into the relative merits of round or pointed collars with a + young lady acquaintance. She patiently measured to discover whether the + turned-down corner of one was a quarter of an inch deeper than the other + or not; she gave, with due deliberation, her opinion as to whether the + points were more becoming to the young lady's style of beauty than the + rolling fronts, and even went to the trouble of unfastening her furs to + show still another style that she liked better than either; sending the + disgusted Alfred to an entirely different box in search of a like pattern. + As he went, his lip curled visibly. What a fool he had been to allow + himself to get momentarily excited over this doll! How preposterous in him + to mention his dead sister's name to her! She had already forgotten the + entire matter, and was deep in the merits of collars! His first estimate + of her had been the correct one. Her mind was just about as deep, he + believed, as the tiny collar she was measuring. What a farce it was to + talk to her about helping those poor fellows! She probably thought a few + soup tickets, and a chance for a good Christmas dinner at some of the + public charity halls, was the way to reach and reform them. <i>He</i> + shouldn't help her; she mustn't expect it. Doubtless she did not. Probably + she had by this time forgotten that she had suggested it. Why need she + putter here about a few collars for a young lady in her own circle to wear + with her morning dresses? That was just it, he told himself. It was + because she <i>was</i> in her circle, and because the collars were to be + honored by being worn by such as she, that they became important, and the + boys and their desperate needs sunk into insignificance. Well, he wished + they would both go, and leave him to himself; give him a chance to rally + from his momentary excitement, of which he was now ashamed. + </p> + <p> + At last the collars were bought,—but not until the counter was + strewn with different sorts; and the lady, with many bright little + nothings for last words, moved off to another part of the store, and Mrs. + Roberts whirled on her seat until her eyes were in full view again, and + said: + </p> + <p> + “What were some of her plans, Mr. Ried?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — “A CHRISTIAN HOME.” + </h2> + <p> + “I don't suppose you can go into detail just now,” she added, noting young + Ried's hesitation and embarrassment; “but I was wondering if you could + give me some general idea of what she wanted to do, or thought could be + done.” + </p> + <p> + “There were a great many things that she wanted to do, and I believe she + thought they could be done; but I don't think she knew the world very + well,” said this aged cynic. “She judged everybody from the standpoint of + her own unselfishness. I remember she was not in sympathy with + soup-houses, and dinner-tickets, and great public charities of that sort. + Or, I don't know that I should say she was not in sympathy with them. I + mean, rather, that those would not have been her ways of working. She was + thinking of young people, and to give them a dinner now and then, she + would not have considered a very great step toward elevating them morally + and spiritually. Mrs. Roberts, it was just that which she wanted to do,—lift + them up. She thought there could be invented ways of reaching them, so + that they would want helping, want teaching,—<i>crave</i> it, I + mean; and she thought that Christian homes of wealth and culture could be + opened to them, and they gradually toled in,—made to feel on a level + with others, in the social scale; in short, she believed that instead of + people going down to them in a condescending spirit, they could be drawn + up to the level of others, so that they would realize their manhood, and + be led to make earnest efforts to take their rightful places in the world. + I know I am bungling dreadfully; I don't know how to tell you her plans, + only that they were splendid. But I am afraid the world will have to be + made over, before they can be carried out.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so. Christ is at work making the world over, you know.” The lady + before him, whose eyes never for an instant moved from his face, spoke + with exceeding sweetness and gravity. Neither by word nor glance did she + give him to understand that she thought his schemes wild. “But I find + that, after all, I want details. I catch a glimpse of the grandness of + your sister's meaning. What were some of the steps,—the little + steps, such as you and I could take, toward accomplishing? Yet, even while + I ask the question, I see something of what the answer must be. 'Christian + homes opening to receive them!' That is a new thought to me, and in the + plural number I do not see how just now, it could be done, but <i>one</i> + Christian home,—I ought to be able to manage that. Mr. Ried, that is + the way to begin it, you may depend. Indeed, I suppose you have tried it? + The city is full of boys, and many of them are away down. Since we cannot + reach all of them this week, we must try to reach seven; and failing in + that, suppose we say one? For which one have you been working? Just who, + at this moment, specially interests you? I hope it is one of my boys, + because, you see, they appeal to me, just now, as no others can. Which is + it, Mr. Ried? and what have you tried to do for him? and to what extent + have you succeeded?” + </p> + <p> + There were never any hotter cheeks than young Ried's just at that moment. + This was the most extraordinary person with whom he had ever talked. It + was impossible to generalize with her. Not that he wanted to generalize; + on the contrary, he at once saw the possibilities growing out of + individual effort, and caught at the idea of undertaking something. But + the question was, Why had he not thought of it before? One person to reach + after, and try for!—surely, he might have attempted it, instead of + trying to carry the hundreds that he stumbled against, and so accomplish + nothing for any of them. It was humiliating, the confession that he had to + make:— + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Mrs. Roberts, I have not one in mind. If you asked me what one + hundred I was most anxious about, I might possibly be able to answer; but + I see that there has been no individuality about it, unless, perhaps, the + half-dozen or more boys who compose that class are taking a little + stronger hold on me than any of the others; but even for them I have tried + to do nothing, unless two or three attempts to secure a permanent teacher + for them—which have ended in failure—may count for effort. I + don't blame myself as much as I might, because, now that you suggest + personal work to me, I realize that there is nothing for one situated as I + am to do. I have no Christian home at my command.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but we are to come down to very small numbers, you know,—to + fractions, if need be. You have a piece of Christian home at command, I + trust?” + </p> + <p> + But he looked at her inquiringly, and she explained:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, you have the privacy of your own room, which is, of course, your + corner of home just now, and it is a Christian corner. Is there not room + in it sometimes for two?” + </p> + <p> + He smiled faintly over that. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, there is one thing with which you evidently are not + familiar, and that is the corner which a poor clerk in the city has to + call home. Mine is the fourth story back of a fourth-rate boarding-house, + where the thermometer drops often below the freezing-point, and this place + I share with as uncongenial a fellow as ever breathed. What would you + think of labelling such accommodations 'home?' and what can I do in it for + others?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, perhaps,” smiling, “unless for the uncongenial fellow. I should + think there might be a chance in this direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but,” he said, eagerly, “he is a Christian. My sympathies do not need + to be drawn out in that direction.” + </p> + <p> + The smile was a peculiar one now, but the tone was very quiet in which the + little lady said that some time, when they had leisure to talk, she should + like to ask him whether his experience with Christians had been so + exceptionally bright that he thought there was no work to do in that + direction. + </p> + <p> + “But just now,” she added, earnestly, “I want to know, since you are shut + away from home effort, for which of these boys you are praying especially, + and which of them do you carry about on your heart, with the hope of a + chance meeting, an unexpected, opportunity to speak a word, or do a + kindness, or look a kindness that shall give you possible future + influence? Don't you have to work in those ways? Two people never equally + interest me at the same moment. I find I must be intensely individual, not + to the exclusion of others, but in praying. For instance, yesterday I + prayed, and this morning I prayed, for my entire class, but there was one + all the time who was uppermost. I find myself questioning, What can I do + for them all, but especially for him? Do you know, I fancy that most + Christians feel the same; individual effort is so necessary that I have + thought perhaps the Holy Spirit turns our thoughts most directly toward + one person at a time, so that we may concentrate our efforts. Do you think + this is so?” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried did not answer promptly; he had no answer ready that suited + him. His strongest feeling just then was one of self-reproach, mingled + with humiliation. How had he looked down on this fair and beautiful little + woman,—her very beauty being, he had fancied, an element against her + when it came to actual effort. How had he allowed himself to sneer over + her attempts at teaching that class of boys! How actually irritable he had + been over it! How almost angrily he had questioned why it was that a + teacher was not found for them fitted to their needs; when he had prayed + about it so much; determined not to believe that the prayer had been + answered, and the teacher found; yet here she was, the one whose efforts + he had despised, talking already about individual prayer for them, while + he, who had done a great amount of fretting for them, had not once + presented them as individuals to Christ, and asked a definite blessing for + each! His answer, when it came, was low and full of feeling:— + </p> + <p> + “I have concentrated my desires in praying for the coming of such a + teacher as might get hold of them; and I begin to think that I have an + answer to my prayers.” + </p> + <p> + But she was absolutely proof against compliments. She wasted not a + moment's thought on that, but said:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, who are they? I tried to get their names yesterday, but soon + saw that they were not in the mood to help me. I don't think I have one + correct name. Can you give me a list?” + </p> + <p> + No, he could not—which admission did not lessen the glow on his + cheek. Possibly he could mention the names of two, and guess at a third, + but of the others he knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + “To whom, then, can I go? Mr. Durant would know, of course. Where shall I + find him?” + </p> + <p> + So much Alfred knew. Mr. Durant was to be found at the Fourth National + Bank; but, as for giving information in regard to that class, he was sure + it was beyond him. He (Alfred) had asked only last Sabbath who the boy was + who behaved so wretchedly, and also who was the fellow next him, but Mr. + Durant had not known. + </p> + <p> + Well, then, Mrs. Roberts said, nothing daunted, not even a shadow + appearing on her quiet face, she must just study it out with his help. + </p> + <p> + “There is immediate work for you,” she said, “for of course I want to know + their names. Who are the two? This Dirk Colson, whom you mentioned,—which + was he?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred described him as well as his bewilderment would allow, and was + interrupted— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the small dark one. I know,—he interested me. Where does he + live?” + </p> + <p> + But to this question no clear answer could be given. Down in one of the + alleys towards the South End; but just which alley, or how far down it, + Alfred did not know. He knew it was a disreputable alley, and that there + wasn't a decent home anywhere about it, and that was all. + </p> + <p> + “What does Dirk do for a living?” + </p> + <p> + This question was quite as difficult to answer as the other. Nothing, + young Ried believed; at least nothing regular; odd jobs he doubtless + picked up occasionally, but as for regular employment, Alfred was sure he + had none. + </p> + <p> + “Is that his fault? I mean, doesn't he desire work, and make an effort to + secure it?” + </p> + <p> + But this young Ried could not even pretend to answer. Work, for such as + he, was scarce; boys with better habits, brought up to be industrious, + were at this present time out of work. Possibly the fellow was not to + blame for being an idler. + </p> + <p> + Many other questions were asked, and many attempts were made at answers; + but when the shoppers began to press in, to such a degree that their + conversation was broken, and the energetic seeker after information felt + herself obliged to retire, one thing had been accomplished: Alfred Ried + had been made to realize that he knew much less than he had supposed he + did about the seven boys who had seemed to be filling his thoughts for + several weeks; and also, in his eager, passionate desire that everything + should be done for all of them, he had overlooked the chances for doing + here and there some little thing for one of them. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning,” Mrs. Roberts had said, turning cordially to a + fashionably-dressed lady. “Collars? Oh, yes, this is the counter for them + to be found in endless variety. They have a new pattern that I have been + admiring. Mr. Ried, please show Mrs. Emory the curtain collars, with + embroidered points.” + </p> + <p> + Which thing Mr. Ried proceeded to do with alacrity and respect, no trace + of the earlier contemptuous feeling shadowing his face. Here was a woman + who knew stylish collars when she saw them, and who also knew several + other things, and had taught him a lesson this very morning that he would + not be likely to forget. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts, as she made her way out from the fast-filling store, + felt that she had not made great progress toward getting acquainted with + her class. + </p> + <p> + Still it must be admitted that if young Ried had gotten some new ideas, so + also had she. “A Christian home!” She found herself repeating the phrase, + lingering over it, wondering if her new home, in every sense of the word, + merited that title. “It cannot simply mean a home where Christ is + honored,” she said to herself. “I surely have that. It rather means a home + where everything pertaining to it serves His cause. The very furniture and + the light and the brightness are made to do duty for Him, else they have + no place there; and I, labelled Christian, have no right to them. Can they + bear the test, I wonder? What is there that I can do with all the beauties + of my parlors? There are things that I have not done. I can see some to + do; but how can my Christian home serve these boys? When I get them into + it, of course it will work for me; but how to get them in! Who are they? I + wonder what spring I can touch to give me even this meagre bit of + information?” + </p> + <p> + As if in answer to her mental query, she came just then full upon + Policeman Duffer. She recognized him instantly: a man who, though by no + means small, was so far from having the majestic presence of most + policemen that, in the estimation of the boys, he merited the name “Little + Duffer.” Mrs. Roberts carried to her new work one talent not always to be + found among even efficient workers,—the ability to remember both + names and faces. Especially did a name seem, without any effort on her + part, to fasten itself upon her memory; and not only that, but it brought + with it a train of memories enabling her to locate when and where, and + under what circumstances, she heard the name; and, therefore, generally + whom the name fitted. Recognizing the features of the policeman whom she + had seen at the door of the South End Mission, she connected him at once + with the term “Little Duffer,” heard in her class, and addressed him:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Duffer, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + It is safe to say that Policeman Duffer, entirely accustomed as he was to + hearing himself addressed officially a hundred or a thousand times a day, + was yet utterly unaccustomed to the prefix of “Mr.”, and started in + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Are you not the gentleman whom I saw at the South End last Sabbath?” + </p> + <p> + The policeman admitted that he probably was. He was detailed for duty + there. Then she plunged at once into business. Did he know the boys who + attended that school? Some of them he did, better than he wanted to; and a + precious set they were, in Policeman Duffer's opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Might as well go out to the Zoo,” he declared, “and get a set of animals + and try to tame 'em.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was not in the mood to argue; she was bent on information. + Did he know, she wondered, the boys who composed her class? She had just + taken the class, and was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted with their + names. One was Dirk Colson, and another she had heard was Haskell—Timothy + Haskell, perhaps, though of that she was not certain. Did that give Mr. + Duffer any clue? + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of clue,” he said, shaking his head. “So you've taken that class, + ma'am?”—a curious mixture of amazement and credulity in his voice. + “What possessed you, if I may be so bold? They're a hard lot, ma'am. I + know them, as I said, altogether too well. I've had enough to do with some + of them; and I expect more work from them. They gain in wickedness in a + most surprising way. Their names, yes; there's Scrawley and Sneaking + Billy, and Black Dirk,—him you know.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts interrupted him. She begged his pardon, but could those + really be the boys names? Were they not rather some unfortunate street + names that had been fastened upon them? + </p> + <p> + Thus brought back to his senses, Policeman Duffer laughed, and admitted + that he supposed Sneaking Billy was properly named Sneyder; but he was + once caught in a mean trick, from which he tried in so many ways to squirm + out, that the boys had themselves named him Sneaking Billy, and the name + had stuck. + </p> + <p> + As for “Scrawley,” his real name was Stephen Crowley. How it became + contracted into “Scrawley” the boys could tell better than anybody else. + They always called him that, and so did other people; and Policeman Duffer + was inclined to doubt whether the fellow remembered that he had any other + name. + </p> + <p> + “You can see yourself, ma'am,” he added, “how Black Dirk came by his name. + He is the blackest white fellow as ever I saw, and I've seen crowds of + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + The streets were full, and Policeman Duffer was being interviewed by a + great many people in regard to all the questions that policemen are + expected to answer. But by dint of patient waiting, one foot poised on a + curbstone to keep it out of the mud, making hurried little memoranda while + Policeman Duffer was engaged, and earnestly plying her questions when he + was at leisure, Mrs. Roberts learned the names of her seven boys, and + where several of them lived. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — “SATAN, HE HAS 'EM ALL THE WEEK.” + </h2> + <p> + “That Black Dirk is a case,” said Policeman Duffer, turning hastily away + from an unusually stupid man, who could not be made to understand where a + certain street was. “He is the worst of the lot, <i>I</i> believe. Jerry + Tompkins is slyer, and Dick Bolton is quicker than lightning at mischief; + Nimble Dick they call him; he's a sort of ringleader; what he does the + rest are apt to; but, to my thinking, Dirk is ahead of them all for evil. + The rest are kind of jolly; fun seems to be about half that they are + after; but Dirk, he's sullen; you never know how to take him, nor when he + may burst out on you. He's dangerous. I am always looking out for + something awful that he will do.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Dirk! Yet he was the boy to whom Mrs. Roberts' desires had gone out + the most anxiously. It was over his image that she had lingered that + morning in her closet. Policeman Duffer would have been greatly astonished + had he known there was that in his words which gave her courage. + “Perhaps,” she said to herself, with quickening breath, “oh, perhaps the + poor boy is the most in danger of them all, and the Saviour, knowing it, + sees ways in which I may reach him, and so presses his poor, sullen face + on my memory.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he do for a living?” she hastened to ask. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to the best of my knowledge, he loafs for a living. That's all I've + ever known him guilty of doing. He's got a drunken father,—one of + the meanest kind of drunkards. If he would go and stay drunk all the time + and leave them alone they might manage; but he has spells of getting half + over it, and coming home and tearing around like all possessed. Then they + have times! I've been in there when it took all my strength to manage him. + If he would get killed in one of his rows I'd have some hope of the rest + of 'em; but he won't. That kind of folks never do get killed; it's the + decent ones. A fellow was carried by here just with a broken leg,—a + nice, decent boy; works hard to help his sister. He's the sort now that + gets his leg broken and gets laid up for the rest of the winter. How do + you account for that? He lives pretty near Black Dirk's. Of course, he's + got a drunken father; they all have in that row; but if I was going in for + benevolence I'd twice as soon do something for young Calkins as for any of + your set; they're a bad lot. They aren't worth lifting a finger for. Now, + that's a fact.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Mrs. Roberts, her voice tremulous with a feeling that just + then surged over her, “how can I help remembering that if the Lord Jesus + had said that of us, and stayed up there in his glory, we should have been + utterly without help or hope to-day?” + </p> + <p> + Very much astonished was Policeman Duffer. Ladies on all sorts of errands + had consulted him. He had been presented with many tracts in his day; but + rarely had a clear-voiced, earnest-eyed woman quietly confronted him with + that name, as if it contained an unanswerable argument. However, he was + not embarrassed; it took a great deal to embarrass him. + </p> + <p> + “I don't take much stock in him,” he said, with a lofty toss of his head, + and a careless tone, as though the question were one easy to dispose of. + “I don't believe in him myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + Earnest eyes, raised to his face, fixed steadily on his face, while the + questioner waited quietly for an answer. + </p> + <p> + Policeman Duffer was embarrassed now; he was not used to being confronted + with such matter-of-fact questions. + </p> + <p> + “Do I know him?” with a confused little laugh. “Why, I reckon not, ma'am; + according to the popular notion he is too far away for folks to be well + acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “Then popular notion is mistaken, for I know him very well indeed; and he + is by no means far away. But what I meant was, Have you studied his life + and character, and do you fully understand the arguments for believing in + him?” + </p> + <p> + “I study the folks who profess to belong to him, ma'am, and I find that + about as much as I can stand.” + </p> + <p> + This was said with a saucy little laugh, and with the air of a man who + believed he had produced an unanswerable argument. The steady eyes did not + move from his face, and the voice which answered him had lost none of its + quietness:— + </p> + <p> + “But do you think it is wise to spend your time in studying the imperfect + copies, without looking at the perfect pattern? You would not take the + child's careless imitation as a proof that his teacher could not write. I + thank you for helping me to-day. I wish you would help my boys when you + can; and I wish you would study my Master instead of me. Good morning.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a queer party!” did Policeman Duffer exclaim, as he watched her + far down the street. “I'm blessed if I wouldn't like to know who she is; + she ain't like the rest, somehow. <i>Her</i> boys! Much she knows about + 'em! Her <i>bears</i> she might as well call 'em! What does she think she + can do with that set in her little hour, Sunday afternoon? Satan, he has + 'em all the week, and looks after 'em sharp; and then these Christians + come in of a Sunday, and mince a little, and think they can upset his + doings by it. Shows their sense! But she's a curious little party; sharp, + without knowing it. I'm blessed if I don't keep an eye on her, and save + her from scrapes, if I can.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, all unconscious of his good intentions, Mrs. Roberts pursued her + way down the thronged avenue, and presently turned from it entirely, and + moved down one of the side-streets with resolute steps. A daring thought + had come into her mind; she would try to find the alley where one at least + of her boys lived. It couldn't be worse than some of the alleys at home + which she had penetrated. She felt certain that by following the + policeman's directions she could find the place, and possibly be able to + minister to the boy with a broken limb. At all events, it was necessary + for her to know how her boys lived, and where they lived, if she were to + reach them. But there are alleys, and <i>alleys</i>, as the venturesome + lady found to her cost. This one into which she was plunging excelled + anything in that line which she had ever imagined,—swarming with + life in its most repulsive forms, and growing every moment more terrifying + to a well-dressed woman braving its horrors alone. + </p> + <p> + She stopped in dismay at last, admitting, reluctantly, that the wisest + thing she could do was to turn around and go home. Possibly the <i>wisest</i>, + but not, it appeared, practicable. Where <i>was</i> home? Down which of + the cross-streets had she come? Did this one where she stood lead to it, + or did it lead, as it appeared to her, in an entirely opposite direction? + She looked up and down and across for some familiar landmark, and looked + in vain, growing momentarily more frightened at the attention she was + attracting by standing irresolutely there. Flossy Shipley, in her girlhood + days, had been almost a hopeless coward; and Flossy Roberts felt, by the + throbbing of her heart, that she had not yet outgrown her girlish + character. Suddenly she gave a little exclamation of delight, and with a + spring forward laid her hand on the arm of one whom she recognized, none + other than “Nimble Dick” himself. + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad,” she said to the amazed young scamp, a little quiver of + satisfaction in her voice, “so glad to have met you. Do you know you are a + friend in need? I have lost my way. I cannot decide which way to turn to + reach Fifth Avenue again. Will you help me, please?” + </p> + <p> + When had Nimble Dick lost an opportunity for fun at the expense of + another? Here was a chance for a jolly lark! A woman scared to death + because she was on Green alley. What would she think of Burk Street! + Suppose he should send her there? Only three blocks away, through a + lovelier part of the city than she had seen yet, he would venture! If the + crowds here showed her too much attention, it would be worth something to + see how she got through Burk Street. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” he said, briskly, “I can show you the way in a twinkling. You + just go down this alley till you come to the big house on the corner, that + has the windows all knocked out of it; then you turn and go down that + street till you get to the third crossing; then turn again to the right, + and you'll be on Fifth Avenue before you know it.” + </p> + <p> + Had Mrs. Roberts been looking at his face, she would have seen the wicked + light dancing in his eyes over the thought that he had thus mapped out for + her a walk through the very worst portion of the city, every step, of + course, leading her further and further away from Fifth Avenue. The sights + that she might see, and the mishaps which might occur to her,—a + handsomely-dressed woman alone,—before she made her way through the + horrors of these streets were too much even for Nimble Dick's imagination, + who knew the locality well. He did not try to calculate them, but gave + himself up to the enjoyment of imagining how long it would be before she + would reach home if she followed his directions. “She won't see no + swallowing serpents that I knows of,” he reflected, gleefully; “but I'll + miss my reckoning if she don't see what will scare her worse than they + would.” + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts was already “scared.” She felt her heart beating hard, + and knew that her cheeks were aglow with excitement and vague terror. She + was not used to walking such streets alone. She looked ahead at the way + pointed out, and could see that the swarming life grew more turbid as far + as her eye could reach. She felt that she could not brave its terrors + unprotected. Suddenly she turned from looking down the alley, and her + hand, a small, delicately-gloved hand, was again laid on Nimble Dick's + arm; he could feel it trembling. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I shall seem very foolish to you,” she said, gently; “but I am + afraid to walk down there alone. Would you mind going along with me to + protect me? I am only a woman, you know, and we are apt to be cowards.” + </p> + <p> + A very curious sensation came over Nimble Dick. He looked up the alley, + and down the alley, and was glad that not one of the “fellows” was in + sight. What was to become of his lark? But there was that hand still + resting on his arm, with a persuasive touch in it; and he had never been + appealed to for protection before,—never in his life! Was it + possible that with <i>him</i> she would not be afraid? He turned and + looked at her, searchingly, a scowl on his face,—no, she was not + “shamming;” her eyes were full of anxious fear, and also of petition. + Nimble Dick was amazed at himself and ashamed of himself; he did not know + how to account for his sudden change of intention. But he suddenly turned + in an opposite direction from the one which he had pointed out, and said, + “Come on, then; I'll show you a shorter way,” and strode forward. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you!” she said, relief and gratitude in her voice. “I shall be + so much obliged to you for coming with me; I am quite bewildered; cannot + decide which way I came, or anything about it. I was trying to find the + house of a young man who has been hurt. A policeman told me that he lived + on this street, and that his name is Calkins. I was thinking about him, + and walked on without noticing, until I did not know where I was. Do you + know anything of the young man?” + </p> + <p> + “You are too far down for him,” said Nimble Dick. “He's quality, and lives + at the upper end of the alley. That's his house, away up there. He's hurt + bad, they say; but I s'pose he'll get well. He's got a quality doctor,—a + regular swell, who never come into these alleys before. He was going along + when they brought Mark home, and he followed them in, and he come there + again last night and this morning. I dunno what for, I'm sure. Mark + Calkins can't pay no doctor's bills, if he does work regular, and pay more + rent than the rest of folks.” + </p> + <p> + There was a curious mixture of complaint and satisfaction in Dick's tone. + Mrs. Roberts gathered from it that the young man, Mark Calkins, in whom + the policeman had tried to interest her, was superior to the rest of the + miserable people in the alley, and that they resented it as an insult to + themselves; but that, at the same time, the reflected honor of having a + “swell” doctor come into their midst, attendant upon one who really + belonged to their class, was very great. Could she possibly get a little + influence over them by following up the injured young man, and giving what + help was needful? She had hardly meant to call, though trying to find the + house. Her method of reasoning had been something like this: “The + policeman said he lived about two blocks from my poor Dirk's home. Since + there has so recently been an accident, there may be something to mark the + house,—a doctor passing in, possibly, or something that shall give + me a landmark, and I can have a glimpse of the outside of one of the + homes.” In her ignorance of life at that end of the social scale she did + not know that a doctor passing in and out, even after an accident, was a + sufficiently rare occurrence to make much more of a mark than she was + looking for. So absorbed had she been over the boys belonging to her class + that she had rather ignored the policeman's manifest hint to add this one + to her list. Yet, was it possibly an answer to her prayer, an + entering-wedge of some sort, that might open the way to influence? + </p> + <p> + “Who is the doctor?” she asked her guide, as the possibility of making an + entrance through him occurred to her. “Do you know his name?” + </p> + <p> + Oh yes, Dick knew his name and where he lived, and even the names of some + of his “swell” patients;—trust him for gaining information about + anything that came into the alley. + </p> + <p> + “It's Dr. Everett,” he said promptly, that curious touch of pride + appearing again in his voice. “He lives away up among the Twenty-thirders, + and he goes to Cady's house to doctor, and lots of them places where the + big ones lives. I dunno how he happens to come here.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts had never heard the name, but she reflected that she was a + new-comer, and wisely desisted from taking from the glory of Dr. Everett + by admitting that he was not known to all the world. He might be a good + doctor and a philanthropic one; his visits to this region looked like it. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where any of the boys in our class live?” + </p> + <p> + This was her next carefully-worded question. She did not know whether to + hint that she had heard of one who lived in that alley, or whether this + would be considered an insult. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Nimble Dick, the sly twinkle coming back to his eyes that the + strangeness of the situation had driven away for a moment, “I calculate + that I know where I live <i>myself</i>; sometimes I do, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure!” she said, laughing at his humor. “I should have said, where + any of the others live. Of course you will give me your address, after + being so kind as to see me to—some point where I am acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + She had nearly said a place of safety, but checked herself in time. I am + not sure, though, that Dick would have noticed it; he was lost in + astonishment over the idea of giving anybody his address! + </p> + <p> + “This is Dirk Colson's house,” he said, suddenly, “and he is one of our + fellows.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation. The house was one of the most forlorn + in the row, seeming, if the miserable state of the buildings would admit + of comparison, to be more out of repair than the others. It came home to + her just then, with a sudden, desolating force, that human beings, such as + she was trying to reach, and such as she hoped would live in heaven + forever, called such earthly habitations as these homes. What possible + idea could they ever get of heaven by calling it “home”? + </p> + <p> + “Do they have the whole of the house?” + </p> + <p> + She asked the question timidly, for the building looked very large, but + she was utterly unused to city tenement life. + </p> + <p> + “The <i>whole</i> of that house?” Dick fairly shouted the sentence, and + bent himself double with laughter. “Well, I should say not, mum! As near + as I can calculate, about thirty-five different families have that + pleasure. The whole of the house! Oh, my! What a greeny!” And he laughed + again. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was + horror-stricken. Thirty-five families in one house! How could they be + other than awful in their ways of living? + </p> + <p> + “I know almost nothing about great cities,” she said; “my home was in a + much smaller one.” + </p> + <p> + This was the truth, but not the whole truth. Instinct kept this veritable + lady, in the truest sense of the word, from explaining that she knew + nothing about the abject poor, when she was speaking to one of their + number. Just at this moment occurred a diversion; they had been making + swift progress through the alley, Dick's long strides requiring effort on + his companion's part to keep by his side, but just ahead the way was + obstructed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — “WHAT A LITTLE SCHEMER IT IS.” + </h2> + <p> + A riot! Not among men, which is sufficiently terrifying; nor yet among + women, which is worse; but that most awful of all sights and sounds of + sin,—a riot among the children. Swearing, spitting at one another, + tearing one another's hair, scratching like tigers, growling like wild + beasts, throwing garbage at one another! This was the sort of crowd upon + which Mrs. Roberts, in her black silk walking-suit, with her velvet hat + and seal furs, presently came. She grasped at Dick's arm in horror, but a + feeling that was more than terror was taking her strength away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she said, and the agony in her voice really suggested more than + terror to the young fellow beside her. “And they are little children! They + cannot be more than seven or eight! Oh, what can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't be scared, mum!” There was a little hint of something like + pity in Dick's voice. She clung to him so that he could not help feeling + himself her protector. “It ain't an uncommon row at all; they mostly act + like this; most likely one of 'em's found a bone and t' other one wants + it, and then they're gone in for a row, and all the young ones crowd + around and fight, on one side or t' other.” + </p> + <p> + Did this fearful explanation make the situation less terrible? + </p> + <p> + There was a lull, however, in the quarrel. The elegantly-dressed lady was + seen approaching,—an unusual sight in that alley,—and both + parties paused to get a view. Paused in their attentions to each other, + that is; but at Mrs. Roberts they hooted and jeered, and one threw a + handful of mud. + </p> + <p> + Then did Nimble Dick rise to his position as protector. + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, there! Stand aside, Pluck, and let us pass! Look out there, you + Smirchy! Don't you throw that over here unless you want your head broke + for you when I get back!” + </p> + <p> + This threat was thrown at a wretched little girl, who had dived her hand + deeply into a box or cask of garbage, and brought it forth reeking with + rotten apples, pork fat, and any liquid horror which the name suggests to + you. She had her hand uplifted ready to throw, and was evidently intending + to give the strange lady the benefit of what she had prepared for one of + the rioters. + </p> + <p> + The assured tone in which Nimble Dick spoke had its effect; the combatants + were all small, and he was large, and was evidently recognized as a power. + There were some defiant glances thrown at him, but the motley crowd gave + way, and allowed him to pass uninjured. Still he kept an alert watch of + them until quite out of reach, and was not sparing of his admonitions. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on there, Bill,—I see that! Look out, Sally! You'll be sorry + if you throw anything,—mind you that!” + </p> + <p> + And at last they were through the crowd. Not out of danger, it seemed; for + there, directly in their narrow path, was a drunken man, swaying from side + to side in the way which is so terrible to one unused to such sights. Dick + felt the hold on his arm tighten, and was astonished at the sound of his + own voice as he said, soothingly:— + </p> + <p> + “You needn't be scared at him, mum; that's only old Jock; he's as ugly as + old Nick himself, but he knows better than to be very ugly to me. I can + throw him in the gutter as easy as I could them young ones, and he knows + it. That's Dirk's father, that is! Ain't he a beauty?” + </p> + <p> + And again Mrs. Roberts uttered an exclamation of dismay, and part of her + terror went out in sorrow over the wrongs of a boy who had such a home and + such a father. What ought to be expected of him? + </p> + <p> + That interminable alley was conquered at last, and they emerged into + respectability on the broad avenue. Mrs. Roberts released her hold of her + protector's arm, and his new character vanished on the instant. + </p> + <p> + “You're here, mum,” he said, with a saucy twinkle in his eye and a saucy + leer on his face. “Can you get yourself home from this spot, or shall I + borrow a wheelbarrow and tote you there?” + </p> + <p> + Much shaken with various emotions though she was, Mrs. Roberts forced + herself to laugh. She would not frown on his fun when it was not + positively sinful; he might not be aware that it was disrespectful; he + might never have heard the word. + </p> + <p> + “I know the way now, thank you; at least I think I do. Can you tell me + whether I take a green car or a yellow one to get to East Fifty-fifth + Street?” + </p> + <p> + “You take a green one,” he said, quietly, his character of protector + having returned to him with the question, which still showed her + dependence on him. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” she said again, with great heartiness. “I shall never forget + your care of me.” Her hand was in her pocket, and a bright coin was + between her fingers. She longed to give it to Nimble Dick; he had saved + her from so much this morning. And he was so miserably clad, surely he + needed help. A moment's reflection, and she resolutely withdrew her hand. + He should be paid by a simple hearty, “Thank you!” this morning, for + kindness rendered. He might not consider it a current coin, but possibly + it would be his first lesson in the courtesies of life. + </p> + <p> + Later in the day, when Mrs. Roberts was somewhat rested from her morning's + campaign, young Ried received a little note:— + </p> + <p> + Dear Mr. Ried,—I know the names of all the boys, and inclose you a + list. It is possible that you may fall in with some one during the day who + can impart knowledge concerning them. Anyway, I thought you would like to + know their names. Keep me posted, please, as to your success in making + their acquaintance. We are allies, remember. + </p> + <p> + Yours for the Master, + </p> + <p> + Mrs. E.L. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Ried twisted the delicate note-paper thoughtfully in his hand, a + look of perplexity on his face. He felt committed for labor; glad was he, + very, yet perplexed. He did not in the least know where to commence. Well, + neither had this little lady; yet she had accomplished more in her one + day's acquaintance than he after a lapse of weeks. Either she had found + opportunities, or had made them. There must be chances; he would be sure + to keep his eyes open after this. + </p> + <p> + In the handsome house on East Fifty-fifth Street, where Mr. Roberts had + settled his bride, after a somewhat extended business tour, involving + months of absence, matters were in train for a cosy evening in the + library. That was the name of the beautiful room where the husband and + wife sat down together; but it was quite unlike the conventional library. + Books there were in lavish abundance, but there were also pictures and + flowers and a singing-bird or two, and an utter absence of that severe + attention to business details which characterizes most rooms so named. + Little prettinesses, which Mr. Roberts smilingly admitted did not belong + to a library, were yet established there, with an air of having come to + stay. “We will call it the library for convenience,” the master of the + house said, “and then we will put into it whatever we please. It shall be + a conservatory, and a sewing-room and a lounging-room and anything else + that you and I choose to make it.” And Mrs. Roberts gleefully assented, + and gave free rein to her pretty tastes. Flossy Shipley had been wont to + be much trammelled with the ways in which “they” did everything; but Mrs. + Evan Roberts was learning that, in unimportant matters at least, they had + a right to be a law unto themselves. Perhaps it helped her, to be aware + that a large class of people were all ready to quote “Mrs. Evan Roberts” + as authority on almost any point of taste. + </p> + <p> + On the evening in question Mr. Roberts, in dressing-gown and slippers, had + drawn his lounging-chair to the drop-light, preparatory to a half-hour of + reading aloud. But it transpired that there was something preparatory to + that, or at least that must take the precedence. Certain business + telegrams followed him home, which required the writing of two or three + business letters. + </p> + <p> + “It will not take me long,” he explained to his wife, “and they are not + complicated affairs, so I give you leave to talk right on while I dispatch + them.” She laughed at this hint about her fondness for talk, but presently + made use of the privilege. + </p> + <p> + “Evan, what sort of a young man do you consider Mr. Ried?” + </p> + <p> + “Ried? Who? Oh, my clerk? The very best sort; a most estimable fellow,—one + of a thousand. By the way, did you tell him how you became interested in + that sister of his?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet; I want to get better acquainted. But, Evan, do you know where he + boards?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly; on Third Avenue somewhere, I believe; or possibly Second. The + store register would show. Do you want his address!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know <i>where</i> it is; but I mean what sort of a place is it?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts slightly elevated his shapely shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “It is a boarding-house, where many clerks board; that tells a doleful + story to the initiated, I suspect. Poor fare and dismal surroundings; + still, it is eminently respectable.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he spend his Sabbaths?” + </p> + <p> + The rapidly-moving pen executed nearly two lines of handsome writing + before Mr. Roberts was ready to respond to this question. + </p> + <p> + “Why, at church, principally, I fancy. He is very regular in his + attendance at morning service, and the South End Mission absorbs his + afternoons. I suppose he goes to church in the evening; but since we have + been giving our attention to that evening mission I have not seen him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but, Evan, I mean the rest of the time; those little bits of Sabbath + time that are sacred to home. The twilight, for instance, or for an hour + in the morning. Do you know what sort of a place he has for those times?” + </p> + <p> + Nearly three more lines added to the paper; then Mr. Roberts raised his + head:— + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear, I don't. Now that you bring me face to face with the + question, it seems a surprising thing to say that I should not know where + a young man who has been for more than a year in our employ spends his + choice bits of time, but I don't.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I want to tell you something about it. He has a dingy, fourth-story + back room; small, I fancy, from the way in which he spoke of it, and not a + speck of fire over! In such weather as this, how can a young man read his + Bible, or even pray, under such circumstances?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts laid down his pen and sat erect, regarding his wife with a + thoughtful, far-away air. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy,” he said at last, “it is an immense question! You open a perfect + mine of anxiety and doubt. I have hovered around the edges for some time, + but have generally contrived to shut my eyes and refuse to look into it, + because I was afraid of what I might see; and because I did not know—what + to do with my knowledge. I have not been the working member of the firm + very long, you know, and my special field, until lately, has been the + other side of the ocean; but I have been at home long enough to know that + there are several hundred young men in our employ who are away from their + homes; and knowing, as I do, the price of board in respectable houses, and + knowing the salaries which the younger ones receive, it does not require a + great deal of penetration to discover that they must have rather dreary + homes here, to put it mildly. The fact is, Flossy, I haven't wanted to + look into this thing very closely, because I do not see the remedy. Look + at our house, for instance, with its three hundred clerks, we'll say, who + are away from their friends; suppose one-half, or even one-third, of them + are miserably situated, what can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Are they not sufficiently well paid to have the ordinary comforts of + life?” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtful. The truth is, what you and I call the ordinary comforts of life + takes a good deal of money; and in the city, rents are high, and the + boarding-house keepers have hard struggles to make their expenditures meet + their income, and they carry economy to the very verge of meanness,—some + of them fairly over the verge, I presume; and the result is cheap food, + badly cooked,—because well-cooked food means high-priced help,—and + cold rooms and dreariness and discomfort everywhere. Now what can be done + about it? Then our house is only one of hundreds, and in many of these + hundreds they employ more help and give less wages than we; in fact, I + know that some of our clerks are looked upon with envy by a great many + young men. We never have any trouble in supplying vacancies. People swarm + around us, because we have the reputation of being liberal. We are not + liberal, however; sometimes I am inclined to think we are hardly fair, yet + there is nothing I can do. I am a junior partner, with a great deal of the + responsibility, and a third of the voting power, and I can't get salaries + raised. I've been working at that problem at intervals for a year, and + have accomplished very little. Do you wonder that I keep my eyes as + closely shut as I can?” + </p> + <p> + His wife's face wore a thoughtful, not to say perplexed look; she seemed + to have no answer ready; and, after waiting a moment for it, Mr. Roberts + bent himself again to the task of getting his business letters answered. + Before he had written one more line, her face had cleared. She interrupted + him:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, when you talk about four hundred clerks, and multiply that by + hundreds of houses and more hundreds of clerks, I cannot follow you at + all. It is not that I am not impressed with the number,—I am,—it + appalls me; but I don't want to be appalled; I want to be helpful. Perhaps + just now there is nothing that I can do for the hundreds, so I want to + narrow my thoughts down to what, possibly, I can do. What, for instance, + can be done towards getting a good young man, like Alfred Ried, into a + place that will be just a little bit like a home; that will give him a + spot where he can study his Bible in comfort, and invite a friend with + whom he wants to pray, or whom he wants to reach and help in any way? That + isn't a huge problem. Can't it be solved?” + </p> + <p> + Her husband smiled. + </p> + <p> + “He is only one of thousands,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know; but he is <i>one</i> of thousands. Since we cannot reach + thousands, shall we fail to reach one? Evan, I am only one of thousands, + but, but how would you argue about me?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts laughed again. + </p> + <p> + “You are one out of thousands and thousands!” he said, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + A line more, and he signed the firm name with an unusually fine flourish. + </p> + <p> + “There! I've accomplished one letter. What do you want to do, Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + “I want Mr. Ried to have a room where he can invite one of my boys + occasionally, and make him comfortable, and do for him what we cannot with + our rooms; do for him what only a young man can do for a young man. I + don't clearly know what I want further than that, but I see that one thing + as a stepping-stone. Remember, I want all your thousands to have just as + pleasant rooms, and I would like to help to bring it about, but I don't + just now see the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you see the way to this?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but doesn't it seem as though we ought to be able to accomplish so + much?” + </p> + <p> + “It does, certainly. What is your desire, Flossy? Do you want him to have + a room in our house?” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “No, that would not further my plan for those boys. I would like to have + him here, and it would be a good thing for him,—at least I think it + would; but I can see things which he could accomplish for these young men, + set by himself, in a different part of the city. Besides, Evan, I have + other plans for our rooms, entirely different ones, and some of them I am + afraid you will think are very strange.” + </p> + <p> + He answered the doubt with a smile that said he had no fears of her or her + plans. + </p> + <p> + “What a little schemer it is!” he said, looking down on her with fond, + proud eyes. “Who would have imagined that she could plot, and plot so + mysteriously? I used to think she was a very open-hearted woman.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — “WHAT WOULD YOU DO, DEAR?” + </h2> + <p> + She joined in his laugh albeit, there was a tender look in her eyes. After + a moment, she said, gently:— + </p> + <p> + “It is not scheming, Evan; I am only trying to set about the work for + which I have been chosen. I'll tell you how it all came to me. I was + reading—my morning reading, you know—after you had gone; + taking little dips here and there in the fashion that you think is so + unsystematic, and I came upon this verse: 'He is a chosen vessel unto me,' + you know, about Paul? Well, it came to me with a sudden sense of awe and + beauty, the being chosen of God to do a great work. I stopped reading to + think it out; what a grand moment it must have been to Paul when he + realized it. And I began to feel almost sorry that we lived in such + different times, with no such opportunities! I stopped right in the midst + of my folly to remember that I was as certainly chosen of God as ever Paul + was; for assuredly I did not come to him of myself, nor begin to love him + of myself, and therefore he must indeed have chosen me; and I wondered + whether probably each Christian had not a work to do as definite as Paul's—a + work that would be given to no other, unless indeed the chosen one failed. + I did not want to fail, and I asked God not to let me. Then, of course, I + set to wondering what my work, or my part of some other person's work, + could be. It was the morning after you had told me that about Ester Ried. + You cannot think how that impressed me. I could not get away from the + wonderment as to how her work was prospering, and whether there were + chosen ones enough, or if there might possibly be a little place for me. I + couldn't settle anything, and finally I decided to look at Paul's work a + little while. Of course, it was not reasonable to suppose that the duties + of the great apostle had anything in common with my bits of effort; still, + I said, the directions given him may help me a little. And Evan, what do + you think was the first thing I found? Why, this: 'The God of our fathers + hath chosen thee, that thou <i>shouldst know his will</i>.' Surely, so + far, the things for which both he and I were chosen were parallel. I + looked further: 'And see that Just One.' That was the very next. Was not + I, too, chosen for that? 'Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.' I + said over the beautiful promise to assure myself that it was true, and + went on: 'And shouldst hear the voice of his mouth.' Was it not strange, + Evan? Certainly I shall hear my King speak, often and often, when I get + home. Only think of it; so far Paul was not ahead of me. I hurried to find + another reference to Paul's work, and I found this; let me read it to + you.” Her bit of dainty sewing was suddenly pushed one side, and up from + the depths of the rose-lined work-basket came a small, plainly-bound + Bible, much marked; a rapid turning of the leaves, and the eager disciple + read: “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister + and a witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those + things in the which I will appear unto thee. Now, Evan, you know the + veriest child can be a witness if he knows anything about the facts; and I + do certainly know some wonderful things about Jesus to which I could + witness; and besides, isn't it reasonable to suppose that he will appear + to me every day with things for me to witness to? And then I read this; + Paul sent to the Gentiles, you know, but for what: 'To open their eyes, + and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto + God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them + which are sanctified, by faith that is in me.' Evan, was there ever a more + wonderful work to do in the world than that? And yet I cannot tell you how + it made me feel to discover, or at least to realize, that a great deal of + it was my work! Of course, I naturally began to ask myself, what Gentile + was there for me to reach? Whose eyes must I try to open? Do you know, + that very afternoon I met Mr. Ried, and heard of those boys? They + interested me from the first, and what he told me about his sister + increased the interest. Then when I saw them!—Evan, if ever boys + were in the power of Satan they are; and to think that they may have an + inheritance among them which are sanctified! This morning when I saw where + some some of them lived, and imagined how they lived, I fell stunned for a + moment. It seemed to me impossible. What means could possibly be found of + sufficient power to fit them for such an inheritance? And then directly + came the closing words of the commission: 'Through faith that is in me.' + Evan, God will save them; and I think he will let me help.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” said Mr. Roberts, and his voice was husky. When his wife was in + one of her exalted moods he always admired her with a sort of reverence. + He had been for years an earnest worker. He carried business plans and + business principles into the work; he studied cause and effect, and + calculated and expected certain results to follow certain causes, like a + mathematical problem; not that he by any means forgot the power of faith, + or in any sense attempted to do his work alone. He was a Christian who + spent much time on his knees; but little Flossy brought so much of the + childlike, unquestioning spirit into her work, that sometimes he stood in + awe, not knowing whether he could follow her. It was not so much a + mathematical problem to be worked out, as it was the faith that can remove + mountains. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “As a little child relies + On a strength beyond his own: + Knows he is neither strong nor wise, + Fears to stir a step alone—” + </pre> + <p> + Mr. Roberts often found himself quoting these lines when his wife gave him + glimpses of her heart; and at such times he had no hesitancy in deciding + that the steps she took were not alone, but the Lord was with her. + </p> + <p> + The postman's ring broke in on their quiet. + </p> + <p> + “I hope there are letters from home to-night,” Mrs. Roberts said, “real + long ones. It is a week since we have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “And I ought to hope that they would require a first reading in private,” + her husband answered, as he seized his neglected pen. “It is the only way + in which these business letters will get answered. I find the temptation + to talk to you irresistible.” + </p> + <p> + One letter! but that was of comfortable dimensions and weight. + </p> + <p> + “It is from Marion,” Mrs. Roberts said, delight in her voice, after the + first glance at the familiar writing. She was presently lost in its many + pages, and the business of letter-writing went on uninterruptedly for some + time. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Marion Dennis had not forgotten her fondness for her pretty little + Flossy: nor forgotten that,—softly-innocent little creature though + she was, she possessed a wisdom far above those who are credited with + having keen insight; even a wisdom so subtle, and withal so tender, that + its source could only be Infinite Wisdom. So she, in company with many + others, was learning to turn to the friend so much younger than herself, + as one in whom she could safely confide. + </p> + <p> + “Dear little Flossy,” so the letter ran, “I suppose, though you should + live to be a white-haired old lady, sitting with placid face and fluted + cap and spectacles, in your high-backed arm-chair, in the most treasured + corner mayhap of some granddaughter's choicest room, I, writing to you, + would still commence 'Dear little Flossy.' That I have to cover it from + prying eyes by the dignified and respectable 'Mrs. Evan Roberts,' is + almost a matter of amusement to me. I fancy I can see you making a journey + through some of the Chautauqua avenues, picking your way daintily towards + Palestine, bending lovingly over the small white stones that mark the + village of Bethany,—a pink on your cheek, born, as I thought, of the + excitement of being among those tiny photographs of the wonderful past, + but born in part, I now believe, of the fact that Mr. Evan Roberts joined + us in our walk. Oh, little mousie, how quiet you were! + </p> + <p> + “Well, many things have since transpired. We are old married women, you, + and Ruth, and Eurie and I. I suppose the contrast in our lives,—the + outward portion of them, I mean,—is still as strongly marked, + perhaps more so, than it was when we were in Chautauqua together. We were + girls then; we are matrons now, and with the taking on of that title, Ruth + and I took special and great responsibilities. To-night it rains. Mr. + Dennis has been called to the upper part of the city,—away out to + Springdale, in fact,—to see a sick and dying man, and I am alone and + almost lonely. If I could summon any one of the three to my aid and + comfort I would. I am almost as lonely as I was on some of those evenings + in the old boarding-house. Still there are differences; the smoky old + stove is not; a summer warmth floats through the house, born of steam; no + ill-smelling kerosene lamp offends your aesthetic friend to-night, but the + softest of shaded drop-lights sheds a halo around me. Isn't that almost + poetic? Moreover, oh blessed thought! I have no examination papers to + prepare, no reports to make up; nothing to do but visit with you. Also, I + will admit just to you, that this is another and most blessed difference + between this and my lonely past. At almost any moment now I may hope for + Dr. Dennis' ring, and when he comes all sense of loneliness will instantly + depart. Ah! Flossy, dear Flossy, this is such a difference as even you + cannot appreciate! You had your mother and father, and all your dear home + friends, and I had no one; and besides,—here I hesitate, lest you + may be too obtuse to understand the reasoning,—you have only added + Mr. Roberts to your circle of treasures. He is grand and good, I know, and + I like him without even a mental reservation; but, my dear, I have added + Dr. Dennis! Can human language say more? + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense aside, sweet little woman, God has been very good to you and me. + Yet, Flossy, do you remember how, during those last months in which we + were together, I fell into the habit of telling you a great deal about the + thorns, and admitted to you once that they pricked less when they had felt + your smoothing touch? I want to tell you something. Our Gracie—I am + so sorry for her, yet I don't know what to do. She is living a most + unhappy life, and of course she shadows our lives also. I told you, dear, + about Prof. Ellis. He is still trying to convince poor Gracie, that I, + being her step-mother, must be her natural enemy; reminding her that + before I came into the family her father was entirely willing to receive + his calls, and allowed her to accept his attentions. Don't you see, it + isn't strange at all that the poor little girl should believe him, and + turn from me? She has many judicious helpers in her father's congregation. + There are those who sigh over her almost in my hearing. 'Poor Gracie' they + say, 'how changed she is! She used to be so bright and happy. There is + something unnatural in these second-mother relations; all high-spirited + children rebel.' Imagine such talk helping Gracie! Meantime, what do you + suppose can be Prof. Ellis' motive? I cannot think that he cares for her; + I almost do not believe that there is enough purity left in him even to + admire a pure-hearted young girl; certainly not one with such high ideals + and earnest ambitions as Gracie had. 'Why does she admire him?' I fancy I + hear you asking. My dear, she doesn't; she thinks she does, and at + seventeen such thoughts sometimes work irreparable mischief; but left + alone, one of these days she would make the discovery that she was + flattered by his attentions, because he is nearly fifteen years older than + she, and is brilliant in conversation, and quoted as the finest musician + in the city. I wish I knew more things about him; what I do know shows me + plainly enough the sort of man he is; but with these guileless young + things it seems as though one had to unmask wickedness very thoroughly + before they will believe that it is anything but gossip or + misrepresentation. He has gone away for a six weeks' vacation; I don't + know where, nor does Dr. Dennis. Gracie knows, but does not enlighten me. + Flossy, dear, could you give me a little wholesome advice, do you think? I + wonder, sometimes, whether I was not too complacent over my proposed + duties. Such schemed as I had! I was going to be the blessedest + step-mother that girl ever had. That would not be saying much, possibly. + Don't we all incline to think that the second mothers must be wrong, and + the sons and daughters poor abused darlings? But I loved Gracie, you know, + and she seemed to love me, and to be so happy over the thought of our near + relationship. There is very little happiness from any such source during + these days. Gracie has retired into dignity. She can be the most dignified + young woman on occasion that I ever beheld. She is not rude to me, on the + contrary she is ceremoniously polite; calls me Mrs. Dennis, and all that + sort of thing, when necessity compels her to call me anything; but she + speaks as little as possible; sits at table with us three times a day, + when she cannot secure an excuse for absence that her father will accept; + says 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir,' obediently to him, and 'No, ma'am, thank + you,' to me, and that is the extent of our conversation. Generally her + face is pale and her eyes red, and at the first possible moment she begs + to be excused, and retires to the privacy of her own room and locks her + door. Her father has stopped her music lessons; at least she preferred to + have them stopped rather than take lessons of any other person, so she + practices no more. She continues her German and French, and secures good + reports from the professors, but there is an air of weariness and + dreariness about everything she does that makes one alternate between a + feeling of deep pity for her, and a desire to box her ears or shut her up + in a corner until she can behave herself. As a rule, however, I am sorry + for her. I was young once myself. I was undisciplined, I had no mother, + and I had a thousand wild fancies, any one of which might have ruined me. + What do you think you would do, dear, if Mr. Roberts had a daughter, and + you were her mother? You are all in a flush, now, and have lain down this + sheet and said aloud: 'What an idea! Marion does say the most absurd + things!' Well, then, if you were Marion Dennis, and stood before God in + the place of mother to Grace Dennis, what do you imagine you would do? + I'll tell you my policy; I am uniformly cheerful in her presence—gay, + if I can make gayety out of anything; not toward her father, you + understand, because I can fancy that might irritate her. I really try to + be gay toward Gracie herself; but can you imagine an attempt to be cheery + with a tombstone? I study as much as I can, her tastes, in the ordering of + dinner and desserts, and arrange the flowers that I know she likes best, + and in short try to do all those little bits of nice things that I feel + certain you would do in my place; and just here I may as well own that I + learned these small prettinesses, studying you; never should have thought + them out for myself. Flossy, Dr. Dennis is one of the most patient and + long-suffering of men, but it is very hard for him to be patient with poor + Gracie; harder than it is for me; first, because I know by personal + experience just what a turbulent young creature a miss of seventeen or + eighteen can be, and secondly, because it is upon me her displeasure falls + most heavily, and that naturally he resents. + </p> + <p> + “Why am I writing all this to you? I don't, know, childie, really, save + that I remember what a curious way you have of telling Jesus all about + your friends and their trials, and I remember with great comfort that you + are my friend. Don't imagine me as miserable; I can never be that so long + as Christ is the present Helper that he is to me now; and you do not need + to be told that I daily thank him for giving me my husband. But I think + you will understand better than many would how earnestly I desire to fill + the place of mother, to my bright young motherless Gracie, with her + dangerous beauty and her dangerous talents and her capacity for being + miserable. Oh, I want to do more than my duty; I want to love her with all + my heart, and to have her love me. If it were not for that man, who always + hated me, and who, I believe in my heart, has sought her out and is + pressing his attentions upon her because he sees a possibility of stinging + me through her, I might hope to fill the place in her heart that I thought + I could.” + </p> + <p> + The letter closed abruptly at this point, and was finished a few days + afterwards in a different strain, giving plenty of home news, and being + full of the brightness which always sparkled in Marion's letters; but it + was the first two or three pages to which Mrs. Roberts turned back, and + which she thoughtfully re-read. Then she interrupted the busy pen:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, are not the business letters nearly done? I want to read this to + you, and then I want to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Delightful prospects, both of them,” he said with energy, as he added the + last hurried line, signed and delivered to his wife to enclose in its + envelope, then pushed aside writing materials and sat back to enjoy. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't all delightful,” his wife said, shaking her head. “I did hope + that poor Marion was going to have a few years of rest. Her life has been + such a hard one.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — “TREMENDOUS FACTS!” HE SAID. + </h2> + <p> + It is well that Mrs. Marion Dennis felt entirely safe in her friend + Flossy's hands, for her affairs were very thoroughly talked over that + evening, and sundry conclusions arrived at. + </p> + <p> + One question Mrs. Roberts asked her husband, at the close of the + conference, which apparently had nothing to do with Marion Dennis' + affairs:— + </p> + <p> + “Evan, do you know Dr. Everett?” + </p> + <p> + “Everett? Let me think—yes, I know of him; a young physician, + comparatively, who had not been here long, and has made his mark.” + </p> + <p> + “In what direction?” + </p> + <p> + “Several, perhaps; but I have heard of him chiefly in the line of his + profession. He was accidentally called to attend a young lady belonging to + a very wealthy family out in Brookline. I say accidentally—that is a + reverent way we have of speaking, you know; of course, I mean + providentially. The nursery governess in the family was sick, and this Dr. + Everett, who had fallen in with her somewhere, volunteered to cure her. He + was calling on her one morning when the sick daughter, who, by the way, + had been given up by her physician, was taken suddenly and alarmingly + worse; in the emergency Dr. Everett was summoned, and while they waited + for the regular physician he succeeded in doing such good service that he + inspired the mother with confidence; she became anxious to put the case + entirely into his hands, which was done, and the young lady recovered, and + Dr. Everett's position, professionally, was assured. Isn't that an + interesting little item for you? He is said to have marked success; and, + of course, since the Brookline occurrence his practice is largely among + the wealthy. How has your attention been called to him?” + </p> + <p> + “My protector this morning said he was a 'swell' doctor, who was attending + that Calkins boy. I wondered if he did it because he loved Christ. He + might be a helper. I want to call on that sick boy to-morrow if I can + arrange it. I think I must take some one with me.” + </p> + <p> + “You may take me with you,” her husband said, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + However much trips through alleys with Nimble Dick might be conducive to + that young man's moral development, Mr. Roberts felt that his wife had + experimented sufficiently. + </p> + <p> + Thus it transpired that, dressed in the plainest, quietest garb which her + wardrobe would furnish, Mrs. Roberts went to the alley the next morning + accompanied by her husband. + </p> + <p> + In one sense it was a mistake that the first call in the alley should have + been made on the Calkins family. It was calculated to give Mrs. Roberts + mistaken ideas as to the manner in which poor people lived. A bare enough + room, certainly, not even a bit of carpet laid before the bed, but it was + a clean room. Floor and window and cupboard-door were as clean as water + could make them; and the bed, while it looked hopelessly hard and dreadful + to Mrs. Roberts, was really a pattern of neatness and purity to every + dweller in that attic. There was a straw tick, covered with a dark calico + spread, which did duty as a sheet, and the boy who lay on it was covered + by a patched quilt that had been mended, and was clean. Wonderful things + these to say of such a locality! Mr. Roberts suspected it, and Dr. Everett + knew it. That gentleman was bending over his patient when the two guests + arrived, and vouchsafed them not even a glance, while the dark-haired, + dark-eyed, homely, decently-dressed girl gave Mrs. Roberts a seat on the + one chair which the room contained, and set a stool for her husband that + had been made of four old chair legs and a square board. + </p> + <p> + Sallie Calkins was somewhat flurried by this unexpected call. She had no + idea who the people were, nor for what they had come. A vague fear that + they might be in some way connected with her brother's “place” at the + printing-office, which he was in such fear of losing that his night had + been a restless one, made her hasten to say, in a tremulous voice:— + </p> + <p> + “The doctor thinks he will be well in a little while. It isn't a bad + break, he says, and Mark wants to keep his place. He thinks, maybe, some + of the alley boys would keep it for him, if you would be so kind.” + </p> + <p> + She was evidently addressing Mr. Roberts, but she looked at Flossy. The + fair, sweet face, that gave her such sympathetic glances, seemed the one + to appeal to. Mr. Roberts, however, discerned that he was mistaken for the + employer, and immediately dispelled the idea by asking where the boy + worked, and how the accident had happened. + </p> + <p> + “It was the elevator, sir,” she said, eagerly. “The chain broke, and it + went down with a bang, and Mark was on it, and he rolled off somehow, he + doesn't know how; and he has been that bad that he couldn't tell me if he + had. He was kind of wild, sir, all night, and talking about his place.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there no one but you to be with him during the night?” Mrs. Roberts + asked. “Where is the mother?” + </p> + <p> + “We've got no mother, ma'am; there is only Mark and me—and father,” + she added, after a doubtful pause. “But father was not at home last night. + Oh, I didn't need no one to take care of Mark. I wouldn't have left him.” + </p> + <p> + “And he likes to have you take care of him, I am sure. What do you give + him to eat? He will need nourishing food, I think; beef teas and broths, + and nice little tempting dishes, made with milk, perhaps. Are you his + cook, too? I wonder if you wouldn't like to have me show you how to make + good things for him? I've learned how to make some nice dishes that sick + people like.” + </p> + <p> + Before the bewildered girl could answer, the doctor turned abruptly from + his long examination of his patient, and gave the guests the first + attention he had vouchsafed them. The truth was this man had had some + unfortunate experiences with district visitors, and had perhaps an + unreasonable prejudice against them as a class. “I can't help it, ma'am,” + he said to Mrs. Saunders, when she was taking him to task one day. “There + are exceptions, of course, at least we will hope there are; but if you had + seen some of my specimens, you would be the first to wish an infusion of + common sense could be introduced among them. As a rule, they offer a tract + where they should give a loaf of bread or a bowl of broth; and wedge their + advice and reproofs in with every helpful movement. It is like so many + doses of medicine to the patient; to be endured because he is at their + mercy, and can't help himself. They mean well, the most of them; but the + trouble is, we have a way of making district visitors out of people who + have nothing to do, and who have never learned that 'all the nations of + the earth were made of one blood.'” + </p> + <p> + Something in Mrs. Roberts' tones or words seemed to interest him, and he + turned toward her. + </p> + <p> + “Does this alley belong to you?” he asked, abruptly, his mind still full + of the district visitor. + </p> + <p> + She regarded him with a puzzled air for a moment, then answered naïvely:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it does; if it did I would have some things ever so + different.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett laughed; and Mr. Roberts came forward and introduced himself. + </p> + <p> + “My wife has hardly answered you fully,” he said. “I am under the + impression that she desires to adopt a certain portion of this alley; at + least I have heard of little else since last Sabbath afternoon. She is in + search of some stray sheep who have been put under her care.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” the doctor said, turning quickly to her, “a Sabbath-school teacher? + Is this young man one of your scholars?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she explained; “but she had heard of him while inquiring where one + of her boys lived, and she had called to see if she could help in any way. + Dirk Colson was the boy who, they told her, lived near this place.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the trim sister brightened. + </p> + <p> + “He lives on the next square,” she said. “Oh, ma'am, are you his teacher, + and do you care for him? I'm so glad.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a favorite of yours, is he?” the doctor asked, looking from one + speaking face to another, and seeming immensely interested in the matter. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” the girl said, quickly. “He's horrid! But I'm sorry for his + sister; and she wants Dirk to get on, and he never does get on; but I + thought maybe such a kind of a teacher could help him.” + </p> + <p> + There was such intense and genuine admiration in the girl's voice for the + vision of loveliness before her that Dr. Everett could not help smiling. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't seem unlikely,” said he, with significance; and added: “Who is + this Dirk Colson, who seems to be an object of interest?” + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the worst boys in the alley, sir; sometimes I think he is + the very worst, because he is cross as well as hateful; but Mark is always + kind of sorry for him, and says he has such a bad father he can't help it. + And Mart—that's his sister—she is a friend of mine, and she + feels bad about Dirk, but she can't do nothing; he ain't a bit like Mark + there.” + </p> + <p> + The last words were spoken tenderly, and the sisterly eyes turned toward + the boy on the bed, and obeying a sign from his eyes she went over to him. + The doctor plied his questions:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you recently taken a class, madam? and is their general reputation + as encouraging as this special scamp of whom we are hearing?” + </p> + <p> + His words almost jarred on Mrs. Roberts; she had already prayed enough for + her boys to have a sort of tender feeling for them—a half desire to + cover their faults from the gaze of the indifferent world. Did Dr. Everett + represent the indifferent world, or did he love her Master? She wished she + knew. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing encouraging about them,” she said, with grave + earnestness, “save the facts that they are made in the image of God, and + that he wants them to 'turn from the power of Satan unto God, that they + may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are + sanctified.'” + </p> + <p> + A rare flash of intelligence and appreciation greeted her now from those + fine eyes bent so scrutinizingly on her. + </p> + <p> + “Tremendous facts!” he said. “Glorious possibilities! 'Himself hath said + it.' I claim kinship with you; I am an heir of the same inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + He held a hand to each, and they were cordially grasped. Then Dr. Everett + proceeded to business. + </p> + <p> + “There is enough to do,” he said; “everything is lacking here; there is + severe poverty, united to the most scrupulous tenderness and the most + tender love on the part of this brother and sister. I stumbled on the + case, and will do professionally all that is needed. And I have a friend + who would undoubtedly come to the rescue, but she is crowded just now. I + shall be rejoiced to report to her a helper. Do you know Joy Saunders? + Well, I wish you did; she is one whom you could appreciate. She is young, + though, and without a husband to guard her, and there are some places to + which she cannot come.” + </p> + <p> + “Has she learned that important fact?” asked Mr. Roberts, with a + significant smile. Then some explanation seemed necessary. “This lady,” he + said, “tried the alley alone yesterday, and lost her way, and went lower + down,—quite near to Burk Street, I imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened?” The quick question and the doctor's tone suggested + possibilities not pleasant. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she met one of her new recruits,—as hard a boy, so one of the + policemen on this beat tells me, as there is in the row,—and pressed + him into service to escort her back to civilization; and strange to say, + the fellow did it without placing any tricks.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor turned on the small lady a curious glance. + </p> + <p> + “I think you may be able to do something, even for Dirk Colson,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed over the eagerness of the question. + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of him before. I was only thinking of our friend's + description of his awfulness. Ah, whom have we here?” + </p> + <p> + For the door had opened abruptly, and a pair of great blue eyes, set in a + frame of tawny hair, all in a frizzle, had peered in on them. The vision + was clothed in garments so torn the wonder was that they stayed on at all, + and there was a general look of abject poverty about her to which Sallie + Calkins, with all the bareness of her lot, was a stranger. She stood for + just a moment, as if transfixed by astonishment at the unwonted sight in + the room, then turned and sped away as swiftly and silently as she had + come. + </p> + <p> + “That is Dirk's sister,” Sallie Calkins said, coming forward, her homely + face aglow with shame. “She isn't a bad girl, ma'am, she doesn't mean to + be, but she has a dreadful time. Her mother is sickly, and has to go out + washing, times when she isn't able to sit up; and there'll be days when + she can't hold up her head; and the father is bad, ma'am, and drinks, and + swears, and sells things for drink till there ain't nothing left to sell; + and Mart hasn't anything to mend her clothes with, and she doesn't know + how, anyway; and she hasn't even got a comb to comb her hair with, her + father he took it to sell; and everything there is horrid, and Dirk, he's + awful.” + </p> + <p> + It was strange, she could not herself account for it; but with every added + word of misery that set poor Dirk Colson lower and lower in the scale of + humanity, there seemed to come into this woman's heart, and shine in her + face, an assurance that he was to be a “chosen vessel unto God.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor was watching her again, curious, apparently, to see how this + pitiful appeal for forbearance in judging of poor Mart affected her, and + something in his face made her say, speaking low, “an inheritance among + them which are sanctified.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen!” he said. And there came to Mrs. Roberts a feeling that this + earnest prayer, for the second time repeated by two men who prayed, was a + sort of seal from the Master. + </p> + <p> + She turned away from both gentlemen then; the tears were very near the + surface. She must do something to tone down the beating of her heart. + Sallie was at hand, and she went with her to another corner of the room, + and a low-toned conversation was carried on, scraps of which floated back + to the gentlemen in the form of “sheets,” “grape jelly,” “mutton broth,” + “a soft pillow,” and the like. + </p> + <p> + “I feel my patient growing better,” the doctor said, with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Is there no father here?” Mr. Roberts asked. + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head, but answered:— + </p> + <p> + “There is the most pitiful apology for a father that I ever saw,—a + mere wreck of a man! Spends his time in a sort of weak drinking, if I may + coin a phrase to describe him; he actually uses no energy even in that + business. Just staggers around and bemoans his lot; a most unfortunate + man, in his own estimation, with whom the world, through no fault of his, + has gone wrong. He is never downright intoxicated, and never free from the + effects of liquor. He is much like a wilted leaf in the hands of this boy + and girl. They could pitch him out of the window without much difficulty, + and if the fall did not kill him he would shed tears and say it was a hard + world. But now, what do we see, when the name of father is so dishonored,—made + a wreck, as it were? Why, the order of nature is reversed, and these + children take on the protective. They are father and mother, and he is the + weak, sinning child. The way that that boy and girl have worked to keep + their miserable father from starving or freezing is something to astonish + the very angels. They shield him, too; nobody who wants to reach their + hearts must blame him. They are a study!—as different from the other + inhabitants of the alley as the sky is different from that mud-hole down + there. It isn't a good simile, either. There is no religion in their + efforts. They are the veriest heathen.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you account for the development?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't account for it; it is abnormal. There must have been a mother who + left her impress. I can't learn anything about the mother—she died + when the girl was an infant; but I would like to know her history. I + venture to assert that she belonged to Christ, and that a gleam of the + divine pity that she saw in him, and loved, left its impress on her + children. That is somewhat mystical,” he added, smiling. “I rarely talk in + this way; it must have been your wife who set me off.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is the most practical and energetic of beings!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so are the angels, I fancy; and make us think of heaven directly we + hear the rustle of their wings. Has your wife been a Christian long?” + </p> + <p> + “Barely two years since she began to think of these things.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much. She impresses me as one who is being led; who does not + choose to go alone; has not learned how, indeed. A very few Christians + never learn how, and with them the Lord does his special work. Well, sir; + I must go. I'm glad to have met you, and glad to leave you here. Good + morning!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — “AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED.” + </h2> + <p> + Other business was transacted that morning which brought results. A + curious habit of Mrs. Roberts',—one which, perhaps, most strongly + marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other + people,—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information + on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the + time. + </p> + <p> + Where other and more systematic persons would have said, “He is not the + one to ask about this matter! there is no reason for supposing that he has + any knowledge in this direction!” Mrs. Roberts would say: “I cannot be + sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need. In + any case, what harm will it do to try?” And she always tried. + </p> + <p> + It was on this principle that she arrested Dr. Everett's speedy departure + with a question:— + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, are you familiar with boarding-houses for young men?” + </p> + <p> + Something like a vision swept instantly before the doctor, in which he saw + the long line of young men, and the long line of boarding-houses, in the + world, and he laughed with eyes and lips, the question seemed so queerly + put. + </p> + <p> + “With how many of them, madam?” There was amusement in his voice, but + there was also curiosity,—he wanted to know what this original + little lady was in search of. + </p> + <p> + “One would do, if it were of just the right stamp. I'll tell you what I + want,—a nice, quiet, comfortable <i>home</i> sort of place, with a + small room, capable of being warmed, a single bedstead, with a passably + good bed, and a moderate rate of board. Are not those modest enough + requirements?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all! They are preposterous! A boarding-house to which one could + conveniently apply the word '<i>home!</i>' <i>Fire</i> in a young man's + room! He is expected to enjoy freezing in a city; and if he come from the + country, he should be grateful for the privilege! But the idea of calling + for a good bed! That is the wildest suggestion of all! Has she ever + boarded, Mr. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at a boarding-house, at least,” said that gentleman, enjoying the + fun. + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “Are you serious?” she asked, gently. “Is there no chance in this great + city for a Christian young man to have the ordinary comforts of common + life; just a little quiet room where he can pray, and where he can invite + some tempted soul, and try to help him? Doesn't it seem all wrong?” + </p> + <p> + The laugh was gone from the doctor's face. There was a look of keen + interest and genuine respect. + </p> + <p> + “How many young men are you thinking about? There are many Christians, I + believe, among that class,—poor young men, away from home,—and + I have reason to fear that their chances for comfortable retirement are + very scarce. I have thought about the problem somewhat how to help them. + In the concrete, I don't see the way. Of how many are you thinking?” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to think about them all,” Mrs. Roberts said,—and now + it was her turn to laugh,—“but I am panning for just one. I cannot + work in great ways, but I thought I might help one.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly! Mr. Roberts, if every Christian in our city would undertake to + help <i>one</i>, the problem would be solved. Well, there is one + boarding-house to which the word 'home' may properly be applied; and there + is one small room on the third floor vacated yesterday. I wonder if the + Master wants it for your young man? It seems to me if there is any one + thing more than another that we need in that house just now it is a + Christian young man. Of what type is your friend? Will he help or hinder a + gay young scamp much sought after by Satan?” + </p> + <p> + “He will try hard to help,” said both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. And before + they parted the doctor had taken Mr. Ried's address, and promised to call + on him and negotiate the matter. + </p> + <p> + “That plan will work in two ways,” said Mrs. Roberts, gleefully. “Mr. Ried + will be in the same home with, and somewhat under the influence of that + grand doctor. Isn't it splendid that we asked just him?” + </p> + <p> + And her husband smilingly assented, and added that he should not have + thought of such a thing as asking him. + </p> + <p> + On her way down town, Mrs. Roberts had dropped a letter in the mail, which + also brought results. It read thus:— + </p> + <p> + “DEAR MARION,—I have time for but a line, for I want to catch the + morning mail. I have such a nice plan. Suppose you let your Gracie come + and stay with me for a few weeks. You know she always liked me a little, + and Evan and I think we can make it pleasant for her. I will try to get + her so much interested in seven boys whom I know that she will forget all + about Professor Ellis. Mr. Barnwell a confidential clerk in the store (old + and gray-headed), will go to-morrow to transact some business with papa. + Evan will give him a letter of introduction to Dr. Dennis. He expects to + return on Saturday, and if you will trust Gracie to us, and she is willing + to come, she might travel in Mr. Barnwell's care, and we would meet her at + the depot. Dear Marion, we should like it ever so much: and I have prayed + about it all the morning, and cannot help thinking that Jesus likes it + too.” + </p> + <p> + Thus it came to pass that when Mrs. Roberts took her seat on the next + Sabbath afternoon before her seven boys at the South End Mission, a vision + of loveliness, such as the mission had not often seen, came in with her, + and looked with wide-open eyes on all the new and strange sights and + sounds about her. A very pretty creature was Gracie Dennis. Her eyes had + lost none of their brightness, although they had shed some tears during + her recent experiences. They were fairly sparkling to-day, for the great + city into which she had come for the first time was like fairyland to her; + albeit, she had passed through scenes that afternoon which bore no + resemblance to her idea of fairyland. What the boys thought of her could + only be determined from their stares. Let us hope that her presence had + nothing to do with their conduct, for never, in all the annals of the + South End Mission, had seven boys comported themselves as did those before + whom Mrs. Roberts sat that winter afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick, as if to be revenged for his unintentional courtesy of the + Monday before, placed his ill-kept feet on the seat in front of him, in + alarming proximity to Mrs. Roberts' shoulders, and chewed his tobacco, and + defiled the floor with its juice, and talked aloud, and was in every sense + disgusting. Neither was Dirk Colson one whit behind him. The spirit of + entertainment was upon him. He mimicked Mr. Durant's somewhat hoarse + tones, exaggerating the imitation, of course, until it was ludicrous. He + imitated the somewhat shrill tenor, and the nasal tones of Deacon Carter, + who was doing good work with a class of meek-looking women. He even + imitated Mrs. Roberts' soft, low voice, as she essayed to interest them in + Moses and some of the wonders which he performed. + </p> + <p> + Vain hope! Struggle as she might to be intensely dramatic in her + narrative, she did not for a moment gain the ascendency. + </p> + <p> + “Moses?” interrupted Nimble Dick in the very midst of one of her most + earnest sentences. “Let's see! that was the old fellow who swallowed the + serpents, wasn't it? I should have thought he would have been used up.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know nothin',” interrupted Stephen Crowley, with a nudge at + Dirk that the latter pretended tipped him entirely off the seat, and left + him a limp heap at Mrs. Robert' feet. + </p> + <p> + “He don't know nothin'!” repeated Stephen, addressing Mrs. Roberts in a + confidential tone. “'T was the serpents swallowed Moses, wasn't it? + Question is, How did he get around again?” + </p> + <p> + “Quit that!” came at this point from Dirk Colson, in his fiercest tone. + “Look here, you Bill Snyder, if you try pinching on me again I'll pitch + you over the head of old Durant in less than a second!” + </p> + <p> + What was the poor, pale little woman to do? With one boy crawling about + the floor and two others in a hand-to-hand fight, with the rest in a + giggle, of what use to try to talk to them about Moses? You should have + seen Gracie Dennis eyes by that time! Horror and disgust were about + equally expressed, and rising above them both, a look of actual fear. Mr. + Durant came over to attempt a rescue, his face distressed beyond measure. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, this is too much. I am sure that patience has ceased to be + a virtue. They have never gone so far before. I suspected mischief to-day. + I have heard from several of them during the week, and never anything but + evil. I am prepared for it; there is a full police force on guard in the + next room; what I propose is to have every one of these fellows taken to + the lock-up. It will be a lesson that they richly deserve, and may do them + good.” + </p> + <p> + Whispering was not one of Mr. Durant's strong points. He meant to convey + secret intelligence of carefully-laid plans to Mrs. Roberts alone. In + reality not a boy in the class but heard every word. They were startled + into silence. “A full police force!” They were not fonder of the lock-up + than are most boys who deserve that punishment. They were skilful in + escaping the hands of policemen. They had not believed that the South End + Mission would resort to any such means. They recognized in the Mission an + attempt to do them good; and, without any effort at reasoning it out, they + had by tacit consent decided that policemen and lock-ups and Christian + effort did not match. They had chuckled much over the stationing of + “little Duffer” at the door on guard. Any two of the strong young fellows + were a match for him, and in the event of a riot, which they would like no + better fun than to help get up, how many choice spirits all about the room + would join them if given the word, and in the delightful confusion which + would result how easy to escape from sight and hearing while Policeman + Duffer was summoning aid! They had felt comparatively safe. But “a full + police force” detailed for duty was quite another thing. They felt caught + in a trap. Nimble Dick got up in haste from the floor and took his seat, + and the boys looked from one to another with ominous frowns. There were + reasons why none of them cared to come before the police court just now. + What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + While they waited and considered, Mrs. Roberts did it. Her hand was on Mr. + Durant's arm, and directly the loud whispering ceased, she spoke in low, + but distinctly emphatic tones:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg of you, Mr. Durant, do no such thing. I would dismiss every + policeman at once, with thanks, if I were you. We shall not need their + help. I give you my word of honor that the boys will be quiet during the + rest of the session, not because they are afraid of policemen, but because + they respect me, and do not want to see me frightened or annoyed. Please + don't let a policeman come near us.” + </p> + <p> + I am not sure which was the more astonished, the superintendent or the + boys. He returned to his desk with the bewildered air of one whose + deep-laid schemes had come to naught in an unexpected manner without + giving him time to rally; and the boys looked at one another in + perplexity, and were silent. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts turned to them with quiet voice:— + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” she said, “you have spoiled the story that I was going to tell + you. I have lost my place, and there isn't time to go back and find it. I + am sorry, for I think you would have liked the story. I spent a good deal + of time this week trying to make it interesting. But never mind now, there + is something else I want to say. Will you spend the hours from eight to + ten with me to-morrow evening at my house? I brought cards with me for + each of you, containing my address, that you might have no trouble in + finding the place.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon she produced the delicate bits of pasteboard, with her name and + address handsomely engraved thereon. + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick took his between his soiled thumb and finger, turned it over + in a pretence of great interest, and finally endeavored to “sight” it with + his eye, as a workman does his board. + </p> + <p> + “What'll you do with us if we come?” Stephen Crowley asked, fixing what + was intended as a wise look upon her, the leer in his eye hinting that he + was smart enough to see another trap, and meant not to fall into it. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts laughed pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “It is an unusual question, when one invites company,” she said; “but I + don't mind answering it. For one thing I thought we would have an oyster + stew and some good coffee together. Then, if any of you like music, I have + a friend with me who is a good singer; and I have a few pictures I should + like you to see, if you cared to; and—I don't know whether you are + fond of flowers, but some of you may have a mother, or sister at home who + is, and the greenhouse is all aglow just now. Oh, how can I tell what I + should do to entertain guests? Just what seemed to me to be pleasant at + the time. That is the way I generally do. May I expect you?” + </p> + <p> + The boys stared. This was a new departure, indeed! How much of it did she + mean? What was she trying to do? Was it a trap? Still she had rescued them + from the police force, and they had not expected that, for every boy of + them knew that he had treated her shamefully. Timothy Haskell was + generally the quietest one of the group, and perhaps the most + straightforward. He went directly to the point of the question that he saw + in the eyes of the others. + </p> + <p> + “What do you do it for?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's the talk,” said Nimble Dick. “What do you want of us?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I want you to spend the evening with me. Didn't I tell you? If you + really mean to be friends with me of course I must invite you to my home. + What <i>could</i> I want except to have a nice time? I'm trying to make + you like me. Of course I want you to like me. How can we have pleasant + times together unless you do?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — “I HAVE BUT TO TRY AGAIN” + </h2> + <p> + “Pleasant times like we've been having to-day?” said Nimble Dick, with a + wicked leer. + </p> + <p> + If he meant to disconcert her, he missed his point. + </p> + <p> + “No!” she said, promptly, “we haven't had a bit nice times to-day, and as + for liking you, I haven't done so to-day at all. If I had the least idea + that you meant often to treat me as you have this afternoon I should know + it was of no use. But I cannot think that you will continue to treat a + lady in such a manner, particularly when I am really trying to make a + pleasant time for you. There is no object, you see, in spoiling it.” + </p> + <p> + This plain bit of truth, for the time being so commended itself to the + judgment of the boys that they regarded the speaker gravely, without + attempting a reply. She was not moralizing; at least it was unlike any + moralizing that they had ever heard. It seemed to be simply a bit of + practical common sense. Not a boy would have owned it, but each felt, just + at that moment, a faint hope that she would <i>not</i> decide it was of no + use, and give them up. Straightforward Tim Haskell had one more question + to ask:— + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you let them bring in their police and settle us?” + </p> + <p> + Their teacher hesitated just a moment. Would the “whole truth” do to speak + in this case? Could she hope to make them understand that she saw in it a + step lower down, and that thus degraded before her eyes, she feared her + possible hold on them would be gone forever? No; it wouldn't do! A little, + a <i>very</i> little piece of the truth was all that she could treat them + to. A faint sparkle in her bright eyes, which every one of them saw, and + she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid you might not be excused in time to keep your engagement + with me to-morrow evening.” + </p> + <p> + They all laughed, not boisterously, actually an appreciative laugh. They + were bright; there is hardly a street boy living by his wits who isn't. + They recognized the humor hidden in the answer, and enjoyed it. + </p> + <p> + Then the superintendent's bell rang. That bell always did seem to have an + evil influence on those boys. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was known to remark, a + few Sundays afterwards, that if there <i>were</i> no opening and closing + exercises in the Sabbath-school, her work would be easier; that street + boys did not seem to have one element of devotion in them, and needed to + be kept at high pressure, in order to be able to control themselves. + </p> + <p> + The thought is worthy of study, perhaps. It is just possible that our + opening and closing exercises are too long drawn out even for those who + are not street boys. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, the little spell which Mrs. Roberts had been able for a + few minutes to weave around her boys on this particular Sabbath, was + broken by the sound of the bell. The boys returned to their memories of + insult, as they regarded the police force. They muttered sullenly among + themselves about “traps” and “sells,” and “guessed they wouldn't get + caught here again;” and Mrs. Roberts, seeming not to hear, heard with a + heavy heart. + </p> + <p> + How angry they looked! Even Nimble Dick's usually merry face was clouded + over. What a curious thing it was that even they had their ideas of + propriety, and felt themselves insulted! Was it an instinct, she wondered—a + reminder that there was in them material for manhood? + </p> + <p> + Would they ever, any of them, be men—Christian gentlemen? It seemed + almost too great a stretch for even her imagination. As she moved in her + seat her delicately-embroidered, perfumed handkerchief fell to the floor. + Mrs. Roberts was used to young men—mere boys, even—whose + instinctive movement would be to instantly restore it to her. Not a boy + before her thought of such a thing. She had not expected it, of course. + Yet she wondered if the instinct were not dormant, needing but the + suggestion. It was a queer little notion, worthy of Flossy Shipley + herself, who, from being continually busy about little things, had come to + the conclusion that nothing anywhere was little; that the so-called + trifles, which make up many lives, had much to do with the happiness of + other lives. Was it worth her while to try to teach these street Arabs to + pick up fallen handkerchiefs? She differed from many Christian workers, in + that, in her simplicity, she really thought it was. + </p> + <p> + There was a lull just at that moment. A hymn had been announced, but the + organist's note-book had been mislaid, and was being sought after. It + could disturb no one if Mrs. Roberts tried her little experiment. She + looked longingly at Dirk Colson, but his brows were black and his eyes + fierce; this was no time to reach him. Nimble Dick looked much more + approachable. She determined to venture him:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bolton,” spoken in her sweetest voice, “I have dropped my + handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + “Anybody with half an eye could see that, mum; and a mighty dirty spot you + picked out for such a nice little rag to lie in.” + </p> + <p> + This was her only response. Then the discomfited experimenter told herself + that she was a blunderer. How could the poor fellow be expected to know + what she meant? Why had she not <i>asked</i> the service from him? She + would try again. + </p> + <p> + Would he be kind enough to pick it up for her? It was long afterwards + before Mrs. Roberts could think of his answer without a sinking heart. + Fixing bold, saucy eyes on her, he spoke in deliberate tones, loud enough + to be heard half-way across the room:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, pick it up yourself, mum! It is as near to you as it is to me, and + you don't look weakly.” + </p> + <p> + She picked it up, her poor cheeks burning, but she did not forget it. + </p> + <p> + Various after-school conferences told their different stories. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” Mr. Durant said, stopping in the act of mopping his hot forehead + to shake hands with her, “Mrs. Roberts, I honor your courage. Those boys + were simply fearful to-day; I really feared some outbreak that would be + hard to quell. I'm afraid we shall have to give them up. Yes, I know how + you feel: but you haven't been here to see what we have borne from them. + All sorts of teachers have been tried. We have given them the best + material we had, both men and women, and every one has failed. Then you + actually want to try it for another Sabbath! Well, I'm glad of it. Oh, <i>I</i> + don't want to give them up; it makes my heart ache to think of it; but if + we can't keep them in sufficient order to get any benefit, nor find a + teacher who is willing to hold on to them, what else is there for us to + do? But that last complaint I needn't make so long as you 'hold on,' need + I?” This last with a genial smile. “Well, God bless you; I couldn't begin + to tell you how much I hope you will succeed.” + </p> + <p> + But his face said: “However, I know you won't.” + </p> + <p> + He turned from her and said as much to young Ried:— + </p> + <p> + “She is in earnest, Ried, and she has resources; but she won't catch them, + simply because they don't mean to be caught; they come here to make + trouble and for nothing else. Just look at the way they have performed + to-day—worse than ever, and they never had a better teacher. I've + watched her, and I believe she knows how. I'll tell you what it is, Ried, + we must hold on to her, and when she gives up those boys we must secure + her for that class of girls down by the door. I really think we have a + prize.” + </p> + <p> + Now, if he had but known it, Mrs. Evan Roberts meant to teach no other + class at the South End Mission save those boys. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!” This was Gracie Dennis' exclamation; when she was very + much excited, she went back to the old name. “What <i>are</i> you trying + to do with those horrid boys? and how can you endure their impudence? I + never saw anything like their actions in my life, and I thought I had seen + bad boys. You look completely worn out, and no wonder. I shouldn't think + Mr. Roberts would let you do this. What good can you do such creatures, + Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Gracie, don't you think that Jesus Christ died to save them?” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said Gracie, hesitatingly. It was a favorite phrase with her, as + it is with many people when they don't know what to say next. + </p> + <p> + “And don't you think he wants them saved? And will he not be pleased with + even my little bits of efforts if he knows that my sincere desire is to + save these souls for his glory?” + </p> + <p> + “But what I mean is, what good can you do them so long as they act as they + do now? They didn't listen to a word you said, so as to get any good out + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that, dear, nor do you. Don't you think the Holy Spirit + sometimes presses words on people that they do not seem to be heeding? In + any event, that is a part with which I have nothing to do. I tried; and if + I failed utterly I have but to try again. It isn't as though there were + some good teacher ready to take them. Nobody will make a second effort. + Now there is one thing I can certainly do. I can keep on making efforts; + who knows but some of them may bear fruit? By the way, Gracie, I want ever + so much of your help.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine?”' said Gracie, with wide-open eyes. “I don't know how to help + people; I'm not good.” And her face darkened in a frown,—some + unpleasant memories that went far toward proving the truth of that + statement coming to mind just then. After a moment she spoke in a somewhat + more gentle tone: “Don't count on me, Flossy, for help about those boys. + They frighten me; I never saw such fellows. I couldn't help wondering what—papa + would have said to them.” + </p> + <p> + Between the “wondering” and the noun there had been an observable pause. + Mrs. Roberts suspected that the thought in Gracie's mind was rather what + Mrs. Dennis, who was supposed to have much knowledge of boys, would have + thought of them. But since her arrival Gracie had studiously avoided any + reference to her stepmother, and Mrs. Roberts had humored her folly. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, you can help them; and when you begin to realize that, you + will forget your fears.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you expect to see one of the creatures to-morrow evening? What in the + world would you do with them if they did come?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not sure that I <i>expect</i> them. I only hope for them. As to what + to do with them, I trust to you to help answer that question. I want to + give them an idea of what a nice time is.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot help,” said Gracie again, but she was <i>interested</i>, and + referred again and again to the subject, cross-questioning Mrs. Roberts as + to her plans and hopes, until that lady gave a satisfied smile to the + thought that her seven boys had begun their work. + </p> + <p> + The first part of this conversation was held while they waited in one of + the class-rooms for Mr. Ried to give in his report before joining them. + The waiting suggested to Gracie another question. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Mr. Ried, who seems to have us in charge?” + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the clerks from the store, which accounts, in part, for his + attendance on us. But I am interested in him for other reasons. He had a + wonderful sister; that is, she was a wonderful Christian; she died when + quite young, but one might be ready to go to heaven early if one had + accomplished as much as she did. By one of those strange arrangements, + which I should think would go far toward making observing people believe + in a special Providence, her life, or I might almost say her death, was + the means of changing the current of my husband's life. He says he was a + gay young fellow; a member of the church, but giving just as little + attention to religion as many do whom you and I know. An accident to one + of his family held him for several weeks in the town where this Ester Ried + lived; and her physician, with whom he became acquainted, introduced him + to her. It seems she was very much interested in young men, in their + Christian development. He went to see her several times; and, to use his + own expression, she first made him realize that there was such a thing as + zeal, and then she set it on fire. What she had begun in life she finished + in her death. Evan attended her funeral services, and the walls were hung + with Bible texts of her selection. The most wonderful texts! All about + Christian work, and about being in earnest, because the time was short. + Evan says he began to understand, then, that the service of Christ was + first, best, and always. + </p> + <p> + “Wasn't it a singular Providence that led him under the influence of that + young girl during the closing weeks of her life? Only think, he has been + doing her work ever since,—doing it, possibly, in ways that she + could not compass. That is one reason why I am so much interested in those + boys. It seems to me as though they were her boys. Did I tell you that her + heart went out especially after the neglected? I learned about the boys + through Mr. Ried. He was but a child when his sister died, and yet she + succeeded in so enthusing him with her ideas that he is all the time + trying to carry out her plans. She had some wonderful ones. This idea of + inviting the boys, socially, I had from her. Do you see how plainly she is + working yet, though she has been in heaven so long?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think,” asked Gracie Dennis, a timid, gentle sound to her voice, + “that all Christians ought to put religion 'first, best, and always,' as + your husband said? I fancied that some were set apart to do a special + work.” + </p> + <p> + “We are all set apart, dear, don't you think? Given to Him to use as He + will. The trouble is that so many of us take back the gifts, and use our + time and our tongues as though they were our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Our <i>tongues</i>!” repeated Gracie, amazement in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes; didn't you give Him your tongue when you gave Him yourself? And + yet you are fortunate if you have not dishonored Him with it many a time.” + </p> + <p> + Said Gracie, “What a queer way you have of putting things.” + </p> + <p> + Then came Alfred Ried in haste, and apologizing for the long delay. Gracie + Dennis, watched him curiously; listened critically to his words. Was it to + be supposed that this young man put religion “first, best, and always”; + and considered his tongue as given to the Lord? Alfred bore the scrutiny + well. He took very little notice of Miss Gracie, being entirely absorbed + with another matter. He had settled opinions about Mrs. Roberts now, from + which he would not be likely to waver. He had seen much of her during the + week, and he knew she had not been idle. She had given him much valuable + information concerning the boys in whom he had been interested all winter; + and whom she had known for a week. Also he was aware that Sally and Mark + Calkins had seen much of her, to their great benefit. She had made him her + messenger on one occasion, and he had seen Sally Calkins take from the + basket the clean, sweet-smelling sheets that were to freshen her brother's + bed, and bestow on them rapturous kisses, while she murmured, “I'd walk on + my knees in broad daylight through the gutter to serve her,—that I + would.” + </p> + <p> + “Sheets aren't much, I suppose,” moralized the young man, as he walked + thoughtfully homeward. “People with much less money than she has must have + furnished them. It is thinking about things that makes the difference + between her and others.” + </p> + <p> + But he had not quite found the secret. The main difference between her and + many other people lay in the fact that she set steadily about doing the + things she thought of that would be nice to do. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, young Ried was fully prepared to sympathize with Mr. + Durant's opinion, that the South End Mission had secured a prize. Not that + he was very hopeful over those boys. He felt that their conduct, under the + circumstances, showed a depth of depravity which was beyond the reach of + Mission schools; but it was a comfort to think that good things were + arranged for them if they had but chosen to receive. He began at once to + talk about them. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, they are worse than I had supposed. I am afraid that your + patience is exhausted.” + </p> + <p> + Her answer was peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ried, I want you to spend to-morrow evening with me. I have invited + my boys, and I depend on you and Gracie here to help entertain them.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you equal to such formidable work as that?” asked Gracie, with a + mischievous smile. + </p> + <p> + He did not respond to the smile; he was looking at Mrs. Roberts, studying + her face as one bewildered with the rapidity of her moves. + </p> + <p> + “I want to be,” he said, with feeling; “I want to know how to work, and + I'm learning. Mrs. Roberts, I moved to my new boarding-house last evening, + and my room is a perfect little gem. There is an illuminated text in it, + and all around it is twined an ivy, growing,—don't you think! + Hidden, you know, behind the frame in a bottle; and the text is one of my + sister's treasures. Isn't that a singular coincidence?” + </p> + <p> + “It is very nice,” said Mrs. Roberts, with satisfied eyes. She still made + much use of that little word. + </p> + <p> + “And, Mrs. Roberts, I asked one of your boys to come in this evening and + see my room.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — “I WANT THEM TO GET USED TO PARLORS.” + </h2> + <p> + “Those two people can think and talk of nothing but those dreadful boys,” + said Gracie to herself, half annoyed and wholly interested. She found + herself that very evening turning over the music, with the wonderment in + her mind as to what she could sing that they would be likely to care for, + provided one of them appeared, which thing she did not expect. + </p> + <p> + But I have not told you of all the discussions had that day. The boys went + their various ways, their minds also busy with the events of the + afternoon. Dirk Colson and Stephen Crowley went off together; not that + they were special friends, but their homes lay near together. For the + distance of half a block they walked in silence; then Stephen Crowley + spoke his mind:— + </p> + <p> + “Nimble Dick wasn't near as smart to-day as he thinks he was, accordin' to + my way of thinkin'.” + </p> + <p> + “He was meaner than dirt!” burst forth Dirk, fiercely. “To go back on her + like that, after she had saved us from a row with the police, ain't what I + believe in. Why couldn't he have picked up the rag, seeing she wanted him + to? That's what <i>I</i> say. I'd a done it myself if she had give me the + chance.” + </p> + <p> + “That there Dick Bolton can be too mean for anything when he sets out,” + said Stephen, with a grave air of superiority. “I don't go in for anything + of that kind myself. We wasn't none of us much to boast of; but Dick, he + went too fur. I say, Dirk, what do you s'pose all that yarn means about + to-morrow night? And what be we goin' to do about it? Dick, he said it was + all a game to get hold of us somehow, and he wasn't goin' to have nothin' + to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + Had Stephen Crowley desired exceedingly to secure Dirk's vote in favor to + the proposed entertainment he could not, at that moment, have chosen a + better way. Dirk tossed his thick mat of black hair in a defiant fashion + and answered:— + </p> + <p> + “He needn't have a thing to do with it, so far as I care. I don't know + who'll miss him; but if he thinks he's got all the fellows under his + thumb, and they're goin' to do as he says, I'll show him a thing or two. + <i>I'm</i> a goin' to-morrow night. I don't care what it is, nor what it + is for. She was nice and friendly to us to-day, and I'm willin' to trust + her to-morrow. I shall go up there and see what she does want. It can't + kill a fellow to do that much.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'm a goin', too,” declared Stephen, with decision. “Dick, he thinks + there won't none of us go if he don't; and I'd just like to show him that + he must get up early in the mornin' if he wants to keep track of us.” + </p> + <p> + If Dirk Colson needed anything to strengthen his resolution, there was + material in that last sentence which supplied it. He had long chafed under + the control of Dick Bolton; here was a chance to assert superiority. He + even, just at that moment, conceived the brilliant idea of supplanting + Dick—running an opposition party, as it were. + </p> + <p> + What if he should get every fellow in the class to promise to go, and + Dick, the acknowledged leader, should find himself left out alone in the + cold. The thought actually made his grim face break into a smile. Thus it + came to pass that the most efficient worker for the success of the Monday + evening entertainment, so far at least as securing the presence of the + guests, was Dirk Colson. + </p> + <p> + In Mr. Roberts' mansion preparations for receiving and entertaining the + hoped-for guests went briskly forward. Preparations which astonished the + young guest already arrived. + </p> + <p> + “Are you really going to let them come in here?” she asked, as she + followed Mrs. Roberts through the elegant parlors, and watched her putting + delicate touches here and there. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; why not? Don't you open your parlors when you receive your + friends?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think we have such peculiar friends on our list,” Gracie said, + with a little laugh; and then, “Flossy, they will spoil your furniture.” + </p> + <p> + “If one evening in the Master's service will spoil anything it surely + ought to be spoiled,” Mrs. Roberts answered, serenely. + </p> + <p> + “But, Flossy,”—with a touch of impatience in her voice,—“what + is the use? Wouldn't the dining-room answer every purpose; be to them the + most elegant room they ever beheld, and be less likely to suffer from + their contact?” + </p> + <p> + The busy little mistress of all the beauty around her turned to her guest + with a peculiar smile on her face, half mischievous and wholly sweet, as + she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I want them to get used to parlors, my dear; they may have much to do + with them, as well as with dining-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “They are more likely to have to do with penitentiaries and prisons,” + Gracie said; but she abandoned discussion, and gave herself to the + pleasure of arranging lonely flowers in their lovely vases. + </p> + <p> + There was a divided house as to the probability of the guests appearing,—Mr. + Roberts inclining to the belief that some of them would come, while Gracie + was entirely skeptical. Mrs. Roberts kept her own counsel, neither + expressing wish nor fear, but steadily pushing her preparations. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, the entire seven appeared together, promptly, as the + clock struck eight. + </p> + <p> + At the last moment Dick Bolton, the usual leader, finding himself in a + minority of one, not to be outwitted, protested that he had not the least + notion of staying away; of course he was going, and good-naturedly joined + the group. + </p> + <p> + I wonder if you have the least conception of how those boys looked? The + ideas of some people cannot get below nicely-patched clothes, carefully + brushed boots, clean collars, and neatly arranged hair. + </p> + <p> + Clean collars! Not a boy of them owned a collar. No thought of brushing + their worn-out, unmended boots ever entered their minds. Their clothes + were much patched, but in many places needed it still. + </p> + <p> + Stephen Crowley had made a somewhat unsuccessful attempt to put his mass + of hair in order. Most of the others had not thought even of that. Why + should they? Poor Dirk, you will remember, if he had thought of it, had no + comb with which to experiment. It is doubtful if many of the others were + any better off in this respect. + </p> + <p> + Imagine the seven standing, a confused, grinning, heap, in the centre of + Mrs. Roberts' large and brilliantly-lighted hall! + </p> + <p> + She came forward to welcome them, shaking hands, though they made no + attempt to offer a hand in greeting. She had to grasp after each. She + essayed to introduce Gracie; not one of them attempted a bow. + </p> + <p> + “Come this way,” Mrs. Roberts said, “and take seats.” Then she led the way + into the long, bright, elegantly-furnished, flower-decked room. + </p> + <p> + They followed her in a row. Midway in the room they made a halt. They + caught a view of themselves—full length at that—revealed by + the great mirrors. They had never seen themselves set in contrast before. + They could not sit in a row, for the easy chairs and sofas, though + plentiful, had the air of having been just vacated by people who had left + them carelessly just where they had chanced to sit. + </p> + <p> + It required diplomacy to seat those boys. When at last Stephen Crowley + dropped into one of the great pillowy chairs, he instantly sprang up + again, and looked at it doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + Was the thing a trap? How far down would it sink with him? This was too + much for Nimble Dick, even under the present overpowering circumstances—he + laughed. His hostess blessed him for that laugh. The horrible stiffness + was somewhat broken, and all were seated. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment came Alfred Ried, hurriedly, like one who had intended + promptness and missed it. + </p> + <p> + “All here ahead of me!” he exclaimed, “Mrs. Roberts, I beg your pardon. At + the last moment I went in search of Dr. Everett; there was serious illness + in a house next door, and I happened to know just where he was.” + </p> + <p> + During this address he was shaking hands with his hostess, his manner easy + and graceful, as one used to it all. Then he crossed the room, that + wonderful room, treading down those flowers on the carpet as though he had + no fears of breaking their stems. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, Miss Dennis,” he said, and he was bowing in a manner that + Dirk Colson was confident he could imitate. Then he turned to the boys, + shaking hands:— + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Haskell? By the way, Crowley, I called on you to-day at the + office; sorry not to find you in.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, allow me?” And he wheeled one of the easy chairs to the + spot where that lady was standing. + </p> + <p> + “How well he enters into the thing,” said Gracie Dennis to herself, + looking on in admiration at this young man, who, still so young, was + adapting himself to circumstances that might well have embarrassed older + heads than his. He plunged into talk with the boys, making them answer + questions. He had come but a few moments before from Mark Calkins', + stopped there with a message from Dr. Everett; and these boys knew Mark + and Sallie and the worthless father, and all the more or less worthless + neighbors who ran in and out, and young Ried had a dozen questions to ask. + His quick-wittedness, and the ease with which he made talk to these young + men who lived in such an utterly different world from himself, surprised + his hostess very much. + </p> + <p> + Even she did not know to what an exalted pitch his enthusiasm and + excitement reached; though he had flashed a pair of most appreciative eyes + on her when she gave him her invitation for the evening. Here was actually + his sister Ester's darling scheme being worked out before his eyes! Not + only that, but he was being called upon to help. Ester had wanted him to + grow up to undertake just such efforts as these; and only last week they + had seemed to him so altogether good and noble and so impossible to try. + Yet here he was helping try them! No wonder Alfred Ried could talk. + </p> + <p> + It had been determined in family council that Mr. Roberts must absent + himself. He was in the house, indeed—no further away than the + library, ready for call in event of an emergency; but it was judged that + another stranger, and such a formidable one as the head of the house, must + be avoided for this one evening. As for Mr. Ried, <i>would</i> they + remember that he was not much older than some of them, and that he was not + a rich young man living on his income, but was earning his living by daily + work? and would they note the contrast between themselves and him? This + was what their hostess wondered. A few moments and then came a summons to + the dining-room. Seated at last, though one of the poor fellows stumbled + over a chair, and barely saved himself from falling. + </p> + <p> + If you could have seen that dining-table, the picture of it would have + lingered long in your memory. The whitest and finest of damask table + linen; napkins so large that they almost justified Dick Bolton's whisper, + “What be you goin' to do with your sheet?” china so delicate that Gracie + Dennis could not restrain an inward shiver when any of the clumsy fingers + touched a bit of it, and such a glitter of silver as even Gracie had never + seen before. + </p> + <p> + One thing was different from the conventional tea-party. Every servant was + banished; none but tender eyes, interested in her experiment, and ready to + help it on, should witness the blunders of the boys. So the hostess had + decreed, and so instructed Alfred and Gracie. The consequence was that + Alfred himself served the steaming oysters with liberal hand, and Gracie + presided over jellies and sauces, while Mrs. Roberts sugared and creamed + and poured cups of such coffee as those fellows had never even <i>smelled</i> + before. If you think they were embarrassed to the degree that they could + not eat, you are mistaken. + </p> + <p> + They were street boys; their lives had been spent in a hardening + atmosphere. Directly the first sense of novelty passed away, and their + poorly-fed stomachs craved the unusual fare served up for them, the + fellows grinned at one another, seized their silver spoons, and dived into + the stews in a fashion that would have horrified every servant in the + house. + </p> + <p> + How they ate! Oysters and coffee and pickles and cakes and jellies! There + seemed no limit to their capacities; neither did they make the slightest + attempt to correct their table manners. None of them paid any outward + attention to their “sheets,” although Alfred and Gracie spread theirs with + elaborate care; they leaned their elbows on the table, they made loud, + swooping sounds with their lips, and, in short, transgressed every law + known to civilized life. Why not? + </p> + <p> + What did they know about civilized life? + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, not one movement of young Ried escaped the notice of some of + them. + </p> + <p> + He tried still to carry on a conversation; though the business of eating + was being too closely attended to on all sides to let him be very + successful. + </p> + <p> + Gracie studied <i>him</i>, and was not only interested in his efforts, but + roused to make some attempts herself. What could she talk about with such + people? School? The Literary Club? The last concert? The course of + lectures? The last new book that everybody was reading? No, not everybody; + assuredly not these seven. + </p> + <p> + On what ground <i>was</i> she to meet them? + </p> + <p> + Yet talk she must and would. Mr. Ried should see that she at least <i>wanted</i> + to help. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — “LET US BE FASHIONABLE.” + </h2> + <p> + One feature of the hour was not only entirely new to the boys, but gave + them a curious feeling, the name of which they did not understand. When + the last one sat back in his chair, thereby admitting himself vanquished, + Mrs. Roberts, looking at the young man who sat at the foot of the table, + said:— + </p> + <p> + “Will you return thanks?” + </p> + <p> + What did that mean? To be sure they had heard of thanking people, but even + <i>they</i> were aware that it was an unusual thing for persons to demand + thanks for themselves. They watched; behold, the young man bowed his head, + and these were the words he spoke:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear Saviour, we thank thee for the joys of this evening. We pray thee to + teach us so to live that we may all meet some day in our Father's house. + Amen.” + </p> + <p> + The boys looked at one another, then looked down at their plates. Their + sole experience of prayer was connected with the South End Mission. To + meet it at a supper-table was a revelation. Did the people who lived in + grand houses, and had such wonderful things to eat, always pray at their + supper-tables? This was the problem which they were turning over in their + minds. + </p> + <p> + Returning to the parlor, Gracie went at once to the piano. She had spent a + good deal of Monday, settling the question of what to play, and had chosen + the most sparkling music she could find. I am anxious to have it recorded, + that, all uncultured as they were, these boys neither talked nor laughed + during the music, but appeared at least to listen. It was Dirk Colton who + sat nearest to the piano, and who listened in that indescribable way which + always flatters a musician. + </p> + <p> + “Do you like it?” Gracie asked, running off the final notes in a tinkle of + melody. + </p> + <p> + His dark face flushed a deep red. + </p> + <p> + “I dunno,” he said, with an awkward laugh; “it's queer sounding. I don't + see how you make so many tinkles. Do you make all your fingers go at once + on those black and white things?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite; but sometimes they have to dance about in a very lively + fashion. I have to keep my wits at work, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it hard to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not very, nowadays. When I first commenced, the practising was horrid; I + hated it.” + </p> + <p> + “What made you do it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the same reason which makes people do a great many things that they + don't like,” she said, lightly; “I wanted the results. I knew if I worked + at it steadily the time would come when I should not only enjoy it myself, + but be able to give pleasure to other people. Why? Don't you ever do + things that you don't particularly like?” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders, and bestowed on her a very wise look. + </p> + <p> + “Often enough,” he said fiercely, and he thought of his drunken father. + “But then I wouldn't if I could help it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would depend on whether you thought the thing would pay in the end, + would it not?” + </p> + <p> + Then, without waiting for an answer, she asked “What is your business?” + </p> + <p> + “My business?” with a curiously puzzled air. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; how do you spend your time?” + </p> + <p> + “Hunting up something to eat,” he said, with a grim smile; visions of his + aimless loafing appearing before him as the only occupation he could be + said to have. It had not occurred to him to try to mislead her, but she + evidently did not understand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” she said, seriously, “so I suppose. Isn't it queer how busy men + and women have to be day after day, and year after year, just getting + themselves and others something to eat? Do you have other people to help + get it for? Mother, for instance, and little brothers and sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “I've got a mother,” he said, “and a sister.” + </p> + <p> + “And that makes work easier, does it not? I always thought it would be + stupid to work all the time just for one's self. But I meant, What do you + work at in order to get the something to eat,—there are so many + different ways?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know I work at all?” + </p> + <p> + Dirk's voice was growing sullen; a consciousness that he would appear at a + disadvantage in admitting himself an idler in a busy world was dawning + upon him as an entirely new idea. At his question, Gracie turned on her + music-stool and regarded him with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course you work,” she said; “people all do.” + </p> + <p> + She was not acting a part. Her experience among poor people was limited to + that outwardly respectable class who, however disreputable their conduct + might be on Sabbath, had, nevertheless a Monday occupation with which they + pretended to earn a living. + </p> + <p> + Dirk shrugged his shoulders again. + </p> + <p> + “Do they?” he said. + </p> + <p> + Her evident ignorance of the world made him good-natured. She was not + trying to preach to him, he decided. A thing which Dirk hated, in common + with all persons of his class. + </p> + <p> + But the lull in the music had started conversation in other parts of the + room. + </p> + <p> + Dirk heard young Ried's question:— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, do you know of any young man looking for work? I heard of a + good situation this afternoon. Oh, there are plenty of applicants, but the + gentleman is an old friend of my brother-in-law, and I could speak a + helpful word for somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no one in mind,” Mrs. Roberts said, and she glanced eagerly at the + boys lounging in various attitudes in her easy chairs. Only three of them + she knew made any pretence of earning their living. Did Alfred mean one of + them? “Here is a chance for you, young gentlemen,” she said, lightly, “who + bids for a situation?” + </p> + <p> + “What is the place?” + </p> + <p> + It was Dirk Colson who asked the question. Ever since he could remember he + was supposed to have been hunting for work, but I am not sure that he ever + felt quite such a desire to find it as at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “It is at Gray's, on Ninth Street, a good chance; but the one who secures + it must have a fair knowledge of figures.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, land!” said Dirk, sinking lower in his easy-chair. “No use in <i>me</i> + asking about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Are figures your weak point?” Mrs. Roberts asked, smiling on him. “I can + sympathize with you; I had to work harder over arithmetic than at any + other study; but I learned to like it. Do you know I think it should be a + favorite study with you? It is so nice to conquer an obstinate-looking row + of figures, and fairly oblige the right result to appear. What did you + find hardest about the study, Mr. Colson?” + </p> + <p> + The others chuckled, but Dirk glowered at them fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “There's nothin' to laugh about as I see,” he said. “I didn't find nothin' + hard, because I never had no chance to try. I never went to no school, nor + had books, nor nothin'; now that's the truth, and I'm blamed if I ain't + going to own it.” + </p> + <p> + “What a good thing it is that you are young.” This was her animated + answer. “There is a chance to make up for lost time. Mr. Ried, I have such + a nice idea. I heard you and Dr. Everett speaking of the Literary Club the + other night. Why cannot we have a literary club of our own? A reading + circle, or something of that sort? Suppose we should meet once a week and + read aloud something interesting, and have talks about it afterwards. Do + you ever read aloud?” + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Roberts in all sincerity had not been one of the most + simple-hearted, and in some respects ignorant little creatures on the face + of the globe, she could never, with serious face, have addressed such a + question to Nimble Dick. + </p> + <p> + Young Ried could not have done it, for he realized the folly of supposing + that Nimble Dick ever read anything. By just so much was Mrs. Roberts + ahead of him. She supposed that these boys had their literature, and read + it, and perhaps met somewhere on occasion and read together. This made it + possible for her to ask surprising questions with honest face. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me!” said Nimble Dick, startled into an upright posture; “oh, no, + mum, never.” + </p> + <p> + And even Dirk Colson laughed at the expression on his face. + </p> + <p> + “Still I think you would enjoy it, after a little practice, and I can't + help fancying you would make a good reader.” + </p> + <p> + The boys were all laughing now, Nimble Dick with the rest. + </p> + <p> + “You're in for an awful blunder there,” he said, good-naturedly. “I'm like + Black Dirk, never had no chances, and didn't do nothin' worth speakin' of + with them that I had. Why, bless your body, mum! I can't even read to + myself! I make the awfulest work you ever heard of spellin' out the + show-bills. I have to get Black Dirk to help me; and him and me is a + team.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Dirk's face had lost its smile, and his fierce eyes were + flashing; but the hostess was serene. + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't prove anything against my statement. I was speaking of what + <i>could</i> be, not necessarily of what was. Let us have a club. The more + I think of the plan the more it pleases me. I'll tell you! The word 'club' + doesn't quite suit me. Let us be fashionable. Gracie, don't you know how + fashionable it is becoming to have 'evenings' set apart for special + occasions? Mr. Ried, you know Mrs. Judson's 'Tuesday evenings,' and Mrs. + Symond's 'Friday evenings?' Very well, let us have our 'Monday evenings,' + in which we will do all sorts of nice things; sometimes literary, + sometimes musical, and sometimes—well, anything that we please. What + do you say, gentlemen; shall we organize? Mr. Ried, will you give Monday + evenings to us? Gracie, you are my guest, and cannot, of course, refuse.” + </p> + <p> + It was a novel idea, certainly. Even Alfred, while trying to heartily + second her, was in doubt as to what she could hope to accomplish by it. As + for the boys, not one of them promised to attend; but neither did they + refuse. Mrs. Roberts presently left the subject, seeming to consider her + point carried, and proposed a visit to the conservatory. + </p> + <p> + I think it very doubtful whether the boy lives who does not like flowers. + There are those who seem to consider it a mark of manliness to affect + indifference to them; but these, as they grow older—become real men—generally + lay this bit of folly aside. Then there are those, plenty of them, who + really do not know that they care for flowers. The boys, ushered for the + first time in their lives into the full bloom of a conservatory, were, + most of them, of this latter stamp. + </p> + <p> + What a scene of beauty it was! Great white callas, bending their graceful + cups; great red and yellow roses, making the air rich with their breath; + vines and mosses and ferns and small flowers in almost endless variety. + Alfred and Gracie moved among the glories; the latter exhausting all her + superlatives in honest delight, although she had visited the spot a dozen + times that day; and Alfred, who had been less favored, was hardly less + eager and responsive than she. But Mrs. Roberts watched the boys. + </p> + <p> + It was all very well for those two to enjoy her flowers; of course they + would. But what language would the silent, lovely things speak to her + untutored boys? They said not a word; not one of them. They made no + exclamations; they had no superlatives at command. But Stephen Crowley + stooped before a lovely carnation, and smelled, and <i>smelled</i>, + drawing in long breaths, as though he meant to take its fragrance all away + with him; and Nimble Dick picked up the straying end of an ivy, and + restored it to its support again, in a way that was not to be lost sight + of by one who was looking for hearts; and Dirk Colson brushed back his + matted hair and stood long before a great, pure lily, and looked down into + its heart with an expression on his face that his teacher never forgot. + </p> + <p> + She came over to him presently, standing beside him, saying nothing. Then + at last she reached forth her hand and broke the lily from its stalk. He + started, almost as if something had struck him. + </p> + <p> + “What did you do that for?” And his voice was fierce. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to take this for me to your sister—the girl with + beautiful golden hair; I saw her one day, and I shall remember her hair + and eyes. She will like this flower, and she will like you to bring it to + her. + </p> + <p> + “Gracie”—raising her voice—“gather some flowers will you, and + make into bouquets? These young gentlemen will like to carry them to some + one. There must be mothers at home who will enjoy bouquets brought by + their sons.” + </p> + <p> + Over this gently-spoken sentence Nimble Dick laughed a hard, derisive + laugh. It made the dark blood flow into black Dirk's indignant face. Even + Alfred Ried lost self-control for a moment, and flashed a glance at him + out of angry eyes. How could there be any hope of a boy who sneered at his + mother? Yet you need not judge him too harshly. + </p> + <p> + He thought of his mother, indeed, when he laughed; but alas! he thought of + her as drunk. And he knew her scarcely at all, save as that word described + her. How <i>could</i> “mother” mean to him what it meant to Alfred Ried? + what it meant even to Dirk Colson, whose mother, weak indeed in body and + spirit, full of complaining words, oftentimes weakly bitter words to him, + yet patched his clothes so long as she could get patches and thread, and + would have washed them if she could have got soap, and been able to bring + the water, and if her only tub hadn't been in pawn. Oh, yes, there are + degrees in mothers. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, meantime, broke off blossoms with lavish hand, and made + bouquets for Nimble Dick and for Dirk. He took the bright-hued ones with a + smile, but the lily he held by itself, and still looked at it. + </p> + <p> + They went away at last noisily; growing almost, if not quite, rough + towards one another, at least, and directly they were out of the door, + Nimble Dick gave a whoop that would have chilled the blood of nervous + women. But matron and maiden looked at each other and laughed. + </p> + <p> + “We have kept them pent up all the evening, and that is the escape-valve + being raised to avoid a general explosion.” This was Mrs. Roberts' + explanation. + </p> + <p> + They were quite alone. Alfred, on being invited in low tones to tarry and + talk things over, had shaken his head, and replied, significantly:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you! no; I am one of them, and must stand on the same level.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” Mrs. Roberts said, smilingly; “you must have been an apt + pupil, my friend. That dear sister taught you a great deal.” + </p> + <p> + He held up the bouquet which she had made for him. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to put it before Ester's picture,” he said; “her work is going + on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Gracie, “it is over, and we lived through it. And they <i>did</i> + all come! I am amazed over that! And how they <i>did eat</i>! I suppose + the next thing is to open all the windows and air out. Flossy Roberts, I'm + afraid you are going insane. The idea of your inviting that horde here + every Monday. What a parlor you would have! And they would breed a + pestilence! They won't come, to be sure; but just imagine it if they + should! I really think Mr. Roberts ought to send you home for Dr. Mitchell + to look after. Well, Flossy, what next?” + </p> + <p> + “Next, dear, you must pray. Pray as you never have done before, for the + souls of these boys, and for the success of my 'Monday evenings.' Gracie, + we are at work for immortal <i>souls</i>. Think of it! they <i>must</i> + live forever. Shall they, through all eternity, keep dropping lower and + lower, or shall they wear crowns?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — “SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!” + </h2> + <p> + Sallie Calkins sat in a common little rocking-chair and rocked; and while + she rocked she sewed, setting neat stitches in a brown coat which was + already patched and darned and was threadbare in many places. There was a + look of deep content on Sallie's face. There were many reasons for it. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett had that morning pronounced Mark's broken limb to be healing + rapidly. He had also reported that Mark's place was to be held open for + him by his employers. At this present moment, Mark, arrayed in a clean + shirt, was resting on a very white sheet, his head reposing on a real + feather pillow dressed in white and frilled. Over him was carefully spread + another of those wonderful sheets, and to make the crowning glory, a white + quilt, warm and soft, tucked him in on every side. How could Sallie but + rejoice? All about the room there had been changes. A neat little table + stood at the bed's side. It was covered with a white cloth, and a china + bowl set thereon with a silver spoon beside it; a delicate goblet and + china pitcher also, both carefully covered with a napkin. Did Mrs. Roberts + know how homely Sallie gloried in the thinness of that china and the + fineness of that napkin? How does it happen that some of the very poor + seem born with such aesthetic tastes? Mrs. Roberts had intuitions, and was + given to certain acts, concerning which she could not give to others + satisfactory explanations. Therefore, she sometimes left china where + others would have judged the plainest stoneware more prudent and sensible. + </p> + <p> + A bit of bright carpet was spread at the side of the bed. A fire glowed in + the neatly-brushed stove. A white muslin curtain hung at the window; and + the chair in which Sallie rocked and sewed was new and gayly painted. + </p> + <p> + There were other traces of Mrs. Roberts. You might not have noticed them, + but it seemed to Sallie that her fingers had touched everywhere. Yet the + lady herself thought that she had done very little. She had held her + inclinations in check with severe judgment. + </p> + <p> + The door opened softly, and a mass of golden hair, from out of which + peered great eyes, peeped cautiously in. + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” it said, nodding first toward the figure on the bed, and + intimating that she was aware of Mark's presence, and did not mean him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sallie, “come in; Mark's asleep, but you won't disturb him; he + don't disturb easy; he sleeps just like a baby since the doctor stopped + that pain in his knee. There's my new chair; just try it and see how nice + it is.” + </p> + <p> + Saying which, she got herself out of the little rocker in haste, and + pushed it toward her guest, meantime taking a plain wooden chair, also + new, and adding:— + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever hear of anybody like her before?” + </p> + <p> + “Something's happened!” said Mart Colson, ignoring the reference to the + mysterious pronoun,—her voice so full of a new and strange meaning + that had Sallie been acquainted with the word she might have said it was + filled with awe. + </p> + <p> + As it was, she only exclaimed, “What?” in an intensely interested tone. + </p> + <p> + “Why, look here! I brought it along to show you.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon she produced from under her piece of torn shawl a large + broken-nosed pitcher, a piece of brown paper carefully tied over the top. + She untied the bit of calico string with fingers that shook from + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Look in there!” she exclaimed at last, triumph in her tone, reaching + forward the pitcher. + </p> + <p> + Sallie looked, and drew in her breath with a long, expressive “O-h!” + </p> + <p> + There, reposing in stately beauty, lay the great white lily with its + golden bell. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should think so!” Mart said, satisfied with the expression. “Did + you ever see anything like that before? It ain't made of wax nor anything + else that <i>folks</i> ever made. It's alive! I felt of it. It looks like + velvet and satin and all them lovely store things; but it doesn't feel so; + it feels <i>alive</i>, and it <i>grew</i>. But, Sallie Calkins, if you + should live a hundred years, and guess all the time, you never could guess + where I got it. Sallie Calkins, if you'll believe it, Dirk gave it to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Dirk?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he did!” + </p> + <p> + Who would have supposed Mart Colson's voice capable of such a triumphant + ring? + </p> + <p> + “You see the way of it was: Last night he didn't come for his supper at + all, and that always scares me dreadful. I'm expecting something to + happen, you know. Father, he didn't come either; for the matter of that, + he hasn't come yet; and mother, she was awful tired, and hadn't had no + dinner to speak of, and she just broke down and took on awful. Mother + don't often cry, and it's good she don't, for she just goes into it with + all her might when the time comes. It wasn't about father—she's used + to him, you know, and don't expect nothing else; but Dirk drives her wild + with what may happen to him. I was worried about him, too, but I was mad + at him; it seemed too awful mean in him to stay away and scare mother. At + last I got her to go to bed, and she was all tuckered out, and went to + sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Then I wrapped myself in the quilt and sat down to wait; but I got + asleep, and I dreamed I saw <i>her</i>; she had wings to each side of her, + and she flew over the tops of all those houses and made them turn white + like the snow looks when it is coming down before it drops into the + gutters. Wasn't that queer? Well, some noise woke me up. I was sitting + flat on the floor by mother, and I sat up straight all of a tremble. And + there was the old stool, and the brown pitcher on it, half-full of water, + and this wonderful thing stood in it looking at me. And Dirk, he stood off + the other side looking at it. + </p> + <p> + “'It's for you, and she sent it.' That's what he said to me; and I wasn't + real wide awake, you know. I suppose that's what made his voice sound so + queer; and what do you think I said? I was thinking of my dream, and says + I: 'Did she have her wings on?' Then Dirk made a queer noise; it was a + laugh, but it sounded most like a cry. 'I guess so,' says he, and then he + turned and went off to bed. And I can't get any more out of him; he is as + snarly when I ask any questions as though he was mad about it all. If it + hadn't been for this great white thing I might have thought this morning + that it all belonged to the dream. But Dirk brought this home from + somewhere, and put it in the pitcher, and give it to me his own self; + that's sure.” + </p> + <p> + The story closed in triumph. + </p> + <p> + “It is beautiful!” said Sallie, the brown jacket slipping to the floor, + while she bent over the lily. “It is beautiful, all of it, and it looks + just like her, and sounds like her, wings and all; of course she sent it.” + </p> + <p> + “And Dirk brought it.” That part of the story Mart Colson did not forget. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes it seems to me a pity that hearts are not laid bare to the gaze + of others. What, for instance, might not this little incident have done + for Dirk Colson had he known how the starved heart of his sister fed on + the thought that he brought her the flower? + </p> + <p> + Still, on the other hand, I don't know what the effect would have been on + Mart had she known what a tremendous amount of courage it had taken to + present the flower to her. A dozen times on the way home had Dirk been on + the point of consigning it to the gutter. <i>He</i> carry home a flower! + If it had been a loaf of bread he thought it would be more consistent. + Someway he recognized a fine sarcasm in the thought that he, who had never + in his life contributed towards the necessities of the family, should + carry to that dreary home a flower! Yet the fair lily did its work well + during that long walk from East Fifty-fifth Street to the shadow of the + alley. It made Dirk Colson tell it fiercely that he hated himself; that he + was a brute and a loafer,—a blot on the earth, and ought not to + live. Why didn't he go to work? Why didn't he have things to bring home to + Mart every little while, as Mark Calkins did to Sallie? Hadn't he seen + Mark, only a few evenings before he was hurt, with a pair of girl's shoes + strung over his shoulder, and heard him whistle as he ran, two steps at a + time, up the rickety stairs? What would Mart think if he should bring her + home a pair of shoes? What would she think of his bringing her a flower? + She would sneer, of course: and, in the mood which then possessed him, + Dirk said angrily that she had a right to sneer, and would be a fool not + to; and yet he hated the thought of it. There was nothing in life that + Dirk hated more than sneers; and he had been fed on them ever since he + could remember. + </p> + <p> + He was altogether unprepared for the reception which the lily received. + That suggestion about wings, which seemed so apt, had brought the “queer” + sound to his voice that Mart had noticed. If only she had understood, and + not spoiled, next morning, the effect of her words. + </p> + <p> + In the prosaic daylight, the illusion of “wings” being banished, she was + bent on knowing how Dirk came into possession of the lily. + </p> + <p> + “Who sent it, Dirk? I don't believe anybody told you to give it to me. Who + would care about <i>my</i> having a flower? Where did you get it?” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you s'pose?” Dirk's voice was ominously gruff. It is a painful + truth that by daylight he was ashamed of his part of the transaction. “I + told you she sent it. It's noways likely that I'd take the trouble to make + up a lie about that weed. How do I know what she wanted you to have it + for? Maybe she thought it matched your looks.” + </p> + <p> + There was a bitter sneer in Dirk's voice, yet all the time he heard the + sweet, low voice saying, “That girl with the beautiful golden hair.” + Suppose he should tell Mart that? Why not? Let me tell you that Dirk + Colson would not have repeated that sentence for the world! And yet he did + not know why. + </p> + <p> + Mart's face burned red under his sneer. + </p> + <p> + “How am I to know who 'she' is?” she said, in bitter scorn. “Some of your + bar-room beauties, for whom you dance and whistle, I suppose. You can tell + her I would rather have my shawl out of pawn, or some shoes for my feet, + enough sight. What do I care for a great flower mocking at me?” + </p> + <p> + “Pitch it into the fire, then; and it will be many a long day before I + bring you anything else,” said Dirk, pushing himself angrily back from the + table, where he had been eating bread dipped in a choice bit of pork fat. + </p> + <p> + “There isn't a bit of danger of my doing that,” she called after him, + mockingly. “There isn't a spark of fire, nor likely to be to-day, unless + some of your admirers send me a shovel of coal. Mercy knows, I wish they + would.” + </p> + <p> + He mercifully lost part of this sentence, for the reason that before it + was concluded he was moving with long, angry strides up the alley. + </p> + <p> + And then Mart took the broken-nosed pitcher away into the furthermost + corner, although she was alone in the room, and laid her face against the + cool, pure lily, and wept into it great burning tears. Poor, ignorant + soul! She wanted, oh, how she <i>wanted</i> Dirk to be brave and good like + Mark Calkins—her one type of manhood. Yet she did not know that she + was crushing out the germ which might have grown in his heart. True, she + knew herself to be very different from Sallie, but the thought, poor soul, + that that was because Mark was so different from Dirk. + </p> + <p> + Isn't it a pity that the sweet-faced lily could not have told its tender + story to both these ignorant ones? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — “WHAT MADE HER DIFFERENT?” + </h2> + <p> + “I have heard a good deal about your sister that has interested me. Do you + like to talk of her?” + </p> + <p> + This was the question which Gracie Dennis asked of young Ried as he stood + beside her at the piano. She had been playing, and had come to the music + alcove for the purpose of turning her music; but now she was touching + sweet chords here and there aimlessly, and waiting for his answer. + </p> + <p> + At the further end of the parlor Mrs. Roberts was entertaining a caller; + but the distance between them was so great that, in effect, the young + people were alone. + </p> + <p> + “I like nothing better than to talk of her.” Mr. Ried said, with + animation; “but I don't know so much about her as I wish I did. She went + away when I was quite young. I used to say 'she died,' but since I have + awakened to see her cherished plans being carried on all around me I + cannot think of her as dead.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I want to talk about,—her work, or her plans for work. + What made her so different from other people, Mr. Ried. <i>Wasn't</i> she + different?” + </p> + <p> + The young man regarded the question thoughtfully before answering. + </p> + <p> + “Not from all the people,” he said at last; “but certainly very different + from some. I used to think that all Christians were like her, of course; + then, when I saw my mistake, I went to the other extreme, and thought + there were none like her on earth. I have discovered that the medium + position is the correct one.” + </p> + <p> + “But what I want to know is, what <i>made</i> her different? It wasn't her + age. Mrs. Roberts thinks she was young?” + </p> + <p> + “She was hardly nineteen when she died. Oh, no, it wasn't age; she told me + that she used to be very different. She was a Christian from childhood, + but she said that she was ashamed to claim the name. There was nothing + Christlike about her; still she was a member of the Church. As I remember + her, and as I look at other people, my judgment is that, in her early + Christian life, she was much like most of the Christians with whom you and + I are familiar.” + </p> + <p> + “And what made her different? Was it—that is—do you think it + was because she was to die so soon that she had a special experience?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” he said, promptly; “it was before she realized anything + about her condition that the great change took place in her. My + brother-in-law says that she supposed herself to be in perfect health at + the time when she was most marked in her Christian life.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but you don't understand; I mean more than that. It is difficult to + tell what I mean; I mean—but you know, of course, <i>God</i> knew + that she was soon to go to heaven. I thought, perhaps, he gave her a + special experience on that account.” + </p> + <p> + “No; oh, no,” he said, speaking with great earnestness. “Ester was + particularly anxious that no one should suppose her experience + exceptional. Little fellow though I was, it seemed to be her desire that I + should fully understand this. Don't let anybody make you think that + because you are a little boy you must be a sort of half-way Christian,' + she used to say, and her eyes would glow with feeling. 'I tried that way + for years,' she said, 'and I want you to understand that it is not only + sinful, but there is not a particle of happiness to be gotten out of it—not + a particle; and I would give almost nothing for what such a Christian can + accomplish. The harm one does, more than overbalances all effort for + Christ.' I think, perhaps, she felt more deeply on that than on almost any + subject; and it was because she thought she had wasted so many years.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you think that there is, or rather that there should be, no + difference in Christians? Have all the same work to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that, quite, of course,—or, I don't know, either. Isn't it all + different forms of the Master's work. The children of the home may have + each a different task, but each is needed to make the home what it should + be, and each worker needs the same spirit of love and unselfishness to + enable him to do his part. It isn't a perfect illustration, Miss Dennis. + I'm not skillful in that direction; but <i>I</i> know what I mean, and + that is a comfort.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know what you mean,” Gracie said, not joining in his laugh; “but I + am not sure that I believe it. Why, Mr. Ried, that would make a very + solemn thing of living.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, did you suppose it was other than solemn? I'm sure it makes a + triumphant thing of it, too; and without it we are only a lot of wax + figures, dancing to pass the time away.” + </p> + <p> + “But don't you really think that people have a right to have <i>any</i> + nice times?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dennis, did you ever see any person who had nicer times than your + friend, Mrs. Roberts?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Flossy is peculiar; her tastes all seem to lie in this direction; + though once they did not, I admit. Papa used to think that she had no + talent for anything but dancing. Something changed Flossy's entire + character. No one who knew her two years ago could possibly deny that.” + </p> + <p> + “She will serve as an illustration, then, to explain my meaning. I + believe, Miss Dennis, that religion should have sufficient power over us + to change all our tastes and plans in life, fitting them to the Saviour's + use.” + </p> + <p> + “But what would such a rule as that do with most of the Christians of your + acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I am old and experienced enough to warn you not to make shipwreck of + your happiness on that shoal. I hovered around it, and vexed my soul over + the whole bewildering question until I suddenly discovered that I was held + absolutely responsible only for my own soul, and that the Lord would look + after his own.” + </p> + <p> + For a time there was no answer to this. + </p> + <p> + Gracie let her fingers wander with apparent aimlessness over the keys, + drawing out soft, sweet strains. Suddenly she said:— + </p> + <p> + “What do you expect Flossy will accomplish with that last scheme of hers? + I ought to beg her pardon for the familiar name, but I have known her ever + since I was a child. Don't you think her attempts for those boys rather + hopeless?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the young man's eyes filled with tears, and when he spoke his + voice indicated deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly tell you how I feel about those boys. I have been anxious + for them so long and felt so hopeless. Do you remember how Elijah sat + under a juniper tree, discouraged, and said that he was the only one who + had not bowed the knee to Baal, and the Lord told him he was mistaken, + that there were five thousand others? It sounds ridiculously egotistical, + but I have felt at times something like that; as though I was the only one + who cared whether the poor fellows went to destruction or not. But since I + have met Mrs. Roberts, and seen how intense she is and single-hearted, and + since through her I have met Dr. Everett, and seen how they are trying to + work at the same problem, and since I have come to know how Mr. Roberts is + at work all the time for young men; and, above all, since that wonderful + evening here last Monday, when I saw how two gifted ladies understood the + art of turning their accomplishments to account, in order to take those + poor fellows captive for Christ, I discovered that there were ways of + solving this problem about which I had known nothing, and people to carry + it through. It was simply glorious in you to give those fellows such music + as you did, and to accomplish by it what you did. My life has been narrow, + Miss Dennis; I never saw the piano used for Christ before.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie looked down at the keys, her face aglow. It was a new experience, + this being classed among the Christian workers of the world; making her + music for other purposes than to amuse the gay friends who chanced to + gather around her. She made the keys speak loudly for a few minutes, then + softening them, said:— + </p> + <p> + “You must not class me with Flossy, Mr. Ried. I only did what she wanted + done. I am not in the least like her, unselfish and gentle and all that.” + </p> + <p> + But his reply, spoken low, was pleasant to her ears:— + </p> + <p> + “'By their fruits ye shall know them.'” + </p> + <p> + He evidently looked upon her as a worker. She could not help feeling that + it was pleasant to be so classed. What an intense young man he was! Not in + the least like those with whom she had hitherto been most familiar. + </p> + <p> + There was another voice in the front parlor—a strong, vigorous voice + that carried a sense of power with it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Ried, his eyes bright, his face eager; “that is Dr. Everett. + Just study him if you want another type of the sort of Christian about + whom we have been talking; the grandest man!” + </p> + <p> + Gracie, shielded by the distance, turned on her stool and studied him. + Certainly he did not look much as though he were appointed for early + death. What a splendid physique it was! + </p> + <p> + And how thoroughly wide awake and interested he was in the subject under + discussion. Bits of the talk floated back to the two at the piano. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he is young,” Dr. Everett was saying; “I hope for returned vigor in + time; but there must be long weeks of patience before he will be ready for + his old employment.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know of whom he is speaking?” Gracie asked. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy it is that Calkins boy, the one with the broken limb. He is + deeply interested in the poor fellow, and is trying to plan employment of + some less wearing sort for him, I believe. Dr. Everett is always intensely + interested in somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it always the very poor?” + </p> + <p> + Alfred laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Not always. I know several quite well-to-do fellows in whom he keeps a + careful oversight; but he is grandly interested in the poor. He is taking + rank as one of the most successful physicians in the city, and, of course, + he is pressed for time; yet he is so continually at the call of the poor + that people begin to speak of him as the poor man's doctor. He told me he + was proud of that title.” + </p> + <p> + At this point the musicians were appealed to to come to the front parlor, + and Gracie had opportunity for a nearer study of the man whom she could + not help but admire. He was not likely to suffer from a nearer view; at + least, not while Gracie was in the mood that then possessed her. He + greeted her cordially, and at once brought her into the conversation by + appealing to her for a decision, seeming to take it for granted that she + was of the same spirit with himself. + </p> + <p> + This young lady was taking lessons of life that were designed to be + helpful to her if she would but let them. A thoroughly well-educated and + cultured gentleman, well fitted to take high rank in society, not in the + ministry, and yet thoroughly absorbed in what she had hitherto almost + unconsciously set down as ministers' work was a mystery to her. Moreover, + for the second time that evening, she felt a curious sense of satisfaction + in being classed among the energetic workers of the world. The pretty + school-girl, who had lived all her young life in a neighborhood where she + was “Gracie Dennis,” looked up to, indeed, by her set, and having a + decided influence of her own, yet felt it to be a novel experience to hear + herself addressed in a clear, firm voice after this manner:— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Dennis, what means would you advise for interesting a company of + young girls in reading, regularly, books which would be of use to them? Of + course, I speak of a class of girls who have done no reading of any + account heretofore, and who have no knowledge in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is something about which I have not thought at all,” said Gracie, her + pretty face all in a flush. “But I should suppose the way would be to take + one girl at a time, and study her, to find what would be likely to + interest and help <i>her</i>, and also to get such an influence over her + that she would read what I wanted her to.” + </p> + <p> + “First catch your hare, eh? Good!” said the doctor, with an approving + glance towards Mrs. Roberts. “The longer I live the more convinced am I + that individual effort is what accomplishes the great things in this + world.” + </p> + <p> + There was more talk about this and kindred matters; and Gracie found + herself drawn out, and her interest excited on themes about which she had + supposed she knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + Then occurred an interruption,—a ringing of the door-bell. + </p> + <p> + “For Miss Dennis,” said the messenger; but she handed the card to Mrs. + Roberts. + </p> + <p> + There was just a moment of hesitation, while that lady apparently studied + the name, then she said, composedly:— + </p> + <p> + “This is Professor Ellis, Gracie. Do you wish to receive him this + evening?” + </p> + <p> + Since I have known Mrs. Roberts well, I have studied her innocently + sincere manner, with not a little curiosity as to the probable effect on + the world, suppose it were possible for others to adopt her method. The + actual practical effect with her is that she succeeds often in wisely + deceiving, while intending to be perfectly sincere. For instance, her + question to Gracie after a moment of hesitation, during which she asked + herself, “What ought I to do?” and immediately answered herself, “There is + nothing for me to do, but to be perfectly straight-forward.” + </p> + <p> + Her question was intended to say to Gracie: “I trust you. What your father + has directed you to do, I feel sure you will obey.” But it said different + things from that to Gracie. Ever since she had been told that she might + make her old acquaintance, Flossy, a visit, this highly-strung young lady + had been suspicious that this was a device of her stepmother to get + pleasantly rid of her for a few weeks. She surmised that a very carefully + elaborate account of her sins had been written out by this same stepmother + for the benefit of her young hostess, and that special directions had been + given for guarding her from the wolf, Professor Ellis. She would have + spoiled the entire scheme by haughtily refusing to leave home had not the + innocent delight of a young girl over the thought of visiting a beautiful + strange city gotten the better of her pride. The gently-put question of + her hostess disarmed a whole nest of suspicions. It was hardly possible + that it had been hinted to Flossy that her guest might attempt to elope + with this man, else she would not with serene face be asking whether it + was her wish to receive him. + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” she made haste to answer, her cheeks glowing the while, + and Mrs. Roberts gave instant direction that the gentleman be shown to the + parlor. + </p> + <p> + There were several new lessons set for Miss Gracie Dennis to learn that + evening. One was that Professor Ellis, with his faultless dress and + excessive politeness, his finished bows and smiles, that would have done + credit to any ball-room in the land, his accurate knowledge of all the + printed rules of etiquette, yet in Mrs. Roberts' parlor, contrasted with + Dr. Everett, and even with young Ried, the dry-goods clerk, appeared at a + disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + She was slow in learning the lesson: on that first evening she simply + stared at it in bewilderment. What did it mean? There was an attempt to + draw the professor into the circle, to continue the conversation that had + been so animated and interesting before his entrance. The effect was much + like that produced in striking a discordant note in a hitherto faultless + piece of music. Young men out of business needing help, needing an + encouraging word, an out-stretched hand! Professor Ellis had words, and + hands, but he might have been without either for all the help they gave + him in responding to efforts like these. Books to help uplift the young, + to give them high ideas of life, to enthuse them with desires to live for + a purpose! Truly he could only stare blankly at the suggestion. What did + he know of books written for such purposes? Yet Gracie had supposed him to + be literary in his tastes and pursuits. Certainly he read French? Yes, + French novels! He was quite familiar with some of such a character that, + had Gracie been a good French scholar and ever likely to come in contact + with a copy of them, he would not have dared to mention their names in her + presence. More than once of late had the stepmother wished that her young + daughter understood the language well enough to be aware that the man whom + she admired used frequently smooth-sounding French oaths. But alas for + Gracie, when he had so poisoned her mother's influence over this + dangerously pretty girl, that she would have believed his word at any time + rather than that mother's. Well, he read other than French novels; Charles + Reade, for instance, and some of the more recent authors fashionable in + certain circles. It is true that Gracie was not acquainted with them, that + her father would not allow a copy of their books to come freely into his + home, and Gracie was much too honorable to read them in private. But it is + also true that while professing to admire this trait in her, as charming + in a young daughter, the professor had also, pityingly and gently, told + this young daughter that these things were her father's concessions to the + narrow age and trammelled profession to which he belonged; that the fact + was, free thought was discouraged, because there was that in every church + which would not bear its light; that her wise father was one of a hundred + in recognizing this, and trying to shield her while she was young. + </p> + <p> + You are also to remember that she <i>was</i> young, and therefore forgive + her that she did not detect the contradictory sophistry in the professor's + words. He really understood how to sugar-coat poison as well as any man of + his stamp could. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — “HERE WAS HIS OPPORTUNITY.” + </h2> + <p> + But the question which would keep forcing itself on Gracie Dennis was + this: “If he really knows of nice books, full of 'the beautiful' and 'the + ennobling,' that would enlighten the race, as he has often told me, why + doesn't he mention some of them now? There is no minister here 'trammelled + by long years of narrowing education.' How does he know but that these + people are as 'advanced' in their ideas as he is himself?” + </p> + <p> + I do not mean that she was conscious of thinking these thoughts, but that + they hovered on the edge, as it were, of her mind, making her feel ill at + ease. Dr. Everett, on his part, seemed courteously bent on securing an + expression of the professor's opinion about matters of which he either + could not, or would not, talk. When at last the disturbed gentleman + resolved to violate what Gracie was sure was a law of good breeding, and + address her in French, what with her embarrassment lest others should + understand, and her own marked ignorance of the language, she found great + difficulty in making a free translation. “Upon my word, I wish you + understood French, or some other tongue, so that we could escape from this + boredom. Does the poor little prisoner have much of this to endure? Cannot + we escape to the music-room, and talk things over?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie cast a frightened glance about her to see if there were others who + understood better than herself this sentence, which, for aught she knew, + might contain something startling. But Alfred was busily engaged in + looking up the name of a book which he had vainly tried to recall, and Dr. + Everett was apparently serenely oblivious to any language but his + mother-tongue. Very soon after this Gracie managed to escape with her + caller to the music alcove; thus much of the French she had understood, + and at least Professor Ellis could play; which fact she resolved that the + people in the front parlor should speedily understand. Ah, but he could + play! and herein lay one of his strong fascinations for the music-loving + girl. For a time the most ravishing strains rolled through the parlor + hushing into rapt attention the group gathered there, who had just been + reinforced by the coming of Mr. Roberts. By degrees the strains grew + fainter and fainter, and at last ceased altogether, as the professor, + still on the music-stool, bent over Gracie, seated in a low chair, and + apparently found fluent speech at last. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, meantime, was ill at ease. What would Dr. Dennis and Marion + say, could they have a peep at this moment into her back parlor? Was she + being faithful to her trust? Yet what was there she could do? She tried to + sustain her part in the conversation, but her troubled gaze, constantly + wandering elsewhere, betrayed her. Dr. Everett's keen eyes were upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Are you particularly interested in that man?” he asked, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts smiled faintly. + </p> + <p> + “I am particularly interested in that girl,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like her present companionship?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” she answered, quickly. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Mr. Roberts began to question. + </p> + <p> + “May I know, doctor, whether you have any other reason than that of + intuition for asking the question?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly not,” said the doctor, guardedly. “It maybe a case of mistaken + identity. Mrs. Roberts, would you like to have me investigate something + that may be to his disadvantage?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts had a prompt answer ready:— + </p> + <p> + “There are reasons why it is specially important that such an + investigation should be made and reported to me. May I commission you?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor bowed; and the subject of Professor Ellis was immediately + dropped. + </p> + <p> + During the following week certain innovations took place in Mrs. Roberts + well-ordered household. At the end of the conservatory was a long, bright, + and hitherto unfurnished room; it had been designed as a sort of second + conservatory, whenever the beauties of that department should outgrow + their present bounds, but meantime other plants had taken root and + blossomed in the mistress' heart. Early in this week the unused room had + been opened and cleaned; then began to arrive packages of various shapes + and sizes; a roll of carpeting, and two young men from the carpet store; + and there followed soon after the sound of hammering. Furniture-wagons + halted before the door, leaving their burdens. Men and women flitted to + and fro, busy and important. + </p> + <p> + It was Saturday night before Mr. Roberts and his young clerk were invited + in to admire and criticise the new room. Mr. Roberts, at least, was + prepared to appreciate its transformation. + </p> + <p> + The floor was covered with a heavy carpet in lovely shades of mossy green, + and easy chairs and couches in tints that either matched or made + delightful contrasts with the carpet abounded. The walls were hung with + pictures and charts and maps. A study-table occupied the centre of the + room—one of those charming tables, full of mysterious drawers and + unexpected corners; paper and pens and inks in various colors were + disposed about this table in delightful profusion. + </p> + <p> + Other tables, plenty of them, small and neat, each of a different shape or + design, were stationed at intervals, in convenient proximity to + comfortable chairs. Nothing could be further removed from one's idea of a + school-room than was that long, beautiful parlor; yet when you thought of + it, and took a second, deliberate survey, nothing that could have + contributed to the enjoyment of pupils was missing. A small cabinet organ + occupied an alcove, and music-books of various grades were strewn over it. + Toward this spot Mrs. Roberts smiled significantly as her eye caught + Alfred Ried's, and she said:— + </p> + <p> + “I have visions of sacred Sabbath evening half-hours, connected with this + corner, one of these days; meantime, is this a pleasant room for our + Monday evenings?” + </p> + <p> + But Alfred could not answer her; his head was turned away, and there was a + suspicious lump in his throat, that made him know better than to attempt + speech. He was standing at that moment under one of the wall-texts that + the gaslight illumined until it glowed, and the words stood out with + startling clearness:— + </p> + <p> + “Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.” + </p> + <p> + His sister's text; one that, perhaps more than any other, was on her lips + when she talked with him; one that hung at her coffin's head when he, a + little boy, stood beside the coffin and looked down at her face, and + looked up at that text, and took a mental photograph of both to live in + his heart forever. + </p> + <p> + “This is your special chair,” Mrs. Roberts said, smiling up at him; and he + understood her,—here was his opportunity to live out that text for + his sister. Wouldn't he try! + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Gracie, drawing a long breath, “as a study it is certainly a + success. One can easily see, Flossy, why you were born with the ability to + tell at a glance what colors harmonized, and just where things fitted in. + I can't imagine anything prettier than this, and I cannot imagine what you + are going to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon they sat down to talk that important question over: what they + were going to try to do. Sometimes I have wondered whether Ester, from her + beautiful home, could look down on it all, and whether she smiled over the + fact that her work was doing so much more than she had planned? She had + roused in her little brother an ambition that had grown with his years, + and that had helped to hold him away from many temptations: so much, + doubtless, she had foreseen; but what a blessed thing it was that she had + touched, in those long ago years, influences which had drawn her brother, + in his young and perilous manhood, into intimate relations with such + people as Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, so that they sat down familiarly to talk + over mutual interests! But for Ester's words, spoken long ago, but for her + strong desires transmitted to him, he might have sat with a very different + circle, and talked over widely different schemes. On the edge of this + circle Gracie Dennis hovered. She could not but be interested in their + talk, for she was a Christian, and her father was a Christian, and she + had, all her life breathed in the atmosphere of a Christian home. + </p> + <p> + At the same time she could but imagine some of their ideas wild ones, for + she had never been associated with people who widely overstepped the + conventional ways of doing things; and she had, of late, been much with + Professor Ellis who had a sort of gentlemanly sneer for every phase of + Christian work, and, so far as could be discovered, believed in nothing. + He had not been outspoken, it is true, and herein lay one of the dangers. + He was too skillful to be outspoken; but the subtle poison had been + working, and although Gracie could not help being interested in those + queer boys, she could not help thinking Flossy's whole scheme exceedingly + visionary, and expected it to come to grief. The puzzling question was, + why did Mr. Roberts, being a keen-sighted man, permit it all! Or was he so + much in love with Flossy that he could not bear to thwart even her wildest + flights? It was strange, too, to see a young man like Alfred Ried so + absorbed; his sister must have had wonderful power over him, Gracie + thought. She went back to his sister's influence, always, in trying to + explain the matter, and never gave a thought to Christ's influence. + Meantime she listened to the various plans proposed for the first Monday + evening, and was sufficiently interested to gather her pretty face in a + frown when the distant peal from the door-bell sounded through the house. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity to be interrupted by a caller!” she exclaimed. “This room is + so much nicer than the parlor. Flossy, don't you hope it is some one to + see Mr. Roberts on business?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mrs. Roberts, shaking her head, with a smile, “I feel in + special need of Mr. Roberts just now. Evan, I really think we must be + excused to callers for this one evening; there are so many things to + arrange.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us wait and see,” answered Mr. Roberts “perhaps the Lord sent the + caller here to help us, or to be helped.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment came the card. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is Dr. Everett!” was Mrs. Roberts' exclamation. “Let us have him + come directly here. Evan, please go and escort him. You were right,—the + Lord has sent him to help us. I don't know how, I'm sure; but he is just + the man to help everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + And the circle instantly widened itself to receive Dr. Everett. + </p> + <p> + It took almost no time to speak the commonplace of the occasion, and get + back at once to the business of the hour. It was evident that Dr. Everett + needed no lengthy explanations, and there was apparently nothing + bewildering to his mind in the plan. True, it was new to him, but he + seemed to spring at once to the centre of their thoughts. His eyes glowed + for a moment, and he said with peculiar emphasis:— + </p> + <p> + “Ried, when the son of man cometh, he will surely find <i>some</i> faith + on the earth!” + </p> + <p> + Then he gave himself to intensest listening and questioning, and presently + followed his questions with suggestions which showed that unconventional + ways of working were not altogether new to him. + </p> + <p> + As for Gracie, she had as much as she could do to listen intelligently; + she almost caught her breath over the rapidity with which the talkers + moved from one scheme to another. All the time there was a curious process + of comparison between this man and Professor Ellis going on in her mind. + Not that she wished to compare the two! She told herself that it was + absurd to do so; none the less she did it. For instance, she reminded + herself that she had mentally assented promptly to the suggestion of + inviting the doctor to this room to talk this strange scheme over; she had + recognized the fitness of the act. But suppose Professor Ellis should + call, would it not be simply absurd to think of explaining to him the uses + of this unique room? Who would for a moment think of suggesting his name + as a helper? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I do not know how to describe to you the appearance of that room on Monday + evening when the boys were in it. I do not know whether the sight to you + would have been pitiful or ludicrous. How can I tell—not knowing + you? There was a dreadful incongruity between the soiled, ragged clothes + and matted hair and unwashed hands and the exquisite purity which + prevailed around them. Of course you could have seen that, but the + all-important question, the answer to which would have stamped your place + in the world's workshop, would have been, Do you see any further than + that? and seeing further—which way? Do you see the possibilities, or + the certainties of failure? Oh, no, I am wrong; it would take more than + that to tell where you belong. Dr. Everett saw the possibilities and + gloried in them. Gracie Dennis thought she saw the certainty of failure, + and was sorry for it. But Professor Ellis would have seen the certainty of + failure, and would have met it with a sneer, if he had not been too + indifferent even for that. As for Mrs. Roberts, did she, or did she not, + represent a different and higher type than any of the others? She thought + not much about either success or failure, but pushed steadily forward the + plan that she believed she had gotten on her knees, born of the Spirit. If + it really were of God, nothing could make it fail; but if she mistook, and + the plan was only hers, mere failure in that direction would signify + nothing; she would have but to try again. Something of this she felt, but + did not reason out, for she was no logician. + </p> + <p> + What the boys saw was a great, splendid room, the like of which they had + never seen before, for they recognized, without being able to explain, the + difference between it and the parlors, and felt freer in it. They all + came, and they looked not one whit better than on the Monday evening + before. Over this fact Gracie Dennis, with all her public scoffing, was, + in private, a little disappointed. It is true she had not expected to see + them again; but if they came, she thought it possible that they might have + been tempted to appear with clean hands and faces. Possibly some were so + tempted, and but for the difficulties in the way, might really have tried + for this. But Gracie was not sufficiently enlightened to dream of + difficulties in the way of simply washing one's face and hands. + </p> + <p> + During the Saturday evening conference it had been decided that Mr. + Roberts must make acquaintance with his guests. It would never do to have + them come familiarly to his house, and he not be able to recognize them on + the streets. Several plans were suggested for introducing him skilfully to + them, but he disapproved of them all. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “I'll tell you what we'll do. I will introduce myself. You + may receive them, Flossy, and then retire for a few minutes, and I'll let + myself in by the conservatory passage, and make myself acquainted to the + best of my abilities. In ten minutes, Flossy, I'll give you leave to + return. As for the rest of you, don't dare to venture in until I have made + good my claim as the head of the house. I am jealous of you, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + To this plan Mrs. Roberts readily assented, but the young clerk looked + doubtful. In common with the rest of his employees, he stood in wholesome + awe of the keen-eyed, thorough business man, who seemed to know, as by a + sort of instinct, when anything in any department of the great store was + not moving according to rule. His knowledge of Mr. Roberts, outside of the + store, was limited, and he expected to find the boys, if not frightened, + so awed that they would resolve never to be caught inside that room again. + </p> + <p> + However, he of course only looked his fears. He was too much afraid of the + great merchant to express them, and it had been understood, when they + separated, that this plan was to be carried out. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — “I WONDER WHAT THEY'RE ALL AFTER!” + </h2> + <p> + In the library waited Gracie and Mr. Ried, while Mrs. Roberts went merrily + to see whether the boys or their host had proved the stronger. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe this part of the programme will work,” Alfred said, + confidently, the moment the door closed after Mrs. Roberts. “Those fellows + will all be afraid of Mr. Roberts, and we shall lose what little hold we + have on them.” + </p> + <p> + “They don't look to me as though it ever occurred to them to be afraid of + anything,” Gracie said; but Alfred Ried, who had studied deeper into this + problem of the different classes of society, was ready with his answer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes they are; they can be awed, and made to feel uncomfortable to the + degree that they will resolve not to appear in that region again. One + cannot judge from their behavior in Sabbath-school. Some way they + recognize a mission school as being in a sense their property, and behave + accordingly; but in a man's own house, surrounded by things of which they + do not even know the name, he has them at a disadvantage, and can easily + rouse within them the feeling that they are 'trapped.' Than which there is + nothing those fellows dread so much, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “But they were not afraid of Flossy last week, even surrounded by the + elegances of her parlors and dining-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said, his eyes alight, “she has a wisdom born of God, I think, + for managing these and all other concerns. She is unlike everybody else.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Gracie Dennis laughed; not a disagreeable laugh, but there came + to her just then a sense of the strangeness of thinking that pretty Flossy + Shipley, whom she had known all her life, and half-scorned from the + heights of her childhood because she was a silly little thing, who could + not do her problems in class, should have a wisdom unlike any others. Yet, + almost immediately her laugh was stayed, because the change in Flossy was + so great that she, too, recognized it as born of God. Sometimes it came + with force to this proud young girl that if God could do so much for + Flossy, what might he not be willing to do with those whom he had made + intellectually her superior, if they were but ready to be led? + </p> + <p> + The young man, who was studying her, watched the grave look deepen on her + face, and wondered at its source. What a pretty face it was. Oh, much more + than pretty; there was great strength in it and sweetness, too, of a + certain sort, but he could not help comparing the sort with that in some + other faces, and he wondered over the difference. This young lady was a + Christian. Why should her Christian experience stamp her with such a + different expression from that which others wore? He always finished this + sort of sentence with a blank space first, as though he did not choose to + have himself tell himself any names. Yet he spoke a name forcibly enough, + still gazing earnestly at Gracie. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever meet Miss Joy Saunders?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie turned toward him a laughing face. + </p> + <p> + “No, but we are very anxious to, Flossy and I. We have both been told that + we ought to know her, and told so earnestly that we really think we ought. + Who is she? Is she, too, unlike anybody else?” + </p> + <p> + “Very,” he said, promptly. “I know her very little; she is the daughter of + our landlady; I meet her in the hall on rare occasions, and sometimes + catch glimpses of her just vanishing from some room as I enter; but as for + being acquainted with her, I suppose I am not. I think—though of + that I am by no means sure—that she is engaged to Dr. Everett. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then, of course he would think naturally that people ought to know + her. What is she like?” + </p> + <p> + “Like nothing,” said Alfred, with great promptness. “Did you ever know a + person named Joy?” + </p> + <p> + “No;—what a singular name.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it fits. She is very far removed from mirth, and she is not what + people call gay, and she is not outspoken apparently at any time, though, + as I say, I do not know her; but there is something in her face that fits + the name; I do not know what it is. Sometimes I think it is the shining of + Christ's face reflected in her; but the puzzle is, why do not other faces + have it? Faces which belong to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps there is a difference in the degree of belonging.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie spoke the words very gently, wondering meanwhile at the way in + which this thought chimed in with hers about Flossy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there is. But why should there be? If I belong to Christ, I <i>belong</i>, + don't I? There is no half-way service possible. Why do I not so look that + others take knowledge of me that I have been with Jesus?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know but they do?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I know. I know too well. They are more likely a great deal to take + knowledge that I have been with Satan. I feel the frown all over my face a + great deal of the time; and the world goes astray a great many times, when + I suppose it is just myself that is wrong. But, Miss Dennis, I hunger for + the shining of his face in me.” + </p> + <p> + “That must be the meaning of the beatitude which puzzled my childhood,” + she answered trying to speak lightly, to hide feelings that were deeply + moved: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, + for they shall be filled.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” he said, smiling; “there is actually a promise! I had not + thought of it. And yet”—the thoughtful frown gathering almost + immediately—“do you suppose that a person who really hungered for a + certain thing could be satisfied with anything else? I often have an hour + of what at the moment seems to me like hunger for Him, but the hour + passes, and I get filled—with business, or with plans, or possibly + with annoyances, and feel nothing but a general irritation for everybody. + Do you think there can be anything genuine about such desires, so easily + turned aside?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I do not know,” said Gracie, hastily. “Why do you ask me such things? + Did not I tell you I was not good? Ask those people who are unlike all + others. Why don't you ask this Joy? She could tell you, I presume. I can + tell you nothing, save that this is a very strange world, not half so nice + as I once thought it, and I don't like to think about things.” + </p> + <p> + How <i>different</i> he was from other young men with whom she had spent + fifteen minutes many a time in gay banter! This was, after all, the + thought uppermost in her mind at the moment. Nice Christian men, of whom + her father spoke well, and who, people said, were young men to be proud + of. It seemed to her that she knew them by the dozens, yet with which one + of them had she ever carried on such a conversation as this? With which + one could she have attempted any thing of the kind, without leading him to + suppose that she was taking leave of her senses? + </p> + <p> + She recalled some of the gay words that she had spoken with these others, + and tried, hurriedly, to decide why it would sound to her perfectly absurd + to talk with Alfred Ried in that way. However, she did not want to talk + with him; he was too full of questionings. “And questions,” said poor + Gracie, “are all that I can ask myself. I want somebody to talk with who + is assured of the ground on which he stands, and can tell me why he stands + there.” + </p> + <p> + There was not time for further talk—they were summoned to the new + room. Bursts of laughter greeted their ears as they made their way eagerly + across the hall, and Gracie took time to remark that the boys were + certainly not awed into silence, before the opening door let them into the + brightly-lighted scene. Every boy was laughing, not quietly, but + immoderately, and the centre of attraction was evidently Mr. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “I have been giving our friends an account of an old army experience,” he + said, in explanation to Gracie, “and we have been enjoying a laugh + together over the old memory. You are all acquainted with Miss Dennis, I + think, young gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + Clearly there was no need for any one to introduce Mr. Roberts to the + boys; apparently they knew him now better than they did any of the others. + Yet as Gracie, after shaking hands with each of the guests, took a vacant + seat by Nimble Dick, she was greeted with a confidential whisper:— + </p> + <p> + “That's a jolly chap as ever I saw; and I never heard anything to beat the + yarn he told us, for cuteness. Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he is Mr. Evan Roberts, the owner of this house.” + </p> + <p> + “My eyes!” said Dick, gazing about him in a startled way. “Look here; he + ain't that Roberts from the big store on Fourth Street?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is; he is one of the partners in that store.” + </p> + <p> + Then did Nimble Dick give a low whistle,—suddenly cut short, as the + other boys looked at him,—and sat up straight in his chair, and for + at least a minute was awed; or else was bewildered. If his mind could have + been looked into for a moment something like this might have been seen + there: “And here I am sittin' in one of his chairs, and been laughin' to + kill over his funny story! If this ain't the greatest lark out! I wonder + what they're all after, anyhow!” + </p> + <p> + Then the real business of the evening commenced. + </p> + <p> + I should like to describe that evening; but it is really worse to describe + than the boys. It was designed to be one of those most difficult evenings, + where every act and almost every word has been previously arranged, but + arranged in such a manner as to appear like an impromptu effort, the + result of merely the happenings of the hour. + </p> + <p> + For instance, Mrs. Roberts aimed at nothing less formidable than the + teaching of these boys to read and write; and know as well as ever I know + it, that to frankly own that she was ready and willing to give her time + and patience in so teaching them would be to outwit herself. They did not + belong to the class who can be beguiled into evening schools. There are + such; Mark Calkins would have seized such an opportunity and rejoiced over + it, but these were lower in the scale; they did not realize their need, + and they had what they in ignorance called “independence”; they were not + to be “trapped” by evening schools. Therefore it required diplomacy; and + no people can be more diplomatic, on occasion, than certain most + innocent-looking little women. Mrs. Roberts had studied her way step by + step. + </p> + <p> + Therefore it was, that by the most natural passage possible, she led the + way to a discussion of different styles of writing, bringing forth to aid + her a certain old autograph album which had been to many places of note, + among others Chautauqua, and had the names of distinguished persons, as + well as of many who were not distinguished, except for Christian endurance + in consenting to write in an autograph album. Good writers were talked + about and selected, and poor writers were talked about, and it was said by + some one, accidentally of course, that a good hand was really an + accomplishment. + </p> + <p> + “It is more than that!” declared Mr. Roberts. “A man's business life often + turns on it. I have myself had to turn away from several otherwise + suitable helpers in our business because they really could not write a + good, clear hand, that could be read without studying.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a good writer, Miss Gracie?” + </p> + <p> + This remark, coming suddenly to Gracie from her host, almost embarrassed + her, for you are not to suppose that the very words by which these themes + should be introduced had been planned, and it had not occurred to Gracie + that so personal a question might be asked her. But she rallied quickly. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I am sorry to say that I am not. I write what papa calls a + mincing hand; all jumbled up together, you know, or running into each + other, the letters are, and so difficult to read that papa said when I + came away he hoped I would call on his friend, Dr. Stuart, every day, and + write a letter on his type-writer.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” interrupted Nimble Dick, his face curious. + </p> + <p> + “What? A type-writer? Oh, it is a strange little machine used instead of + the pen—at least, a very few people use it. It is quite new, I + think, and must be very curious. I never saw one, but the writing looks + just like print. Dr. Stuart, a pastor in the city, is my papa's friend, + and writes to him on his, and papa reads the letter with great + satisfaction, saying to me, 'There, daughter, that is something like! + People who cannot write well enough for others to read should print.'” + </p> + <p> + “They are not so very uncommon, Miss Dennis,” explained Dr. Everett, who + saw the eagerness on Nimble Dick's face. “It is a comparatively new + invention, but is being caught up very promptly. I think nearly all the + leading lawyers use them, and those who do not own them are getting their + copying done at the rooms. They are very ingenious little instruments.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you say you never saw one?” + </p> + <p> + This question from Mr. Roberts to Gracie, and he added:— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Roberts, I believe you have never had other than the first glimpse I + showed you in the Parker Building. I have an idea. Suppose I rent one of + the little fellows to interest us? It would be pleasant to look into it + and see how it works. Did none of you ever see one? Well, now, we'll try + for that on next Monday evening. I'll have one sent up to-morrow, and, + Miss Gracie, we'll appoint you showman for the following Monday; so it is + to be hoped that you will employ your leisure in learning how to manage + the creature, and perhaps send your father a readable letter at the same + time.” + </p> + <p> + Now, as may readily be supposed, all this about machinery had not been + arranged for beforehand, but was a side issue, born of the fact that the + watchful servant of his Master saw an eager look in the eyes of the boy + Dick directly there was anything said that suggested machinery. One of the + great aims of these evenings was to study character, however developed. + </p> + <p> + Having turned his company from the regular channel, Mr. Roberts made haste + to put them skilfully back where they were before:— + </p> + <p> + “Still, it would be a pity to resort to machinery simply because one did + not know how to write well. I would rather set to work to correct the + error. I happen to know one of our number who can write a very enviable + hand. Do you know, Ried, that the letter you wrote me was the first thing + which attracted me to you? I remember I showed the note to one of our + senior partners, who was particularly disturbed by poor writing, and he + said: 'Engage him, Roberts, do! A young man who can write like that will + be a relief.' Mrs. Roberts, I move you that we resolve ourselves at this + moment into a writing-class, to be taught by Mr. Ried. My dear sir, will + you take us in hand?” + </p> + <p> + Something of this kind had been planned—at least, it had been + planned that Ried should be asked to do this thing; but he found the + actual asking embarrassing, and struggled with it with flushing cheeks. + Gracie came to his aid:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether I'll take lessons or not. Who wants to expose one's + ignorance? Will you teach? Must we each give a specimen of our present + attainments?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly Ried divined the reason for the question. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, eagerly; “oh, no; I should begin with those horrors of your + childhood, pothooks or something of that sort; lines and curves, you know. + There are not many of them after all in our letters, and when once a + person has conquered them it is easy to put them together.” + </p> + <p> + There was more talk, easy and social. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, the doctor, + and Gracie seemed equally interested in the project, and questioned young + Ried, until he assured them that he began to feel like a veritable + professor. Apparently the boys were forgotten. This very fact put them at + their ease, and they listened, interested and amused over the thought that + these ladies and gentlemen wanted to go to school! + </p> + <p> + At first I do not think it occurred to one of them that he was included in + the proposal to form an writing-class. + </p> + <p> + How was it done? I am not sure that any one of the eager group of workers + could have told you afterward, so excited did they become over this first + scheme. Nobody could remember just what words were said, nor who said + them, nor whether the boys all looked equally startled when paper and pen + were put into each hand. They remembered that some shook their heads + emphatically, and that Nimble Dick spoke plainly: “No you don't! I can't + write any more than a duck can, and I never expect to.” Mrs. Roberts knew + that Dirk Colson's dark face turned a fierce red, and he snapped the + offered pen half-way across the table with his indignant thumb and finger. + But of these words and acts nobody apparently took any notice. The writing + began, and the first marks given as copies were so simple, looked so easy + to do, and the attempts of the ladies and gentlemen fell so far short of + what the teacher desired, and were so unmercifully criticised by him, and + the criticisms were so merrily received by the writers, that at last the + whole thing took the form of a joke to Nimble Dick's mind, and he became + possessed with a burning desire to try. One by one the boys stealthily + followed his example; Alfred taking care to watch eagerly, to commend both + Stephen Crowley and Gracie Dennis in the same breath for some true stroke, + and criticise both Mrs. Roberts and Nimble Dick for not holding the pen + aright. + </p> + <p> + The entire party became so interested that only Mrs. Roberts knew just + when Dirk Colson stealthily filliped back his pen from the distance to + which it had been rolled, and, sitting upright that he might attract the + less notice, tried his hand on the curve which was giving even Dr. Everett + trouble. + </p> + <p> + When the young teacher discovered it he made also another discovery, which + he proclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, I beg the pardon of each of you, but Colson here has made + the only respectable <i>R</i>-curve there is in the company.” + </p> + <p> + Then if his sister Mart had seen the glow on Dirk's face, I am not sure + that she would have known him. There was a momentary transformation. + </p> + <p> + As for Mrs. Roberts, she bowed low over the letter she was carefully + forming, but it was to say in soft whisper heard by one ear alone:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — “YOURN'S THE WAY!” + </h2> + <p> + You are not to suppose, because this first Monday evening (which, by the + way, was concluded with sandwiches and coffee) was a success, pronounced + so by all concerned, that therefore the ones which followed were all + rose-color. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, not one of the workers expected this, and so were brave and + cheerful under drawbacks. + </p> + <p> + These were numerous and varied. + </p> + <p> + After the first novelty wore off, it took at times only the most trivial + excuses to keep the boys away. Sometimes when they called their conduct + was anything but encouraging. They lolled in the easy-chairs, smelling + strongly of tobacco and other bar-room odors, refused insolently to apply + themselves to any work at hand, audibly pronounced the whole thing “slow,” + and in numberless ways severely tried the patience of both Alfred and + Gracie. + </p> + <p> + For the others, they had counted the cost,—at least the gentlemen + had,—and expected to move slowly, even to appear to go backward some + of the time. As for Mrs. Roberts, I have told you that she worked in a + peculiar manner, with the motto, “This one thing I do,” apparently ever + before her. + </p> + <p> + Each evening was distinct in itself, with efforts to make and obstacles to + overcome; and at its close she had a way of laying it aside, as something + with which her part was done, not attempting even to calculate results; + then she was ready to turn to a new day, and work steadily for that. + </p> + <p> + The winter was slipping away and Gracie Dennis lingered. She could hardly + have told you why, yet there were many apparent reasons. Mrs. Roberts + wanted her, rejoiced in her, and coaxed irresistibly as often as the + thought of going home was mentioned. Then Gracie, laugh over the peculiar + work going on as she might, was undeniably interested in those boys. She + was working for them, therefore of course she was interested. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how you can go this week?” would young Ried say to her, with + a perplexed air; “you know we have that matter all planned for next Monday + evening. How can we carry out the scheme if you are not there to do your + part?” + </p> + <p> + Then would Gracie laugh and demur and admit, to herself only, that it was + very pleasant to be needed—as she certainly was—for one night + more; and so the nights passed. + </p> + <p> + Her work was to be “Professor of Elocution,” as Mr. Roberts gaily called + her when the workers were alone together. It had been discovered that she + could read both prose and poetry with effect. So a reading-class was + organized, and they chose for the first evening, not one of Bryant's or + Whittier's gems, nor selections from Milton or Shakespeare, which would + have suited part of the company, nor yet the “Easy Readings” in some + standard spelling-book, which would have fitted the capacity of the + others, but with great care and much discussion, one of Will Carleton's + descriptive poems, full of homely, yet tender language, full of pathos and + of humor, was unanimously selected. + </p> + <p> + The first evening reading had been commenced with nuts and apples. There + are those who can see no connection between this and the intellectual; + happily for the characters with whom she had to deal, Mrs. Roberts was not + one of them. While the others were still enjoying the refreshments she + took the book and read. This was her quiet little sacrifice. It was not + pleasant to her to become a public reader. It required courage to get + through with one verse, with Dr. Everett sitting opposite, and Gracie + Dennis on a low seat at her side, and her husband listening intently. Mrs. + Roberts was not a good reader, and was aware of it. She pronounced the + words correctly, it is true; but when you had said that, you had said all + that there was to offer in praise of her effort. She had some exasperating + faults. But she bravely read the two verses, and some of the boys + listened, and one of them laughed; he had caught a gleam of the fun in the + poem. This, of course, was Nimble Dick. + </p> + <p> + Then Alfred Ried made the same effort on the same verses; his performance + was very little better, and he, too, knew it. He could write, but he was + by no means a public reader; this was his offering to the general good. If + those fellows, by reason of his mistakes, could be induced to climb, he + was willing to offer his pride on the altar. No matter by what petty + trials they were caught so that they were really caught. + </p> + <p> + Then followed Gracie Dennis, and her own father, acceptable preacher + though he was, might with credit to himself have taken lessons of her. She + was certainly, for one so young and so unprofessional, a magnificent + reader. So indeed was Marion Wilbur, and she had enjoyed teaching Gracie. + </p> + <p> + The poem blossomed in her hand. The crunching of nuts and apples entirely + ceased. The boys sat erect and listened and laughed and flushed and + swallowed suspiciously over some of the homely pathos. They had never + heard anything like that before, and they evidently appreciated it. She + read through to the end. + </p> + <p> + Then were unloosed the tongues! They exclaimed in delight:— + </p> + <p> + “What an accomplishment it is!” said Mr. Roberts; “and how few possess it. + Doctor, how many really fine readers have you heard in your life?” + </p> + <p> + “About three,” said the doctor, laconically. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mrs. Roberts, “let us all be exceptions. Gracie, teach us + how. I will try again.” + </p> + <p> + And she did, on the first verse of the poem; with better success than + before; but how sharp the contrast between her reading and Gracie's, she + knew! It was not easy for her to read. + </p> + <p> + I don't know, possibly I am mistaken, but it seems to me that I have known + people ready for large sacrifices, who yet would shrink painfully from + these little ones. + </p> + <p> + In discussing the programme for the evening, the question had been, when + each had done his part, How were they to influence the boys to join? <i>Could</i> + they join? Was it probable that they knew enough about reading to attempt + to speak the words of the poem? With reference to this obstacle a poem had + been chosen full of simple, homely words, such as are in common use; + especially was the first verse free from what Mr. Roberts called “shoals.” + Having heard the verse read several times, it was hoped that some one of + the seven might have courage to attempt it, but Gracie did not believe + that such would be the case. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how we can ask them, and do it naturally,” said Dr. Everett. + “It is such an unheard-of thing, you know; and I am afraid, do our best, + it will present itself to them as a patronage, and that will be fatal. The + people who are low enough to need patronage are the very ones who won't + endure it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon various ways of managing the matter were discussed and + discarded; suddenly Mrs. Roberts turned to her young lieutenant, who had + been silent for some time, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of, Mr. Ried? Do you see a way out?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said; “I have neither knowledge nor skill in such matters, but my + thoughts just then were far away; I was thinking how curiously, certain + apparently trivial instances of one's childhood will stand out with almost + startling prominence.” + </p> + <p> + “What sent you off in that direction?” questioned Dr. Everett. “There must + have been an association of ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there was; I was thinking how vividly I remembered a discussion + between my mother and my sister, younger than Ester, in regard to some + matter which perplexed them; and when they could come to no satisfactory + conclusion they appealed to my sister Ester, who was resting as usual on + her lounge. I can seem to hear her voice as she said: 'We haven't to do + anything about it until to-morrow; perhaps to-morrow will have a light of + its own for our direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” Mrs. Roberts said, her eyes lighting with an appreciative + smile; “we have not to do anything about this until Monday night, and + perhaps Monday night will see us wise.” + </p> + <p> + I don't know how many thought of this little conversation when Monday + evening came, but certainly Alfred Ried and Mrs. Roberts did, for she + glanced at him and smiled significantly when Dr. Everett, having + apparently forgotten that anything beyond their own pleasure was in + contemplation, challenged Gracie to a discussion as to the emphasis on a + certain word in the second line; he had never heard it so read, and he + called for an analysis that would sustain the reading, and received it, + and was not yet prepared to yield the point, but read the verse as he had + imagined it should be read, and then Gracie, at Mr. Roberts' call, + repeated it with her rendering, and I am not sure but all parties + concerned actually forgot their final object in the interest of the + discussion until they were suddenly called to it by an interrupting voice:— + </p> + <p> + “Your'n's the way,” it said, with an emphatic nod of a shock of matted + hair, “your'n's the way.” + </p> + <p> + It was Dirk Colson. He had forgotten for the moment that anybody was + listening to him, save the two readers. He was looking directly at Gracie, + and the nods were evidently intended for her. + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is!” she said, eagerly, her face flushing with a triumph + that had nothing to do with the right emphasis; “you read it, won't you, + and show these people that we are right?” + </p> + <p> + Afterward Mrs. Roberts confessed that she involuntarily placed her hand on + her heart with a dim idea of hushing its beating lest others would hear, + so important to her did the moment seem. Dr. Everett looked dismayed. The + least hopeful one of the seven seemed Dirk. None of them knew of his + dangerous talent for imitation. None of them believed that he would make + any attempt at reading, but thought he would shrink into deeper + sullenness. All of them were mistaken. He reached for the book, glanced + for a moment over the lines, and then read the verse, with so complete an + imitation of Gracie Dennis, and yet with a voice and manner that so fitted + the homely words and the homely scene described that the effect was + actually better than when Gracie read. + </p> + <p> + Instinctively the cultured portion of his audience greeted the effort with + a clapping of hands. The blood, meantime, rolled in dark waves over Dirk's + face. He had been cheered before. None of his present applauders could + imagine what a set had often clapped their hands over his successful + imitations; but Dirk, who liked applause as well as other human beings do, + had never, in his wildest stretches of imagination, placed himself before + such people as listened now and received their approval. + </p> + <p> + Great was the excitement and satisfaction. The six companions, far from + feeling any emotion of jealousy, seemed greatly elated, believing that one + of their number had made a “hit,” and increased their importance. + </p> + <p> + No one else could be found to attempt the verse. Nimble Dick shook his + head good-naturedly, and declared that he would rather “undertake to run + an engine to Californy” than try it; and the others were of like mind. + Then came Gracie to the front again:— + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what you must all do. I have been experimenting with that + type-writer, Mr. Roberts, all the week. You know it will manifold, with + the use of carbon paper, and it chances that when I was seized with a + desire to try its powers in that direction I choose this very verse to + copy; so I have fifteen good copies in print. You must each take a copy + and make this verse a study until next Monday; then I shall challenge you + all to sustain me in my reading.” + </p> + <p> + This proposition was hailed with such satisfaction by the older members + that it immediately became popular, and each boy received his copy + mechanically and gazed at it curiously: but Dirk Colson's thoughts were + turned in a new channel. + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” he said, detaining Gracie by an imperious inclination of his + head, as she handed him the copy; “how did you make these? didn't you + print them fifteen times? I didn't understand what you said.” + </p> + <p> + “Why no!” said Gracie, “the machine will <i>manifold</i>. I'll show you; + come over to the end window; it stands there waiting to be displayed, and + it is a little wonder.” + </p> + <p> + Then they crowded around the type-writer, and Gracie, really proud of the + skill she had acquired in a week's time, showed off the little wonder to + great advantage. + </p> + <p> + The fact that the type-writer was new to most of the others, that they + were decidedly ignorant as to its working, increased the comfort of the + hour by doing away with the embarrassing feeling that any one of them was + playing a part. Dr. Everett was no more familiar with the type-writer than + was Dirk Colson, and was just as eager to know about it. + </p> + <p> + Also everybody, apparently, felt an equally strong desire to write his + name on the marvellous little creature, and each in turn sat down before + it and moved his awkward hands with nearly equal slowness over the keys, + picking out the magic letters. + </p> + <p> + It was this episode that made the workers during their next conference + branch out in new lines. + </p> + <p> + “We need something,” said Dr. Everett, walking up and down the floor in + puzzled thought, “we need something that shall be a genuine common + interest, of which we are all, or all but one, equally ignorant—something + that we can take hold of with zest, on as low a platform as the most + ignorant of those seen. I was convinced of that when I saw the abandon + with which we all went into the type-writer business, with a naturalness + and equality that, in the matter of reading and writing, it is impossible + for us to feel. If the machine were complicated, so that it would take us + each three months or so to master it, that would do. What can we take up + that will place us on a level?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — “WE HAVE BEGUN BACKWARDS.” + </h2> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Ried, “we should want to have one of our number not 'on a + level.' How would it do to appoint you, sir, to give us a few lectures in + Hygiene? Popular lectures about air and exercise and ventilation and + bathing, and all sorts of every-day topics, about which people are + ignorant.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a capital idea, Ried. Those fellows could certainly be benefited + by a little attention to such questions; and I'm sure the rest of us would + like to hear of the principles which govern these important laws. Such + lectures put into popular form are decidedly interesting, I think. Let us + vote for them.” This was Mr. Roberts' hearty seconding. + </p> + <p> + But the doctor laughed. + </p> + <p> + “There is a ludicrous side to it which you do not see,” he said. “Imagine + me holding forth on the importance of ventilation, for instance, to a poor + follow who comes from a region where father and mother, and a horde of + children of both sexes and all ages, crowd together in one room, and that + a cellar, where the sun never penetrates and the air that crawls in + through the one small window is reeking with even more impurities than can + be found inside. Or talking about bathing, to the poor wretches who have + no clothing to change, and barely water enough, by carrying it long + distances, to satisfy their most pressing needs! Still, Ried, I'm not + quarrelling with your idea. There is a sensible side to it; there are + things that I could tell even those boys which might interest them, and + would certainly be to their advantage to know. The subject is one which + can be popularized to suit even such an audience. I'll try for it + occasionally if it shall seem best: but it doesn't meet my demand. I want + us all on a platform where we shall start in equal ignorance and get on + together. Of course you are all more or less familiar with all the facts + that I should have to present, and the boys would know it. They are sharp + fellows; it wouldn't take them an hour to discover that we were fishing + for them; and if there is any one thing on which they are at present + determined, it is, probably, that they will not be benefited. What is + there that one of us knows, of which the others are ignorant? French won't + do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted with that language, I think, and so are + you, Ried, are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a + native as you do.” + </p> + <p> + At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She + remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had + understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have + thought of the courtesy of her guest? + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” he said to the doctor; “we are not enough on a level; I + felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the + type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on which + all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could turn + professor?” + </p> + <p> + Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:— + </p> + <p> + “If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I + really don't know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor turned to him quickly:— + </p> + <p> + “Out with it, man; if you are master of a profession or a trade or a + theory unknown to the rest of us, you are bound on your honor as a member + of this unique organization to present it.” + </p> + <p> + At the same moment Mrs. Roberts came to his aid. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Evan, teach us short-hand!” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Mr. Roberts heaved what was intended to appear as a relieved + sigh, and announced that his modesty was preserved. + </p> + <p> + Upon this suggestion they seized with eagerness; not one of them knew + anything about phonetic writing save Mr. Roberts, and he was master of the + art. + </p> + <p> + “It is the very thing!” the doctor said, with heartiness. “I should like + exceedingly to learn it, and Ried and the ladies may be able to make it + useful in a hundred ways; and as for the seven, if they really master it, + it may be the foundation of a fortune for some of them.” + </p> + <p> + So, without more ado, it was planned that at the very next Monday evening + the subject should be skilfully presented, its importance and its + fascinations discussed, and the boys be beguiled into taking a first + lesson, sandwiched in between the all-important reading and writing + lessons. + </p> + <p> + Alas for plans! On the very next Monday the conspirators, with the + exception of young Ried, were together by seven o'clock. The faint aroma + of coffee floated through the room. A fruit-basket filled with oranges + occupied a conspicuous table, and everything waited for the guests. + </p> + <p> + While they waited, instead of enjoying themselves as the four were + certainly capable of doing, they were noticeably restless; listened for + the shuffling of careless feet on the steps, and the sound of uncultured + voices in the hall, and waited expectantly whenever the bell pealed, only + to be obliged to send word to some caller that “Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were + engaged.” + </p> + <p> + The special occupation of the four seemed to be to look at their watches + and to remark that the doctor's was a trifle fast, and to wonder if + half-past seven would be a more suitable hour for the boys, and to wonder + what could be detaining Ried. + </p> + <p> + At last it was half-past seven, and then it was fifteen minutes of eight, + and then it was ten minutes of eight! And then the door-bell rang again. + It was Ried, and he was alone! One glance at his distressed face told the + lookers-on that something was amiss, even before he exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “You won't see a boy to-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” “What is the trouble?” “Where are they?” + </p> + <p> + These were the various ways of putting the same question. + </p> + <p> + “One of the McCullum partners has become interested in the boys, it seems, + and has concluded that he will try what he can do towards their elevation; + so he has commenced by presenting each one of them with a ticket to the + Green Street Theatre, and there they are at this moment!” + </p> + <p> + This startling intelligence was variously received. Dr. Everett exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis remarked that it was something like what she had expected; + Mrs. Roberts said not a word, and Mr. Roberts added to the astonishment of + the moment by bursting into a laugh. + </p> + <p> + Poor Ried seemed to feel the laugh more than anything; his face gathered + into heavier clouds than before, he bit his lip to hold back the vexed + words that were just ready to burst forth, and strode almost angrily to + the further corner of the room. + </p> + <p> + An embarrassed silence seemed to fall upon the others. At least Gracie + felt embarrassed; the doctor looked simply expectant. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Roberts drew himself up from his lounging attitude and broke + into the stillness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now, good people, don't let us make serious mistakes! Come back here, + my dear young brother, and let us look this thing in the face, and talk it + over calmly. Are we children playing at benevolence that at the first + discouragement we should cry out, 'All is lost!' and retire vanquished? + Come, I laughed because really this does not seem such a serious matter to + me as it seems to present to the rest of you. + </p> + <p> + “What did we expect? Here are seven boys, right from the gutters; somehow + we have had them laid on our hearts, and have enlisted to help fight the + battle that is going on about them in this world. Christ died to save + them, and Satan means that the sacrifice shall be in vain. He is bringing + all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied powers. + </p> + <p> + “Here comes into the scene a man benevolently inclined; not a Christian, + but in his way a philanthropist. By accident he has come in contact with + one of the boys; by accident he learns that something—he does not + know quite what—is being attempted to benefit them. Can't you give + him the credit of being honest? The only thing he thinks of that he can do + to help is to give them an evening's entertainment. At one of the decent + theatres there is being presented what seems to be known in their parlance + as a 'moral play!' So he presents each boy with a ticket. Now, what did we + expect of those boys? + </p> + <p> + “Last week a lady and two gentleman who have been members of our church + for years, left the regular prayer-meeting, and went to the Philharmonic + concert. + </p> + <p> + “Ought we to expect that it would even occur to our seven boys to give up + what to them is a rare treat for the pleasure of spending an evening with + us? As for the moral obligation, they have probably never so much as heard + the words. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it time we knew what we were about? What are we after? It is well + enough to teach the poor fellows to read and write, and to help lift them + up in other ways, but our efforts will amount to very little unless we + succeed in bringing them to the great Lever of human society; unless + Christ take hold of this thing we shall fail. Now, has He taken hold? Is + He, at least, as much interested in them as we are? Is His Holy Spirit + preceding and supplementing all our efforts? And, if this is the case, is + an evening at a theatre going to ruin His plans?” + </p> + <p> + Long before these earnest sentences were concluded Ried had returned from + his distant corner, and taken a seat near his employer; his eyes were full + of tears, and his voice trembled:— + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mr. Roberts; I'm an ignorant blunderer; I did feel for + the moment as though everything were lost.” + </p> + <p> + “We have begun backwards,” said Mr. Roberts; “I was reading to-day that a + mistake the missionaries made for years in trying to <i>civilize</i> the + Greenlanders; and what a perfect failure they made of it until one day + almost by accident, a man began to tell them about Christ on the cross, + and the story melted them. I don't think I have thought enough about Him + in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I stand convicted,” Dr. Everett said; “I've made the same mistake, I + believe, in all my efforts for people. I have been praying for them, it is + true; but, after all, I feel now as though there had been too much relying + on human means, and not enough on God. It is a case of 'these ought ye to + have done, and not to have left the other undone.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mr. Roberts, looking at his watch, “we are in the same + condemnation; it is, I believe, the most common, and one of the most + fatal, mistakes that Christian workers make. But there is a way out. We + expected to spend until ten o'clock with those boys. It is nearly nine + now; suppose we spend the next hour with Christ, asking for the power of + the Holy Spirit on any and every effort that we may make for them in the + future? Our ultimate aim is to bring every one of them to Jesus and He + knows it; now if we have gone about in the wrong way, we have only to ask + Him forgiveness and look to Him steadily for guidance. What do you say, + friends, shall we spend the hour in taking them to the only One who really + can afford them lasting help?” + </p> + <p> + I suppose that He who “maketh the wrath of man to praise Him” is equally + able to manage the folly of man. Could the injudicious philanthropist have + looked into that room that evening, and heard the prayers that went up to + God for those boys, and understood something of the power of prayer, he + would have had one illustration of how God manages the foolishness of men. + </p> + <p> + It was a very earnest prayer-meeting. These workers had each one bowed in + secret, and with more or less earnestness, asked for God's blessing on + their efforts; but it occurred to them that evening, as a very strange + thing, that they had never unitedly prayed for this before. Therefore + there was an element of confession in all the prayers that moved Gracie + Dennis strangely. Especially was this the case when she heard her old + acquaintance, Flossy, pour out her soul's longings. It happened, so + strange are the customs of Christians, that though this was the daughter + of a minister of the gospel, herself a Christian, she had never before + heard a lady pray in the presence of gentlemen. She had heard of their + doing so; heard them criticised with sharp sarcasm. Some of the criticisms + which had sounded full of keenness and wit when she heard them, recurred + to her at this time, and some way, with Flossy's low, earnest voice + filling her heart, they dwindled into shallowness and coarseness. All the + same, their baneful influence was on her, and helped to hold her back from + opening her lips, for the critic had been Professor Ellis. + </p> + <p> + When the hostess and her young guest were left alone together that + evening, the latter had a question to ask:— + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!”—the name you will remember which she always went + back to when excited—“I didn't know you believed in praying in <i>public</i>! + Have you changed in <i>everything</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “In public, my dear!” with a quiet smile; “why, I am in my own house!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; but you know what I mean—before gentlemen. Do you really + think it is necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “As to that, Gracie, I don't believe I thought anything about it. I wanted + to pray for those boys, and so I prayed.” + </p> + <p> + “And didn't you really shrink from it at all? How very queer! Flossy, I do + believe nobody was ever so much changed by religion as you have been. I + don't see what makes the difference. I'm sure I think I'm a Christian, but + I could never do such a thing as that.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if you believed it to be your duty?” + </p> + <p> + “But I don't believe it,” said the fair logician, her face flushing; “I + think it is out of place. I beg your pardon, Flossy, I don't mean I think + it sounded badly in you; but only that for me it would be horrid, and I + couldn't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what are you talking about, my dear? If you should never consider it + your duty, you would certainly never be called upon to do it.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — “OH, WHAT A NICE THOUGHT!” + </h2> + <p> + This very calm view of the question gave Gracie time to recover from her + excitement, and to laugh at her folly. Then Mrs. Roberts said, still + speaking very gently:— + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to argue with you, dear, and I couldn't if I wished; you + know I am a dunce about all such things; but I just want to ask you a + little question; you need not answer me unless you choose; not now, that + is—perhaps some time we may want to talk about it. I would like to + know the reasons that people have for thinking that it is out of place for + a lady to kneel down with her Christian friends and speak to Jesus about a + thing that they unitedly desire, and that they believe He is able to do + for them? If it is not proper to speak before them, why is it proper to + speak <i>to</i> them on the same subject?” + </p> + <p> + This question Gracie carried to her room for thought. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, as Dr. Everett and young Ried went homeward, they had a talk + together. + </p> + <p> + “When I found out that those boys had gone to the theatre to-night I was + completely discouraged,” declared Ried. “It seemed to me that our work was + a failure; I could almost see Satan laughing over the success of his + scheme. I never felt so about anything in my life. And now it seems to me + that perhaps the Lord will let it result in being the best thing that ever + happened to us.” + </p> + <p> + To all of which Dr. Everett made the apparently irrelevant answer:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Roberts and his wife are singularly well mated; how perfectly they + fit into each other's thoughts. Ried, you and I have a great deal to learn + from them.” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” said Ried, meekly. + </p> + <p> + Yet another bit of talk closed this evening: + </p> + <p> + “McCullum has given me an idea,” Mr. Roberts said to his wife as they sat + together reviewing the day. “Not a bad one, I fancy. I wonder when we can + act on it and watch results? There are tickets for other places besides + theatres. Why couldn't we furnish them for some entertainment, lecture, or + concert, or something of the sort, that would be really helpful? The only + difficulty is that there are few helpful places as yet within reach of + their capacities. It takes an exceptional genius to hold such listeners.” + </p> + <p> + But his wife, her face aglow, clasped her hands in an ecstasy of delight. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful thought!” she said; “and how nice that it should come to + you just now, when there will be such a splendid opportunity to put it in + practice. Why, don't you know? Gough, next week, fifty cent tickets; on + temperance, too! how grand! And Evan, let us give them each two tickets. I + want that Dirk Colson to take his sister; perhaps he will not, but then he + may; one can never tell. Oh, Evan, won't it be nice?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Mr. Roberts, “as usual you are ahead of me. I had not thought + of the two tickets apiece. That is a suggestion for their manliness. + Flossy, we'll try it.” + </p> + <p> + Yet another bit of talk. + </p> + <p> + They shambled down the stairs, from the second-rate hall at a late hour + that evening—those seven boys; quiet for them, though the play had + been exciting, and not remarkably moral “viewed” from the standpoint of a + Christian. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said Nimble Dick, breaking a silence with speech, as though + the subject of which he spoke had been under discussion among them, “after + all, it was rather sneaking to bolt and say nothing; I kind of wish we + hadn't done it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I told you all along,” said Dirk Colson, with even unusual + sullenness, “but you would go and do it, and we was fools enough to follow + you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'll bet she had oysters or something!” This from Jerry Tompkins; you + have probably no idea how hungry he was at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “They was goin' to do somethin' new to-night; that there Dennis girl told + me so when I met her on the street yesterday; something that we would like + first rate, she said—a brand-new notion.” This was Stephen Crowley's + contribution to the general discomfort. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Nimble Dick, and the sigh with which he spoke the word would + have gone to Mrs. Roberts' heart, “I s'pose it's all up now; I shouldn't + wonder if we never got another bid; I wouldn't if I was them, I know that; + and their old theatre wasn't no great shakes, after all. We've been a pack + of fools, and I don't mind owning it.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon, having reached the corner, they separated and went glumly to + their homes. And this is gratitude! What a pity Mr. McCullum—who had + been smiling over his benevolence all the evening—could not have + heard them! + </p> + <p> + The weeks that followed this night, were crowded with trifles on which + hung important and far-reaching results. This is a very trite saying, I + know. All weeks are crowded with eventful trifles; at least, we in our + blindness call them trifles, although we are constantly discovering their + importance, and being constantly astonished over them. + </p> + <p> + Among other things, the seven boys became nine,—having taken to + their companionship two choice spirits, apparently worse than themselves, + and appeared at the South End Mission with all the bravado that boys of + their stamp are apt to put on when they feel somewhat ashamed of + themselves. The consequence was that the trials which Mrs. Roberts had to + endure from them, though a trifle less apparent to others, were not a whit + less distressing than usual. + </p> + <p> + But before the session was concluded they were treated to a sensation that + held them in silent astonishment for nearly five minutes. Any person well + acquainted with Alfred Ried could have told that he had a plan in view, + and was trying to carry it in the face of some opposition. He looked + convinced, and Mr. Durant looked astonished and troubled; there was much + low-toned talk between them and some shaking of head. Apparently, however, + Mr. Ried came off victor, for his brow cleared, and he presently made his + way to Mrs. Roberts' side and said a few words, and must have been + gratified by the sudden lighting up of her face and her eager:— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a nice thought! Even if it fails, apparently, it will not + utterly, for the suggestion will help them.” + </p> + <p> + In the course of time the new idea came to the front. There was to be a + festival, or a social, or an entertainment at the South End in the course + of a few weeks,—a sort of anniversary of the starting of the + Mission. Among other work that was in progress, the decoration of the + room, involving the hanging of pictures, banners, mottoes, wreaths, etc., + required some strong arms and willing hands. Committees were to be formed. + Two weeks before, teachers had been appointed to prepare a list of + committees. It fell to young Ried to appoint the committee on decoration. + When he was called upon for his report, he came promptly forward, like a + man ready for action, and commenced:— + </p> + <p> + “A committee of four has been deemed amply sufficient for decoration, and + I appoint for the purpose the following: Richard Bolton, Morris Burns, + Miss Gracie Dennis, and Miss Annie Powell.” + </p> + <p> + The teachers, who had been long at the Mission, looked from one to another + with a bewildered air. Morris Burns they knew,—a clear-eyed young + Scotchman, with willing hands and feet ever ready to run of errands for + all workers; a boy of nineteen or so, whom everybody liked; warm-hearted, + unselfish, and thoroughly trustworthy. Annie Powell was one of the older + girls in Mr. Durant's Bible-class; a sweet-faced, ladylike little factory + girl, who would work in with Morris Burns nicely. Miss Gracie Dennis was + Mrs. Roberts' beautiful young friend; all the teachers knew her, and all + thought it very kind in her to throw her strength and taste into the + preparations as heartily as though she were one of them. But who was + Richard Bolton? Nobody knew. Yet their knowledge of business etiquette + told them that he was chairman of the Decoration Committee. Where was he? + Not a teacher, certainly, for they were intimately acquainted with one + another; and they knew no such name in the one Bible-class made up of + trustworthy helpers. + </p> + <p> + Over in Mrs. Roberts' class, with the single exception of the teacher, + there was equal ignorance; the nine boys had stopped their restless + mischief to listen, because there is a sort of fascination to boys in all + the details of well-managed business; they liked to hear the appointments; + but who Richard Bolton might be seemed not to occur to one of them. It is + true that Jerry Tompkins nudged Nimble Dick in anything but a quiet way + with his elbow, and murmured, “You've got a namesake it seem, in this 'ere + job.” Yet no light dawned on them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Durant, who, it is possible, has not appeared to you in a favorable + light, for the reason that he was being much perplexed by the entirely new + methods being introduced among the boys who had heretofore driven him to + the very verge of desperation, was really a quickwitted man, and having + succumbed to what he feared was a wild experiment, knew how to help carry + it out properly. He came briskly to the front,—Alfred's committee + being the last on the list,—and began his work. + </p> + <p> + “The chairmen of these different committees will be kind enough to report + to me as rapidly as possible the time and place of their first meeting for + consultation, and I will make the announcements.” Then he stepped to Mrs. + Roberts' class. “Bolton,” he said, bending toward that astonished scamp, + and speaking as though this were an every-day affair, “you are chairman, I + believe, of the Decoration Committee; where and when will you have them + meet?” + </p> + <p> + Imagine Nimble Dick's eyes! Nay, imagine the eyes and faces of the entire + nine! It would have been a study for an artist. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Nimble Dick was speechless; then he managed to burst forth + with:— + </p> + <p> + “What in thunder are you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + “Your committee,” said Mr. Durant, politely ignoring the manner of the + questioner. “You must call them together, you know, to plan your work. + Where shall it be, and when?” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't got no committee; and I ain't got no place to meet nobody; and I + don't know what in thunder you're after.” + </p> + <p> + Then came Mrs. Roberts to the rescue:— + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mr. Bolton, you can meet at our society parlor, you know; it is the + very place, and will be so convenient for Miss Dennis.” + </p> + <p> + “What's to meet, and what's to do?” said Dick, defiantly. “I ain't going + to meet nobody.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it is just to hang mottoes and banners, and trim the room for the + Anniversary. Of course you'll help; I would have the meeting arranged + there by all means.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Mr. Durant, quickly, as though he had received the + answer from the chairman himself. “Now as to time; you ought to come + together to-morrow evening if you could; there is a good deal to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Bolton, couldn't you come up at six o'clock for once? Then you could + get your work all done before the time for our social. I can arrange for + Annie Powell to be there at that time; and, Mr. Durant, doesn't Morris + Burns work for you? Could he be present at six o'clock? Then I don't see + but your meeting is nicely planned. You can be there at six, can't you, + Mr. Bolton?” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I don't know nothin' what you are talking about.” + </p> + <p> + Nimble Dick, who was rarely anything but good-natured, was surprised by + the bewilderments of the situation into being almost as fierce as Dirk + Colson was habitually; the gaping amazement of his boon companions seeming + to add to his irritation. + </p> + <p> + “But you will,” said his teacher, cheerily. “It is an easy matter to + explain; Miss Dennis knows all about such things; and I'm going to help, + though they haven't honored me with an appointment.” + </p> + <p> + At a sign from the lady, Mr. Durant stepped back to his platform and + announced:— + </p> + <p> + “The chairman of the Committee on Decoration desires me to say that his + committee is called together to-morrow evening, at the Young Men's Social + Parlors, No. 76 East Fifty-fifth Street, at six o'clock, <i>sharp</i>, as + the chairman has another engagement at seven.” + </p> + <p> + “I had to coin a name for the place of meeting,” he said to Mrs. Roberts + afterwards. “I beg your pardon if it was wrong; but Ried has been giving + me glowing accounts of that room, and you said something about its being a + social parlor, didn't you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a good name,” said Mrs. Roberts. “We have awkwardly called it the + 'new room.' I am glad it is christened. I will have some curtains hung + through the centre to-morrow, to make parlors instead of parlor of it; I + can see how a second room can be made useful in several ways.” + </p> + <p> + Thus was the bewildering committee willed into existence; the chairman + thereof being still so dumbfounded with his position that he did not rouse + until the laughing boys, by whom he was surrounded, began to take in some + of the fun of the situation, and to assault him right and left with mock + congratulations, ill-suppressed groans, hisses, and the like. Then he + turned towards them with new-born dignity that would have fitted Dirk + Colson, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “If you fellows don't shut up, and behave yourselves something like decent + for the rest of the time, I'll chaw half a dozen of you into mincemeat as + soon as we are out of this!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — “HAD HIS EXPERIMENT BEEN TOO SEVERE?” + </h2> + <p> + Dr. Everett was driving rapidly through the city; at least, as rapidly as + the crowded character of the street would permit. He was out on + professional duty, and had just been congratulating himself that his + regular calls were now made for the day, and unless something special + intervened he should have a couple of hours free for the alleys. + </p> + <p> + That meant professional duty, too, and of the very hardest character, one + would suppose, as it brought him in contact not only with sickness in some + of its most repulsive forms, but with abject poverty as well, and too + often with loathsome forms of sin; yet he went about this work with a zest + that his regular practice did not furnish. This was something done solely + for Jesus' sake, and with an eye that was manifestly single to His glory. + </p> + <p> + He had already selected his alley, and was planning how, when his horses + were safely stabled, he could make a cross-cut to it, when his eyes were + held by two persons who were ascending together the stairway that led to + one of the public halls. His face darkened as he watched them. Apparently + they were engrossed with each other, and took no notice of him; but there + were reasons why he specially desired to keep them in view. A network of + carriages and wagons such as is common to crowded thoroughfares blocked + his path just then, and prolonged his opportunity to watch the two. + </p> + <p> + They made their way in a very leisurely manner up the long staircase, + letting others, more in haste, pass them continually; yet presently they + joined the group who were passing up tickets of entrance. + </p> + <p> + The doctor signalled a policeman, and entered into conversation:— + </p> + <p> + “What is going on in Seltzer Hall?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, there's a kind of a concert, I guess. They play on goblets, + they say—just common glass goblets—and make fine music.” + </p> + <p> + “An afternoon entertainment?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, as a kind of introduction, you know; they expect to get a crowd + for evening by the means.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where tickets are to be had?” + </p> + <p> + The policeman indicated a bookstore at his left by a gesture from his + thumb, and said, “Right here,” and offered to secure some at once. He knew + Dr. Everett; many of the policemen did. + </p> + <p> + His offer was accepted with thanks, and the doctor presently wound his way + out from the network with two green tickets in his pocket. His plans for + the afternoon had been suddenly changed. Instead of spending the time in + Sewell alley, he had decided to attend a musical exhibition, the + instruments being goblets! + </p> + <p> + He must make all speed now, so he left the crowded street and dodged + through several byways to the stables. + </p> + <p> + No use to keep his horses. “She would be afraid to drive through such + crowds,” he explained to himself, “and I should be afraid to leave the + carriage standing.” + </p> + <p> + Rushing out from the stables he caught just the right street-car, and in a + short space of time was ringing at Mr. Roberts' door. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis was in the hall, dressed for the street. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the doctor, “I am either fortunate or unfortunate, I wonder + which? I had set my heart on having you for a companion to what I fancy + may be a unique entertainment. Is there another engagement in the way? I + know this is a most unconventional method, but a doctor is never sure of + his time.” + </p> + <p> + But Gracie Dennis felt too well acquainted with Dr. Everett, and was too + young and ready for enjoyment to be disturbed about conventionality. She + merrily declared her willingness to be taken to whatever entertainment the + doctor had to propose. Mrs. Roberts was out with her husband on business + connected with church matters, and she had only intended to walk a square + or two for her health. + </p> + <p> + On the way the doctor was distrait, Gracie having most of the talking to + do herself. The truth was, he was trying to recall the faces of the people + he had seen crowding into the hall, to make sure that he was not taking + Gracie among people whom he would not care to have her meet. Apparently + the couple whose movements had changed all his afternoon plans were not a + sufficient guarantee of respectability. However, his face cleared as he + recalled one and another, as being in the crowd seeking admission; they + might not be of the class with whom Gracie was accustomed to mingle, but + they were respectable people. + </p> + <p> + Gracie was in a merry mood. She understood enough of the doctor's busy + life to feel sure that this sudden resolve to be entertained was quite out + of his ordinary line, and that of itself served to mark the hour as + exceptional. + </p> + <p> + “He feels the need of a little every-day fun,” she told herself, “and I'll + help him to have it if I can. Poor man! it must be doleful to go among + sick and dying people all the time.” + </p> + <p> + They were late at the hall; the concert was well under way; but there were + plenty of vacant seats. Dr. Everett swept his eye over the room; then + indicated to the usher just which seat he would have. It was one which + commanded a view of the young man and woman who seemed to have such a + mysterious influence over his plans. + </p> + <p> + He was relieved to find quite early in the entertainment that it really + was unique, and, in its way, well worth hearing. Had the surroundings been + agreeable he could easily have given himself up to enjoyment. However, + they had been seated but a few moments, when he saw by Gracie's startled + eyes that she had seen and recognized at least one of the couple at their + left. Professor Ellis, in his usual faultless attire, lounged gracefully + on the seat in such a manner that his side-face was distinct; he rested a + well-shaped arm on the back of the seat next him, and his delicately + gloved hand almost, if not quite, touched the shoulder of his companion. + </p> + <p> + Both he and the lady at his side gave extremely little attention to the + entertainment in progress. Apparently they had come thither for purposes + of conversation. They kept up a continuous murmur of talk, interspersed at + intervals with rippling laughter, and really seemed so entirely absorbed + in each other as to have at times forgotten that the hall was public, and + that the attention of many was being turned toward them. The girl was + pretty, extremely so, with an entirely different style of beauty from + Gracie Dennis; and a certain indescribable something in her face and + manner would have told even the most casual observer that she moved in a + different circle. It was not her dress, unless that was a little too + pronounced for the place and hour; but quite young ladies in good society + sometimes make a similar mistake. + </p> + <p> + Neither was her manner objectionable to the degree that you could have + pointed to any one thing as offensive; yet you would have been sure, had + you watched her, that she was without the pale of what we call society. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis watched her with a kind of fascination;—becoming at + last so absorbed with the watching, and the apparently troubled thoughts + which grew out of it, that she gave but slight attention to Dr. Everett's + occasional remarks, nor seemed to observe that at last he lapsed into + total silence. + </p> + <p> + Once, during the hour, the young woman glanced casually in their + direction, and the careless nod, and free and easy smile with she + acknowledged Dr. Everett's presence, drew a startled glance from Gracie to + rest on him for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Now I wish I had my horses,” the doctor said, as at last they made their + way down the aisle. “I have a mile's drive up town to take, and I think + the exercise might be good for you.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie caught at the suggestion, and begged to be allowed to remain in the + bookstore below while he went for the horses. + </p> + <p> + “I want a ride, and I want to talk with you,” she said, simply. + </p> + <p> + As this was precisely what he wanted, he went for the horses without more + delay. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Gracie, in one of the windows of the bookstore, was supposed to + be employed in examining a late book, but in reality gave much attention + to the couple who were crossing the street, or rather waiting for an + opportunity to do so. + </p> + <p> + They seemed in no haste, but were conspicuous, even in the crowded street, + for their interest in each other. More than one policeman regarded them + narrowly, as Professor Ellis stood with head bent toward the lady, engaged + in eager and animated conversation. It was just the attitude of absorbed + interest with which he had so often listened to Gracie; not on the street, + it is true, but in some crowded parlor, and it had flattered her. It made + her frown to-day. They were starting now to make the disagreeable + crossing. He had taken his companion's hand, preparatory to a leap over a + muddy curbing; but Gracie could see that there was a pressure of it that + was unnecessary, and, for the street, peculiar; his face, too, was + distinctly visible, and the expression on it was what Gracie had seen + before, but certainly she supposed no other person had. + </p> + <p> + Altogether it was probably well for Professor Ellis' peace of mind that he + did not turn at that moment, and get a glimpse of the young lady in the + bookstore. Instead he took his lady away, and they were lost in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Everett, making all haste with his horses, had still time for anxious + thought. Had his experiment been too severe on Gracie? Was it possible + that her interest in the man was such that the afternoon's experience had + been mixed with pain as well as with disgust? He could not believe it + possible that the pure-hearted young girl cared for such a man as + Professor Ellis! Yet there had been a look on her face when she saw those + two which startled and hurt him. + </p> + <p> + When fairly seated in his carriage he did not speak until they had + threaded the maze of wagons and reached clear ground. Even then he only + said, “Now for speed,” and gave the horses their desire, until crowds and + business were left behind, and they were driving down a broad avenue, + lined on either side with stately yet quiet-looking homes. Then he drew + rein, and obliged the horses to walk; he had by this time resolved on + probing the wound, if there was one. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew just how much of a villain that man is.” These were the + somewhat startling words which broke his silence. + </p> + <p> + “What man?” Yet the very tones of Gracie's voice indicated that she knew + of whom he was speaking. + </p> + <p> + “That man, Ellis! Professor, I think he is called. I have reason to be + very suspicious of him. By the way, Miss Gracie, I think he is an + acquaintance of yours. Have you confidence in him?” + </p> + <p> + How promptly and indignantly such a question would have received an + affirmative answer two months before! What should she say now? + </p> + <p> + “In what respect?” she faltered, more for the purpose of gaining time than + because she did not understand the question. + </p> + <p> + “Well, in any respect I am almost prepared to say. I have not the honor of + the man's acquaintance; but whatever I hear about him, or see in him, I + dislike and distrust. Just at present his ways are specially disturbing. + You noticed him this afternoon, I think! The young girl in his company + belongs to my Sabbath-school. I have a deep interest in her, partly + because she is the sort of girl who is always more or less in danger in + this wicked world, and partly because she is capable of strongly + influencing another, who is a special <i>protégé</i> of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the girl?” Gracie's manner was abrupt, and her voice constrained. + It was evident that she was making great effort to control herself, and + appear indifferent to all parties. + </p> + <p> + The doctor took no notice of her constraint. + </p> + <p> + “Her name is Mason. Hester Mason. She attends the Packard Place + Sabbath-school, which you know I superintend. She is motherless, and worse + than fatherless; is a clerk in one of the Fourth Avenue stores, and is, or + was, inclined to be what is called gay. I do not know that that term + conveys any special meaning to you; in young men I think they call the + same line of conduct 'fast.' I hope and believe that you would not well + understand either term; yet, I think, possibly, that watching her this + afternoon in a public hall will give you some conception of the stretch + that there is between yourself and her.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — “SOME PEOPLE ARE HARD TO WARN.” + </h2> + <p> + Had Dr. Everett desired in a few words to show Gracie the gulf between + herself and the man who had been the girl's companion for the afternoon, + perhaps he could not have formed his sentence better. + </p> + <p> + She shivered visibly, and the doctor drew the carriage-wraps more + carefully about her, while he continued:— + </p> + <p> + “I would not want to give you a wrong estimate of Hester Mason, nor lead + you to imagine for a moment that I believe a girl who serves behind a + counter cannot be a true lady. I wanted, rather, to explain to you that + her opportunities had been limited. She means to be a good girl, I think: + in fact, I may say I have the utmost confidence in her intentions. She is + not a Christian, but a few weeks ago I had her name on my note-book as one + who was almost persuaded, She has been fighting the question of personal + religion for some time,—her special stumbling-block being that she + is quick-witted, and has quite a clear idea of how Christians ought to + live, and can find very few who seem to her to be living what they + profess. However, as I say, I have been very hopeful of her until within a + few weeks, when she came in contact with this man, and I tremble for the + result. He is constant in his attentions, and she is evidently flattered + and dazed.” + </p> + <p> + “How long has he known her? How did he become acquainted?” Abrupt + questions still, asked in that curiously repressed voice. + </p> + <p> + The doctor's face was growing very grave and stern. He feared that there + was a real wound here. + </p> + <p> + “Inadvertently, Miss Dennis, it seems that both you and I are to blame, + or, at least, are involved in the acquaintance. Do you remember a little + incident which occurred in a streetcar some six weeks ago? A young woman, + in leaving the car, dropped a package, which you noticing, called our + attention to, and pointed out the person crossing the street, and + Professor Ellis announced his willingness to overtake her and return the + package, as he was about to leave the car. Miss Mason was the person in + question, and Professor Ellis presumed on that very slight introduction to + cultivate an acquaintance. I have learned that he quoted my name in + connection with the incident, and since that day has been on terms of + exceeding intimacy with Hester.” + </p> + <p> + Gracie was surprised out of her reserve. + </p> + <p> + “I remember the incident perfectly: but the girl I saw this afternoon + cannot be the one who was on the car.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; she was in holiday attire to-day, and in her working garb when you + saw her momentarily on the car. I remember a feeling of regret that + Professor Ellis should have so promptly volunteered to do your errand: yet + I did not know what I dreaded. I simply shrank from the man, and wanted + others to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, what is his motive in showing her attention?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew. I can tell you what I greatly fear: That it is to play + with the human heart; to see to what extent he can gain power over it. And + in this case certainly it is a most cruel thing. The girl has no friends, + no father or mother to advise with or help her. She is bright and pretty, + and is being shown glimpses of a world that seems to her like fairyland. + She is dazzled, and one cannot blame her, for she has neither + carefully-formed judgment nor trustworthy friends to lean upon. Miss + Dennis, you can judge from her manner this afternoon what is her knowledge + of the customs of polite society. I do not think she has an idea that she + was conspicuous, save for her beauty and the fine appearance of her + attendant. She is not one to shrink from what she would consider + legitimate public admiration, and this you can see but adds to her + danger.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Dr. Everett, you do not think,—you cannot mean that he intends + to pay her special attention; that he means anything beyond the desire to + give her a little pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the doctor, speaking slowly, but with firmness, “you may + judge, Miss Dennis, what I think,—what any honorable person thinks,—of + a man who bestows in public the sort of attentions which we saw this + afternoon, You would have been insulted by them. The only reason that this + poor girl was not, is because she does not know any better. + </p> + <p> + “Did you observe the flashing of a peculiarly set ring on her finger? I + have reason to fear that it belongs to him and that she believes herself + specially honored in being asked to wear it.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Gracie's cheeks were flaming now. She had not observed the ring, but + she knew it well, and for one brief evening had worn it herself, and then + had returned it to the owner with the assurance that she could not bring + herself to wear it without her father's consent. She remembered what a + wound she had felt herself bestowing when he had looked at her with those + expressive, reproachful eyes, and replied that if she felt toward him as + he did to her, she would not allow even a <i>father</i> to come between + them. And he had actually given that ring into the keeping of this girl! + </p> + <p> + They rode on in silence, the doctor giving a hint to the horses that they + might go as fast as they chose. He was in great doubt and pain of heart. + Could it be possible that this carefully-shielded young girl was caught in + the toils of a man whom he believed to be an unprincipled villain? + </p> + <p> + If so, had he been unnecessarily cruel in his revelations? Ought he to + take her home, or drive further, and give her time to recover herself? + </p> + <p> + Could he have understood what was passing in her mind he would have known + better what next to say. The simple truth was this: Before she came to + Mrs. Roberts' the child had believed herself to be a martyr to the + unreasonable prejudices of her stepmother. She had been led to feel that + her father had turned against her, solely because of his wife's influence + over him, and that the wife was piqued because Professor Ellis had not + paid her sufficient attention in the days of her maidenhood. This, the + professor had succeeded in teaching Gracie to feel, was the sole charge + against him. He was, therefore, an ill-used man, and therefore her heart + went out towards him in sympathy. + </p> + <p> + It had not been at first a stronger feeling than this; but flattered by + his attentions, so much more marked and polished than had ever been + offered to the young girl before, she had taught herself to believe that, + but for her father's bitterness, she could be to Professor Ellis what he + delicately and vaguely assured her no one else could, and fill a place + that hitherto in his lonely life had been left void. She had not engaged + herself to him; indeed, he had never, in actual words, asked her to do so; + but to the young and innocent and well-trained there is a language which + speaks as clearly as words, and is held as sacred. + </p> + <p> + Gracie had allowed herself to be looked upon as one who was held by <i>others</i> + from being more to Professor Ellis than she was; who might always, + perhaps, be held back,—for she had resolved in her own sad heart + that she would never marry against her father's consent, no, not if she + were twice of age. + </p> + <p> + Of late, strange reflections had come to her. She had measured Professor + Ellis with other men, Christian men, and he had appeared at a + disadvantage. Also she had measured herself by the side of other Christian + workers, and herself had appeared at a disadvantage. A vague unrest and + dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on her. + Moreover, she was growing interested in those boys, as she had not + believed that it would be possible for her to be interested when she first + saw them. She began to believe that some of them, at least, would be + saved. She wanted to help save them, and to help others. Her martyrdom + dwindled rapidly into insignificance, until there would pass entire days + in which she did not once remember that she as an unhappy girl. + </p> + <p> + At last, but a week or two before this afternoon, she had taken her + affairs in hand, and tried to look steadily at them. The result of her + hours of thought and prayer was that she was bound to Professor Ellis. + That is, provided there should come a time in the dim and distant future + when her father should give his consent, it would be her duty and her + pleasure, because of what had passed between them, to marry him. Still, + she began to feel less amazed at her father's opinion of him, less angry + about it. She began to say to herself, softly and pitifully: “Poor, lonely + man! he has no one to be his friend. He is not a Christian, and that is + what makes so great a difference between him and others. It is that which + papa misses, but I must not desert him; I must pray for him all the time, + and work for his conversion; then he will grow to be the sort of man whom + papa can like, and everything will be right.” And while she said it, she + was dimly conscious of a feeling of satisfaction over the thought that she + was very young, and that it would be a long, <i>long</i> time yet before + anything could be settled; and that, meantime, it certainly was not right + for her to have anything to do with Professor Ellis, only to pray for him; + and that perhaps her father would allow her to carry out a project that + was under delightful discussion in the Roberts family, namely, to remain + in the city as a pupil in the famous Green Lawn School. And she did not + know, foolish little thing, that so far even as her heart was concerned + everything was wrong. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would be difficult for me to explain to you—that is, if + you do not understand without explanation—what a turmoil she was + thrown into by this afternoon's experience. She was far from realizing as + yet that the uppermost feeling even now was not wounded love, but wounded + pride; of what poor stuff she had been making a hero! Nothing had ever + opened her eyes like this before. Was it possible that she had spent + entire evenings with a man who stooped to set in unpleasant, even + suspicious light, not his own character only, but that of an ignorant + young girl? + </p> + <p> + It would not do to plead a lack of knowledge in excuse for him; he might + be ignorant of the ways of the Christian world, but no one understood + better the rules which governed society. During part of the afternoon she + had been very angry with the girl, but after listening to Dr. Everett it + began to dawn upon her that her friend had been playing with the ignorance + of a girl who probably trusted him fully. You are to understand that + Gracie Dennis was the sort of girl who would be made very angry by such a + suspicion. The glow on her cheeks was not all caused by the fresh air of + the spring day. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett,” she said at last, breaking the silence, “what do you think + he means by asking the girl to wear that ring, or by letting her wear it? + Does he—do you suppose that he has engaged himself to her?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew what he meant!” Dr. Everett said again, a surge of + indignation rushing over him. “If he really meant anything so honorable as + that, it would be bad enough business for poor Hester; but, as I said, I + distrust the man utterly; and from my experience with the world I have + reason. From your knowledge of him, Miss Dennis, could you suppose him to + be honest and earnest in his attentions to that girl?” + </p> + <p> + It was a very plain question. It meant more to Dr. Everett than even + Gracie saw, but she saw enough to know that she was admitting an intimacy + that made her blush; however, she answered steadily,— + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot think that he is honest or honorable.” + </p> + <p> + “So I fear. Witness this afternoon. Gentlemen do not parade their + friendships before the public gaze, and that man knows it.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor's voice was <i>very</i> stern. He was sure now that there was a + wound, and that it was being probed; he believed in making thorough work, + even with wounds; there would be more hope of genuine healing afterward. + </p> + <p> + Gracie's next question—if her companion had but known it—was a + singular one: “Why have not people who are her friends warned her against + him, and held her back from making such a false step, if she does it in + ignorance?” + </p> + <p> + Oh, Gracie Dennis! How are warnings sometimes received, even by + carefully-trained girls, who have every reason to trust the love that + would shield them? + </p> + <p> + “Some people are very hard to warn,” said the doctor. “I have tried it, + and I have a friend who has tried to help her; but the poor girl, you must + remember, has not been brought up in a Christian atmosphere—has + never had a Christian friend who came with the authority of relationship. + If she had a good father the way would be made so plain. As it is, can't + you see how naturally she distrusts the rest of us, in favor of the man + who makes special professions of friendship? I am not surprised at Hester, + I am only sorry for her.” + </p> + <p> + Had the doctor been carefully informed as to all the circumstances + connected with Gracie's intimacy with the professor, he could not have + chosen words which would have touched her conscience more. Had not her + good father tenderly and patiently warned her? and had she not chosen to + blind her eyes to all his words, and believe rather in Professor Ellis + than in him? + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — “PART OF THE GREAT WELL-TO-DO WORLD.” + </h2> + <p> + “I must call at this house,” the doctor said, suddenly drawing rein before + a quiet little house at the foot of a wide lawn. “The gatekeeper of this + American castle has a sick child whom I have promised to see. Can you hold + the horses, Miss Dennis, or shall I tie them? This is a quiet spot, and + they are gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid of anything,” Gracie said, eyes aglow as well as cheeks. + And the doctor went into the house wondering whether Professor Ellis, if + he could see her now, would not be afraid of her. + </p> + <p> + Once inside he gave a start of surprise, almost of dismay, for the face + which appeared at the open door of the sick-room belonged to Joy Saunders. + </p> + <p> + “You here?” he said, trying to control the disturbed element in his voice. + </p> + <p> + She answered quietly:— + </p> + <p> + “I came out by street-car. Did you drive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,”' he said, abruptly, “but I am not alone. How is the child?” and he + went forward at once to his professional duties, leaving her to wonder + over his manner. + </p> + <p> + It was peculiar, certainly. Joy Saunders was used to abruptness from this + man, but there was a quality in it to-day that she did not recognize. She + went and looked out of the window, and saw Gracie Dennis holding the + horses, saw her red, red cheeks, and flashing eyes, and the peculiar, + haughty poise of her head, with which the stepmother at home was well + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + She did not know this Gracie Dennis save by reputation. Once Dr. Everett + had asked her to call at Mrs. Roberts', and had made her feel as though + she were foolishly conventional in declining to do so. “How is she ever to + know you, according to the rules which trammel society? There ought to be + some way arranged for Christians to be free from trammels.” This had been + his comment; but he had not asked her again, and she had never met Mrs. + Roberts, nor yet Gracie Dennis. Yet she knew her very well, and had + watched her often as she passed. She knew instantly who she was now, as + she sat there in her haughty beauty, checking with determined hand the + impatience of those horses. Oh, she knew more than this! It was very + apparent now why Dr. Everett was peculiarly abrupt, and—well, yes—embarrassed. + She had almost thought that was the name of the feeling, only it had + seemed so absurd. And then Joy Saunders held her meek little head high, + and told herself that he need not fear her presence; she could go as she + had come, in the street-car. + </p> + <p> + The doctor came towards her now, speaking rapidly, as usual:— + </p> + <p> + “Joy, the child is very sick. There ought to be an experienced person here + to-night. Not you; I am sorry you came up. Do you think your mother would + come? Will you ride down with me? I have Miss Dennis in the carriage, but + it is quite large enough for three, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Then Joy had turned away her head, holding it high, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you; I am going down in the street-car.” + </p> + <p> + And that blundering doctor drew on his gloves, saying to himself, “I don't + know but that is best,” and went out, only waiting to say to Joy:— + </p> + <p> + “Will you ask your mother about it? I will see her as soon as I can get + around. I wish you would go directly home from here—will you?” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted his hat to her, and sprang into his carriage and rode away + with Gracie Dennis; and Joy Saunders waited for the next yellow car, and + climbed into it, and told herself all the way down town that she wished + she had stayed at the little house and watched all night by the sick + child. + </p> + <p> + The thoughts that Dr. Everett had given to the entire matter were few. + They ran somewhat after this fashion:— + </p> + <p> + “Joy here! and I'm afraid of the fever, from all I have heard. I shall + take her home as soon as possible. How will that poor little girl in the + carriage manage with a new acquaintance just now, I wonder? + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it will be quite a strain. Still, I can do the talking, and + let her be quiet. The main point is that I hoped she might have a + suggestion to make about Hester. If she could rouse herself to try to save + that girl it would be the best thing she could do. If she only knew it, + Joy is the one who could help her in that direction or any other.” + </p> + <p> + As they dashed down the avenue, he was still occupied in wishing that he + had urged Joy to ride, and thus forced an acquaintance between her and the + pretty girl at his side. He was not very patient with what he called the + “trammels” of society. When there were two people so fitted to enjoy and + help one another, as were Joy Saunders and Gracie Dennis, he held it to be + a waste in Christian economy that they should not know each other. + </p> + <p> + Too much occupied with his thoughts and his driving to give heed to + passers-by, he lost the careful bow that young Ried had for them as they + drew near the city's whirl again. Gracie did not; she returned it, with a + slightly-heightened color in her cheeks, and wondered if that young man + knew Professor Ellis, and what he thought of him, and what he thought of + her for being acquainted with him. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes it seems to me a real pity that on occasion there could not be + some way of looking into one another's thoughts. So many misunderstandings + might thus be saved. For instance, there was Ried, who went on his way + with a clouded brow. Where had Dr. Everett been? and why was Gracie Dennis + with him? Was it probable that he had been riding for pleasure? The bare + suggestion astonished the young man. He found that he had never before + given room to the thought that Dr. Everett took time for pleasure! + Allowing this to be the case, why had he not taken Joy Saunders with him? + Such a proceeding would have seemed altogether natural, though the + honest-hearted young fellow admitted to himself that, had he been taking a + ride for pleasure, the companion of his choice would not have been Joy + Saunders. It was certainly a bewildering world. So trying did young Ried + find his thoughts on that evening that he actually set himself + deliberately to learn whether the ride was the result of chance or design. + The consequence was that he learned not only of the ride, but of the + afternoon entertainment at Seltzer Hall, with glass goblets for + instruments. This increased his astonishment, and did not lessen the gloom + on his face. + </p> + <p> + But the two in the carriage, unconscious of the gloomy young man, or of + the sad-hearted young girl riding in a street-car, were almost silent + during the homeward ride, until just as they turned into the avenue that + led to Mr. Roberts' door. Then Grace said:— + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Everett, I should like to know that girl. There are some things that + I ought to say to her, and if I had a chance I would try to say them in a + way to help her.” + </p> + <p> + “I will manage it,” said Dr. Everett, speaking in a quick, relieved tone. + He felt encouraged for Hester now, and greatly relieved about Gracie. She + might be wounded, but she was made of the material of which he had hoped. + She was not going to die herself, nor fold her hands and see others + ruined, merely because she had been deceived. + </p> + <p> + He bade her a cheery “Good afternoon!” and drove away, feeling that, + although he had been obliged to give up Sewell Alley, good work had been + accomplished. He believed now that he understood the situation. + </p> + <p> + He was right about one thing: Gracie Dennis had not the slightest idea of + dying. Her mood was better expressed, half an hour later, when she stood + at the parlor window, and returned a low, lingering bow from Professor + Ellis, with a haughty stare from flashing eyes, looking out from an erect + and motionless head. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Dirk Colson's brain was in a whirl. He had an important question to + settle. In his pocket were two blue tickets, promising to admit him to the + largest and finest hall in the city to hear the great temperance orator. + Dirk knew very little about orators, but he had heard of John B. Gough, + and everything he had heard made him wish to have a glimpse of him. You + will remember that Dirk was an imitator. He had heard that Mr. Gough was + also, and down deep in his heart the boy had an ambition to hear the man. + Now was his unexpected opportunity. Of course, he was going, but the + perplexing thing was, what to do with that other ticket. + </p> + <p> + There was Mart? Oh, yes, to be sure, he had not forgotten her; but what a + strange thing it would be to take her to a lecture! He had never taken her + anywhere in his life. She had nothing to wear, though he remembered at + that moment that the mother had, by earnest effort, succeeded in getting + her shawl out of pawn. + </p> + <p> + There was one incentive for taking her; it would please Mrs. Roberts. Dirk + studied the thing for some time, to try to discover why she should care, + and had finally given up the problem as too great for him. Yet he was sure + she cared; there had been a wistful light in her eyes when she said, “I + thought possibly you might like to take that sister with the golden hair,” + that he saw and interpreted. It took him three days to decide what he + should say, supposing he made up his mind to ask her. + </p> + <p> + Several people were at work helping him, though he knew nothing about + that. Mrs. Roberts remarked one evening to young Ried that she wished she + knew a way to induce Dirk Colson to take his sister, without actually + asking him to do so. She fancied that, besides the advantage which might + possibly directly follow an evening spent in that way, it would suggest + new thoughts to the brother. + </p> + <p> + The young man caught at the suggestion, and wanted to help carry it out. + It was not an easy thing to do. He had not grown intimate with Dirk + Colson; in fact, that misguided young fellow rather resented any attempt + at intimacy. He was, however, acquainted with Sallie Calkins; the numerous + trips he had made to their room during Mark's illness had brought him into + such constant and pleasant contact with Sallie and her brother that they + looked upon him as a tried friend. Sallie, he knew, was a friend of the + shy, golden-haired sister. So one evening he went to call at the Calkins + room, with a vague hope of helping indirectly in bringing to pass Mrs. + Roberts' desires. + </p> + <p> + To Sallie he made known the wish that Dirk would take his sister to the + lecture, and secured from her a promise to help the scheme along, provided + it developed. + </p> + <p> + After he went away, Sallie sat long at her sewing, making all alone, by a + dim light, one of the most heroic little sacrifices that was ever offered + “in His name.” To fully understand it, you must know that Mark Calkins had + recovered sufficiently to take his place in the office where Dr. Everett + had secured him an opening, and an employment that would enable him to + sit, most of the time, thereby giving his injured limb a chance to rest. + Also, Mark had been admitted to the Monday evening gatherings, and was + distinguishing himself there by his skill in reading and writing. Of + course, he had received two tickets, and equally of course, being the boy + he was, he had planned to take Sallie with him to the lecture. Great was + Sallie's prospective pleasure! The event of her lifetime it was to be. To + walk with Mark through the crowded streets, both neatly dressed; to walk + boldly forward with the throng, and present their tickets of admittance to + the great hall; hitherto seen only from the outside; to move down the long + aisles as those who had a right, and select their seats unquestioned by + police; in short, to be like other people—part of the great + well-to-do world,—this was Sallie's joy! + </p> + <p> + She had washed and mended her best calico dress; she had sewed buttons on + the pretty cape, according to Mrs. Roberts' directions; she had tried on + the neat bonnet which had been manufactured for her by Mrs. Roberts' own + fingers, and, altogether, Sallie had probably gotten, during these two + days, more enjoyment out of Gough's lecture than many others, who had + heard him a dozen times, ever secured. I do not think it any wonder that, + as she rocked and sewed, and thought out her great thought, there fell + tears on the work she was doing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — “FOR YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MAY COME.” + </h2> + <p> + This was the thought: Suppose Dirk Colson should want to take his sister. + Sallie did not believe it in the least probable; she had not that amount + of faith in Dirk Colson; but suppose he should, Mart could not go, for the + reason that she would have nothing to wear. + </p> + <p> + And here was Sallie's pretty cape, which would cover the worst of her + dress, and her pretty bonnet, which she knew would make a picture of Mart; + but if she lent them it meant staying at home to Sallie. <i>Could</i> she + do it? Could she bear to think of such a thing? What would Mark say? What + would he do with his other ticket? + </p> + <p> + Would she be likely ever to have another chance to go to that wonderful + hall, and be like other folks? + </p> + <p> + But <i>Mart</i> had never been anywhere in her life. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said poor Sallie, catching her breath with a sob, “have been + often for a walk on the brightest streets, and looked in at the shop + windows, and everything. I 'most know I will help her to go if I can.” + </p> + <p> + Young Ried had no conception of the sacrifice for which he had asked. + </p> + <p> + It is little wonder, surely, that Sallie's voice faltered that same + evening, as she explained to Mart, who had slipped in for a bit of talk, + that if ever she wanted to go anywhere very bad, she was to let Sallie + know, and she should have her cape and bonnet to wear. Then she had + anxiously planned for her a way to mend her dress, so that it would look + quite well under the cape, and she had even urged:— + </p> + <p> + “Now do, Mart, if anybody should want you to go don't say you won't; but + take your chance, for you don't know what may come.” + </p> + <p> + Also she bore with patience Mart's scornful laugh, and emphatic statement + that no chances ever came to her, and nobody ever wanted her to go + anywhere. As she talked she grew interested and eloquent; urged earnestly + that Mart should embrace the first opportunity to go somewhere, and wear + her new cape and bonnet. At the same time she was silent about the + lecture. Suppose no chance should come? Then it would be doubly hard to + Mart to have had the possibility suggested. The same delicate reasoning + had held her from dwelling on her own prospects. Some people would have + been very much astonished over the amount of delicate consideration for + the feelings of others which could be found in that little room. + </p> + <p> + Dirk loitered strangely over his meagre dinner the next afternoon. It was + late, for he had secured a position at last in one of the printing + offices, and was apt to take his meals at any hour when it happened to be + convenient to do without him at the office. He had only been three days at + work, and Mart had taken little notice of the new departure, except to + remark grimly that it would not last; but to Sallie she had boasted that + Dirk had gone to work as hard as anybody. If somebody could only have told + Dirk that his sister ever boasted of him it might have helped him much + during these days. + </p> + <p> + “What are you hanging around for? You've got all there will be to eat in + this house to-day, and it is time you were off.” This was the ungracious + manner in which the sister took note of his lingering. She was painfully + afraid that he had already grown weary of regular employment, and the fear + made her voice gruffer than usual. + </p> + <p> + His reply amazed her; in fact, it amazed himself:— + </p> + <p> + “Mart, I've got tickets to a show,—a nice place,—and I want + you to go along.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Mart, “that is a likely story!” + </p> + <p> + Then he grew earnest, displayed his treasures, and urged her acceptance—quite + astonished with himself the while. <i>Did</i> he really want her to go, he + wondered, or did he want to please Mrs. Roberts? + </p> + <p> + You would have been interested, an hour later, to have seen Mart skip up + the rickety stairs leading to the Calkins abode. You would probably have + thought that she endangered life or limb by her rapid movements; but Mart + was used to such staircases, and the news she had to communicate required + haste. + </p> + <p> + “There's a chance!” she said, breathless with speed and eagerness; “Sallie + Calkins, there's a chance, and you'd never guess how. Dirk he wants me to + go to a show with him this very night! He's got tickets. It is a big show,—where + all the grand folks go. It is in the very biggest hall in this city, and + Dirk he says I am to go. Sallie Calkins, do you mean it, truly, that I am + to wear your lovely new bonnet and cape? Do you suppose I can really go + anywhere? I don't known why Dirk wants me to so bad, but he coaxed and + coaxed.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Sallie! She stooped quickly to pick up a pin from the floor, so that + Mart might not get a glimpse of her eyes with the sudden tears in them. + Yet, as she stooped, she made her final, grand sacrifice—Mart should + go! + </p> + <p> + Then she entered with entire abandon into the preparations. Not only her + bonnet and cape, but her shoes—new ones that Mark had bought her + with his first earnings after his illness—were to attend the + lecture. + </p> + <p> + She rejoiced over the excellent fit of the shoes. She did more than this. + As Mart watched the process of buttoning them, and remarked complacently + that she shouldn't wonder if Dirk would buy her a pair some day, when he + earned money enough, she kept her lip from curling with an incredulous + sneer. You will remember that she had not the slightest faith in Dirk. + </p> + <p> + Neither must I forget that there was another thing to lend—her comb, + in order that Mart's wonderful yellow hair might be for once reduced to + something like order. And at the risk of leading you to think that Sallie + was altogether too “aesthetic” for her position in life, I shall have to + confess that this was her hardest bit of sacrifice; her comb was so new + and so pretty! + </p> + <p> + However, it did its duty on Mart's tawny locks, and the transforming + effect was marvellous. In fact, when all was ready, the cape adjusted, the + hat which Mrs. Roberts had shown her how to wear set on the yellow head, + Sallie said not a word, but went to the packing-box in the corner which + served as a treasure cupboard, and drew forth the one possession about + which she had been utterly silent—a little hand-glass which Mark had + brought her one winter evening just before he was hurt. A cheap, little, + ugly glass, which you would have turned from in disgust, saying that it + made your nose awry, and your chin protrude and your eyes squint, and was + altogether horrid; but, held before Mart's glowing face, what a secret did + it reveal! Mart looked, and was silent, too; and went home in a hushed + frame of mind to wait for Dirk. Home was deserted. The mother had dragged + her wearied body out for a day of “light” work. The time had gone by when + she was able to do any that people called heavy. Where the father was, + none of the family knew, and their chief hope concerning him was that he + would stay away as long as possible. + </p> + <p> + I find myself longing to give you an idea of what that elegant, + brilliantly lighted hall, with its brilliant audience, was to this girl, + and being unable to do it. + </p> + <p> + When people live so far below us that our every-day experiences are to + them like a day at the World's Fair, it is very hard indeed to describe + how our special treats affect them. + </p> + <p> + It is a treat to everybody to hear Gough. How then can I tell you what it + was to this girl and her brother? Dirk listened; he must have listened + well, for long afterward he was able to repeat entire paragraphs, and to + imitate the manner of the great orator with remarkable skill;—yet at + the time he would have seemed to a close watcher to have been absorbed in + another way. He looked at Mart somewhat as he had on that Sabbath when his + acquaintance with Mrs. Roberts began. But the thought which had dimly + haunted him that day blossomed on this evening. Certainly Mart looked like + Mrs. Roberts! It might be folly to think so; doubtless the fellows would + make no end of fun of him if he should ever tell them so, which he meant + to take excellent care not to do; but the fact remained, that in Sallie's + bonnet and cape, and, above all, with the waves of hair floating about + her, there was a look which instantly and strongly reminded him of that + lady. + </p> + <p> + There was another listener at the lecture who was unexpectedly present. + Part of poor Sallie's trial had been to tell her brother, who had been + radiant for a week over the prospect of taking her, that she had with her + own hand put away the blessing. How would Mark take it? Dirk's + forlorn-looking sister was no favorite of his. I think it would have been + very difficult to have convinced him that there was a trace of Mrs. + Roberts in her face. + </p> + <p> + But such curious creatures are we that it actually hurt Sallie to see how + quietly he took the great sad news of her sacrifice. After the first start + of surprise, he seemed preoccupied, and she could almost have thought that + he did not hear her explanation. She had much ado to keep back the tears, + but she had made a special little feast for him that evening, with a white + cloth on the table, and a cup of actual tea, and the cup set in a saucer. + She was not going to spoil the scene with tears; so after a little she + said, cheerily:— + </p> + <p> + “Now you have a chance to do something nice for somebody. Who will you + take on your ticket?” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking,” he answered, slowly. “You know it is a temperance + lecture, and it is by a wonderful man. The fellows in the shop have been + talking about him all day, and they say you just can't help <i>thinking</i> + when he gets agoing; and I was just thinking, What if we could get <i>him</i> + to go, and he would listen, and get to thinking.” + </p> + <p> + There are no italics that will give you an idea of the peculiar emphasis + which the boy put on the pronouns. Sallie understood; that “he” could mean + but one person in the world. But her brother must have answered the look + on her face, for she spoke no word. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes they <i>do</i>, Sallie. There was old Pete, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, yes, Sallie knew old Pete; every body in that alley knew him; a + notorious drunkard once, of the sort which people, even good Christian + people, are apt to pronounce hopeless; yet now he wore a neat suit of + clothes every day, and brought home twenty pounds of flour at one time in + a sack, and bought his coal by the barrel. Wonderful things occasionally + happened in that alley. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sally, “that is true; and old Pete wasn't much like him.” + </p> + <p> + The tone spoke volumes. It would have almost angered her, even now, to + have had it hinted that old Pete was superior to that father, though + hardly a person acquainted with the two but would have said that there was + more hope for old Pete, even in his miserable past, than for this one. + </p> + <p> + How they managed it, those two: the difficult task of getting him + persuaded to go, find then the more difficult task of keeping him + sufficiently sober to get there, would make a story in itself. I fancy + there are many such stories in real life which will never get told. The + probabilities are, if they were, some wise critic would pronounce them + unnatural and sensational. + </p> + <p> + Suffice it to say that the task was accomplished, and among the most + attentive listeners to the great speaker that evening was Sallie's father, + while she sat at home and mended a badly torn jacket, and cried now and + then, and was glad and sorry and proud and frightened and hopeful by turns + all that long evening. + </p> + <p> + I am not sure but it was better for her that she sat at home. I don't know + just what she might have done had she been in the hall to see her father, + at the close of the meeting, shamble forward with the crowd, and sign his + name to the total abstinence pledge. + </p> + <p> + She might have screamed out in her excitement, or she might have fainted; + for although there were those who said—some with a sneer, and some + with a sigh—that “signing the pledge would not amount to anything; + the miserable fellow could not keep a pledge to save his life!” Sally + would have thought nothing of the kind. She had faith in her father's + word. + </p> + <p> + It is a wonderful stimulus to have some one who believes in us. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — “WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?” + </h2> + <p> + “Do you know,” said Mrs. Roberts, addressing Gracie Dennis, who, with + young Ried, had waited in the hall for her to join them (they were ready + for the lecture, and were to take up Mr. Roberts on the way): “Do you know + that I have a desire which I see no way of realizing? If Mr. Colson should + bring his sister with him to-night I should like so much to get possession + of her and bring her home with me! But I have been planning all day, and + see no possible excuse for such an apparently wild proceeding.” + </p> + <p> + I want you to notice how naturally Mrs. Roberts said “Mr. Colson”; she + never talked about Dirk under any other name; she even taught herself to + <i>think</i> of him as “Mr. Colson.” Consequently, when she spoke the name + in his presence, there was not a trace of unnaturalness in tone or manner. + The others tried in vain to follow her example. Dr. Everett could not + speak of him in this way without slight hesitation and a touch of + embarrassment. “The truth is,” said he, “I think <i>Dirk</i> all the week, + and on the Sabbath I find it impossible to reach up to 'Mr. Colson' + without an effort.” There was no touch of “reaching up” or reaching down, + about Mrs. Roberts' talk with her pupils. It is possible that this is one + link in the chain of influence which she was weaving around them. + </p> + <p> + Gracie Dennis' face expressed curiosity, and when they were seated in the + carriage, she referred to the cause:— + </p> + <p> + “But Flossy, I cannot imagine why you should want to do such a thing. It + will certainly be too late to-night to try to get acquainted with her. I + should think some time when you could have an unbroken evening would be + the better for experimenting.” + </p> + <p> + “For some sorts of experimenting it would,” Mrs. Roberts answered, smiling + quietly; “my experiment, in part at least, was to see how the pink room + might impress her.” + </p> + <p> + “Flossy Shipley!” + </p> + <p> + When Gracie took refuge in that name her hostess knew she was not only + much excited, but a trifle disapproving; at such times she made haste to + change the subject. + </p> + <p> + It happened that the thing for which she had been planning, shaped itself + so naturally as to give not the slightest color or premeditation to the + act. + </p> + <p> + When Dirk and his sister worked their way through the dense crowds to the + open air they discovered that it was raining heavily. For almost the first + time in her life the fact struck terror to Mart Colson's soul! Ordinarily + no duck could have been more indifferent to a rain storm than herself. On + this evening she gave vent to her dismay in short, expressive words: + </p> + <p> + “Sallie's bonnet!” “And cape!” This last, after a moment's thought. “And + shoes!” she added, as the magnitude of her troubles grew upon her. + </p> + <p> + Drawn up close to the sidewalk stood a carriage and a pair of horses that + Dirk could not help giving admiring attention to, despite the rain. A fine + horse always held his attention. No thought of the occupants of the + carriage came to him, not even after a head leaned forward and a hand + beckoned; of course it was beckoning to somebody else. Then a clear voice + spoke:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Colson!” + </p> + <p> + He started quickly forward; there was but one person who ever said “Mr. + Colson,” and besides, that voice belonged only to one. + </p> + <p> + “I want your sister to go home with me. It is raining so hard that she + ought not to walk, and I should like very much to have her stay with me + to-night. Won't you ask her to, please?” + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Roberts had been asking a favor, instead of conferring one, her + voice could not have been sweeter and more winning. + </p> + <p> + Dirk went back to his sister, too much bewildered by the state of affairs + even to express surprise. “Mart,” he said, “she wants you.” + </p> + <p> + A quick spring to the sidewalk, and young Ried was standing beside Mart. + “It is raining so hard,” he explained, “Mrs. Roberts would be very glad if + you would come.” + </p> + <p> + And Mart, thinking of nothing at all, save Sallie's bonnet and cape and + shoes, turned toward the waiting carriage. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ried had his umbrella raised, and carefully shielded the bonnet, + assisting its wearer to enter the carriage with as much courtesy as he had + bestowed on Gracie Dennis but a few moments before. Not a movement was + lost on the watching Dirk. + </p> + <p> + When the door was closed and the goodnights had been said,—Mrs. + Roberts leaning from the carriage again for that purpose,—and when + the horses had dashed around the corner, he still occupied his position on + the curbstone, gazing down the street, gazing at nothing unless he saw a + reflection of his own bewildered thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” said a policeman who knew him, and was therefore suspicious, “What + are you hanging about here for? Move on!” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” said Dirk, as he slowly took his hands out of his pockets, eyes + still fixed on the corner where the carriage had turned, “what if I + should?” + </p> + <p> + Something in his eye would have told Mrs. Roberts, had she been there, + that he meant more than moving down the street; though that he presently + did, regardless of wind and rain. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the bonnet and cape in the carriage stepped somewhat into the + background, and the girl who wore them allowed herself once more to think + of her individuality, and to wonder at her position. She sat bolt upright + on the edge of the soft, gray seat, and gazed about her as well as she + could by the glimmer of the street lamps. She in a carriage! Mart Colson + sitting on a back seat, beside a grand lady, and rolling down the avenue! + Who would have supposed that such a thing could have happened to Sallie + Calkins' bonnet? Mrs. Roberts recognized the bonnet and cape with a smile + of satisfaction. She had studied much over the possibilities of this + girl's costume. Was it probable that she had anything suitable to wear to + a lecture? She had passed the cellar where the girl lived but once, and + had had but one glimpse of her; yet these glimpses had been enough to + render it highly improbable that she had any street costume. Then, had + Mrs. Roberts canvassed the possibilities of getting a street-suit for her, + there were apparently insurmountable difficulties in the way. She was too + utterly unacquainted with the ground to venture. Besides, there were + reasons for believing that anything of value would find its way from that + cellar to a pawnbroker's in a very short space of time. + </p> + <p> + Having spent hours over many different schemes, and rejected each one as + liable to bring disaster, Mrs. Roberts was obliged to betake herself to + prayer. If the watching Saviour wanted her to work through the medium of + this lecture on this particular child of His, He could certainly see that + she was present; could furnish her with clothes to wear, either through + herself or some other of His servants. She would wait and watch. + </p> + <p> + Not once had she thought of Sallie Calkins and the new bonnet that her own + fingers had helped to fashion; yet here it was beside her on the head of + this girl, toward whom she was drawn! The fact made Mrs. Roberts radiant. + </p> + <p> + She said almost nothing to the startled prisoner at her side, beyond a + murmured, “So glad you let me carry you home with me!” Then she drew a + bright-colored wrap about her, and left her to her amazement, while the + eager tongues of the rest of the party talked continuously. + </p> + <p> + By the way, you are not acquainted with the pink room, I think? You should + see it before it is invaded for the night. Large, it is. I think little + people sometimes have a peculiar fondness for large rooms; Mrs. Roberts + had. The walls were tinted with what might be called a suggestion of pink, + with just a touch of sunset gold about the mouldings. + </p> + <p> + The carpet was soft and rich; it gave back no sound of footfall. It was + strewn with pink buds; some just opening into beauty, some half-blown. + Accustomed to the sight of elegant carpets as you are, you would almost + have stooped to pick one of these buds, they looked so real. The curtains + to the windows were white, but lined with rose pink; they were looped back + with knots of pink ribbons. The bed was a marvel of pink and white + drapery; so was the dressing-bureau. The easy-chairs were upholstered in + soft grays with a pinkish tinge; and the tidies, lavishly displayed, were + all of pink and white. There was nothing conventional about the room. A + professional would have been shocked by some of its appointments. Many a + lady of wealth, accustomed to having things as “they” decree, would have + been more than doubtful over the pink ribbons and the profusion of white + drapery. Aside from the carpet, and a choice picture or two, there was + nothing especially expensive about the furnishings. It was simply a room + in which Mrs. Roberts had allowed her own sweet little fancies to take her + captive. + </p> + <p> + The gas was lighted; the door was ajar into a toilet-room; a lavish + display of great, beautiful towels could be seen as you peeped in, and + various touches told of an expected guest. Flowers were blossoming on the + mantel, and a tiny vase which stood on a bracket near the toilet-stand + held a single rose of a peculiar hue and perfume, which had blossomed for + this hour. At least, Mrs. Roberts thought so. + </p> + <p> + Into this room, in all its purity and beauty, went Sallie Calkins' bonnet + and cape and her strong, new, thick shoes; and the wearer thereof pushed + the bonnet away from her flushed face, and stood and looked about her. + </p> + <p> + Down stairs they discussed in curious tones—not her, but the + mistress of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy, I do think you are too queer for anything! Why don't you have her + go to Katy's room? Katy is away for the night, you know, and I'm sure her + room is as neat and pretty as can be. Imagine what a contrast it would be + to anything that she has ever seen! Mr. Ried, you ought to see the room + into which she has been put. There isn't a more elegant one in the house. + Some of its furnishings are so delicate that I hardly like to touch them. + What sort of a disease is it that has taken Mrs. Roberts, do you suppose, + to send her there? Flossy, she will get no rest to-night; she will be + afraid of that immaculate bed.”' + </p> + <p> + This, of course, was Gracie Dennis. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts looked from her to his wife,—his face smiling, curious, + yet with a sort of at-rest expression. + </p> + <p> + “What do you hope to accomplish, Flossy?” He asked the question as one who + was pleased to watch a new experiment, yet felt sure that the experimenter + had an end to attain which would justify any measures that she might take. + Mr. Roberts had believed in his wife when he chose her from all others; + but he was learning to believe in her in a peculiar sense, as one led by a + hand that made no mistakes. + </p> + <p> + She turned to answer his question; her face bright, yet half puzzled:— + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure that I can explain to you what I hoped for,” she said; “I + caught the idea from Mr. Ried.” + </p> + <p> + “From me!” and the young man thus mentioned looked so astonished and + incredulous that Gracie laughed. + </p> + <p> + “He is sure he never thought of anything so wild,” she said, gayly. + “Flossy, you must find a better excuse than that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it was something that he said. Do you remember telling me, not long + ago, about your sister's idea that all the world had lost its place + because of sin; that God intended everything here to be beautiful, and all + life to be bright with joy, and that Satan had gotten hold of men's lives, + and was trying to ruin them, and that every beautiful creation was God's + picture to the world of what his intention had been? I'm telling it + poorly; but it made a very deep impression. This girl's face, you know, is + beautiful. It is what God meant some faces to be; at least, I mean he has + given her the frame for a face of beauty. I have a vague, half-understood + sort of wish to give her a glimpse of harmony; something that will fit her + golden hair and lovely complexion; and see what she will think of God's + idea, and whether she will understand that it is sin which has spoiled it, + and whether she is willing to serve the author of her ruin. I don't + believe I am making myself plain, but I know what I mean, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “If we do not, I think it must be because you have caught a thought from + God, that we are not able to reach up to.” + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Roberts who made this reply. Something in his wife's experiment + had deeply moved him. + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Ried, his face lighted, as it always did, at the mention of his + sister's name. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes I almost think that it is Ester still at work, and that He lets + her work through this woman.” + </p> + <p> + It was what he said to Gracie Dennis in an aside. Mrs. Roberts had already + gone to see in person to the comfort of her guest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — “O LORD, TAKE DIRK, TOO!” + </h2> + <p> + She found her standing before the mirror. By reason of the fact that she + understood no pretty trick of braid or curl, her long yellow hair hung + just as Nature had made it, with no waves or ripples save those which had + grown with its growth. It fell about her now like a sunset cloud. She had + taken from the vase near at hand a rose, which she had pushed in among the + masses of hair, with no knowledge as to how it should be arranged, or, + indeed, thought; yet the effect was something which made Mrs. Roberts give + an involuntary start of admiration. + </p> + <p> + Still it was evident that, though apparently gazing at herself, she was + thinking away beyond herself. It is doubtful if at that moment she saw the + flower, or her own reflection, or knew that she was looking. Her eyes had + the faraway expression which one sometimes sees in great power on faces + like hers. She turned as Mrs. Roberts, having softly knocked and received + no answer, softly entered, and her first words indicated the intensity of + her thought, whatever it was:— + </p> + <p> + “Dirk has <i>got</i> to go there!” + </p> + <p> + “Go where?” asked Mrs. Roberts, startled out of the words she meant to + speak; startled by the hint of power in the voice and manner. + </p> + <p> + “Of whom are you thinking, my dear girl? and where do you want him to go?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm thinking about Dirk, ma'am; I thought about him all the evening; the + man made me; and I've made up my mind; he's <i>got</i> to go to heaven!” + </p> + <p> + I suppose I cannot give you an idea of the force in her voice. It was as + though a resolution, from which there could be no appeal, had been taken, + and the person resolving felt her own power to accomplish. It was + altogether an unexpected answer to Mrs. Roberts. She did not know whether + to be half-frightened or to laugh. + </p> + <p> + She sat down in one of the easy-chairs to study the girl, and consider + what answer to make. Mart, meantime, turned back to the survey of herself + in the mirror, or to the survey of whatever she saw there, and continued + talking:— + </p> + <p> + “I never knew much about heaven. You may guess that, if you have ever been + in our alley. Only lately, Sallie Calkins she's been telling me what you + told her; and I had a kind of notion that you must know what you was + talking about, and that it was for rich folks and grand folks like you; + but the man told about that Madge, you know, to-night—an awful + drunkard and swearer, and all that—how she reformed and went to + heaven. Dirk ain't no drunkard; but he will be. Everybody says he will, + because father is such an awful one. Mother, she's never had no hope of + him. She says father didn't drink till he was most twenty, and then he + begun; and she's looking for Dirk to begin, and I haven't thought he could + help it either. What if he doesn't care for it much yet? He will, it's + likely. I've never told nobody that, not even Sallie, and I've been mad at + mother every time she said any such thing; but all the time I've been + expecting him to begin; and I know well enough, when once they <i>begin</i>, + how it goes on. But that man to-night told things that made a difference. + He says that God can keep them from wanting to drink, and help them right + straight along; and that they can go to heaven as well as the next one. + I've wanted nice things for Dirk all my life; but I never saw no way to + get them, and it made me mad. To-night I saw a way, but I never had no + kind of a notion how heaven looked till I come into this room, and see the + light and the flowers and the shine, and another room spread out there in + the glass: and now I know, and Dirk shall go!” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts was in no mood for laughing, the tears were dropping slowly + on the flower she held in her hand. Mart saw in the glass just then a + sight which seemed to add to her surprise. She turned wondering eyes on + her hostess. + </p> + <p> + “What are you crying for?” she asked. “Don't spoil the flower; it is like + the one Dirk bought me once. He said you sent it to me. I kept it most a + week. I took it over to Sallie's, and she got fresh water for it every + day, somehow; and it was then she begun to tell me what you said about + heaven, and I thought if God had made such flowers as that for you, it was + likely he had made a heaven for you; but I didn't believe it was for Dirk + till to-night, and I didn't have no kind of a notion how it looked till + just now. Do you <i>believe</i> what that man said—that folks like + Dirk can go? Of course, if Madge went, why Dirk would have a <i>right</i>. + He is bad just because he <i>has</i> to be. He never had no chance to be + anything else; and he ain't very bad, anyhow—nothing to compare with + some.” Her voice was almost fierce in its earnestness; she was beginning + to resent the creeping doubt that Mrs. Roberts' silence suggested. + </p> + <p> + Careful words must be spoken now. What if this awakening soul should be + turned aside! No wonder that the unspoken words were prayers. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk has a <i>right</i> to go to heaven,” she said, steadily, sweetly; + “there is not the shadow of a doubt as to his right. No one in the world—not + Satan himself—can deprive him of it; and it is not only his <i>right</i>, + but his duty to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he shall!” + </p> + <p> + I wish I could give you an idea of the strength in the girl's voice. It + almost carried conviction with it to Mrs. Roberts' heart. + </p> + <p> + “Come and sit down,” she said, and she drew her towards one of the low + cushions. If Mart sat on that, her head would be just where a gentle hand + could stroke the masses of hair. + </p> + <p> + “Let me talk with you about this. You are mistaken in one thing. Dirk is + very bad. He is bad enough to shut him out of heaven forever.” + </p> + <p> + The girl started, and tried to fling off the caressing hand. + </p> + <p> + “So are you,” said the gentle voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, <i>me</i>! Don't talk about me! Whoever said I wasn't bad? Let me go; + I want to go home. I don't care how hard it rains.” + </p> + <p> + “And so am I,” continued the gentle voice. + </p> + <p> + The girl on the cushion ceased struggling to free herself from the + caressing touch, and remained motionless. + </p> + <p> + “Let me tell you of something that we have each done a great many times. + We have been asked and urged and coaxed day after day, and year after + year, to accept an invitation to go to this very heaven, and we have paid + no attention at all; and this, after Jesus Christ had given His life to + make a way for us to go. Is not that being bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Dirk he never had no invitation—never heard anything about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has,” speaking with quiet firmness. “The Lord Jesus Christ told + me to invite him, and I have done so a great many times, and he has made + no answer; and Sallie Calkins has invited you, and you have treated it in + just the same way.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't that being bad? What has He ever done that you should refuse to + believe His word, when He died an awful death to prove to you that He was + in earnest?” + </p> + <p> + “You said Dirk had a <i>right</i> to go.” + </p> + <p> + “So he has. Jesus Christ has given him a right, if he will. I have invited + you to my house, and asked you to spend the night in this room, and sleep + in this bed. Has any person a right to keep you from doing so?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” An emphatic nod of the head, and a lingering, almost loving look at + the white bed behind her. + </p> + <p> + “Then cannot you truthfully say that you have a <i>right</i> to be here? + My dear girl, it is so faint an illustration of what Jesus Christ has done + to give you a right to heaven, that I almost wonder at your understanding + it. But can you imagine something of how I should have felt had I urged + you to come to me night after night, for weeks and years, and you had + turned from me with no answer, or else with scorn?” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't have kept on asking me.” Mart spoke with the assurance of + one who had firm faith in her statement. + </p> + <p> + “No, I presume I should not. I would have said after the third or fourth + invitation, 'If she really will not have anything to do with me I cannot + help it,' and I should have tried to forget you. This is one of the many + differences between Christ and me. He waits, and asks, and <i>asks</i>. + How long will you keep Him waiting?” + </p> + <p> + I have given you only the beginning of the conversation. It was long ere + it was concluded. + </p> + <p> + Down stairs Mr. Ried waited as long as he could, curious to know the + result of Mart's first impressions. Then he went away, and Gracie went to + her room, and the house settled into quiet, and Mr. Roberts, in the + library, waited for his wife, while she told over again, with tender words + and simple illustrations, the “old, old story,” so fitted to the wants of + the world. + </p> + <p> + How many times has there been a like result. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when they knelt together, the fair child of luxury and the + child of poverty; but the Saviour, who intercedes for both, bent His ear, + and heard again the cry of a groping soul, seeking Him out of darkness, + and held out His loving, never-failing arms, able to reach down to her + depth, and received her to himself. Who can tell that story? Who can + describe how heaven seemed to the girl just then? + </p> + <p> + It was not what Mrs. Roberts had expected. I cannot even say that it was + what she had hoped for. Her faith had not reached to such a height at all. + She could hardly have put into words what she hoped. When she ventured to + try to tell it to the friends in the parlor, and to you, I doubt whether + you understood. She thought to get a hold on the girl; to show her + something of God's beauty and love, as it shone through herself; to make + her long after something her life did not give, and to gradually lead her + to seek after satisfaction in Christ. A long process—something that + should unfold gradually, with many discouraging drawbacks, and some days + that would look like utter failures. She had schooled herself to be + prepared for this, but she had not looked for Him to exert His mighty + power to save in a moment. How it had touched her to find a soul, hungry, + not for itself, but for a brother, I shall not attempt to tell. The first + words she said, after she went back to her waiting husband, a little after + midnight, were these:— + </p> + <p> + “He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. I + think that is what is the matter with the world to-day. I wonder if He + would not be pleased with one who could throw herself at His feet with a + childlike abandon of faith, and expect wonders, yes, and impossibilities, + just as a child feels that <i>anything</i> can be done by father? God has + shamed my faith to-night. It is as though I had asked for a crumb of + bread, and he gave me the entire loaf. That girl up-stairs has not heard + of Him before as a Saviour for <i>her</i>; has never thought of such a + thing, or, at least, dreamed of its possibility, and yet she has given + herself to Him. And Evan, what do you think were the first words she said? + 'O Lord, take Dirk, too!' She is on her knees at this moment praying for + him. If you could have seen her face when it first dawned upon her that + she could tell God about him, and ask for His mighty power to be exerted + in his behalf, it would have been a picture for your lifetime. Oh, Evan, + Evan, why can we not expect great things of God?” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — “AN AWFUL PROBLEM” + </h2> + <p> + Isn't it strange, the ways the Lord takes to answer prayers? + </p> + <p> + Much prayer had been made for Dirk Colson, but few had thought of his + sister. Sallie Calkins, it is true, had come with trembling steps into the + light of Christ's love, and had immediately desired to have Mart enjoy it + with her, but was very trembling and doubting as to her ability to reach + Mart, or to influence her in the right direction. She sent the bonnet and + cape to the lecture with a prayer, but she did not look for the prayer to + be answered. Verily, He has to be content with faith “less than a grain of + mustard-seed.” + </p> + <p> + Was the rest of the story an answer to prayer? We are to remember that He + has strange ways. Events startling enough in their import followed each + other in rapid succession. In the first place, Dirk's father, poor, + wrecked man, returned no more. Whether he had wandered among the network + of railroads which lined the southern portion of the city, and lost his + life there, or whether he had fallen into the river, or just how he had + disappeared, could not be discovered. There were three men killed by an + accident on the road one night, but their disfigured bodies were buried + before Dirk heard of it. There was a man seen struggling in the water off + the lower wharf one evening, but he sank before help could reach him, and + his body was not recovered. There were half a dozen men killed by a boiler + explosion, but that was not heard of in time to look into it. There were + so many ways in which the wreck might have gone out of life and left no + sign. They were safe in supposing that he was intoxicated, and that was + about all they could be perfectly sure of, concerning him; that, and the + fact that he came no more. Of course, there was no such search for him as + is made for the man of respectability and position. To one who had some + idea of the worth of a soul, it was pitiful to see what a tiny ripple this + disappearance made on the surface of life. + </p> + <p> + A moment of startled questioning by those who lived in the immediate + neighborhood; a few women with aprons thrown over their heads congregating + in groups around the pump, or before the door of the bakery; a crowd of + dirty children, stopping their play for a moment, and speaking lower;—then + the tide of noisy, fighting, swearing life went on. + </p> + <p> + One was gone out from it. Whither? None knew, few cared; and there were + such crowds and <i>crowds</i> left, how could he be missed? + </p> + <p> + One missed him,—an abused, insulted, downtrodden woman. One whom, + years before, he had promised to love and cherish until death parted them, + and had broken the vows almost as soon as taken, and never renewed them + again. Yet that woman wept bitter tears over his absence; watched for him, + listened nightly for his staggering footsteps; rose up from her heap of + straw in the corner in the middle of the night, and set wide open the + cellar door, and listened to the angry voices floating down to her from + some drunken brawl further up the street, if, perchance, she might hear <i>his</i>; + listened, and held her breath, and quivered all over with hope and fear: + then crept back to her miserable bed, covered her head with the ragged + quilt, and cried herself into a few hours of forgetfulness. + </p> + <p> + “She is crying herself to death about him!” Mart said. There was surprise + mingled with awe in her voice. + </p> + <p> + She told it to Dirk, and the two stood thoughtfully for a moment looking + out at the one window. They carefully avoided looking at each other. They + did not understand. To them there was simply relief in the father's + absence. They had no trace of love for him in their hearts. The word + “father” meant nothing to them but misery. Still there was that in them + which respected the mother's grief; they tried to shield her. Dirk, of his + own thoughtfulness, brought home a bit of tea in a paper, and bought half + a pint of milk at the corner bakery; and Mart took lessons of Sallie, and + made a delicate slice of toast, and borrowed Sallie's one cup and saucer + to serve the tea in. She was disappointed that the mother cried, and could + hardly drink the tea. She was even almost vexed that the mother said with + tears that “poor Jock always did like tea so <i>much</i>, and she had + always thought that maybe if he could have had it hot and strong he would + not have taken to the drink.” + </p> + <p> + Mart had no faith in this, no belief that anything in her father's past + life could have kept him from the drink; but she held herself silent, and + let the tears have their way. All the time she had in her heart one great + solemn regret. There was one who would have helped her father; would and + could have saved him, even from rum. What if she, his daughter, had known + the Lord Jesus, and could have taken the miserable father to Him and had + him transformed! Mart had no doubt about <i>His</i> power to do it. An + unanswerable argument had been given her. No infidel need try to assail + her now. + </p> + <p> + But the father! Why had everybody kept silence, and let him sink away? + </p> + <p> + Awful! + </p> + <p> + Why had not she known Christ? Why had she not listened to Sallie but a + week before? Why had not Dirk learned the way and saved his father? An + awful problem! Mart's life must henceforth be shadowed by it. + </p> + <p> + Meantime what was Mrs. Roberts to do for this new-born soul? How was she + to help her, and, through her, to help her brother? + </p> + <p> + She, in her elegant home, sat down to study this problem. + </p> + <p> + Life at East Fifty-fifth Street was so far removed from life in the alley + that she knew nothing about the missing father. Days passed, and, busy + with many claims of society, she had made no movement toward helping the + girl, and knew as yet no way to do it; yet she carried her on her heart. + Monday evening came and went, and still she had been detained from any + effort. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon her thoughts shaped themselves into action. She would go and + see Mart. She would get Dirk to protect her in her journey down the alley; + also, in accomplishing this, she would accomplish another thing. She would + call on Dirk at his place of business. The chief of the office was a + Christian man; yet she had reason to believe that he knew less about Dirk, + and cared much less for him, than he did for his little dog, who sat in + the window and barked at passers-by. + </p> + <p> + She had no difficulty in securing attention. Ladies were not often + admitted, but a card bearing the name “Mrs. Evan Roberts” was sufficient + passport among any of the business men of the city. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stone was more than ready, he was eager to serve her. What could he do + for the elegantly-dressed lady whose carriage waited at the door, while + she came in person among the bales and boxes? Her business must be urgent. + </p> + <p> + It was. Could she speak with Mr. Colson just for a moment? She would not + detain him long; but she wished to make an appointment with him for the + next day. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Colson!” The chief and his perplexed assistant looked at each other + thoughtfully, and shook their heads. There was no such person connected + with their establishment. She must have the wrong number. + </p> + <p> + No; she was positive. + </p> + <p> + “He told me only three days ago that he was in your employ. He is on the + third floor, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen looked at each other again. + </p> + <p> + “Colson!” repeated Mr. Stone. “There is certainly a mistake. Briggs is in + charge on the third floor front, and Dickson has the back rooms. No, Mrs. + Roberts, we have no such name among our men, I am positive.” + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Roberts gently held her ground. She was sure she was not + mistaken, for she had talked with him about his work and the different + men. He was in Mr. Briggs' department, she felt quite sure. He was not a + foreman, she explained, but quite a young man; had been there but a few + weeks, and Dr. Everett was the one who had interested himself in securing + the place. + </p> + <p> + Light of some sort began to dawn on the perplexed faces of the gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + “Can she mean black Dirk, do you suppose?” questioned the elder, looking + hard at his associate. + </p> + <p> + Then came the sweet voice of the visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; he is not a colored gentleman. His name is Colson,—Mr. + Derrick Colson.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the one,” said the gentleman, quickly. Should he laugh or be + annoyed? + </p> + <p> + It took but a moment after that to summon “Mr. Derrick Colson.” Black he + was, certainly, not only by reason of his naturally dark skin, but because + of the grimy work, whatever it was, which fell to his lot. His big apron + was soiled with ink and oil, and daubed with bits of dark color which + seemed not to be either. + </p> + <p> + He came forward with his usual shambling gait, and an additional shade of + sullenness apparent on his face, but it glowed a swarthy red when he + recognized the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Good afternoon, Mr. Colson,” she said, and she held forth her + delicately-gloved hand. + </p> + <p> + His own went forward to meet it; then drew suddenly back. + </p> + <p> + “It is not clean enough,” he said; “there's ink or something on it.”' + </p> + <p> + But the lavender kids were not withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the ink; a little honest soil never hurt anybody,” and the + rough, dark hand was taken in her own. + </p> + <p> + Then occurred a few moments' chat; at least the lady chatted with easy + familiarity. She referred to the “Social Parlors,” to the “Monday + Evenings,” to Miss Dennis' “Musicale,” to half a dozen themes about which + the bewildered gentlemen within hearing knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + Could it be that the low-voiced, gentle lady was trying to give <i>them</i> + a lesson as well as to talk with Dirk? Finally she made an appointment for + the next afternoon. Would his employer be so kind as to excuse him for an + hour, if convenient? Certainly, it would be convenient to please Mrs. Evan + Roberts. + </p> + <p> + Dirk was very much embarrassed. He blushed and stammered, and did not know + how to answer any of the kindnesses; but there were two things during the + interview which gave Mrs. Roberts more pleasure than you, perhaps, are + able to understand. + </p> + <p> + One was, that at sight of her he had suddenly snatched off the paper cap + which he wore, and the other, that having set it again on his head as he + turned from her, he glanced back from the door, and, in answer to her bow + and smile, lifted the ugly little cap with an air that was an exact + imitation of young Ried, and yet so well done that you would not have + thought of it as an imitation. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts could have clapped her hands; but she did not. Instead she + said, sweetly:— + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad that Mr. Colson is in the employ of a Christian gentleman. + He is greatly in need of help from all Christian sources, and I am sure + there is that in him which will respond to judicious effort.” + </p> + <p> + Then she let the bewildered man attend her to her carriage, and went her + way rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + But there were plans being laid for her at that moment of which she knew + nothing. + </p> + <p> + To-morrow she would go and see the golden-haired girl. In a neatly-packed + basket she had certain things, among them a bonnet and a sack that she + knew would fit the hair and face, and she believed would give Mart + pleasure. If only she could contrive a natural way to give them to her, + and there could be planned ways of keeping them safe from the pawnbroker's + grasp. All this time she knew nothing of the fact that the hand which had + grasped for years to furnish the pawnbroker was stilled forever. It had + not once occurred to Dirk to tell her. It is a solemn fact that in this + greater excitement he had actually forgotten it! As for the “Christian + employer,” he did not know of it to tell. He had not so much as known + whether black Dirk had a father or not. He was simply a street rough, whom + Dr. Everett was trying experiments with; and because there was an unusual + pressure on the office, and poor help was better than none, he was helping + the experiment. + </p> + <p> + However, when Dirk went home from the office that night he remembered that + the father was gone. + </p> + <p> + Mart met him at the door, a look of solemn determination on her face. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk,” she said, “<i>she's</i> going; as sure as you live, she's going. + She's been bad all the afternoon. Sallie says that Mark's doctor will come + to see her,—she knows he will, and Mark shall go for him as soon as + he comes home; but I don't mean to wait for no doctor. I want <i>her</i> + to come. <i>She</i> knows the way, and I want mother to be told it right, + so there won't be no mistake. You go for her, Dirk, right off straight. + There ain't any time to lose, for I tell you now she's <i>going</i>. She's + been failing all along, you know, and she has just cried herself down. + Dirk, will you go for <i>her</i> as fast as you can?” + </p> + <p> + The confusion of pronouns might have bewildered you. They did not Dirk. “<i>Her</i>” + meant to him exactly what it did to Mart. He could not think how it could + possibly mean any other person. But this was astounding news about his + mother! It was one thing to have a father disappear, whom he had simply + feared, until he had learned to hate; it was quite another thing to talk + about the going away of the only one who had ever tried to mend his + clothes, and who had sat up nights to wash them when she could. + </p> + <p> + He strode past Mart into the wretched room, and looked at the bed in the + corner. + </p> + <p> + The mother was asleep, but on her face was a strange change—a + something that he had never seen there before, worn and sunken as it + always was. It made him understand Mart's fears. + </p> + <p> + “I'll go,” he said huskily, and rushed from the house. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Her</i>” carriage was just rolling down the avenue as his swift feet + cleared the alley. He knew the horses. He was a little ahead of them; but + it was not probable that the driver would stop for him. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you stop that carriage?” he said in breathless haste to a policeman + at the corner; “I've got to speak to the lady that's in it.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll be quite likely to, no doubt!” said the policeman, in quiet irony. + “What rascality are you up to now, Dirk? <i>Can't</i> you be decent for a + few days?” + </p> + <p> + But Dirk was trying to free himself from the detaining hand, and threw up + one arm in a sort of despairing gesture to the coachman. Mr. Roberts + caught the signal, recognized the face, and in another moment the horses + stood restlessly by the curb-stone, and Dirk, his embarrassment gone, told + his brief story rapidly. + </p> + <p> + “Father went off a spell ago, and never came back; and mother, she is + sickly, and it set her crying; and she's <i>going</i>, Mart thinks, and I + guess it's so; and Mart wants you to come and show her the way. She said + you knew how, and you would come.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — “MAY SHE GO WITH ME?” + </h2> + <p> + Of course she went. And, of course, now that the truth was known, much was + done. Dr. Everett was summoned. The wretched bed, with its distressing + rags, were turned out together, and a comfortable one took its place. + Broths and teas and jellies and physical comfort of every kind were + furnished, and the doctor did his best to battle with the disease that + long years of want and misery had fastened upon their victim. It was all + too late, of course. It was true, what Mr. Roberts sadly said, that half + of the effort, expended years or even months before, might have saved the + poor, tortured life; but now! + </p> + <p> + How awful those “too lates” are! Isn't it a wonder that we ever take the + risk of having one ring in our ears forever? There was one thing over + which some of these Christian workers shed tears of joy. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> am too late,” said Dr. Everett, “but my Master has as much power + to-day as ever. He can save her.” + </p> + <p> + And He did. The poor, tired woman, who years before had remembered an old + story well enough to name her one daughter “Martha,” in memory of the one + who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” roused her dull heart at + the mention of His name, and listened while the wonderful story was told + her that He loved not only Martha and her sister, but her own poor, + sinful, wrecked self; loved her enough to reach after her, and call and + wait, and prepare for her a home in His glory. + </p> + <p> + Dear! Why has not some one come with the news before? Surely she would + have listened during these long, sad years. Well, they made the way plain. + Neither was it a difficult thing to do. The woman was weary and + travel-stained and afraid, and longed for nothing so much as a place of + refuge. She knew that she was a sinner; she knew that she was, and had + been for many a year, powerless to help herself. Why should she not hail + with joy the story of a great and willing Helper? + </p> + <p> + “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” She opened her eyes + with a gleam of eagerness to hear the words. “Weary?”' Yes, indeed! “Heavy + laden?” Who more so? If the call was not for her, whom <i>could</i> it + mean? What else? Why, what, but the glorious old story, “I will give you + rest?” What wonder that she closed her eyes and smiled! What wonder that + the first words after that were: “I'll come; show me how.” And He showed + her how. + </p> + <p> + “Dirk,” the sister said, when the mother had gone the last and only + restful journey of her life, “Dirk, <i>she</i> went to heaven; and I'm + going. I've been wanting to tell you for more than a week, but I didn't + know how. <i>He</i> asked me to, and I'm going. Now <i>you</i> must. + 'Cause we never had a good time here, and she'll kind of expect it in + heaven, and be looking out for you; she always looked out for you, Dirk.” + </p> + <p> + Then did Dirk lose his half-sullen self-control, and great tears rolled + down his dark cheeks. + </p> + <p> + But the sister shed no tears. She had serious business to attend to. Dirk + must go to heaven now without fail. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + One day there was an unusual scene in the alley. It was no uncommon thing + to see a coffin carried out from there, but on this day there was a + hearse, and a minister in Dr. Everett's carriage, and Dirk and his sister, + in neat apparel, came out together and were seated in Mr. Roberts' + carriage; and all the boys of the Monday-evening Class walked arm in arm + after the slow-moving carriages; and the children of the alley stopped + their placing and their fighting, and the women stood silent in doorways, + and took, most of them, their very first lesson in the proprieties of + life. + </p> + <p> + “She's got a ride in a carriage at last, poor soul!” said one, thinking of + the worn-out body in the coffin; and another said: “I wonder what poor old + Jock would think of all this?” + </p> + <p> + But the scene made its impression, and left its lesson. I think the voices + of some of them were lower during the rest of the day because of it. + </p> + <p> + What next? It was the question that filled Mrs. Roberts' thoughts. + Something must be done for Dirk and Mart. That fearful alley was no place + for human beings; certainly not for these two. But what to do with them + was a question not easily answered. + </p> + <p> + Various plans were proposed. Sallie Calkins' two rooms were much better + than the cellar in which the Colson family had lived; and there was a + chance to rent a room next to Sallie's, with a closet opening from it for + Dirk. How would it do to have them board with Sallie? The suggestion came + first from Gracie Dennis, and sounded reasonable. Mrs. Roberts was almost + ashamed to dislike it as much as she did. Sallie's neat rooms were <i>home</i> + now. The father, for this length of time at least, held to his pledge; and + son and daughter were radiant over him. He had gone to work, and already + the two rooms were taking on an air of greater comfort because of the + little things that he proudly brought home. + </p> + <p> + Sallie was doing her part wisely. The table was regularly laid now, with a + white cloth and knives and forks; and two new cups and plates had been + added to the dishes. Would it be wise to invade this home just at this + juncture and introduce boarders? Mrs. Roberts did not believe that it + would. It was not as though the father had an established character, and + stood ready to shield his children; they were still acting the protective, + and he had but too recently risen from the depths where Dirk and Mart had + laughed and jeered at him. Besides, the rooms were located in that + dreadful alley; and, do what she would, Mrs. Roberts could not feel that + that dangerously-beautiful face could find a safe abiding-place in that + alley. Some other way must be thought of. + </p> + <p> + Their immediate future was arranged through the intervention of a house + agent; for even that dreary and desolate cellar had its agent, who was + eager to secure his rent. He was unwise enough to undertake to interview + Mrs. Roberts as she descended from her carriage, not long after it had + followed Mart's mother to the grave. + </p> + <p> + He considered this effort of his a special stroke of business energy. He + wanted to be patient with the poor, he said; there wasn't an agent in the + city who waited for them oftener than he did; but business was business, + and it stood to reason that he could not depend on a fellow like Dirk. It + had been bad enough when the mother was there, but he couldn't think of + such a thing as risking it now. What was he to understand? Did she mean to + rent the room for them, and for how long? Because it was his duty to look + out for the future. + </p> + <p> + What would be more natural than for Mrs. Roberts, with those two young + things looking on, to say that of course she would be responsible for the + rent as long as they lived in the room? Thus reasoned the house agent. + </p> + <p> + Instead of which, Mrs. Roberts turned toward Dirk, her face flushed over + the hardness of a man who could stop a boy and girl on such business on + their way from their mother's grave, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “If I were in your place, Mr. Colson, I should not rent these rooms at + all. They are not suited to your sister's needs. I am sure you can do + better.” + </p> + <p> + The agent was disgusted. “<i>Mr.</i> Colson,” indeed! The disreputable + young scamp whom nobody trusted. He would show this silly woman a fact or + two. + </p> + <p> + “Business is business” he repeated, doggedly. “Either they must take the + room, and pay the rent in advance, or else they must hustle out this very + night.” He had waited now three days after time for decency's sake, and + more than that he couldn't and wouldn't do. + </p> + <p> + Dirk stood looking from one to the other; the red coming and going on his + swarthy face. Here was responsibility! He had not thought of it before. + The mother was not there to count out the hoarded rent with trembling + fingers, and save the wretched home to them for another month. She would + never be there again. He had nothing with which to pay rent; he had + nowhere to move. Yet <i>she</i> had called him Mr. Colson, and seemed to + expect him to act for himself and Mart. + </p> + <p> + It was she who answered the agent, but she spoke to Dirk. + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I suppose you are quite as willing to leave here to-night as + at any time? If I were you, I would leave immediately. Let your sister + come home with me for the night, and until you have time to make other + arrangements.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts had been summoned to a bank meeting, and had sent Ried to + attend his wife. He came forward now, from the carriage where he had stood + waiting, and laid a hand on Dirk's arm. + </p> + <p> + “And you come home with me to-night, Colson,” he said in a cordial tone, + such as he might have used with any young friend; “then we shall have a + chance to talk things over and make plans.” + </p> + <p> + “That is nice,” Mrs. Roberts said, quickly, rejoicing in her heart over + Ried's promptness to act. “Then you can get away from this wretched place + at once. Mr. Roberts will see to the removal of your goods, whatever you + need, and the agent can call on him in the morning. That will be the + simplest way to settle it all. May she go with me?” + </p> + <p> + A slight, caressing movement of a gloved hand on the girl's arm + accompanied this question. + </p> + <p> + Mart was silent with bewilderment. When had Dirk ever before been asked + what <i>she</i> might do, or might not do? At first she was half inclined + to scorn the suggestion. Then, suddenly, it came to her with a sense of + relief and protection: she was not alone; it was Dirk's business to think + of and care for her. Would he do it? + </p> + <p> + As for Dirk, no wonder that his face was deeply flushed. New thoughts were + struggling in his heart. <i>He</i> was to decide for Mart; he was the head + of the home now. Mrs. Roberts waited anxiously. She longed exceedingly to + rouse in the boy, who was already grown to the stature of a man, a sense + of responsibility. + </p> + <p> + A moment more, and he had shaken himself free from the spell which seemed + to bind him. + </p> + <p> + “We'll do as you say.” He spoke with the air of a man who had assumed his + proper place and taken up his duties. “Mart, you go along with her, and + I'll see about things to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + And Mart, for the first time in her life, received and obeyed in silence a + direction from her brother. + </p> + <p> + Possibly Mrs. Roberts may have been mistaken, but she thought that much + had been accomplished that day. + </p> + <p> + Yet none of them realized whereunto this thing would grow. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, when she ushered Mart that evening into the pink room again, + and showed her how to manage the hot and cold water, and which bell to + ring if she needed anything, and in every imaginable way treated her as a + guest, whom it was pleasant to serve, had really no plans just then—no + hobby to ride—but simply acted out the dictates of her heart. You + will remember that her Christian life had been always unconventional. The + very fact that during her early girlhood she had been painfully trammelled + by what “they” would say or think, seemed to have had its influence over + her later experiences. Since she had been made free, she would be free, + indeed; that is, with the liberty with which Christ makes us free. What + would please <i>Him</i> she resolved should be the one thought to which + she would give careful attention. Now, it is perhaps worthy of mention, + that this closely following disciple did not once stop to determine + whether it would please Him to give such tender care to this stray child + of His, or whether she would be considered doing not just the thing, in <i>His</i> + eyes, if she entertained her in the pink room. + </p> + <p> + About what He could have her do next, she gave much thought. And it was + not for days, or rather weeks, that she caught the possibility of His + meaning that the pink room should really be the girl's own. + </p> + <p> + It was just this way. The weeks went by, and no plan for settling Mart + comfortably elsewhere met Mrs. Roberts' approval. There was constantly + some excellent reason why the one mentioned would not do. + </p> + <p> + Meantime they became, she and Gracie Dennis, more and more deeply + interested in Mart. In her wardrobe first. “Wherever she lives she should + have respectable clothing; thus much is easily settled.” So the matron + decreed, and Gracie did not gainsay it. She became absorbed in preparing + it. Such fascinating work! So many things were needed, and her skin was so + delicate, and her eyes so blue, and Gracie's choice of shades and textures + fitted her so precisely. Then, when dressed, simple though her toilet was, + her remarkable beauty shone out so conspicuously as to alarm Mrs. Roberts + whenever she thought of her in shop or store. + </p> + <p> + Several times during the weeks, she visited Sallie Calkins, and looked + about her with a thoughtful air, and came away feeling that it would not + do. There was Mark, growing into manhood, a good boy, hard-working, + respectable, proud of his good, homely sister, and of his reformed father. + The two rooms were taking on every sort of homely comfort that Sallie's + skill, helped by Mrs. Roberts' suggestions, could devise. It was growing + into a model little home in its way, but there was not a corner in it + where Mart would fit. + </p> + <p> + Then, as the days passed, a subtle, fascinating change began to come over + Mart. She slipped quietly into certain household duties. She showed + marvellous skill with her needle; such skill, indeed, that Gracie Dennis + said more than once: “I'll tell you, Flossy, what to do with her: put her + in a good establishment, and let her learn the dressmaking trade. She + could make her fortune in time.” And Mrs. Roberts smiled, and assented to + the statement, but not to the proposition. There was no dressmaking + establishment known to her where she was willing to place so young and + pretty and ignorant a girl. But she was quite willing that Mart should + learn the looping of dresses, and the fitting of sacks and collars and + ruffles; and take many a stitch for her, as well as for Gracie. She was + willing to have her do a dozen little nameless things, the ways of doing + which she had caught up; until at last the touch of her fingers began to + be felt about the rooms, and Mrs. Roberts began to notice that she should + miss Mart when she went away. Still, from the first time she said this, + the thought came afterward with a smile of satisfaction, and it was but a + week afterward that she caught herself phrasing it, that she should miss + her <i>if</i> she went away. + </p> + <p> + What about Dirk? Young Ried could have told you more of him during these + days than anybody else. He still stayed at the boarding-house. Mrs. + Saunders, the mistress of it, was one whom, if you had known her, you + would feel sure could interest herself heartily in such as he. There was a + bit of a room next to Ried's. To be sure, it had been used for a + clothes-press, and it took the busy housekeeper half a day to plan how she + could get along without it; but she planned, and offered it to Ried for + his <i>protégé</i>. + </p> + <p> + “Just for the present, you know, until he sees what he can do, poor + fellow,” she said, and Ried accepted the little room joyfully, and helped + fit it up. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — “WHAT IF I BELONGED?” + </h2> + <p> + You think things are taking very rapid strides? Well, don't you know that + there come periods when they do just that thing, or appear to? Why, even + the buds on the trees teach us the lesson. How many springtimes have you + gone to your bed feeling that the season was late, and the trees were + bare, and the fruits would all be backward, and Nature was dawdling along + in a very wearisome fashion; and awakened in the morning to find that + there had in the night been a gentle rain, and a movement of mysterious + power among the buds and the grasses, and that now, in the morning + sunshine, the world had burst into bloom? Yet, did you really suppose, + after all, that the <i>work</i> was done in one night? + </p> + <p> + There was progress of several sorts in the class at the South End. Even a + casual observer could have seen a change in the boys that first Sunday + after they had attended Dirk's mother to the grave. The dignity of that + hour of sorrow was still upon them. Even the very reckless and + world-hardened will offer a certain degree of respect to death. On + ordinary occasions, the boys might have been merry at Dirk's expense, for + they saw changes in him; but the memory of his mother's coffin kept them + silent, and let his changed manner have its effect. + </p> + <p> + That Sunday was full of small events to Dirk; at least they are small + enough when one puts them on paper, though I admit that they looked large + to him. Several people interested themselves in his welfare. + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” said Mrs. Saunders, “I suppose his mother tried to do for + him. Just as likely as not she had a clean shirt for him of a Sunday + morning.”' + </p> + <p> + You will perceive that Mrs. Saunders, though all her life a resident of a + large city, was not very well-acquainted with the abject poor. In point of + fact, Dirk Colson had had no extra clothing for his mother to make clean. + But Mrs. Saunders, full of the motherly thought, yet finding no trace of a + shirt in the bundle of rags that Dirk had brought with him, went down one + day into the depths of an old trunk, and brought to light and mended and + washed and ironed a shirt that had long been laid aside. + </p> + <p> + It lay in its purity on a chair at the foot of Dirk's bed on Sabbath + morning. He lay still and looked at it for a while, then arose and gave + such careful attention to the soap and water as was new to him, and + arrayed himself in the clean linen. + </p> + <p> + His clothes were whole and clean. Mr. Roberts had seen to it that he went + respectably dressed to his mother's funeral. + </p> + <p> + A tap at his door a little later, and young Ried appeared, shoe-brush and + blacking-box in hand. + </p> + <p> + “Want to borrow?” he said, in the careless tone of one who might have + supposed that the blacking of his boots was an every-day matter to this + boy. “I always keep my own; it is cheaper than to depend on the street + boys.” + </p> + <p> + Dirk said nothing at all, but reached forth his hand, and took the offered + tools, and the hint which came with them. When he went down to breakfast + his boots shone, and his fresh paper collar was neatly arranged; + altogether he was not the boy to whom I first introduced you. I am not + sure that Policeman Duffer would have recognized him. A collar and a + necktie make a great difference in some people's personal appearance. Dirk + wondered a little as to where the box of paper collars came from. The + necktie he had just found lying in the bottom of the box. It was the mate + of the one young Ried wore, but that told nothing, for both were simple + and plain, and could be bought by the dozens in any furnishing store. + </p> + <p> + It is small wonder that the boys in the class looked at him. Nimble Dick + wore at first a roguish air, but a sudden memory of Dirk's face when he + turned away from his mother's grave came in time. Open graves are not easy + things to forget. + </p> + <p> + Dirk went to the church that day; went with young Ried by invitation, and + sat in the pew behind Mr. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + By the way, the seat which he occupied was another of Mr. Roberts' + peculiarities. Three seats were rented by him in a central part of the + large church. One of these seats he and his wife regularly occupied. The + others were almost as regularly occupied by the clerks from the store who + chose to make that their church home. Six sittings to a pew. When a young + man chose, Mr. Roberts was ready to enter into a business engagement with + him, whereby the sitting should be considered his own; Mr. Roberts + considering it to be no part of any one's concern that the sum for which + he thus sub-let the sittings was not a tenth of what the first rental + cost. It was in this way that Mr. Ried owned sittings in the pew just back + of that occupied by Mr. Roberts; and brought with him constantly one and + another young man. Today the young man was Dirk Colson. + </p> + <p> + It was all a strange world to him. He had wandered into the gallery of the + Mission Chapel, and looked down from his perch on the crowd of + worshippers; but this morning he was in the very centre of things, as if + he were one of them. Perhaps it is not strange that the startled inquiry + came to his heart: What if I belonged? Where did he belong now? He had + lost his place; he must make another. What if it should be in this + neighborhood, among these surroundings? Such thoughts did not take actual + shape to him, so that he could have put them into words; they merely + hovered in his atmosphere. Mrs. Roberts sat so that he could look at her, + which thing he liked to do. It had long since been settled in his mind + that he had one friend, and that one was Mrs. Roberts. He admired Gracie + Dennis, too, with a different sort of admiration from that which he gave + to the matron. She might be all very well; and she was a splendid reader; + and he knew that he could imitate her on certain sentences, at least. And + she had taught him to use the type-writer—an accomplishment which he + meant to perfect himself in as soon as he had a chance. In fact, his + ambition reached higher than that: one of these days he meant to make one + of his own with certain improvements! Who shall say that Dirk was not + growing? + </p> + <p> + On this particular day there sat beside Mrs. Roberts a lady,—a + stranger. He could not see her face, but for some reason, which he did not + understand, Dirk liked to look at her. She suggested something to him that + seemed like a familiar dream. He thought much about her, and resolved to + see if in her face she looked like any one he ever saw. As she turned at + the close of the service he was looking at her steadily. Lo! it was Mart. + </p> + <p> + Now the possibility had not once suggested itself to his mind. If you + think this doubtful, you merely show that you know nothing about the + transforming effect of a becoming dress, no matter how simple it may be. + Remember, Dirk had never but twice seen his sister in a bonnet. The first + time it was Sallie's, and though the effect was sufficiently startling, + yet Sallie's bonnet did not fit her face, as this creation of Gracie + Dennis' fingers did. The second time the bonnet had been a hideous black + one, proffered by an old woman who lived in the story above them, and + whose thoughtfulness Mrs. Roberts would not mar by making any mention of + the neat one which she had brought in a box that day. The black bonnet had + been like a mask, hiding Mart's beauty. + </p> + <p> + The bonnet that she wore now was not of that character. It told a + wonderful story to Dirk's astonished gaze. Now, indeed, the likeness was + plain; without doubt, the girl whose face lighted with a curious smile at + sight of him, bore a striking likeness to the woman who had smiled at him + whenever she met him! + </p> + <p> + A curious effect this had on Dirk. There was that in his sister which made + it possible for her to be something like the woman who had won his heart; + and that sister was in his care: she had said so; he must work for her, + and watch over her! + </p> + <p> + I suppose that Sabbath was really the beginning of the surface changes in + Mrs. Roberts' class. Not the beginning to the teacher, but to those people + who only have eyes for strongly marked things. + </p> + <p> + I know that it was but a few weeks afterward that Mrs. Roberts came home + with such an unusual light in her eyes, and with her face so full of + brightness, that her husband said, inquiringly:— + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Flossy?” + </p> + <p> + She turned to him, eagerly, ready to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It is what you will understand, but a great many people wouldn't. It is + so nice that you understand things! I feel just like saying, 'Thank the + Lord.'” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to convey the idea that only a very few favored people feel + like that? I don't know of a person who has not great occasion. What is + your special one?” + </p> + <p> + “Evan, the last boy had his boots blacked, and a fresh paper collar on!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts threw back his head and laughed,—a genial, hearty laugh. + His wife looked on, smiling. There is a great deal of character in a + laugh, remember; you would have known that this was a sympathetic one. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts was entirely capable of realizing what this said to his wife + about the future of her boys. It was becoming certain that their + self-respect was awakened. + </p> + <p> + A few days thereafter occurred another of those little things which mark + some characters. + </p> + <p> + Dirk, at Mrs. Saunders' breakfast-table on Sabbath morning, heard talk + that on Monday he recalled. By the way, I should have told you of one + other way in which the Sabbath became a marked day to him. He slept in the + little room which opened from Ried's, but his meals were picked up at a + restaurant, as occasion offered,—a much nicer and surer method of + living than he had ever known before. Even the commonest restaurant had + great respectability to him. Yet you will remember that he had by this + time taken several suppers in Mrs. Roberts' dining-room. He knew that + there was a difference in things; in fact, his experience now stretched + over infinite differences; but the first time he sat down to Mrs. + Saunders' breakfast-table, on a Sabbath morning, he discovered another + grade: this by no means belonged to the restaurant class? The Sunday + breakfasts and dinners were some of Mrs. Saunders' quiet ways of helping + along the work of the Christian world. Many a young man appeared at her + table as the guest of Ried or of Dr. Everett, or of some other of the + boarders, who was unaware that he owed the pleasant experience to the + landlady. + </p> + <p> + Well, Dirk at the Sabbath-table heard talk of one General Burton, famous + as a soldier, a scholar, and an orator. General Burton was in the city, + the guest of a prominent man; he was to speak on the following evening in + one of the great halls, and much eager talk was had concerning him; great + desire was expressed to hear him, to get a glimpse of him. Dirk listened + in silence, but had his own thoughts about what it must be to have people + talking about one, wanting to get a glimpse of one, and next, what it must + be to be intimate with such people. Did Mrs. Roberts know the great man? + he wondered. And then Dirk smiled as he thought how queer it was that he + should know Mrs. Roberts; that he might, in fact, be called intimately + acquainted with her! + </p> + <p> + Remembering this reverie of his, you will better understand how he felt on + Monday morning, as he made his way in haste down a quiet part of one of + the up-town streets, intent on an errand that required promptness, to hear + his name called by Mrs. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning!” she said. “Are you in too great haste to recognize your + friends? I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. General Burton, Mr. + Colson. General, this is one of my young men, of whom I told you.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the famous general, hero of many battles, held out his honored + hand, and took Dirk's in a cordial grasp. I don't suppose I could explain + to you what an effect this action had on a boy like Dirk. + </p> + <p> + There is this comfort: you may be a student of human nature, and therefore + may understand it all without explanation. + </p> + <p> + This is only one of many so-called trifles which occurred during the + weeks, to make their indelible impress on the characters of the boys. + </p> + <p> + Of course, the Monday Evenings prospered. Reading-lessons and + writing-lessons, and, as time passed, lessons of all sorts made good + progress. + </p> + <p> + Neatly-blackened boots, carefully-arranged hair, and fresh collars became + the rule instead of the exception. + </p> + <p> + Other avenues for improvement opened. It became noised abroad in Christian + circles that great transformations were being worked among a certain set + of hard young fellows who had hitherto been best known to the police. Mr. + Roberts was interviewed by one and another, and one outgrowth of the talks + was that tickets for a course of expensive and valuable and attractive + lectures on popular subjects were placed in large numbers in Mr. Roberts' + hands for him to use at discretion. Moreover, seats were rented in the + church towards which most of the boys gravitated—the one connected + with their Mission; seats re-rented after Mr. Roberts' plan, so that as + often as there appeared a young man who cared to have a spot in the church + which belonged to him, it could be had for a very small sum; in fact, as + pews rented in that church, a ridiculously small sum. + </p> + <p> + These are only hints of the channels which time and patience and thought + opened for these young men, on whom, but a short time before, Satan + believed himself to have so firm a grip. + </p> + <p> + One feature of the “Monday Evenings” had, in the course of time, to be + changed. The young teacher of elocution went home. + </p> + <p> + “I want to go,” she said at last, in answer to her hostess' pleading. “I + think it quite likely that papa would let me stay and attend school here; + but I am in haste to get home. You need not look sober, Flossy. I have had + a happier time than I have ever had in my life before; and I have found + here a sort of happiness that will last. It almost breaks my heart to + think of leaving those boys,—especially my dear Dick Bolton; but + really, I need to go home and undo certain things that I left badly done. + You don't half know me, Flossy Shipley. When I came here I was a regular + goose. If you had known what a simpleton I was, and how hateful I had been + about some things at home, you would never have invited me. + </p> + <p> + “Among other things that were hateful about me, I was a real horror to my + mother. I thought I had reason to distrust and dislike her; when the truth + is that I have cause to go down on my knees and thank her for keeping me + from some things. I'm in a real hurry to get home, and show that young + mother of mine what a perfectly angelic daughter I can be.” + </p> + <p> + And Mrs. Roberts smiled and kept her own counsel; and this was all that + she was supposed to know about her young guest. She never knew the whole + story about Professor Ellis; though there was a girl, Hester Mason by + name, in Dr. Everett's Sabbath-school, who could have told her a good deal + about him, and about Gracie Dennis' helping to break the net that Satan + had woven for her unwary feet. The fact is, there is a great deal + concerning all these people—Hester Mason and Dr. Everett and Joy + Saunders and Joy Saunders' mother—which I should have liked to tell + you if I could have found room. You may read of them any time, however, if + you choose, in a book called “An Endless Chain.” Of course, the story of + their lives does not end even <i>there</i>, because the chain is, as I + said, <i>endless</i>; but there are many of the links presented to view. + </p> + <p> + So Grace Dennis went home. And neither then, nor afterward, did Mrs. + Roberts hear in detail the story of Professor Ellis. What matter? She had, + however, a short added chapter. It came in a letter from Mrs. Marion + Dennis not long after Gracie's return. It read thus.— + </p> + <p> + Oh, Flossy Shipley Roberts! blessed little scheming saint that you are! + What did you do? How did you do it! Ah! I know more about it than those + sentences would indicate. The dear Lord did it, working through you, His + servant. He has called our Gracie to higher ground, filled her heart with + that which has made insignificant things take their true place, and wrong + things show for what they are. + </p> + <p> + You know, of course, that it is all right about Professor Ellis;—or + no! I fear it is all wrong about him, but right with our Gracie. I hear + that he has permanently located in your city. Perhaps your Christian + charity can reach him. He sent Gracie a letter, trying to explain certain + affairs about that Mason girl, with which I presume you are familiar. She + showed me the letter and her answer. He will not write her another! + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> don't know any Mason girl,” said Mrs. Roberts to her husband, + “but it doesn't matter. I don't want to know the story if there is nothing + to be done through it. There are stories enough that one <i>must</i> + know.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — “IT IS NO MADE-UP AFFAIR” + </h2> + <p> + It was Monday evening, and there was company at Mr. Roberts' home; not the + usual Monday evening gathering, but quite a large party of well-dressed + men and women, many of them young, yet some were middle-aged. The pretty + room opposite the conservatory was thrown open, and aglow with lights and + flowers; and groups were continually passing in and out, admiring the + paintings and the flowers, and the type-writers of different patterns, and + the books and magazines, of which there were many. But interest was not + confined to this room. The parlors were thrown open and the music-room + beyond; even the cosy little library was public property for this one + evening. The company was large, and their tastes were varied; so no pains + had been spared to give them variety. + </p> + <p> + You are acquainted with quite a number of the guests; yet I am by no means + sure that you would recognize them all. Even in so short a period of time + as three years, great changes may be elicited! + </p> + <p> + For instance, do you know the young man in unnoticeable, and therefore + appropriate, evening dress, who is doing duty at the piano, watching with + practiced eye the course of the player, and turning the leaf with skilful + hand at just the right moment? It is a somewhat embarrassing position; but + his manner leads you to suppose that he has been accustomed to it all his + life, and that he reads music well. In the latter belief you are correct; + but as to being accustomed to it—three years ago Nimble Dick could + have told you a different story! + </p> + <p> + You can't believe that it is he? I do not wonder. The change is certainly + a great one; but he does not feel it. To tell you the truth, he almost + forgets, when he becomes absorbed in his work, that this sort of society + was not always open to him. Three years means a long time to the young; + and Richard Bolton has so long been accustomed to the freedom of Mrs. + Roberts' parlors, and to the sort of people whom one finds there, that + none of the refinements of polite life are strange to him; and as to + turning music, has he not done it for his hostess numberless times? + </p> + <p> + If your eyes are now opened, it is possible that you may be trying to spy + out other young men. The rooms are full of them, elegantly-dressed, + fashionable young men; but a few are noticeable by the air which they have + of being in a sense responsible for the comfort of the others. They are on + the alert; they are taking care that no young guest shall appear for a + moment to be forgotten or neglected. They appear to be entirely familiar + with the house and all its appointments. They can be appealed to for a + glass of water or an ice, or to know what special scene this landscape + hanging over the mantel represents, or whose bust this is in the niche at + the left, or in what portion of the library a certain book will be found, + or from what part of the foreign world that strangely-shaped shell came, + and they are all equally at home. In short, it is like having a dozen or + twenty young hosts to look after your comfort and pleasure. In point of + fact, there are seventeen of them. The original seven has thus increased. + Two months ago there were twenty, but one has secured an appointment as + telegraph operator in a distant city, and as Stephen Crowley occupies a + similar position in one of the offices in this city, some very interesting + conversations are held, and many important items connected with the + “Monday Evenings” and the South End School and the “Library Association,” + etc., are transmitted when the lines are not otherwise employed. Young + Haskell, too, has gone with one of the partners from the store where he + was first employed, to set up a branch store in a not distant town; and + his old Sabbath-school teacher has already received letters from him, + saying that they have started a branch Sunday-school in the south part of + the town, and that he has picked seven little wretches out of the streets, + from eight to twelve years of age, and gone to work. “And, dear Mrs. + Roberts, I wish you would pray for me, that I may be able to bring every + one of them to Christ.” + </p> + <p> + So the letter ran; and that tells volumes to the initiated about young + Haskell. + </p> + <p> + But although the changes among these young men have been great almost to + bewilderment, only one of the number has been promoted to a dazzling + height. The others are without exception earning good, honest livings for + themselves; securing good, substantial educations through the evening + classes which have grown out of that first effort; bidding fair to become + leading and honored citizens when they actually take their places as men. + But Mark Calkins, faithful, plodding, good-hearted, patient Mark, has + surpassed them all! The truth is “that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, + neither hath entered into the heart,” what sort of magnificence surrounds + him now. He has gone to court. The chief Ruler of the realm has sent for + Mark to be always in his immediate presence in the palace; and with what + joy he went I cannot tell you. Nor how often they speak of him, and try to + let their hearts conceive of the glory which surrounds him, and dwell on + the day when they will be called, one after another, to share the same + glory; for this is the ambition of more than half of them. + </p> + <p> + Now, in that sentence is unveiled the most curious part of my curious + story; and that it is curious, I frankly admit. It is no made-up affair. I + am not responsible for the strangeness of it. You are to remember that + “truth is stranger than fiction,” and then to understand that I am telling + you the truth. It is, then, a fact, that these young men have each + received conditional appointments to serve in the palace, high in power + and splendor and dignity. The conditions are that they are to be willing + to be guided in all things by the will of their King, whom they each admit + to be wise above all wisdom, and to be kind above all their conceptions of + kindness. It is true that nine of the number have accepted their + appointments, donned their uniform, assumed their positions as He has + directed, and are waiting for the summons to appear in person at court. It + is also true that the others are still in a state of indecision; they do + not know whether to accept the appointment or not. It is true that they + feel themselves honored; that they believe this to be the only path of + honorable and safe promotion. It is true that they have full faith in + those who will tell with joy, that, having enlisted, they find the service + even in this ante-room sweet, and the rewards great. It is true that they + severally visited Mark, just as the door was opening to admit him to the + palace, and heard him speak of the glimpses of its glory, and heard that + his last words before he went away were, “Oh, mine eyes see the King in + his beauty!” and that his voice was jubilant as that of a conqueror, and + his face radiant as with a reflection of unseen glory; and yet they + hesitate, and dally with the call, and mean, some time, to have such an + inheritance deeded to them, but not now! Remember, I am not responsible + for this. Were I writing fiction I should hesitate to set down such + idiotic folly, expecting you to call it unnatural or absurdly overdrawn; + but I do solemnly declare to you that this is fact. Account for the folly + of their behavior as best you can. + </p> + <p> + Well, Sallie and her father are left behind. But, mind you, they are not + among the doubtful ones. They both as much expect to serve at court as + they expect to live through all eternity. But while they wait they are + busy. They have moved from the alley; the surroundings were not such as + they liked. Did you notice that bit of a house landing modestly back from + the road, at the further corner of those ample grounds that surround the + South End Church? It is the sexton's house, and that church, and those + Sunday-school rooms, and those grounds, and everything pertaining to them, + are under his care. The father is the sexton, it is true, and attends the + furnace and rings the bell; but it is Sallie's care that keeps seat and + desk and window so beautifully free from dust or stain. Oh, they live busy + lives, and happy ones. Sallie trusted not in vain in her father's promise + that night, when he put his weak will into the pledge; but you are to + understand that it was but a few days thereafter when he planted his weak + and wavering feet on the Rock of Ages. Then did Satan angle for him in + vain. + </p> + <p> + So, on this Monday evening, there were but seventeen at the gathering. I + hesitate over what to name the gathering. I would call it a party, but + that in many respects it was so totally different from anything with which + you are probably acquainted by that name. + </p> + <p> + The young man who stands by the door of the conservatory, eagerly + describing to Miss Henderson a rare and curious flower, which has been + sent to Mrs. Roberts from California, is “black Dirk.” Really, I hope you + are sufficiently astonished; for he looks so utterly unlike the scamp who + used to be the special torment of the South End Mission that I should be + disappointed if you were not impressed by it. “Mr. Colson” almost + everybody calls him now. The name has long since lost its strangeness. He + is in the employ of the great firm of Bostwick, Smythe, Roberts & Co., + and although Mr. Roberts has never found it convenient to do so before, + there were reasons why he thought it would be well to have a clerk within + call; so Mr. Colson boards with what was the junior partner of the firm. + He is so no more, by the way, for Mr. Ried has been received as a member, + and is decidedly a junior partner. Probably Mr. Roberts could tell you, if + he chose, why one so young, and without capital, had been elected to + partnership; but, as a rule, he keeps his own counsel, only remarking that + the young man developed remarkable business faculties which were patent to + the whole firm. To his wife he said:— + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Flossy, I believe a consecrated life will be honored by the + Lord, in whatever channel he gives it talents to develop. 'Whatsoever he + doth shall prosper.' That young man is going to have a career in business. + I shouldn't be surprised if the Master meant him to show the world how a + Christian can use money to his glory.” + </p> + <p> + It is early yet to prophesy what Mr. Colson will do. Doubtless he will be + a merchant; certainly he will be a Christian; possibly he will be an + orator, of whom the world will yet hear,—a temperance orator, for + instance. I know you would like to hear him read a poem. He is not + confined to Will Carleton's style now, though he still reads with power + some of those inimitable delineations of life; but Gracie Dennis offers no + more criticisms when he reads. In fact, I have heard her defer to him, + when a question arose, as one who had probably studied the passage, and + caught its best. I am willing to confess that my poor black Dirk was a bit + of a genius. The thought I desire you to catch is that so many of those + poor fellows, who of necessity live by their wits in the city slums, are + diamonds which could be fitted to shine. You take a diamond and throw it + down in the dirt and filth, and put your foot on it and grind it in, and + leave it there, sinking and soiling, day after day, year after year, and + when somebody comes along and picks it out, how much will it gleam for him + at first? Yet the diamond is there. + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt be a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” Mrs. Roberts had + been at work hunting diamonds for His diadem. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Colson stood there chatting freely with Miss Henderson, there was + nothing about the association that looked incongruous, neither did it + occur to any. There was not a trace of embarrassment about this boy from + the slums; he had forgotten the slums, and stood talking with one of the + aristocrats of the city. + </p> + <p> + How came she to talk with him, to allow herself to be entertained by him? + Let me tell you: thereby hangs a tale. Some time before this evening—in + fact, nearly two years before—Mrs. Roberts had come to a puzzle, and + stood and looked at it doubtfully. Then she presented it to the others:— + </p> + <p> + “They are growing easy in their manners with me, learning to be + gentlemanly without embarrassment, and thoughtful over little things + without being ashamed of it; but I am afraid that with other ladies they + would be sadly frightened and awkward. When Mrs. Delaney came in this + evening I could but notice how utterly silent Mr. Colton became; he had + been talking well before. It seems as though there was a great gulf + between them and social advancement. How can we bridge it?” + </p> + <p> + Then young Ried ventured his thought:—“My sister Ester had a class + in the Center Street Sabbath-school—nice little girls, who wore + pretty dresses, and had their hair curled, and came from the best + families. After she was taken sick, she told me one of her regrets was + that she had not stayed well long enough to try a plan which she had. She + meant to take a class of rough little boys in the mission-school, and she + meant to ask the mothers of the little girls to let them come, once a + month, and play with the little boys from the streets—she to play + with them, and watch over them every moment; but to try to interest the + girls in teaching the boys gentleness and good manners. I don't know how + it would have worked. Ester was never well enough to undertake it; nor + could she seem to enlist any one else in such service. It has grave + objections, I suppose; but I have always thought that I should like to see + something of the kind carefully tried.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Roberts, before this little story was half-concluded, had turned + those eager eyes of hers on the speaker—eyes that always had a + peculiar light in them whenever her soul took in a new suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” she said. “I see, oh! a great many things. I ought to have + called in that dear sister Ester to help on this phase of the question + before. It has always seemed to me as though we were doing her work.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — “THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM” + </h2> + <p> + That was the beginning of a new effort. There were certain young ladies + becoming well-known to Mrs. Roberts, by reason of a similarity of tastes + which drew them to her. + </p> + <p> + She sat down one day and wrote out their names with great care on her + tablets. + </p> + <p> + Miss Henderson's name headed the list. She was one of the aristocrats. I + use the word in its highest sense. The accidents of wealth and position + were hers; at least, that is the way we talk, though I suppose we all + believe that the Lord is the giver of both, and will require an account of + the same at our hands. + </p> + <p> + If this be so, Miss Henderson will be more ready than some with her + rendering; for she is of royal blood, and guards well the honor of the + Christian name she bears. + </p> + <p> + Without hesitation, Miss Henderson headed the list. The others were chosen + more slowly; ten of them, picked soldiers, to do special duty “in His + name.” + </p> + <p> + It required much explanation, much care to plan wisely. + </p> + <p> + But the girls caught at the idea. + </p> + <p> + In the course of weeks they formed a band, with Miss Henderson for + president. Ostensibly they were a literary society; really they were + diamond polishers. + </p> + <p> + They met one evening by invitation, with Mrs. Roberts, and made the + acquaintance of the “Monday Club.” They sang for them, read for them, + heard them read; chatted with them on the various topics of the hour, the + last lecture of the course, which all had attended; a certain book + carefully read and criticised by Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and Dr. Everett in + the Monday Club,—not so carefully read by the young ladies; + therefore, it came to pass that they were somewhat worsted in an argument + concerning it, which was bad neither for the young ladies nor the Monday + Club. + </p> + <p> + Finally, they were taken out to supper by these young men, who had so far + come under Mrs. Robert's' influence that they were willing to endure + torture for the sake of pleasing her. + </p> + <p> + It is a long story. I could write another book about it just as well as + not. + </p> + <p> + The main difficulty would be that the critics would pronounce the story + overdrawn. They always do when one revels in facts. It is only when an + author keeps within the range of sober fiction that he may feel + comparatively safe from this charge. + </p> + <p> + These young ladies represented other parlors and other dining-rooms. They + arranged for little graceful entertainments, to which the Monday Club was + invited. Gradually others were invited too—good, solid men, and + wise-hearted, motherly women. The invitations were select, the “polishers” + were chosen with care; but it was surprising to these workers to find how + large the Christian world is, and how many stood ready to help if they + were shown love. + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the best suggestions that that dear Ester has given us.” + This Mrs. Roberts said one evening when the Young Ladies' Band and the + Monday Club combined their forces and gave an entertainment to some of the + best people on the avenue. + </p> + <p> + I have given you hints of how they did it. They were every one Christians, + these young ladies; none others were chosen. They worked with a single aim + in view—His glory. They took no step that was not paved with prayer. + Do you need to be told that they succeeded? + </p> + <p> + This was one of the reasons why Mr. Colson chatted with Miss Henderson + with perfect freedom, and why his bow was graceful and easy when she + introduced him to her friend Miss Fanshawe, of Philadelphia. He was + accustomed to being introduced to her friends. + </p> + <p> + I'm sure I hope you wish I would tell you somewhat of Mart Colson. If you + are not deeply interested in her I am disappointed in you. She has been + such an object of interest to me since that time when I caught a glimpse + of her once through the cellar-window, with a gleam of sunset making her + hair into gold. + </p> + <p> + It is a summer evening of which I tell you, and she is all in white—except + her eyes; nothing can be bluer than they are to-night,—and except + the flowers about her. She is always among the flowers. + </p> + <p> + I hesitate, after all, to tell you about Mart. Hers is one of those + stories hard to tell. Besides, her friend and patron has suffered much + criticism because of her, and though Mrs. Roberts does not care in the + least, I find that I am sensitive. + </p> + <p> + “Has she really kept that Colson girl with her all these years?” Yes, she + has. I speak it meekly, but she has! “And never had her learn a trade, or + work in a factory, or learn to support herself in any way?” She has never + sent her anywhere to learn a trade or to work in a factory or to stand + behind a counter. It is too true. + </p> + <p> + No, I was almost sure you did not approve of it. But, for all that, I + don't mean to argue Mrs. Roberts' cause. “To her own Master she standeth + or falleth.” + </p> + <p> + Not but what Mrs. Roberts has argued, on occasion,—with Gracie + Dennis, for instance, who paid her a few weeks' visit, less than three + months after she first went home. + </p> + <p> + “Flossy,” she would say, “what are you going to do—with the girl? Do + you really mean to keep her here?” + </p> + <p> + “She has no mother, my child, nor father; and her brother is not able to + care for her yet. Where would you have me send her?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Flossy, there are places.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear, I know it, and this is one of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but she ought to be learning things. How is she going to support + herself?” + </p> + <p> + “She is studying arithmetic with me, you know, and writing and reading + with the dining-room girls; and I am teaching her music, and Mr. Roberts + proposes to have her join the history class as soon as she is sufficiently + advanced in the more common studies.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Flossy Shipley, that is great nonsense! You know what I mean. You + cannot turn the world upside down in that fashion, or make an orphan + asylum of your house or a charity school.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear, do you really think the house is in danger? Does it look like an + orphan asylum or feel like a charity school?” + </p> + <p> + Then would Gracie Dennis laugh, but look a trifle vexed, nevertheless, and + mutter that people couldn't do things that way in this world. + </p> + <p> + Then would Flossy be ready with her gentle drops of oil to soothe the + ruffles. + </p> + <p> + “Gracie, dear, I am not trying to reform the world. There are a great many + girls left destitute I know, and I will do at wholesale all I can for + them; but this one is peculiar. You have admitted that it was unusual to + see such dangerous beauty, and she is unusual in her mental development. + She could be fierce and wicked; she is ignorant and bitter about many + things; I am afraid for her. I have not been able to think of a place + where the Lord Jesus would have me take her. I must see to it that <i>He</i> + is pleased, you know, at all hazards. If He does not mean us to keep her + in the shelter of our home for the present, we do not know what He means. + </p> + <p> + “We cannot 'mother' the whole race: He has not even suggested it to our + hearts. He has simply said, 'Here, take this one; there is room for her; + keep her until I plainly tell you that her place is elsewhere.' Gracie, + would you have me tell Him we cannot?” + </p> + <p> + By this time Gracie would be humble and sweet. + </p> + <p> + “It is very good of you,” she would say, meekly, “and I was not thinking + of such a thing as finding fault. I was only wondering whether—whether—well, + you know—whether such a life as she is leading in your house would + not unfit her for her proper sphere?” + </p> + <p> + But a sentence like that was always liable to put little Mrs. Roberts on + all the dignity she possessed. Her husband had ideas on that subject, and + had imbued her with them. Her voice could even sound almost haughty as she + said:— + </p> + <p> + “As to that, Gracie, we must remember that the 'sphere' of an American + woman is the one that she can fill acceptably in God's sight. He may call + her to the highest; I don't know. Since she is the daughter of a King, + there may be no spot on His footstool too high for His intentions + concerning her.” + </p> + <p> + There was outside criticism, of course. Indeed, Mrs. Roberts was + sufficiently peculiar in many respects to call for much criticism from the + world. They talked much about “that girl” she had picked up. Gradually + they said “that Colson girl”; then one day some daughter asked, “Is she + really a sister of that handsome Mr. Colson in the store?” And by-and-by + there were some who spoke of her as “Mattie Colson.” That was the name + which Mrs. Roberts always called her. It began gradually to be known also + that “Mattie Colson” knew a great deal which was worth knowing. Three + years of companionship with a lady like Mrs. Roberts, and such as she + gathers about her, can do much for a girl who wishes much done for her. + </p> + <p> + As to “earning her living,” I am not sure but she was learning to do it in + several ways. Mrs. Roberts struggled against all false ideas of life, + therefore taught her none. + </p> + <p> + She was not the cook, but she could, and had on occasion, served up a most + enjoyable breakfast. + </p> + <p> + She was not the second-girl, yet her fingers were undeniably skilful in + the arrangement of rooms and tables. She was not the sewing-girl, yet + constant were the calls on fingers that had become wise in these + directions. She was by no means the nurse, yet there was a little + golden-haired “Flossy” in the sunny room upstairs whose devoted slave she + was, and whose mother felt that Mattie's loving, watchful care over her + darling was only second to her own, and was so to be relied upon, by day + and night, as to repay tenfold whatever she might have done for the girl. + </p> + <p> + In fact, it would perhaps be difficult to define “Mart” Colon's position + in the house. Yet she was, as I said, becoming known among the young + ladies outside as “Mattie Colson, that handsome young Colson's sister; as + pretty as a doll, and a <i>protégé</i> of that lovely Mrs. Roberts, you + know.” As for the Young Ladies' Band,—I do not include them when I + talk of the girls “outside,”—what they had done for Mattie Colson + she could not have told you though she tried, her eyes shining with tears. + </p> + <p> + The days had come wherein the very matrons who had said that it was a + strange thing for Mrs. Roberts to take a girl from the slums into her + family—that it was “tempting Providence to attempt such violent + wrenches”—now said one to another, that “it must be a great relief + to Mrs. Roberts to have that Mattie Colson always at her elbow to see that + everything about the home was just as it should be;” and they added, with + a sigh, that “some people were very fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + Now, dear critic, you stand all ready to say that this is a very nice <i>paper</i> + story, but that in actual life attempts at doing good do not result so + smoothly; that to be “natural,” Mrs. Roberts ought, at least, to have + tried in vain to reclaim half of her boys. + </p> + <p> + It is true, I have said nothing to you about two or three whom she has not + as yet reached, though she is still trying. My story was not of them, but + of the twenty whom she <i>did</i> reach. Concerning your verdict, there + are two things that I want to say: First, go into the work, and give the + time and patience and faith and prayer that Mrs. Roberts and her + fellow-workers gave, before you decide that it is vain. + </p> + <p> + And secondly, will you kindly remember that, whether this be natural or + not, it is true? + </p> + <p> + I do not think I have told you the immediate occasion of this particular + gathering. It was, in fact, a reception given to Mrs. Ried. It is not + likely that I need tell you at this late day that her name was <i>Gracie + Dennis</i> Ried. I could have told you much about it, had I been writing a + story of that sort. + </p> + <p> + In fact, there is a chance for considerable romancing. There are matters + of interest that I might tell you, about “Mr. Colson” himself, young as he + is; and about Mattie, who wears to-night a rose that she did not pick from + the conservatory; but I don't mean to tell it. + </p> + <p> + I have just one other bit of history to give you. They stood together for + a moment—the young bridegroom and the lady with whom he had + faithfully worked ever since that rainy afternoon in which he had confided + his gloom to her. + </p> + <p> + Both were looking at the two young men who stood near the piano, waiting + to join in the chorus. Both had known these young men as “Nimble Dick” and + “Black Dirk.” + </p> + <p> + Still another of the original seven stood in the immediate vicinity. The + glances of the two workers took them all in; then they looked at each + other, and smiled meaningly. + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking of that first Sunday afternoon,” said Mrs. Roberts. + “I asked them to pick up my handkerchief, which had dropped, and 'Nimble + Dick' said, 'Pick it up yourself, mum! you're as able to as we be!' I + wonder if they would remember it? What if I should tell them!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the bit of cambric in her hand designedly dropped almost at + the feet of Dirk Colson. He stooped for it instantly, but “Nimble Dick” + was too quick for him, and presented it to the owner with a graceful bow, + and a slightly triumphant smile. + </p> + <p> + But the chorus was commencing, and the bass and tenor were at once + absorbed in their work; so Mr. Ried and Mrs. Roberts had the memorial + laugh all to themselves. None but they understood what the white + handkerchief said. + </p> + <p> + Despite the laughter there was a suspicious mist in Mr. Ried's eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How far is mirth removed from tears?” he asked his hostess. And then: “Do + you know, when I look at these young men, moving about your rooms at their + ease, really ornaments to society, and think of the places in the world + that they will be likely to fill, and think of what they were when you + first saw them, the overwhelming contrast brings the tears!” + </p> + <p> + Said Mrs. Roberts:— + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you something that will do your heart good. + </p> + <p> + “Did you know that our young lady helpers had reorganized in larger force, + and with certain fixed lines of work, which they feel certain they can do? + </p> + <p> + “The effort has passed out of the realm of mere experiment. + </p> + <p> + “They have chosen a name. They are henceforth to be known as THE ESTER + RIED BAND. + </p> + <p> + “They came to me for a motto to hang in their rooms, below the name; and I + gave them this:— + </p> + <p> + “'And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write. Blessed are the + dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that + they may rest from their labors: and their works do follow them.'” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Ester Ried Yet Speaking, by Isabella Alden + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ESTER RIED YET SPEAKING *** + +***** This file should be named 9091-h.htm or 9091-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/0/9/9091/ + + +Text file produced by J. Erickson, T. Allen, B. 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