"Wouldn't it be wicked to settle it that way?"

"It's gamblers that draw lots."

"People did it in the Bible ever so often."

"It doesn't seem nice for a missionary meeting."

These remarks fell all together upon the president's bewildered
ear the while (as she always said in compositions)--"the while"
she was trying to adjust the ethics of this unexpected and
difficult dilemma.

"It is a very puzzly question," she said thoughtfully. "I could
ask Aunt Jane if we had time, but I suppose we haven't. It
doesn't seem nice to draw lots, and yet how can we settle it
without? We know we mean right, and perhaps it will be. Alice,
take this paper and tear off five narrow pieces, all different
lengths."

At this moment a voice from a distance floated up to the
haymow--a voice saying plaintively: "Will you let me play with
you, girls? Huldah has gone to ride, and I'm all alone."

It was the voice of the absolutely-without-guile Thirza Meserve,
and it came at an opportune moment.

"If she is going to be a member," said Persis, "why not let her
come up and hold the lots? She'd be real honest and not favor
anybody."