John Ward, Preacher by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland
page 81 of 448 (18%)
page 81 of 448 (18%)
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be hard on the child. But she mustn't be foolish. I don't want her to
make herself unhappy by getting unsettled in her belief, and that is what this sort of questioning results in. But I didn't come out to scold Helen; it just occurred to me that it might be a good thing to send her that twenty-five dollars I meant to give to domestic missions, and let her use it for some of her poor people. What?" "Oh, yes, do!" Lois replied. "Let me send twenty-five dollars, too!" Dick cried, whipping out a check-book. Dr. Howe protested, but Mr. Forsythe insisted that it was a great pleasure. "Don't you see," he explained, smiling, "if Mrs. Ward will spend some money for me, it will make my conscience easy for a month; for, to tell you the truth, doctor, I don't think about poor people any more than I can help; it's too unpleasant. I'm afraid I'm very selfish." This was said with such a good-natured look, Dr. Howe could only smile indulgently. "Ah, well, you're young, and I'm sure your twenty-five dollars for Helen's poor people will cover a multitude of sins. I fancy you are not quite so bad as you would have us believe." Lois watched him draw his check, and was divided between admiration and an undefined dissatisfaction with herself for feeling admiration for what really meant so little. "Thank you very much," the rector said heartily. "Oh, you're welcome, I'm sure," answered the other. |
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