it did seem to me I could NOT do it! I was sorely tempted to
break my promise. I was, for a fact." He drew a long breath.
"I just had to pray for grace, or I never would have pulled through.
I had the sermon my wife likes best with me; but I know it lacks--
it lacks--it isn't what you need! I was dreadfully scared and I
felt miserable when I got up to preach it--and then to think that
you were--but it is the Lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes!
I don't know what Maggie will say when I tell her we can get the window.
The best she hoped was I'd bring back enough so the church
could pay me eighteen dollars they owe on my salary. And now--
it's wonderful! Why, Mr. Lossing, I've been thinking so much and
wanting so to get that window for her, that, hearing the dean wanted
some car-pentering done, I thought maybe, as I'm a fair carpenter--
that was my trade once, sir--I'd ask him to let ME do the job.
I was aware there is nothing in our rules--I mean our canons--
to prevent me, and nobody need know I was the rector of Matin's Junction,
because I would come just in my overalls. There is a cheap place
where I could lodge, and I could feed myself for almost nothing,
living is so cheap. I was praying about that, too. Now, your noble
generosity will enable me to donate what they owe on my salary,
and get the window too!"

"Take my advice," said Harry, "donate nothing.
Say nothing about this gift; I will take care of the warden,
and I can answer for the dean."

"Yes," said the dean, "on the whole, Gilling, you would better
say nothing, I think; Mr. Lossing is more afraid of a reputation
for generosity than of the small-pox."