MR. POWER.

 

NEXT day Christie braved the lion in his den¹, otherwise the flinty Flint, in her second-class boarding-house, and found that alarm and remorse² had produced a softening³ effect upon her. She was unfeignedly glad to see her lost lodger⁴ safe, and finding that the new friends were likely to put her in the way of paying her debts, this much harassed⁵ matron permitted her to pack up her possessions, leaving one trunk as a sort of hostage. Then, with promises to redeem⁶ it as soon as possible, Christie said good-bye to the little room where she had hoped and suffered, lived and labored⁸ so long, and went joyfully⁹ back to the humble¹⁰ home she had found with the good laundress.

 

All the following week Christie "chored round," as Mrs. Wilkins called the miscellaneous light work she let her do. Much washing, combing, and clean pinaforing of children fell to her share, and she enjoyed it amazingly; then, when the elder ones were packed off to school she lent a hand to any of the numberless tasks housewives find to do from morning till night. In the afternoon, when other work was done, and little Vic asleep or happy with her playthings, Christie clapped laces, sprinkled muslins, and picked out edgings at the great table where Mrs. Wilkins stood ironing, fluting¹¹, and crimping till the kitchen bristled¹² all over with immaculate frills and flounces.

 

It was pretty delicate work, and Christie liked it, for Mrs. Wilkins was an adept¹³ at her trade and took as much pride and pleasure in it as any French blanchis-seuse tripping through the streets of Paris with a tree full of coquettish caps, capes¹⁴, and petticoats borne before her by a half invisible boy.

 

Being women, of course they talked as industriously¹⁵ as they worked; fingers flew and tongues clacked with equal profit and pleasure, and, by Saturday, Christie had made up her mind that Mrs. Wilkins was the most sensible woman she ever knew. Her grammar was an outrage¹⁶ upon the memory of Lindley Murray, but the goodness of her heart would have done honor to any saint in the calendar. She was very plain, and her manners were by no means elegant, but good temper made that homely¹⁷ face most lovable, and natural refinement¹⁸ of soul made mere¹⁹ external polish of small account. Her shrewd ideas and odd sayings amused Christie very much, while her good sense and bright way of looking at things did the younger woman a world of good.

 

Mr. Wilkins devoted²⁰ himself to the making of shoes and the consumption of food, with the silent regularity²¹ of a placid²² animal. His one dissipation was tobacco, and in a fragrant²³ cloud of smoke he lived and moved and had his being so entirely²⁴ that he might have been described as a pipe with a man somewhere behind it. Christie once laughingly spoke²⁵ of this habit and declared she would try it herself if she thought it would make her as quiet and undemonstrative as Mr. Wilkins, who, to tell the truth, made no more impression on her than a fly.

 

"I don't approve on't, but he might do wuss. We all have to have our comfort somehow, so I let Lisha smoke as much as he likes, and he lets me gab²⁶, so it's about fair, I reckon," answered Mrs. Wilkins, from the suds.

 

She laughed as she spoke, but something in her face made Christie suspect that at some period of his life Lisha had done "wuss;" and subsequent observations confirmed this suspicion and another one also, - that his good wife had saved him, and was gently easing him back to self-control and self-respect. But, as old Fuller quaintly²⁷ says, "She so gently folded up his faults in silence that few guessed them," and loyally paid him that respect which she desired others to bestow²⁸. It was always "Lisha and me," "I'll ask my husband" or "Lisha 'll know; he don't say much, but he's a dreadful smart man," and she kept up the fiction so dear to her wifely soul by endowing him with her own virtues²⁹, and giving him the credit of her own intelligence.

 

Christie loved her all the better for this devotion, and for her sake treated Mr. Wilkins as if he possessed³⁰ the strength of Samson and the wisdom of Solomon. He received her respect as if it was his due, and now and then graciously accorded her a few words beyond the usual scanty³¹ allowance of morning and evening greetings. At his shop all day, she only saw him at meals and sometimes of an evening, for Mrs. Wilkins tried to keep him at home safe from temptation, and Christie helped her by reading, talking, and frolicking with the children, so that he might find home attractive. He loved his babies and would even relinquish³² his precious pipe for a time to ride the little chaps on his foot, or amuse Vic with shadow rabbit's on the wall.

 

At such times the entire content in Mrs. Wilkins's face made tobacco fumes³³ endurable, and the burden of a dull man's presence less oppressive to Christie, who loved to pay her debts in something besides money.

 

As they sat together finishing off some delicate laces that Saturday afternoon, Mrs. Wilkins said, "Ef it's fair to-morrow I want you to go to my meetin' and hear my minister. It'll do you good."

 

"Who is he?"

 

"Mr. Power."

 

Christie looked rather startled, for she had heard of Thomas Power as a rampant³⁴ radical³⁵ and infidel of the deepest dye, and been warned never to visit that den of iniquity³⁶ called his free church.

 

"Why, Mrs. Wilkins, you don't mean it!" she said, leaving her lace to dry at the most critical stage.

 

"Yee, I do!" answered Mrs. Wilkins, setting down her flat-iron with emphasis, and evidently preparing to fight valiantly³⁷ for her minister, as most women will.

 

"I beg your pardon; I was a little surprised, for I'd heard all sorts of things about him," Christie hastened to say.

 

"Did you ever hear him, or read any of his writins?" demanded Mrs. Wilkins, with a calmer air.

 

"Never."

 

"Then don't judge. You go hear and see that blessed man, and ef you don't say he's the shadder of a great rock in a desert land, I'll give up," cried the good woman, waxing poetical³⁸ in her warmth.

 

"I will to please you, if nothing else. I did go once just because I was told not to; but he did not preach that day and every thing was so peculiar³⁹, I didn't know whether to like it or be shocked."

 

"It is kind of sing'lar at fust, I'm free to confess, and not as churchy as some folks like. But there ain't no place but that big enough to hold the crowds that want to go, for the more he's abused the more folks flock to see him. They git their money's wuth I do believe, for though there ain't no pulpits and pews, there's a sight of brotherly love round in them seats, and pious⁴⁰ practice, as well as powerful preaching, in that shabby desk. He don't need no commandments painted up behind him to read on Sunday, for he keeps 'em in his heart and life all the week as honest as man can."

 

There Mrs. Wilkins paused, flushed and breathless with her defence, and Christie said, candidly⁴¹: "I did like the freedom and good-will there, for people sat where they liked, and no one frowned over shut pew-doors, at me a stranger. An old black woman sat next me, and said 'Amen' when she liked what she heard, and a very shabby young man was on the other, listening as if his soul was as hungry as his body. People read books, laughed and cried, clapped when pleased, and hissed⁴² when angry; that I did not like."

 

"No more does Mr. Power; he don't mind the cryin' and the smilin' as it's nat'ral, but noise and disrespect of no kind ain't pleasin' to him. His own folks behave becomin', but strangers go and act as they like, thinkin' that there ain't no bounds to the word free. Then we are picked at for their doin's, and Mr. Power has to carry other folkses' sins on his shoulders. But, dear suz, it ain't much matter after all, ef the souls is well-meanin'. Children always make a noise a strivin' after what they want most, and I shouldn't wonder ef the Lord forgive all our short-comin's of that sort, sense we are hankerin' and reachin' for the truth."

 

"I wish I had heard Mr. Power that day, for I was striving after peace with all my heart, and he might have given it to me," said Christie, interested and impressed with what she heard.

 

"Wal, no, dear, I guess not. Peace ain't give to no one all of a suddin, it gen'lly comes through much tribulation⁴³, and the sort that comes hardest is best wuth havin'. Mr. Power would a' ploughed and harrered you, so to speak, and sowed good seed liberal; then ef you warn't barren ground things would have throve, and the Lord give you a harvest accordin' to your labor⁷. Who did you hear?" asked Mrs. Wilkins, pausing to starch⁴⁴ and clap vigorously.

 

"A very young man who seemed to be airing his ideas and beliefs in the frankest manner. He belabored⁴⁵ everybody and every thing, upset church and state, called names, arranged heaven and earth to suit himself, and evidently meant every word he said. Much of it would have been ridiculous if the boy had not been so thoroughly⁴⁶ in earnest; sincerity⁴⁷ always commands respect, and though people smiled, they liked his courage, and seemed to think he would make a man when his spiritual wild oats were sown."

 

"I ain't a doubt on't. We often have such, and they ain't all empty talk, nuther; some of 'em are surprisingly bright, and all mean so well I don't never reluct to hear 'em. They must blow off their steam somewheres, else they'd bust⁴⁸ with the big idees a swellin' in 'em; Mr. Power knows it and gives 'em the chance they can't find nowheres else. 'Pears to me," added Mrs. Wilkins, ironing rapidly as she spoke, "that folks is very like clothes, and a sight has to be done to keep 'em clean and whole. All on us has to lend a hand in this dreadful mixed-up wash, and each do our part, same as you and me is now. There's scrubbin' and bilin', wrenchin' and bluein', dryin' and foldin', ironin' and polishin', before any of us is fit for wear a Sunday mornin'."

 

"What part does Mr. Power do?" asked Christie, much amused at this peculiarly appropriate simile⁴⁹.

 

"The scrubbin' and the bilin'; that's always the hardest and the hottest part. He starts the dirt and gits the stains out, and leaves 'em ready for other folks to finish off. It ain't such pleasant work as hangin' out, or such pretty work as doin' up, but some one's got to do it, and them that's strongest does it best, though they don't git half so much credit as them as polishes and crimps. That's showy work, but it wouldn't be no use ef the things warn't well washed fust," and Mrs. Wilkins thoughtfully surveyed the snowy muslin cap, with its border fluted⁵⁰ like the petals⁵¹ of a prim⁵² white daisy, that hung on her hand.

 

"I'd like to be a washerwoman of that sort; but as I'm not one of the strong, I'll be a laundress, and try to make purity as attractive as you do," said Christie, soberly.

 

"Ah, my dear, it's warm and wearin' work I do assure you, and hard to give satisfaction, try as you may. Crowns of glory ain't wore in this world, but it's my 'pinion⁵³ that them that does the hard jobs here will stand a good chance of havin' extra bright ones when they git through."

 

"I know you will," said Christie, warmly.

 

"Land alive, child! I warn't thinking of Cynthy Wilkins, but Mr. Power. I'll be satisfied ef I can set low down somewheres and see him git the meddle⁵⁴. He won't in this world, but I know there's rewards savin' up for him byme-by."

 

"I'll go to-morrow if it pours!" said Christie, with decision.

 

"Do, and I'll lend you my bunnit," cried Mrs. Wilkins, passing, with comical rapidity, from crowns of glory to her own cherished head-gear.

 

"Thank you, but I can't wear blue, I look as yellow as a dandelion in it. Mrs. Flint let me have my best things though I offered to leave them, so I shall be respectable and by-and-by blossom out."

 

On the morrow Christie went early, got a good seat, and for half an hour watched the gathering⁵⁵ of the motley congregation that filled the great hall. Some came in timidly, as if doubtful of their welcome; some noisily, as if, as Mrs. Wilkins said, they had not learned the wide difference between liberty and license⁵⁶; many as if eager and curious; and a large number with the look of children gathering round a family table ready to be fed, and sure that wholesome⁵⁷ food would be bountifully provided for them.

 

Christie was struck by the large proportion of young people in the place, of all classes, both sexes, and strongly contrasting faces. Delicate girls looking with the sweet wistfulness of maidenly⁵⁸ hearts for something strong to lean upon and love; sad-eyed women turning to heaven for the consolations⁵⁹ or the satisfactions earth could not give them; anxious mothers perplexed⁶⁰ with many cares, trying to find light and strength; young men with ardent⁶¹ faces, restless, aspiring⁶², and impetuous, longing⁶³ to do and dare; tired-looking students, with perplexed wrinkles on their foreheads, evidently come to see if this man had discovered the great secrets they were delving⁶⁴ after; and soul-sick people trying this new, and perhaps dangerous medicine, when others failed to cure. Many earnest, thoughtful men and women were there, some on the anxious seat, and some already at peace, having found the clew that leads safely through the labyrinth⁶⁵ of life. Here and there a white head, a placid old face, or one of those fine countenances⁶⁶ that tell, unconsciously, the beautiful story of a victorious⁶⁷ soul.

 

Some read, some talked, some had flowers in their hands, and all sat at ease, rich and poor, black and white, young and old, waiting for the coming of the man who had power to attract and hold so many of his kind. Christie was so intent on watching those about her that she did not see him enter, and only knew it by the silence which began just in front of her, and seemed to flow backward like a wave, leaving a sea of expectant faces turning to one point. That point was a gray head, just visible above the little desk which stood in the middle of a great platform. A vase of lovely flowers was on the little shelf at one side, a great Bible reposed⁶⁸ on the other, and a manuscript lay on the red slope between.

 

In a moment Christie forgot every thing else, and waited with a curious anxiety to see what manner of man this was. Presently he got up with an open book in his hand, saying, in a strong, cheerful voice: "Let us sing," and having read a hymn⁶⁹ as if he had composed it, he sat down again.

 

Then everybody did sing; not harmoniously⁷⁰, but heartily⁷¹, led by an organ, which the voices followed at their own sweet will. At first, Christie wanted to smile, for some shouted and some hummed, some sat silent, and others sung sweetly; but before the hymn ended she liked it, and thought that the natural praise of each individual soul was perhaps more grateful to the ear of God than masses by great masters, or psalms⁷² warbled tunefully by hired opera singers.

 

Then Mr. Power rose again, and laying his hands together, with a peculiarly soft and reverent⁷³ gesture, lifted up his face and prayed. Christie had never heard a prayer like that before; so devout⁷⁴, so comprehensive, and so brief. A quiet talk with God, asking nothing but more love and duty toward Him and our fellow-men; thanking Him for many mercies, and confiding⁷⁵ all things trustfully to the "dear father and mother of souls."

 

The sermon which followed was as peculiar as the prayer, and as effective. "One of Power's judgment-day sermons," as she heard one man say to another, when it was over. Christie certainly felt at first as if kingdoms and thrones were going down, and each man being sent to his own place. A powerful and popular wrong was arrested, tried, and sentenced then and there, with a courage and fidelity⁷⁶ that made plain words eloquent⁷⁷, and stern justice beautiful. He did not take David of old for his text, but the strong, sinful, splendid Davids of our day, who had not fulfilled the promise of their youth, and whose seeming success was a delusion⁷⁸ and a snare⁷⁹ to themselves and others, sure to be followed by sorrowful abandonment, defeat, and shame. The ashes of the ancient hypocrites and Pharisees was left in peace, but those now living were heartily denounced; modern money-changers scourged⁸⁰ out of the temple, and the everlasting⁸¹ truth set up therein.

 

As he spoke, not loudly nor vehemently⁸², but with the indescribable effect of inward force and true inspiration, a curious stir went through the crowd at times, as a great wind sweeps over a corn field, lifting the broad leaves to the light and testing the strength of root and stem. People looked at one another with a roused expression; eyes kindled⁸³, heads nodded involuntary approval, and an emphatic⁸⁴, "that's so!" dropped from the lips of men who saw their own vague instincts and silent opinions strongly confirmed and nobly uttered. Consciences seemed to have been pricked⁸⁵ to duty, eyes cleared to see that their golden idols⁸⁶ had feet of clay, and wavering wills strengthened by the salutary courage and integrity of one indomitable man. Another hymn, and a benediction⁸⁸ that seemed like a fit grace after meat, and then the crowd poured out; not yawning, thinking of best clothes, or longing for dinner, but waked up, full of talk, and eager to do something to redeem the country and the world.

 

Christie went rapidly home because she could not help it, and burst in upon Mrs. Wilkins with a face full of enthusiasm, exclaiming, while she cast off her bonnet⁸⁹ as if her head had outgrown⁹⁰ it since she left:

 

"It was splendid! I never heard such a sermon before, and I'll never go to church anywhere else."

 

"I knew it! ain't it fillin'? don't it give you a kind of spiritnl h'ist, and make things wuth more somehow?" cried Mrs. Wilkins, gesticulating with the pepper-pot in a way which did not improve the steak she was cooking, and caused great anguish⁹¹ to the noses of her offspring, who were watching the operation.

 

Quite deaf to the chorus of sneezes which accompanied her words, Christie answered, brushing back her hair, as if to get a better out-look at creation generally:

 

"Oh, yes, indeed! At first it was rather terrible, and yet so true I wouldn't change a word of it. But I don't wonder he is misunderstood, belied⁹², and abused. He tells the truth so plainly, and lets in the light so clearly, that hypocrites and sinners must fear and hate him. I think he was a little hard and unsparing, sometimes, though I don't know enough to judge the men and measures he condemned⁹³. I admire him very much, but I should be afraid of him if I ever saw him nearer."

 

"No, you wouldn't; not a grain. You hear him preach agin and you'll find him as gentle as a lamb. Strong folks is apt to be ruther ha'sh at times; they can't help it no more than this stove can help scorchin' the vittles when it gits red hot. Dinner's ready, so set right up and tell me all about it," said Mrs. Wilkins, slapping the steak on to the platter, and beginning to deal out fried potatoes all round with absent-minded lavishness⁹⁴.

 

Christie talked, and the good soul enjoyed that far more than her dinner, for she meant to ask Mr. Power to help her find the right sort of home for the stranger whose unfitness for her present place was every day made more apparent to the mind of her hostess.

 

"What took you there first?" asked Christie, still wondering at Mrs. Wilkins's choice of a minister.

 

"The Lord, my dear," answered the good woman, in a tone of calm conviction. "I'd heard of him, and I always have a leanin' towards them that's reviled⁹⁵; so one Sabbath I felt to go, and did. 'That's the gospel for me,' says I, 'my old church ain't big enough now, and I ain't goin' to set and nod there any longer,' and I didn't."

 

"Hadn't you any doubts about it, any fears of going wrong or being sorry afterwards?" asked Christie, who believed, as many do, that religion could not be attained⁹⁶ without much tribulation of some kind.

 

"In some things folks is led; I be frequent, and when them leadin's corne I don't ask no questions but jest foller, and it always turns out right."

 

"I wish I could be led."

 

"You be, my dear, every day of your life only you don't see it. When you are doubtful, set still till the call conies, then git up and walk whichever way it says, and you won't fall. You've had bread and water long enough, now you want meat and wine a spell; take it, and when it's time for milk and honey some one will fetch 'em ef you keep your table ready. The Lord feeds us right; it's we that quarrel with our vittles."

 

"I will," said Christie, and began at once to prepare her little board for the solid food of which she had had a taste that day.

 

That afternoon Mrs. Wilkins took her turn at church-going, saw Mr. Power, told Christie's story in her best style, and ended by saying:

 

"She's true grit⁸⁷, I do assure you, sir. Willin' to work, but she's seen the hard side of things and got kind of discouraged. Soul and body both wants tinkerin' up, and I don't know anybody who can do the job better 'n you can."

 

"Very well, I'll come and see her," answered Mr. Power, and Mrs. Wilkins went home well satisfied.

 

He kept his word, and about the middle of the week came walking in upon them as they were at work.

 

"Don't let the irons cool," he said, and sitting down in the kitchen began to talk as comfortably as if in the best parlor⁹⁷; more so, perhaps, for best parlors⁹⁸ are apt to have a depressing effect upon the spirits, while the mere sight of labor is exhilarating to energetic minds.

 

He greeted Christie kindly⁹⁹, and then addressed himself to Mrs. Wilkins on various charitable matters, for he was a minister at large, and she one of his almoners. Christie could really see him now, for when he preached she forgot the man in the sermon, and thought of him only as a visible conscience.

 

A sturdy man of fifty, with a keen, brave face, penetrating¹⁰⁰ eyes, and mouth a little grim; but a voice so resonant¹⁰¹ and sweet it reminded one of silver trumpets¹⁰², and stirred and won the hearer with irresistible¹⁰³ power. Rough gray hair, and all the features rather rugged¹⁰⁴, as if the Great Sculptor¹⁰⁵ had blocked out a grand statue, and left the man's own soul to finish it.

 

Had Christie known that he came to see her she would have been ill at ease; but Mrs. Wilkins had kept her own counsel, so when Mr. Power turned to Christie, saying:

 

"My friend here tells me you want something to do. Would you like to help a Quaker lady with her housework, just out of town?"

 

She answered readily: "Yes, sir, any thing that is honest."

 

"Not as a servant, exactly, but companion and helper. Mrs. Sterling¹⁰⁶ is a dear old lady, and the place a pleasant little nest. It is good to be there, and I think you'll say so if you go."

 

"It sounds pleasant. When shall I go?"

 

Mr. Power smiled at her alacrity¹⁰⁷, but the longing look in her eyes explained it, for he saw at a glance that her place was not here.

 

"I will write at once and let you know how matters are settled. Then you shall try it, and if it is not what you want, we will find you something else. There's plenty to do, and nothing pleasanter than to put the right pair of hands to the right task. Good-by; come and see me if the spirit moves, and don't let go of Mrs. Wilkins till you lay hold of a better friend, if you can find one."

 

Then he shook hands cordially, and went walking out again into the wild March weather as if he liked it.

 

"Were you afraid of him?" asked Mrs. Wilkins.

 

"I forgot all about it: he looked so kind and friendly. But I shouldn't like to have those piercing eyes of his fixed¹⁰⁸ on me long if I had any secret on my conscience," answered Christie.

 

"You ain't nothin' to fear. He liked your way of speakin' fust rate, I see that, and you'll be all right now he's took hold."

 

"Do you know Mrs. Sterling?"

 

"Only by sight, but she's a sweet appearin' woman, and I wouldn't ask nothin' better 'n to see more of her," said Mrs. Wilkins, warmly, fearing Christie's heart might misgive¹⁰⁹ her.

 

But it did not, and when a note came saying Mrs. Sterling would be ready for her the next week, she seemed quite content with every thing, for though the wages were not high she felt that country air and quiet were worth more to her just then than money, and that Wilkinses were better taken homceopathically.

 

The spirit did move her to go and see Mr. Power, but she could not make up her mind to pass that invisible barrier which stands between so many who could give one another genuine help if they only dared to ask it. But when Sunday came she went to church, eager for more, and thankful that she knew where to go for it.

 

This was a very different sermon from the other, and Christie felt as if he preached it for her alone. "Keep innocency¹¹⁰ and take heed¹¹¹ to the thing that is right, for this will bring a man peace at the last," might have been the text, and Mr. Power treated it as if he had known all the trials and temptations that made it hard to live up to.

 

Justice and righteous wrath¹¹² possessed him before, now mercy and tenderest sympathy for those who faltered¹¹³ in well-doing, and the stern judge seemed changed to a pitiful father. But better than the pity was the wise counsel, the cheering words, and the devout surrender of the soul to its best instincts; its close communion with its Maker¹¹⁴, unchilled by fear, untrammelled by the narrowness of sect¹¹⁵ or superstition¹¹⁶, but full and free and natural as the breath of life.

 

As she listened Christie felt as if she was climbing up from a solitary¹¹⁷ valley, through mist and shadow toward a mountain top, where, though the way might be rough and strong winds blow, she would get a wider outlook over the broad earth, and be nearer the serene¹¹⁸ blue sky. For the first time in her life religion seemed a visible and vital thing; a power that she could grasp and feel, take into her life and make her daily bread. Not a vague, vast idea floating before her, now beautiful, now terrible, always undefined and far away.

 

She was strangely and powerfully moved that day, for the ploughing had begun; and when the rest stood up for the last hymn, Christie could only bow her head and let the uncontrollable tears flow down like summer rain, while her heart sang with new aspiration¹¹⁹:

 

"Nearer, my God, to thee,

E'en though a cross it be

That raiseth me,

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to thee.

Nearer to thee!"

Sitting with her hand before her eyes, she never stirred till the sound of many feet told her that service was done. Then she wiped her eyes, dropped her veil, and was about to rise when she saw a little bunch of flowers between the leaves of the hymn book lying open in her lap. Only a knot of violets set in their own broad leaves, but blue as friendly eyes looking into hers, and sweet as kind words whispered in her ear. She looked about her hoping to detect and thank the giver; but all faces were turned the other way, and all feet departing rapidly.

 

Christie followed with a very grateful thought in her heart for this little kindness from some unknown friend; and, anxious to recover herself entirely before she faced Mrs. Wilkins, she took a turn in the park.

 

The snow was gone, high winds had dried the walk, and a clear sky overhead made one forget sodden¹²⁰ turf and chilly¹²¹ air. March was going out like a lamb, and Christie enjoyed an occasional vernal whiff from far-off fields and wakening woods, as she walked down the broad mall watching the buds on the boughs¹²², and listening to the twitter of the sparrows, evidently discussing the passers-by as they sat at the doors of their little mansions¹²³.

 

Presently she turned to walk back again and saw Mr. Power coming toward her. She was glad, for all her fear had vanished now, and she wanted to thank him for the sermon that had moved her so deeply. He shook hands in his cordial way, and, turning, walked with her, beginning at once to talk of her affairs as if interested in them.

 

"Are you ready for the new experiment?" he asked.

 

"Quite ready, sir; very glad to go, and very much obliged to you for your kindness in providing for me."

 

"That is what we were put into the world for, to help one another. You can pass on the kindness by serving my good friends who, in return, will do their best for you."

 

"That's so pleasant! I always knew there were plenty of good, friendly people in the world, only I did not seem to find them often, or be able to keep them long when I did. Is Mr. Sterling an agreeable old man?"

 

"Very agreeable, but not old. David is about thirty-one or two, I think. He is the son of my friend, the husband died some years ago. I thought I mentioned it."

 

"You said in your note that Mr. Sterling was a florist¹²⁴, and might like me to help in the green-house, if I was willing. It must be lovely work, and I should like it very much."

 

"Yes, David devotes himself to his flowers, and leads a very quiet life. You may think him rather grave and blunt at first, but you'll soon find him out and get on comfortably, for he is a truly excellent fellow, and my right-hand man in good works."

 

A curious little change had passed over Christie's face during these last questions and answers, unconscious, but quite observable to keen eyes like Mr. Power's. Surprise and interest appeared first, then a shadow of reserve as if the young woman dropped a thin veil between herself and the young man, and at the last words a half smile and a slight raising of the brows seemed to express the queer mixture of pity and indifference¹²⁵ with which we are all apt to regard "excellent fellows" and "amiable¹²⁶ girls." Mr. Power understood the look, and went on more confidentially¹²⁷ than he had at first intended, for he did not want Christie to go off with a prejudice in her mind which might do both David and herself injustice¹²⁸.

 

"People sometimes misjudge him, for he is rather old-fashioned in manner and plain in speech, and may seem unsocial, because he does not seek society. But those who know the cause of this forgive any little short-comings for the sake of the genuine goodness of the man. David had a great trouble some years ago and suffered much. He is learning to bear it bravely, and is the better for it, though the memory of it is still bitter, and the cross hard to bear even with pride to help him hide it, and principle to keep him from despair."

 

Mr. Power glanced at Christie as he paused, and was satisfied with the effect of his words, for interest, pity, and respect shone in her face, and proved that he had touched the right string. She seemed to feel that this little confidence was given for a purpose, and showed that she accepted it as a sort of gage¹²⁹ for her own fidelity to her new employers.

 

"Thank you, sir, I shall remember," she said, with her frank eyes lifted gravely to his own. "I like to work for people whom I can respect," she added, "and will bear with any peculiarities¹³⁰ of Mr. Sterling's without a thought of complaint. When a man has suffered through one woman, all women should be kind and patient with him, and try to atone¹³¹ for the wrong which lessens¹³² his respect and faith in them."

 

"There you are right; and in this case all women should be kind, for David pities and protects womankind as the only retaliation¹³³ for the life-long grief one woman brought upon him. That's not a common revenge, is it?"

 

"It's beautiful!" cried Christie, and instantly David was a hero.

 

"At one time it was an even chance whether that trouble sent David to 'the devil,' as he expressed it, or made a man of him. That little saint of a mother kept him safe till the first desperation was over, and now he lives for her, as he ought. Not so romantic an ending as a pistol or Byronic scorn for the world in general and women in particular, but dutiful and brave, since it often takes more courage to live than to die."

 

"Yes, sir," said Christie, heartily, though her eyes fell, remembering how she had failed with far less cause for despair than David.

 

They were at the gate now, and Mr. Power left her, saying, with a vigorous hand-shake:

 

"Best wishes for a happy summer. I shall come sometimes to see how you prosper¹³⁴; and remember, if you tire of it and want to change, let me know, for I take great satisfaction in putting the right people in the right places. Good-by, and God be with you."

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