 CHAPTER 1 Mr. Robert Hammond stood before his glass brushing his hair, very fine hair it was, and it crowned a handsome head. Having arranged it to his liking, Mr. Hammond proceeded to brush his clothes. Little specks of dust were flying hither and thither intent on their usual mischievous errands, and the most that Mr. Hammond did was to set a few more of them in commotion. But as that seemed the proper thing to do to complete his toilet, he conscientiously did it. A very firm emphatic knock sounded at his door, and in answer to his permission to enter, a small being, done up in white furs, with a blue feather on her head, around her head, of course, stepped daintily in, and spoke rapidly and to the point. Uncle Robb the bell has said, Come quick, come quick, come quick, until I'm sick of hearing it, and Miss Ellsworth, and Miss Warren, and lots of others have gone by, and I'm quite most certain sure that we'll be late. Just so, said Uncle Robb, and he proceeded in a very leisurely manner to the pudding on of his rubbers. Miss Marion drummed with her small, gloved fingers on his toilet table during the operation, and repeated her assurances of tardiness, and finally, with infinite satisfaction, saw him draw on his gloves and take up his books. Once in the street the keen air did for Marion what her forebodings of lateness failed to do. Her uncle quickened his steps until her small feet were obliged to break into a decided run to keep pace with him, and a very brief space of time it took to get down Queen Street and come out on Harvard Square, where the great stone church stood, on which the deep-throated bell was loudly repeating its call for workers. You see, little May, that the bell is still calling. Mr. Hammond said as they mounted the steps. Course, said Marion, that's what I told you, it called and called and we didn't come, but we're here now, I don't see why it doesn't stop. Her uncle laughed. It is just possible that it thinks someone else is coming and would like to know the time. He said, pleasantly. Then I should think they might have found it out, said Marion positively. Why, Uncle Robb, it has struck ten hundred times while you were getting ready, I do believe. I most had to put my hands to my ears, it tried me so. To this, Uncle Robert made no reply. He had held a great many conversations in his life with Miss Marion, and having discovered that she was certain to have the last word anyway, it was just as well to stop then as at any future time. Besides they were at the school room door. Marion dodged through an open door at one side, over which hung, come in little lambs, in dainty lettering, and straight way there was a great buzzing of little tongues, and a nodding of blue and white and scarlet plumes, as the twenty or so little lambs welcomed the newcomer. Mr. Hammond went around back of the rows and rows of seats arranged in semi-circles, until he reached the class in the west corner behind a post and under a window that commanded a view of the passers-by. The people in that semi-circle were in various stages of unrest. It was a bewildering sort of class. If the superintendent studied to discover how many phases of character and grades of society he could group in a number seven, he had made a decided success. Each and every one of them deserves an introduction. In the corner sat Larry Bates. Boys like Larry always do get in the corner exactly behind the aforesaid post. Larry had bright eyes and curly hair, and a brain keen enough for anything earthly except to commit to memory a Sabbath school lesson. That he had never yet accomplished. Larry's home was a study in its way if one had time for it. How not to do it was the art that was carried nearly to perfection in that household. To be free and easy, to go where one liked, to do what one wanted to do at all times without regard to other people's desires or necessities. This was what the family strove for, or would have striven for if it hadn't needed energy, which it had not. Always accepting Larry. No one ever accused him of lacking energy, unless indeed there was something useful to be done. Why Larry came to Sunday school was sometimes a puzzling question even to himself. The other fellows happened to go who lived near him and the singing was prime in that school. Better than anywhere else in town everybody knew. And, oh well, he just happened to think he would go and that was all Larry knew about it. I have always thought that Larry's mother, who was in heaven, knew a great deal more about it than that. Next to him was Job Jenkins. Well named was he. If ever a boy, since the days when Job of old was a boy, had need of patience, this was he. A lovely home had Job, one of those delightful abodes that a foreigner might think we gloried in, so much do we honor the principal agent in manufacturing them. A house wherein brown paper, or old hats, or rags, took the place of window glass, where the one stove smoked all the time when there was anything to make a smoke with, where hunger and cold and discomfort of every name held carnival. Easy to tell why Job Jenkins came to Sunday school in the winter. At least he needed no greater inducement than the fact that it was held in a warm room and that the warming apparatus didn't smoke. Then there was Lester St. John. You know all about the St. John's, of course. They live on Lester Avenue, which was named for Mrs. St. John's father, old Adam's Lester, at a time when he owned the whole of it. The St. John's have absolutely no wish unsupplied that money has anything to do with. The supply seems unlimited, is freely lavished on the children, and is ever on the increase. When you add to this statement the fact that there is not a Christian in that family, it would perhaps be difficult to find one who needed the help of Sunday school education any more than did Lester St. John. Not that he thinks he needs anything, he is seventeen, a clear-eyed, sharp-brained, handsome lad with a very frank, genial look about him, and yet with flashy enough in his bright eyes to show plainly that his own way is decidedly the way that he prefers to all others. He came to Sunday school because he was studying evidences of Christianity, and so far as intellect was concerned, was decidedly interested in the subject. A dangerous mind to handle had Lester St. John. Will Gordon was demure and meek looking enough, but every scholar in Sunday school knew perfectly well that Will Gordon could do more good-natured mischief in less time than any other known boy, not even accepting Larry Bates himself. The difference was he was less outspoken about it. Perhaps there was another difference. The home training of the two had been very unlike. Larry knew nothing about the Bible and cared less. Will intellectually was sufficiently posted to be the minister himself instead of his son, and cared for it all about as much as Larry did. At the end of the seat was Peter Armstrong. He lived or boarded at Mr. Randolph's. Neither father nor mother had Peter. He had what he earned every week, which was his board and good serviceable clothing. Peter was slow and steady and patient, and always had his lesson carefully prepared. So for that matter had Will Gordon, the minister looked after that. There were two brothers in the class, Louis and Arthur Sanford by name, who were newcomers, about whom very little was known, save that they were boarders and students at the academy, that they had very little pocket money, that they were good scholars, capital ball-players, and kind of queer fellows somehow. All this the boys said. I think they came to Sunday school because it was one of the excellent rules of that excellent academy that come they must. As for Peter Armstrong he came because he wanted to. Into this class came Mr. Hammond, on the morning of which I am telling you, and took his seat. The class had been his but a very short time, and as yet he hardly knew his material. If he had I think he might have trembled. I have been thus particular in introducing these young men to you, because I have several things to tell you about them, and because, also, you are likely to meet them almost any day, and may as well be forearmed. Mr. Hammond shook hands cordially with each one, having a separate word for each. Well, Larry, how is Uncle Mills this morning? Is the cough better, Jenkins? Lester, I saw your brother in the city yesterday, and he sent love. And then the bell rang, and the opening exercises were in order. It's a rather queer story, anyhow, the whole of it. Don't you think so, Mr. Hammond? This was one of the first remarks that Lester St. John volunteered concerning the lesson. Mr. Hammond smiled quietly, and answered that he thought it was very queer indeed, which rather astonished, and for the time being silenced, Lester. He had not expected Mr. Hammond to say any such thing. That gentleman appealed to Larry. What do you think about it, Lawrence? Me, said Larry, in good-natured amazement. Nobody ever asked him what he thought. Larry thinks the lesson is in the Psalms, said Will Gordon, whereupon the entire class, Peter Armstrong accepted, seemed to think it proper to laugh. It is, Mr. Hammond said. That's news to me, Arthur Sanford said. I thought the lesson was in Exodus. Addition is the first rule given in arithmetic, but you will find addition elsewhere through the book. There is a great deal in the Psalms about these people. St. John, we must come back to you, I think. Tell us where in the story strikes you as queer. Oh, such an army of people who knew all about the Promised Land, what a splendid place it was, and they knew that the Egyptians had no business to make slaves of them. Why, they even knew they were the Lord's chosen people, and yet they stupidly worked away from day to day, worked and grumbled. Why didn't they just start up and fight for their freedom? You would have done so, you think, if you had been one of them? Well, I would, in a hurry. There doesn't seem to be any sense in their proceedings from first to last. I've been looking ahead, you see, and of all stupid, senseless acting people that ever I heard of, it strikes me they went a little ahead. I think them a remarkably foolish people myself, but as for being more so than any I have ever heard of, I am not quite prepared for that. However, we will discover what we can about them. You will have discovered before this that Mr. Hammond's class was busy with that strange old story that reads from first to last like a romance, the trials and sins and wanderings of the children of Israel. The class were decidedly interested, and expressed their opinions freely, their teacher appearing in no wise shocked by their original manner of making known their thoughts. At least, if Mr. Hammond was shocked, he kept the matter entirely to himself. The half hour was nearly over when he turned suddenly to Lester St. John with a question. By the way, St. John, what has become of Henry Fields? He is in the officer, but his cough is bad and he grows thin very rapidly. Still smoking? Yes, sir, father talked with him about it, asked him if he knew that the physicians thought it was killing him, but he says there is no use in talking. He can't give up cigars. What about that bondage, St. John? Now every single boy in Mr. Hammond's class, except Peter Armstrong, smoked cigars. Every boy laughed, but St. John was ready with a response. I know what you are thinking, Mr. Hammond, but very few people are as affected as Henry Fields is by a cigar. If I were, I should stop smoking today. You could do it just as well as not? No, sir, not just as well as not. I like cigars and I should rather hate to stop smoking, but I could do it and I would if there was any occasion. Do you think Henry Fields could? No, sir, or rather I think he thinks he can't. I see what you are coming at and I think Fields is just as foolish as the Israelites were. I mean to have a talk with him tomorrow about these old dolts. Mr. Hammond turned to Lewis Sanford. Lewis, I think you are an intimate acquaintance of young Fields. Can you give us an idea how he came under bondage cigars? Yes, sir, I think I can. And there was a gleam of mischief in Lewis's eyes. He told me all about it. The first cigar he ever smoked was one day when he made up his mind that he was just as good a fellow and could stand just as much as Lester St. John any day. Mr. Hammond looked at St. John. The Egyptians placed the Israelites in bondage. He said pointedly, and I think you said they had no business to do so. And also that the Israelites had no business to stand it, said St. John quickly. His teacher laughed. Yes, that is so, he said. Then he glanced at his watch. Young gentlemen, there is one question further that I want to ask each of you. You have heard St. John's opinion of the Israelites and we seemed to agree with it. Do you know of any class of people or of any individuals who have been promised an inheritance, who know just what sort of place it is, yet who have sold themselves as slaves to a cruel taskmaster whom they hate, and in the face of the fact that God himself has redeemed them and stands ready to lead them out, stupidly work away at their tasks? At that moment the superintendent's bell rang and Mr. Hammond whirled his chair around and faced the desk. Of all the stupid, senseless people that ever I heard of, began Will Gordon, quoting from his friend's unflattering opinion of the Israelites, as the two left the chapel together. St. John laughed. Ah, that was only the art of putting things, he said gaily. Mr. Hammond has that art in perfection. Yet exactly what these two young men thought of themselves in the light of the last question put to them, they kept to themselves as young men are quite apt to do. That lady deserves a few words of description or comment. She was noticeable in the school by reason of her coming late. The very children along the streets had fallen into the habit of saying, Why, there goes Miss Parkhurst. We'll be awful late. On this particular morning she was later than usual. The opening exercises were concluded and the classes were busy with lessons when she rustled in. Rustled is exactly the word to apply to her. The passage between the seats was narrow and her dark blue silk was new and heavy. Two young ladies were awaiting her arrival, Miss Celia Evans and Miss Sarah Blake. Miss Evans was the daughter of Chester Evans, the president of the Second National Bank, the first director in the iron mines, the heaviest stockholder in the Evans' mills, west of town, and the important personage to be consulted in every important event, monetary, literary, or religious, that was to transpire in the town. Miss Blake was the daughter of Joseph Blake, foreman in Mr. Evans' shoe factory. I am late this morning, Miss Parkhurst said, whereupon Miss Evans laughed. Now you are laughing because you think I always am late. I know you are, but you must admit that I am not often so far behind as this. Miss Parkhurst said this with that rich, good-humored smile which was hers by nature, and added immediately, let me see, where is the lesson today? I don't know, I am sure. Miss Celia answered promptly. I forgot my Bible, and I never can keep track of those lesson papers. Did you notice where they said it was, Sarah? Sarah was not quite sure, had some dim notion that it might be in Exodus or possibly Deuteronomy, somewhere in that vicinity anyway. Dear me, Miss Parkhurst said in some dismay, we ought to know where the lesson is, certainly. I haven't had time to study this week, haven't you a lesson paper, Sarah? No, Sarah was not present on the preceding Sabbath when the lesson papers had been given out. Where are the rest of the girls I wonder? Fanny and May were at the party last night, they never get out anywhere the day after a party. This information Miss Celia gave, and added, that party was a brilliant Miss Parkhurst, the finest we have had this season. Was it, Miss Parkhurst said, with animation? I thought it would be something special. We always do have such nice times at Mrs. Brown's. I was quite disappointed in not being able to go. Sarah, do you know where Hattie is? They had extra work at the factory last night, worked till midnight finishing off a job that was promised. Hattie went home tired out, and I guess she hasn't got rested yet. I think that is breaking the Sabbath, Miss Parkhurst said decisively, to run the factories until midnight on Saturday. I wonder at Mr. Peck for allowing it. I don't see why it is any worse than parties, this from outspoken Sarah. Miss Parkhurst laughed her sweet, good humored laugh, then she said, but you know, Sarah, people need not go to parties unless they choose, but keeping the factory open is sort of compelling people to get tired out. There is something in that, Sarah said, reflectively. Only people seem to choose to do it whenever they get a chance, and what's the difference anyway between the people who break the Sabbath for fun and those who break it for money so that it gets broken by both of them? Miss Parkhurst did not like to be metaphysical. She smiled on the questioner, answered kindly, a great deal of difference I fancy, then added briskly, but we really must secure a lesson paper and find out what they are all so interested in. Then she rustled her beautiful robes in between the separating aisles and accosted Mr. Hammond. I beg your pardon, sir, for the interruption, but have you a spare lesson paper? I find there is not one in my class. Without note or comment Mr. Hammond took from his pocket an extra lesson leaf, bowed silently in response to her hearty thanks, and tried faithfully for the next five minutes to renew the interest that her coming had broken. Now, Miss Parkhurst said, receding herself and arranging her ruffles, We are ready for the lesson. Let me see. What day of the month is it? Oh, it's the first Sabbath in the month, is it not? No, it's the second. Well, then, this must be the lesson about Moses. We'll read the verses first. And Miss Parkhurst read her verse as her turn came, in smooth, flowing tones, then between times adjusted her bracelets and arranged her overskirt. The lesson was finally read, and the teacher betook herself to the lesson paper. Faithfully she went down the list of questions prepared by the committee to aid in the study of the lesson. To what house or tribe did Moses belong? I'm sure I don't know. Miss Celia said listlessly. Does it tell in the verses? I think it does. Oh yes, you'll find it in the first verse. Being thus directed, Miss Celia succeeded in answering the question, and Miss Parkhurst proceeded. What was the name of the father? Not the slightest idea had Sarah Blake. She had never heard or thought or cared anything about Moses' father. She was utterly indifferent as to what his name might be. Miss Parkhurst was a trifle embarrassed. I really don't remember what his name was myself. Do you, Celia? Mercy, no, I never knew. What's the use in knowing anyway? Who cares what his name was? Miss Parkhurst laughed. What a practical young lady you are, Sarah. You want a reason why for everything. Well, but what is the use? Why, it is pleasant to know things, isn't it? Somebody might ask you about it, and you would like to be able to tell them. Which method of reasoning brought the teacher back to the present embarrassment, that she was not able to give her class the desired information? But her eyes brightened as they rested on a sentence in her paper. Why, there's a reference, she said briskly. Numbers 2659. Have you a Bible, Celia? No, ma'am, I always depend on a lesson paper. Mine is down in the church, said Sarah. I left it last Sunday. And I forgot mine this morning. How unfortunate. Well, never mind, we can each look that question up at home. I don't suppose I ever shall, said practical Sarah, because I really don't care astra what his name is. Celia did not say, but who believes she will ever look up the name of Moses' father? Her teacher certainly gave her no motive for doing so. There were several other questions with reference answers to be passed, then the verses of the lesson furnished a few answers. Then came another puzzle. What is the meaning of the word Hebrew and how did it used? I don't know it had a meaning any more than and or it. Yes, Miss Parkhurst said, with great appearance of wisdom, all those old names had special meanings, but I don't at this moment recall the meaning of Hebrew. I really ought to have studied my lesson, but I had not a moment of time. Sarah had been reading her lesson paper to some novice. She came to their enlightenment. Why, it don't mean anything, only what it says. It's in the sixth verse. This is one of the Hebrews' children. But why are they called Hebrews? Questions Celia? Why am I called Sarah? You might as well ask that question. Miss Parkhurst shook her head. There is some special reason why they are called Hebrews, I think, though as I said I don't remember what it is. We will have to pass that. I'll look it up during the week. Easy questions followed, answered by merely reading over the verse of Scripture. Still, this process consumed some time owing to the fact that neither teacher nor scholars knew in just which verse to look for the desired answer. Miss Parkhurst yawned behind her glove several times during the pauses while the girls hunted. Once the yawn was so audible that it called forth an apology. I was up late last night and I am wretchedly sleepy this morning. I almost gave up the idea of coming to Sunday school on that account. To do Miss Parkhurst's justice she rarely sat up late on Saturday evenings, but this had been a special occasion. Some queer idea of economy, or what she chose to consider economy, caused her to do much of her own ruffling and puffing, and the ruffles on her blue silk overskirt were not finished on Saturday evening. Now any reasonable mortal will at once perceive that the lady could not go to church without an overskirt, and as she was equally certain that no dress but the blue silk would be less the thing to wear, she patiently sewed setting the last stitch only five minutes before the clock struck twelve. Then there were the bastings to dispose of and the entire suit, skirt, overskirt, and bask to slip on and see if everything about them was as it should be. Then there was her hair to do up in pins. Very tired was Miss Parkhurst. She would willingly have foregone the pleasure of pulling and twisting her hair. She was very sorry that they wore it crimped. But since they did, what refuge was there for her but in hairpins? No lady will wonder that the clock struck one before Miss Parkhurst laid her tired, crimped head on her pillow. As she turned out the gas she thought of her sabbath school lesson, tried to recall where it had been the previous sabbath, where it would be likely to be next, tried to remember where she had last seen her lesson paper, or if indeed she remembered to bring one home with her, finally dismissed the whole subject with a weary yawn and a promise to herself to get up early in the morning and study her lesson, after which she went to sleep and slept hard and fast until her sister Nettie summoned her to breakfast, and the ringing bell announced that it was eight o'clock. You certainly see how she came to be late to school that sabbath morning. What did the Princess call the child? said Miss Parkhurst, coming out from behind her glove to ask this question, and Sarah answered sharply. Why, Moses, of course! Miss Parkhurst, don't you think this is a very silly little lesson for great girls like us? Why, I've known all about Moses ever since I was born, and just think of those boys in Mr. Hammond's class studying this little baby lesson. I think it is absurd. I don't believe in uniform lessons myself, said Miss Parkhurst, with so much decision that the committee who worked so faithfully and laboriously to prepare them would doubtless have stopped in dismay could they have heard her. I have always believed that different intellects demand different lessons in the sabbath school as well as anywhere else, but uniform lessons is a pet theory of Mr. Gordon's, you know, and we must fall in with the rest, I suppose. Well, Celia, what is the meaning of the word? What word, Miss Parkhurst? Miss Parkhurst looked more closely at the lesson paper and read the question again. It must refer to some word in the verse just mentioned. Let me see. What did the Princess call his name? Oh, I see. It means Moses. What is the meaning of the word, Moses? I'm sure I don't know. Celia said, laughing, has my name a special meaning, Miss Parkhurst? I never thought of attaching much importance to the meaning of names before. These old heathen nations used to do so, I believe. But Moses wasn't a heathen, Sarah Blake said sharply. No, certainly not, but very possibly they had fallen into the same habit. I think it's a horrid name. Celia said, it's my uncle's name, too. Grandpa would insist on having him called so, his first name, but he never uses it, of course. He only uses the initial. M. Williard Evans, he always writes his name, and it looks very well so. Do you know Uncle Williard, Miss Parkhurst? I used to know him years ago when we were both children. Miss Parkhurst answered with animation. But I presume I should not recognize him now. I have heard he was coming very soon, is it so? He has sailed, and we are hoping he will be here in time for the festival. Miss Parkhurst, do you think blue silk would be too much dressed for the festival? I am to sing, you know. Why, not at all. Of course, those who take part will be expected to dress a good deal. That's what mother told Mrs. Gordon. She harps about dress a good deal. Ministers' wives always do, you know. But I shall wear my blue silk. I think it is more becoming to me than any other color, don't you? It is very becoming, but your complexion is so fair that you can wear almost any color. I think the festival is going to be a success. I hope your Uncle Willard will get there in time. We want to show him that we have pretty things here as well as in Europe. What Moses thought all this time, if it were permitted him to listen to this strange Sabbath teaching, I cannot tell you, though certainly I have thought that I will ask him, among other things, if he really did hear any of the million things that were said about him in Christendom that Sabbath day, and hearing what he thought of Miss Parkhurst and her class. But the meek old man will have added greatly to his crowning virtue during these thousands of years in heaven, so it may be he will judge them all very gently. Mr. Newton's bell rang before the matters pertaining to Moses Willard Evans and the festival were all arranged, and Miss Parkhurst came back with a start to the remembrance that Moses, the patriarch, had been left in the lurch. Why, dear me! she said. There is the bell, and we are not nearly through with the lesson. Yet she said it with intense satisfaction in her voice. Has it ever been your fortune to meet Sabbath school teachers who thought if they succeeded in spending the 35 minutes allowed them for teaching without getting half through with the lesson, it was proof positive that they were faithful, successful teachers overflowing with ideas? Such and one was Miss Parkhurst. Now what in the name of all that is surprising was that young lady's motive incoming with some degree of regularity week after week and year after year to the Harvard Place Sunday School? Various reasons have been given. There were indolent, sensorious people who said it was because she liked to show how smart she was in getting up so early. There were vain people who said she wanted one more place in which to exhibit her pretty face and dress. There were gossipy people who said she wanted to get Mr. Robert Hammond to take an interest in her, and that she would find herself disappointed, for she was not by any means one of his sort. I do not know that a single person attributed the right motive to her work. I do earnestly assure you that it was simply and honestly a desire to be in the right place and do the right thing. Vain she certainly was to some extent. A great many people are. How else can we account for, well, a great many things? But it had never once occurred to her to choose the Sabbath School Room as a special place in which to exhibit her fair face and fairer robes. She wore her prettiest and brightest. Oh yes, indeed, there are many who do that same thing. But to teach a class in Sunday School was always considered the right and proper thing to do. And because it was right and proper, Miss Parkhurst wanted to do it. Mr. Lewis put his boots, with his feet inside them, on the back of the nearest chair and held his cigar in his hand. I suppose I mustn't smoke this in here, he said inquiringly. Mr. Hammond shook his head with a quiet smile. No, he said, I can't have false witnesses lurking about my rooms. Mr. Lewis laughed and laid his cigar on the table. Mr. Hammond went on with the pile of papers he was filing and his companion watched him in silence for several minutes. Then he drew a heavy sigh. Satan is at work with all his might this week, he said presently. Did you ever know a week in which he wasn't? Mr. Hammond questioned. I have often thought that he might be an example of industry and perseverance. Is there anything especially new in his skill? Yes, there is, something that affects our boys. Mr. Hammond laid down his papers and wheeled around quickly in his chair. What is it? He said, every faculty on the alert. Why, there's a miserable I don't know what you call it supper and ride and what not coming off on Thursday evening gotten up by some of the worst fellows in town only they have money from a certain degree of position. They are going to finish the evening with cards. It's a trap to get in some more gamblers and our boys, yours and mine are invited. All my boys? All but young Armstrong, they might as well invite Deacon Mills as him. Larry Bates is almost one of the ringleaders, he and those Academy boys. They're a wild couple, Hammond. Who told you about it? Mr. Gordon, his will is determined to go. Of course he won't give his consent, but he is in great trouble about it. He is afraid Will may take French leave. He said it is very difficult to control him. He thinks he is old enough to be his own master. What are you going to do about it? Do? Oh, nothing, there's nothing I can do. My boys will go to a man. Though they will, the very spirit of evil is in every one of them anyway. It looks like a hopeless task to stem such a tide of impishness by an hour's work on Sunday. It can't be done, said Mr. Hammond, emphatically. Of course it can't, and yet a man wouldn't feel justified in giving up his class in Sabbath school on that account. I should think not. The remedy lies rather in carrying the Sabbath work all through the week with us in our thoughts and prayers and plans. But about our boys we must do something. I tell you there is nothing to do. We can't command or control them in any way. I did think at one time of taking every one of mine to the concert. But in the first place they wouldn't be taken. They would rather go to the other affair. And in the second place I've got to be out of town myself on important business. And in the third place it is Thursday evening you say we can't work against our prayer meeting. But they won't go to prayer meeting, and they certainly might better be at a concert than at any of these other places. I should feel justified in taking them to any place of interest that I could find, shouldn't you? Mr. Hammond shook his head. I never like to fight Satan with his own weapons, he said gravely. He understands everything pertaining to his business so much better than we do. You see we profess to think the prayer meeting of greater importance than any place of entertainment, and it is necessary that our profession and practice should carefully agree. Yes, but see here you go to the concert for the sake of keeping your boys away from a dangerous place, provided they would give up the other place for you and, but it seems to me the object would justify the means. I shouldn't agree with you, it is at best a sort of doing evil that good may come which is in itself inconsistent. I shouldn't hope to benefit my class by such a proceeding. Boys are sharp fellows, they know when the precept and the practice agree and when there is a discrepancy. Then you think a Christian shouldn't leave the prayer meeting under any circumstances whatever? Mr. Hammond laughed. I certainly didn't mean to say any such thing, he said pleasantly. You jump at conclusions. I shall begin to think that you are doubtful of the propriety of your being out of town on Thursday evening. Well now I wonder what you would do in such a case. I'm going out to see Cornelia. Is there no other evening that will answer the purpose? Why she is going to have company their meeting is on Wednesday evening you wouldn't go now I'll venture. Mr. Hammond shook his head. I cannot say that positively I can only say I think I wouldn't if my sense of duty were as clear under the circumstances as it is now without the circumstances. Well said Mr. Lewis rising and laughing as he spoke my sense of duty is muddled I presume. Anyway Cornelia expects me and I'm not inclined to disappoint her. After his departure Mr. Hammond sat down in a brown study. He left the bills on the table. He glanced at his watch and at his memorandas to make sure that no one was waiting at his office by appointment. Then apparently he studied out the vines on the carpet. At least he fixed his eyes on them and thought. Presently he got out his writing desk and taking the first slip of paper that presented itself he wrote the following Wednesday morning Dear Clara I can't be present at your dinner party tomorrow. The necessity is upon me to give a party myself one to which I cannot invite you either. Woe is me. I will look in during the day if possible and explain. Also I will attend tomorrow evening after the meeting. Present my regrets to Miss Marion. As ever Rob. Then he selected some of his rarest note paper and sent a carefully worded note. Clarendon House, January 27, 18 blank. R. L. Hammond's kind regards to Lauren Spates and requests the pleasure of his company to dinner on Thursday the 28th at four o'clock. He will be in readiness to convey Mr. Hammond and his guests to the Harvard Place Church in time for evening service. Duplicates of this note were written and addressed to each of his Sabbath scholars. Then Mr. Hammond went down to the office, dispatched a boy with his notes, held a consultation with one of the proprietors, another with the head waiter, and finally made all possible speed to his neglected office. The wrap was set, and all he could do was to await results. Yes, there was one other thing to do. Mr. Hammond was a lawyer, a popular one, and business pressed upon him. Several gentlemen were waiting to consult him on important business, having given due attention to each and before entering into the regular business of the day, he went into his private office, closed and locked the door, and then and there presented the request to his father that was at that moment pressing on his heart. That God in his loving kindness would follow the invitations just sent out and incline the hearts of the boys toward their teacher. It is not everyone who, having made arrangements to give a party, goes to his father in heaven for help and encouragement. It would be a matter of curiosity to follow those notes to their various locations and discover the reception they met with. Larry Bates and Lester St. John were together, as indeed they were very much given to being. They had been making plans for the next evening when the small messenger from the Clarendon House pounced down upon them. Here you, Larry Bates, I've got something for you, and you too for the matter of that. This last in a less familiar tone. Larry Bates was boon companion with everybody, but Lester St. John was more choice of his acquaintance as a rule. The two young men stopped in the street and viewed their respective letters in great surprise. What's up? Larry said in characteristic fashion, and St. John, true to his character proceeded rapidly to a discovery of the contents. Phew! Larry said as he looked over his friend's letter, I presume that's what mine is. Ain't that rich? Dinner at the Clarendon House. That's pretty tall, ain't it? It's a regular pity that it comes on Thursday. What's got into everything to pile on top of each other? What do you think of it, Lester? That, said Lester St. John, speaking slowly and with unqualified admiration in his voice, that is what I call a sharp. Sharp? Why, do you suppose he has heard? Of course he's heard, and he's going to attempt heading us off. And if it hasn't been done smoothly then I don't know. Here's the Academy. Let's go in and see if Lou and Arthur have one. Those two gentlemen were found in their room playing football with their geometry. At least that was what they had been engaged in before the arrival of St. John. They received their friends with great eagerness. Have you got one? Yes, you have. Then it's just what Lou thought it was, a come-around. Who's been and watched what we were doing, I wonder? Well, it's a cute one and no mistake. Now how will we answer it? That's the question. St. John, you're an orator. Just get us up a smooth and flowing regret and we can each copy it with a projectives here and there. It was Arthur Stanford who delivered this eager speech. He was perched on the window-seat, his handsome face aglow with fun. He kicked his writing desk, which was on the floor at his feet toward St. John as he spoke and added, come, give us a real fine thing and I'd get a sheet of tinted no-paper and copy mine with what variations I need. Lester St. John composedly took the vacant window-seat and answered in his usual tone of composure, my answer might not suit you as a copy. I'm not going to send a regret. You don't say you are going? This from all three of his hearers in concert. Why St. John, how can you? It's the same night you know. Can't help it. A sleigh ride with a set of loungers and some keepers isn't such a wonderful honour. I'm about half sick of this nonsense anyway. You and Lou would get into no end of trouble about it and Will Gordon would have to run away if he went at all. Now what's the use? Here comes a first-class invitation from a first-class gentleman who will do things up in fine style. I think myself the fun lies in that direction and I've decided to go there. The boys seemed wonderfully astonished. Arthur Sanford a little crestfallen. Why, I thought you expected rare sport. He said, somewhat crossly. Well, as to sport, I'm not so hard up for that sort of thing that I need to find it among that set altogether. Anyhow, when a man like Mr. Hammond gives me a polite invitation, why, I like to accept of it if I know enough. Somebody tore upstairs three steps at a time and Will Gordon burst into the room puffing and panting in his haste. Here you are, he said breathlessly. I thought I should find you. Now what's to be done about it all? St. John is going, announced all three of the boys. Will Gordon looked relieved. Since he could not go to the original entertainment, at least by fair means, he inclined toward the second invitation and it was evidently an unexpected pleasure to have so powerful an ally as Lester St. John. We might go to the dinner and then leave, have another engagement, you know. Louis Sanford ventured thoughtfully. St. John shook his head. I shan't go in for that, he said with decision, not by a long shot. I am and had set a trap for us inviting us to dinner and saying nothing about the meeting until he got us there. Why, then, I'd talk about another engagement as large as anybody, but when he has been open and above board, I'm not going to eat my dinner at his table and then sneak off. He's treated us like gentlemen and I say let's be gentlemen with him. Then you'd go to the whole thing, you know? This from Will Gordon, unbounded astonishment in his voice. Course I should, said St. John, relishing the wonder he was exciting. I ain't afraid of a prayer meeting, I hope. I never could see that they hurt anybody, so if it will be any comfort to Mr. Hammond to take me there, why I'm willing to be taken. Larry Bates had been still there. I'll tell you what we can do to a dot, he said, springing from the woodbox where he had been sitting. We can go to the whole thing, prayer meeting and all, as Lester says, and get back to Allen Street by quarter past eight. That is time enough for the game. Then you see we've done the right thing by everybody and can afford to finish the evening to suit ourselves. This arrangement met with unqualified approval while present, and Satan, no doubt, chuckled over Mr. Hammond's defeat. Laid in the evening of that same day Mr. Lewis bustled into his friend's office. Let me see one of your invitations, he said eagerly. I've heard about them, you see. Haven't you a copy? I wrote one more than was needed, I found, and I think I have it in my pocketbook. Well, now that's very fine. You did it up in first class style. I say, Hammond, you think you've done it, don't you? No, said Mr. Hammond with a grave smile. I only think I've tried to do it. Suppose you fail. If I do, do you think the fault will be mine? No, I don't. There's something in that. Well, I can tell you just exactly how far you have succeeded. They are coming to the dinner and going to the meeting. And after that, they are going to the other place to join in a famous game of cards that is to be played for a silver knife that one of the nice young men is to present to the successful party. Isn't that a lovely arrangement? And don't you hope your dinner and your prayer meeting will do them good? They may, Mr. Hammond said quietly. Where did you gain your information, Lewis? Of my boy Tony. He is everywhere and sees everybody and what Tony doesn't know really isn't worth knowing. After Mr. Lewis's departure, the lawyer was very busy again, a stream of business set toward his private office so that none would have thought there was room for outside matters. But apparently he did some thinking not connected with law, for at the earliest opportunity he wrote another note. Evening. Dear Clara, I find I cannot be with you after prayer meeting tomorrow, at least I hope I can't. That sentence needs explaining when I see you. I am full of important business just now will give you a detailed account of myself on Friday. Hastily, Rob. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Of Cunning Workmen by Pansy This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4 Work for One Day It would have delighted your eyes to have seen the dining-table at the Clarendon House after the head-waiter had put the finishing touches on its arrangement. It glittered with silver and sparkled with glass to say nothing of the array of appetizing dishes. In all respects, as fine an entertainment as could have been gotten up for older guests. In Mr. Hammond's rooms everything was bright and cheery. The large, handsome stereoscope was placed in the best light and the small marble table on which it stood was strewn with choice photographs. A book of rare engravings of a scientific nature lay in a conspicuous spot for the scientific nature of Lester St. John to delight himself in. A collection of richly colored plates had been brought out with the hope of pleasing the beauty-loving Tom Gordon. Toto, the kitchen parrot with a chattering tongue had been borrowed for the occasion because Mr. Hammond fancied that Larry bates and perhaps the Sanford's might like to cultivate his acquaintance. Not a boy had been forgotten, not an individual taste but had been studied, and at ten minutes of four the host sat in his easy chair currently a gentleman of elegant leisure waiting for his honored guests. They came in a body, at least the Sanford's and St. John came together with Will Gordon bringing up the rear. Larry Bates was half an hour behind time but he was always that even when there was to be nothing but fun in prospect. Peter Armstrong was prompt as to time but came alone as he usually had to. There was nobody who assimilated with Peter. Poor Job Jenkins could not come at all. His father was indulging in an attack of delirium tremens and Job was obliged to watch over him so the only party to which the poor fellow was ever invited was lost to him. They were a very merry party who sat down to that private dinner table. Mr. Hammond appeared as young as any of them. The boys were perfectly amazed to discover how many games he knew and how fond he had been of playing them when he was a school boy. Not that he had gotten over his fondness for them either, he said, only there was very little time in which to indulge his tastes in that line nowadays. They had disposed of oysters and turkey with their accompaniments and were eating mints and lemon pie and drinking coffee when Mr. Hammond said, By the way, St. John, I thought of you and Gordon today when I read a certain notice. Did either of you ever hear Lefebvre? No, they never had. Well, you know about him? No, they didn't even know about him. Ah, then that is better yet. You ought to make his acquaintance. He is one of the most thoroughly scientific scholars in the country and the most successful experiments in philosophy that we have some of his experiments are perfectly wonderful. You would be just delighted to see them. Well, he lectures tonight at Trenton Hall before the Scientific Association. Now I have a brilliant plan. It isn't more than a mile from Harvard Place Church to Trenton Hall. Our prayer meeting closes at 8 and the lecture commences at 8. I have secured some pretty fast time for the evening and with some rapid driving we should reach there before Professor Lefebvre has had time to say much. What do you all say to making the attempt? But the Scientific Association is a private affair, St. John said, speaking with breathless eagerness. None but members are allowed to attend the lectures and the advanced class are the only students who are members. Not of all that, Mr. Hammond said, smiling, President Chappan is a particular friend of mine and I so represented my needs to him as to secure tickets for every one of us. Shall we go? There were several points of interest in all this of which Mr. Hammond was aware. In the first place anything like a philosophical experiment was an absolute passion with Lester St. John and Will Gordon, though not quite so wild on the subject, was still intensely interested. In the second place the Scientific Association was a click by itself a company of wealthy, cultured, intensely selfish people who enjoyed what others could not secure and what with the perversity common to human nature others were very eager to secure because they couldn't. The Sanfords understood this perfectly to be admitted into the charmed circle of the Scientific Association to be among the privileged few who trod the carpeted aisles and occupied the velvet cushioned seats of Harvard Hall an elegant room gotten up by and appropriated to the special use of these intellectual gormans to penetrate where some of the Academy boys were actually quivering to go where even Professor Stewart the head teacher at the Academy was excluded. This triumph the Sanfords could appreciate. As for St. John his eyes fairly glowed with pleasure. The game of cards with which the evening was to have been finished passed utterly from his mind and he said eagerly it is the one place where I have longed to get and couldn't Father might have been a member if he had chosen was invited but he wouldn't join he said the expense was enormous and it wouldn't pay he don't care for scientific lectures are you a member Mr. Hammond Mr. Hammond bowed I was one of the original founders although the society has taken a different form from what I had ever supposed it would and one that I do not approve it is altogether too selfish a way of enjoying one's self however the enjoyment is very fine well shall we all go wouldn't you like to St. John said eagerly appealing to the Sanfords yes we would Louis said if for no other reason than because that tiresome Hick Williams is always telling that his brother-in-law Justin Matthews was invited to join the association and has been to two entertainments he thinks he's something wonderful because his brother-in-law has been invited what will he say to our going do you suppose won't that be jolly Arthur I hope Mr. Hammond was gratified with the motive that these young gentlemen had for being pleased but it was better than playing cards in that low saloon good natured Larry Bates was indifferent alike to science and aristocracy though he admitted that he liked experiments well enough when they went right but he was thoroughly good natured and willing to be led by the latest idea that happened to be suggested to him so he made no objection to the change of program Peter Armstrong was secretly as much delighted as St. John could possibly be he knew very little about philosophy but he liked to know about everything that could be learned do they really never receive anyone into the association on his own request St. John questioned as they left the dinner table never Mr. Hammond said unless he has been previously voted in by all the members they are very particular but they have some good rules they never vote on anybody who uses liquor or who plays cards however that is not strange the gentleman of scientific tastes and acquirements never indulge in those follies as a rule St. John and Will Gordon exchanged lightning glances they were glad that that game of cards was not played they were both inclined to be gentlemen of scientific tastes very little was talked of between this and 7 o'clock but Professor Lefebvre and his wonderful experiments about which Mr. Hammond was well tested and a very well satisfied company stowed themselves away in the handsome carriage and were world toward Harvard Place Church now this prayer meeting was one that had been much on Mr. Hammond's heart since he had determined on his invitations he had made it a matter of earnest prayer I cannot say that it had been believing prayer because in that case he would have been instead of dimly hoping for them how little praying in faith there is in this world anyway have we not, many of us prayed much and often for some blessing and been overwhelmed with astonishment when our prayers were answered it was somewhat after this fashion that Mr. Hammond had prayed for the prayer meeting Harvard Street Church was one of the places that is never very light nor in cold weather very warm but the mild evening was favourable and one can turn on gas promptly Mr. Hammond availed himself of this privilege after he had seated the boys to their satisfaction the attendance was unusually large owing to the mildness and the moonlight the singing was done with spirit Mr. Hammond who was very often the impromptu leader on prayer meeting evenings taking care to select tunes that were entirely familiar Mr. Gordon read the customary half-dozen verses and offered prayer then singing and Mr. Hammond prayed so did Judge Evans and Mr. Gray then singing again and Mr. Hammond spoke a few earnest words and then the spirit of dumbness took possession of the congregation in vain Mr. Gordon said the meeting is yours brethren and again in pleading tones I hope the brethren will not allow the time to run to waste there the brethren sat in solemn silence Mr. Hammond turned the leaves of his hymn book nervously it seemed hardly proper to sing again and yet continuous singing was surely better than doing nothing another verse was sung an appropriate selection must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free no there's a cross for everyone and there's a cross for me not a very heavy one Mr. Gordon said gently surely it is not a hard thing here in this quiet room to speak a word for the master is there no one to witness for him tonight not a word said anybody the iron pillars whose business it was to support the visible building could not have been more immovable than were the flesh and blood pillars sitting solemnly in their seats and there sat six boys looking eagerly on in five of them at least the spirit of fun was rampant there sat their Sabbath school teacher who with infinite trouble and no little expense had gathered them all into the prayer meeting for the first time in their lives had good reason to fear that they would never voluntarily come again how that meeting dragged never was so much singing done in the space of three quarters of an hour in any meeting not especially devoted to song never was it more manifestly done for the purpose of taking up the time well Mr. Gordon said at last if no one has anything to say we will close the meeting the benediction was immediately pronounced my Arthur Sanford said shrugging his shoulders when they were seated in the carriage if the boys should go to recitation no better primed than they were at that meeting this evening the professor would send them back to get their lessons wouldn't he loo Mr. Hammond chimed in Larry Bates do folks go to that meeting because they want to or because they think they must or what is it it's an awful dull place anyhow don't you think so prayer meetings are queer institutions Lester St. John said they always seemed to me like the Roman Catholics like the Roman Catholics will Gordon said why how like their penances and fast days and things of that sort is there anything meritorious about it Mr. Hammond do they expect to have it charged to their account there was intense though good natured sarcasm in Lester St. John's face and voice and Mr. Hammond's heart was heavy within him how strange the testimony of the witnesses had been that evening it was well for Mr. Hammond's scheme that professor Lefebvre was in town from such a meeting the boys with much glee to their cards and probably given to an admiring audience an account of the degree of interest that had been manifested but Trenton Hall was a blaze of light and the elegant audience gathered there were interesting to look upon and professor Lefebvre's lecture was delightful beyond all description even Larry Bates was interested to such an unusual degree that he wrote no notes and ate no peanuts I shall see my guests to their respective homes Mr. Hammond said as the carriage rolled into Harvard Street I'm going up to my sisters to spend the night and that will take me on a direct route with most of you Will Gordon and Lester St. John protested that they could walk as well as not but Mr. Hammond urged his courtesy upon them feeling anxious that the living saloon should open its friendly doors for them that evening We have had a capital evening St. John said as he was set down at his own home I never heard anything so interesting as that lecture I can't thank you enough for getting us in After all it was only for one evening they have escaped once but there are other evenings to come Mr. Hammond said to Mr. Hammond the next day when an account had been given of the evening's work I know that Mr. Hammond said thoughtfully but we only have to meet one evening at a time you know then there are other ways of disposing of other things I am glad to have saved them from one evening's temptation Of course but I tell you what Hammond it must have been pretty expensive business it must have cost you now all told About twenty dollars Mr. Hammond answered promptly as if that matter had been carefully studied out beforehand Well now you see some of us could not have afforded to do it however good our intentions might have been That is true every teacher could not afford it and every teacher has not my peculiar class of boys to deal with less expensive ways to accomplish the same result probably I could not afford such an expenditure very often but then you know Lewis I don't smoke Mr. Lewis laughed what has that to do with it oh expense oh smoking don't cost much not the way I smoke at least Mr. Hammond arched his eyebrows slightly the college of arithmetic he said pushing pencil and paper toward his guest four cigars a day and that's exceedingly moderate more moderate than you often are 365 days in a year say five cents a piece for convenience though they cost more what is the sum what a horribly methodical fellow you are Hammond four times five are twenty twice five are ten twice six thirteen twice two Robinson Crusoe who would have imagined it several turkeys and carriages all gone to smoke well I declare I never thought I spent so much what mean things figures are sour snarly matter effect creatures what about the prayer meeting Hammond Mr. Hammond's face clouded failed he said sadly I am not surprised that people not governed by Christian principle are repelled from such meetings surprised Mr. Lewis said heartily why should you be did you ever know a greater misnomer than calling them social prayer meetings I defy anyone to get up any idea of sociability in connection with our gatherings of that name I tell you Hammond religion has been frozen and choked and smothered in that room just according to the season of the year end of chapter four chapter five of cunning workmen by pansy the slipper box recording is in the public domain chapter five work that puzzles Miss Parkhurst's class were in a giggle that isn't a very smooth sounding word but that exactly describes their condition the time was the usual session of Sabbath school and the occasion was a gentleman who had been invited to speak a few words to the school now that gentleman was dressed in a very quiet suit of gray cloth he had an unfashionable way of combing his hair he had a nervous way of winding his pocket handkerchief around one hand when he spoke he had a somewhat unpleasant voice as an offset to these immense disadvantages he had some very earnest solemn words to speak to both teachers and scholars most of the school listened decorously those who were too indifferent to the subject before them to be interested were courteous enough to hear even though their thoughts were off on a tangent but Miss Parkhurst's class must be considered an exception they were very far from being interested they made no attempt to conceal their amusement by some strange combination of circumstances the stray sheep whose nominal fold was in that corner were all present on this particular occasion which was unfortunate for the gentleman in question Miss Evans wrestled her silk in robes and tapped with the toe of her gator on the floor and occasionally between the turning of the him-book leaves with a rattling sound laughed outright at some comment which her friend Fanny Horton whispered in her ear he dies his whiskers I do believe murmured May Horton on the other side and they are one-sided too he evidently gets his wife to trim them I don't believe he has a wife said Miss Evans if he had she would tell him not to attempt public speaking Miss Parkhurst is the interesting gentleman who is holding forth a married man I'm sure I don't know Miss Parkhurst said smiling roguishly I might ascertain if you are particularly desirous of knowing but isn't he rather old Celia this question drew such bursts of half suppressed merriment from the three young ladies Mr. Hammond turned on his seat and fixed a stern gaze at them do look at Mr. Hammond whispered Fanny Horton he looks like the statue of fate in the reading room girls do hush I'm half afraid he will call us by name as they do the children in Miss Holmes's class I would advise him not to try it answered Miss Celia with darkening brows he owns most everybody and manages nearly everything but I still recognize my right to breathe without his permission Miss Sarah Blake took up the conversation Miss Parkhurst where did that man come from I wonder if he is going to talk all day I want to get home to my dinner Sunday is the only day I have time to eat anything and he is going to cheat me out of that the trio at the end of the seat shook with laughter partly at the speaker's expense partly at Sarah's Miss Parkhurst responded sweetly I don't know who he is I am sure someone that our superintendent picked up somewhere I presume you know he has talents in that direction the gentleman has a singular way of combing his hair hasn't he I should think he had exclaimed Fanny Norton it looks as though there might have been a piece of Elcock's porous plaster stuck on at each side his voice is the worst part of him Miss Celia said it cuts through my head like a knife Miss Parkhurst why do they allow every old stick that comes along to practice his powers of speech on us Miss Parkhurst laughed I am sure I don't know she said pleasantly unless it is to teach us the virtue of urgent endurance I have no doubt though that what he is saying is very good Hattie seems to be interested Miss May Morton's lip curled that is an undoubted evidence of its excellence of course especially of its intellectual worth she said with such pointed sarcasm in tone that Miss Parkhurst shook her head warningly but Hattie Taylor apparently heard nor saw she had moved a little apart from the others had gathered her plain neat calico dress into as close a compass as she could and sat with her great grey eyes fixed steadily on the speaker while the glow on her cheek and the utter quietude of her entire form bespoke wrapped attention she gave a little sigh as of one let down from some height when the speaker suddenly ceased and turning her earnest face to Miss Parkhurst said simply wasn't it splendid where upon the entire class Sarah Blake included laughed outright there are various degrees of taste and enjoyment are there not Miss Parkhurst Miss Evans said and intellect she added in lower tones oh yes Miss Parkhurst answered as so then to Hattie in kindly tone I'm glad you enjoyed it Hattie I think the poor man must be very grateful to you for giving him your undivided attention I'm afraid the rest of us were not so helpful if I believed a word he said I think very likely it would have been interesting to me but I don't this Sarah Blake said emphatically Miss Parkhurst smiled on her and shook her head I am afraid you are a sad skeptic Sarah she said sweetly if I had heard a word he said Miss Fanny Horton Yon I think very likely I might have believed it girls isn't it blessed that he has got through and then these young ladies arose and sang in rich clear voices living for Jesus only for Jesus living in wisdom daily we grow there are the Marseys in Sunday school whispered Celia Evans pausing in the midst of the words wondrous love of Jesus to say it what has happened to them they never stayed before did they did you know they were here Augusta and Lorraine are both here and their brother Albert I didn't know he was at home and he was crying again oh the love of Jesus in the Hama voices that followed the superintendent's dismissal came many words that puzzled Miss Parkhurst's class how does he happen to be here why he is a friend of Albert Marcy and he coaxed him home with him for a visit he's going to speak tonight oh is he yes they are going to secure the hall for him they say no church will hold the throng when it gets out who is here who in the world are they all buzzing about Celia Evans said I haven't seen anybody wonderful have you fan then came the singular voice that had so disturbed her brain speaking right behind her there is one young lady in this class Marcy to whom I want an introduction I want to thank her her earnest eyes fixed steadily on mine helped me immensely in this class answered Mr. Albert Marcy's stately tones I observed them I thought they were anything but helpful or even respectable there was one exception that lady at the end Miss Taylor Mr. Marcy said raising his voice step this way won't you my friend Dr. Millington would like to speak to you Dr. Millington Miss Evans looked from Fanny to May Morton and all were speechless greater even than the stinging rebuke coming from General Marcy's son was the rebuke and the bewilderment of this name a name over which the literary world was a glow a name that was better and more widely known perhaps than that of any other in the country as belonging alike to a scholar a traveler a philanthropist and a brilliant lecturer a name that Miss Evans had spoken of in a gush of eager enthusiasm not long ago to Mr. Marcy himself she would give more to see and hear Dr. Millington for five minutes she had said then any yes then all other great men combined she distinctly remembered saying so and here he was just behind her shaking hands with Hattie Taylor the factory girl actually thanking her for helping him by her undivided attention Miss Parkhurst maintained her composure I thought there was something striking in his appearance she said to Miss Raymer but I'm so tired today that I really don't know what he said I was out late last evening then she wrestled herself to Mr. Hammond's side of the room she had a pet scheme under way I want your help in a plan which is entirely after your own heart she said to him with a winning smile I heard glowing accounts of the elegant dinner party that you gave your class last week I can't resist the temptation of telling you that I do so admire yourself denying efforts to entertain them socially I beg your pardon interrupted Mr. Hammond St. John may I trouble you to ask Brother Newton to wait for me a few minutes and Mr. Hammond looked relieved as St. John moved away it did not suit his taste nor his plans to have it reported among his boys that he denied himself to entertain them Miss Parkhurst continued and I really must thank you for the inspiration it has given me an idea I am going to get my class together at my own house just a little informal company I've invited your class also I thought it might be pleasant for them to meet each other now I have a special favor to ask of you won't you come in on Tuesday evening and help entertain them you understand the art so well I know you must for you succeed so beautifully with those boys can I depend on you just for a little while you know Tuesday evening said Mr. Hammond inquiringly why that is prayer meeting evening you know oh why so it is but then Mr. Hammond do you really succeed in attending both prayer meetings I have been obliged to give up the Tuesday evenings all together my engagements are such that I really haven't time for them I cannot always attend said Mr. Hammond your young ladies Mr. Parkhurst the meeting is designed more especially for the young people you know oh my girls never attended never so that will not be in the way at all but do you try to induce them to attend it why no as to that I never thought of it besides they wouldn't go if I did they every one of them do exactly as they please without any reference to me I don't know but Hattie Taylor attends them I never heard her say so but it would be quite like her however she won't mind missing one evening Mr. Hammond shook his head there is a boy in my class who I am sure would object to giving up the meeting even for one evening and I'm trying to induce all my boys to attend it but they have all accepted my invitation except that Peter Armstrong and he is so queer I don't suppose he would enjoy it if he came just for this once Mr. Hammond I must still beg to be excused he said earnestly I have long made it a very earnest rule to form no engagements of a social or a business nature on evenings set apart by the church to prayer and it would have to be an exceedingly important matter that would lead me to violate that rule I preach consistency to my class and I must make my theory and practice agree but after all Mr. Hammond isn't there such a thing as being too particular the girls in my class are not Christians at all mercy they are far enough from being such isn't there danger of disgusting them with the subject by being too strict and formal in our lives Mr. Hammond smiled sadly did you ever observe he asked how keen those persons who are not Christians at all are to discover and comment on the shortcomings and inconsistencies of others especially is it the case with young ladies and gentlemen of the stamp that compose your and my classes I am often in fear lest some lapse of mine may cause them to think lightly of my profession I hardly think we can be too careful Miss Parkhurst sighed heavily Dear me she said if you live in fear lest you may not do just right I don't know what is to become of us poor sinners who only do right once in an age well I suppose I must select some other evening though really I can't see how I can there is Mrs. Monroe's reception Wednesday evening do you go to that Mr. Hammond no why I am shocked at you do you really intend to give up all recreation in that way I think you owe some duties to society just put it in that light and I'm sure we shall see you oftener you are so fond of the word duty don't you really think there is something in that there is a great deal in it Mr. Hammond said I'm feeling over the progress they made but our conceptions of the subject might be different and involve more time for discussion than we have to spare then in a louder tone don't let me detain you brother Newton I'm detaining you Miss Parkhurst said hurriedly I'm shocked at having kept you so just help me out of my dilemma and I will vanish Monday evening my friend Miss Hinkley is ordering Monday is a very strange evening for tea parties don't you think so well that disposes of that evening Wednesday is Mrs. Monroe's reception as I said Thursday is the church prayer meeting I suppose it would be no better to have it then than on Tuesday in fact I don't like to have to go to other places myself on Thursday evening well could you give us Friday evening I was going into town but I suppose I can give it up Mr. Hammond laughed teacher's meeting he said briefly Miss Parkhurst shrugged her handsom shoulders you see how it is she said an undertone of impatience in her words there really isn't any evening but Tuesday and there certainly isn't that he said with quiet positiveness I just have to say Saturday I don't like that evening at all because one always sleeps later on Sunday morning anyway than any other time and after having company one's house is always in such confusion but that is part of the sacrifice for our work well say Saturday evening then at what hour may we expect you Mr. Hammond hesitated he did not like Saturday evening for the reason that it had been one of the standing rules of his Christian life not to break the Sabbath on Saturday but Miss Parkhurst evidently considered herself as doing a meritorious thing in sacrificing herself perhaps he ought to be sacrificed also besides it was growing late his Sabbath afternoon work waited so he promised End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Work that is Tangled It wanted but 15 minutes to 9 o'clock when Mr. Hammond rang sharply at Miss Parkhurst's door I owe you an apology he said to that lady who came to the hall to welcome him I had no idea of being detained so late by important business or I should have sent you word in fact I was a little bit confused in fact I was amazed at the lateness of the hour and have only come in to bring my regrets I suppose your pleasant little gathering is nearly over you shall come in and see for yourself how much we look like breaking up the lady said her eyes beaming with pleasure we have no idea of returning to primitive regulations in regard to hours why we do not even have refreshments until 9 Mr. Hammond's face clouded slightly refreshments at 9 at what hour would these two Sabbath school classes be likely to go to rest and in what probable condition of mind and body would the Sabbath morning find them he followed his hostess into the brightly lighted parlors and rubbed his eyes in a half ripped Van Winkle fashion as he looked about him he was but slightly acquainted with his hostess's class and the transforming effects of Tarleton and sashes and flowers and gloves were but little understood by him Miss Evans he positively did not recognize how should he she was a moving mass of creamy white puffs and blue sash and tear upon tear of bewildering curls moreover the puffs and curls were in a flutter of excitement with Lester St. John two other young ladies were on the floor with their respective partners Willie Bates and Will Gordon there was nothing that Will Gordon was not prepared to do a little group over by the center table also attracted his gaze the brothers Sanford were there engaged in instructing Miss Bates in the art of playing parlor croquet over by the window sat Peter Armstrong alone alternately looking at the two Mary groups and then out on the moon lighted lawn Job Jenkins was not there at all Mr. Hammond was no Rip Van Winkle in perception it took but a few seconds of time to discover that he was in very bewildering circumstances it was nine o'clock of a Saturday evening and Miss Parkhurst and himself were evidently sacrificing themselves to a croquet and dancing party which was but just getting into full tide of operation both dancers and croquet players halted barely long enough to respond in a general way to his introduction and then went merrily on aren't they having a delightful time Miss Parkhurst said with beaming face it is really worth the sacrifice of a good deal of time and strength just to see how entirely the young people enjoy it they enter heartily into their pleasures perhaps the most ludicrous phase of this entertainment was Miss Parkhurst's utter unconsciousness of anything verging on impropriety Mr. Hammond studied her face closely and felt that she was innocent of any design to impose upon him and was honestly and simply bent on giving her class a good time this only made things more perplexing this was Miss Taylor he said by way of giving time for thought I do not see her here Miss Parkhurst sighed she is not here Mr. Hammond it is strange how one is trampled in one's efforts to do good now one of my plans was to make a nice time for Haddie Taylor she so seldom has any pleasure they are quite poor you know and don't you think I couldn't prevail on her to come what would she offer oh the old trouble that meets one at every turn not at home among the girls some of them feel above her she thinks but isn't there force in the excuse would she be apt to feel at home I don't pretend to understand this question of dress it is rather intricate but would there not be a marked difference between her toilet and that of the other young ladies why of course she can't dress like Celia Evans or Fanny in May Horton and certainly in her circumstances ought not to expect to but what difference does it make did she think I invited her here to show her dress yet isn't it natural that she should shrink from coming in contact with young ladies of her own age looking so utterly unlike her in their attire Miss Parkhurst looked puzzled perhaps so she said slowly but what are we to do isn't that a feeling of false pride very likely do you consider Miss Taylor's advantages of brain and heart education to have been so superior that she should be able to rise above all feelings of false pride the puzzled look deepened why I don't know oh of course not but then Mr. Hammond what are we to do how can we ever bring our classes together socially if this thing is to spring up between them I do not know so long as the present fashion of toilets obtains it is certainly a very bewildering question under the circumstances I do not see how they can possibly come together with anything like a feeling of ease and pleasure I don't think it would have been any more soothing to her feelings if the girls had all worn calico dresses out of consideration for her having nothing better in fact I think it would be positively rude to make so pointed a matter of her circumstances you mean I suppose had they made the change for simply this occasion I quite agree with you a sensitive girl would have been wounded instead of helped Mr. Hammond you can't possibly think that all these girls ought to dress in calico all the time because Catty Taylor cannot afford better I did not say anything of the kind he answered smiling but now that you have suggested it that would certainly settle the vexed question for us would it not I should think it would she said half breathlessly but it is settled in an impossible way how could it ever be brought about I don't know I should think the spirit of it might be accomplished perhaps by a very careful study of one sentence in an old book of etiquette of which I am quite fond then tell me what the sentence is for I am really in great bewilderment if it is but one sentence I'm sure I can bring my brains to make so much effort and I'll engage to study it carefully will you he said with great meaning then he repeated slowly and earnestly whether therefore you eat or drink or whatsoever you do do all to the glory of God it was an entirely great face and thoughtful eyes that Ms. Parkhurst lifted to meet his as she said do you really think that means such a small thing as dress is it dress that makes the trouble in your class or is it eating and drinking besides don't you remember the whatsoever but Mr. Hammond how many people in this world do you suppose make their toilets according to that idea I really do not know I know one lady who's going to study the idea carefully and I expect enlightenment Ms. Parkhurst laughed her sweet silvery laugh and went to answer a call from the piano meantime Mr. Hammond's questions remained unsolved here he certainly was countenancing and encouraging a dancing party it really could be nothing less for the dancing had gone steadily on so also had the croquet the main question was what to do he could go quietly away after an indefinite noncommittal word of apology to Ms. Parkhurst most of the company were too busy to notice or care for his exit what a comfort this quiet slipping out of responsibility would be why not who would be hurt or helped either for the matter of that how much of a stand would that be to take given that slippery method of dealing with troublesome questions and how much better or wiser would the world grow well there was another way he could openly and boldly declare his disapproval of the nature of the entertainment and so depart with his colors flying what then why then he would succeed in offending Ms. Parkhurst and either amusing or startling her guests according to their several temperaments but it was doubtful whether he or anyone would be helped thereby Ms. Parkhurst had certainly placed him in a very disagreeable position but he was nearer to feeling an interest in her than he had been before for he had discovered that her inconsistencies were the result of thoughtlessness instead of indifference much as these two terms sound alike there is a marked difference between them Ms. Parkhurst was utterly thoughtless but her fellow teacher had discovered that evening that she was not utterly indifferent he finally went over to Peter Armstrong's window perhaps the moonlight or some other influence had illumined Peter and he might gain an idea are you enjoying the dancing this he asked by way of commencing a conversation and was hardly prepared for the look and emphatic no sir and the look on Peter's face was unmistakable don't you like to see dancing no sir again said Peter infinite disgust in his voice no sir I don't and if I'd known they was going to have that going on tonight why I'd stayed away that's all I've had just as much of that kind of thing as I can stand for a spell now this outburst was very unlike quiet reserved Peter and Mr. Hammond drew a chair beside him in both amusement and perplexity where have you been seeing this sort of amusement my boy I didn't know you came in contact with it very often no more I don't and don't want to that girl did enough of it to last me for a good while what girl asked Mr. Hammond more and more startled why that girl that went and danced for her father and he was silly enough to promise her whatever she wanted and she went and got John's head just think of that I reckon his disciples didn't ever want to see me again no more do I what a sudden transit from the parlours of Miss Parkhurst's elegant home to the court of that eastern monarch yet the law of association had taken the sabbath school scholar there and linked the two places what if those young ladies and gentlemen whizzing around the room could suddenly be confronted with John the Baptist's head on a platter you have been studying your lesson I fancy Mr. Hammond said in answer yes sir I wonder now if they have inclining his head toward the dancers probably not his teacher said smiling over the thought none of them belong to the class of people who bestowed much time or thought on sabbath school lessons anyhow they know about the calf Peter said again he gave him quite a spell ago and he wasn't much more than made before the folks went to dancing around him I wonder Lester St. John don't think of them he made lots of fun of them Mr. Hammond not finding Peter's views very helpful in regard to his own dilemma said about trying to puzzle him but the Bible speaks of other kind of dancing did you ever happen to read about a certain Miriam who danced yes said Peter significantly I have and she sung a Psalm at the same time and according to my notion her Psalm wouldn't fit in with them folks is dancing over there any better than it would when that girl danced for her father besides I don't believe Miriam world around with Moses like Fanny Horton is doing with Will Gordon Mr. Hammond could not restrain a laugh about the modern question of parlor dancing was so thoroughly unique what about croquet he presently asked Miss Blake seems to be enjoying the game and the boys are very patient in their teaching why haven't you joined them Peter's honest face grew red and troubled I don't quite know about them he said earnestly I was waiting for you to come so I could speak to you about it the red and yellow balls look nice and I'm most sure I could strike them through those little wires if that's what they're after but well his teacher said in kindly inquiry why they look so exactly like them billiard things that they play with down at the saloon Tom Randolph took me in one day he plays there a good deal and if them things are wrong why ain't these but it isn't the red and yellow balls that are at fault you know it is the associations billiard playing is generally done for money and croquet is simply for pleasure and exercise isn't there a difference yes said Peter slowly and thoughtfully there's a difference I see that and there's a difference between drinking a glass of sweet cider in the kitchen at home and going up to the bar and calling for a glass of whiskey but I don't drink that sweet cider because it don't look fair and square and real good men who know a great deal don't think it is right and I can't quite make Tom Randolph see the difference between them billiard things either he says his sister, Mrs. Monroe and her husband and the girls play billiards in their parlor at home with little balls and little hammers and he hasn't the time to spare at home so he runs upstairs to the saloon when he has a few minutes and plays with big balls and a big hammer he says he only plays for fun not for money and he won't see any difference and then the Bible says you know abstain from all appearance of evil that's the verse on our pledge card and putting that and Tom Randolph and them things over there together I can't quite make it out so I thought I'd wait and ask you I'd like to play them well enough but I don't care about having Tom Randolph saying that it's all the same thing because even if it isn't and he thinks it is why then there's an appearance of evil isn't there it looks like it said Mr. Hammond feeling that his bewilderment wasn't lessening but Peter some people talk just for the sake of hearing themselves talk you know what if this Tom Randolph sees the difference plainly enough but doesn't choose to admit it well even then Peter said with hesitation and embarrassment I don't know as I understand about this kind of thing but wouldn't them balls be an occasion for stumbling Peter said Mr. Hammond suddenly how long have you owned a Bible about three months said wondering Peter then how could you possibly have contrived to become familiar with so many verses why said his scholar in undisguised amazement I only know 91 a verse for every day besides the Sunday school lesson of course I learned that keep on the safe side of these questions on the Bible side for the present my boy I'll give you a general rule which I have found a great benefit in my Christian life if you find there is the least doubt in your heart as to the right or wrong of a certain path give Christ the benefit of the doubt and you will surely be right is that clear then he turned and spoke a word to Miss Parkhurst's young sister who was presiding at the piano the music suddenly ceased and the dancers halted in amazement awaiting further developments Mr. Hammond step forward his plans were formed Peter and some of his 91 verses had thrown light on the darkness end of chapter 6