red; and last spring, when she was so sick, and I didn't
know but I'd lose her, it was dreadful to me to think how I'd
crossed her. So, Mr. Lossing, when she got well I promised her, for a
thank-offering, I'd intone. And I have ever since. My people know me so
well, and we've been through so much together, that they didn't make any
fuss--though they are not high--fact is, I'm not high myself. But they
were kind and considerate, and I got on pretty well at home; but when
I came to rise up in that great edifice, before that cultured and
intellectual audience, so finely dressed, it did seem to me I could NOT
do it! I was sorely tempted to break my promise. I was, for a fact." He
drew a long breath. "I just had to pray for grace, or I never would have
pulled through. I had the sermon my wife likes best with me; but I know
it lacks--it lacks--it isn't what you need! I was dreadfully scared and
I felt miserable when I got up to preach it--and then to think that you
were--but it is the Lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes! I don't
know what Maggie will say when I tell her we can get the window. The
best she hoped was I'd bring back enough so the church could pay me
eighteen dollars they owe on my salary. And now--it's wonderful! Why,
Mr. Lossing, I've been thinking so much and wanting so to get that
window for her, that, hearing the dean wanted some car-pentering done, I
thought maybe, as I'm a fair carpenter--that was my trade once, sir--I'd
ask him to let ME do the job. I was aware there is nothing in our
rules--I mean our canons--to prevent me, and nobody need know I was the
rector of Matin's Junction, because I would come just in my overalls.
There is a cheap place where I could lodge, and I could feed myself for
almost nothing, living is so cheap. I was praying about that, too.
Now, your noble generosity will enable me to donate what they owe on my
salary, and get the window too!"

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

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

The older man looked at Harry with glistening eyes of admiration; with
what Christian virtues of humility he was endowing that embarrassed
young man, it is painful to imagine.

The dean's eyes twinkled above his handkerchief, which hid