," argued Helen, "it is not reasonable to think that every
young minister is bound to forsake home and friends, and all that, and
go out to these wild places."

"Not every one will be called. The application will not be easy for any
of us, I doubt. Oh, no! it will not be easy."

"But surely, Mrs. Macgregor, there are other claims upon men."

"There iss only one claim, lassie, only one claim. His claim is the
first. All other claims will just be working out that first one. Ay,
that's it," she said, as if arriving at decision, "only one claim. God
peety us! One claim," she added with a sudden break in her voice.

At that break Helen glanced at the old lady. The strong face was
working strangely. The tears were slowly making their way down the
wrinkled face.

"Oh, Mrs. Macgregor!" exclaimed Helen, "that seems an awfully hard
doctrine. Do you think God ever wants a man to leave father, mother,
wife, helpless behind?"

"No, no, lassie, not helpless. But--," she could go no further. "But,"
she continued after a moment or two, clutching Helen by the arm,
"he--will--be--going--away, lassie, he will be going away. He will be
leaving me and--it iss the will of the Lord. Oh! lassie, lassie, heed
me not. He must never see the tears on my face."

"Don't! don't!" cried Helen in a sudden anguish. She had no need of
further words to tell her what the old lady meant. "He would never do
such a thing! He could not do it!"

"Could not?" answered Mrs. Macgregor. "Ay, he could," she said proudly.
"Thank God he could. He will not be shaming his blood. But oh! it iss
himself will carry a sore heart away with him and leave a sore heart
behind."

"Oh, Mrs. Macgregor!" cried Helen, while her breath came fast and her
hand went to her own heart, "perhaps he will not think it to be his
duty. Perhaps he will not--"

"Indeed, indeed, and I saw it in hiss face last night, and clearer than
ever to-day. He hass heard the voice and it iss for him to obey--and
for us."

They were near Mrs. Macgregor's home, where the others stood waiting
for them at the gate.

"May I come to see you?" said Helen hurriedly.

"Ay, come," said Mrs. Macgregor with a keen look at her, "you will be
needing--I will be needing help."

The others they found eagerly discussing the sermon, but there was
little criticism. The Superintendent had won his volunteers. On Shock's
face sat the serenity of a great decision, in his deep blue eyes the
light of a great enterp