Christian Endeavour."

Jessie looked out through the red and green of the geraniums at the
brilliant blue and silver of the landscape. She knew that the purpose
of the new society was above reproach, but somehow she could not quite
understand just what good it did. "Yes," she said vaguely.

"And you will be a member of the church now," Duncan ventured gently.
"And I would be very glad to see all the young folk that would be
coming to the Lord's table at the last communion, for it will be a very
holy consecration to God."

Jessie felt her cheeks growing hot; she looked down at the bare, white
floor.

"It will be a fine thing to be giving up the life to the Lord's work in
youth," continued Duncan softly.

The girl looked up with an effort. She knew that her joining the
church had had nothing whatever to do with giving up her life to the
Lord's work. She had taken that step at the last communion because
Bella and a large number of the young people of the church were doing
the same, and because she had arrived at the time of life when, in her
opinion, everyone was supposed to join a church; and most of all,
because Mr. Egerton had asked her. _He_ had never said anything about
a holy consecration. She knew her catechism perfectly and could repeat
whole chapters of the Bible; she had never done anything wicked in her
life, not even what _she_ considered wicked, and she had supposed these
qualifications were sufficient. Mr. Egerton had given her the
impression that he had thought so at least. Duncan Polite's conception
of the act seemed entirely different.

"I know we all joined the church, but it didn't seem,--I didn't think
it was like that," she faltered. "I don't think I'm any different."

"Oh, indeed, you will be a good lassie, yes indeed, oh, yes! But when
the Lord calls His chosen to take of His broken body and His shed
blood"--he whispered the sacred words tenderly--"He will be expecting
them to do much for Him."

"I don't think I'm like that. I know I'm not," burst out the girl.
"Mr. McDonald"--she looked at him, suddenly resolved to ask him some
questions that puzzled her. She had never been able to bring herself
to ask her father, and Mr. Egerton would not understand. "Is it wrong
for all us girls and boys to belong to the church, and just go on
acting the same? I--I like nice clothes, and fun, and--and it's just
the same now, I don't see any difference." She stopped, overcome.

Duncan's b