my agent's office, just directing envelopes. Well, Miss Dearborn, that
boy has a desk of his own now, and the agent tells me he's one of the
very best men he's got. He does his work so well that I've been able to
discharge two other fellows who sat around and watched the clock for
lunch hour, and Bradley does their work now better and quicker than
they did, and saves me twenty dollars a week; that's a thousand a year.
So much for a business like Sunday-school; so much for taking a good
aim when you cast your bread upon the waters. The last time I saw Moody
I said, 'Moody, my motto is "not slothful in business, fervent in
spirit, praising the Lord."' I remember we were out driving at the
time, I took him out behind Lizella--she's almost straight Wilkes'
blood and can trot in two-ten, but you can believe he didn't know
that--and, as I say, I told him what my motto was, and he said, 'J.,
good for you; you keep to that. There's no better motto in the world
for the American man of business.' He shook my hand when he said it,
and I haven't ever forgotten it."

Not a little embarrassed, Laura was at a loss just what to say, and in
the end remarked lamely enough:

"I am sure it is the right spirit--the best motto."

"Miss Dearborn," Jadwin began again suddenly, "why don't you take a
class down there. The little micks aren't so dreadful when you get to
know them."

"I!" exclaimed Laura, rather blankly. She shook her head. "Oh, no, Mr.
Jadwin. I should be only an encumbrance. Don't misunderstand me. I
approve of the work with all my heart, but I am not fitted--I feel no
call. I should be so inapt that I know I should do no good. My training
has been so different, you know," she said, smiling. "I am an
Episcopalian--'of the straightest sect of the Pharisees.' I should be
teaching your little micks all about the meaning of candles, and
'Eastings,' and the absolution and remission of sins."

"I wouldn't care if you did," he answered. "It's the indirect influence
I'm thinking of--the indirect influence that a beautiful, pure-hearted,
noble-minded woman spreads around her wherever she goes. I know what it
has done for me. And I know that not only my little micks, but every
teacher and every superintendent in that school would be inspired, and
stimulated, and born again so soon as ever you set foot in the
building. Men need good women, Miss Dearborn. Men who are doing the
work of the world. I believe in women as I believe in Chri