"Things is brightenin'up for you,Mr.Wilson,"said she."Times is hard,but we're doin'what we can to help you along.I'd like to do more myself,but my husband has so many bad bills,and so much trouble in collectin'his money,that we're straitened when we shouldn't be."The minister was painfully aware that he was one of the debtors who found it hard to pay his bills,and he knew that Mrs.Bennett's speech was meant for a hint.
Supper was by this time ready,and the ladies and gentlemen filed out to the supper table with alacrity.It was,doubtless,the consciousness that they were engaged in a philanthropic action that increased the appetites of the good people.At any rate,there was very little left on the table when the repast was over.All present seemed in excellent spirits.Congratulations poured in upon the minister and his wife,who,it appeared to be thought,were in great luck.
"Guess this'll put you on your feet,parson,"said Deacon Peabody,a little huskily,for he had stuffed half of a large doughnut into his mouth.
"The people have come for'ard very liberal today.""Yes,"said the minister unenthusiastically.
"Reminds me of the land flowin'with milk an'honey,"resumed the deacon.
"If it could only last,"thought Mr.Wilson.On ordinary days there was small appearance of plenty on the minister's frugal board,and,as his guests were consuming about all they brought,there seemed small chance of an improvement.
There was a turn in the tide,however.A parcel was brought from the express office,containing a neat cashmere dress,entirely made up,for Mrs.Wilson.This was accompanied by a note from Mary Bridgman,the donor,to this effect:
DEAR MRS.WILSON:--As I still retain your measure,I have,made up this dress for you,and trust it may prove a good fit.I hope you will receive it in the same spirit in which it was sent.Your true friend,MARY BRIDGMAN.
It was long since the minister's wife had had a new dress,and the prospect of another had seemed remote enough.Nothing,therefore,could be more timely and acceptable,and the little woman,for the first time during the afternoon,seemed actually cheerful.
"I had no idee Mary was doin'so well,"said old Mrs.Slocum."That cashmere dress must have cost a good deal.""Mary Bridgman was always extravagant,"said Mrs.Hadley disapprovingly."I don't believe she saves a cent."Mrs.
Hadley may perhaps have felt that the dressmaker's handsome gift was a tacit rebuke for her shabby offering.
Thus far the only gifts of any value had been the dress just mentioned and fifteen dollars in money.It spoke poorly for the liberality of an entire parish,especially when it is considered that three out of the four donors --Mr.Fry,Mary Bridgman and Mabel Frost --were outsiders.Mr.Wilson was not much disappointed.If anything,the visit had been more remunerative than he expected.To one of his scanty income fifteen dollars in cash would be a considerable help.He felt that,on the whole,the donation visit had "paid."But there was unexpected good fortune in store for him.Ralph came in with a letter from the post-office,postmarked New York.
"I wonder who it can be from,father,"he said."Do you know any one in New York?""Only Miss Bridgman,and we have heard from her.""Better open the letter,parson,"said Mrs.Pulsifer,whose curiosity was excited."We'll all excuse you."Thus adjured,the minister did so.As he read,his face became luminous with joy,and he fervently ejaculated,Thank God for all His goodness!""What is it,parson?"inquired Deacon Peabody.
"My friends,"said the minister,clearing his throat,"I want you all to be partakers of my joy.I will read the letter.It is dated New York.
"REV.
MR.WILSON --DEAR SIR:--I have this day deposited the sum of five hundred dollars in the Gotham Trust Company of New York city,in your name,and subject to your draft.Pardon me for not communicating my name.Rest assured that it comes from one who appreciates your services,and hopes to be considered your sincere friend and well wisher."The reading of the letter produced a sensation.Deacon Peabody asked to see it.He put on his spectacles and examined it intently.
"I guess it's genooine,"he said cautiously."Really,Parson Wilson,it makes you a rich man.""I congratulate you,Mr.Wilson,"said Squire Hadley,cordially shaking the minister's hand."We ain't so liberal as we might be,but I'm glad to find there's somebody that's open handed.Here's ten dollars to add to your five hundred.""You overwhelm me,Squire Hadley,"said the good man."I feel rebuked for my want of faith in Providence.This morning I awoke with a heavy heart.Little did I dream that the burden was this day to be rolled away.Now Ican start fresh,and henceforth I hope to pay my way."It seemed odd what a sudden accession of respect there was for the minister now that he had money in the bank.
"Oh,Mr.Wilson,don't you be in a hurry about my husband's little account,"said Mrs.Bennett."He'll know you're good for it,and that'll ease his mind.""Mrs.Bennett,"said the minister gravely,"I am obliged for your offer,but I shall attend to your husband's claim at once.I have always wished to pay my debts promptly.Nothing but lack of ability has prevented."It was quite in order that conjectures should be hazarded as to the unknown donor of this munificent gift.Who was there in New York likely to feel interested in the minister of Granville?Some one suggested that Mr.Randolph Chester lived in New York,and straightway he was questioned on the subject.He smiled,and shrugged his shoulders.
