The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-12-07
Original in THE UNIvERsALIsT.
THE THINGS THAT ARE GODS"


John Hampton, stalwart, refined
looking man of forty five, sat at a read
ing table in his handsomely furnished
law Office.
Doctor Brown is below, sir" ar
nounced Fred, the Office boy.
Every WE'LL" and rising, Mr.. Hampton
stopped to give his clerk some direc-
tions regarding business before DOMINIC
his heavy overcoat and descending to
the street.
Here he found the doctors bay horse
and cutter waiting his coming. The
two men exchanged cordial greetings,
then Mr.. Hampton took his place by
the DOCTORS side and they soon left the
streets of the busy city behind them.
Mr.. Hampton, who was real estate
agent, had agreed to go with the doctor
to interview the lady who owned piece
of property which was in the market.
They conversed easily on various sub
iects until the doctor said suddenly:
"By the way, Hampton, it is next week
the temperance meetings are to COM
mence at our church. Mitchell cannot
be with US until the latter part Of the
week. We will depend on you for a
short talk for how many evenings-two
or three?"
John Hampton opened his blue eyes
very wide. Indeed, Doctor, / could
not think of such thing. Next week
will be court week, and l shall be very
busy. Too much business of my own to
attempt anything else"
There was momentary silence. Then
Doctor wn said. "Not too busy to be
about tn aster's business, my friend.
| am sure our practice shows you the
crying need of temperance work."
A slight shade of annoyance was per-
ceptible in Mr.. Hampton's voice as he
replied: Il see the need of real manhood.
have no sympathy with the fanaticism
which goes bowling up and down the
land, nor with the drunkard who inspires
this fanaticism. My life is very busy
one. find plenty to do in attending to
my own business. If other % en- would
do the same the would-be reformer
would find nothing to do"
"You are right" Doctor Brown spoke
heartily "But, until we get our weak
brother educated up to that, we must
help bear his burdens. Gods work
must be done.'
Certainly it must" assented the law
yer. 81 hold you and are doing it best
by attending to our own individual work
oh, here we are"
1t was a substantial looking farm
house before which they stopped. A
bright-faced boy who was crossing the
road from the barn came forward to
take the horse.
"You may put him in the stable and
feed him after he has cooled off," Mr..
Hampton said, with the air of one at
home.
Eyes, sir. Mrs. Clifford she's expectin'
of you. Walk right in. sir
II dropped her card telling her we
would drive out today" Mr.. Hampton
explained as he led the way up the we'll
beaten path. MRS. Clifford is widow;
friend of my fathers family, and one
of the dearest old ladies in existence.
Before he could ring the bell the great
hall door swung open, revealing the
smiling face of the mistress of the house.
Come right in. john she cried cor
daily. Never mind the snow. You are
welcome, Doctor Brown" she went on
in response to Mr.. Hampton's introduc
ton. ANY friend of a Hampton is sure
of welcome here"
Mrs. Clifford was nearly seventy, a
spry little woman on whose wrinkled
cheek a dull pink still fingered. Her
kindly eyes were black and sparkling,
while the line of hair that showed be-
meath the border of her black lace cap
was snowy white.
To Doctor Brown she was a charming
picture from the past, and the CHEEKY
sitting room to which she led them was
fitting frame for the picture. In the
old -fashioned fireplace wood fire leap
ed and danced. The chimney corner was
occupied by curiously carved settle of
time darkened oak. On the floor was a
bright rag carpet, and from the tiny
paned windows long curtains of white
muslin were tied back.
When they were seated before the fire
Mrs. Clifford slipped away apparently to
see about dinner. Upon her return bust
ness was preached. She was we'll versed
in her own affairs. and, as the doctor
knew just what he wanted, matters were
soon settled.
Come now to dinner" she said. ris-
ing. what is that?" as the doctor spoke.
Trouble, did you sayS 1t is no trouble,