People's voice., 1900-01-18

this money. God help mel do want
to put myself into the problem. But do
you know, Rachel, | have feeling all
the time that all that limitless money
and limitless personal sacrifice can
possibly do will not really lessen
very much the awful conditions at
the Rectangle as long as the saloon
is legally established there. I think that
is true of any Christian work now be-
ing carried on in any great city. The
saloon furnishes material to be saved
faster than the settlement or residence
or rescue mission work can save it"
Virginia suddenly rose and raced the
hall Rachel answered sadly and yet
with a note of hope in her voice:
''It is true; but. oh, Virginia, what
wonderful amount of happiness and
power can come out of this money! And
the saloon cannot always remain here.
The time must come when the Christian
force in the city will triumph.
Virginia paused near Rachel, and her
pale, earnest face lighted up.
81 believe that too The number of
those who have promised to do as Jesus
would is increasing. If we once have.
say, 500 such disciples in Raymond,
the saloon is doomed. But now, dear, |
want you to look at your part in this
plan for capturing and saving the Rec
tangle Your voice is power. have
had many ideas lately. Here is one of
them. You could organize among the
girls a musical institute Give them
the benefit of your training. There are
some splendid voices in the rough there.
Did any one ever hear such singing as
that yesterday by those women Rachel,
what a beautiful opportunity You
shall have the best Of opportunity in
the way of organs and Crchestras that
money can provide, and what cannot
be done, with music to win souls there
into higher and better and purer Iv-
ingf"
Before Virginia had ceased speaking
Rachel's face was perfectly transfgured
with the thought of her life work 1t
flowed into her heart and mind like
flood, and the torrent Of her feeling
overfowed in tears that could not be
restrained. It was what she had dreamed
of doing herself. 1t represented to her
something that she felt was in keeping
with right use Of her own talent
"Yes, she said as she rose and put her
arms about Virginia, while both girls
in the excitement of their enthusiasm
paced the hall-"yes, | will gladly put
my life into that kind of service do
believe that Jesus would have me use
my life in this way. Virginia, what
miracles can we not accomplish with
humanity if we have such a lever as
consecrated money to move things
with
"Add to it consecrated personal en-
thusfasm like yours, and it certainly
can accomplish great things, said Vir-
ginia, smiling, and then before Rachel
could reply Rollin came in. He hesitat-
ed moment and was passing out Of
the hall into the library when Virginia
called him and asked some questions
about his work.
Rollin came back and sat down, and
together the three discussed their future
plans. Rollin was apparently entirely
free from embarrassment in Rachel's
presence while Virginia was with them;
only his manner with her was almost
precise, if not cold. The past seemed to
be entirely absorbed in his wonderful
conversion. He had not forgotten it,
but he seemed to be completely caught
up for this present time in the purpose
of this new life.
After awhile Rollin was called out,
and Rachel and Virginia began to talk
of other things
"By the way, what has become Of
Jasper chaser"
Virginia asked the question inno-
Gently enough, but Rachel blushed, and
Virginia added, with a smile: II sup
pose he is writing another book. Is he
going to put you into this one, Rachel?
You know always suspected Jasper
Chase of doing that very thing in his
first story"
"Virginia" Rachel spoke with the
frankness that had always existed be-
tween the two friends-"Jasper Chase
told me the other night that he-in fact
he proposed to me-or he would if'-
Rachel stopped and sat with her
hands clasped on her lap and there
were tears in her eyes.
Virginia, thought little while
ago that | loved him. as he said he
loved me, but when he spoke my heart |
felt repelled. and | said what ought |
to have said told him no. | have not |
seem him since. That was the night of !
the first conversions at the Rectsngle
Il am glad for you. said Virginia
quietly.
"Whyf" asked Rachel. little star
tied
Because | have never really liked |
Jasper Chase He is too cold and-I DO |
not like to judge him, but | have al |
ways distrusted his sincerity in taking |
the pledge at the church with the rest
Rachel looked at Virginia thought |
fully.
II have never given my heart 10 him |
am sure He touched my emotions, |
and | admired his skill as writer. | |
nave thought at times that | cared a
good deal for him | think perhaps if |
No ho1 syrol-an %o ,,,a ~ onx- o+bor f;,,,o |