The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-05-23

as Wheaton was speaking. why
should he pick out today of all days tC
preach his association religion to me?'
Then as Wheaton went on a curious
change OF feeling took place In Ed.
wards mind. Why should Wheaton
care anything about him anyway
What difference did 1t make to him
whether Blake was Christian or not
But If he really was anxious about the
welfare of his edward Blake's) soul
| for any reason whatever, what more to
be expected than that he would seize
any opportunity he could to speak on
the subject?
| Edward was silent so long as he
went over this little monologue that
Wheaton thought he was perhaps CIV
ing the subject serious consideration.
He did not venture to break the ST.
lence, and Edward at last said slowly:
"Pm much obliged to you, Wheaton,
for your interest in me. I'm afraid l
don't deserve it."
| "That's not the question:" began
| Wheaton eagerly. 81 believe you don't
realize all you are missing as you go on
with your college course. A Christian
faith in your own life would make a
wonderful change in it."
"Am l so bad as all that" asked Ed.
ward, with slight laugh, beginning to
feel rise In himself suddenly that un-
reasoning anger that he had felt before
when Wheaton had spoken to him.
"No, you don't understand. But
| there Is a great difference In the life
that has put Christ into everything
| and the life that does not call him
Lord. I wish you could see 1t clearly"
Edward was silent again, and Wheat
on looked and evidently felt disap-
pointed. AS Edward made no sign Of
| saying anything, Wheaton rose.
"I'm sorry If I've intruded on you,
Blake, or said something l ought not.
Some day perhaps you'll understand
| my motive. l pray the Holy Spirit
may move your heart and bring you
into the kingdom"
He walked over to Edward simply
and held out his hand. Edward felt
ashamed of himself. because he knew
he had treated Wheaton rudely. He
tried to offer a word Of apology.
81 don't question your interest In
me, Wheaton, even II l don't under
stand it. And of course don't forget
what owe you for your kindness dur
| ing my sickness. I'll always remem-
Der that with the greatest graft e.
| hope you will be back in the fall"
THANK you. ] hardly think shall.
| shall not be satisfied, Blake, until
hear that you have given yourself to
Christ"
He shook hands seriously and went
away, leaving Edward standing by the
window, hardly knowing whether to
feel vexed at the interview or pleased
at Wheaton's interest In him.
1t was still raining quite hard, and
there was an hour yet before supper.
So he stood aimlessly by the window
for few moments more after Wheat
on had gone. AS he stood there look
ing out he saw Professor Clark come
out of the chapel and start down the
steps toward his house, which was
three or four blocks farther down the
hill. The professor was very absent
minded. and If he brought an umbrella
with him he had probably forgotten
it or handed it to some one else who
had forgotten to return it.
Edward caught up his own umbrella,
put on his hat and ran down the stairs
and across the way. He overlook the
professor just as he went out Of the
college gates. 1t had begun to rain
harder.
"Take the umbrella, sir. and will
run back to the hail." he said.
"No, no. You go with me, Blake.
Thank you. I really own several dozen
umbrellas somewhere, but other peo-
pie are probably carrying them when 1t
rains. Which should you say was
worse, owning umbrellas that other
people carry or carrying umbrellas
that other people owns"
81 should question the political econ
omy Of either" replied Edward, laugh
ing. He had come to have a genuine
liking for Professor Clark and did not
stand at all In awe Of him.
at certainly Is worse for me to own
so many umbrellas and never have one
when 1t rains. If thoughtful people
like you didn't look after me, expect
should buy even more umbrellas than
/ do. Thank you very much. Won't
you come in a minute, Baker he ask
ed when they reached the house, and
Edward went In for moment.
He sat and chatted easily with the
professor few minutes and then rose
to go. The professor went out into the
hallway with him.
81 expect to leave for the east tomor.
row and probably shall not see you
again before next fall, Blake. There
is one thing l have been wanting to
say to you ever since the meetings last
winter. You ought to be a Christian
man, Blake, and throw all your influ.
ence on the side Of the best things In
Hope. Perhaps I'm wrong in taking
MnSsatS!g!! AzMWX 4