Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-07

| was an agnostic; that / didn't know
whether there was a God or not. but
seems to me I've had a revelation to-
night and perhaps I'll have more of 'em.
1 will If she don't cast me off,"
Il sha'n't cast you off," said Miss Cor
della, family. in the pause which followed
Mr. Smets' appeal She hardly knew
what she was saying, but she felt that
she must say something.
There's a train,' said the bishop, lat
11:45. I'll be glad to give you money for
your fare"
NO" said Miss Cordela. quickly. She
rose. crossed over to the table and picked
UP the little roll of bills which Mr.. Smets
had placed there. Here is your money
she said, extending it to him.
MY money! exclaimed Mr.. Smets.
Certainly. / gave it to you. And-rll
keep the silver for you until you return"
continued Miss Cordelia.
For me?'
Certainly said the bishop; ''she gave
1t to you, did she not?'
We'll, ma'am and sir said the be-
wildered Mr.. Smets, there's only one
thing for me to do. She called me a
gentleman and you called me gentleman.
Them words were sweet to my soul, but
I've got to show that / amt a gentleman
as much as l am a man. Miss Penley,
I'd like to have" and for the first time
he faltered. 'if you'd give me--if might
have
But Miss Penley OWNED what he
wanted.
THE Testament" she exclaimed. and on
the instant she put it in his outstretched
hand.
May God bless the reading Of His Word
to you, SIR" said the bishop.
"Amenn' answered Mr.. Smets, kissing
the book as il he were taking an oath.
He made another of his inimitable bows,
full OF grace. but this time with a strange
sort Of dignity about it, and then marched
out into the rainy night.
.'Oh, I'm a wicked. wicked sinner" said
Miss Penley. sinking down in the Boston
rocker and burying her face in her hands.
MY dear child" said the bishop, lay
ing his hand tenderly in benediction upon
her bowed head, while perhaps l cannot
entirely justify you in your action, Yet
/ am sure your motives My dear Miss
Cordelia, 1t was magnificent. God bless
YOU.
The bishop could not trust himself to
out Of the door.
Another year, another spring, the same
house, the same woman. Night time and
the rain again. Another knock on the
door. There had been timidity in Mr..
Smets' knock, assurance in Mr.. Bill Sad
ler's, benediction in that of the bishop:
the characteristic of this knock was self
respect. Miss Penley was a connoisseur
In knocks Call 1t teiepathy. explain it
how you will, but Miss Penley was GER
tain that the hand which tapped the door
could belong to no other than Mr.. George
Smets.
Miss Penley stopped before the mirror
moment, smoothed her hair, already
smooth. sighed at her appearance. whose
plainness had never been so evident TO
her. and then opened the door.
There was Mr.. Smets.
Good evening, Miss Peney," he began
Come right in. Mr.. Smets,'' answered
Miss Cordelia. You must be awfully
wet
No" said Mr. Smets. stepping over the
threshold and closing the door, Il have
raincoat and I'm quite dry. thank you"
He took Off his raincoat. Miss Cordelia
noticed that he was very well dressed.
won't you sit down." she said family.
Before I sit down, Miss Penley, I've
got something to say to you. You see
this''-he reached his hand into his pocket
and pulled out worn little Testament
MY Testament" exclaimed Miss Cor
della.
1.-The very same, ma am. and | want to
explain that its shabbiness don't arise
from carelessness and mishandlin'. It's
been read to pieces
Il see. said Miss Penley, softly.
And l want to tell you," continued Mr..