The Washburn leader., 1914-09-04
How theChurch
Lost a Fortune
By RUTH GRAHAM

he got so high as to favor celibacy
among the clergy and finally deter
mined to abstain from marriage. There
was another, perhaps stronger, rea-
son for his own celibacy. He owned
considerable property which he deter
mined to put into a church. The CIV
ing up of this fortune he considered in
compatible with matrimony.
| His mother, who was as practical as
the son was visionary, strongly object
ed to his plan. She had helped her
husband by good household manage
ment to make the fortune her son en-
joyed, and she had no desire to see it
put into church. If it were to 60
for any such purpose she preferred
to have it given to the poor.
One day Mrs. Whites called on Miss
Laura Edmonds. whom she knew her
son fancied. and said:
Laura, wish your assistance"
How can serve you. Mrs. Whit
hes?''
Marry my son."
"Whatv'
Il mean what say. Paul needs to
ideas about living the life Of celibate
and giving the fortune my husband
left him-he had better have left it all
to me-to the church. Paul has always
liked you. and think you can get
him If you want him."
why, Mrs. Whifles!'
Listen to me. Paul's property pays
per cent on 100000. and Paul him
self is good boy. though impractical,
where his feelings are concerned. He
isn't bit like me or like what his ia
ther was.''
But, Mrs. Whitfies''-
Don't but me. please. You are too
sensible a girl to throw $4,000 year
over your shoulder. When you get
Paul you get his property. The ques-
stone and mortar with Gothic naves.
hand carved reredos and an altar
Pardon me for interrupting you.
Mrs. Whites, but will you kindly tell
me how l am to marry your son when
your SON.
simplest thing in the world-out-
Herod Herod.'
"Please explain"
''The first thing is to get hold of him.
That will arrange for you. All you
have to do after that is to work to
build two churches instead Of one and
much bigger ones. Keep forcing the
gas into the balloon. Never let up
Regret that you haven't a fortune to
build all these churches"
'"Then what?"
Hell think you the only sensible
girl he ever met. He'll come to me and
tell me all about it. I'll do a part of
the rest myself. I'll suggest that you
two together can build church to
beat the Cathedral of Cologne. Live
on nothing Sacrifice everything, even
to living on bread and water. The
bread and water will appeal to his i'm
agination. Work in harmony for
great purpose"
But wouldn't relish living on
bread and water
mo more would Paul. can't get
anything dainty enough for him. But
to mortify the desh-imaginat tion-he
will beat st. Simeon Stylites."
"How funny!'
"Will you dine with us next Thurs
day EVENING""
"Why. Mrs. Whifaes. Thursday?
You don't intend-I believe have no
engagement for that evening"
"Well, Laura, goodby. You'll help me.
I'm sure. You're no fool. I've known
you since you were little girl, and
I'm sure there is no nonsense about
you.'
But. Mrs. Whites, when I've out
Heroded Herod, as you call it, and
have. as you proposed. put the money
into the church at the expense Of our
st0machs"-
"Oh, you must do some sentimental
lovemaking!"
"What else?"
Get him: that's all. Get him.
"And after have got him?"
''Oh. Laura. you make me tired! All
these churches that you and he have
been building together will collapse
II you can't manage Paul you're not
the girl take you for. Goodby. dear
Thursday evening at o'clock"
Miss EdmOnds appeared at Mrs.
Whites promptly at Z, and dinner was
announced few minutes later She
was as bright in action as she had
seemed dull of comprehension. She had
spent the interval since Mrs. Whites
visit p0ring over descriptions Of cathe-
drals. and her knowledge on the sub
ject made the young clergyman feel
like country meeting house architect
beside Michelangelo.
Mrs. Whites did her part after
Miss Edmonds had departed. and
when Paul called on Miss Edmonds
a few days later he found her as well
up on medieval asceticism as she was
on cathedrals. When he finally pro-
posed. with the proviso that they marry
and spend all their money except
thousand year on churches. she de-
clared that the amount reserved for
themselves was extravagant.
When the couple returned from the
wedding Journey. which cost all they
were to live on for a year. Mrs. Whit