of the little heap in such an exciting way that Dr. Lavendar
had to put his hand over it to keep it from blowing off as he carried
the plate to the communion-table--we did not say "altar" in Old
Chester. This done, Mr. Wright and Mr. Dilworth would tiptoe solemnly
back to their respective pews. When the service was over the senior
warden always counted the money. On this summer Sunday morning, when
he went into the vestry for that purpose, he found Dr. Lavendar just
hanging up his black gown behind the door.
"Dr. Lavendar," said the senior warden, "you will, I am sure, be
pleased when I inform you that there is a good collection. Mrs. Richie
put in a five-dollar bill."
"Well," said Dr. Lavendar, "we need it. Your father sent me a check
the other day; but we need some more."
Mr. Wright did not comment upon his father's generosity; instead, he
slid the money from the silver plate on to the table and began to
count it. Dr. Lavendar looked at him over his spectacles; when only
half a dozen coppers were left, he said suddenly:
"Samuel!"
The senior warden looked up; "Yes, sir?"
"Samuel, your father has spoken to me of you."
Mr. Wright looked down; then he slowly picked up the last penny.
"Yes; he spoke of you. Samuel, I have something to say to you of a
very serious nature."
"We have nine dollars and seventy-seven cents," said the senior
warden.
"Your father," said Dr.
Pages:
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168