“Yes, I suppose so,” I said slowly. “I believe I have always found it easier to pray for spiritual things, than for everyday earthly things. One can ask for faith and love and patience, and really expect an answer. But when it is a question of food and money—”
“Mother,” Cherry whispered, “don’t you think that is perhaps just the reason why the people have not always quick answers about food and everyday needs?”
“What reason?” I asked, not at once catching her thought.
“Why,—because they don’t expect.”
“It may be,” I said. “But it won’t do for us to choose for ourselves in such things after all, Cherry.”
“O no,” and Cherry smiled. “If you were to choose now, perhaps you wouldn’t have Maimie to live with us at all. But that isn’t our choosing. So I am quite sure we may ask to be helped,—and don’t you think we may really expect an answer? Because of that 'all your need’?”
“Some would say we do not need so many things as we fancy we do,” I said.
“I dare say we don’t,” Cherry replied thoughtfully.
“Perhaps St. Paul meant that when he said,—,’Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.’”
“You have a good memory for texts,” I said. And then we both went back to our work and were silent.