“Did you ever hear anything so quaint and touching, Ralph?”
“Never, Ruth, outside of ‘Friends’ Meeting,’ where I used to go with Grandma when I was a kid. They sang their sermons and sometimes they were very touching.”
“O, listen! He’s singing plainer now, Ralph!”
“As long as you please, dear,” said Ralph. The rascal was only too glad to listen, with Ruth’s pretty head leaning against his shoulder and her fair cheek within kissing distance, while the following words came rolling forth in a heartful voice:
“Co-workers with God! What a mission for men.
What a promise! What glory awaits us then,
When once we awake and our destiny see!
The angels I’m sure might envious be.
All hail to God’s workers! Our race they will save
From the foul name of ‘master,’ or ‘idler’ or ‘slave.’”
“O, I like that, Ralph,” whispered Ruth, after the singing had ceased. “It sounds so hearty and helpful—better than cathedral music for poor mortals like ourselves. I know he will help us. Let us go in now.”
Ralph was in no hurry; but Ruth pressed him eagerly forward. She would not wait even for the proffered kiss. She rapped at the door.
“No need of ceremony here,” laughed Ralph. He opened the door and they walked in.
The President was at his desk swinging his pen as vigorously as he had been using his voice a moment before. He did not stop until he came to a period. Then he arose quickly and extended both hands.
“Glad to see you, Norwood, and twice glad to see—”