In view of the coming lecture it was mutually agreed that the veranda gatherings should be discontinued for the present at least.
CHAPTER VI.
TRUTH AGAIN DEFEATS FALSEHOOD.
The meeting was to be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, and in the meantime our missionary busied himself variously, but devoted part of the time in getting his lecture arranged and in refreshing his memory on the topics upon which he wished to speak. When not thus employed he took strolls about the country, or engaged in pleasant bits of conversation with his acquaintances, and with others whom he happened to meet on the way. He was such a favorite at the Marshall mansion that the people there were always pleased to have him express a wish for anything, in order that it might at once be gratified; but such expressions were very rare and confined to the scope of his actual requirements.
On Friday afternoon he engaged in a pleasant discussion with Mrs. Marshall on some scriptural topic. Missionaries all understand the power of song, Mr. Durant was no exception, so at one point he sang one of his hymns:
"How the light from Zion's mountain
Clears the mists of error's age:
Clarified in ray and fountain,
How its truths our fears assuage!"Tempest-tossed, we still are certain
Life is but a pleasant span.
Hope has painted every curtain
Pictured in the gospel plan."Once again to every nation,
Jesus opens wide the door;
Here are truths that bring salvation,
Preached and practiced as of yore."Joyful tidings to the people
From the perfect courts on high;
Sweetest chimes from tower and steeple
Ring: Redemption's drawing nigh."Shine, thou light, with doubled splendor,
Spread thy soothing, restful rings,
Till the sun of Zion, tender
Rise, with healing in his wings!"
The daughter was an interested listener, and at the close broke in with—"It seems to me that there is no such thing as perfect happiness after all. We are always being disappointed in relation to some hope or desire, and when we engage in that which affords pastime or amusement, there is invariably a penalty following. Is not this true, Mr. Durant?"
"I could scarcely dispute with a lady, even if there were grounds for it," said he, gallantly.
"But I prefer you would," she said, "because you appear to know all about these things and I desire to learn. Why is it, for instance, that after enjoying myself greatly at a dance or other late entertainment, injured nature afterward cries out for revenge, and takes it? So with all things it seems to me. The pleasure experienced in meeting a dear friend is beclouded by the knowledge that there must be a parting soon; and death is ever near as if to remind us of the fact that life, happiness, honor, wealth, youth, are all fleeting and unsubstantial."
"Very true."