“Madam President and Ladies,—I want to give a word of warning. We will all feel very self-righteous when we go home; and there’s danger in it. This box is going to be sent out in a spasm of generosity as the barrel was sent in a spasm of indifference. But let me tell you that nothing worth living can be supported on spasms! If any of you see now that the time has come to pay dollars instead of duds, and are willing to live up to your knowledge, hold up your pocket-books!”
From all over the house went up purses and bags of silver, leather, and filigree.
“Thank the Lord! your conversion is genuine!” cried the treasurer. “But give me your checks before you go!”
The beaming president rose.
“You have disposed of the situation beautifully, ladies. But the barrel remains. What shall we do with the barrel?”
“Madam President——”
“Mrs. Hall.”
“We have had our thank-offering, our trespass-offering, and any number of free-will-offerings. I move that we make of the barrel a burnt-offering!”
It was carried by a rising vote amid wild applause.