They sat long together, and talked over details of the plan. The longer they counselled together, the more convinced they all felt that the work they were about to do was a work of such tremendous power and value that it could not be measured by money or mental effort.
"Will you live there yourself?" the minister asked.
During the conference it became evident that the same influences had been moving those men to decide their relation to the social settlement. The tragedy in Judge Vernon's home had affected him profoundly. He read in the events which had led to his son's death the lesson of personal responsibility for the redemption of Freetown. It was learned long afterwards that Mr. and Mrs. Carlton and Inez had made the complete change in their lives through the effect of that tragic incident on Inez. No power of man could ever have wrought so complete and astonishing a change. The divine Spirit had moved their hearts and made them new creatures. The Hon. William Brooks had reasoned himself to a logical acceptance of the minister's plan; and then, tired of the indifference and selfishness of an observer of human wretchedness who criticises others, he had suddenly determined to give himself, where for so many years he had simply given his opinions. But although he himself did not acknowledge it at the time, he also was led by the same Spirit which can make proud men yield themselves and enter the Kingdom as a little child.
During the next few days the city of Merton experienced a sensation when it was told the news of that meeting at the house of the Rev. Howard Douglass. There was nothing very remarkable in the fact that Mr. Douglass and Deacon Culver had promised to go and live a part of the time in the social settlement. But when it became known that Judge Vernon, Mr. Carlton, and the Hon. William Brooks expected to work in Freetown, and actually take up their residence a part of the time in the house, everybody exclaimed in wonder.
Perhaps the best idea of the way in which the people of Merton regarded the facts may be obtained from a conversation that occurred at one of the society events of that winter.
It was in the house of Mrs. James Lewis, the wife of one of the railroad officials. Mrs. Lewis was president of the United Clubs of the women of Merton. Her influence in the city was second only to that of Mrs. Carlton. The two women, each in her own circle, had been leaders for many years. Mrs. Lewis was very literary, and had a talent for organization. The United Clubs often gave a series of lectures by well-known women speakers. Once every winter they met at the house of Mrs. Lewis for a reception. It was this event that was the scene of a spirited discussion over the news of Mr. Douglass's plan and its unexpected volunteers.