CHAPTER VII.
THE CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS.
That evening Sterling and the old Doctor arrived. The Doctor was acquainted with all the Pages except Dorothy. After a preliminary skirmish in the conversation Dorothy remarked:
"It is very kind in Mr. Sterling to be trying to instruct me in these church matters, for I feel very ignorant. He and I have not agreed on all points, but the discussion has helped me greatly."
"I think Miss Dorothy is afraid to take me as her guide as she is trying to climb these heights of Bible truths," said Sterling with a faint smile, "and I have brought over a more skilled and experienced leader."
"Maybe she will not endorse your selection," said the Doctor with a smile at Sterling.
"I see you are making me out as being not only hard to please, but also very ungrateful to my friends. You will find me a very interested and appreciative listener, Doctor, to anything you may be kind enough to say to me."
"We are to talk about infant baptism tonight, and, Doctor, if you are willing, I suggest that you give the reasons for this practice," said Sterling.
"You are laying out quite a program for me. I will attempt, however, to bring it within brief compass. The first fact I would mention is Christ's treatment of the little children."
"Did he baptize them?" broke in Dorothy.