“I find that I have been at work on the plans for these new tenements ever since the condemnation,” went on the rector. “I would build them in the semi-court style, with light and air in every room; with as little woodwork as possible; with plumbing appliances of simple and perfect sanitation; with centralised baths under the care of an attendant; with assembly rooms for both social and religious observances and with self contained bureaus of employment, health and police protection—one building to each of six blocks, widening the street for a grass plot, trees, and fountains. The fact that the Market Square Church property is exempt from taxation, saving us over half a million dollars a year, renders us able to provide these advantages at a much lower rental to my Vedder Court people than they can secure quarters anywhere else in the city, and at the same time lay up a small margin of profit for the system.”
Gerald Fosland drew forward his chair.
“Do you know,” he observed, “I should like very much to become a member of your vestry.”
“I’m glad you are interested,” returned the rector, and producing a pencil he drew a white advertising space towards him. “This is the plan of tenement I have in mind,” and for the next half hour the five of them discussed tenement plans with great enthusiasm.
At the expiration of that time, Ted and Lucile and Dick and Marion came romping up, with the deliberate intention of creating a disturbance; and Gail and the Reverend Smith Boyd, being thrown accidentally to the edge of that whirlpool, walked away for a rest.
“They tell me you’re going abroad,” observed the rector, looking down at her sadly, as they paused at her favourite rail space.
“Yes,” she answered quietly. “Father and mother are coming next week,” and she glanced up at the rector from under her curving lashes.
There was a short space of silence. It was almost as if these two were weary.
“We shall miss you very much,” he told her, in all sincerity. They were both looking out over the blue waves; he, tall, broad-shouldered, agile of limb; she, straight, lithe, graceful. Mrs. Boyd and Mrs. Sargent passed them admiringly, but went on by with a trace of sadness.
“I’m sorry to leave,” Gail replied. “I shall be very anxious to know how you are coming on with your new plan. I’m proud of you for it.”