“Why don’t they have a real chapel?” asked Isabel.
“There are only about nine people inside of thirty miles who would come,” said Mr. Murray.
“But nine would be enough,” exclaimed Polly. “The whole Church started with only twelve.”
“Polly, that’s very true,” Jean said, earnestly. “I had not thought of that myself.”
“If the nine were strong, and really wanted a chapel, they could have it. Just as you told us about that priest who traveled through the wilderness to hold services for the Indians, and when they drove him away, he went up on the great rock, and held them anyway, and after a time the Indians came near. If people knew for sure that services would be held every single Sunday at the schoolhouse, wouldn’t they come?”
“I think they would,” said Peggie. “I’m sure they would. Polly, you’re a missionary.”
“Let’s speak to the Bishop about it,” said Ruth. “We could call it our mission, girls, and send things out West from Trinity Church for it.”
“Land o’ rest, lassie, don’t you think you’ve started enough to look after,” exclaimed Mrs. Murray, smilingly. “What with disturbing the remains of poor animals that have lain in peace since before the flood, and riling Sandy all up over it, don’t you think you can rest a bit?”
“Oh, but we love to start things, Mrs. Murray, dear, and finish them too, which is something, you know. I’m going to ask the Bishop if it could happen. Is he very dignified, and stately? Our Bishop is. At Confirmation when he stands in the chancel, with his beautiful silvery hair, and splendid old face, it seems to me,” Polly said softly, “as if I can almost see behind him the long wonderful procession back to the very first Apostles.”
“But do you remember, dear,” answered Mrs. Murray, “that those same Apostles were chosen by their Master for the fight when they were young men, and strong. So it is to-day with the fields where they need husbandmen who can stand the heat and labor of the day. Our Bishop—God hold up his hands!—is still young, and he can outride any man in four counties, when it comes to endurance. They say that when he passes a herd, all the cattle nod their heads in greeting, but that is only a saying among the lads on the range. They think he’s a fair wonderful man.”