The three friends had ceased to smoke, and were listening to Mr. Durnford’s deliverance open-mouthed. They respected their minister, and valued his esteem. They were rather conscience-stricken, than offended now.
“But, surely, sir,” said Mr. Kershaw, presently, finding breath first of the three, “you wouldn’t have us fling away our money, as he does?”
“I shouldn’t be in haste to forbid you, Mr. Kershaw, if you seemed inclined to take that course,” said the minister, with a smile. “But, if you come within measurable distance of the example of our friend, you will do very well.”
“But,” pleaded Mr. Botterill, “ought we not to consider our wives and families?”
“You do, Mr. Botterill, you do,” was the somewhat sharp reply. “But there still remains ample scope for the claims of God.”
Upon this, there ensued a pause, which was at length broken by Mr. Caske, who, whatever might be his shortcomings, was not an ill-natured man. “Well, sir,” he remarked, good-humouredly, “you’ve hit us hard.”
“I am glad you are sensible of the fact,” was the pleasant reply.
“No doubt you are!” rejoined Mr. Caske, in a somewhat jaunty tone. “And I suppose you intend now to give us an opportunity of following your advice?”
“Why, yes,” said Mr. Durnford, with a smile, “I really came to ask you for the payment of certain subscriptions now due. It is time I was making up some of the quarterly payments. But, perhaps, after what has been said, you would like to take a day or two——?”
“No, for my part,” interposed Mr. Caske, “I don’t want any time. I’ll double my subscriptions at once.”