Finds mark the archer little meant!
And many a word at random spoken
May soothe or wound a heart that’s broken.”
Sir Walter Scott.
THE energy of the Free Church had been a subject of special dislike to Miss Park; and when she heard that Mr. Barrie called on Dan, and that Bell, for whom before the Disruption she had a great respect, was on such intimate terms with him that she actually allowed him to sit in her kitchen, and even tried to make a Free Churchman of him, she was exceedingly bitter in her remarks on the subject.
One day Mr. Walker chanced to call, and she expatiated to him on the burning shame she felt at such ongoings.
“The Free Church folks must be hard up for supporters when they have to go to such a worthless vagabond and try to make a Christian of him. It’s a disgrace, a scandal—it’s sacrilege!” and much to the same effect.
Mr. Walker not only did not sympathize with her, but spoke very firmly to her for thus traducing the very first principles of Christian charity, and said that the “plucking of such brands from the burning was the grandest work the Church could undertake.”
“Then why did you not do it?” said Miss Park.
Mr. Walker pled guilty to having been remiss in discharging such duties, but said that he would try to amend, and that he would see Dan soon.