"And you are right, my child. You can no more use another man's judgment in such matters, than you can breathe with his lungs. A man asserts his ownership of an estate just as much by giving it away all in a lump, as if he bestowed it by ten shillings at a time."
"I should like to read the Bible, if it is not wrong," said Amabel. "The bits we used to read with Father Brousseau in his great English Bible were so interesting. But I used to wonder why he never showed us those places where the Lord's disciples worshipped the Holy Virgin, and where he taught them about the worship and traditions of the Church."
"Perhaps you may find out the reason when you read the book," said Mr. Wesley, with a smile, in which a little sarcasm mingled with the sweetness. "Well, my children, we have had a pleasant, and, I trust, a profitable hour together. Now will you tell me where the rector of this Church, Mr. Cheriton, lives? I must speak with him concerning the funeral of this poor woman and her babe."
"Mr. Cheriton will save you that trouble," said the gentleman himself. "By your leave, fair ladies."
As he spoke, he made a flying leap over the low stone wall which separated our garden from the church-yard, and lifted his hat politely.
"Your servant, sir! I conclude I have the honor of addressing Mr. Wesley. I trust our poor friend up stairs has been comforted by your coming."
"I left him sleeping, and hope he may awake refreshed. I usually find that grief is somewhat mitigated, when it can be brought to the point of expression. 'Tis the silent and dry sorrow that kills. I have to thank you for the service you rendered him in the hour of danger."
"It was nothing," answered Mr. Cheriton, carelessly. "'Twas not in human nature to see an innocent man and a helpless woman trampled by a set of brutes."
"I have seen such things in human nature a good many times of late years," said Mr. Wesley. "From whence do such things come except from human nature? But not to discuss that matter at present. My poor brother has expressed a wish that I should perform the funeral services for his wife and child. I told him that I must first consult you, and if you saw no objection, and thought there was no danger of a disgraceful disturbance—"
"Of course there can be no objection," said Mr. Cheriton. "I shall be only too glad to have you do so, and as to any disturbance, the man who dares molest you, will have to deal with me."