“‘For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.’”
And, farther on:
“‘Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much are ye better than the fowls?’
“‘Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’
“‘If then God so clothe the grass, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith!’”
Gertrude had half expected some such answers. She did not speak, but watched her as she continued to turn the leaves. She read again:
“‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.’”
“That is all very well,” she said; “but that is for one as well as another, for me as well as you. And besides, people don’t take all things just as they stand. I am sure all the people I know live as though their life did consist in the abundance of the things they possess.”
“Well, I suppose the promise is not good to them,” said Christie; “but that does not hinder its being good to others.”
“Then one need not trouble one’s self about what is to happen, according to that? One may just rest content and let things take their course?” said Gertrude, incredulously.