“Yes; they have developed a capacity for enjoying themselves which is remarkable when one remembers how they looked when they lived in Paradise Grove.”
“I really must congratulate you, Mary, on being able to assist in so good and great a thing as this. I should have liked the chance myself.”
“I am sure you would have, Tom. But now tell me of Margaret, and this new idea of a training home for young housewives.”
The two friends were together on the shore, with a long afternoon before them, and much to talk about. Mary wanted to know all that Tom could tell of Scourby and Darentdale, of old and mutual friends, and of the success of the new plans for helping the poor to help themselves, which had been tried for a longer time in the places adjacent to Tom’s home than anywhere else. When she heard the particulars of the suggestions contained in the letter which Margaret had received she was delighted, and almost wished herself back again that she might help.
“Margaret must undertake the management, and she will do it splendidly,” she said. “Nothing must stand in the way. It is, of all other missions, the one that is most needed in England.”
“I am not at all sure that my Cousin John ought not to stand in the way. There are always private interests to be considered, and it is not right that they should be ignored. But if Margaret abides by her resolution not to marry him until my aunt consents, I quite think she may count upon several years for this work. But whoever shall attempt it will find the task bristling with difficulties. Those girls who most need to be made to think do not wish to; and they will not voluntarily go into exile during the time of courtship—it is not likely.”
“But the bribe of five pounds’ worth of furniture will secure many. And I am sure there must be hosts of girls whose hearts and consciences are made tender by love, and who would most thankfully embrace such an opportunity of making themselves more worthy to be wives.”
“Oh, yes! And it will be a great thing to help these; but I am afraid the lowest of the low will not be reached.”
“Even if it be so, it will be much to prevent the class just above the lowest of the low from sinking down into it. What are you going to do yourself, Tom? Will you help Margaret?”
“Yes; I think so,” said Tom. “We have pulled together well, Margaret and I; but I have not as much of the missionary spirit as she.”