“Where is your contribution?” demanded the monk.
“I have none, O Master! At the last ceremony, I gave all!”
“Those who have no gift for the celestial spirits receive no rewards,” Father Benedict said sharply.
“Please—”
“Pass on!” ordered the monk.
Realization now came to Penny that in another moment she too would be expected to drop her contribution into the fountain. What could she give?
On her third finger the girl wore a silver colored ring with a red glass stone. She had won it several days before at a church party fish pond, and despite the fact that it obviously had been bought in a dime store, had kept it.
As Penny’s turn came she removed the cheap ring and let it fall into the basin of the fountain. Keeping the hood well over her face, she mumbled in a disguised voice: “I give my precious ruby ring!”
“Blessings upon you, my good woman!” said the monk approvingly. “The celestial spirits will remember your generosity.”
Father Benedict now led the procession to the refectory where supper was to be served.