The chairman arose, after listening to the arguments at length, and addressed the audience with great coolness and deliberation: “Most worthy members of this committee,” commenced he, “you have spoken many words of truth this day. Your interest in this matter only shows your loyalty to our cause. ‘Club-House or Festival?’ that is the question. Surely we cannot dispense with either, but rather must we maintain both at any cost. As for this place in question, I am decidedly in favor of holding it for the use of the church. The Club-House will find a location elsewhere, but this ground is so favorably situated for church-merchandising that I urge you to hold it for such purposes. Have we not seen how eagerly the two classes mingle here? This place, being so accessible to all parties, makes it possible for the church to gather larger numbers and thereby reap greater financial results— which is the principal object of the church in holding these delightful affairs. Since the church is well supplied with everything it needs except money, let us do it a favor by rendering some assistance in that direction. Then we may reasonably expect that the church will, in return, do us a favor by being less hostile to our methods of operation, which, as you will admit, are highly honorable.”
This speech had the desired effect. A resolution was quickly passed in harmony with the opinion of the chairman.
The curiosity of Mr. World was now satisfied, for he had seen this famous committee in session. Therefore he repaired to the waiting- room, and while conducting Miss Church-Member from the building their attention was arrested by this announcement written in bold letters near the exit:
ANY ONE WISHING REFRESHMENTS CAN FIND THEM AT THE FESTIVAL ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS.
“How does that announcement suit you?” interrogated Mr. World.
“It comes at an opportune time,” she answered, her face brightening, “I had been hoping that we might soon have lunch.”
They had gone but a few steps from the door when they heard cheery voices and strains.
Here the Church receives money for souls from the Devil, while the Devil gets souls for money from the Church of music lending attractive life to the festival. Urged on by the thought of a pleasant hour, they quickened their pace unconsciously and were soon within sight of the grounds.
I saw the multitude gathering in the grove. The mingling of the church and the world was so complete that one could scarcely tell from which path many had come.
