The two men were slightly abashed at first and stood speechless as if in doubt what to say, or as if they were unable to recognize her.
“Ho! ho!” cried Mr. Deacon, “here is Miss Church-Member who sits in one of our front pews.”
“Her appearance is wonderfully improved however,” added Mr. Elder in an undertone.
“How came you to adopt this dress and be in such close fellowship with Mr. World?” asked Mr. Deacon.
“I am now in the midst of my missionary work, endeavoring to lead Mr. World into church membership,” were her glib words of explanation, though, somehow, they were unsatisfying to her ear; but she was rapidly learning to stifle such unpleasant qualms of conscience.
“She is doing a grand work,” said Mr. Deacon to Mr. Elder with gestures of approbation.
“Are you any better than you were since such an elevating influence has been thrown about you?” asked Mr. Elder, as he turned to Mr. World.
“Happy for me that Miss Church-Member ever undertook my case, for I am now nearer joining the church than ever before.”
The two church-officials offered their hands to Mr. World in warm congratulation, and then praised Miss Church-Member for her timely efforts which they felt sure would terminate in his conversion.
“What more is required of me in order that I may join your church?” inquired Mr. World in a voice of deepening earnestness.