At the word "dumb," Mr. Hanlon, whose elbow was resting on the table, jumped so violently that he knocked the Album onto the floor. Aunt Amanda nodded her head to him, and all the others stared at him.
"'If any be Old, he shall be Young again: If any Fat, he shall be as Lean as he will.'"
At the word "fat", the Churchwarden gave a questioning grunt, and settled down deeper in his chair.
"'If any be Poor, whether in Purse or in Mind, he shall seek Alms no longer.'"
The Old Codger with the Wooden Leg, who had been resting his wooden leg on the chair opposite, dropped it to the floor and sat up very straight. Toby, who was standing beside him, clapped him heartily on the shoulder.
"'If any be Mean, or Cunning, or Despiteful, he shall be given a new heart.'"
Aunt Amanda looked directly at the Sly Old Codger, who was sitting smiling, with his tall silk hat on his knees; and everyone else in the room, except Mr. Hanlon, looked very intently at him. He noticed it, and glanced around inquiringly, smiling more benevolently than ever.
"How beautiful that would be," he said. "How beautiful! If some of my dear, dear friends could only have a new heart,—how beautiful!"
"Don't interrupt," said Aunt Amanda. "Freddie, listen to this: