s fail: not in lofty ideals, not in
emotional experiences, not in grand works undertaken; but in the
prosiest, hardest spot--albeit the touchstone of many a man's
consecration--the _money question_.

CHAPTER XVI

THE MISSIONARY MEETING

It was early summer when the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of Doctor
Schoolman's church was to have a public meeting. On Sunday the faithful
calendar announced it, and Doctor Schoolman made special mention of it,
urging attendance. A missionary home on furlough was to exercise a part
of his "well-earned rest" in addressing the meeting. It was to be held
in the afternoon, but it was suggested that as many men of the
congregation as possible unite with the ladies in giving welcome to one
who had distinguished himself by faithful and valuable service on the
foreign field.

The announcement was discussed in the Gray household and Hubert
determined to join Winifred in attendance.

"Not that I believe much in it," he said, "when here all about us, and
especially in our large cities, there are plenty of objects for our
commiseration quite as wretched, undoubtedly, as those in foreign
countries."

"No doubt," said Winifred. "It always seemed to me to be looking rather
far afield for something to do."

However, the two determined to hear the voice from China.

Wednesday, the day for the meeting, came, and Hubert left work in time to
join Winifred on her way. They found the lecture-room of the church
rather better filled than was usual at a missionary meeting, but only a
few gentlemen were present. Winifred had time to observe some of the
faces about her before the meeting began. She knew the Secretary, a
woman with a keen, earnest face, always active in good works, and
indefatigable in her efforts to excite a generally indifferent church
into some glow of interest in the missionary cause. There were a few
other faces as interested as her own. Hubert saw the plain little body
he had singled out at the church social as one who perhaps would find it
a pleasure to talk about the Lord. Her eyes looked expectantly toward
the quiet looking man who came in with Doctor Schoolman.

The President, rather new to her office, fingered her jeweled watch-chain
nervously as she opened the meeting. The company sang "From Greenland's
Icy Mountains," and Doctor Schoolman offered prayer. The Secretary read
the minutes of the previous meeting--a "Thank-offering meeting"--and it
was d