e whom I consider impractical are
those who, having an abundance for themselves, dole out pittances for
the Lord and regret they are so little! The poor, perplexed ladies in
the missionary society vex their brains in planning how to 'raise'
something for Him. They take mite-boxes themselves, and they encourage
the gifts of the poor, the children, the babies--and even the dolls, I
am told! It is very pathetic. But why does it never occur to them--to
those who can afford it, I mean--to _give_? That is what I should call
practical. I suppose Mrs. Greenman did not find much difficulty in
'raising' enough money to pay for her swell reception the day after the
missionary meeting, I saw the street lined with carriages and heard an
orchestra playing inside as I passed. We can imagine the decorations
and the fine gowning. Now that was practical. What she wanted was a
fine display, and she practically put her hand in her pocket and paid
for it. But she says they cannot all do what they would like for
missions! Why do they plead poverty there? Mrs. Greenman would not
like to have her husband poorly rated in Bradstreet's, and I am sure
she did not wish to have her guests the other day think of poverty.
But before the Lord--ah, maybe that is what they think it is to be
'_poor in spirit_!' But if they would be honest! If she should say,
now, in the missionary meeting: 'The amount raised is not what we might
have given, but it is all we really wish to give in view of the
luncheon parties, fine dresses, and all that sort of thing, that we
find more important,' I think that way of putting it would be
practical, and honest withal."

Mr. Gray actually laughed, and the sound was music to his son's ears.

"Very good, Hubert," he said. "You had better give them a lecture."

"Had I not better give them an object lesson?" Hubert suggested instead.

"There is one thing you cannot do," Mr. Gray said with a sly triumph.
Hubert looked at him inquiringly. "You cannot give away your mother's
legacy. The terms of the will provide for that. The property cannot
be alienated."

Hubert looked at his father blankly for a moment. The fact stated he
had quite forgotten.

"You are right," he exclaimed. Then his brow cleared of its blank
surprise and he laughed. "That settles it about the rest," he said.
"The income from that property will amply support me and any poor
interests a humble missionary may have."

"Just so," said his