one, "that this upstart
fellow is an example to us?"

"Mr. Caske," responded the minister, "you have interpreted my words to a
nicety."

The three critics shuffled uneasily in their chairs.

"Yes," continued Mr. Durnford, "an example and a reproach! Mr. Horn has
the true idea of the responsibilities of a Christian man of wealth; you
have missed it. He is resolved to use his money for God, to whom it
belongs; you spend yours on yourselves--except in as far as you hoard it
up you know not for whom or what. He is never satisfied that he is giving
enough away; you grumble and groan over every paltry sovereign with which
you are induced to part. He will be able to give a good account of his
stewardship when the Lord comes; there will be an awkward reckoning for
you in that day."

The three friends had ceased to smoke, and were listening to Mr.
Durnford's deliverance open-mouthed. They respected their minister, and
valued his esteem. They were rather conscience-stricken, than offended
now.

"But, surely, sir," said Mr. Kershaw, presently, finding breath first of
the three, "you wouldn't have us fling away our money, as he does?"

"I shouldn't be in haste to forbid you, Mr. Kershaw, if you seemed
inclined to take that course," said the minister, with a smile. "But, if
you come within measurable distance of the example of our friend, you will
do very well."

"But," pleaded Mr. Botterill, "ought we not to consider our wives and
families?"

"You do, Mr. Botterill, you do," was the somewhat sharp reply. "But there
still remains ample scope for the claims of God."

Upon this, there ensued a pause, which was at length broken by Mr. Caske,
who, whatever might be his shortcomings, was not an ill-natured man.
"Well, sir," he remarked, good-humouredly, "you've hit us hard."

"I am glad you are sensible of the fact," was the pleasant reply.

"No doubt you are!" rejoined Mr. Caske, in a somewhat jaunty tone. "And I
suppose you intend now to give us an opportunity of following your
advice?"

"Why, yes," said Mr. Durnford, with a smile, "I really came to ask you for
the payment of certain subscriptions now due. It is time I was making up
some of the quarterly payments. But, perhaps, after what has been said,
you would like to take a day or two----?"

"No, for my part," interposed Mr. Caske, "I don't want any time. I'll
double my subscriptions at once."

"Same here," said Mr. Kershaw, concisely.

"Thank you, gentlemen!" s