looks and dwarfish lives are fearful protests against the pitiless
avarice of the faithless rich. This or that conception of the
redemptive economy, or concerning the personnel of its central figure,
may be tolerated, but there can be no hopeful sign for him who actively
or passively oppresses God's 'little ones.'

"A story has been told of One whose weary, homeless head, often envied
hole of fox and nest of bird; 'despised and rejected,' yet making
autocratic claims to kingly prerogatives over an empire more limitless
than that of Caesar Augustus; having in marked degree, a high-born soul's
characteristic indifference to personal affronts, yet terribly indignant
at slights to the poor; Who, standing with His imperial brow bared in
oriental sun, His right hand resting in benediction upon curly-headed
babe, the other thrilling with prophetic instinct of the leftward
gesture of 'Depart,' uttered this sentiment, Better a millstone necklace
and deep-sea grave than offense against the helpless.

"How heartless, for one reared in luxury, placed beyond the reach of
want, having refinements and accomplishments of intellectual drill,
leading a life of selfish ease, pampering every personal taste, while
millions of these needy wards lack common bread."

Names and sacrifices of noted philanthropists were eloquently commented
upon, and pathetic instances were narrated of noble women who had spent
their lives in this human ministry.

These appeals had awakened in Esther's mind a fixed resolve to devote
herself to some form of home missionary work. She fully had determined
to forego all associations and environments not conducive to greatest
usefulness in her chosen mission.

Trustingly waiting providential direction, Esther had returned from
London, doubting not that a life of contented service would unfold with
the years.

Thus panoplied with mail of self-consecration to an ideal, Esther
Randolph met and withstood the suit of Oswald Langdon.

Oswald never overtly exceeded the bounds of social propriety, nor
boorishly inflicted his presence upon Esther's attention. The high
constraints of native manliness and gentlemanly instinct precluded such
coarse tactics.

Esther's failure to appreciate this rare chance, and to acquiesce in her
lover's evident interest, resulted not from any strange apathy or
dislike, such as sometimes influences girlish choice. To her father she
said: "I see in Oswald's remarkable individuality much