“There's a friend of ours coming down on that train, Andrew--a young man named Merry.” He took out his note book, wrote a few lines, and passed the slip with some money to Andrew. “You get that--have it covered up so no one can see what it is, and leave it in the barn when you get back.” Quincy told his wife about Arthur Scates and Uncle Ike. “I'm going to take Uncle Ike to Mr. Gay's church to-morrow,” he added, “but I didn't say anything about it to-day. I'm not going to give him time to invent excuses.” Maude did not conceal her pleasure at meeting Harry again. She was a companionable girl, and Mr. Merry was too sensible to think, because a young lady was sociable, that it was any indication that she was falling in love with him. “Are you going riding this evening, Alice?” Quincy walked to the window. “The sunset is just glorious. There's a purple cloud in the west, the edges of which is bordered with gold. There are rifts in it, through which the sun shows--and now, come quickly, Alice, the sun, a ball of fire, has just sunk below the cloud which seems resting upon it.” When they turned away from the window, Alice said: “I don't think I will ride any more. Maude must take the horse I had--he is so gentle. What a pity Mr. Merry cannot go with her for a ride.” “He can. I sent Andrew for a saddle for him to use.” “Quincy, you are the most thoughtful man in the world.” In less than half an hour Maude, with Harry riding the mare, were on their way towards the Centre Road. When they returned, an hour later, there had been no runaway, unless Harry's heart had undergone one. Maude's countenance did not, however, indicate that she had participated in any rescue. CHAPTER IX A “STORY” SERMON The influx of mill operatives and mechanics from Cottonton in search of a breathing place after a hard day's work, had led to the building up of the territory north of Pettingill Street and east of Montrose Avenue. This fact had led to the erection of the Rev. Mr. Gay's church in the extreme northern part of the town, but near to both Montrose town and Cottonton city. “We are all coming to your church this morning, Mr. Gay,” said Quincy at breakfast. “I shall be glad to see you, but you must not expect a city service. The majority, in fact all, of my parishioners are common people, and I use plain language to them.” “I think simplicity in devotional exercises much more effective than an ornate service,” said Alice. “Do you have a choir?” asked Maude. “We can't afford one, but we have good congregational singing.” “I'm glad of that,” said Maude. “I hate these paid choirs with their names and portraits in the Sunday papers.” “I shall take the carryall and go for Uncle Ike. It is a beautiful morning and you will all enjoy the walk,” Quincy added. Uncle Ike, at first, gave a decided negative. “I haven't been inside a church for many a year and it's too late to begin now.”