Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century AllegoryHarris, W. S. (William Shuler)
Religion
Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century Allegory
Harris, W. S. (William Shuler)
Christian fiction
Each one of the fourteen massive buildings was a gem of architectural
beauty, and was devoted to a special line of study or practice. The
entire group worked harmoniously toward the same end.
In the course of their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member drew
nigh to this great college, but the shrewd and wicked Mr. World remained
silent, waiting for the first words of his companion. Miss
Church-Member, however, as she looked upon the stupendous edifices,
was so filled with wonder and admiration at the long stretches of
masonry, and the perfect symmetry of parts, that she offered no comment
until they were quite near the first building.
“For what purpose is this group of great structures used?” were her
words that broke the brief silence.
“All for the sake of the eyes,” he carelessly answered, as he called
her attention to the King’s Highway and the throngs of people that
were admiring and entering the college from those parts.
“It is indeed wonderful,” she commented, “that so small a thing as the
eye should demand the service of such great edifices.”
“The buildings are not too large nor too well equipped. Your surprise
would not be so great were you to witness the large number from the
two great highways that come here daily for treatment. You can see
them now moving by thousands to and from the buildings. It might be
wise for us to enter for consultation. My eyes, at least, may need
some expert attention.”
She, being anxious to see the interior of at least one of the buildings,
offered no objection to his shrewd suggestion.
The building was so easy of access that there was not one step to
climb. An electric elevator served to carry them to the sixty-fourth
floor which formed a part of the huge dome into which the upper portion
of the great structure converged. This style of architecture not only
added to the beauty of the appearance, but also proved to be perfectly
adapted to the uses of the college.
The confidence of Miss Church-Member was fully won by the appearance
of the interior and the courteous attention she received from the
managers.
The consulting physician examined the eyes of Mr. World, then
congratulated him upon the clear vision he enjoyed, and informed him
that his eyes required no immediate treatment.
Turning to one side, Mr. World whispered to his companion: “While we
are here you had better improve this opportunity and also get the
benefit of an expert opinion.”
“I have not come prepared financially,” she blushingly and faintly
replied. “I did not even dream of seeking the service of a specialist.”
“That obstacle is easily overcome, for the examination is free, and
if you should need further attention and would wish to receive it, I
would deem it only a great pleasure to bear all the expenses.”
After a brief, thoughtful silence she consented to the preliminary
examination. “Will you examine the eyes of my friend?” requested Mr.
World as he stepped toward the chief oculist.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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