Nineteen hundred? A forecast and a storyFarningham, Marianne
General
Nineteen hundred? A forecast and a story
Farningham, Marianne
Christian life -- Fiction; England -- Social conditions -- Fiction; Reformers -- Fiction
“And the people’s sake also. This has been the most beautiful week!
People’s hearts are full of joy and gratitude, and there have been a
hundred home missionaries among them, seeking to lead them to Jesus, and
so make the happiness more real and lasting. I don’t think there has
been a Christian man who dared to hold his tongue. I know of many for
whom the new life has become an accomplished thing this week.”
“I am very glad. And to-morrow afternoon we are to have a Bible-class
under the beech-tree here. I hope it will be a class of women only, or
chiefly.”
“It will be, because Mr. Knight has a meeting for men, and they will all
go. The life of the master is more eloquent than his words; but it is a
treat to listen to his addresses.”
“I hope the desires of his heart will be fully gratified, and that he
will never be disappointed in this place.”
“Oh, he never will be, surely! for God’s blessing will be upon such an
enterprise. How many changed lives there are among us! And my own is the
most changed of all. I have been thinking of the Sunday when you first
took me into your room, and talked with me, after I had offered up my
first prayer. I sometimes can scarcely think that I am I, so wonderfully
different is my whole life. And how much I owe to you, my own dear
friend. You have taught me what real religion is; and I am so happy that
no words can express my joy and thankfulness.”
Miss Wythburn caressed the girl, whose voice faltered with emotion, and
her eyes grew dim with tears.
“God has been very gracious to us both, and all,” she said, “and we must
show our gratitude by making other people as happy as we are. I wish we
could have all the East-end of London here with us.”
“I am afraid I am glad we cannot,” said Fanny; “but I will not be
selfish. That would be too wicked.”
Fanny thought of her own words half an hour later. She had said
good-night to Mary, and had turned at her own door, to take a last look
at the fading sunset, when a hand was laid upon her arm, and a voice
that seemed to bring Paradise grove back upon the scene said, “Is there
any room for me here?”
Fanny turned, with a flush of anger on her face, and looked into the
eyes of Andromeda Jones. “No,” she said. “You have no right here. You
are not one of Mr. Knight’s workpeople. Go away!”
“Don’t send me away, Fan. Think of what you used to be, and have some
pity for me. I am sick of the old life. I have walked all the way from
London because I want to be good, and have a home, and be saved like you
are.” And poor Drom’s voice died away in a sob.
“There is no room here for you,” said Fanny, endeavouring to disregard
the words which still lingered in her ears. She did not want to pass on
to this interloper the good which she valued so highly.
“No room? It is a wide place, and not crowded,” said Drom. “I am very
tired, for the way was long and dreary. You cannot mean that you will
not take me in after all? You have not been served so yourself, Fanny.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account