"Well, I will consider it; for I dare say you are right. But to return to what we were talking about just now, perhaps, sir, you could give me a hint or two, this morning, with regard to my money?" Thus invited, Mr. Durnford ventured to mention several cases of individual necessity with which he was acquainted, and to indicate various schemes of wide-spread benevolence in which a man of wealth might embark. "Cobbler" Horn listened attentively; and, having entered in his note-book the names Mr. Durnford had given him, promised also to consider the more general suggestions he had made. "I am very much obliged to you, sir," he said; "and shall often come to you for advice of this kind." "As often as you like, Mr. Horn," laughed the minister; "it doesn't cost much to give advice. It is those who follow it that have to pay." "Yes," rejoined "Cobbler" Horn; "and that will I do most gladly." So saying, he rose from his seat, and held out his hand. "Good morning, sir!" "Good morning, my dear sir!" said the minister, grasping the proffered hand. "By the way, how is Miss Owen getting on?" "My dear sir, I owe you eternal gratitude for having made me acquainted with that young lady!" "I'm glad of that, but not a bit surprised." "She is a greater help to me than I can tell. And what a sad history she seems to have had--in early life, that is! Her childhood appears to have been a sad time." "Ah, she has told you, then?" "Yes, it came out quite by accident. She didn't obtrude it in any way." "I am sure she wouldn't." "And the fact that she was once a little outcast girl increases my interest in her very much." "That," said the minister, "is a matter of course." CHAPTER XXXI. "COBBLER" HORN'S CRITICS. The months passed. Christmas came, and was left behind, and now spring had fairly set in. "The Golden Shoemaker" had become a person of great consideration to the dignitaries of his church. It is true there were those amongst its wealthy members by whom he was unsparingly criticised behind his back. But this did not deter them from paying him all manner of court to his face. He was startled at the importance which he had suddenly acquired. His acquaintance was sought on every side; and he found himself the subject of a variety of polite attentions to which he had been an entire stranger until now. Men of wealth and position who, though they were his fellow-members in the church, had never yet shaken him by the hand, suddenly discovered that he was their dear friend.