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Howells, William Dean, 1837-1920

"The Minister's Charge"


When Sewell came down from his pulpit, many people came up to speak
to him of his sermon. Some of the women's faces showed the traces of
tears, and each person had made its application to himself. There
were two or three who had heard between the words. Old Bromfield
Corey, who was coming a good deal more to church since his eyes
began to fail him, because it was a change and a sort of relief from
being read to, said--
"I didn't know that they had translated it Barker in the revised
version. Well, you must let me know how he's getting on, Sewell, and
give me a chance at the revelation, too, if he ever gets troublesome
to you again."
Miss Vane was standing at the door with his wife when Sewell came
out. She took his hand and pressed it.
"Do you think I threw away my chance?" she demanded. She had her
veil down, and at first Sewell thought it was laughter that shook
her voice, but it was not that.
He did not know quite what to say, but he did say, "He was sent to
_me_.'"
As they walked off alone, his wife said--
"Well, David, I hope you haven't preached away all your truth and
righteousness."
"I know what you mean, my dear," answered Sewell humbly. He added,
"You shall remind me if I seem likely to forget." But he concluded
seriously, "If I thought I could never do anything more for Barker,
I should be very unhappy; I should take it as a sign that I had been
recreant to my charge.


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