At the end of that time Mr. Thurston,
with apparent unconsciousness, threw a spark into the combustibles.
"The fact seems to be," he said, "that there has been too much the air
of proselyting in our charity work, and that has brought it into
discredit with the class which we most wish to reach."
He sat down with a face admirably controlled. Mr. Strathmore showed in
his benignant countenance nothing save charity for all and general
approval of the remarks of his subordinate. The audience stirred
nervously, realizing that the critical moment had come. Father
Frontford, pale, ascetic, austere, rose with grave deliberation.
"What has just been said," he began, "brings up a subject which has
been in the minds of many for some months,--the question whether there
is or should be any difference between the charity work of the church,
and that of the city or the world in general. As far as I understand
the position of the last speaker, I take it to be his opinion that
there is, or at least that there should be, no such difference. He
believes in alleviating misery, and he would have religion kept in the
background, lest the poor should feel that they are being fed for the
sake of being led to a better life.
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