Page:The Toll of the Bush.pdf/216

If the innumerable prayers offered up by a suffer- ing and desiring humanity were of a sudden to receive fulfilment, it is probable that the recipients would be less full of thanksgiving than of surprise at the unforeseen consequences of their action, while, were the favour belated, it is inconceivable but that the surprise should be largely flavoured with annoyance.

Mrs. Andersen was past the stage when any reform in her husband’s conduct was prayed for or even desired. So when Lena conveyed to her the - subject of Mr. Wickener’s message, and it seemed that her old prayers had at last received attention, there was far from being any corresponding feeling of gratification in her breast.

‘Let him keep his money,’ she said roughly. “We can do all right as we are.’

But the money was not returned, nor were the sums that dropped in subsequently, all at the hands of the same courteous and agreeable messenger. And in consequence the appearance of the family improved greatly. In course of time the whole of