"Where does she come from?" asked the deacon, as a pause in the music
occurred.
"Her father was an earnest and prominent member of the little church
down-town of which I had charge during several years," replied the
young man. "Miss Irving was scarcely more than a child when she
volunteered her services as organist. The position brought her no
remuneration, and at that time she did not need it. Young as she
was, the girl was one of the most active workers among the poor, and
I often met her in my visits to the sick and unfortunate. She had
been a musical prodigy from the cradle, and Mr Irving had given her
every advantage to study and perfect her art.
"I was naturally much interested in her. Mr Irving's long illness
left his wife and daughter without means of support, at his death,
and when I was called to take charge of St Blank's, I at once
realised the benefit to the family as well as to my church could I
secure the young lady the position here as organist. I am glad that
my congregation seem so well satisfied with my choice."
Again the organ pealed forth, this time in that passionate music
originally written for the Garden Scene in Faust, and which the
church has boldly taken and arranged as a quartette to the words,
"Come unto me."
It may be that to some who listen, it is the divine spirit which
makes its appeal through those stirring strains; but to the rector of
St Blank's, at least on that morning, it was human heart, calling
unto human heart.
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