or, The Silver Skates . 245

the column near the entrance, this more direct method was
resorted to, of awaking the sympathies of the charitable.

Fortunately Ben had provided himself with a few stivers, or
the musical bag must have tinkled before him in vain.

More than once a dark look rose on our English boy’s face
that morning. He longed to stand up, and harangue the
people concerning a peculiarity that filled him with pain.
Some of the men wore their hats during the service, or took
them off whenever the humor prompted ; and many put theirs
on in the church as soon as they arose to leave. No wonder
Ben’s sense of propriety was wounded ; and yet a higher sense
would have been exercised, had he tried to feel willing that
Hollanders should follow the customs of their country. But
his English heart said over and over again, “ It is outrageous !
it is sinful! ”

There is an angel called Charity, who often would save
our hearts a great deal of trouble, if we would but let her in.

 

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