human
Well, he said, when she came to him in the vestry, with a drop from the rather austere manner in which he had spoken,
gpt
For me, nothing, Father Damon. I thought perhaps you would go round with me to see a pretty bad case. It is in your parish.
human
Ah, did they send for me? Do they want spiritual help?
gpt
First the natural, then the spiritual, she replied, with a slight tone of sarcasm in her voice.
human
That's just like a priest, she was thinking.
gpt
I do not know what to do, and something must be done.
human
Did you report to the Associated Charities?
gpt
Yes. But there's a hitch somewhere. The machine doesn't take hold. The man says he doesn't want any charity, any association, treating him like a pauper. He's off peddling; but trade is bad, and he's been away a week. I'm afraid he drinks a little.
human
Well?
gpt
The mother is sick in bed. I found her trying to do some fine stitching, but she was too weak to hold up the muslin. There are five young children. The family never has had help before.
human
Is the mother a Christian?
gpt
I didn't ask, she replied shortly.
human
I found her crying because the children were hungry.
gpt
You have so many opportunities, Dr. Leigh, in your visits of speaking a word.
human
About what?
gpt
About the necessity of repentance and preparation for another life, he answered, softly but firmly.
human
You surely do not think human beings are created just for this miserable little experience here?
gpt
I don't know. I have too much to do with the want and suffering I see to raise anxieties about a world of which no one can possibly know anything.
human
Pardon me, he persisted,