human
We have got through very well, she added.
gpt
We always dread the summer, and we always dread the winter. Science has not yet decided which is the more fatal, decayed vegetables or unventilated rooms. City residence gives both a fair chance at the poor.
human
Are not the people learning anything?
gpt
Not much, except to bear it, I am sorry to say. Even Father Damon--
human
Is he at work again? Do you see him often?
gpt
Yes, occasionally.
human
I should so like to see him. But I interrupted you.
gpt
Well, Father Damon has come to see that nothing can be done without organization. The masses --and there was an accent of bitterness in her use of the phrase--
human
Does Father Damon join in this?
gpt
Oh, he has always been a member of the Labor League. Now he has been at work with the Episcopal churches of the city, and got them to agree, when they want workmen for any purpose, to employ only union men.
human
Isn't that, Edith exclaimed,
gpt
You would see it differently if you were in the struggle. If the working-men do not stand by each other, where are they to look for help? What have the Christians of this city done? and the little doctor got up and began to pace the room.
human
Charities? Yes, little condescending charities. And look at the East Side! Is its condition any better? I tell you, Mrs. Delancy, I don't believe in charities--in any charities.
gpt
It seems to me, said Edith, with a smile calculated to mollify this vehemence,
human
Me? No, indeed. I'm paid by the dispensary. And I make my patients pay--when they are able.
gpt
So I have heard, Edith retorted.
human
Your bills must be a terror to the neighborhood.
gpt
You may laugh. But I'm establishing a reputation over there as a working-woman, and if I have any influence, or do any little good, it's owing to that fact. Do you think they care anything about Father Damon's gospel?
human
I should be sorry to think they did not,
gpt
Well, very little they care. They like the man because they think he shares their feelings, and does not sympathize with them because they are different from him. That is the only kind of gospel that is good for anything over there.
human
I don't think Father Damon would agree with you in that.
gpt
Of course he would not. He's as mediaeval as any monk. But then he is not blind. He sees that it is never anything but personal influence that counts. Poor fellow, and the doctor's voice softened,
human
But he must be doing a great deal of good.
gpt
Oh, I don't know. Nothing seems to do much good. But his presence is a great comfort. That is something. And I'm glad he is going about now rousing opposition to what is, rather than all the time preaching submission to the lot of this life for the sake of a reward somewhere else. That's a gospel for the rich.