“Mr. Maxwell is very anxious to have you sing tomorrow, Mrs. Page. I know you have told him you are out of practice and all that, and that you had expected to be absent in Chicago tomorrow. But now that you are here, he feels that no one can sing as you can, and he wants you tomorrow especially. That is my errand. Will you sing?”

During the years of her married life, Rachel had gradually dropped her music. And, as much of her time had been spent in Chicago, where of late Rollin had been so much engaged, she had given up her place in the choir of the First Church. But her voice had still the charm of the old days, and she loved to sing for her friends.

She said instantly, “Tell Mr. Maxwell I will sing and do my best.”

“Thank you,” Stanton said simply. Then he added, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “I have just come from Mr. Maxwell’s and . . . I have seen Jesus.”

Again that silence, that pause which the world was going to note so wonderfully in its feverish life.

“There is no doubt about it,” Stanton continued. “Mr. Maxwell met him at Mr. Grey’s this morning. He told me that the moment he faced him all his doubt vanished. He cried out, ‘My Lord and my God!’ We have been visiting together this afternoon and evening.”

“It is so wonderful,” Virginia murmured. “Tell us something about him, Mr. Stanton. How does he look?”

“Martha described him.” Stanton smiled. “He is like an average man, only different. The world, the ordinary people, and his church will all receive him. I have no question about that. They cannot help it. He is so human and brotherly. Why, do you know, he actually told two or three remarkably delightful stories while we were talking together.”

Both Virginia and Rachel looked shocked. “Mr. Stanton!” they exclaimed in unison.

“And why not? Is humor ungodlike? Have not the best men we know lightened life’s griefs, softened its sorrows, and eased its burdens with humor? I always feel afraid of a person who does not have any.”

“But it does not seem quite right.”

“Then we must change our definitions of God and divinity,” Stanton said almost abruptly. After a moment, he added gently, “There is an indescribable charm about him that is simply overpowering. I could not help being proud, every minute I was with him, that I was a Christian. And it also seemed to me that I was in the presence of a person who could do the most wonderful things. Miracles such as he used to do—heal the sick, raise the dead, or walk on the water.”

“Do you think he will?” Rachel asked the question with a tone of indifference, as if she were not much concerned with it.

“I do not believe he will do any wonders simply to satisfy curiosity.”

Rachel rose and excused herself to put her children to bed. As she went out of the room, Virginia said, “Mr. Stanton, we are all so glad to have this great event at the time you are beginning your work here.”