Joan had obviously been sent to Drift that the truth might reach her heart.
She came a heathen from the outer darkness of sin, with vain babbling on
her lips and a mind empty. She called herself "Nature's child" and the
theatric thunders of Luke Gospeldom had never taught her that she was
God's. Here, then, was one to be brought into the fold with all possible
dispatch, and Mary, who loved religious battle, braced herself to the task
while silently listening to Joan, that she might the better learn what
manner of spiritual attack would best meet this sorry case.
Uncle Chirgwin took charge of his niece's bank-notes, and, after some
persuasion, consented to accept the weekly sum of three shillings and
sixpence from Joan. He made many objections to any such arrangement, but
the girl overruled them, declaring absolutely that she would not stop at
Drift, even until her future husband's return, unless the payment of money
was accepted from her. It bred a secret joy in Joan to feel that "Mister
Jan's" wealth now enabled her to enjoy an independence which even Mary
could not share. She much desired to give more money, but Uncle Chirgwin
reduced the sum to three shillings and sixpence weekly and would take no
more. This wealth was viewed with very considerable loathing by Mary
Chirgwin, and she criticised her uncle's decision unfavorably; but he
accepted the owner's view, arguing that it was only justice to all parties
so to do, until facts proved whether Joan was mistaken.
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