"We don't want a boy like that at the rectory," he complained. "He
should have been sent to the Orphanage or the Poor House. We pay the
parson's salary, an' we have a right to say who is to live by means of
the money we give."
Now, Tom Dunker contributed only one dollar a year to the support of
the Church, and he always gave that in a most begrudging manner. He
even refused to give this small amount after the parson sided with the
widow.
There were others, however, who stood loyally by their rector. They
praised him for what he had done, and did all they could to assist him.
Thus this discussion was general throughout the parish for several
weeks. Some were sure that they saw the woman who had left the child
at the rectory. She had taken the early steamer the next morning for
the city, so they said. Though the stories were somewhat different yet
all agreed that the woman was beautiful, though her face was very sad,
as if she had been weeping bitterly, and had not slept at all during
the night.
Although the Royals heard faint rumours at times of what was being
said, they went on their way undisturbed, happy in the feeling that
they had done their duty, and pouring out their affection upon the
little lad who had become so dear to their lonely hearts.
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