Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/225

Rh charmed life in the village. He is supposed to be in the Collector's confidence, a favourite with the Collector's worthy dame, or of the Engineer's elder sister, who sometimes keeps house for him. The Munshi and the Pandit have taught the padre just enough to give him the worst possible idea of Mahomedanism and Hinduism. "Duty" being a matter of choice with him, the Missionary never hesitates to hold forth whenever he can.

Let us accompany our friend in his round of daily duties. He begins the day with a short prayer in the little church where all his "people" attend. After the prayer and a few kindly inquiries, the padre re-enters his little shell, from which he emerges after breakfast. A few visits to the poor, and then two or three hours of literary work. This done, he goes to school, from which he returns for afternoon tea. This is his leisure time, when many an honest inquirer reads the Book with him, and retails to him his latest spiritual experiences. About 5 o'clock, the padre leaves his neat little cottage on his preaching tour. He walks sometimes for miles together, and returns home exhausted. But he never