The Winged Victory

Kate turned and placing the baby on the front seat, she knelt and
put her arms around the little thing, but her lips only repeated
the words: "Praise the Lord for this precious baby!" Her heart
was filled with high resolve. She would rear the baby with such
care. She would be more careful with Adam. She would make heroic
effort to help him to clean, unashamed manhood. She would be a
better sister to all her family. She would be friendlier, and
have more patience with the neighbours. She would join in
whatever effort the church was making to hold and increase its
membership among the young people, and to raise funds to keep up
the organization. All the time her mind was busy thinking out
these fine resolves, her lips were thanking the Lord for Little
Poll. Kate arose with the benediction, picked up the baby, and
started down the aisle among the people she had known all her
life. On every side strong hands stretched out to greet and
welcome her. A daughter of Adam Bates was something new as a
church member. They all knew how she could work, and what she
could give if she chose; while that she had stood at the altar and
been baptized, meant that something not customary with the Bates
family was taking place in her heart. So they welcomed her, and
praised the beauty and sweetness of the baby until Kate went out
into the sunshine, her face glowing.

Slowly she walked home and as she reached the veranda, Adam took
the baby.