Mr World and Miss Church-Member | Page 8

or skill demanded.
Each one of the fourteen massive buildings was a gem of architectural beauty, and was devoted to a special line of study or practice. The entire group worked harmoniously toward the same end.
In the course of their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member drew nigh to this great college, but the shrewd and wicked Mr. World remained silent, waiting for the first words of his companion. Miss Church-Member, however, as she looked upon the stupendous edifices, was so filled with wonder and admiration at the long stretches of masonry, and the perfect symmetry of parts, that she offered no comment until they were quite near the first building.
"For what purpose is this group of great structures used?" were her words that broke the brief silence.
"All for the sake of the eyes," he carelessly answered, as he called her attention to the King's Highway and the throngs of people that were admiring and entering the college from those parts.
"It is indeed wonderful," she commented, "that so small a thing as the eye should demand the service of such great edifices."
"The buildings are not too large nor too well equipped. Your surprise would not be so great were you to witness the large number from the two great highways that come here daily for treatment. You can see them now moving by thousands to and from the buildings. It might be wise for us to enter for consultation. My eyes, at least, may need some expert attention."
She, being anxious to see the interior of at least one of the buildings, offered no objection to his shrewd suggestion.
The building was so easy of access that there was not one step to climb. An electric elevator served to carry them to the sixty-fourth floor which formed a part of the huge dome into which the upper portion of the great structure converged. This style of architecture not only added to the beauty of the appearance, but also proved to be perfectly adapted to the uses of the college.
The confidence of Miss Church-Member was fully won by the appearance of the interior and the courteous attention she received from the managers.
The consulting physician examined the eyes of Mr. World, then congratulated him upon the clear vision he enjoyed, and informed him that his eyes required no immediate treatment.
Turning to one side, Mr. World whispered to his companion: "While we are here you had better improve this opportunity and also get the benefit of an expert opinion."
"I have not come prepared financially," she blushingly and faintly replied. "I did not even dream of seeking the service of a specialist."
"That obstacle is easily overcome, for the examination is free, and if you should need further attention and would wish to receive it, I would deem it only a great pleasure to bear all the expenses."
After a brief, thoughtful silence she consented to the preliminary examination. "Will you examine the eyes of my friend?" requested Mr. World as he stepped toward the chief oculist.
The expert accordingly tested her sight. First he held up, at a distance, the "Delusion of the New Jerusalem," but she was totally blind to it. Then he submitted the "Deceptions of the Holy Bible" of which she could again see nothing.
"Look through these windows to the Broad Highway, far out into the distance over rolling stretches of country. Can you see the gates of Heaven, at the end of the way?"
Miss Church-Member looked carefully, but declared that she could not see anything that appeared like Heaven or the gates thereof.
"Can you see that place called 'Perfect Peace' along the Broad Highway," continued the oculist as he pointed to a far-off region.
"I can see nothing that looks like it," she honestly confessed, quite surprised to discover the existence of these apparent defects of her vision.
"A very sad and extreme case," murmured the examiner as he requested her to open her Bible.
"Can you see, in that book, that all people shall be saved, and none perish?"
"I am surely blind to that and always have been," she readily admitted with a little more boldness.
"Perhaps you can see the justice of God in punishing the sinner?" he continued with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.
"Plainly visible."
"So I expected."
He then proceeded to a more minute examination, after which he wrote a brief diagnosis and commended her to a specialist in the next building.
She hesitated somewhat, but Mr. World, handing her, confidentially, a handsome sum of yellow coin from his bag of gold, brought words of deep thankfulness from her lips, and gave decision to her steps in the direction he desired.
From the great dome they were taken in a closed car over the high suspension bridge to the adjoining building which was of still greater magnitude.
The room into which they entered, at such a dizzy height,