THE MIRROR OF SiM
19
and after his mishap with the rabbits it had been peculiarly consoling to Father Theodore, for it illus trated the vanity of earthly things. At the top of the picture there were four small pictures, and under neath these were the words, ‘ Shem prays. Ham sews and Japheth hath power. Death rules all Death stood holding a scythe and an hour-glass. The picture reminded Theodore that such silly things as rabbits did not count in the long run. At this moment he preferred to look at the small picture ‘ Japheth hath power’. Japheth, sitting on a throne, was a fat, prosperous man with a long beard. The priest smiled as he looked at himself in the mirror and began to trim his beard. Snippets of hair fell on to the floor, the scissors squeaked, and five minutes later he was convinced he was no good at cutting a beard. It was uneven at one side a.nd looked awful. He was annoyed and called his wife. Handing her the scissors, he said testily : ‘ Here, you might at least help. I’m blessed if I can cut my beard properly.’ She looked at him in horror. ‘ What do you think you’re doing ? ’ ‘ Doing ? Nothing ; just cutting my beard, that’s all. Please help me. It’s a bit crooked.’
- Surely, darling, you’re not thinking of going over
to the New Church ? ’ Father Theodore was quite pleased at this turn in the conversation. ‘ Well, and why shouldn’t I go over to the New Church ? Aren’t their priests as much men as ours are ? ’ ‘ Of course, of course,’ she said, and then added sarcastically, ‘ of course they are men. They go to concerts and keep fine ladies.’ ‘ Then I shall go to concerts too.’ ‘Do 1 I shan’t stop you.’ ' All right 1 I’ll go ! ’
