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(Download PDF) Financial Accounting 9th Edition Hoggett Test Bank Full Chapter
(Download PDF) Financial Accounting 9th Edition Hoggett Test Bank Full Chapter
(Download PDF) Financial Accounting 9th Edition Hoggett Test Bank Full Chapter
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Testbank
to accompany
Financial Accounting
9th Edition
by
John Hoggett, Lew Edwards,
John Medlin, Keryn Chalmers, Andreas
Hellmann & Claire Beattie
Prepared by
Peter Hall
Multiple-choice questions
1. The relationship that exists between persons carrying on a business in common with a
view to profit is referred to as a:
a. company.
b. proprietorship.
*c. partnership.
d. retailer.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
2. The legislation in Australia that is concerned with the formation, operation and
dissolution of partnerships is the:
a. Corporations Legislation.
*b. Partnership Act.
c. Bankruptcy Act.
d. Business law Act.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
3. The legislation with the most significant influence on the formation, operation and
dissolution of partnerships is the:
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.1 ~ define a partnership and the major attributes of a partnership.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 Few disclosure requirements for a partnership is an advantage over
the company structure, not a disadvantage.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
7. The characteristic of a partnership whereby each partner is liable for partnership debts
to the full extent of his or her private assets is known as:
a. limited life.
*b. unlimited liability.
c. limited liability.
d. mutual agency.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
a. unlimited liability.
b. mutual agency.
c. pooling of resources.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
10. Which event would not result in the automatic dissolution of a partnership?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
12. Michael and Brian each invested $65 000 in a partnership where they agreed to share
profits 40% Michael, 60% Brian. The partnership business was not successful and
now has no assets. In addition they are being sued for $70 000 by a supplier for non-
payment of invoices. What is the amount for which Michael could be held personally
responsible if the lawsuit is successful? (Ignore any possible legal costs.)
a. Zero
b. $28 000
c. $65 000
*d. $75 000
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.2 ~ state the advantages and main characteristics of the partnership
structure of business.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.3 ~ explain the purpose of a partnership agreement and describe its
typical contents.
16. If the variable capital balances method (method 1) is used, the profit or loss and
partner’s drawings are closed to the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
17. There are two methods of accounting for equity in a partnership referred to in the text,
method 1 and method 2; these are:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
18. Which of the following is not a feature of the variable capital balances method
(method 1) of accounting for partnership equity?
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
19. Accounting for a partnership is similar to accounting for a sole trader, except that:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
20. Which of these is not a feature of the fixed capital balances method (method 2) of
accounting for partnership equity?
a. Each partner has two permanent equity accounts, a capital account and a
retained earnings account.
b. Apart from the initial investment very few adjustments are made to the capital
account.
*c. Partner’s drawings are closed to their capital accounts.
d. The profit or loss distribution account is closed to the partner’s retained
earnings accounts.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
a. ii and iii
*b. ii and iv
c. i and ii
d. i, ii and iii
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.4 ~ describe the special features applicable to accounting for
partnerships.
22. Goodwill represents the future benefits of unidentifiable assets. How many of the
factors listed below contribute to the value of goodwill?
• Favourable location
• Efficient management
• Good customer relations
• Staff skills and experience
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
*d. 4
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
a. equity.
b. a current asset.
*c. a non-current asset.
d. a liability.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
25. If accounts receivable are contributed when a partnership is established its fair value
is recorded as the:
a. gross amount.
*b. gross amount less a separate credit entry for allowance for doubtful debts.
c. historical cost.
d. disposal value.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
26. Sole proprietors X and Y decide to form a partnership. X contributes inventory with a
fair value of $30 000, equipment with a fair value of $100 000 and it is agreed that the
partnership will take over X’s bank loan of $20 000. What is X’s capital balance
assuming that the partners have agreed that his capital balance will be equal to the fair
value of the net assets he contributes?
Correct answer: a
Feedback: $110 000 = $30 000 + $100 000 – $20 000.
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
27. When assets are contributed to a partnership they should be recorded in the books of the
new entity at:
a. historic cost.
b. book value.
c. carrying value.
*d. fair value.
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
a. vendor value.
*b. the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable
willing parties in an arm’s-length transaction.
c. trade value.
d. retail value.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
30. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000
Accounts receivable $14 000 $12 500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7 000
Bank overdraft $6 000
What will be the amount shown in the allowance for doubtful debts account in the
balance sheet prepared after the formation of the partnership of Ben and Jerry?
a. Nil
*b. $1500
c. $1000
d. $500
Correct answer: b
Feedback: The difference between the $14 000 gross book value of the accounts receivable and
the $12 500 fair value.
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
31. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders, form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000Accounts receivable $14 000 $12 500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7 000
Bank overdraft $6 000
What will be the amount shown in the accumulated depreciation account on formation
of the partnership of Ben and Jerry?
a. $7000
b. $5000
c. $1000
*d. $Nil
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.5 ~ explain the accounting entries for the formation of a partnership.
32. Ben and Jerry, two sole traders form a partnership by combining their net assets.
Jerry contributes:
Cost value Fair value
Cash $20 000Accounts receivable $14 000 $12
500
Ben contributes:
Plant $30 000 $25 000
Accumulated depreciation $7000
Bank overdraft $6000
The amount credited to Jerry’s capital account is:
Correct answer: a
33. In a partnership, the profit and loss sharing ratio will be based on:
Correct answer: d
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
34. After the closing entries have been completed the profit distribution account in a
partnership always has a:
a. debit balance.
*b. nil balance.
c. credit balance.
d. negative balance.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
35. Unless otherwise agreed amongst the partners, partners salaries, interest on capital and
interest on drawings are assumed in partnership accounting to be settled by means of:
a. a cash payment.
*b. an adjusting entry in the accounting records (book entry).
c. by private arrangement by the partners.
d. by offsetting entries.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
37. Allocation of the partnership’s profit or loss to the partners is recorded in the:
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
38. L and B agree to share profits and losses in the ratios 8:2. If the net loss is $25 000, how
much loss is allocated to each partner?
Correct answer: a
Feedback: L $20 000; B $5 000. (L = 8/10 x $25 000), (B = 2/10 x $25 000).
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
39. The objective of allocating profits and losses is to reward each partner fairly for the
resources and services contributed to the partnership. Which factors would not be
directly relevant in negotiating a profit and loss sharing agreement for a partnership?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
40. With the fixed capital balances method (method 2) of accounting for partnership
equity, the general journal entry to record interest on capital is:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
41. If the fixed capital balances method (method 2) is used to account for partnership
equity, both the profit or loss and the partner’s drawings are closed to the:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
42. Fatima and Jaddon have capital balances of $50 000 and $80 000, respectively and use
the variable capital balances method. If their profit/loss sharing ratios are Fatima 40%
and Jaddon 60%, calculate Fatima’s capital balance after the net loss of $60 000 is
distributed.
a. $74 000
*b. $26 000
c. $50 000
d. $20 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $26 000 = $50 000 – 40% of $60 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
43. It is agreed in the partnership agreement of R and B that profit and loss sharing
arrangements will be based on the ratio of the partner’s capital balances. R and B have
capital balances of $75 000 and $50 000 respectively at the end of the accounting
period. If profit is $38 000 the profit allocations of each of the partners is:
Correct answer: b
Feedback: R $22 800; B $15 200. (R=$75 000/$125 000 x $38 000). (B=$50 000/$125 000 x
$38 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
44. With the variable capital balances method (method 1) of accounting for partnership
equity, the general journal entry to record interest on capital is:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
45. Sally and Amanda have capital balances of $60 000 and $75 000, respectively and use
the variable capital balances method. If their profit/loss sharing ratios are Sally 40% and
Amanda 60% calculate Amanda’s capital balance after a net loss of $40 000 is
distributed.
a. $35 000
*b. $51 000
c. $75 000
d. $99 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $51 000 = $75 000 – 60% of $40 000.
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
46. Mary and Paul have capital account balances at the end of the year of
$100 000 and $80 000 respectively. Profit of the partnership is $90 000. The profit and
loss sharing agreement calls for (1) a salary of $25 000 to Mary and $15 000 to Paul, (2)
10 % p.a. interest on capital balances, (3) the residual profit to be split 60:40 in favour
of Mary. What is Mary’s share of the distribution?
a. $51 000
b. $29 200
c. $65 000
*d. $54 200
Correct answer: d
Feedback: $54 200 = $25 000 + $1000 + ($32 000 x 60%)
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
47. Connie and Carole have a profit and loss sharing agreement where: (1) salaries of $10
000 each are credited, (2) 12% interest is allowed on capital balances (3) the remaining
profit or loss is split 60-40 in favour of Connie. At the end of the year, before the
distribution of profits or losses, capital account balances were $20 000 and $40 000 for
Connie and Carole, respectively. Profit was $36 000 before distributions to partners.
What is Connie’s ending capital account balance assuming capital balances are adjusted
to reflect profits and losses?
a. $58 320
b. $57 680
*c. $37 680
d. $38 320
Correct answer: c
Feedback: $20 000 + $10 000 + $2400 + [$8800 residual profit × 60%]
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
48. Simon and Keith have a profit and loss sharing agreement where: (1) salaries of $25 000
each are credited, (2) 8% interest is allowed on capital balances (3) the remaining profit
or loss is split 60-40, respectively. At the end of the year, before the distribution of
profits or losses, capital account balances were $40 000 for Simon and $20 000 for
Keith. There was a profit of $50 000 before distributions to the partners. What is Keith’s
year-end capital account balance assuming capital balances are adjusted to reflect profits
and losses?
a. $43 080
*b. $44 680
c. $46 600
d. $24 680
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $20 000 + $25 000 + $1600 – [$4800 residual loss × 40%]
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
49. Hodges and Burton formed a partnership with capital of $30 000 and $45 000
respectively. The partnership agreement provides for the crediting of annual salaries of
$45 000 to Hodges and $75 000 to Burton. Each partner is entitled to 20% interest on
capital. The remaining profit or loss is divided equally. How much, in total, will be
credited to Hodges’ capital account if profit for the year is $240 000 assuming capital
balances are adjusted to reflect profits and losses?
a. $120 000
*b. $103 500
c. $118 500
d. $105 000
Correct answer: b
Feedback: $45 000 + $6000 + $52 500
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
50. Louise and Billy are in partnership sharing residual profits and losses 50:50. The
profit for the year is $120 000. Louise is entitled to a salary of $50 000 per annum (to
be paid by means of a book entry). Calculate the amount credited to Louise’s retained
earnings account after the final distribution of profits.
a. $170 000
b. $50 000
*c. $85 000
d. $60 000
Correct answer: c
Feedback: $85 000 = $50 000 + 50% of $70 000
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
51. When preparing the closing entries for a partnership at the end of the accounting period
which of these statements is true? Assume that capital account balances are not fixed.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.6 ~ explain the accounting entries for the allocation of profits and
losses of a partnership.
52. The partnership agreement of X and Y provides that interest at 5% per annum is to be
charged on partners’ drawings. During year ended 31 December 2011 drawings by X
were:
$
1 February 2011 2400
1 June 2011 4800
1 August 2011 960
What is the total amount of interest on drawings chargeable to X’s current account for
the year?
a. $300
*b. $270
c. $100
d. $200
Correct answer: b
Feedback: ($2400 × 11/12 × 5%) + ($4800 × 7/12 × 5%) + ($960 × 5/12 × 5%)
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
*a. cash amounts withdrawn or private expenses paid by the partnership on behalf
of a partner, in anticipation of profits.
b. amounts credited for working in the partnership.
c. partner’s artwork.
d. money borrowed from the partnership.
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
55. If a partner makes a cash advance to a partnership to be repaid in five years time and
does not wish it to be included as a capital contribution, how will it be classified in the
balance sheet?
a. Current liability
b. Non-current asset
*c. Non-current liability
d. Current asset
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
56. Jemma and Sally are in partnership. Their capital balances at the end of the
accounting period are $200 000 and $150 000 respectively. Jemma decides to make a
permanent cash withdrawal from her capital account of $50 000. If it is assumed that
they use the variable capital balances method (method 1), which of the following is
the accounting entry torecord this transaction?
a. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit profit distribution account $50
000
b. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit profit distribution
account $50 000
*c. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
d. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
57. A partner’s loan is a liability and any interest paid on the loan by the partnership
should be treated as:
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
58. Sometimes the partnership agreement may specify that interest is to be charged on
partner’s drawings. Which of the following is the main reason for such a charge?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
d. Drawings are taken into account when calculating the final distribution of profit
between the partners.
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
60. When a partner makes an advance or loan to the partnership, how many of these
statements are true?
• He/she is entitled to interest at the rate of 7% p.a. unless there is an agreement to the
contrary.
• The amount loaned is added to the partners equity account balance.
• Interest on the loan is regarded as an expense of the partnership and appears in the
income statement.
a. 0
b. 1
*c. 2
d. 3
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
61. Jemma and Sally are in partnership. Their capital balances at the end of the
accounting period are $200 000 and $150 000 respectively. Jemma decides to make a
permanent cash withdrawal from her capital account of $50 000. If it is assumed that
they use the fixed capital balances method (method 2), what is the accounting entry to
record this transaction?
a. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit profit distribution account $50
000
b. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit profit distribution
account $50 000
*c. Debit Jemma capital account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
d. Debit Jemma retained earnings account $50 000; credit bank account $50 000
Correct answer: c
Learning objective 8.7 ~ explain the accounting entries for drawings and advances or loans
made by partners.
62. Which statement relating to financial reports for a partnership is not true?
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
63. A partnership that is a reporting entity must produce which of these financial statements?
i. Income statement
ii. Statement of changes in partners’ equity
iii. Balance sheet
iv. Statement of cash flows
Correct answer: a
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
64. The part of the financial statements of a partnership that differs most from that of a sole
trader is the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
65. When the final financial statements are prepared the profit or loss allocation for a
partnership is normally shown in the:
Correct answer: b
Learning objective 8.8 ~ describe the content of the financial statements of a partnership.
I don't think, for my own part, that I was ever happier than
when playing with these children, or teaching them their
hornbook and the use of their little fat fingers. The oldest is
about ten, a wise motherly little maid, and a great help to
us with the others. The youngest is only three—the sole
survivor of Roger Smith's family. Considering what the
family was like, we may hope her loss may prove a gain.
Sister Mary Paula was quite different. From the first she
attended steadily to her work, speaking but little, but very
kind and sober in her demeanor. One morning, when I went
to the kitchen for the children's dinner, at ten o'clock, she
stopped me.
"But, dear Sister, how could you do that, since yourself told
me you could not write?" I asked, in amazement.
"I did not write it—that was done by another hand!" she
answered me. "But 'twas I conveyed it to my brother. I
fancied, or tried to fancy, that I was moved by zeal for
religion and for the honor of this house; but my eyes have
been opened lately, and I see things more clearly. 'Twas
mere spite and envy, because I thought you a favorite. I
desired to bring you into disgrace, or to cause your removal
from the house; and I beg your pardon."
"I am sure you have it, with all my heart!" said I, kissing
her. "Nay, there is naught to pardon, since all turned out to
my advantage at last."
"All!" I told her, but added that she did not look well herself,
and I feared she was working too hard.
I told her I did not believe such distraction hurt our prayers,
and reminded her of what Father Fabian had said about
offering our work and our very distractions. She kissed me
again and I went my way. That was the last time I ever saw
her alive. She dropped that evening in the chapel, and died
before midnight. It seemed the signal for a new outbreak of
the disease. Three of my charge were attacked, and two
died, and of the Sisters, three within the next three days.
Mother Gabrielle was the last, and I do think she died as
much as anything from sheer fatigue. I had no touch of the
disorder, though I nursed all the children who had it, and
also Sister Anne, whom we hoped at one time might
recover; but she had a relapse, I think from getting up too
soon, despite the warnings of Mother Mary Monica.
CHAPTER XVII.
October 28.
AMICE, is sick—I don't know what ails her, but she has been
growing thin and pale ever since the pestilence, and now
she has been obliged to take to her bed. She does not
suffer much, save from her weakness, which so affects her
nerves that she can hardly bear any one in the room with
her, but prefers to stay alone. The doctor says she is to
have her way in all things—a sentence which always sounds
to me like that of death. My heart is like to break with the
thought, but there is no help. Nobody will ever know what
she has been to me.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Indeed, she herself denies it not, but glories in it, and is full
of joy. I heard her myself singing of some hymn, as I
judged. They say she was suspected a long time, and a man
whom she had nursed in the sickness, spying upon her at
night through the window, saw her many times reading in a
great bound book she had. He giving information, the house
was searched, and the book found. It proved to be a copy of
the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue. Magdalen being
apprehended, showed neither surprise nor fear, but
confessed all, and gloried, as she said, that she was
counted worthy to die for her religion. And now she is shut
up in that horrible place, and Mother Gertrude—she who
has always seemed too kind to hurt a fly, is her keeper, and
unless she recants she must needs be burned. It is utterly
horrible!
Nov. 4.
I drew a long breath, when I got into the free air of heaven
once more, and I must say, I was glad to think poor
Magdalen had escaped.
Nov. 8th.
Well, she is gone, and naught can hurt her more. I think
Mother Gertrude will soon follow, for she seems utterly
broken down. She might well say that no good would come
of the Queen's visit. And if Amice should be right, after all,
and we wrong! I must not, I dare not think of it! Alack and
woe is me! I would I had died in the sickness, or ever I had
lived to see this sorrowful day!
CHAPTER XXI.
I have read it all over, and pasted in the loose leaves where
they belong, as even should I return to the convent I shall
not take it with me. I am minded to continue it, especially
as I can now write freely and without concealment. My
stepmother never interferes in my private matters. Even
Mrs. Prue, who began by attributing to her almost every
fault of which woman is capable, now grudgingly admits
that my Lady minds her own business, and is passing good-
natured. In fact, only for that one mortal sin of marrying my
father, I think the old woman would allow her new lady to
be a mistress of good conditions.
The night before Amice died, she begged that I alone might
sit with her, saying that Mother Gertrude needed unbroken
rest, which was true. Amice was so manifestly near her end
that Mother Superior did not like to refuse her anything,
and Mother Gertrude somewhat unwillingly gave way. The
dear Mother would have spent the whole night in prayer for
her niece at the shrine of St. Ethelburga, had not Mother
Superior laid her commands on her to go to bed and rest all
night.
"I feel that my end is very near. Doubtless what I did last
night may have hastened my death, but I do not regret it; I
would do it again."
"Hush!" said she. "Even so, Rosamond. I took the keys from
under Mother Gertrude's pillow (you know how sound she
sleeps, especially when she has been disturbed), opened
the doors and let the prisoner free."
"But the outer door—that heavy iron door!" I exclaimed, in
amazement.
"I did not open the outer door. She climbed over the wall
there by the beehives. The gardener had left his ladder
close by. I wonder they did not find it in the search this
morning."
"I dare say he had taken it away before that he might not
be blamed for his carelessness," said I. "But Amice, even
then I see not how you accomplished it. We have thought
you so weak."
"Shall I tell you the whole?" she asked, presently. "Or are
you too much shocked to hear more? You will not cast me
off, will you, Rosamond?"
I gave her the cordial, and after a little rest, she began once
more:
"Exactly so!" said Amice. "I was dusting the chair, and on
taking up the cushion, which I found to be moveable, there
fell out these leaves. I took them up to read them, thinking
they might throw some light on the poor lady's history, but
I had read little when I knew what I had found—something
I had long desired to see. It was a written copy of the
Gospel of St. John, done into English. Doubtless the poor
prisoner had managed to bring it with her, and had found a
convenient hiding-place for her treasure in this chair, which
she had watered with her tears."
"I had read but a few words when I was interrupted; but
those words were engraven on my mind as with a pen of
steel. They were these: 'God so loved the world that he
gave his only son for the intent that none that believe in
him should perish, but should have everlasting life. For God
sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but
that the world through him might be saved.'"
"But mind!" she added, "I don't stand sponsor for all his
notions, and I wont be answerable for the consequences to
yourself. This much I may say. 'Twas a very learned and
good man gave me the book, and he says 'tis true to the
original Greek, out of which it was translated by Master
Tyndale."
"Not I," says she, "save only a chapter, here and there; but
let me tell you, Mistress Amice, if this book gains ground, as
'tis like to do, your priests and nuns and mitred abbots will
fly away like ghosts and owls before the sunrising. Nay,
unless some I know are the more mistaken, the cock has
crowed already."
"That very night she gave me the book, and before she left,
she added another which was sent her from London, namely
Master Tyndale's exposition of certain passages. But I cared
not so much for that, as for the other. Then came the
sickness, when the discipline of the house being so much
relaxed, I had more time to read and study and compare.
Rosamond, how amazed was I to find that there is in the
New Testament no single hint of any worship being paid to
our Lord's mother—nay, our Lord Himself saying, that those
who did His Father's will, were even to Him as His own
mother."
"'Tis not the right Gospel," said I. "Why Amice, only think
how our Lady is honored throughout all Christendom.
Depend upon it, you have been deceived."
I cannot now write down all she said, as how she had found
the teaching of our Lord so much more simple and plain,
than those in the lives of the saints—how Himself had
declared that whosoever did but believe on Him, had
already everlasting life—how Christ being already offered
for sin, there was no more sacrifice, but all was perfected in
Him; and much more which I did not, and do not yet
understand. But she ended by saying, that she could no
longer keep silence, since the Lord had commanded all to
confess Him before men, and had declared that He would
deny all who did not thus confess Him.
"I cannot die with a lie on my lips," she said. "I dare not
thus go into the presence of my God, where I must soon
stand; for God doth hate lying above measure, inasmuch as
He hath declared that all liars shall have their part in the
second death. Besides, were it not utterly base to deny
Him, who hath done and will do so much for me?"
Oh, I cannot tell all she said. I would I could remember and
set down every word, but much has gone from me. She
bade me take comfort concerning her, when she was gone,
saying that nothing they could do would work her any real
injury. She told me how happy her new faith had made her,
despite many perplexities concerning her duty—how at the
last she had seen her way clear, and what peace she had
felt in the thought that her free salvation had been provided
for in Christ, and she had but to believe, and be saved.
I asked what she had done with her Testament, and she
told me she had given it to Magdalen Jewell, knowing that
she should need it no longer.
I did so. Lo the dawn was stealing on, and in the east
shone, glorious to see, the morning star.