"Never to see you again till I came back," said Despard, with some mournfulness, looking at the floor.
"But I have not," rejoined Despard, in the same tone.
"By-the-way, I've been reading such a nice book," she resumed. "It has just come out, and is making a sensation. It would suit you, I know."
She rose and lifted a book from the table, which she handed to him. He took it, and read the title out loud.
A strange expression passed over his face. He looked at her, holding the book out at arms'-length with feigned consternation.
"And do you have the heart to recommend this book to me, Mrs. Thornton?"
"Why, it's religious. Religious books are my terror. How could I possibly open a book like this?"
"You are mistaken," she said. "It is an ordinary novel, and for the sake of your peace of mind I assure you that there is not a particle of religion in it. But why should you look with such repugnance upon it? The expression of your face is simply horror."
"Pietistic books have been the bane of my life. The emotional, the rhapsodical, the meditative style of book, in which one garrulously addresses one's soul from beginning to end, is simply torture to me. You see religion is a different thing. The rhapsody may do for the Tabernacle people, but thoughtful men and women need something different."
"I am so delighted to hear such sentiments from a clergyman! They entirely accord with my own. Still I must own that your horror struck me as novel, to say the least of it."
"Would you like me to try to proselytize you?"
"You may try if you wish. I am open to conviction; but the Church of all the ages, the Apostolic, the Catholic, has a strong hold on me."
"You need not fear that I will ever try to loosen it. I only wish that I may see your face in Trinity Church every Sunday."
"That happiness shall be yours," answered Mrs. Thornton. "As there is no Catholic church here, I will give you the honor of my presence at Trinity."
"If that is the case it will be a place of worship to me."
He smiled away the extravagance of this last remark, and she only shook her head.
"That is a compliment, but it is awfully profane."
"Not profanity; say rather justifiable idolatry."
"Really, I feel overcome; I do not know what to say. At any rate, I hope you will like the book; I know you will find it pleasant."