“I know not yet what I shall be,” he replied with an air of self-reproach; “I fear I have too much of this fiery ardor which we call ambition to settle down into the passive character of the preacher.” “Oh, do not, do not!” she exclaimed impetuously; then, as if conscious of the impropriety, she stopped short in the sentence, while increasing her forward pace. “What!” said he, “you think that would effectually stifle it?” “Would it not--does it not in most men?” “Perhaps; but this depends upon the individual. Churchmen have a great power--the greatest in any country.” “Over babes and sucklings!” she said scornfully. “And, through these; over the hearts of men and women.” “But these, too, are babes and sucklings--people to be scared by shadows--the victims of their own miserable fears and superstitions!” “Nevertheless, these confer power. Where there is power, there is room for ambition. You recollect that churchmen have put their feet upon the necks of princes.” “Yes, but that was when there was one church only in Christendom. It was a monopoly, and consequently a tyranny. Now there are a thousand, always in conflict, and serving very happily to keep each other from mischief. They no longer put their feet on princes' necks, though I believe that the princes are no better off for this forbearance--there are others who do. But only fancy that this time was again, and think of the comical figure our worthy brother John Cross would make, mounting from such a noble horse-block!” The idea was sufficiently pleasant to make Stevens laugh. “I am afraid I shall have greater trouble in converting you, Miss Cooper, than any other of the flock in Charlemont. I doubt that your heart is stubborn--that you are an insensible!” “I insensible!” she exclaimed, and with such a look! The expression of sarcasm had passed, as with the rapidity of a lightning-flash, from her beautiful lips; and a silent tear rose, tremulous and large, with the same instantaneous emotion, beneath her long, dark eyelashes. She said nothing more, but, with eyes cast down, went forward. Stevens was startled with the suddenness of these transitions. They proved, at least, how completely her mind was at the control of her blood. Hitherto, he had never met with a creature so liberally endowed by nature, who was, at the same time, so perfectly unsophisticated. The subject was gratifying as a study alone, even if it conferred no pleasure, and awakened no hopes. “Do not mistake me,” he exclaimed, hurrying after, “I had no purpose to impute to you any other insensibility except to that of the holy truths of religion.” She looked up and smiled archly. There was another transition from cloud to sunlight. “What! are you so doubtful of your own ministry?” “In your case, I am.” “Why?” “You will force me to betake myself to studies more severe than any I have yet attempted.” She was flattered but she uttered a natural disclaimer.