"I cannot say that I have. I have read and thought about it far more than I have seen. On account of my limited means and student life, my excursions have been few and far between. I have already proved to you what an awkward stranger I am to society. But in thought and fancy I have been a great rambler, and like to picture to myself all kinds of scenes, past and present, and to analyze all kinds of character." "I hope you won't analyze mine," she said, looking at him rather distrustfully. "I should not like to be dissected before I was dead." "I wish all were as able to endure analysis as yourself, Miss Marsden. In any case, you have no reason to fear a severe critic in me." "Why not?" "Because you have been so lenient towards me. I have received more kindness from you, a stranger, than from my own kindred." "You are very grateful." "Shakespeare declares ingratitude a 'marble-hearted fiend.'" "You evidently are not 'marble-hearted.'" "Though possibly a fiend. Thank you." "I wish there were no worse to fear." "You need not have occasion to fear any." "Well, I can't say that I do very much. Perhaps it would be better for me if I did." "Why so?" "Then I should be more afraid to do wrong. Miss Parton cannot do wrong with any comfort at all." "Well, that would be a queer religion which consisted only in being afraid of the devil and his imps." "What is religion? I am foolish in asking such a question however, for I suppose it would take you a year to answer it, and they will all be down to breakfast in a few moments." "O, no, I can answer it in a sentence. True religion is worshipping God in love and faith, and obeying Him." "Is that all?" exclaimed Lottie, in unfeigned astonishment. "That is a great deal." "Perhaps it is. You theologians have a way of preaching awfully long and difficult sermons from simple texts. But I never got as simple an idea of religion as that from our minister." "I fear you think I have been preaching for the last half-hour. Perhaps I can best apologize for my long homilies this morning by explaining. When an artist is in his best mood, he wishes to be at his easel. The same is true of every one who does something con amore. When I saw the transfigured world this morning, it was like a glimpse into heaven, and--" "And a naughty little sinner came in just at that moment, and got the benefit of your mood," interrupted Lottie. "Well, I have listened to your sermon and understand it, and that is more than I can say of many I have heard. It certainly was pointed, and seemed pointed at me, and I have heard it said that it is proof of a good sermon for each one to go away feeling that he has been distinctly preached at. But permit me as a friend, Mr. Hemstead, to suggest that this will not answer in our day. I fear, from my little foretaste, that people will not be able to sit comfortably under your homilies, and unless you intend to preach out in the back-woods, you must modify your style."