"Not so, young madam: when we dress as all the world dress, we wear not
the garb of pride; but when we put on a dress different from others,
that distinguishes us from others, then we show our pride, and the worst
of pride, for it is the hypocritical pride which apes humility. It is
the Pharisee of the Scriptures, who preaches in high places, and sounds
forth his charity to the poor; not the humility of the Publican, who
says, 'Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.' Your apparel of pretended
humility is the garb of pride, and for that reason have we insisted that
he discards it, when with us. His tenets we interfere not with. There
can be no religion in dress; and that must indeed be weak in itself,
which requires dress for its support."
Susannah was astonished at this new feature of the case, so aptly put
by the old lawyer. Mrs Cophagus looked at her husband, and Cophagus
pinched my arm, evidently agreeing with him. When Mr Masterton had
finished speaking, Susannah waited a few seconds, and then replied,
"It becomes not one so young and weak as I am, to argue with thee,
who art so much my senior. I cannot cavil at opinions which, if not
correct, at least are founded on the holy writings; but I have been
otherwise instructed."
"Then let us drop the argument, Miss Susannah, and let me tell you, that
Japhet wished to resume his Quaker's dress, and I would not permit him.
If there is any blame, it is to be laid to me; and it's no use being angry
with an old man like myself."
"I have no right to be angry with anyone," replied Susannah.
"But you were angry with me, Susannah," interrupted I.
"I cannot say that it was anger, Japhet Newland: I hardly know what the
feeling might have been; but I was wrong, and I must request thy
forgiveness;" and Susannah held out her hand.
"Now you must forgive me too, Miss Temple," said old Masterton, and
Susannah laughed against her wishes.
The conversation then became general. Mr Masterton explained to Mr
Cophagus what he required of him, and Mr Cophagus immediately acceded.
It was arranged that he should go to town by the mail the next day. Mr
Masterton talked a great deal about my father, and gave his character in
its true light, as he considered it would be advantageous to me so to do.
He then entered into conversation upon a variety of topics, and was
certainly very amusing. Susannah laughed very heartily before the evening
was over, and Mr Masterton retired to the hotel, for I had resolved to
sleep in my own bed.
I walked home with Mr Masterton: I then returned to the house, and found
them all in the parlour. Mrs Cophagus was expressing her delight at the
amusement she had received, when I entered with a grave face. "I wish
that I had not left you," said I to Mrs Cophagus; "I am afraid to meet my
father; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am I to do. Must
not I obey him?"
"In all things lawful," replied Susannah, "most certainly, Japhet."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account