We arrived in good time at Reading, and, as soon as we alighted at the inn, we ordered dinner, and then walked down to the shop, where we found Timothy very busy tying down and labelling. He was delighted to see Mr Masterton; and perceiving that I had laid aside the Quaker's dress, made no scruple of indulging in his humour, making a long face, and _thee-ing_ and _thou-ing_ Mr Masterton in a very absurd manner. We desired him to go to Mr Cophagus, and beg that he would allow me to bring Mr Masterton to drink tea, and afterwards to call at the inn and give us the answer. We then returned to our dinner. "Whether they will ever make a Quaker of you, Japhet, I am very doubtful," observed Mr Masterton, as we walked back; "but as for making one of that fellow Timothy, I'll defy them." "He laughs at everything," replied I, "and views everything in a ridiculous light--at all events, they never will make him serious." In the evening, we adjourned to the house of Mr Cophagus, having received a message of welcome. I entered the room first. Susannah came forward to welcome me, and then drew back, when she perceived the alteration in my apparel, colouring deeply. I passed her, and took the hand of Mrs Cophagus and her husband, and then introduced Mr Masterton. "We hardly knew thee, Japhet," mildly observed Mrs Cophagus. "I did not think that outward garments would disguise me from my friends," replied I; "but so it appeareth, for your sister hath not even greeted me in welcome." "I greet thee in all kindness, and all sincerity, Japhet Newland," replied Susannah, holding out her hand. "Yet did I not imagine that, in so short a time, thou wouldst have dismissed the apparel of our persuasion, neither do I find it seemly." "Miss Temple," interposed Mr Masterton, "it is to oblige those who are his sincere friends, that Mr Newland has laid aside his dress. I quarrel with no creed--everyone has a right to choose for himself, and Mr Newland has perhaps not chosen badly, in embracing your tenets. Let him continue steadfast in them. But, fair young lady, there is no creed which is perfect, and, even in yours, we find imperfection. Our religion preaches humility, and therefore we do object to his wearing the garb of pride." "Of pride, sayest thou? hath he not rather put off the garb of humility, and now appeareth in the garb of pride?"