"In such enjoyment there is no alloy. More than that; the more it is engaged in, the more enjoyable it becomes; it does not cloy, we cannot become surfeited; the more we devote our attention and effort to it the greater the desire we have to continue and to increase our experience. This is that perfect happiness with which nothing else can compare." "But would you have us dispense with all pleasures--with the refined indulgences, the innocent pastimes and the intellectual recreations which lighten our burdens at least for the time being, and have us participate in sacred things only? Should there be no buoyancy of spirit, no diversion, no relaxation, in order that there might be no penalty as the result of indulgence?" "Why, what an--pardon me--absurd idea! Of course you do not advance it seriously and should therefore be free from criticism. Rather than that such a rule of conduct as you have suggested is the proper one, it is almost as bad as that in which amusement alone prevails. The medium course, which enables us to enjoy all that is properly enjoyable in its appropriate season, and still does not cause us to loose sight of the great aim and end of existence, is the right one. We should let our pastimes be the incidents in our career, not the objects of it; thus they lighten our burdens, and, for the time being, dispel some of the shadows that cross our pathway, whereas, if made the purpose of living--the only things to be considered--they become burdensome and even sinful." "Then the devout Christian may be happy and jovial without being less a Christian, on account of that?" "Yes, indeed. More--it is pleasing to our Father for His children to be light-hearted, so long as their pleasures are proper and are enjoyed in moderation. The people from among whom I come enjoy themselves as much as other people do, but do not overlook their devotions, and above all they remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." "That seems to me," said Mrs. Marshall, "to be a sensible form of Christianity. Why, a person, according to your faith, can be profoundly religious and yet deny himself no proper amusement." "Most decidedly; that is our belief and practice." "It seems to me I would like to be a member of your Church," said the girl, artlessly, at which interesting stage of the conversation, Rev. Fitzallan entered, who greeted the party stiffly, his brow having a distinct frown as he looked at the westerner. "Pardon me," said the Clergyman, after a few commonplaces had passed, "but we 'gather wisdom by the wayside,' and I have just acquired some information from that source concerning our friend here from the wilds, and as it surprised me, I thought it might equally surprise the rest of you, himself included, perhaps." Evidently the churchman had been engaged in the questionable calling of picking up stray scraps of gossip here and there, containing as usual some truth mixed with much error. There was obviously trouble ahead.