A SATISFACTORY INTERVIEW "The character of a generation is moulded by personal character." Westcott. ON the following Sunday Rowena met Mysie and her father at the doors of the church which she attended. It was a quiet old-fashioned service, and the congregation was not a fashionable one, but the preacher had an arresting, quickening power of delivery, and he took the Bible alone for his authority. General Macdonald said when he came out: "I don't as a rule feel at home in London churches, but that man has the power of raising one from earth altogether." "Oh, Dad!" expostulated Mysie. "I didn't feel that. I felt I was wedged between the two people I love best in the world, and I longed to hug you both!" Rowena laughed at Mysie, but replied to the General: "Yes, Canon Villars always takes me right away with him. He is a wonderful mixture of practical common sense and mysticism." "And do you never get your—your friend to come and hear him?" "Once I did." A shadow came over Rowena's face as she spoke. She had taken Mrs. Burke there soon after they came to town, and the Canon had preached a very scathing sermon on worldliness, and the unprofitableness of it. Mrs. Burke had come away furiously indignant with him, and had refused to set her foot inside the door ever again. "Didn't she profit by it?" "I am afraid not. His text was, 'Hear now then, thou that art given to pleasures,' and he was very severe and convincing. But with some people, most I should think, it is absolutely useless to tell them they should give up all that they have; empty their hearts, before they know how to fill them! Love draws, severity drives!" "I don't quite agree," said General Macdonald. "In these days there is too much laxity and forbearance with sin. But you must remember I have centuries of Scotch training behind me." "But in vulgar words, the 'proof of the pudding is in the eating.' That sermon has kept Mrs. Burke from going to church ever since she heard it." "I wish you would leave her," said the General emphatically. Rowena shook her head and changed the subject. She began to tell him of Mrs. Burke's niece, and of the letters that had been sent to her, and asked him if he would be willing to interview her, if she would be able to come to town. "And if Mrs. Burke asks you to dinner to meet her, will you come? I hope you will." "If I can meet her in a quiet way I shall be glad to do so." "Now that is nice and friendly of you. I assure you that you will not be shocked in any way." Then with a little laugh she added: "We want to see some good people sometimes, you know. They bring a different atmosphere with them." They took a turn together in the Park before Rowena went home. As they parted he said: "I hope you have a quiet Sunday. But it seems to be the fashion to receive visitors all the afternoon. Even my old cousin does it."