reasonable? Do I make it clear to you why I say I know this?" "Clearer than it was ever made to me before. I cannot help seeing that you are sincere and sure about it. But pardon me--I've got in such an inveterate habit of doubting--are not good Catholics just as sure about the Virgin and the saints hearing and answering them? and do not pagans feel the same way about their deities?" "Now, Mr. Gregory," said Annie, with a little indignant reproach in her tone, "do you think it just and reasonable to compare my faith, or that of any intelligent Christian, with the gross superstitions you name? Christianity is not embraced only by the ignorant and weak-minded: multitudes of the best and ripest scholars in the world are honest believers." "Indeed, Miss Walton, I did not mean you to draw any such inference as that," replied he, hastily and in some confusion. "I do not see how any other can be drawn," she continued; "and I know from what I have read and heard that unbelievers usually seek to give that impression. But it's not a fair one. The absurdities of paganism, monkish legends, and even the plausible errors of the Romish Church, will not endure the light of intelligent education; but the more I know the more I see the beauty and perfection of the Christian religion and the reasonableness of prayer, and so it is with far stronger and wiser heads than mine. Your father and mine were never men to be imposed upon, nor to believe anything just because they were told to do so when children." "Really, Miss Walton, you said you couldn't argue about this matter. I think you can, like a lawyer." "If you mean that I am using a lawyer's proverbial sleight of hand, I'm sorry." "I don't mean that at all, but that you put your facts in such a way that it's hard to meet them." "I only try to use common-sense. It's about the only sense I have. But I was in hopes you did not want to meet what I say adversely, but would like to believe." "I would, Miss Walton, honestly I would; but wishes go little way against stubborn doubt. This one now rises: How is it that scientific men are so apt to become infidel in regard to the Bible and its teachings, and especially prayer?"