en
came the heroes! and they dived into the turbid waters and brought the
vision to the light of day."

"Very good!" said the Professor; "but what I like about the Hollanders
is their religion. Holland was nothing till all of a sudden the Gospel
made it sublime. The Hollanders knew the worth of their souls. In
their politics, they thought of eternity--a thing statesmen do not
usually take into account; and seeking first the kingdom of heaven,
they struck such bold strokes for freedom as would make common heroes
falter."

"Yes," answered Miss Alida, "the Dutch are a religious people, but
they have always hated religious rituals. You could not get Antony and
Adriana Van Hoosen, after all their American generations, to take an
interest in church millinery and such trivialities."

"Race! race! my dear madam. The Dutch do not comprehend the truths
hidden in symbols--that is all."

"But why," asked Antony, "should we have symbols when we may have
realities?"

"Why? why? Always why! I think I will write a grand treatise on the
Martyrs and Heroes of Holland."

"Better, then, begin at once. Miss Witsus contemplates just such a
book. She tells me that she is certain she can write it."

"Let her cherish the simple faith to the latest day of her life. Do
not encourage her in any audacious attempts to reduce it to practice.
She will only lose a pleasant illusion. For my part, I spoke
presumptuously, and I most humbly repent it."

"Let us change the subject. How do you feel about the elections,
Professor?" asked Antony.

"I take them as I take the weather, or any other matter beyond my
control."

"The principles of Democracy----"

"Oh, sir!" interrupted the Professor, "the principles are all right;
the trouble is in reducing them to practice, for Democracy degrades
statesmen into politicians."

"The trouble is," said Miss Alida, laughing, "we want more Dutchmen in
office. They have some fixed ideas about religion and politics, and
they stick to them like grim death."

"Dutch again!"

"Yes, sir. And I may tell you that I am thinking of founding a Woman's
Holland Society. Have you any idea of the wealth and intelligence
united in the Men's Holland Society of New York City? Do you know how
they honor their noble fatherland? They eat, and drink, and make
merry; or they interest themselves in preserving a few old relics. But
if the Dutch women form a Holland Society, the Dutch men may prepare
to give, and to do, or el