ience of hers by always
speaking of her prospective son-in-law as "poor Alan," just as if she
really believed, as she professed she did, that the death of the body
and the death of the soul are conditions equally to be deplored.

"You see, my dear," she said to Elisabeth, who came to stay at Wood Glen
for Felicia's marriage, which took place in the early summer, "it is
such a comfort to Mr. Herbert and myself to know that our dear child is
so comfortably provided for. And then--although I can not altogether
countenance his opinions--poor Alan has such a good heart."

Elisabeth, remembering that she had once been fascinated by the master
of the Moat House, was merciful. "He is an extremely interesting man to
talk to," she said; "he has thought out so many things."

"He has, my love. And if we are tempted to rebuke him too severely for
his non-acceptance of revealed truth, we must remember that he was
deprived comparatively early in life of both his parents, and so ought
rather to be pitied than blamed," agreed Mrs. Herbert, who would
cheerfully have poured out all the vials of the Book of Revelation upon
any impecunious doubter who had dared to add the mortal sin of poverty
to the venial one of unbelief.

"And he is really very philanthropic," Elisabeth continued; "he has done
no end of things for the work-people at the Osierfield. It is a pity
that his faith is second-rate, considering that his works are
first-class."

"Ah! my dear, we must judge not, lest in turn we too should be judged.
Who are we, that we should say who is or who is not of the elect? It is
often those who seem to be the farthest from the kingdom that are in
truth the nearest to it." Mrs. Herbert had dismissed a kitchen-maid,
only the week before, for declining to attend her Bible-class, and
walking out with a young man instead.

"Still, I am sorry that Alan has all those queer views," Elisabeth
persisted; "he really would be a splendid sort of person if he were only
a Christian; and it seems such a pity that--with all his learning--he
hasn't learned the one thing that really matters."

"My love, I am ashamed to find you so censorious; it is a sad fault,
especially in the young. I would advise you to turn to the thirteenth of
First Corinthians, and see for yourself how excellent a gift is
charity--the greatest of all, according to our dear Saint Paul."

Elisabeth sighed. She had long ago become acquainted with Mrs. Herbert's
custom of keeping