ired if she could respect a lazy man.

"No, and you never would be lazy, or could be lazy," she said,
laughing. "But surely there are things enough to be done on shore."

"Things enough. The question for every one is where he can do most."

"Why, Sandie," Christina cried, "it is not possible that you should
have your time to yourself on shipboard, and as an acting officer, as
you could at home on shore. Reading and study, that, you like, I know;
and then painting, and all art pleasures, that you think so much about,
much more than I do; and a thousand other things;--you have no chance
for them at sea."

"You talk as if one had nothing to do but to please himself."

"Well," said Christina, "so far as one can, why not? Does not all the
world?"

"Yes. All the world. You are right. All the world, except a little body
of men who follow Christ; and _He_, pleased not Himself. I thought you
knew I was one of His servants, Christina."

"Does that forbid your pleasing yourself?"

"Not in one way," said Mr. Shubrick, smiling again, a smile that made
Dolly's heart throb with its meaning. "It is my pleasure to do my
Master's will. The work He has given me to do, I would rather do of all
things."

"I can't think what work you mean, Sandie. I really do not understand."

"Do you understand, Miss Copley?"

Dolly started. "I believe so," she said.

"Will you have the goodness to explain to Christina?"

"Why don't you explain yourself, Sandie?" said his betrothed.

"I am talking too much. Besides, it will come better from Miss Copley's
lips."

"I don't think so; but however.--Well, Dolly, if you are to explain,
please explain. But how come _you_ to understand, when I don't
understand? What work does he mean?"

"I suppose," said Dolly, "Mr. Shubrick means work for other people."

"Work for other people!" cried Christina. "Do you think _we_ do not do
work for other people? Mamma gives away loads; she does a great deal
for the poor. She is always doing it."

"And you?"

"Oh, I help now and then. But she does not want my help much."

"Did you think, Miss Copley, I meant work for poor people?"

"No," said Dolly. "At least--that is--I thought you meant the work that
is for Christ."

"Well, I am sure He commanded us to take care of the poor," said
Christina.

"He commanded us also to carry the gospel to every creature."

"That's for ministers, and missionaries," said Christina.

"The order was given to all the dis