serious."

In the evening, we adjourned to the house of Mr Cophagus, having
received a message of welcome. I entered the room first. Susannah came
forward to welcome me, and then drew back, when she perceived the
alteration in my apparel, colouring deeply. I passed her, and took the
hand of Mrs Cophagus and her husband, and then introduced Mr
Masterton.

"We hardly knew thee, Japhet," mildly observed Mrs Cophagus.

"I did not think that outward garments would disguise me from my
friends," replied I; "but so it appeareth, for your sister hath not even
greeted me in welcome."

"I greet thee in all kindness, and all sincerity, Japhet Newland,"
replied Susannah, holding out her hand. "Yet did I not imagine that, in
so short a time, thou wouldst have dismissed the apparel of our
persuasion, neither do I find it seemly."

"Miss Temple," interposed Mr Masterton, "it is to oblige those who are
his sincere friends, that Mr Newland has laid aside his dress. I
quarrel with no creed--everyone has a right to choose for himself, and
Mr Newland has perhaps not chosen badly, in embracing your tenets. Let
him continue steadfast in them. But, fair young lady, there is no creed
which is perfect, and, even in yours, we find imperfection. Our
religion preaches humility, and therefore we do object to his wearing
the garb of pride."

"Of pride, sayest thou? hath he not rather put off the garb of humility,
and now appeareth in the garb of pride?"

"Not so, young madam: when we dress as all the world dress, we wear not
the garb of pride; but when we put on a dress different from others,
that distinguishes us from others, then we show our pride, and the worst
of pride, for it is the hypocritical pride which apes humility. It is
the Pharisee of the Scriptures, who preaches in high places, and sounds
forth his charity to the poor; not the humility of the Publican, who
says, `Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.' Your apparel of pretended
humility is the garb of pride, and for that reason have we insisted that
he discards it, when with us. His tenets we interfere not with. There
can be no religion in dress; and that must indeed be weak in itself,
which requires dress for its support."

Susannah was astonished at this new feature of the case, so aptly put by
the old lawyer. Mrs Cophagus looked at her husband, and Cophagus
pinched my arm, evidently agreeing with him. When Mr Masterton had
finished speaking, Susannah waited a fe