can be honest to a conviction in the face of scorn and
mockery, who never sought his _own_ interest in the profession he
embraced, but only the good of others for whom that profession was
ostensibly established; who would speak truth in the Courts of Law, the
House of Legislature, and the _salons_ of Society; who would write--not
for empty praise but from conviction--and follow art simply and purely
to ennoble the mind, not pander to the lust of the eye and the greed of
gold. Show me such men and such a nation, and I will acknowledge
_there_ Christianity has found its seat and fulfilled the purpose of its
founder!"

"Oh," said the American, shrugging her shoulders with contempt, "of
course, you are talking arrant nonsense! The thing's impossible. The
world can't be turned into a monastery, and as long as people live they
will always be overreaching each other, and deceiving each other. It's
not possible to be perfectly honest, or perfectly truthful."

"Then," said the stranger quietly, as she sank back on her cushions, "do
not blame even the poor _Yogi_ under his tree if he has turned away sick
and disgusted with the shams and vileness, and hypocrisies and evil, of
the so-called civilised world. Remember that the country that holds him
and thousands as foolish and superstitious, is the country that your
boasted, civilisation has wrested from his race, and that _your_ example
as a Christian nation is ever before his eyes. Let his conduct
determine it's influence!"

"Well," said Mrs Jefferson, "talk of sermons in stones! Here's one in
baths! I should like to know who you are. Seems to me you know
everything, and have read everything, and seen most everything on the
face of the earth. So few women begin to think of anything serious till
they've forgotten their looks, that you must excuse my calling you an
anomaly. Now do tell me you'll change your mind and join us to-night in
the drawing-room. It's quite as selfish as _Yogaism_ to keep talents
like yours in the background."

The beautiful face grew cold and proud.

"You must pardon me," she said, "if I venture to consider myself the
best judge of what you are pleased to call--talents. They are not of an
order to benefit a hotel drawing-room."

"Oh!" said Mrs Jefferson, feeling somewhat snubbed. "I'm sure people
would be delighted to hear you talk, even if you did rub some of their
pet foibles the wrong way. I've quite enjoyed this morning, I assure
yo