Part 90 (2/2)

Nobody Susan Warner 18260K 2022-07-22

”It's a pity grandma is so sharp about things,” the latter remarked to her sister.

”Things?” said Lois. ”What things?”

”Well--people. Don't you like that Mr. Dillwyn?”

”Yes.”

”So do I. And she don't want us to have anything to do with him.”

”But she is right,” said Lois. ”He is not a Christian.”

”But one can't live only with Christians in this world. And, Lois, I'll tell you what I think; he is a great deal pleasanter than a good many Christians I know.”

”He is good company,” said Lois. ”He has seen a great deal and read a great deal, and he knows how to talk. That makes him pleasant.”

”Well, he's a great deal more improving to be with than anybody I know in Shampuashuh.”

”In one way.”

”Why shouldn't one have the pleasure, then, and the good, if he isn't a Christian?”

”The pleasanter he is, I suppose the more danger, grandmother would think.”

”Danger of what?”

”You know, Madge, it is not my say-so, nor even grandmother's. You know, Christians are not of the world.”

”But they must _see_ the world.”

”If we were to see much of that sort of person, we might get to wis.h.i.+ng to see them always.”

”By 'that sort of person' I suppose you mean Mr. Dillwyn? Well, I have got so far as that already. I wish I could see such people always.”

”I am sorry.”

”Why? You ought to be glad at my good taste.”

”I am sorry, because you are wis.h.i.+ng for what you cannot have.”

”How do you know that? You cannot tell what may happen.”

”Madge, a man like Mr. Dillwyn would never think of a girl like you or me.”

”I am not wanting him to think of me,” said Madge rather hotly. ”But, Lois, if you come to that, I think I--and you--are fit for anybody.”

”Yes,” said Lois quietly. ”I think so too. But _they_ do not take the same view. And if they did, Madge, we could not think of them.”

”Why not?--_if_ they did. I do not hold quite such extreme rules as you and grandmother do.”

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