object. But do not fancy that in avoiding Scylla I _must_ run upon
Charybdis. Be sure I would not imitate the trim moustaches and peaked
chins of those old dandies, Winthrop and Endicott. I prefer the full
flowing style of Wykliffe and Cranmer."

"We should then have two Holdens," exclaimed Mrs. Bernard, "and that
would be more than our little village could live through."

"Fancy papa running an opposition beard against Mr. Holden!" said
Anne.

The idea was sufficiently ludicrous to occasion a general laugh, and
even Armstrong smiled.

"I am a happy man," said the Judge; "not only mirthful, myself, but
the cause of mirth in others. What a beam of light is a smile, what a
glory like a sunrise is a laugh!"

"That will do, Judge Bernard, that will do," said his wife; "do not
try again, for you cannot jump so high twice."

"Tut, tut, Mary; what do you know about the higher poetics? I defy you
to find such sublimities either in Milton or Dante."

"I can easily believe it," said Mrs. Bernard.

At this moment some other visitors entering the room, the conversation
took another turn; and Mr. Armstrong and his daughter having remained
a short time longer, took leave and returned home. Let us follow the
departing visitors.