mistook two charlatans, three-fifths knavery, the rest fanaticism, for
honest workers in the Lord's vineyard. Far better such over-faith than
the fatal languor which seemed to terminate Clifton's too close scrutiny
of life. A buoyant and never-failing enthusiasm is the divine requital
of faithful service. "The reward of virtue is perpetual drunkenness!"
exclaims the half mythic Musæus; "_Crucem hanc inebriari_," the Church
has responded. It has a flavor as of Paradise when a woman brims over
with some fine excitement,--and that among godless, unrepentant men.

"The storm has not prevented the accomplishment of our purpose," said
Miss Hurribattle, pleasantly; "we have this day made our protest against
the most dangerous form of evil."

"One of the most obvious forms, certainly," I replied; "we might not
quite agree about its being the most dangerous."

"I must demand all those republican virtues which should be the fruit of
our New-England liberty,--I must be strictly consistent."

I jestingly pleaded the familiar proverb about fools and dead men, and
observed that there was great obscurity surrounding the real sources of
evil in our social life.

"I once thought as you do," said the lady; "but, from my constant
association with philosophical minds like those of Mrs. Romulus and Mr.
Stellato, much has been made clear to me. They have devoted their lives
to the study of modern civilization, and are skilful in the nice
adaptation of remedies to all public disorders."

"How long have you known these two persons?" I asked.