herself, tempted Adam until he ate the apple, no doubt under threats
of estranging herself from him if he did not, and all the results that
came from her iniquity, one of which is that men have had to work hard
ever since."

Here Godfrey reflected that there was someone behind who tempted the
woman, also that it is better to work than to sit in a garden in
eternal idleness, and lastly, that a desire for knowledge is natural
and praiseworthy. Had Isobel been in his place she would have advanced
these arguments, probably in vigorous and pointed language, but,
having learnt something of Adam's lesson, he was wiser and held his
tongue.

"There is this peculiarity about women," continued his parent, "which
I beg you always to remember. It is that when you think she is doing
what you want and that she loves you, you are doing what she wants and
really she only loves herself. Therefore you must never pay attention
to her soft words, and especially beware of her tears which are her
strongest weapon given to her by the father of deceit to enable her to
make fools of men. Do you understand?"

"Yes," said Godfrey, with hesitation, "but----" this burst from him
involuntarily, "but, Father, if you have always avoided women, as you
say, how do you know all this about them?"

For a moment Mr. Knight was staggered. Then he rose to the occasion.

"I know it, Godfrey, by observing the effect of their arts on others,
as I have done frequently."