"But it is preposterous," I objected once more, changing my
ground; "Judith craves the arrears of gaiety and laughter which
your conduct caused life to leave owing to her. She loves bright
dresses, cigarettes, and wine and the things that are anathema in
an Evangelical household."
"My wife will find the gaiety and laughter of holiness," replied
the fanatic. "She will not be stinted of money to dress herself
with becoming modesty; and as for alcohol and tobacco, no one
knows better than myself how easy it is to give them up."
"You seem as merciless in your virtues as you were in your
vices," said I.
"I have to bring souls to Christ," he answered.
"That doesn't appear to be the way," I retorted, "to bring them."
"Pray remember, Sir Marcus," said he, bending his brows upon me,
"that I did not ask you for suggestions as to the conduct of my
ministry."
"The general methods you adopt in the case of your congregation,"
said I, "are matters of perfect indifference to me. But I cannot
see Judith imprisoned for life in a tin church without a protest.
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