"True, but there I think party differences in the Church, and even the

variations between Christian sects are concerned, both being different

ways of viewing the same truth. These may, like the knights in the old

fable, find that both were right about the shield, both have the same

foundation. But where the foundation is not the same, the results of the

teaching will not agree."

"Every one agrees as to morality."

"Yes, but do all give a motive sufficient to enforce the self-denial

that morality entails? Nay, do they show the way to the spiritual

strength needful to the very power of being moral?"

"That is begging the question. The full argument is whether the full

church, say Christian system, exactly as you, as we hold it, is needful

to the perfection of moral observance. I don't say whether I assent, but

the present question is whether the child's present belief and practice

need be affected by its teacher's dogmatic or undogmatic system."

"The system for life is generally formed in childhood. Harvest depends

on seed time."

"And after all," added Rachel, "we have no notion whether this poor man

be not precisely of your own opinions, and from their fruits I am sure

you ought to claim them."

"Their blossoms if you please," laughed Ermine. "We have not seen their

fruits yet."

"And I shall take care the fruits are not nipped with the blight of

suspicion," said Rachel, good-humouredly.

However, after driving Ermine home, and seeing her lifted out and

carried into the house by her sister, Rachel did send the carriage back

by the groom and betake herself to Villars's shop, where she asked for

a sight of the "Clergy List." The name of Mauleverer caught her eye,

but only one instance of it appeared, and he was a cathedral canon, his

presentation dated in 1832, the time at which, judging from appearances,

the object of her search might have been born; besides, he rejoiced in

the simple name of Thomas. But Rachel's search was brought to an abrupt

conclusion by the issue of Mr. Mauleverer himself from the reading-room

within the shop. He bowed and passed by, but Rachel for the life of her

could not hinder a burning colour from spreading to the very tips of

her ears; so certain did she feel that she was insulting him by her

researches, and that he perceived them. She felt absolutely ashamed to

see him the next day, and even in her dreams was revolving speeches

that might prove that though cautious and clear-sighted, she was neither

suspicious nor narrow-minded.

He came when some morning visitors were at the Homestead, prosy

neighbours whose calls were always a penance to Rachel, and the

butler, either from the manner of the inquiry or not regarding him as

drawing-room company, put him into the dining-room and announced, "Mr.

Mauleverer to see Miss Rachel." Up jumped Miss Rachel, with "You'll

excuse me, it is on business;" and went off highly satisfied that

"the mother" was hindered by politeness from making any attempt at

chaperonage either personally or through Grace, so unnecessary at her

age, for since Colonel Keith's departure, Rachel's age had begun to grow

on her again. She held out her hand as if to atone for her search, but

she found at once that it had been remarked.




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