Opening a Chestnut Burr

us of the outer world, and familiar scenes had not the power to awaken either pleasant or painful associations. He was trying to account for the influence that Ann

ecause they had been exceptionally fortunate in escaping temptation. He also had a cynical pleasure i

tereotyped way, and he was sure she would not, even if they became better acquainted. But there is that in genuine goodness and nobility of character that always humiliates the bad and makes them feel their degradation. A real pity and sympathy for him tinged her manner, but these qualities are not agreeable to pride. And it must be admitted that she had a little s

ain, came gurgling and clamoring down from the hills. Leaning upon the rail he seemed to watch

e delicate flattery of an accomplished man of the world. I am no gross libertine. I could not be in this place. I could not so wrong hospitality and the household of my father's friend. But I should like to prove to that girl her delusion, and show her that she is a weak woman like the rest; that she is a pretty painted ship that has never been in a storm, and therefore need not sail so confi

man that she might be what she seemed and that he could become like her. As the turbulent, muddy Jordan divided that God's people might pass through, so this thought from heaven found passage through his heart, and then the current of sinful impulse and habit flowed on as before. With the stu

sed nothing that would be severely condemned-nothing more than an ordinary flirtation, as common in society as idleness, love of excitement, and that power over others which ministers to vanity. He had no wish to be able to say anything worse of h

if they can be lovely to either God or man of whom it can be said only, They commit no overt crime. What is the form

n of the selfish heart

the house to carry out his purpose. Nature, purified and beautiful by reason of its recent baptism from heaven, had no attractions for him. Gems of moisture spark

pe you will not think it rude if father and I leave you to your books and Aunt Eulie's car

ond measure. The even

but she only said, with a smile, "You are very polite to say

. You shall see how good I will be this evening, and you shall read me everything you please, even to that 'Ancient Ecclesiastical History.' If you

reply to all your alluring reasons for staying at home I have only to say tha

ys quoting. It is a kind of strait-jacket which

ay travel safely. One never knows where the side pat

austerity is not becoming

your sincerity when you

gor

ry, gallantly. "It is settled by no rigid rules

beauty this evening is the

ome with me, will you not let me go with you to the prayer-meeting? If I'm

do you more good in

race'! Why, certain of your own poets have said,

if you can doubt the power and truth of Christianity, the m

his face, but after a mome

et me go to the

o with us, if you think it prudent

of living if we cannot do as we pleas

ds upon you

e replied with a bow. "But I will try to be as

d himself to show how entertaining he could be if he chose. Anecdotes, incidents of travel,

during the hour was that of delicately sustained compliment. When she spoke he listened with deference, and her words usually had point and meaning. He also gave to her remarks the best interpretation of which

shall surprise you, sir, by asking if I may go to the prayer-meeting. Miss Walton says I can if I will beh

es," said Annie. "Many have two, and s

arrow," said Gregory,

t it fly at

u mustn't be so entertaining another prayer-meeting night, Mr. Gregory. Of course we shall be glad to have

e stairs with something

, looking curi

the enhancing of it by adroit and suggestive questions-and yet all his manner was tinged by a certain insincere gallantry, rather than by a manly,