“The prairie does not seem a very hopeful place for experiments in perfection,” continued the stranger. “To my eyes it looks a most God-forsaken place, but under certain circumstances I should be disposed to modify that view.”
“I think any place will do to try and live a good life in, and that is what is aimed at in our little Community,” said Olive, standing bravely to her defence.
He was silent for a time and then spoke again.
“Any place can be made better by the presence of a good woman, I think.”
“We want to show how it is possible to banish some of the evil out of life,” said Olive, marshalling the expressions she had heard at the Academy with what skill she could.
“With some it is only necessary to be what God made them in order to banish evil from their presence,” said he.
“And we have a very noble woman as leader,” said Olive not quite sure of his meaning.
“Ah, indeed! You praise her, that should count for much. There are very mixed reports about her character on the prairie. Many seem to dislike and distrust her.”
“As for that I suppose there are mixed reports about us all,” observed Olive impartially.
“Indeed there are. For instance, it is most confusing what people say concerning the extent to which you carry your communistic theories. Some assert that there is no limit and that you are logical.”