"I don't as a rule feel at home in London churches, but that man has the power of raising one from earth altogether."
"Oh, Dad!" expostulated Mysie. "I didn't feel that. I felt I was wedged between the two people I love best in the world, and I longed to hug you both!"
Rowena laughed at Mysie, but replied to the General:
"Yes, Canon Villars always takes me right away with him. He is a wonderful mixture of practical common sense and mysticism."
"And do you never get your—your friend to come and hear him?"
"Once I did."
A shadow came over Rowena's face as she spoke. She had taken Mrs. Burke there soon after they came to town, and the Canon had preached a very scathing sermon on worldliness, and the unprofitableness of it. Mrs. Burke had come away furiously indignant with him, and had refused to set her foot inside the door ever again.
"Didn't she profit by it?"
"I am afraid not. His text was, 'Hear now then, thou that art given to pleasures,' and he was very severe and convincing. But with some people, most I should think, it is absolutely useless to tell them they should give up all that they have; empty their hearts, before they know how to fill them! Love draws, severity drives!"
"I don't quite agree," said General Macdonald. "In these days there is too much laxity and forbearance with sin. But you must remember I have centuries of Scotch training behind me."