"I should be glad to know what you find so amusing in my remark."
She shook her head, but the obstinate dimples reappeared.
"What are you smiling at?"
"At the assertion that you cannot tolerate idolatry."
"Well? Of all the men in New York, probably I am the most thoroughly an iconoclast."
"Yes, sir, of other people's gods; nevertheless, I think you worship ardently."
"Indeed! Have you recently joined the 'Microscopical Society'? I solicit the benefit of your discoveries, and shall be duly grateful if you will graciously point out the unknown fane wherein I secretly worship. Is it Beauty? Genius? Riches?"
"It is not done in secret. All the world knows that Mr. Palma imitates the example of Marcus Marcellus, and dedicates his life to two divinities."
Standing on either side of the gate, and each pressing a hand upon the slab of the mantle, the lawyer looked curiously down at the bright young face.
"You are quite fresh in foraging from historic fields,—and since I quitted the classic shade of Alma Mater I have had little leisure for Roman lore; but college memories suggest that it was to Honour and Valour that Marcellus erected the splendid double temple at the Capene Gate. I bow to your parallel, and gratefully appreciate your ingeniously delicate compliment."