“But why should it?”
“All the bad people danced in the Bible.”
“Miriam—King David, eh?”
“That was part of their religious service.”
“The welcome to the prodigal son?” further suggested Julius. “Does not this prove that the exercise is not sinful in itself?”
“But you would not do it again?” repeated Anne.
“I certainly should not make a practice of it, nor go to balls any more than I would be a sportsman or a cricketer, because I am bound to apply my whole self to the more direct service; but this does not show that there is evil necessarily connected with these amusements, or that they may not safely be enjoyed by those who have time, and who need an outlet for their spirits, or by those who wish to guard these pleasures by presiding over them.”
“Don’t persuade me!” exclaimed Anne. “I gave my word to Mr. Pilgrim that nothing should induce me to dance or play at cards.”
“Mr. Pilgrim had no right—” began Rosamond; but Julius hushed her, saying, “No one wishes to persuade you, Anne. Your retirement during Miles’s absence is very suitable and becoming.”
“Till we live in the Bush, out of the way of it all,” said Anne.