"You don't mean that I shall be expected to go to such a party?" she protested.
"Why not?" he asked, smiling.
"It seems dreadful," she hastened to say, "and besides that, I never go to dances. I do not dance."
"It's not as bad as it sounds," explained John Clayton. "You see these people are human. Their solitary lives are barren of pleasure. They crave intercourse with their kind; and so this annual party offers this opportunity."
"And is this the extent of their social life? Have they nothing better?"
"Nothing better," he said seriously, "but some things much worse."
"I don't see how anything could be worse."
"Oh, yes," he said, "it could be worse. But to return to the ball. It is unquestionably a company of publicans and sinners. If you wish to do settlement work here, to study these people in their native haunts, here they are. You will have an opportunity to meet some poor creatures you would not otherwise meet. Besides, this party is given for the benefit of the school. The proceeds of the supper help support the school."
"Then I must attend?"
"I believe so. With your desire to help these people, I believe it wise for you to go with us to the ball. You remember how a great Teacher long ago ate with publicans and sinners."