"Evil is never fair, Miss Marsden."
"But is it only evil? I have heard plain children told, when resenting their ugliness, that it was wicked, for they were just as God made them."
"Can you think of a better way to make a young girl hate God than to tell her that?"
"But suppose it's true."
"I am sure it is not. Just the opposite is true. The ugly and deformed are as evil has marred them, and not as God has made them. By seeking the Divine Artist's aid more than humanity's first perfection can be regained. It is possible for even that wretched creature we saw to attain an outward loveliness exceeding that of any woman now living."
"That passes beyond the limit of my imagination," said Harcourt.
"Absurd!" muttered De Forrest.
"I fear you are not orthodox," said Bel.
"That means you do not agree with me. But please do not think that because I am a minister you must talk upon subjects that are rather grave and deep for a sleighing party."
"That's right, Cousin Frank," said Addie. "Dr. Beams will want you to preach for him next Sunday. I advise you to reserve your thunder till that occasion, when you may come out as strong as you please."