John: Then what is the first step to this end?
Elinor: To think out the reason why of things, to try to see the truth in everything.
John: Good Lord! A fine task! Are you aware, my good woman, that this has been the modest ambition of several million of philosophers and theologians and metaphysicians before your day, and that none of them have altogether succeeded? If I did not mind being rude, I might say, “I like your cheek!”
Elinor: Oh, say what you please! Your words cannot alter my basic principle, which you will find very sound, if you care to apply to it the test of common sense.
John: You mean, to bring it to ordinary facts, that when I can get the better of a friend by a bit of sharp practice and make a pot of money without the risk of anyone’s finding me out, I am to refrain from doing so because of this soul business? I do call that hard! considering I go to church every Sunday, and subscribe to all the charities liberally—and to the football clubs.
Elinor: Yes, I mean that.
John: And when you are jealous of a woman you are not to set about a vile, false insinuation against her, even though it could never be traced to your door?
Elinor: Certainly not.
John: But, my poor child, that would produce a universal state of brotherly love. You had not suggested that before as one of your component parts of religion!
Elinor: John, when God made man I do believe He left out one colossal quality in him—the faculty of seeing the obvious. Women can see it sometimes, but men!—almost never! So I shall have to tell it to you in plain words. God is love!