The rector looked serious. "Individualism carried to excess soon becomes rebellion."
"Nevertheless," persisted Edgar, "it is one's duty to do what we think right, regardless of results. We know what was said of them who did evil that good might come; now we are afraid to do good lest evil may come, and I think that our condemnation is as just as theirs."
"I should be sorry to lead a party composed entirely of Edgars," Paul remarked, "there would be a regular Giants' Causeway of rocks ahead."
Mr. Ford nodded. Paul's straightforward common sense always appealed to him.
"There you go again!" cried Edgar. "Caution is your watchword, and it is a word I hate."
"So do I," agreed Isabel; "all the mistakes of my life have arisen out of caution."
"So have all the successes of mine," added Mr. Ford drily.
Mrs. Ford looked anxiously at Isabel. "I trust that your horror of caution does not extend to matters affecting your health, my dear; it is never safe for any one to run risks, and you do not look at all strong."
Isabel laughed, and Paul felt a sudden tightening of the muscles round his heart, and a moment's unreasoning hatred of Mrs. Ford. Who does not know the bitter loathing that we all feel when some one suggests to us that our nearest and dearest are not looking well? Such speakers are probably kind, or, at worst, only careless; but we hate them more than we hate the foes who wish to injure us.
"Mrs. Ford has been looking after my health too," said the artist.