"Very few definite rules are to be found in the Bible, my doctor of divinity."
"Quite enough for all of us, Philip."
"Pardon me! The very thing, I think, is, that there are not enough. A few more 'thou shalts' and 'thou shalt nots' would be of infinite service. Your view, if I understand it, is to bring the Bible to bear upon every act of life; but how you contrive to do so I can't imagine. Now, look here! I will give you a case, my fair casuist. Would it be right or wrong for me, at this moment, sitting on this sofa, to take a pinch of snuff?"
"I must ask you a few questions before I can answer."
"Catechize, by all means. 'What is my name?' Philip Eugene. 'Who gave me this name?' Don't recollect in the least. 'What did they do for me?' Why, one of them gave me a gold goblet, and another a set of silver Apostle-spoons:[[35]] and I am not aware that they did anything else for me."
"Philip, Philip!" remonstrated Celia, laughing in spite of herself. "Please don't let us jest upon these serious subjects. I don't want to ask those questions."
"Well, I won't jest, my dear. I will be very quiet and grave."
"Does your mother object to your taking snuff?"
"Not exactly. I don't think she much likes it."
"Then your question is answered. If she does not like it, it is—for you—wrong."