LIND.
But heavens, she was glad to go—
MISS JAY [scoffing].
Yes, to be sure, one would imagine so!
No, my dear Lind, you'll take another view
When you have heard the whole affair discussed.
LIND.
But then this warfare for the faith, you know,
Is my most cherished dream!
MISS JAY.
O who would build
On dreaming in this century of light?
Why, Stiver had a dream the other night;
There came a letter singularly sealed—
MRS. STRAWMAN.
It's treasure such a dream prognosticates.
MISS JAY [nodding].
Yes, and next day they sued him for the rates.
[The ladies make a circle round LIND and go in
conversation with him into the garden.
STRAWMAN [continuing, to ANNA, who faintly tries to escape].
From these considerations, daughter mine,
From these considerations, buttressed all
With reason, morals, and the Word Divine,
You now perceive that to desert your Call
Were absolutely inexcusable.
ANNA [half crying].
Oh! I'm so young—
STRAWMAN.
And it is natural,
I own, that one should tremble to essay
These perils, dare the lures that there waylay;
But from doubt's tangle you must now break free,—
Be of good cheer and follow Moll and me!