Meanwhile, the others of the party were approaching, the Professor expatiating to Paula anent the glories of the Claghorn race; not such glories, as he pointed out, as those of which they saw the evidences in the effigies of warriors and carved armorial bearings; but higher glories, humble deeds on earth, of which the story illuminated the celestial record. The dissertation had been commenced for the general weal, but the widow and the philosopher had gradually dropped behind, leaving Paula alone to derive benefit from the lessons drawn by Cousin Jared from the Claghorn history as contrasted with that of the rulers of the Palatinate.
CHAPTER V.
HOW A PAGAN PHILOSOPHER ENTERED THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH.
"I fear you do not sympathize with Miss Achsah," observed the widow to her companion.
"In her solicitude for the tomb of Grandfather Eliphalet? No. Reverence for my ancestor has diminished with age; my excellent aunt, as befits a lady, remains ever young and romantic."
"She ought to appreciate the lawyer's declared intention to respect the grave."
"Handsome of the lawyer, who, du reste, seems an anomaly."
"How so?"
"He pays an extravagant price for a dreary desert. He volunteers to keep a stranger's tomb in repair——"