Now, I duly feel the weight of responsibility attaching to such a statement, and in justice to myself I can do no less than give the reader the petition just as it fell on my astonished ears:
“Lord, Thou knowest that we work hard for Thee, and that recreation is necessary in order that we may work with renewed vigor. We have to-night with us a gentleman from France [excuse my recording a compliment too flattering], whose criticisms are witty and refined, but subtle, and we pray Thee to so prepare our minds that we may thoroughly understand and enjoy them.”
“But subtle!”
I am still wondering whether my lectures are so subtle as to need praying over, or whether that audience was so dull that they needed praying for.
Whichever it was, the prayer was heard, for the audience proved warm, keen, and thoroughly appreciative.
CHAPTER XV.
Reflections on the Typical American.