"Law, Mr. Galliard, what an idea," said Mrs. Storey.
"Why not? my dear madam."
"I always liked Zoroaster and the fire worshippers," said Kate, "their system appears to me the least degrading of all ancient religions."
"Humph! Miss Vernon used to insist that the round towers of Ireland were built by the Western Ghebers," remarked Winter.
"It is quite possible!" responded Galliard.
"Any thing so far beyond our historical period may be possible," observed Langley.
"Ah," said Galliard, "you consider them anterior to the Celtic invasions, Miss Vernon?"
"The author, whose writings on the subject I have read, thought so," replied Kate.
"Galliard's strong point is Celtic antiquity," said their host.
"It is a subject full of profound and melancholy interest," he replied.