"I think of these things sometimes, doctor, and though a great deal of it seems to be humbug, it is as you say—I know some are sincere, and I know there is a right way. I have been more than half tempted many times during the last few weeks to discover for myself the secret of power, but I am deterred by certain considerations, which you would, doubtless, think very absurd, but which, joined with the inspiration which I receive from the ridiculous inconsistencies of others, have been sufficient to deter me hitherto."
"Would you mind telling me some of the considerations?"
And the moment Sadie began to talk honestly, the doctor's tones lost their half-indifferent coolness, and expressed a kind and thoughtful interest.
"No," she said, hesitatingly. "I don't know that I need, but you will not understand them; for instance, if I were a Christian I should have to give up one of my favorite amusements—almost a passion, you know, dancing is with me, and I am not ready to yield it."
"Why should you feel obliged to do so if you were a Christian?"
Sadie gave him the benefit of a very searching look. "Don't you think I would be?" she queried, after a moment's silence.
"I haven't said what I thought on that subject, but I feel sure that it is not the question for you to decide at present; first settle the all-important one of your personal acceptation of Christ, and then it will be time to decide the other matter, for or against, as your conscience may dictate."
"Oh, but," said Sadie, positively, "I know very well what my conscience would dictate, and I am not ready for it."
"Isn't dancing an innocent amusement?"
"For me yes, but not for a Christian."