"You should come to church, which is the repository of truth, our vicar says."
He smiled a little wistfully, and shook his head. "At present I am making a fresh study of what Jesus said—or what He is reported to have said."
"Then that is all the greater reason why you should come to church."
He smiled again, and shook his head once more. "I do not think so," he answered.
"No, the contrast is too sharp and startling."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I hardly like to discuss the matter at present," he said, diffidently; "I do not know sufficiently well where I am. Only I am conscious of this, that while Jesus wins my assent, the Church does the opposite."
"That is because of your upbringing."
"I do not think so. I have stood apart from all creeds and from all sects. At present I am a humble searcher after truth. I want some great principle to guide me. Some philosophy of life that shall appeal to the best that is in me."