"I think such people are pleasant," Flora confessed. "They make no pretences. That man seems to have been just and kind and nice."
"Ah, you make a mistake," said Mr. Murray again. "We all make pretences, of one sort or another, true or false. Such people as you are speaking of pretend not to be Christians; and no doubt with perfect truth."
"But is not God pleased with justice and kindness and benevolence?"
"With disobedience?"
"Surely He commands us to love one another?"
"He commands first that we love Him."
"Isn't that loving Him?"
"Love always shows itself towards the beloved one; afterwards towards the objects the beloved one cares for."
"May I go on?" said Meredith as Flora paused. "I think my story will illustrate this."
"Go on, by all means. Perhaps an illustration will make it clear to everybody."