"Well, I never like to see people—I have seen it—make a show of praying at table, where no general blessing has been asked by the person at the head of the table or a minister. It just makes them conspicuous, and as good as says that they are the only right people there."
"That is not a pleasant impression to receive."
"No, and I did not receive it. I thought it was a mistake. And quite ill-bred."
"But perhaps those people felt that they wanted a particular blessing, where there was no general blessing asked as you say."
"They might ask for it quietly, secretly."
"Yes. Would they get it?"
"Why, Mr. Murray! Doesn't the Lord always hear prayer?"
"No. It is written—'He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.'"
"But what law is there about saying grace at meals, in public?"
"There is this, Miss Flora. 'Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I also confess'"——