"Oh, they were cruel! they offered human sacrifices; they were frightfully cruel."
"Yes," said Mr. Murray thoughtfully; "the contrast seems strange. They were a noble people in many ways."
"But Pastor Harms says they are not half so good now that they are Christians," Maggie went on.
"If that is true, there must be a reason for it."
"Yes, Uncle Eden, of course."
"And that reason cannot be found, in their Christianity."
"But how is it, Uncle Eden?"
"Human nature is very much alike at all times, my child."
"But the old Saxons were not like the old Romans, Uncle Eden. The word of a Saxon was better than a Roman's oath."
"And the modern Saxons are not like their forefathers," said Meredith; "at least, according to Pastor Harms."