'I am not speaking of morals, in the usual sense. Of course, that—
But there is a little too much freedom here. And besides,—I wanted
Pitt to be a true Church of England man.'
'Isn't he that?'
'Oh yes, I have no doubt he is now; but he had formed some associations I was afraid of. With my son's peculiar character, I thought there might be danger. I rely on you, Betty,' said Mrs. Dallas, smiling, 'to remove the last vestige.'
The young lady gave a glance of quick, keen curiosity and understanding, in which sparkled a little amusement. 'What can I do?' she asked demurely.
'Bewitch him, as you do everybody.'
'Bewitch him, and hand him over to you!' she remarked.
'No,' said Mrs. Dallas; 'not necessarily. You must see him, before you can know what you would like to do with him.'
'Do I understand, then? He is supposed to be in some danger of lapsing from the true faith'—
'Oh, no, my dear! I did not say that. I meant only, if he had stayed in
America. It seems to me there is a general loosening of all bonds here.
Boys and girls do their own way.'
'Was it only the general spirit of the air, Mrs. Dallas, or was it a particular influence, that you feared?'