"No," said he. "I would like to do things for you."
I remember I smiled at that, for it seemed to me very pleasant to hear him say it; but I went on.
"Then you understand it, Mr. Thorold."
"No," said he, "I do not understand it; for there is this difficulty. I do not see what in the world such an innocent amuse
ment as that we are talking of can have to do with Christian duty, one way or another. Every Christian woman that I know comes to it,—that is young enough; and some that aren't."
It was very hard to explain.
"Suppose they disobey orders," I said slowly;—"that would be another reason why I should obey them."
"Of course. But do they?"
"I should," I said. "I am not serving Christ when I am there. I am not doing the work He has given me to do. I cannot go."
"I came down here on purpose to persuade you," he said.