"You mistake, my dear Madam," said Dr. Quackenboss, "pardon me it is not that: I would be understood to say, merely, that I do not comprehend how such a such security can be attained respecting what seems so a elevated and difficult to know."
"Only by believing," said Mrs. Plumfield, with a very calm smile. " 'He that believeth on Him shall not be ashamed;' 'shall not be ashamed!' " she repeated, slowly.
Dr. Quackenboss looked at Fleda, who kept her eyes fixed upon her aunt.
"But it seems to me I beg pardon; perhaps I am arrogant" he said, with a little bow; "but it appears to me almost in a manner almost presumptuous, not to be a little doubtful in such a matter until the time comes. Am I do you disapprove of me, Mr. Olmney?"
Mr. Olmney silently referred him for his answer to the person he had first addressed, who had closed her eyes while he was speaking.
"Sir," she said, opening them, "it can't be presumption to obey God, and He tells me to rejoice. And I do I do! 'Let all those that love thee rejoice in thee, and be glad in thee!' But mind!" she added, energetically, fixing her strong grey eve upon him, "He does not tell you to rejoice do not think it not while you stand aloof from His terms of peace. Take God at His word, and be happy; but if not, you have nothing to do with the song that I sing!"
The doctor stared at her till she had done speaking, and then slunk out of her range of vision behind the curtains of the bed-post. Not silenced, however.
"But a Mr. Olmney," said he, hesitating, "don't you think that there is in general a a becoming modesty, in a in people that have done wrong, as we all have putting off being sure until they are so? It seems so to me!"
"Come here, Dr. Quackenboss," said aunt Miriam.
She waited till he came to her side, and then taking his hand, and looking at him very kindly, she said