"Why, Sandie," Christina cried, "it is not possible that you should have your time to yourself on shipboard, and as an acting officer, as you could at home on shore. Reading and study, that, you like, I know; and then painting, and all art pleasures, that you think so much about, much more than I do; and a thousand other things;—you have no chance for them at sea."
"You talk as if one had nothing to do but to please himself."
"Well," said Christina, "so far as one can, why not? Does not all the world?"
"Yes. All the world. You are right. All the world, except a little body of men who follow Christ; and He, pleased not Himself. I thought you knew I was one of His servants, Christina."
"Does that forbid your pleasing yourself?"
"Not in one way," said Mr. Shubrick, smiling again, a smile that made Dolly's heart throb with its meaning. "It is my pleasure to do my Master's will. The work He has given me to do, I would rather do of all things."
"I can't think what work you mean, Sandie. I really do not understand."
"Do you understand, Miss Copley?"
Dolly started. "I believe so," she said.
"Will you have the goodness to explain to Christina?"