"O, no, my dear, I never mentioned it before to any one; and I should not like to have it repeated."
"I may just mention it to Mr. Ryder, as a curiosity in the economy of life."
"No, no, I beg you won't; it will make me so much talked about, and it will induce her to make another effort. But, as I was saying, you really must be on your guard. You have not my fortitude and self-possession. She is a most beguiling woman, and has so much tact. She easily accommodates herself to the taste of her visitors, she bribes the poor by her benevolence, fascinates the young by her pleasantry, and entangles the thoughtless by her arguments. No one is safe who associates with her."
"But, mamma, I do not think she would proselyte me, for I have no predilection for religion. It is too gloomy a subject to suit my taste. Indeed, I do not understand it; though every now and then I am tempted to wish I did; I have at times such strange thoughts and feelings."
"Of course, you know, my dear, it is a duty you owe the Almighty to resist an evil temptation."
"Exactly so; but is it not odd that I should ever be tempted to a thing for which I have no predilection, and which I don't understand? But, ma', I am under an engagement to take tea with Mrs. Stevens and Miss Roscoe next week—what shall I do?"
"Decline, of course, my dear."
"But the time is fixed."
"You can send a note, and plead indisposition as an apology for absence."