“'That is to say, I must commit sin first, in order to know the grace of repentance afterwards.'
“'You put it too strongly, Eliza; but here is the illustration:—You know it is said 'there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just men.' And I know many, Eliza, who go through a long course of virtuous iniquity, in order that their triumph in the end may be the greater. I have myself practised it on a small way, and found it refreshing. And now, Eliza, bring me another cup of brandy and water, even for my stomach's sake; and, Eliza, my charming girl, put it to those sweet lips—that it may catch the true fragrance—Christian fragrance I wish I could say—for they are fragrant lips—and a sweet arm—a full tapering arm you are gifted with. Ah! Eliza, if you could feel as I feel—nay, it was the chair that was unsteady—my my heart is dis—dissolving, Eliza. If you were only a little more frail, my sweet girl—we could feel this a kind of religious exercise. Oh! these precious little frailties—these precious little frailties!'
“'Mr. M'Slime you will excuse me, but I think you have got enough, and a little too much liquor. If you should be seen going home in an unsteady state your character would suffer.'
“'Another cup of refreshment, Eliza—but I am not perfection—no—nor would I be perfection. What would life be without these precious little frailties—that make us what we are.'
“'With all piety and undher———'
“'Who is that,' inquired the maid, evidently startled, if not affrighted by a strange voice.
“'I join—join you, brother M'Slime, for another cup of refreshment.'
“'Bob Spaight—brother Bob—I am glad you are here; Eliza, my darling—my dove—another cup for Bob, and after that we shall aid each other home—will render one another Christian and mutual assistance.'
“'Yes,' replied Bob, clearing his voice:—
(Both voices simultaneously:)