perilously near a serious difference.

"He isn't genuine--he isn't manly," said Hubert, "there is nothing to
him. His name ought to have stopped with the first syllable."

Winifred had looked her indignation, and mourned that Hubert could not
see the charming qualities that made Frothingham popular with many.

Hubert's wish that the young man should not see him was unrealized, and
he was speedily joined by him.

"Hello, Gray," said Mr. Frothingham, affably. He was always affable to
Hubert for obvious reasons. "I wonder if you are going to hear the
Reverend Professor Cutting's lecture on the Higher Criticism? That's
rather in your line, isn't it? You know they have found that a good
lot of the Bible is all rot."

"I think they are a pack of asses," said Hubert, savagely, his opinions
accentuated by dislike of his questioner. "Indeed I am not going."

"Whew-w! You surprise me, Hubert. I thought you were a bit of a
sceptic yourself?"

"So I am, but I am not proud of the fact. My doubts are quite enough
for my own enjoyment without listening to Prof. Cutting's unbeliefs."

"But you know he talks from the Christian standpoint. He is not an
unbeliever."

"Isn't he! That's just what I object to in those men. If they would