the hearth-rug a little figure curled up in the most
unconventionally comfortable attitude, dividing her attention
between making toast and fondling a loud-purring cat.


CHAPTER III. Life From Another Point of View

Toleration an attack on Christianity? What, then, are we to come
to this pass, to suppose that nothing can support Christianity but
the principles of persecution? . . . I am persuaded that
toleration, so far from being an attack on Christianity, becomes
the best and surest support that can possibly be given to it. . .
. Toleration is good for all, or it is good for none. . . God
forbid. I may be mistaken, but I take toleration to be a part of
religion. Burke

Erica was, apparently, well used to receiving strangers. She put
down the toasting fork, but kept the cat in her arms, as she rose
to greet Charles Osmond, and her frank and rather child-like manner
fascinated him almost as much as it had fascinated Brian.

"My father will be home in a few minutes," she said; "I almost
wonder you didn't meet him in the square; he has only just gone to
send off a telegram. Can you wait? Or will you leave a message?"

"I will wait, if I may," said Charles Osmond. "Oh, don't trouble
about a light. I like this dimness very well, and, please, don't
let me interrupt you."

Erica relinquished a vain search for candle lighters, and took up