You can't shield one from without if lacking the will and power to
say, No! I think it will be safer and wiser in the end, if a thing
is right fer se, as you say, to do it, and if wrong not to do it.
To me, a game of cards is no more than a game of checkers, or a
stroll in a garden."

In his eagerness to reply, Hemstead took a step forward and trod
upon, not a lady's dress this time, but the tail of Mrs. Marchmont's
pet dog. As may be imagined, his tread was not fairy-like, and there
was a yelp that awoke the echoes. Mr. Dimmerly started out of his
sleep, with a snort like the blast of a ram's hom before Jericho,
and, pushing his gold spectacles to the top of his bald head, stared
in bewilderment at the forms convulsed with merriment around him.

Even Hemstead joined in the laugh, though inwardly inclined to
anathematize his big feet. Lottie retreated from further discussion
by saying:

"I have heard that theologians were inclined to be dogmatic in
controversy, and I fear that you are no exception, Mr. Hemstead.
So, since I have had the last word, with your permission, I retire
'of the same opinion still.'"

"I submit," he rejoined, good-naturedly. "In any case my answer
would have been CURTAILED"

"Ha, ha!" chimed out Lottie's laugh. "That is better than your
logic."

"Frank! that you should call this dear little creature a cur!" said