there are excellent women who are willing to sacrifice themselves
for the sake of the cause."

An explosion of laughter followed these words, but she looked at
the others in innocent surprise.

"That's a funny speech for you to make so gravely," said Hemstead.
"I fear you are quizzing me. Your missionary lore certainly exceeds
mine in regard to the 'committees.' But there will be no emergency
in my case, and I should be sorry to have any woman, excellent or
otherwise, sacrifice herself for me."

"I have certainly heard so," said Lottie, positively.

"I fear you have heard more to the prejudice of missionaries and
their works than in their favor," he said somewhat gravely."

"But I am willing to hear the other side," she whispered in his
ear.

"Now I protest against that," said De Forrest.

"I'll give you the privilege of whispering to Bel," said Lottie,
sweetly.

"O, thank you," replied De Forrest, with a shrug.

"You can also help me out," she continued, as the sleigh stopped
at Mrs. Marchmont's door.