would be unpardonable to help such people as these to gratify their vile proclivities."
"Yes, you're quite right, Emily! What I can't understand is how people in a Christian community—people who have been baptized and confirmed—can sink into such a state! Have they not every day— or at any rate, every Sunday—the opportunity of listening to powerful and impressive sermons? And Bibles, I am told, are to be had for an incredibly trifling sum."
"Yes, and only to think," added Mrs. Warden, "that not even the heathen, who are without all these blessings—that not even they have any excuse for evil-doing; for they have conscience to guide them."
"And I'm sure conscience speaks clearly enough to every one who has the will to listen," Mrs. Abel exclaimed, with emphasis.
"Yes, heaven knows it does," answered Mrs. Warden, gazing straight before her with a serious smile.
When the friends parted, they exchanged warm embraces.
Mrs. Warden grasped the ivory handle, entered the carriage, and drew her train after her. Then she closed the carriage door—not with a slam, but slowly and carefully.
"To Madame Labiche's!" she called to the coachman; then, turning to her friend who had accompanied her right down to the garden gate,
