Every
object around us makes the impression of a country and a people who
have seen better days; and you cannot help wondering and fearing where
this downward path may end."
"The history of humanity is not always the story of progress," said
L'Isle; "one nation may be like a young barbarian, his face turned
toward civilization, gazing on it with dazzled but admiring eyes;
another, a scowling, hoary outlaw, turning his back on human culture
and social order."
"Your young barbarian," said Lady Mabel, "makes the more pleasing
picture of the two."
"Are there your hoary outlaws?" exclaimed Mrs. Shortridge, as a party
of beggars from the door of the Franciscan church hobbled toward them,
and beset them for alms.
"Oh, no!" said Lady Mabel, "they are angels in disguise, tempting us
to deeds of charity;" and with the devout air of a zealous daughter of
the one true church, she distributed sundry small coin among
them. "Come, Moodie," she exclaimed, "I know your pocket is never
without a store of sixpences, those _canny_ little dogs, that often do
the work of shillings. Seize the occasion of doing good works, of
appropriating to yourself a meritorious charity; for charity covers a
multitude of sins.
Pages:
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199