rton also seemed to perceive a sort of cleverness in the sermon.
There was nothing in it that was calculated to shock even the most
susceptible hearer. Indeed, it seemed to Mr. Ayrton that there was a
good deal in it that was calculated to soothe the nerves of those who
had been shocked by the book. He said something to this effect to his
daughter as they walked homeward. He was rather anxious to find out what
chance George Holland had of being restored to his daughter's favor.

But Phyllis was firm in her condemnation of the methods of Mr. Holland.

"He attacks the Jews as a race in order to ridicule the statement in
the Bible that they were God's chosen people, and they were, you know,
papa," she said.

"They took so much for granted themselves, at any rate," said her
father, with some show of acquiescence.

"But they were, and they are to be restored to their own land," said
Phyllis.

"Are they, my dear? I should like to see the prospectus of that
enterprise."

"You are mocking, papa. They are to be restored; it says so in the Bible
quite clearly."

"I am not mocking, Phyllis. If gold is discovered in Palestine, the Jews
may go there in some numbers; but, take my word for it, they won't go
otherwise. They couldn't live in their own land, assuming that it is
their own, which is going pretty far. Palestine wouldn't support all the
Jews alive at present; it's a wretched country--I know it well. Besides,
they don't want to return to it, and furthermore, we couldn't spare
them."

"I believe in the Bible, and I have faith," said Phyllis firmly.

"That's right," said her father. "I hope you may always hold to both.
I think that those girls who expect to be regarded as advanced, because
they scoff at the Bible and at faith, are quite horrid. I also hope that
you will not eventually marry an infidel."

"That would be impossible," said Phyllis firmly.

"Would it?" said her father. "There is a stronger influence at work in
most of us, at times, than religion. I wonder if it will make a
victim of you, my child, though you did send George Holland about his
business."

"I don't quite know what you mean," said Phyllis, with only the
slightest possible flush.

And she did not know what he meant until six months had passed; but then
she knew.

Seeing that she did not know what he meant, her father thanked Heaven
that Heaven had given him a daughter who was unlike other daughters. He
prayed that she might never beco