ar Him mentioned. I might as well have been at Mrs.
Butterworth's ball so far as that goes."

"Well," said Mr. Gray, apologetically, "it was a social time, you know."

"Yes, I know it, father. That is why I went. Are not people usually
most sociable about the things that interest them most? There was a
company of people, professedly born from above and expecting soon to
see the very glory of God. They take it very coolly, at all events. I
believe it is a sham."

"Oh, Hubert," groaned his father, "don't say that."

"I don't mean," said Hubert quickly, "that Jesus is a sham. I
believe," and his deep eyes softened, "that He is the most real fact in
the universe. But the belief of those people, father! That sort of
gathering is what Doctor Schoolman calls 'relaxation,' and I think he
is right. I am convinced that Christ is irksome to them; a subject to
be endured on Sundays, but to enjoy relaxation from at other times. Am
I right?"

"Hubert," said Mr. Gray, slowly, "I believe you are partly right. But
be deliberate and generous in your conclusions. Do not judge us too
hastily or hotly."

Hubert winced as his father included himself in his own sweeping
indictment. Mr. Gray went on:

"Some of us have known Him, even as you do, in earlier days. But we
have lost the brightness of our vision through"--he hesitated--"through
sin. We have followed afar off, and are very poor representatives now.
Be patient, and it may be the warm zeal of such as you will quicken us
again."

He looked at his son appealingly. Hubert's generous heart melted.

"Forgive me, father," he said humbly. "I have no right to judge
anybody. Forget my tirade if you can. And I," he added with a faint
smile, "will try to forget the Social."

CHAPTER XI

MR. BOND'S LECTURE

Hubert recovered from the cold bath into which he had been thrown like
a Spartan babe by his first contact with church sociability. His, as a
new creature, was a vigorous constitution, and was destined to out-live
many a shock incident to the earthly career of a heaven-born man. Both
he and Winifred returned to their joy and calm, and were looking
forward eagerly to Mr. Bond's lectures.

On the day of his arrival Mr. Gray came home to luncheon with an
announcement.

"My dear," he said to his wife, "Mr. Selton tells me that his wife has
unexpectedly been called to Chicago by her mother's illness, and they
will be unable to entertain Mr. Bond. He su