elves must set the example."

"Thus, Herr Neuser, the whole advantage of an early morning service is
lost to you, and all these nice free hours from eight o'clock on,"
added Xylander with an amused glance from under his eyebrows.

"If Olevianus' propositions take effect," said the Chancellor Probus,
"you yourself will also be spared that trouble, Professor. The taverns
will be closed, and in their place we shall have monasteries in which
the unmarried citizens will be allowed to meet together of an evening
under the supervision of Olevianus, Ursinus, or Zanchi. None will
receive anything to eat or drink, till he has said 'Grace,' or as the
Gospel has it, prayed in the corners, A resolution of the Presbyterium
fixes the number of glasses."

A general groan of disapproval followed this incredible statement.

"You are joking, Sir Chancellor," said Parson Suter with a puzzled
look.

"How," rejoined Probus, "have you not read the Geneva ordinances, which
prescribe what the Genevese are allowed to eat and drink? Did not
Calvin forbid them to eat the dried fruits of the South, did he not
also refuse to allow the poorer classes to feast on baked meats,
venison, or game? Did he not make it a law, that no Genevese should
invite more than ten persons to dinner? Did he not order that none dare
wear velvet, silk, or garments of a red color, although Geneva
possesses the largest dye-works and velvet manufactures? If the
Presbyterium can determine that Hans cannot tie the nosegay for
Gretchen with costly ribbons or gold threads, as decreed by the Geneva
ordinances, why shall it not cast a fatherly eye on the number of
glasses, swallowed down every evening by Parson Neuser? Should that
thirsty gentleman exceed the number limited, he must beg pardon of the
congregation in the Church on bended knee."

"Then is it well to drink another beaker today," squeaked out Parson
Suter in his thin voice, "here Klaus!"

"I was in Geneva," now began Parson Willing, with a diplomatic smile,
while his cunning eyes winked slyly at the Chancellor. "I know from
experience how things are managed. If a man lives too well, he is
punished by flagellation and pillory. In my time a baker was
imprisoned, for not eating meat on Fridays, as Master Calvin smelt
Kryptopapism therein. A bereaved widow was even brought up before the
Consistorium for having used the words over the grave of her husband
'_requiescat in pace_.' That young women should be flogged b