nd ludicrous side of Methodism has not touched 杭州龙凤论坛富阳her at all. It is marvellous to me to see her so perfect in grace and sweetness.”

“I do not think that Methodism has ever taken deep hold on Rhoda.”

“And yet it is strange that it should be so. She was exposed to the influence of David Powell. And, although he has fine qualities, he is ignorant and 杭州拱墅足浴店可以吹 fanatical.”

“His ignorance and fanaticism are mere spots on the sun!” cried Minnie. And now, as she spoke, her voice was stronger, and she raised her head from the cushion. “In his presence the Scripture phrase, ‘A burning and a shining light,’ kept recurring to me. How poor and dark one’s little selfish self seems beside him!”

Diamond slightly raised his eyebrows as he answered, “Powell has undoubtedly very genuine enthusiasm and fervour. But he might be a dangerous guide to undisciplined minds.”

“He would sacrifice himself, he 杭州足浴油压 does sacrifice himself, for undisciplined and ungrateful minds, with whom, I own, my egotism could not bear so patiently.”

But it was not of Powell that Matthew Diamond wished to speak now. Under the softening influences

of the twilight, and the unaccustomed charm of pouring out the fulness of his heart to such 杭州品茶群上课 a confidante as Minnie, he could talk of nothing but Rhoda.

“Perhaps I am a fool to keep singeing my wings,” he said. “It may be all in vain. But don’t you believe that a strong and genuine love is almost sure to win a woman’杭州洗浴桑拿小姐收费 s heart, provided the woman’s heart is free to be won?”

“Perhaps—provided——”

“And you do not think hers is free?”

“How can I answer you?”

“I know that Powell thought there was some one trifling with her affections. It was on that subject that he begged for the interview with you. I have never asked 杭州水磨群 any questions about that interview, but I have guessed since, from many little signs and tokens, that the person he had in his mind was young Errington.”

“Yes.”

“Then the matter cannot be serious. He was little more than a boy when he left Whitford.”

“But Rhoda was turned nineteen when Algernon went away.”

Diamond 杭州桑拿会所体验网 started eagerly forward, with his hand on the arm of the chair, and fixing his eyes anxiously on her face, said:

“Minnie, tell me the truth! Do you think she cares for him?”

It was the first time he had ever addressed 杭州按摩街 Minnie by her Christian-name; and she marked the fact with a chilly feeling at the heart. “You ask for the truth?” she said, sadly. “Yes; I do think so.”

Diamond leant his head on his hand for a minute in silence. Then he raised his face again and answered, “Thank you for answering with sincerity. But 杭州下沙不正规足浴店 I knew you would do no otherwise. This feeling for Algernon must be half made up of childish memories. I cannot believe it is an earnest sentiment that will endure.”

“Nothing endures.”

“If I know myself at all, my love will endure. I am a resolute man, and do not much regard external obstacles. The only essential point is, can she ever be brought to care for me?”

There was a pause.

“Do you think she might—some day?”

“Is that the only essential point?”

“Yes; to me it is so. I d