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inherited Raeburn's great love of flowers. At last, however, an
exquisite white flower attracted her notice, and she broke off in
the middle of a sentence.
Oh, how lovely! I never saw anything like that before. What is
it?
It is the EUCHARIS AMAZONICA, replied her companion About the
most exquisite flower in the world, I should think the 'dove
flower,' as my little ones call it. Ir you look at it from a
distance the stamens really look like doves bending down to drink.
It is perfect! How I wish my father could see it!
We have a fairly good one at Oakdene, though not equal to this.
We must persuade you and Mr. Raeburn to come and stay with us some
day.
The tears came into Erica's eyes, so great was the contrast between
his friendliness and the chilling discourtesy she had met with from
others that evening.
You are very good, she said. If you only knew how hard it is to
be treated as if one were a sort of semicriminal!
I do know, he said. It was this very society which goaded me
into a sort of wild rebellion years ago. I deserved its bad
opinion in a measure, and you do not, but it was unfair enough to
make one pretty desperate.
If they were actual saints one might endure it, cried Erica.
But to have such a man as my father condemned just as hearsay by
people who are living lazy, wasteful lives is really too much. I
came to Greyshot expecting at least unity, at least, peace in a
Christian atmosphere, and THIS is what I get.
Donovan listened in silence, a great sadness in his eyes. There
was a pause; then Erica continued: You think I speak hotly. I
cannot help it. I think I do not much mind what they do to me, but
it is the injustice of the thing that makes one wild, and worst of
all, the knowing that this is what drives people into atheism this
is what dishonors the name of Christ.
You are right, he replied, with a sigh; that IS the worst of it.
I have come to the conclusion that to be tolerant to the intolerant
is the most difficult thing in life.
You must have plenty of practice in this dreadful place, said
Erica.
He smiled a little.
Why, to be seen talking to ME will make people say all sorts of
evil of you, she added. I wish I had thought of that before.
You wouldn't have spoken to me? asked Donovan, laughing. Then
I am very glad it didn't occur to you. But about that you may be
quite easy; nothing could make them think much worse of me than

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