“Oh, don’t try to apologize for the folly that is going on in this world in the name of religion!  It can’t be done, and sensible people only make fools of themselves if they attempt it.  There is nothing plainer or more impossible to deny than that church-members give and work and pray for the heathen as though they were a miserable and abominable set of brutes, who ought to be exterminated from the face of the earth, but for whom some ridiculous fanatics called ‘missionaries’ had projected a wild scheme to do something; and they, forsooth, must be kept from starving somehow, even though they had been unmitigated fools; so the paltry collections are doled out, with sarcastic undertones about the ‘waste of money,’ and the sin of missionaries wearing clothes, and expecting to have things to eat after throwing themselves away.  Don’t talk to me!  I’ve been to missionary societies; I know all about it.  The whole system is one that is exactly calculated to make infidels.  I believe Satan got it up, because he knew in just what an abominable way the dear Christians would go at it, and what a horrid farce they would make of it all.”

“It is a great pity you are not a Christian, Marion.  I never come in contact with any one who understands their duty so thoroughly as you appear to, and I think you ought to be practicing.”

Ruth said this calmly enough.  She was not particularly disturbed; she did not belong to them, you know; but for all that she was remotely connected with those who did, and was just enough jarred to make her give this quiet home thrust.  Oddly enough it struck Marion as it never had before, although the same idea had been suggested to her by other nettled mortals.  It was true that she had realized how the practicing ought to be done, and a vague wish that she did believe in it all, and could work by their professed standard with all her soul, flitted over her.

Meantime Flossy was being educated.  The morning work had touched her from a different standpoint.  She had not heard Dr. Walden; instead she had wandered into a bit of holy ground.  She began by losing her way.  It is one of the easiest things to do at Chautauqua.  The avenues cross and recross in an altogether bewildering manner to one not accustomed to newly laid-out cities; and just when one imagines himself at the goal for which he started, lo! there is woods, and nothing else anywhere.  Another attempt patiently followed for an hour has the exasperating effect of bringing him to the very point from which he started.  Such an experience had Flossy, when by reason of her loitering propensities she became detached from her party, and tried to find her own way to the stand.  A whole hour of wandering, then a turn into perfect chaos.  She had no more idea where she was than if she had been in the by-ways of London.  Clearly she must inquire the way.  She looked about her.  It was queer to be lost in the woods, and yet be surrounded by tents and people.  She stooped and peeped timidly into a tent, the corner of which was raised to admit air, and from which the sound of voices issued.