The First Soprano | Page 7

from such
encounters. To-day Mr. Bond's honest sympathy with his outspoken
conviction found a sensitive chord in the young man's stout-seeming
heart.
Conversation drifted to lesser things until the ample meal was finished,
and the little company broke up. Mr. Gray was sure his guest would
wish a little rest and quiet in preparation for the evening service, which
assurance happily freed himself for the usual nap which his soul
coveted after the Sunday early dinner. Mrs. Gray departed for her own
pretty room, her dainty dressing gown, silk draperies, and gentle doze.
Winifred went to her room to resume the battle that was on, Hubert
betook himself to his accustomed walk.
Walking down the avenue graced by his own home, Hubert glanced
across the street and saw, to his regret, the handsome figure and airy
step of George Frothingham. He hoped that gentleman did not see him,

for he disliked him and did not wish to be bored by a conversation.
Hubert disliked Frothingham on two separate counts: first, because he
was not the sterling quality of man Hubert thought he ought to be, and
secondly because, being such a man as he was, he still dared raise his
miserable eyes toward Winifred. More than any other object in the
world Hubert loved his sister, and his grief was very hot and sore when
it became apparent that she and George were "as good as engaged," as
all their circle of friends affirmed. They were not actually so, the
"George" and "Winifred" terms resulting from an acquaintance since
childhood, and had Hubert been a praying man he would have prayed
that such a consummation might never occur. He voiced his sentiments
unmistakably to Winifred, but on this point they could not agree.
"It is one of your unreasonable dislikes," she said, and so they came
perilously near a serious difference.
"He isn't genuine--he isn't manly," said Hubert, "there is nothing to him.
His name ought to have stopped with the first syllable."
Winifred had looked her indignation, and mourned that Hubert could
not see the charming qualities that made Frothingham popular with
many.
Hubert's wish that the young man should not see him was unrealized,
and he was speedily joined by him.
"Hello, Gray," said Mr. Frothingham, affably. He was always affable to
Hubert for obvious reasons. "I wonder if you are going to hear the
Reverend Professor Cutting's lecture on the Higher Criticism? That's
rather in your line, isn't it? You know they have found that a good lot of
the Bible is all rot."
"I think they are a pack of asses," said Hubert, savagely, his opinions
accentuated by dislike of his questioner. "Indeed I am not going."
"Whew-w! You surprise me, Hubert. I thought you were a bit of a
sceptic yourself?"

"So I am, but I am not proud of the fact. My doubts are quite enough
for my own enjoyment without listening to Prof. Cutting's unbeliefs."
"But you know he talks from the Christian standpoint. He is not an
unbeliever."
"Isn't he! That's just what I object to in those men. If they would
confess themselves companions of the sceptical writers whom I have
read and speak from a Free Thinkers' platform, I would have some
respect for them. What do they believe that they did not? They
respected the life and teachings of Jesus, but did not believe in His
inerrant knowledge nor assumption of divinity. I do not see how any
man can claim to be a Christian and not believe that what Jesus
claimed for Himself was true. If not true, He was either a deluded man
and so unfit to lead others into absolute truth, or He was a liar and
morally unfit to teach. I wonder that these men can't see through a
ladder, for all their learned research."
"You are pretty hard on them, Hubert."
"I am saying the simple truth. I tell you I have no respect for those men.
To profess to be Christians and from within the fort batter down its
fortifications isn't honest."
"That's right," said Frothingham, who, having no certain convictions of
his own, was prepared to enjoy a racy tirade from either side.
"So you are wrong, you see," said Hubert, "in thinking Prof. Cutting's
lecture in my line. When I get ready to open a broadside against the
Christian religion, I'll not put on a ministerial coat and collar to do it in.
You'd be shot in war if the enemy caught you in their clothes--and
you'd deserve it!"
"That's right," laughed George again. "Tell me when you are going to
deliver your broadside."
"It will not be very soon," said Hubert. "I do not find such comfort in
my doubts as to give me a missionary call to spread them."

They came to