"It does me good, that's all. So you think the Preacher has had a hand
in the reformation?"
"You have seen the Preacher," said I. "You know the family from which
he comes--he's of good stock. You've only to hear him speak to see
that he's a man of purpose, of action, of training--boy as he looks.
How could he fail to have a strong influence upon a girl who cared
for him?"
The Skeptic looked at Hepatica. "Do you agree with her?" he inquired.
"Of course I agree with her," responded Hepatica, looking from him to
me--and back again. "You are only pretending to doubt us both. It's very
clever of you, but we know perfectly that you understand how far--very
far--we are affected by your ideals, your judgments, your whole estimate
of life. Therefore--you must be very careful how you use your influence
with us!"
The Skeptic gave her back the look he saw in her eyes. "Ah, you two
belong to the wise ones!" he said. "The wise ones, who, magnifying our
hold on you, thus acquire a far more tremendous hold on us! Eh, Philo?"
The Philosopher smiled--inscrutably.
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