X. 



SUNDAY BRIDGE 



1. 



In those old-fashioned homes where the tradi- 

 tions of our puritanical forefathers survive, and 

 tlie Sabbath is still rigidly and reverently ob- 

 served, the enjoyment of all purely secular forms 

 of entertainment is severely discountenanced, if 

 not actually forbidden, on Sundays. Where 

 such antiquated notions prevail the problem of 

 how to spend the evening profitably, without 

 shocking the susceptibilities of the weaker 

 brethren, is one that constantly demands a 

 satisfactory solution. 



During dinner on Sunday evening the con- 

 versation has been appropriately centred upon 

 ecclesiastical matters; the new curate's peculiar 

 rendering of the proper psalms for this morning's 

 service, as though he were giving an imitation 

 of a dyspeptic goat calling to his mate, has pro- 

 vided a stimulating subject of discussion for 

 those members of the house-party who attended 

 matins. A kindly host, becoming pleasantly 



232 



